23 Adopted Ethiopian Children approved to Arrive
Great news for the families who paid up to $20,000 to adopt some children from Ethiopia.
The 23 Ethiopian Children mixed up in the Bankruptcy of a Cambridge Adoption Agency have been ok'd to come, told by Youth Minister Deb Matthews.
Yamana Gold, a Toronto mining company, has given $100,000 to ensure the continued operation of the orphanage where those children are being cared for in Ethiopia. The donation was announced by the trustee handling the bankruptcy.
Rob Eagleson, a spokesperson for the London families that met with Matthews last night, said the mood of the group is positive.
"We are excited. We have hope," Eagleson said.
A critical meeting for the estimated 350 other families affected by the July 14 financial collapse of Imagine Adoption is today with trustees of the company.
"We are going to do everything we possibly can to support a reconstituted agency so all the work that has been done is preserved," said Matthews, noting her ministry has kept the agency's licence intact.
Eagleson said a big factor will be the financial numbers the trustees reveal.
"We are hopeful coming out of tomorrow that Imagine Adoption will be back as strong as it ever was and the families will all have babies home in the very near future," he said.
Matthews has promised that pre-adoption parental home study programs required to meet provincial standards will be transferable to other agencies.
Imagine Adoption was the only one in Ethiopia licensed to arrange adoptions in Ontario, she said. It won't license others here, "but has not pulled the accreditation . . . so it is important that we do nothing to jeopardize that status."
During her recent talk with Jason Kenney, Matthews said the federal Citizenship and Immigration Minister assured her of help.
There were approximately 170 Ontario families that paid up to $20,000 each to adopt youngsters from several countries, mainly Ethiopia.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Via Strike Over
Via Rail Back on Track
The Via trains will be back up and running later today according to a Via Spokesman.
The company issued a statement early Sunday morning announcing it had reached an agreement with the union representing its striking locomotive engineers to enter into binding arbitration.
Paul Cote, Via's president and chief executive officer, says service will resume starting late Sunday, with full service on most routes by Monday morning.
Layoffs of other unionized Via employees prompted by the engineer's strike are also cancelled.
The 343 engineers, members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, walked out Friday, paralyzing passenger train service across Canada.
Great news for all employees threatened by layoff and those who take the train!
The Via trains will be back up and running later today according to a Via Spokesman.
The company issued a statement early Sunday morning announcing it had reached an agreement with the union representing its striking locomotive engineers to enter into binding arbitration.
Paul Cote, Via's president and chief executive officer, says service will resume starting late Sunday, with full service on most routes by Monday morning.
Layoffs of other unionized Via employees prompted by the engineer's strike are also cancelled.
The 343 engineers, members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, walked out Friday, paralyzing passenger train service across Canada.
Great news for all employees threatened by layoff and those who take the train!
Via Rail Strike Leads to Layoffs
Those planning to Ride the Train may have to wait a while.
The Employees of Via rail working in various service and station positions will be given layoff notices after the strike began on Friday, said Via spokesman Malcolm Andrews.
"Those layoffs, of course, are temporary, and all of those employees would be immediately called back to work as soon as the work stoppage was over,"
He added that as many as 400 additional employees may lose work if the strike drags on. Via has about 3,100 employees in total, including union staff and management.
Via's 340 unionized locomotive engineers walked off the job Friday shortly after a noon deadline passed without a new contract.
Via and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference union had been engaged in intense talks all week in an attempt to prevent a strike. However, talks broke down late Thursday night. The engineers have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2006.
"Via remains optimistic that this shut down of Canada's passenger rail system will be of short duration, and that service will resume as soon as possible," Andrews said in a telephone interview.
"On that end, Via and representatives of the Teamsters Canada union have been meeting with the federally appointed mediator throughout the day today in order to find a solution to the issues at hand."
The strike threatens to disrupt thousands of Canadians' summer vacation plans. Via carries nearly 12,000 passengers each day in Canada. As much as 85 per cent of business is between Quebec City and Windsor, Ont.
Passengers can receive refunds for any unused tickets, according to a statement on the company's website.
When asked about the layoffs, Transport Minister John Baird said that the government's top priority is getting service up and running again.
"Obviously, Via is not able to run the trains during the labour disruption, and that has consequences. I think what the important thing is, both parties are at the table working with the federal mediator," he said.
The strike has also raised concern that travellers will look elsewhere in the long-term, said Baird.
"The real concern I have ... is that we will lose customers from Via," he said, noting that the government wants to see an increase in train travel, not a decrease.
"We don't anything that would send mixed messages to Canadians (and) would see reduction in service," he said.
The last Via rail strike was in 1995 and lasted a total of 9 days.
Those who Ride the Train on a regular basis and vacationers will feel the effect of the strike. Let's hope they can come to an agreement soon!
Those planning to Ride the Train may have to wait a while.
The Employees of Via rail working in various service and station positions will be given layoff notices after the strike began on Friday, said Via spokesman Malcolm Andrews.
"Those layoffs, of course, are temporary, and all of those employees would be immediately called back to work as soon as the work stoppage was over,"
He added that as many as 400 additional employees may lose work if the strike drags on. Via has about 3,100 employees in total, including union staff and management.
Via's 340 unionized locomotive engineers walked off the job Friday shortly after a noon deadline passed without a new contract.
Via and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference union had been engaged in intense talks all week in an attempt to prevent a strike. However, talks broke down late Thursday night. The engineers have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2006.
"Via remains optimistic that this shut down of Canada's passenger rail system will be of short duration, and that service will resume as soon as possible," Andrews said in a telephone interview.
"On that end, Via and representatives of the Teamsters Canada union have been meeting with the federally appointed mediator throughout the day today in order to find a solution to the issues at hand."
The strike threatens to disrupt thousands of Canadians' summer vacation plans. Via carries nearly 12,000 passengers each day in Canada. As much as 85 per cent of business is between Quebec City and Windsor, Ont.
Passengers can receive refunds for any unused tickets, according to a statement on the company's website.
When asked about the layoffs, Transport Minister John Baird said that the government's top priority is getting service up and running again.
"Obviously, Via is not able to run the trains during the labour disruption, and that has consequences. I think what the important thing is, both parties are at the table working with the federal mediator," he said.
The strike has also raised concern that travellers will look elsewhere in the long-term, said Baird.
"The real concern I have ... is that we will lose customers from Via," he said, noting that the government wants to see an increase in train travel, not a decrease.
"We don't anything that would send mixed messages to Canadians (and) would see reduction in service," he said.
The last Via rail strike was in 1995 and lasted a total of 9 days.
Those who Ride the Train on a regular basis and vacationers will feel the effect of the strike. Let's hope they can come to an agreement soon!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Woman Found Naked in Field
Woman,34 Found Naked in Field
Opp Police say that a 34-year old Woman had been found naked in a field by the 401. The in identified lady appeared to be a victim of a sexual assault.
An investigation is under way to find out exactly what happened and how the lady ended up in a field at the end of Wonderland Rd.S
The lady who is in fair condition did know the assailant and Police assured the Public there is no predator on the loose.
A citizen spotted the woman shortly before 6 a.m. and called police.
Ontario Provincial Police located the woman, who was taken to hospital by ambulance.
We are expected to find out more on the sexual assault in a few days.
Opp Police say that a 34-year old Woman had been found naked in a field by the 401. The in identified lady appeared to be a victim of a sexual assault.
An investigation is under way to find out exactly what happened and how the lady ended up in a field at the end of Wonderland Rd.S
The lady who is in fair condition did know the assailant and Police assured the Public there is no predator on the loose.
A citizen spotted the woman shortly before 6 a.m. and called police.
Ontario Provincial Police located the woman, who was taken to hospital by ambulance.
We are expected to find out more on the sexual assault in a few days.
Via Rail is off the Tracks
Via Rail off the tracks
Via rail engineers walked off the job yesterday afternoon after failing to work out an agreement before the strike date.
The strike will cripple most of the passenger services right across Canada.
The Via Rail Service had to bus passengers to there destinations yesterday and all further ticket sales are suspended.
The Government have not shown interest in intervening in this matter although they are watching it closely.
Alternative transportation companies are taking advantage of this situation by increasing there services until the strike is over.
Via rail engineers walked off the job yesterday afternoon after failing to work out an agreement before the strike date.
The strike will cripple most of the passenger services right across Canada.
The Via Rail Service had to bus passengers to there destinations yesterday and all further ticket sales are suspended.
The Government have not shown interest in intervening in this matter although they are watching it closely.
Alternative transportation companies are taking advantage of this situation by increasing there services until the strike is over.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
TORI STAFFORD FOUND
It looks like Police will be holding a news conference today to announce that the remains of Tori Stafford have been found. Although this finally provides closure for the family and friends of the little girl it crushes the hopes and prayer that Tori may be alive waiting to be found.
The remains were found close to Mt.Forest about 65kms from the area that convicted accomplice Terri-Lynne McClintic led the police to.
It's was a lucky break for the police as one of the officers drove down the 6th concession of Authur township based on a hunch, he then made the sad discovery of Tori's remains.
Michael Rafferty, 28, and Terri-Lynne McClintic, 18, both of Woodstock, are charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in the disappearance.
Police wouldn't say if the remains were found buried or on the ground, or which officer found them.
But OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino confirmed to Sun Media the officer was OPP Det.-Sgt. Jim Smyth, a 21-year veteran of the force.
Smyth, who works in the OPP's polygraph and behavioural sciences unit, said he hopes the little Woodstock girl's family finds some peace. "It's an unfortunate situation but hopefully it brings some relief to her family."
Fantino praised Smyth and others for their hard work.
"He is like all of the police officers on this case who worked extra hard and never left any stone unturned," Fantino said. "There was no luck involved -- this was planned and deliberate police work with a group of people led by Det.-Sgt. Smyth, who were following up every lead and re-tracking in certain areas.
"He will tell you himself it's not an individual thing, but a situation where police and the public from all over participated in trying to find her," Fantino said.
Police will hold a news conference later today where they are expected to confirm the the remains of Tori Stafford have been found.
The remains were found close to Mt.Forest about 65kms from the area that convicted accomplice Terri-Lynne McClintic led the police to.
It's was a lucky break for the police as one of the officers drove down the 6th concession of Authur township based on a hunch, he then made the sad discovery of Tori's remains.
Michael Rafferty, 28, and Terri-Lynne McClintic, 18, both of Woodstock, are charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in the disappearance.
Police wouldn't say if the remains were found buried or on the ground, or which officer found them.
But OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino confirmed to Sun Media the officer was OPP Det.-Sgt. Jim Smyth, a 21-year veteran of the force.
Smyth, who works in the OPP's polygraph and behavioural sciences unit, said he hopes the little Woodstock girl's family finds some peace. "It's an unfortunate situation but hopefully it brings some relief to her family."
Fantino praised Smyth and others for their hard work.
"He is like all of the police officers on this case who worked extra hard and never left any stone unturned," Fantino said. "There was no luck involved -- this was planned and deliberate police work with a group of people led by Det.-Sgt. Smyth, who were following up every lead and re-tracking in certain areas.
"He will tell you himself it's not an individual thing, but a situation where police and the public from all over participated in trying to find her," Fantino said.
Police will hold a news conference later today where they are expected to confirm the the remains of Tori Stafford have been found.
Monday, July 20, 2009
THE SUMMERTIME BLUES
This year I think most of us are experiencing the summertime blues. Why? It's because we haven't had any real summer weather yet. Sure we've had a few nice days but that's all. This is not the great weather we've grown to love living in Southwestern Ontario, it's September weather in July!
I'm writing this article here looking out over the lake in Grand Bend just wondering when the good stuff will be here to stay, summer is short enough as it is. I feel sorry for all these little beach front stores that relay on hot weather and large crowds to pay their bills.
Environment Canada has assured us that summer weather will arrive next week but i don't know, we'll have to see it to believe it.
As for now I will just keep staring out at the lake with the summertime blues wondering when it will actually be warm enough to enjoy!
I'm writing this article here looking out over the lake in Grand Bend just wondering when the good stuff will be here to stay, summer is short enough as it is. I feel sorry for all these little beach front stores that relay on hot weather and large crowds to pay their bills.
Environment Canada has assured us that summer weather will arrive next week but i don't know, we'll have to see it to believe it.
As for now I will just keep staring out at the lake with the summertime blues wondering when it will actually be warm enough to enjoy!
TIM BEST, TROUBLED TIMES
Things don't seem to be looking to good for Timothy Best, Husband of London Mayor Anne-Marie DeCicco. I've written a few articles on Tim and even poked fun at him once and a while myself but honestly, it's got to be tough living in his shoes.
Being the Mayor's Husband really puts him under the spotlight automatically and then when something goes wrong the media eats it all up. Word on the street is that Tim Best is a pretty good guy who just had a real bad day. This doesn't excuse him for what happened but just a reminder that he is human just like the rest of us.
Police are involved in chases almost everyday but we don't always here about them because they are just people. So maybe being "famous" isn't all it's cracked up to be sometimes, especially when things go wrong!
Being the Mayor's Husband really puts him under the spotlight automatically and then when something goes wrong the media eats it all up. Word on the street is that Tim Best is a pretty good guy who just had a real bad day. This doesn't excuse him for what happened but just a reminder that he is human just like the rest of us.
Police are involved in chases almost everyday but we don't always here about them because they are just people. So maybe being "famous" isn't all it's cracked up to be sometimes, especially when things go wrong!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tim Best sued 11 Million Dollars
Tim Best in 11 million dollar suit
Tim Best screwed up, he knows that, we know that, heck everybody knows that. Was it an 11 million dollar mistake? That will be up to the courts to decide after the Husband of London Mayor Anne-Marie DeCicco is being sued by Lisa Dixon of London.
Mrs.Dixon states that her vehicle was slammed into by Mr.Best on the highway the night of the chase which has resulted in permanent injuries to her and her family.
This lady is spun, I defiantly think she must of hit her head and has now lost all sense of logic.
She wants 10.75 million for herself and an addition $200,000 for all members of her family. This has to be a joke, where the hell is she coming up with these figures?
Tim screwed up big time that night, no doubt about it. He is human though and we all screw up once and a while. I don't remember hearing that anyone was critically injured in the chase just a few vehicles damaged.
This is just another case of greed where someone takes advantage of a situation to pad their pockets. This is the Mayors Husband that hit you lady, not Donald Trump. Get serious!
Greed does evil things to people if they let it, this is a sad case of greed mixed with insanity, I feel sorry for you Mrs.Dixon, the chances of you getting this are even less than my chances of winning the 649. On top of that you are making a fool of yourself.
I'm sure Mr. Best is very sorry for what he has done and will pay the piper for it. As for you Mrs.Dixon I feel sorry as well. By the amount you are suing for I will assume you were left blind or permanently paralyzed from this collision prompting for such a high compensation.
Hope you feet land back on earth soon....
Tim Best screwed up, he knows that, we know that, heck everybody knows that. Was it an 11 million dollar mistake? That will be up to the courts to decide after the Husband of London Mayor Anne-Marie DeCicco is being sued by Lisa Dixon of London.
Mrs.Dixon states that her vehicle was slammed into by Mr.Best on the highway the night of the chase which has resulted in permanent injuries to her and her family.
This lady is spun, I defiantly think she must of hit her head and has now lost all sense of logic.
She wants 10.75 million for herself and an addition $200,000 for all members of her family. This has to be a joke, where the hell is she coming up with these figures?
Tim screwed up big time that night, no doubt about it. He is human though and we all screw up once and a while. I don't remember hearing that anyone was critically injured in the chase just a few vehicles damaged.
This is just another case of greed where someone takes advantage of a situation to pad their pockets. This is the Mayors Husband that hit you lady, not Donald Trump. Get serious!
Greed does evil things to people if they let it, this is a sad case of greed mixed with insanity, I feel sorry for you Mrs.Dixon, the chances of you getting this are even less than my chances of winning the 649. On top of that you are making a fool of yourself.
I'm sure Mr. Best is very sorry for what he has done and will pay the piper for it. As for you Mrs.Dixon I feel sorry as well. By the amount you are suing for I will assume you were left blind or permanently paralyzed from this collision prompting for such a high compensation.
Hope you feet land back on earth soon....
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