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Tag: Toronto news

  • Toronto’s Salsa on St. Clair Festival Cancelled After Deadly Shooting Prompts Police Investigation

    Toronto’s Salsa on St. Clair Festival Cancelled After Deadly Shooting Prompts Police Investigation

    Toronto’s annual Salsa on St. Clair Festival has been cancelled after a deadly shooting during the event left two people dead and several others injured, prompting an ongoing police investigation.

    Festival organizers confirmed that the remainder of the popular street festival would not proceed, citing the complexity of the police investigation and expressing condolences to the victims, their families, and everyone affected by the violence.

    The shooting occurred Saturday evening near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, where an estimated 13,000 people had gathered to celebrate Latin American culture through music, food, dance, and entertainment. According to Toronto Police, two men were killed in what investigators described as an exchange of gunfire between individuals who appeared to be targeting one another. At least four other people suffered serious gunshot injuries and were transported to hospital.

    Police initially issued an active shooter alert as officers responded to the chaotic scene. Authorities later clarified that the incident involved a targeted gunfight rather than an indiscriminate attack. Two firearms were recovered, but no arrests had been announced as investigators continued gathering evidence.

    Witnesses described scenes of panic as festival attendees ran for safety after gunfire erupted in the crowded area. Emergency responders quickly secured the scene while investigators began reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses.

    Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the violence and extended condolences to the victims and their families. Officials also praised first responders for their swift actions during the emergency.

    The Salsa on St. Clair Festival has been a long-standing cultural celebration in Toronto, attracting thousands of visitors each year and highlighting Latin music, cuisine, and community traditions. Organizers said the decision to cancel the festival’s final day was made out of respect for the victims and to allow investigators full access to the area.

    Police continue urging anyone with information, photos, or video related to the shooting to come forward as the investigation remains active.

    Swifteradio.com

  • Court Grants Trudeau Government Extension to Fix ‘Lost Canadians’ Citizenship Rules — with Conditions

    The federal government has received a brief extension to revise citizenship laws affecting “lost Canadians” born abroad, following an Ontario court’s ruling requiring Ottawa to reinstate their citizenship rights.

    Despite lacking a comprehensive plan for urgent cases impacted by the delay, the government was granted a reprieve to amend the Citizenship Act, specifically to address the “second-generation cut-off” rule deemed unconstitutional by the court six months ago. The rule denied automatic citizenship to children born outside Canada if their parents were also born overseas.

    On Wednesday, just before the original deadline, the government requested a six-month extension, citing the introduction of amendment bill C-71 in May. This bill aims to grant citizenship to those affected and address legislative gaps to prevent future issues. Officials highlighted the complexity of the legislative process, which includes training immigration staff, updating forms and websites, and coordinating various efforts.

    Judge Jasmine Akbarali granted only a seven-week extension, emphasizing the need for an interim plan to handle urgent citizenship requests and pushing for the passage of Bill C-71 by December 19. She stressed the importance of balancing the government’s need to fix the issue properly and the continued hardship faced by affected Canadians.

    “While it has been working on the legislation, the respondent has not proceeded with any sense of urgency to rectify the unconstitutional aspects of the legislation,” Akbarali noted in her decision. She criticized the government for not having an effective mechanism to address the hardship caused by the delay.

    The judge highlighted that approximately 170,000 first-generation women born abroad, who are at the age where family planning decisions are made, continue to be affected by the current law. The court compared the delay in passing Bill C-71 to other bills that were expedited, such as Bill C-62 regarding medical assistance in dying, which passed swiftly earlier this year.

    “There is no explanation as to why this bill is languishing since May 23, 2024, when the government was aware of the date on which the suspended declaration of invalidity was set to expire,” said Akbarali. She added that the current law interferes with Canadians’ Charter rights, affecting their decisions on living arrangements and family planning.

    The government’s proposal to grant citizenship at the immigration minister’s discretion during the interim was deemed “ineffective and poorly communicated” by the judge. Toronto lawyer Sujit Choudhry, representing six families in the constitutional challenge, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, which included granting citizenship and compensation to three of the families.

    “They now have the full benefit of the court’s judgment,” Choudhry stated. “They are not second-class citizens anymore. It was very important for them that there be accountability. They led this fight not just for themselves, but for everyone like them.”

    The parties will reconvene on August 1 to review the government’s progress on the interim plan and efforts to pass Bill C-71 by the new deadline. The court will then make a final decision regarding the extension to December 19.

    The “second-generation” cut-off was initially introduced by a Conservative government, removing the “connection test” for descendants reclaiming citizenship based on their ties to Canada. Despite numerous amendments, many Canadians remain affected by these rules.

    Source: Toronto Star

  • TTC CEO Rick Leary Resigns

    In an unexpected turn of events, Rick Leary announced his resignation as CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) during a city hall press conference on Thursday. Leary informed the transit agency’s board earlier that day of his decision to step down after more than six years at the helm.

    Reflecting on his tenure, Leary described his time with the TTC as “the most rewarding experience in my four decades in public transit.” At 61, he expressed a desire to explore new opportunities and challenges before fully retiring. “That’s where I’m at today — looking at the next phase of my career,” he stated.

    Leary explained his intention to remain as CEO to oversee the finalization of a new contract with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113. The TTC board ratified the new agreement on Thursday, following a last-minute deal earlier in the month that prevented a potential transit strike.

    In October, TTC chair Jamaal Myers attempted to suspend Leary amid an investigation into alleged workplace misconduct, a move that was ultimately rejected by the board. While an inquiry was initiated, Leary continued in his role. On Thursday, he clarified that these proceedings did not influence his decision to resign. “You heard me say it, why I decided to move on. This is under my terms. I’m excited. I think it’s an opportunity for the organization to be led in a new direction,” Leary affirmed.

    Myers, who joined Leary at the announcement, did not address the investigation but supported Leary’s decision to seek new opportunities. “We were all sad to see him go,” Myers commented, commending Leary for his dedication to providing reliable and safe service to millions of transit riders annually. He acknowledged Leary’s achievements in implementing service standards, vehicle reliability, cost controls, and promoting diversity initiatives.

    Leary, originally from Boston, served as interim TTC CEO in 2017 and was appointed permanently the following year. His last day will be August 30. Myers mentioned that the TTC will soon announce steps to appoint an interim CEO and begin the search for a permanent successor.

    Further updates are expected.

    Source: The Star