EACH police division will have a dedicated team of officers to check for large gatherings. TPS photo.

TORONTO Police Chief James Ramer said his officers will not be randomly stopping residents to ask why they are outside or if they are essential workers.

A dedicated team of officers from 22 Division and across the city are stepping up efforts to crack down on those attending large gatherings to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Toronto Police Chief James Ramer said teams from all 16 Divisions are working with Toronto Public Health and the City’s Bylaw enforcement officers at the Municipal Licensing and Standards Unit.

“We are at a critical stage of this pandemic,” Ramer said in a release. “I again urge all Torontonians to please comply with the stay-at-home order.”

The Ontario government on April 16 announced additional restrictions and a two-week extension of the provincial lockdown and stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the virus.

The order requires everyone to remain at home except for specified purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely.
The force will enforce the order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and the Reopening Ontario Act.

“COVID-19 is now a matter of public health and public safety,” according to the Chief. “Let’s work together to stop the rapid growth in cases and relieve the pressure on our health care system.”

Ramer said officers may exercise their discretion in every situation and where there is evidence of non-compliance, they will issue tickets and summonses for individuals and businesses.

He warned there is no change to police powers and Toronto Police will not be conducting random stops of people or cars.
In addition, individuals are not compelled to explain why they are out of their residence, nor is being outside evidence of a failure to comply with the emergency order.
Workers are also not required to have proof from their employer that they are traveling to or from their workplace.
“When an officer has reason to suspect that an individual may be participating in a prohibited gathering, they are permitted to ask the person to identify themselves in order to issue a ticket or summons,” he said.

If a person refuses to identify themselves for this purpose, they can be arrested and in some cases can be charged with obstructing a police officer.

“The teams will be coordinated from a central command allowing them to be deployed across divisional boundaries if required,” according to the release.
Staff Supt. Randy Carter said his teams will focus on large gatherings that fail to comply with the emergency orders, with a particular focus on indoor gatherings such as parties at short-term rentals or at bars and restaurants.

“Everyone must do their part to protect our health and safety, and for police that means continuing to enforce equitably and effectively,” Carter said.
The enforcement strategy comes days after Premier Doug Ford faced intense criticism for shutting parks and granting police services temporary powers to randomly stop people who were driving and require them to produce identification, similar to the now-ended practice of carding in the Black community.

FORMER Conservative MP Wajid Khan with then Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Archive photo.

SOME people protest the arrest of the two men. Courtesy photo.

A co-accused in a fraud case involving a former Mississauga-Streetsville Conservative MP has been found guilty of three counts of fraud.

Nadeem Imtiaz Ahmed, 51, and former MP Wajid Ali Khan, 71, were arrested by the RCMP in March 2018 in what was described as a ‘$1.1 million international investment fraud.’

The Mississauga men were accused in Project Alcazar of borrowing large sums of money from ‘personal contacts’ in Canada, according to an RCMP release.

Ahmed was found guilty of three charges under the Criminal Code, following a three-year investigation into foreign real estate investment fraud.

The Ontario Supreme Court of Justice in a decision on April 21 found Ahmed guilty of two counts of fraud and one count of uttering a forged document.

He is slated to return to court on June 4 to set a date for sentencing.

Khan faces seven charges, including three counts of fraud, three counts of false pretense and one of uttering a forged document.

His case is still before the courts.

The RCMP National Division Sensitive and International Investigative Section received complaints in January 2015 and began a probe.  The Section focuses on “criminal activity that poses a threat to Canada’s government institutions, public officials, the integrity of the Crown, or that imperils Canada’s political, economic and social integrity,” according to the RCMP.

Khan made headlines in 2007 when he left the Liberal Party and crossed the floor to join the Conservatives, then left politics for good in 2009. He was first elected to the House of Commons in 2004 and again in 2006 as a Liberal.

He crossed the floor so he could continue acting as a special adviser to then-prime minister Stephen Harper on the Middle East and Central Asia.

Khan was at one time a prominent voice in the GTA’s Pakistani and Muslim communities. He was one of the first MPs of Muslim descent elected to the House.

Khan served as an officer and a pilot in the Pakistan Air Force from 1966 to 1973. He took part in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 as a Shenyang J-6 fighter pilot.

He moved to Canada in 1974.

IMMIGRANTS seek status to live in Canada in Toronto protest.

A new digital immigration platform to process cases more efficiently and speedier to reunite families and bring in workers is being proposed as part of the federal government’s Budget 2021.

FINANCE Minister Chrystia Freeland provide details of Budget 2021 and funds to improve immigration services.

The new computerized system, if approved, may help to process the 400,000 immigrants Canada is accepting this year. It is the second time since 1913 that the country has accepted this many newcomers.

The Immigration Levels Plan will welcome 411,000 immigrants in 2022 and 411,000 in 2023.

Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland tabled Budget 2021 on April 20, which proposes to invest $428.9 million over five years to develop and deliver a digital platform to gradually replace the old Global Case Management System.

“This will enable improved application processing and support for applicants, beginning in 2023,” Freeland said.

“A new digital system will enable Canada’s immigration system to function more efficiently behind the scenes and to deliver digital services that meet heightened client expectations,” she said.

“With this platform, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be able to leverage digital to better achieve Canada’s immigration objectives,” according to the Budget.

She said the system “will support an immigration system that is easier to navigate and more efficient in welcoming the dynamic new Canadians who add to Canada’s strength.”

The Budget will provide $15 million over two years, from 2021 to 2022, to extend the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot Initiative, to support employment-related services for newcomer women in areas as networking, employment counselling and paid work placements.

Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $2 million over five years to increase access to information and support for new Canadians facing family and gender-based violence, including enhancing the availability of anti-violence resources.

To support Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the budget is proposing $49.5 million over three years to support migrant worker-centric programs and services; $54.9 million over three years to increase inspections of employers and ensure temporary foreign workers have appropriate working conditions and wages.

And $6.3 million will be doled out over three years to improve service delivery of open work permits for vulnerable workers, helping migrant workers in situations of abuse find a new job.

The government intends to propose amendments to the Immigration Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) that would help them select candidates who best meet Canada’s labour market needs among the growing pool of Express Entry candidates who wish to become permanent residents.

Budget 2021 proposes to provide $26.8 million in 2021–2022 to enable participating provinces to maintain immigration and refugee legal aid support for asylum seekers, while protecting the efficiency and integrity of the asylum system.

It also proposes to provide $80.3 million over two years to Global Affairs Canada and IRCC to respond to the Venezuelan migrant and refugee crisis.

“This investment would enable Canada to help reduce human suffering, irregular migration and security threats in the region,” according to the Budget. While “improving the integration of migrants and refugees into host communities.”

An online petition has been launched by Toronto Police to seek public support for a pilot project to install at least five CCTV cameras in the Garnett Janes Road neighbourhood of New Toronto.

A proposal for the cameras came to the forefront following the April 17 shooting of a 14-year-old in the Garnett Janes neighbourhood.

Police were called to a park near Garnett Janes Road, near Islington Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. W., just before 6 p.m. following reports of multiple gunshots.

When they arrived, they discovered a teenager suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.

Paramedics transported the boy to a trauma centre with serious but non-life threatening injuries. His condition has been upgraded to stable.

Officers from 22 Division continue to frequently patrol the neighbourhood in cars, on bikes and on foot, police noted in the petition.

“They (police) actively engage with the community on an ongoing basis, however the violence continues,” according to 22 Division. “The residents are fearful of their safety.”

“Unfortunately the neighbourhood has also been affected by gang activity for some time,” police wrote. “These gang members hang out in the buildings, on the streets, and in Lakeshore Village Park as well as Eighth Street Skate Park. “

Officers said drug dealing in the area is not uncommon.

“This gang activity leads to violence in the neighbourhood,” the petition state. “Historically the Garnett Janes neighbourhood has seen a disproportionately amount of violent crimes occurring within its’ borders as compared to other neighbourhoods in south Etobicoke.”

Police said the CCTV camera project ‘is not intended to be a replacement for police officers, only a tool to aid law enforcement and enhancing public safety.”

Cameras or more than one in some locations are being considered by police for installation in the Garnet James neighbourhood.

The cameras are proposed to be located at the corners of Birmingham St. and Ninth Street; Garnett Janes Road and Ninth Street; Coin Street and Tenth Streets; Etta Wylie and Garnett Janes Roads and Ninth Street and Lake Shore Blvd. W.

Police said they are seeking the support of the community with the implementation of the pilot project.

“By signing the petition you will be supporting the partnership that the Toronto Police has with the community in improving the safety of the Garnett Janes neighbourhood,” they wrote.

The petition can be found at change.org or 22 Division Twitter feed.

Ken Jeffers received a Lifetime Achievment award

Entrepreneur Lindsay-Noel

Bishop Ransford C. Jones received a Leadership Award

Patricia Bebia Mawa received a Media Award

Velma Morgan received Community Services award

Former Toronto Police Services Board member Ken Jeffers, ex Raptors star Jamaal Magloire, entrepreneur Taylor Lindsay-Noel and nine others have been honoured for their leadership roles in the Black community.

The awardees were presented with the 39^th Annual Harry Jerome Awards in a virtual celebration on April 17 held by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA).

Jeffers was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his four years on the Police Services Board in which the practice of carding was ended and his more than 30 years as an activist in the Black community.

Magloire, who was honoured with an Athletics Award, played 12 seasons with the National Basketball Association, including two years with the Raptors, for whom he is as a community outreach ambassador.

Bishop Ransford C. Jones received a Leadership Award for his role as Chairman of the Canadian Black Clergies and Allies (CBCA) and lead Pastor of Markham’s Destiny Gospel Centre.

Entrepreneur Lindsay-Noel was an elite gymnast looking to join the Canadian Olympic team in 2008 when she broke her back in practice and that dream went up in smoke. She owns an organic loose leaf tea company that has been endorsed by TV star Oprah Winfrey.

“We have adapted to continue this inspiring tradition and historic awards gala,” said BBPA president Nadine Spencer. “The Harry Jerome Awards Gala is a fundraising event and we are grateful for the support from donors, corporate sponsors and our many volunteers.”

Banker Al Ramsay received a Professional Excellence Award for helping the LGBT community. He holds the position of national manager of LGBTQ2+ business development at TD Bank. It’s the only role of its kind in North America.

Louis-Edgar Jean-Francois copped a Business Award for securing federal government investments to support black communities in Quebec. He helps entrepreneurs deal with the pandemic situation by working with certain partners to obtain financing for projects.

Velma Morgan received a Community Service Award for her work as a teacher and advocate for gender and cultural diversity. She is the Chair of Operation Black Vote Canada and was the architect of the first Black community provincial leaders debate. She has worked for four Cabinet ministers.

Patricia Bebia Mawa received a Media Award for directing and producing more than 15 TV programs. She has published multiple editions of three magazines and now hosts Planet Africa on OMNI TV. She and her husband launched Afroglobal Television, a 24-hour television channe, in 2016.

Dennis Mitchell was awarded a President’s Award for his 20 years of experience in the investment industry. He is a co-founder of the Black Opportunity Fund, a partnership between businesses, philanthropists, foundations, and the Black community

Kathy McDonald was recognized with a Diversity Award for her work. Claudette McGowan received a Technology Award and Dr. Joseph Smith a Decade Leader Award.

Named after a famous Canadian sprinter, the annual BBPA Harry Jerome Awards was established in 1983 to celebrate outstanding and inspirational individuals in the Black community.

CANADIAN patrol boat on the Windsor River searching for vessels breaking international quarantine laws. RCMP photo.

Canadian police are monitoring U.S. fishing boats which they say are blatantly violating quarantine laws on international waters.

There was short police chase on April 15 on the Detroit River in which Canadian police and Customs officers intercepted two boats on the Canadian side of the river as two other boats fled back to U.S. waters, the RCMP say.

“The marine operation was in response to public concerns about American fishing boats violating the Quarantine Act, the Customs Act and the Reopening of Ontario Act,” RCMP Cpl. Dmitri Malakhov said in a release. “Four charter fishing boats registered in the U.S., were observed operating on the Canadian side of the Detroit River.”

A joint operation, including the marine units of Windsor RCMP, Windsor Police, and the Canada Border Services agency (CBSA) gave chase and were able to intercept two of the fishing boats, as two others sped into U.S. waters.

“The fishing bots were escorted to a nearby port-of-entry and were subject to examination by CBSA officers,” the RCMP said.

Tickets were issued to ten people by Windsor Police under the Reopening of Ontario Act for a total of $8,800.

All ten were identified as U.S. citizens and were served with a notice of Direction to Return to the USA by the CBSA under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Quarantine Act.

POLICE are looking for this man, dubbed the ‘Subway Spitter,’ who is spitting on people of Asian descent on the subway. Police photos.

Subway riders are being warned of a man dubbed the ‘Subway Spitter,’ who is believed to have spat on three people of Asian descent in what police say are hate motivated crimes.

Officers say the man has narrowly escaped capture twice in the west end. Undercover cops have taken to riding the subway cars to find the suspect, who may be getting more brazen.

Police said they were alerted on three separate incidents in which riders were spat on within three days.

Officers said they responded to a report that a man had assaulted someone by spitting on them on the eastbound platform of the Christie subway station on April 9 around 8:47 a.m.

The culprit fled the area before he could be arrested by police.

Detectives were called again on April 11 around 11:12 a.m. to a similar spitting call, this time at Lansdowne station.

Police Const. Caroline de Kloet said the Lansdowne victim has come forward to file a complaint.

She (the victim) said “a man spat on her and then yelled anti-Asian slurs at her before threatening a bystander who tried to intervene.”

Police said the suspect fled the scene on an eastbound subway train.

Later that same day, police were called again to another report ‘that a man had assaulted a woman at Wellesley station by spitting on her and then fleeing the area.”

“Investigators believe the same man is responsible for all three assaults,” stated a police news release.

The suspect is described as 20-30 years old, 5’7″, with a slim build. He was wearing a black hooded jacket with horizontal white stripes, black toque, black shoes and was carrying a black backpack.

Though the other two victims have not come forward, police said based on witness statements, they too were of Asian descent, and so the assaults are being treated as a hate crime.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.

POLICE are searching for two shooters and a getaway car involved in shooting of 14-year-old. CTV News.

CAR with bullet hole found at scene of the shooting.

Police from 22 Division are searching the area for shooters and a getaway car after a 14-year-old boy escaped being killed and was wounded in the leg in the Garnett Janes Road area of South Etobicoke on April 17.

The high-risk area is well-known to police and has been linked to about four shootings so far this year. Local officers have been working to make inroads into the crimes in the area.

Officers said on Saturday they were called to a park near Garnett Janes Road, in the area of Islington Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. W., just before 6 p.m. following reports of multiple gunshots allegedly from parties firing at each other.

The injured teen was found by police suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.

He was transported by paramedics to a local hospital suffering from serious but non-life threatening injuries. His condition has since been updated to stable.

Const. Laura Brabant said the boy was driving with his family in the area when gunfire erupted.

It is believed that occupants of two vehicles were shooting at each other.

The vehicles involved in the shooting fled the area before police arrived. Police said they are looking for multiple suspects, but no descriptions have been released.

It is believe the boy was an innocent bystander and was not involved in the incident. A white vehicle belonging to his family was found with a bullet hole on the passenger side.

Police said they are searching for a vehicle that was seen fleeing the area just after the shooting.

Officers are in the Garnett Janes area on a weekly basis responding to incidents.

In one incident in July last year an Uber Eats driver was among two men shot at the buildings.

Police at the time said the Uber driver was making a delivery when his was vehicle was fired upon.

The driver suffered a life-altering injury to his eye and it is not known if he will be able to drive again. No arrests were made in that shooting, or some of the other incidents.

Residents of Garnett Janes have repeatedly complained to 22 Division police of the shootings in their area.

POLICE told not to ask residents where they are going or where they live as part of COVID rules.

SECTION of Premier Doug Ford’s COVID-19 rules to ask where residents are going or why outside has been reversed. CTV photo.

Ontario parks are open again for families as police forces are warned to stop asking members of the community where they are going and for their home address.

A furious backlash is underway by police forces across the province not to approach their communities for the ‘where have you been’ information to help curb COVID-19 has led to Premier Doug Ford withdrawing parts of a sweeping new police law introduced on Friday.

Officers will no longer have the right to stop any pedestrian or driver to ask why they’re out or request their home address, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said in a statement on Saturday.

Jones said police will only be able to stop people who they have reason to believe are participating in an “organized public event or social gathering.”

Ford also reversed a decree banning families from attending Ontario parks, since it is good for them mentally and they can exercise and physically distance.

The Premier had been chastised by parents and  members of the public and pundits, who attacked his latest anti-pandemic restrictions as misguided claiming the added police powers aimed at enforcing stay-at-home orders were ‘an overkill’.

It is not known if police will on April 19 begin patrolling the borders of Ontario and Manitoba and Quebec, to turn back those not visiting this province for non-essential reasons.

The changes mean that officers of 22 Division, or 11 Division, can no long ask residents in South Etobicoke about their travel plans and further anger the community.

Ahead of the reversal, large and small police forces across the province said they had no intention of exercising their newfound powers.

The new restrictions, including a two-week extension to the province’s stay-at-home order until May 20, were announced amid dire warnings from government scientific advisers that the pandemic was only set to worsen and there is a lack of hospital beds.

Other measures include further restrictions on outdoor gatherings and indoor religious services, while recreational facilities such as golf courses are now closed.

Critics said Ford had missed the mark on key drivers of the pandemic, including a lack of paid sick leave for essential workers and a dearth of evidence playgrounds have been a transmission source.

“Doug Ford’s handling of this pandemic has been an abject failure and absolute disaster,” said Patty Coates, president of the Ontario Federation of Labour.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, a father of two young children, welcomed the change of heart on playgrounds, saying “common sense wins.”