Too bad, he isnt going this year. 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. Thompson will be fighting the case "vigorously," Barry said, adding the allegations were made by two women. 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. Councillor Michael Thompson on Twitter: "Special thanks to Lead Aryan Brotherhood Michael Thompson Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. The Torontonians: Michael Thompson has big plans for his Toronto will be a sponsor of the conference, although Peat said that amount has yet to be determined. 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. On Friday, a spokesperson for Centennial College said that earlier that day Thompson had also tendered his resignation from the schools board of governors. I think he might have a few percentage points knocked off, but I still think hes going to win by a majority.. 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 hb```'(gTL>oC,UB='16v;=nvvvvD,q0t4 sGcC3I06h04(ut0w0Yt4p04x4Xp 0g`9~sl+<>H>jS95rQ H001h>AT1 kPK WebRelationship Between Councillor Thompson and Albert Gasparro Councillor Thompson is a long-time friend of one of the Applicant's principals, Albert Gasparro. Candidate Tracker is your go-to place for fact-checked biographies and head-to-head analyses of all Ward 21 council and trustee candidates. In-depth features on the issues at stake, hyper-local coverage of competitive ward races across the city, and a Candidate Tracker tool to keep you informed this fall. The Public Service Alliance of Canada has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Treasury Board covering more than 120,000 federal government workers across the country. Thompson was a member of Tory's executive committee and the chair of Toronto's Economic and Community Development Committee. The former prosecutor, who specializes in impaired driving cases, did not indicate who will now represent Thompson. Use of this Website assumes acceptance of Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy, Stay up to date on the latest, breaking news, Queen Street closure for nearly 5 years starts today. 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. Toronto councillor Michael Thompson makes first court Thompson also accompanied the mayor on a two-day film business mission in April of last year, spending $1,373 on that. But any other new face for this ward. councillor Michael According to Vadivelu, Thompson told him to call his office and they would see what they could to help him. Toronto police board, councillor stand down 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. 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. His lawyer says Thompson will plead not guilty to the charges. 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(Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia), Councillor Michael Thompson (L) huddles with Mayor John Tory at a March 7 committee meeting. 0 Michael Thompson (Pennsylvania) - Ballotpedia Despite Thompsons large margin of victory last election, some voters say they have been ready for a change in leadership for years. Newly re-elected Toronto councillor Michael Thompsons first appearance on sex assault charges in Ontario cottage country court lasted about a minute Tuesday. After a complaint was filed in September, police began Not anymore, LILLEY: Three years after Trudeau's gun ban, nothing has changed, Councillor Michael Thompson in Toronto on Friday, July 27, 2018. Thompson could not be immediately reached for comment by the Star. Selecta Philippines. There must have been a heckuva lot of showcasing to do since former councillor Michelle Holland joined him, spending $9,234 doing so. Toronto's Deputy Mayor and Ward 21 City Councillor Michael Thompson is publicly backtracking after tweeting support for the opening of a Chick-fil-A franchise in his ward. Of Torontos 26-member city council, Michael Thompson is the only Black man and Black person elected to govern. He is running for re-election in Ward 21 Scarborough Centre. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. Thompson is currently Torontos only Black councillor. After an investigation, the Muskoka Crime Unit of the OPP charged Thompson, 62, with two counts of sexual assault. Toronto lawyer Jennifer Brevorka, appearing on Thompsons behalf via zoom, said she received disclosure late Monday afternoon. His close ties with Thompson were the reason for his resignation from the case, saying he would not be objective enough to carry out his duties as a lawyer. A controversial supportive housing project on Cummer Avenue has become a point of contention between the three lead candidates hoping to lead Ward 18. With more cream, every bite is smooth, and dreamy. expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto Start shopping with Instacart now to get products, on-demand. Meanwhile, the report also shows some pretty high payments to certain nominees to Toronto agencies, boards and commissions. He was first elected in the 2003 Toronto municipal election. Toronto councillor Michael Thompson charged with sexual assault Residents in Calgary's Martindale community are shaken after a brazen daylight shooting on Saturday afternoon that left one dead and two others injured. He served on the Toronto Police Services Board from 2010 to 2014. He says the councillor has maintained success during elections by building personal relationships with community members. 'As soon as that call came in, were obligated to assist,' he said. Quebec and Ontario public health bodies are reminding residents that as the snow melts, ticks emerge. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. That trip cost taxpayers $5,230. rights reserved. With a field of barely recognizable challengers, where does that leave voters looking for something different? endstream endobj 896 0 obj <. After news of the charges broke on Thursday, Tory released a statement saying Thompson had agreed to step down as chair of councils economic development committee, a role that has seen him travel the world to attract business to the city, and to relinquish the title of deputy mayor, a largely ceremonial position. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. He was being threatened with eviction, despite the moratorium in place. Last week, Thompson, 62, easily recaptured Scarborough Centre (Ward 21), winning more votes (9,977) than the combined total (8,080) of the five other candidates. Quebec Solidaire (QS) is proposing new legislation with the aim to prevent and fight against sexual violence in schools. From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun. Instead, hes channelled his efforts into working on the campaigns of two candidates in neighbouring Scarborough wards. group home operator facing $60M proposed class-action lawsuit, WestJet cancels some flights in and out of Toronto Pearson International Airport as winter storm hits city, Hamilton, Ont. Two complainants are identified only by their initials in court records. 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 charges come just weeks before the Oct. 24 municipal election. Michael Thompson, Toronto councillor, charged with sexual In July, Thompson was staying at the property when a woman claims the councillor sexually assaulted her. Ontario municipal election 2022: Michael Thompson re-elected Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Thompson is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on Nov. 1. He was first elected to city council in 2003. For Vadivelu, who came to Canada at 16 years old as a refugee following civil unrest in Sri Lanka, housing is one of the first things on his agenda. (Nestle Ice Cream would be a distant second, ahead of Magnolia.) 895 0 obj <> endobj But the situation is what propelled him to run for city councillor in Ward 21 Scarborough Centre. The 36-year-old had been working as a security guard at Securitas Canada, responsible for bringing in the majority of the familys income. 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? councillor Vote Michael Thompson 2022 United States Congress Chicago Michael Thompson - Michael Thompson 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. They first met in 1984 when they worked together at New York Life Insurance Company, and they have remained in contact since that time, regardless of their changing roles and professions. Try our 7-Select Banana Cream Pie Pint, or our classic, 7-Select Butter Pecan Pie flavor. Police Scotland have confirmed that they will contact MP Michelle Thomson after she moved colleagues to tears in the Commons on Thursday when she revealed Those charges now hang over the race in Ward 21. Thompson is scheduled to appear in a Bracebridge court on Nov. 1. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. According to Barry, Thompson was notified of the allegations late last week and voluntarily attended an OPP detachment last Thursday to be charged. The role of deputy mayor is largely ceremonial. His cellphone voicemail was full and not taking more messages. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings. Less than a month later, from March 10-19, he jetted off to France, Turkey and the Netherlands to a real estate conference to apparently showcase Torontos real estate opportunities. And some predict turnout could be even lower this year. on Saturday, with some cities seeing temperatures upwards of 30 C, thanks to a ridge of high pressure anchored over the province, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. We encountered an issue signing you up. You have permission to edit this article. 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. An independent magazine exploring urban health and social issues in Toronto. A Vancouver woman claims she was the target of a rental scam and is sharing her story to help others avoid being duped. Ongoing coverage of Torontos 2022 municipal election. 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. He was an unknown candidate running against one of the longest serving councillors in the city. This is the first race for three of the five candidates running against Thomspon. 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. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. Ayub is running on a platform of lowering taxes, preventing crime, and creating a business-friendly environment to create more jobs in the ward. Councillor Michael Thompson The organizations didnt immediately return a request for comment last Friday. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Pint Slices. David McFadden, chairman of Toronto Hydro, took in $75,000 last year for a part-time gig. The amount Is Toronto city councillor Michael Thompson has been charged with two counts of sexual assault. A Toronto city councillor facing scrutiny over high travel expenses including a $900 a night stay at a Los Angeles hotel last year is defending his spending I understand there are several empty storefronts on King St., between Bathurst and Jarvis Sts. But Davis says there are examples of local politicians who have had to battle similar allegations, but still find success. courtesy of the pilot project he, Joe Cressy, the citys transportation bureaucrats and Mayor John Tory have supported which chases cars away from this once vibrant thoroughfare. Organizing a BIA for the Cedarbrae, Markham and Lawrence (CML) area wouldnt just promote and beautify local businesses it would also buck a trend. Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. Theres still little information about Thompsons case, which has yet to go to trial. Copyright 2023 Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. Cookie Dough Chunks. City councillor Michael Thompson facing 2 counts of sexual assault Thai Dillon Higashihara, vice president of the University of Torontos Scarborough Campus Students Union, says the group doesnt advocate for particular candidates but simply presents all candidates records on the issues to students for them to make an informed decision. 2020 was emblazoned with tragedies, heartache, anxiety and fear. In a city where incumbents win 9 out of ten times, Thompson was a lock. One example is Councillor Gurpreet Singh Dhillon in Brampton who was found to have engaged in unnecessary, unwelcome, and unwanted sexual touching of a Child Laurel was born on March 19 around the same time. To order When fighting broke out between the Sudanese military and a rival paramilitary group known as the RSF, Wajan Mohamed feared for her sister's safety. Explore your options below and pick out whatever fits your fancy. And while people dont have all the information, they do have questions. 917 0 obj <>stream When asked about his strategy to court voters, Hansie says hes simply advocating for new blood for Ward 21, even if it isnt his. Thompson stayed from Nov. 2-9, racking up a bill of $4,543. Newly re-elected Toronto councillor Michael Thompsons first appearance on sex assault charges in Ontario cottage country court lasted about a minute Tuesday. 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.. More rain is in the forecast for Ottawa as water levels on the Ottawa River remain high. Thompson has denied the allegations and his lawyers have said that Thompson will plead not guilty. To become the No. As well, he had not responded to a Scarborough Mirror request for comment, as of its mid-morning Tuesday press deadline. Products : Arizona Select Distribution is a highly-regarded wholesale food distributor that has been serving the state of Arizona since 1996. Thats what I say. When parents at the Viamonde school board became suspicious of the only two trustee candidates running in their ward, they investigated. Are they willing to back Thompsons campaign while they wait for the allegations to play out in court? The web summit was from April 30-May 3. He remains a city councillor. Fred Wondergem was captaining a fishing charter Saturday afternoon on Lake Huron when a distress call came over the maritime radio. I think hes probably tried to knock on every single door in the Scarborough Centre, says Wanless about Thompsons campaign strategy. For more than a year, Vadivelu went back and forth with the building management company, as his arrears ballooned to nearly $14,000. Vadivelu won his case against his landlord, and the threat of eviction ended. Police to investigate MP Michelle Thomsons rape allegation Find out how we went from sausages to iconic ice creams and ice lollies. City councillor Michael Thompson is in need of a new defence lawyer as he faces sexual assualt allegations. early Sunday morning. I knew they werent going to help me. He noted that 62-year-old Thompson has a court date on Nov. 1 in Bracebridge. A founding member of the Canadian rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Tim Bachman, has died. Now the by-election in Viamonde Ward 3 Centre has a crowded slate of eager candidates and an increase in voter enrollment. Michael Thompson is a Canadian politician who has been a Toronto city councillor since 2003. #WilmarHeightsBaptist #Scarborough #Toronto #Canada 23 Its ice cream so, you really cant go wrong. In March 2020, when the pandemic hit, Kiri Vadivelu lost his job. 1st District of Illinois. This episode was made in response to the arrest of Michael Thompson. 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. 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. Paul Beatty ran in 2018, and received just seven percent of the vote, and Luigi Lisciandro ran in 2014. Youve got a spoon, weve got an ice cream flavor to dunk it in. My political engagement comes in other forms. Lawyer for Toronto councillor Michael Thompson in sexual I didnt see any chance of change here in Scarborough Centre, says Cheung. Edward Gainey defeated incumbent Bill Peduto, Tony Moreno, and Michael Thompson in the Democratic primary for Mayor of Pittsburgh on May 18, 2021. All rights reserved. When Muhammad Ayub is out campaigning in Ward 21, he says the allegations against Thompson come up in conversation. I didnt even get the courtesy of an acknowledgement. David Wilson, a former director on the Rogers Communications board, made a whopping $180,000 last year to act as chairman of the GTAA. Im not looking for a career, Im looking for change in my community., Rob Davis, a former Toronto city councillor, says the chance of a political novice beating an incumbent like Thompson is very slim. He and co-defendant Eric Hutchins, 45, are accused of taking advantage of at least 16 people last year as the state Employment Development Department was handing out money to help those whose jobs were lost because of business closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Toronto city councillor Michael Thompson has been charged with two counts of sexual assault. Vadivelu says he got no response from Thompsons office. Davis, who has known Thompson since he was an assistant to Councillor Lorenzo Berardinetti, says racialized voters who have a longstanding relationship with Thompson are likely to stick with him, especially if they feel like he is being treated unfairly by the media when it comes to coverage of his legal issues. 1 ice cream company in the Philippines and in Asia. Get email updates from your favourite authors. The Ontario Provincial Police arrested Thompson on Sept. 29 and charged him with assaults that allegedly occurred separately on July 3 and July 4 in the Township of Muskoka Lakes. 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 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. Tory cost taxpayers $1,716 for his stay from Nov. 3-6 and Eby spent $2,887 for his Nov. 3-7 stay. All Rights Reserved. %%EOF hbbd``b`W@5`U4A 2@"b``$/@ Coun. 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. Before resigning as Thompsons lawyer, he told CTV News Toronto that the councillor plans to plead not guilty and will put up a vigorous defence.. Its better to give a chance to new people, not necessarily me. By then, his wife was pregnant, and the threat of being homeless with a newborn weighed heavily on him. The federal government stops evacuation flights out of Sudan, royal watchers prepare for a shorter and smaller coronation, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are headed to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2004. 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Vision. New Brunswick's Crown energy corporation says it has cut ties with a private instructor after one of its trucks was filmed driving into a federal public service picket and pushing someone down the street. CP24 has reached out to Thompson for comment but has not heard back. In July, Thompson was staying at the property when a woman claims the councillor sexually assaulted her. 2023 Toronto Sun, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Our ice cream simply tastes better because its made better. His lawyer says Thompson will plead not guilty to the charges. Toronto councillor explains why he stayed at a $900/night hotel in Id be remiss if I didnt mention the efforts by Thompson and the mayor to attract the Collision (tech) conference to Toronto this May. Thompson faces two counts of sex assault relating to two separate incidents that allegedly took place in Muskoka this past summer. Thompson was one of the deputy mayors and a member of Mayor John Torys executive committee. In a statement following the news of his charges, Tory said the councillor had agreed to step down from those positions. 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. By supporting The Local, you're contributing to the future of local journalismin-depth, smart, human. Fire officials confirmed the fire started in the garage and spread partially to the home. councillor Michael Thompson