Ontario-Update

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(Ont-UofT-Encampment)

The University of Toronto has given student protesters 24 hours to consider a deal as it seeks to end a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus.

The university announced its proposal to protesters yesterday but said it will not end any partnerships with Israeli universities as demonstrators have demanded.

It says it will form a working group to consider options for the disclosure of its investments and will give students an opportunity to present their demands on divestment.

In exchange, the university says students need to clear the encampment that was set up on May 2nd and not establish any new ones.

Protesters have been calling on the university to cut its ties with Israel over the ongoing war in Gaza.

(The Canadian Press)

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(Ont-Grassy-Narrows)

Experts with Ontario's Environment Ministry are reviewing a report that suggests industrial waste from a paper mill is making mercury contamination worse in the waters of the Grassy Narrows First Nation.

A ministry spokesman says the experts will meet with the study's lead researcher and Indigenous communities next week.

Researchers from Western University say that while the wastewater from the Dryden mill doesn't contain mercury, the sulphate and organic matter in it contribute to the elevated production of methylmercury in the Wabigoon River.

They say that also leads to high levels of methylmercury in fish.

Methylmercury is the most toxic form of mercury.

(The Canadian Press)

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(Ont-TTC)

The union representing about 12-thousand operators and other front-line staff at the Toronto Transit Commission has set a strike date of June 7th in the middle of current contract negotiations.

The date was announced yesterday just hours after Ontario's top court upheld the right of T-T-C workers to strike.

The Court of Appeal for Ontario dismissed an appeal by the provincial government of a lower court ruling that had declared a law eliminating the workers' right to strike unconstitutional.

The union says the Appeal Court decision is a historic win for working people.

(The Canadian Press)

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(Ont-Drivers-Licence)

Newcomers to Ontario who need to exchange their driver's licence for a provincial one can now book an appointment to do so online.

The government says 15 DriveTest locations across the province are now offering appointments.

It says new residents have 60 days to exchange an out-of-province or international driver’s licence for an Ontario licence.

Those with a valid driver’s licence from countries with reciprocal licence agreements like the United States, Great Britain and Japan don't have to take a test to make the switch.

(The Canadian Press)

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(Oshawa-Sexual-Assault)

A former restaurant manager in Oshawa is facing multiple sexual assault charges related to alleged workplace incidents.

Police say in March, two people reported being sexually assaulted at their workplace.

They say the accused was working as a manager at a One Eyed Jack location on Taunton Road West at the time.

Investigators say he may now be working in other restaurants.

(The Canadian Press)

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(Ottawa-Geese-Cruelty)

Two Canada geese in Ottawa and their two babies have been relocated due to safety concerns.

Police say they were called Wednesday morning on reports of animal cruelty.

They say Canada geese had laid eggs and it appeared someone had stomped on one of the hatched babies a day earlier.

Police say they continue to investigate.

(The Canadian Press)

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(Ontario Update by The Canadian Press)

The Canadian Press