Canadian immigration authorities are bracing for a wave of Russians who fled their homeland due to the war with Ukraine and may show up here as immigrants or refugees.

A report by Immigration, Refugees Citizenship Canada (IRCC) estimate more than 200,000 Russians fled their homeland due to the war with Ukraine and forced military conscription.

The internal report called ‘The Exodus: Russians Fleeing Rising Authoritarianism and Upcoming Severe Economic Hardships’ was prepared last March for IRCC brass in Ottawa.

The report said Russian authorities have not released data about the number of their citizens who fled the country since the war began last February 24.

“It is estimated that the number is likely in the hundreds of thousands,’ according to the study. “Most are relatively young, highly educated and have good English skills.”

An estimate by a Russian economist claimed more than 200,000 Russians have fled since the war.

“People leaving are generally those who can afford to, including Russia’s well-educated urban middle-class,” federal officials were told. “Many are tech professionals who can work remotely. Others are in the academic or financial sectors.”

The report said many Russians have managed to reach Europe by crossing the land border to Finland or the Baltic states since international flights are now limited.

“The others mostly head to Georgia and Armenia, but also to Kazakhstan, Turkey and Kyrgyzstan, where an entry visa is not required,” according to the report.  “Many of them might be looking for a long-term solution in a Western country in the near future.”

It said Russian-issued credit cards are no longer accepted as a federal government payment system and this can cause delays as they find alternative ways to pay.

“The number of applications submitted by Russian nationals might further increase in the coming weeks,” the report warned.

Canadian immigration officials in Russia will closely monitor the situation in regard “to potential Russian inland asylum claims or potential overseas refugee applications.”

This year there were nine times more work permit applications from Russian citizens compared to 2019 with 3,456 versus 364 in 2019. The number of work permits granted quadrupled from 1,053 in 2022 versus 229 in 2019.

 

Mayor John Tory’s main political rival Gil Penalosa is warning that an incoming Toronto Police Chief may not be the best man to head Canada’s largest force into the future.

Penalosa is asking Toronto and the Toronto Police Services Board to pause the installation of Chief-Designate Myron Demkiw on December 19 for the top job of commanding 5,500 police officers and 2,000 civilian employees.

He said Demkiw formerly belonged to the Toronto Police’s disbanded Vice Squad, and ‘is an affront to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.’

“His direct involvement in the women’s bathhouse raid in 2000, other raids on Queer spaces, and his subsequent attack on a City Councillor who spoke against these atrocious acts, makes him a controversial choice to serve Toronto’s diverse communities as their Chief of Police,” Penalosa said in a news release.

“What message does Mr. Demkiw’s nomination send to queer communities who have recently been abandoned by their police force while a serial killer preyed on gay men for years without adequate response,” he asked.

“ Trans women in Toronto have been subjected to questionable police conduct for years and little has been done to improve community relations.”

Penalosa accused Tory, who serves on the Police Services Board, of “a lack of judgement and indifference to queer communities by not only approving this appointment, but reaffirming his choice of Demkiw in the face of opposition by the communities the new Chief will have to serve.”

He asked Tory to pause the installation of Demkiw as the next police chief ‘until the affected community receives a public meeting and answers to the questions.’
“Anything less will be unforgivable,” Penalosa said.

“Torontonians deserve and expect their new police chief to be someone who has earned their trust, not someone mired in controversy with a history of abusing the charter rights of a minority group,” he charged.

Police are warning women using Marie Curtis Park to beware of a sordid lurker.

Peel Regional Police are searching for a man who is accused of committing indecent acts in front of two different women walking through the beautiful lakefront park that straddles Long Branch and Mississauga.

Police believe the acts are related and took place in the area of Dixie Road and Lakeshore Road, in Mississauga.

Police said on September 15, and September 23, between 7:50 a.m. and 8:55 a.m., two female victims reported seeing a man engaging in indecent acts as they traveled along the Marie Curtis Park Waterfront Trail.

“Both incidents occurred in the exact same spot south of the Small Arms Inspection Building,” Peel police said in a release. “Both victims did not sustain any physical injuries.”

The man is described as a male, white who is medium to heavy build.

Officers have some tips for everyone to remain safer when out walking. They said residents should be aware, plan ahead and trust their instincts.

Park users should walk with a purpose and exude an assertive image. They should avoid isolated area that are not well lit.

They should also tell others where they are going and when they expect to arrive or return and report any suspicious activity or persons to police.

Investigators are looking for any further victims to come forward and are asking anyone with information concerning these incidents or who believes they have had a similar encounter involving this man are encouraged to contact police at (905) 453-2121, ext. 1233.

Anonymous information can be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.

 

Community residents are mourning the death of Peter Ramos, a long-time New Toronto volunteer, businessman and former president of the Lakeshore Village Business Improvement Area.

Affectionately known as the “Mayor of Lakeshore,” Ramos passed away on September 24 and a memorial service was held for him on October 5 in Woodbridge. He was 71.

Ramos was born in New Toronto, where he spent most of his life improving the lives of residents. He loved the community and was well-known for his business acumen, activism and volunteering in charitable causes.

Ramos in the 1990s owned Chubbies Deli, near Eighth Street, which his colleagues said offered the best corn beef sandwiches in the area and always had a steady line-up of customers outside the building. He also at one time owned the former Globe Restaurant.

He is credited for starting the popular Santa Claus Parade and the Lakeshore Village BIA, on which he served as president for 10 years.

His friend John Scheffer, a former airline pilot, laundry owner and president of the BIA, said Ramos toiled for years to get the Santa Claus Parade rolling in 1991. The parade is now in its third decade.

“It took Peter three years to get the Santa Claus Parade going,” Scheffer recalled. “Many other people became involved afterwards.”

Under his tenure, the Lakeshore Village BIA, improved street lighting, introduced Christmas decorations and large planters along Lake Shore Blvd. W. He also fought for a parking lot on Sixth Street, Lakeshore Village Park and many other improvements we enjoy today, former BIA officials said.

“I remember when he was going around to all the stores to obtain signatures to start a BIA,” Scheffer said. “At that time 50% of the businesses had to approve the association.”

Patricia Jutzeler-Delfin, a fourth generation owner of The Clock Factory, said Ramos was always helpful and volunteering with events to promote the community.

“Many people called him the ‘Mayor of Lakeshore,” she said. “He started the mural program and did a lot of things for the community. He would give the shirt off his back to help others.”

 

Police have picked up their warning of residents to be on alert of scammers being aggressive or persistent in targeting seniors in the ‘emergency or grandparents scam.’

There has been 42 emergency scams reported in a one week crime spree in Halton Region and the GTA, according to police.

Halton Regional Police said there were 42 grandparent scams reported from September 26 to October 3, 2022. The losses to people, usually seniors, totaled more than $520,000, police said.

Police said 22 of the 42 scams were reported in Ontario, where the losses totaled $115,000.

“These scams have often been targeting older adults,” Halton police said in a release.

Police said in the emergency scam an older person receives a phone call from someone claiming to be their grandchild.

The caller goes on to say that they are in some kind of trouble, such as being in a car accident or being put in jail, and that they need money immediately, police said.

“Some victims may get calls from two people, one pretending to be their loved one and the other acting as a police officer or lawyer,” investigators said. “The caller will ask the potential victim a series of leading questions which prompts them to volunteer personal information.”

Officer said the scammers will ask for money to be delivered in cash to a “bail bondsman” or an “employee of a law firm or court”.

“Victims often don’t verify the caller’s story until after the money has been given to the fraudster,” Halton police said.

 Here are some police tips to help you prevent becoming victimized by these scams:

If you suspect you are being contacted by a fraudster, call police or 911 if it is an emergency.

If you are at a bank, do not lie to the teller – tell them why you are retrieving the cash.  Employees are trained to assist you in recognizing possible frauds.

Attempt to verify the caller’s identity – do not volunteer any information, and further ask very specific probing questions about the caller.

Request to call back the initial caller – then independently find the number of the police and call them directly to clarify the situation.

Attempt to directly call the loved one in question and clarify the matter with them.

Remember that fraudsters will count on your good will to act quickly and help a loved one.  Police, lawyers and the court will never ask you to give money to someone at your door.

Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

A man charged by Toronto Police with the shooting death of Tenzin Rinchen and the wounding of another man in a Mimico waterfront park is facing five gun related offences including second degree murder.

Nelson Okoth, 20, was arrested on September 19 four days after police were alerted to the 8:24 p.m. sound of gunshots at the Mimico Waterfront Park, in the Mimico Avenue and Lake Shore Blvd. W. area.

Police arrived to find two victims suffering from life-threatening injuries.

Rinchen, 19, originally of Tibet, was fatally shot. The other young man shot is expected to survive.

Okoth has been charged with failing to comply with a release order, unauthorized possession of a restricted weapon, unauthorized possession of a prohibited device and possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition.

His charges were updated to include second-degree murder and attempted murder.

Police have not said what the relationship is, if any, between the two victims and the suspect.

A court date for Okoth is pending.

Police continue to ask anyone with information to contact homicide investigators at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).

A visitation for beloved South Etobicoke athlete, humanitarian and hockey hero Dave Dryden takes place today in Oakville.

The visitation will occur at Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, at 64 Lakeshore Road West, on Sunday October 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorial donations can be made to  Sleeping Children Around the
World (SCAW), a charity founded by Murray Dryden, father of the famous brothers who became top National Hockey League (NHL) goalies, Dave and Ken Dryden.

The athlete, teacher and hockey equipment innovator, passed away due to complications following a surgery on October 4. He was 81.

Dave and Ken were born in Hamilton but moved during their early years in South Etobicoke where they thrived and distinguished themselves as athletes, the family said.

“It was at Etobicoke Collegiate in chemistry class that he met his “sweet,” his wife of 59-years, Sandra,” they said in a statement. “When they married in 1962, little did Sandra know what adventures Dave would take her on.”

“She married a steady school teacher, so when Dave was called up to the NHL and World Hockey Association (WHA) a few years into their marriage, their life together took on a new trajectory.”

With his family in tow, they went to Chicago (Chicago Blackhawks), Buffalo (Buffalo Sabres), Chicago (Chicago Cougars) and Edmonton (Edmonton Oilers).

During those years in the crease as a goalie, Dave analyzed his goalie mask and ultimately created the template for what is now the norm in modern hockey, the mask-cage combination goalie mask.

“The pandemic brought with it not-to-be-missed Zoom calls every Sunday night,” the family said. “Dave loved seeing not only his children and grandchildren on the call, but also his siblings’ kids and their grandkids, who called him ‘Great Dave.”

Dave on retirement obtained a Masters in Education and began teaching in Oakville, where he lived. He retired as an elementary school principal.

“He was passionate about creating strategies for children to learn, especially those in his special education classroom,” his family said.

He soon after volunteered and became chairman for his parents’ charity, which provided thousands, if not millions, of bed kits to children in developing countries.

Friends describe him as an academic, athlete, educator, innovator, a humanitarian, but most of all a family man- husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather.

Dave is survived by Sandra; their children Greg and Debbie; six loving grandchildren: Jeff, Chris, Kevin, Jenn, Theo, Anaka; siblings Ken (Lynda), Judy and their families.

RIP Dave.

 

South Etobicoke raised Saira Batasar-Johnie’s first novel Dear Divya is receiving good reviews from readers.

Dear Divya tells the story of a teenage girl growing up and experiencing life during her first years in high school.

Batasar-Johnie grew up in South Etobicoke where her family still lives. The book draws upon the life of a young girl growing up in Toronto.

The 102-page story depicts the challenges faced by an Indo-Guyanese girl, Anjali Singh, who at 14, is entering her first year of high school and how she copes with self-discovery. She is determined to change her reputation and social status in her new setting.

“As the school year begins, Anjali finds herself having to navigate a new world of having Brown, Black and Asian friends for the first time meeting boys and transitioning to new friendships” she writes. “Anjali proudly looks to her older sister Amara who is breaking intergenerational rules.”

Batasar-Johnie by day is a Child and Youth Care Worker, a mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend.

She is passionate about relating the history of  our Indo-Caribbean community and “hopes to educate young people with her words and inspire them to continue their journey of understanding themselves in this world.”

“I still can’t believe I survived my first year of high school without you. We had so many plans,” Batasar-Johnie writes. “I do think about you and hope you know I haven’t forgotten you. I miss laying in bed pretending to do our makeup because now I actually wear makeup.”

She graduated from Humber College in 2011 with a Honours Diploma in Child and Youth Work. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care Degree at Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly Ryerson. She has a Master of Arts in Child and Youth Care.

Dear Divya was released last August and is available online on Amazon. The paperback retails for just over $10. The work has received an five-star rating from readers.

 

For those following the civic elections. Prepare your questions for Ward 3 councillor challengers in an October 19 opportunity on Zoom to question Councillor Mark Grimes, who has clung on to the Etobicoke Lakeshore riding for 19 years and counting. Local favourite Amber Morley and Marco Valle will have much to ask the incumbent. So can you.

 

ALSO, Lakeshore Lodge Long Term Care is seeking volunteers for a number of positions to engage our senior residents. If interested in helping others, giving back to your community, gaining valuable skills or hours for school contact: Kimberly Penton, Coordinator, Volunteer Services – Lakeshore Lodge, 3197 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-392-9460 or e-mail kimberly.penton@toronto.ca

 

 

EVERY THURSDAY FROM 2 P.M. to 6 P.M the Cooper
Mills-Gooch Community Food Bank provides fresh
groceries and essential food items every Thursday
in the Jane St. and Dundas St. W. area. Contact
416-358-0031 for more information.

JUST BE MINDFUL Mindfulness meditation on Tues-
days 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. until October 26 for
day programs and evenings on Mondays from 7:30
p.m. to 8:30 p.m. until October 25. Spend time with
yourself in an intentional and accepting way, guid-
ed by a registered psychotherapist. To register
email health.promotions@stonegatechc.org or call
416-231-7070 ext. 307.

VIRTUAL YOUTH COUNCIL every Tuesday until De-
cember 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. for ages 13 to
17 years old. Volunteer letters and Letters of Rec-
ommendation will be provided. For more informa-
tion call 416-253-9797 or email
info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca or
www.jeanaugustinecentre.ca

MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY FREE emergency
food takeout meals continue to be offered from
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. through LAMP’s adult drop-
in program. Group programs are closed.

EVERY THURSDAY The Good Food Market from 12
to 4 p.m. at Stonegate CHC at 10 Neighbourhood
Lane for affordable produce, outdoor market and
bring your own bags. COVID-19 protocols are in
place. For more information call 416-231-7070 ext
307.

FROM OCTOBER 13 Pieces of Mimico to create a col-
laborative mural to be installed at the Mimico Cen-
tennial Branch Library. It includes seven weekly
workshops: every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 3:30
p.m. Online live video workshops. To register con-
tact the library at 416-394-5330.

OCTOBER 15 & 16 CELEBRATE FALL with arts work-
shops, seasonal produce and everything Fall at the Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore
Road E..Mississauga.

OCTOBER 24 ETOBICOKE CAMERA CLUB presents
Harold Ross and Painting with Light. It promises
to be exciting. https://www.facebook.com/etobcc
RGI HOUSING INFORMATION SESSION October 18 at 2
p.m., Online via Zoom. LAMP will be hosting an
online information session on how to access Rent-
Geared-to-Income housing in the City of Toronto,
featuring Kay Hodge from Access to Housing
Toronto. To register,
email norkyit@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471
ext. 308.

EVERY WEDNESDAY UNTIL OCTOBER 27 LAMP Com-
munity Health Centre Intro to Mindfulness. Corin
De Souza provides evidence-based Mindfulness
program and workshops. She is a Certified Mindful-
ness teacher through the Canadian College of Edu-
cators. Online workshops every Wednesdays at 7
p.m. To register contact jasmind@lampchc.org or
call 416 252 6471 ext. 308.

EVERY WEDNESDAY UNTIL NOVEMBER 3 from 3 p.m.
to 6 p.m., ages 13 to 17, She Can Code. Register
at www.jeanaugustinecentre.ca or call 416-253-
9797 for more information or visit
www.jeanaugustinecentre.ca

OCTOBER 5 TO NOVEMBER 9 Nature’s Sanctuary Art
Exhibition, a juried photo exhibition presented by
Friends of Sam Smith Park, showcases the wildlife
and natural beauty of the park, a jewel of the Lake-
shore. Show at the Assembly Hall.

EVERY SUNDAY UNTIL NOVEMBER 27 The Lakeview
Farmer’s Market takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at the Small Arms Inspection Building 1352 Lake-
shore Rd. E., Mississauga. Get fresh foods, flow-
ers, microgreens, butcher shop and fresh and tasty
maple syrup.

VIRTUAL YOUTH COUNCIL every Tuesday until De-
cember 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. for ages 13 to
17 years old. Volunteer letters and Letters of Rec-
ommendation will be provided. For more informa-
tion call 416-253-9797 or email
info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca or
www.jeanaugustinecentre.ca

EVERY TUESDAY UNTIL DECEMBER 14 Food Fit Pro-
gram from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Zoom at Stonegate
Community Health Centre and improve your cook-
ing skills, learn new delicious recipes and get in
touch with your body’s hunger, fullness and satis-
faction cues. To register email
health.promotions@stonegatechc.org or call 416-
231-7070 ext. 307.

FREE CHIROPODY SERVICES for those who qualify at
LAMP Open for new patients who are prediabetic
or diabetic. We treat nail concerns, ulcerations,
pain and more. Contact 416-252-6471 ext. 262.
JOAN-ANNE OF AVON CANADA has launched a “We
Care Awareness Crusade” for Breast Cancer by
AVON Foundation for Women. She plans to raise
$5,000 to fight the disease which she said has tak-
en away two family members. Products can be pur-
chased online with proceeds going to fight breast
cancer. Visit the Avon website at avongivesback.ca

NEW TO CANADA are you a permanent resident,
convention refugee or live-in caregiver, LAMP’s
Settlement Support Services offers information,
orientation, referral to community services, employ-
ment assistance, English as a second language
and all the skills you need to succeed. Call Tali at
416-252-9701 ext. 283 or email tali@lampchc.org.

FREE ADULT LEARNING PROGRAMS Learn basic com-
puter skills. Must meet registration criteria including
19 years and over and out of school, have a SIN
number and access to a computer and an email
account. Fluent in spoken English and provide
proof of permanent residency. Small online group
instruction on MS word, Internet, Keyboarding, e-
mail and Zoom. Improve your reading and writing
skills. For more information 416-252-9701 ext. 242
or 243.

OCTOBER 24 GET OUT AND VOTE MUNICIPAL ELEC-
TION DAY for Toronto from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and
advance voting days are October 7 to October 14
from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. To vote you must vote in
your ward, be a Canadian citizen, be 18 years or
older, live in Toronto and show document with valid
address. Must also show identification as an Ontar-
io issued photo card, driver’s licence or motor vehi-
cle permit, the vehicle portion For more information
call .416-392-CITY (2489), email 311@toronto.ca
or call 311 or Twitter @311Toronto

OCTOBER 28 & 29 MIMICO RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION is
hosting a Halloween Dance October 28 from 6 p.m.
to 8:30 p.m. Tickets at door. October 29 there is
Mimico Halloween Yard Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at David Hornell Junior Public School,. For more
info call Mike Majeski at 416-988-3425.