We can now add the Toronto Blue Jays, Porter Airlines and a strip club, among others, to the list of G20 claimants. The Jays are seeking almost half a million dollars from the federal government for having to shift a number of games to Philadelphia during the G20 summit. Porter is asking for over a million dollars from the government. And Zanzibar apparently lost out on a few patrons too, prompting a claim of over $10,000. All claims are assessed by Audit Services Canada to ensure they meet compensation criteria. Foreign Affairs said it expected to complete work on more than half of the files by late this week.

An email from a campaign worker for Etobicoke Conservative candidate, Ted Opitz, prompted a counter-rally of people dressed in so-called "ethnic costumes" last night. Apparently the worker said he was looking for people to create a "photo-op about all the multicultural groups that support Ted Opitz our local Conservative candidate and the Prime Minister." And of course to look multi-cultural, one must wear a "national folklore costume." Optiz said the email was written without his knowledge and that he doesn't support it. Prime Minister Stephen Harper called the story "bizarre."

Bob Barker is coming on down to Toronto today to convince the Toronto Zoo to send elephants Toka, Thika and Iringa to new homes in the U.S. The animal activist and former "Price is Right" host says he'll spend some of his own money to help move the elephants to a sanctuary in a warmer climate and one where they'll have more space. For the last three years, the zoo has debated whether to close the elephant exhibit or spend $40 million on upgrades. A vote is planned for May 12.

I'm sure parents are happy to hear this. The University of Western in London Ontario has been named "North America's 4th best party school," by Playboy magazine, singling out its epic bashes for St. Patrick's Day and Halloween. Western was the only Canadian school to make the top 10. Students are more thrilled about the recognition than the staff, who've been trying to shake the school's party image since the '90s.

IN BRIEF:

• Activists say view of Queen's Park endangered by condos
• Ontario 20 minute makeover takes place this afternoon
• Here's a reason to get involved: The Conservative Party has the sexiest followers

Photo by Christopher Brian's Photography in the blogTO Flickr pool.