In the week leading up to the 16th Annual AIDS Conference in Toronto, some of the major headlines included the following:

- The Canadian government gets a failing report card and some much deserved harsh words from Stephen Lewis, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. We're not delivering on promises, and we need to cut through the red tape now.

- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation made an unprecedented $500 Million donation to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. Anyone care to volunteer to do some cold-calling for donations from these folks?

- Backlash at Canadian Prime Minister Harper and his decision not to attend the AIDS2006 Conference continues, with more delegates voicing their opinions and concerns.

- Ontario's chief medical officer Dr. Sheela Basrur reveals that the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to rise in Ontario, with large increases in the female population.

The conference starts with the much anticipated opening ceremonies on Sunday evening, and runs until August 18th. Watch for more coverage on blogTO next week.