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Newsstand: March 26, 2012
It went more quickly than it came; it's like it wasn't there. The weekend's gone, so far gone, and another Monday's here. Sigh. Today: the City's indoor workers are still on the job (for now); the Fords want to clean house; a conflict of interest at City Hall (no, not the one you're thinking of); an important ruling for sex-trade workers; and it's cold, oh so cold.
After three days of marathon negotiations with CUPE Local 79, the City brought talks to a halt and presented the union with a final offer. Few details of this offer have been released, but according to an upbeat Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday, it calls for a four-year term and includes the same wages and employment security that were accepted by CUPE 416. In an unprecedented move, CUPE negotiators have decided to present the offer to their members for a vote without a recommendation, meaning that they will not be suggesting whether members should accept or reject the offer. The vote will take place on Wednesday; until then, workers are on the job, and not at all begrudgingly, we’re sure.
Seemingly still unclear on the whole idea of a “democracy,” Mayor Rob Ford wants to clean house next election. Fed-up with councillors who disagree with his politics (subway, subways, subways), Ford says that he and his supporters will run a slate next election in order to change the balance of city council (subways!). On his weekly radio show, he and brother Doug Ford (Ward 2, Etobicoke North) said that in 2014 they will focus on “getting rid of” 24 left-leaning councillors who voted against them. Because, you know, who cares that they were elected by the people of Toronto. Subways!
Likely glad to have some heat off of him, Mayor Rob Ford has vowed to get to the bottom of another alleged City-related conflict of interest. Documents obtained by the Toronto Sun reveal that City Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28, Toronto Centre-Rosedale), as well as other officials involved with the Regent Park revitalization, purchased condos in a new mixed-use building that was included in the “make-over” efforts, likely a profitable move for those involved. How nice that the City keeps ensuring the auditor general stays relevant.
The Toronto Star‘s Christopher Hume says that Mayor Rob Ford is the best thing to have happened to Toronto in some time. Yes, you read that correctly. Here’s why.
The world’s oldest profession might just get a little more legit today. A historic ruling will be made later this morning as Ontario’s top court weighs whether current prostitution-related laws are constitutional. The Appeal Court will rule on whether existing laws—that ban brothels, soliciting, and living off the avails of the sex trade—put sex-trade workers in danger. We’ll have more on this story as it happens.
Also happening today, winter! Thought you were done with this whole fiasco? No, no you’re not. With the windchill, it’s expected to feel like -15 C today. Sure, you’re upset that you have to wear a coat (and we don’t blame you), but what about the tulips? Won’t somebody please think about the tulips?!