to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about But less than a month till election day, news broke that Thompson had been charged with two counts of sexual assault following an incident that took place in the Muskoka area in July. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. Grand River Transit workers are on strike as of Monday. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said they charged the 62-year-old councillor in connection with alleged sexual assaults that occurred at a private residence in Muskoka. In July, Thompson was staying at the property when a woman claims the councillor sexually assaulted her. But if students go by the headlines theyre seeing, theres a chance that it might reflect negatively on Thompson at the ballot box, says Higashihara. The Councillor also did not respond to The Locals request for comment, and has remained tight-lipped about the allegations, telling CP24 that his legal team advised him not to speak on the matter. The role of deputy mayor is largely ceremonial. Instead, Vadivelus pleas were met with an eviction notice. For more than a year, Vadivelu went back and forth with the building management company, as his arrears ballooned to nearly $14,000. Betsy Powell is a reporter with the crime, courts and justice team at the Toronto Star. Lawyer representing Toronto councillor Michael Thompson in sex assault case steps away, Toronto city councillor is charged with two counts of sexual assault, Scarborough merchants want to form BIA around Markham and Lawrence East intersection, group says, BEHIND THE CRIMES: An undercover legend ensnares a talkative murder suspect, 'Tenants are living through hell': Toronto ACORN members occupy apartment landlord's North York office, Before York University, Black Creek Pioneer Village there was the Stong family, 10 things you should know about attending a powwow. 2023 Toronto Sun, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. According to Vadivelu, Thompson told him to call his office and they would see what they could to help him. With a field of barely recognizable challengers, where does that leave voters looking for something different? Ayub is running on a platform of lowering taxes, preventing crime, and creating a business-friendly environment to create more jobs in the ward. 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Michael Thompson is a Canadian politician who has been a Toronto city councillor since 2003. More rain is in the forecast for Ottawa as water levels on the Ottawa River remain high. I think hes probably tried to knock on every single door in the Scarborough Centre, says Wanless about Thompsons campaign strategy. Child Laurel was born on March 19 around the same time. Toronto city councillor Michael Thompson has been charged with two counts of sexual assault. According to Barry, the complaints were made by two women, and the alleged incident happened back at the beginning of July. What he has said is that he will remain in the race. Candidate Tracker is your go-to place for fact-checked biographies and head-to-head analyses of all Ward 21 council and trustee candidates. Despite Thompsons large margin of victory last election, some voters say they have been ready for a change in leadership for years. New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said Monday he personally favors his country becoming a republic, but it's not a change he intends to push for as leader. Ashley Okwuosa is a writer and journalist based in Toronto. Thats what I say. Michael Thompson is shown in this file photo. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. He remains a city councillor. He is seeking to be re-elected as the councillor for Ward 21 Scarborough Centre in the Oct. 24 municipal election. 0 The summit in Lisbon was from Nov. 4-7. 2020 was emblazoned with tragedies, heartache, anxiety and fear. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Steve Wanless is a union leader and serves on the board of directors of the Wexford Heights Business Improvement Association alongside Thompson. Tory cost taxpayers $1,716 for his stay from Nov. 3-6 and Eby spent $2,887 for his Nov. 3-7 stay. Thompson will be fighting the case vigorously, Barry said, adding the allegations were made by two women. Thompson stayed from Nov. 2-9, racking up a bill of $4,543. You have permission to edit this article. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. His cellphone voicemail was full and not taking more messages. The news, for sure, has shattered the confidence of the public in the area, says Ayub. He says Mr. Thompson vehemently denies the allegations and looks forward to being exonerated. We understand that you have bills to pay and families to feed; however our circumstances are unbearable and beyond our control at the moment, Vadivelu wrote in a letter to his superintendent asking about the possibility of a repayment plan in April 2020. Our ice cream simply tastes better because its made better. Get email updates from your favourite authors. Instead, hes channelled his efforts into working on the campaigns of two candidates in neighbouring Scarborough wards. (Nestle Ice Cream would be a distant second, ahead of Magnolia.) rights reserved. I have been the Councillor for Scarborough Centre for 19 years. An independent magazine exploring urban health and social issues in Toronto. Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors. But Davis says there are examples of local politicians who have had to battle similar allegations, but still find success. Just days after he was re-elected, the economic development jetsetter headed to Lisbon, Portugal along with Tory and his former chief of staff Chris Eby to yet again attract Collision.. Will voters have the allegations in mind when casting their votes on October 24? In a statement released last Friday, the Ontario Provincial Police said that in September it received a report alleging sexual assaults had taken place at a private residence in the District Municipality of Muskoka earlier this year.. Lawyer Calvin Barry speaks to CTV News Toronto about Councillor Michael Thompson's sexual assault case. The amount Is The web summit was from April 30-May 3. An underground fire at the Donkin Coal Mine on Sunday has prompted Nova Scotia's Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration to issue a stop-work order at the site. He was an unknown candidate running against one of the longest serving councillors in the city. All Rights Reserved. In a city where incumbents win 9 out of ten times, Thompson was a lock. Mr. Barry says the allegations stem from an incident that took place The lawyer who was acting on behalf of city councillor Michael Thompson when he was charged in a sexual assault investigation has stepped away from the case. Thompson has resigned his chairmanship of councils economic and community development committee. Barry added that Thompson retained him on an emergency basis when he found out about the charges, ensuring that he cooperated with police. Selecta Ice Cream has a moreish, surprising history. From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun. Then he called his councillorMichael Thompson. 1st District of Illinois. A Vancouver woman claims she was the target of a rental scam and is sharing her story to help others avoid being duped. Thompson is scheduled to appear in a Bracebridge court on Nov. 1. "While the councillor is facing these charges, it would not be appropriate for him to continue serving as a deputy mayor or chair of a standing council committee. Celebrate the start of summer with a cool treat sure to delight the whole family! Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is expected to call a provincial election during an announcement later this morning in Calgary. Get Signature Select Ice Cream, Super Premium, Vanilla (1.5 qt) delivered to you within two hours via Instacart. Or are voters even paying enough attention to the race to notice, and will the inertia of incumbency simply roll forward and push Thompson to victory? Lawyer Calvin Barry, acting on behalf of Thompson, told CP24 on Thursday the alleged incident occurred in Muskoka in July 2022. With the coronation of King Charles III only days away, the Royal Family has released new photographs giving a glimpse at the ceremonial robes that will be worn by the King and Queen Consort the historical event. 905 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<527FF87A42273A4D9C069E53377997E5>]/Index[895 23]/Info 894 0 R/Length 65/Prev 192802/Root 896 0 R/Size 918/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream That is my strategy., Im not a career politician. (Grant Linton/CBC News) Michael Thompson is not disqualified from running for re-election even though he is facing criminal charges, according to the City of Toronto. A new study concludes a few pregnant women in Canada are passing HIV to their babies, despite the fact that this country has all the tools needed to stop it from happening. The name Selecta is a misnomer. If you ask Hansie Daniel what hes hearing when he knocks on doors, hell tell you that Ward 21 residents are tired of the incumbent councillor. All rights reserved. Barry first confirmed earlier this week the longtime Scarborough councillor was facing two counts of sexual assault. Selecta Philippines. With dismal voter turnout and a third term for Tory, the citys election presented some expected resultsand a few big surprises. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. Newly re-elected Toronto councillor Michael Thompsons first appearance on sex assault charges in Ontario cottage country court lasted about a minute Tuesday. Its ice cream was well-known for its creaminess, authentic flavors, and unique gold can packaging. The OPP said it will not be releasing further details in order to protect the identity of the victims. Those charges now hang over the race in Ward 21. He also chaired the citys economic and community development committee. While a framework prevention law has existed for CEGEPs and universities since 2017, primary and secondary schools had been left out. presentation-ready copies of Toronto Star content for distribution Mr. Hes been around for such a long time, and the fact that I cant really put my finger on stuff that he has done, it kind of made me feel, Lets give somebody else a shot.. To order 895 0 obj <> endobj Saturday during summer-like weekend, 2 wildfires burn west of Edmonton, evacuation order expected to last into Monday. Pick up 2 cartons of Signature SELECT Ice Cream for just $1.49 each with a new Just for U Digital Coupon this weekend only through May 24th. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. His lawyer says Thompson will plead not guilty to the charges. Netflix Original Flavors. The lawyer who was acting on behalf of city councillor Michael Thompson when he was charged in a sexual assault investigation has stepped away from the case. After an investigation, the Muskoka Crime Unit of the OPP charged Thompson, 62, with two counts of sexual assault. In July, Thompson was staying at the property when a woman claims the councillor sexually assaulted her. Toronto Star articles, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com, Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the, Lawyer representing Toronto councillor Michael Thompson in sex assault case steps away, Toronto councillor Michael Thompson charged with sexual assault, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star He is running for re-election in Ward 21 Scarborough Centre. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. In a news release issued Friday, the Ontario Provincial Police confirmed that Thompson is facing two counts of sexual assault after a report was filed this month alleging sexual assaults had taken place at a private residence. Web4,978 Followers, 796 Following, 2,396 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Michael Thompson (@councillor_thompson) Canoeing expert shares pointers heading into camping season, Investment coming to Canada because of stronger population growth: Trudeau, Ontario pledges $500M investment in Volkswagen EV battery plant: Ford, Ontario attorney general explains community justice centres, Ontario municipal election 2022: Michael Thompson re-elected councillor in Scarborough Centre, Ford talks Science Centre move to Ontario Place, plans for old space, New bill gives Ford government authority to sell underused schools in Ontario for housing, Ontario ombudsman report exposes failures in Indigenous youth care, Police investigating alleged hate-motivated attack at Markham mosque, Hydro Quebec working around the clock to restore power after severe spring storm, Transit Union claims Ford government doesnt give a damn about TTC safety issues, Ontario NDP calls for public safety zones for drag performances, LGBTQ2S+ community, No planning grant for new Whitby hospital in provincial budget, completely unacceptable, Photo with Trudeau sparks online hate for Durham Mental Health Advocate, $15 million from TTC reserve fund to go towards boosting security, Edmonton police funeral procession leaves Alberta legislature, Aurora Borealis dances across night skies in southern and central Ontario, Ontario announces new health-care funding, including $200 million to address staffing shortages, Ontario budget: Province expects $1.3B deficit, set to post surplus in a year, Ontario MP Han Dong stepping down from Liberal Caucus, Mendicino responds after Ford denies abandoning Ottawa during Freedom Convoy protests, Ontario PC MPP removed from position following 2019 election interference allegations, Winter storm brings heavy snow to southern Ontario, Ontario facing health care funding shortfall: FAO, Police investigate stabbing death of man in downtown Toronto, Ont. I think the voters will be judging Michael Thompson in 2026 on these charges, they wont be judging him now because we dont know the facts., Brian Cheung, the community member who has been unhappy with Thompsons leadership long before the allegations came to light, isnt optimistic about change coming to Ward 21 this election. endstream endobj startxref Vadivelu says he got no response from Thompsons office. That is the thinking they have. According to an analysis of the 2018 municipal election by the Association of Municipal Ontario, voter turnout in the 2018 municipal election was 38.3 percent, the lowest it had ever been since 1982. Ongoing coverage of Torontos 2022 municipal election. doorbell camera captures stunning timelapse of thundersnow storm, What to expect with a major winter storm set to hit southern Ontario, Toronto city councillor charged with sexual assault, lawyer says. (Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia), Councillor Michael Thompson (L) huddles with Mayor John Tory at a March 7 committee meeting. Contactless delivery and your first delivery is free! Two weeks ago, Vadivelus campaign wasnt on anybodys political radar. We taste-tested 50 store-bought flavors, from chocolate ice cream to caramel cookie crunch, in the GH Test Kitchen to pick the best ice creams for dessert. When she found work in Canada, Mr. Thompson and his siblings met her in Scarborough, where they planted roots and he and his wife now raise their family. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. Ontario Provincial Police have laid a charge in the crash which sent CTV News Kitchener reporter Stephanie Villella to hospital with life-threatening injuries earlier this year. Regulators seized troubled First Republic Bank early Monday and sold all of its deposits and most of its assets to JPMorgan Chase Bank in a bid to head off further banking turmoil in the U.S. Wilson Garcia, whose son and wife were among the five people killed by their neighbour in rural Texas, says the gunman seemed intent on killing everyone. 7,753 talking about this. Two men from southern Ontario pleaded guilty to shooting a moose standing on a road north of Thunder Bay in 2021. Nobody wants him, says Daniel. Vancouver Fire Rescue Services is now deeming a fire that broke out inside the Kitsilano Showboat last weekend suspicious. He was first elected to city council in 2003. Get our latest stories delivered to your inbox. He says the incumbent is a known figure in Toronto, and even across the province, so his popularity makes the news hard to ignore. He covers public transit, the politics of transportation, road safety, and other related issues. I knew they werent going to help me. According to city documents, Thompsons jaunt to Turkey was paid for by the Consulate of Turkey. A man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries and a driver has been arrested after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in downtown London, Ont. early Sunday morning. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. All of his proposals, he notes, are for changes he knows will make a difference in his community. They cost taxpayers $4,449 altogether. The Toronto Local Appeal Body which was formed in 2017 and hears appeals on committee of adjustment matters has a slew of municipal lawyers on it. Barry also told media the alleged victims in the case are two adult women. I said, I live in your ward, and this is whats happening to me, he says. Toronto city councillor is charged with two counts of sexual assault By Ben Spurr, Betsy Powell Toronto Star Oct 4, 2022 The lawyer representing a Toronto city councillor who is facing sexual assault charges has stepped away from the case, one day after the allegations came to light. In addition to promoting Torontos business interests, Thompson, who is councils sole Black member, has championed policies to combat racism within city government, and was a vocal opponent of police carding. And some predict turnout could be even lower this year. Select a product type: Ice Cream Pints. Longtime Toronto councillor Michael Thompson has been charged in connection with a sexual assault investigation. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free), Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. WebMichael Thompson for US Congress - Vote Thompson 2022 United States Congress Chicago Ilinois First District. Students overwhelmingly have faced sexual violence on campus and off campus, and that affects everything.. LEVY: Councillor Michael Thompson hit by the travel bug on your dime, DEAR ABBY: Ex-girlfriend believes she wasn't cheating, Katy Perry will be temporarily replaced by big-name star on 'American Idol', SIMMONS ON MAPLE LEAFS: Firing Kyle Dubas and Sheldon Keefe? Vision. He believes in a city like Toronto, public transit should be free, and is advocating for defunding the police and reinvesting in city programs and resources. Edward Gainey defeated incumbent Bill Peduto, Tony Moreno, and Michael Thompson in the Democratic primary for Mayor of Pittsburgh on May 18, 2021. I tried to reach Thompson through e-mails and calls to his office to ask whether hed penned any reports to council on the value-added of his trips. The force is asking for anyone who has information related to the investigation to come forward. They say, Why would I bother to go and vote in this election at all? I didnt see any chance of change here in Scarborough Centre, says Cheung. Theyre saying he did nothing for the ward, hes traveling all over the world, and hes spending money on something else. Daniel says residents are also complaining about a lack of development in the area and limited recreational facilities, something he says hes experienced first hand as an avid cricket player. Thompson was one of the deputy mayors and a member of Mayor John Torys executive committee. Cheung, who most recently provided administrative support for a wine and spirits importer, says the councillor is often in the news for his role as ambassador for the night economy or larger city events, and not issues that are specific to the ward. He reached out to the Landlord and Tenant Board for assistance. An investigation by The Local using FOI requests, city-wide speeding data, and analysis of council minutes, reveals a system that makes wealthy downtown neighbourhoods safer while leaving lower-income inner-suburban communities to fend for themselves. While Dhillon was asked to resign from his position as councillor, he has denied the allegations and refused to step down. Thompson has denied the allegations and his lawyers have said that Thompson will plead not guilty. When it comes to popular products from Selecta Philippines, Cookies And Cream Ice Cream 1.4L, Creamdae Supreme Brownie Ala Mode & Cookie Crumble 1.3L and Double Dutch Ice Cream 1.4L are among the most preferred collections. The organizations didnt immediately return a request for comment last Friday. In a statement following the news of his charges, Tory said the councillor had agreed to step down from those positions. One example is Councillor Gurpreet Singh Dhillon in Brampton who was found to have engaged in unnecessary, unwelcome, and unwanted sexual touching of a woman in her hotel room while on an official trip with the Canadian Turkish Business Council in November 2019. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings. And I still do too, even though Ive since returned to my home state of Montana. Ian Lord, a specialist in municipal planning law, took home $106,792 for his efforts last year. When asked about his strategy to court voters, Hansie says hes simply advocating for new blood for Ward 21, even if it isnt his. Addressing a crowd of his supporters after being re-elected as councillor in Scarborough Centre on Monday, Michael Thompson acknowledged his family as his rock during difficult and challenging times. Having already served as city councillor for 19 years, he has been charged in connection with a sexual assault investigation in the Muskoka region, with his next court date coming up in November. Its better to give a chance to new people, not necessarily me. With more cream, every bite is smooth, and dreamy. And during this campaigns, he does the same thing. Daniel says you can feel that apathy across the ward. He left that interaction feeling good. Theyve brought new attention to Vavidelu and the four other challengers, none of whom have large public profiles, who are wondering if theyll be able to make a dent in Thompsons long-standing electoral success. A year-end expense report, which was on the executive committee agenda last week, shows that Councillor Michael Thompsons jet-setting cost taxpayers $30,000 in 2018. To order copies of Provincial police are searching the shoreline and water at Bass Lake in Oro-Medonte for a man reported missing who had gone fishing and didn't return. That doesnt include two staffers from the mayors office who accompanied him Vic Gupta and Emily Hillstrom. Throughout the years, Selecta Ice Cream has proven in the market that its a successful ice cream brand in the Philippines. 'As soon as that call came in, were obligated to assist,' he said. kidzania new york opening date, plumpton college term dates 2021, does bob costas have parkinson's disease,