Morning Brew: Freelance journalist files complaint against Mayor Ford's expenses, police chief Bill Blair cuts top brass, TDSB says Muslim prayers to continue in school, more Toronto couples saying "I do" with unique rings, and the Jays beat the Indians
Another week, another complaint against Mayor Rob Ford's expenses - or in this case, lack thereof. Jude MacDonald, a local freelance journalist, has filed a complaint against the mayor's office expenses, citing her belief that Ford's claims are "suspiciously" low. If you think the mayor is just being his thrifty self, MacDonald also said some of the claims made were incomplete, raising "questions about what's happening in his office" - which is something I think we've all pretty much questioned at one time or another.
In an attempt to slash costs, police chief Bill Blair is going where no police chief has gone before in a very long time: he plans to cut up to 10 per cent of his top brass, including Inspectors and Staff Superintendents, by September. The deal, which is basically a voluntary early-retirement for most, would end up saving the force $2.8-million a year. The offer is also extended to six civilian managers. Blair said the cuts were done so the force could maintain their front-line policing officers, but that there were more cuts to be made.
The Toronto District School Board has finally broken its silence regarding the rights of Muslim students to have their midday Islamic prayers in their public schools. Through a statement issued Friday, TDSB director of education Chris Spence, said Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms "supersedes" the Ontario Education Act, and that Toronto's school board has a "responsibility and an obligation" to accommodate students' faith needs.
When you go to your third or fourth wedding this season, don't be surprised if you see something a little different when the bride and groom exchange rings. It seems that a lot of Toronto couples are opting out of the traditional gold ring tradition and going for something "alternative," like rings made out of titanium, tungsten, plastics, and even wood. Some couples say they want something unique, but I'm sure the high price of gold doesn't help matters either.
IN BRIEF:
Photo by southofbloor in the blogTO Flickr pool.
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