A roundup of some of the latest news in women, Toronto, and/or politics this week. What stories did you read this week? Tell us in the comments.
- Three Toronto police officers have been charged with sexual assault after being dismissed without pay several weeks ago when the allegations first arose.
- The first in a series public consultations took place this week as a part of city’s poverty reduction strategy. Attendees reiterated the need to cut down the wait list for affordable housing and take action on affordable childcare. Also this week, Mayor Tory released more details on how the 2015 budget will address poverty.
- According to a report released Monday by the Elementary Teachers of Toronto, the majority of the elementary schools being considered for closure by the TDSB are in the city’s poorest neighbourhoods. As demographics shift in various neighbourhoods across the city, some school buildings are underused while others face increasing enrolment.
- The Toronto Women’s City Alliance launched a petition for more affordable housing through inclusionary zoning. The petition urges the Ontario Liberal government to give municipalities the right to demand a percentage of affordable units in any new development with more than 20 units.
- The University of Toronto is investigating the handling of a reported sexual assault after a student claimed she was not given proper accommodation by the university to ensure she felt safe on campus
- As the Conservatives aim to push through their new anti-terror legislation, a joint statement was released on Thursday by several former Prime Ministers, politicians, and lawmakers, insisting on greater oversight and accountability for CSIS. As the statement explains, “experience has shown that serious human rights abuses can occur in the name of maintaining national security”.
- Toronto mechanic Hilary Noack has launched a crowd-funding campaign to open Toronto’s first auto-body shop with a women-only staff, to encourage more women to join the trade.