Friday July 10th
After months of calls for the collection of race-based COVID-19 data, the information being released shows how the novel coronavirus is disproportionately impacting people of colour, particularly Black communities. York University heights where 69 percent of residents identify as a visible minority, has 20 times the rate of infection than the Beaches neighbourhood. The numbers were released by Toronto Public Health.
In Peel and Durham regions you will need to wear a mask in indoor public spaces. As of today new temporary bylaws take effect.
Toronto authorities cracking down on illegal beach parties. Parking at Marie Curtis Park, Humber Bay West Park and Cherry Beach will be restricted after 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The city says it has seen a significant increase in the number of people who are visiting at night, putting up DJ equipment, lighting bonfires, drinking, and leaving a lot of garbage behind.
Thursday July 9th
We’re now under a state of emergency until July 22nd. The province has extended the emergency order to align with a new bill proposed at Queen’s Park that would allow the government to maintain certain legislation until a possible second wave of COVID-19 concludes. Premier Doug Ford first declared a state of emergency on March 17.
York region council is voting today on whether to make masks mandatory. As of tomorrow you’ll have to wear them in Mississauga and Brampton in indoor public spaces.
The Toronto Police Services Board is launching a series of virtual town halls this evening, to allow the public to speak about reform and public safety, as calls in the city grow for greater police accountability. About 360 people have signed up to have their say today, Friday, and next Wednesday and Thursday.
Today is Nunuvut Day. It’s also the first time Nunavut Day will be celebrated as an official statutory holiday.
Wednesday July 8th
It’s been four months, and today the federal government today will unveil what is being described as a “snapshot” of how the economy is doing in the COVID-19 era. Finance Minister Bill Morneau is set to speak at 1:40.
The Province of Ontario is expected to table a motion today to extend the province’s state of emergency until July 24.
Team Names Under Scrutiny
Insurance company Belairdirect says it is re-thinking its sponsorship of the C-F-L’s Edmonton Eskimos because of the team’s name. The company is calling for concrete action in the near future, including a commitment to a name change.
Indigenous
It is now easier for the former students of Indian and federal day schools to get legal advice from lawyers of their choice when applying for the Indian Day Schools (IDS) class action settlement. Free legal advice on settlement claims is being offered by Gowling WLG, the legal firm handling the settlement.
Tuesday July 7th
The Pandemic
The grocery store, church, shopping malls, as of this morning, it’s now mandatory to wear face masks in Toronto, in all indoor public spaces.
Ontario is set to introduce new legislation later today, to enable the extension of some pandemic emergency orders over the next year. Under current legislation, the province can only issue emergency orders while the state of emergency is in place.
Toronto outdoor sport and multi-use fields are now open for team training and permits will be issued to organizations for the remainder of the 2020 summer season.
All of Ontario is in Stage 2 of the province’s COVID-19 recovery plan as of this morning. Premier Doug Ford gave Leamington and Kingsville the green light to loosen restrictions and allow businesses like salons and restaurant patios to welcome customers again.
Monday July 6th
Today, the city of Toronto will start issuing tickets if you’re caught on one of 50 new photo radar cameras, most of them in school zones. You’ll be fined even if you’re going one kilometre over the speed limit.
Ontario courts resume in-court proceedings today. Plexiglass partitions are in place.
Hamilton born Broadway star Nick Cordero, who suffered a severe COVID-19 infection, has died in Los Angeles. He was41. His performance in Bullets Over Broadway earned him a Tony nomination.
Big Changes at Schools
There are big changes coming to Ontario schools. The provincial government is planning to put an end to streaming in Grade 9. Currently, students are put into university-track courses or applied courses which are more hands-on. But data has shown that black, Indigenous and low-income students are more likely to be enrolled in applied courses. School board statistics show students in applied classes are four and a half times more likely not to earn a diploma.