OPG fires three top executives for overspending

The rich and creamy gravy train at the government power authority ran smack off the tracks today when three top executives were fired from the their cushy positions. The Ontario Power Generation was directed by the Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli to dismiss two vice presidents, internal audit and strategic initiatives, and the corporation’s chief financial officer. The action came on the same day that the provincial auditor, Bonnie Lysyk, released a report that condemned the OPG for a system of remuneration that is five times richer than the rest of the public sericie in Ontario. Compensation packages at OPG are “significantly more generous” than for comparable positions in the civil service, and have a financial impact on the cost of electricity.  Lysyk concluded citizens pay much more than they should for electricity because 62 percent of OPG staff make more than $100,000. Ms. Lysyk scores the OPG as a top-heavy bureaucracy of executives one of whom is said to have billed $392,000 in moving expenses. Talk about the careless use of other Peoples Money. The top five OPG executives would be eligible for annual pensions of up to $760,000 when they retire. Lysyk also found that OPG is rife with nepotism. The auditor discovered about 12 per cent of OPG employees — or 1,400 staffers — reside at 700 addresses “indicating that they were most likely family members.”  

Postal deadlines looming for Christmas delivery

The deadline for sending parcels within Canada by Regular Parcel Post the is end of tomorrow (Wednesday, December 11. 2013).  Other mailing deadlines to get presents in the mail in time for Christmas are listed here.

Holiday cards:
Dec. 19 for local delivery
Dec. 18 for delivery in the same province
Dec. 17 for delivery to another province
Holiday cards to the U.S.:
Dec. 13 for delivery to any U.S. state
Holiday packages within Canada:
Dec. 23 with Priority shipping
Dec. 20 with Xpresspost shipping
Dec. 11 with regular parcel shipping
Holiday packages to the U.S.
Dec. 20 with Priority shipping
Dec. 17 with Xpresspost shipping
Dec. 10 with regular parcel shipping

Local flags fly at half staff to honour Mandela

The flag at Maurice Cody Public School and other area schools belonging to the Toronto and District School Board are flying at half staff this week to honour Nelson Mandela. Mandela, in addition to his heroic accomplishments in nation building, an honourary citizen of Canada. 

Russians say the U.S. made Canada claim Arctic

Pravda says U.S. is behind Canada’s claim on the Arctic.  Pravda

Rob Ford slurs reporter but offers no proof

Rob Ford has intimated that a Toronto Star reporter is a pedophile without offering any proof that this might be true. He did so in the interview with Conrad Black which played yesterday on Vision TV. The interview is being widely condemned for this, and for Mr,.Black’s servile conduct. The interview, even without Mr Ford’s astonishing accusation against the reporter, is evidence of the judgement  made here some days ago about the doubtful value of providing a platform to this disgraced man.  It must surely be an embarrassment for Mr Black, a notoriously proud man who likes to trade on his intellect, and for Vision TV, to have been associated with such a worthless event. Global  Mostly Media 

Crombie warns of “a very large” island airport

Former Mayor David Crombie has told a meeting of No Jets TO supporters Monday night that there should be no doubt about the ultimate outcome if Porter Airlines is allowed to operate jets out of Billy Bishop Airport on Toronto Island. Mr. Crombie said that it was inevitable that many other airlines like Air Canada and West Jet would reasonably expect to use the airport too and that what any expansion represented was the creation of a very large airport. Other speakers included former mayor David Miller. The meeting was held at the OISE auditorium on Bloor Street. 

“Holy Freakin’ Moly” says snow angels witness

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Old enemies are mellow en route to South Afrrica

Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien and Prime Minister Harper are feeling mellow as they dine together on the way to the services for Nelson Mandela. The aircraft, known as RCAF One, also carried Brian Mulroney and Kim Campbell.  Picture courtesy PMO. 

Pet licenses now sold at THS and particpating vets

Toronto residents can now purchase or renew their dog or cat licence at the Toronto Humane Society and participating veterinarians across the city. Licences will still be sold at the four Toronto Animal Services’ shelters and on the City’s website through the e-Pet portal. In accordance with Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 349, all dog and cat owners in the City of Toronto must purchase a licence for their pet. Recent estimates show that only 30 per cent of dogs and 10 per cent of cats in the City of Toronto are licensed. City of Toronto.  

Rash of break-ins west of Avenue Road

A rash of break-ins west of Avenue Road may be related to illegal “Christmas shopping”. Police say there has been an entry on Roselawn Avenue on December 5, 2013 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m by forcing a door. Removed was quantity of jewellery, cash and personal identification.  In the Avenue Road and  Roselawn area there was a theft by unknown entry of a PlayStation. In the 400 block of Lytton Blvd during a  brief absence from the home during the ten o’clock hour, someone forced a door and took jewellery and cash. And there was a break-in on Chaplin Crescent this weekend between 7 p.m.Friday and 5 a.m. Saturday. A window was forced and jewellery, computers, an iPod touch, video camera and a purse were taken

Friday evening break-in on Blythwood Road

TPS report — A resident of Blythwood Road reports that on December 6, 2013 between 1740 and 2130 hours, entry was gained into the premises by forcing a window. Removed was a quantity of jewellery, computers, personal accessories and household articles.

Toyota clocks 998,000 km and runs fine

Toyota is taking pride in the longevity of a 2001 Corolla (inset) which currently sits on display having logged 998,000 km doing a daily commute between Brampton and Orangeville. It belonged to Rajah Sellathurai, a driving instructor from Brampton and Toyota loyalist since coming to Canada from his native India. After numerous Toyotas graced Rajah’s driveway and driving school, he bought a new 2001 Corolla CE and has held on to it until recently when he traded it in for a 2013 model. This story and the tale of the well-preserved 1966 Corona (also inset) are great for a company’s reputation for reliability. The Corona is a very well-kept number sold in 2009 for U.S.$35,000. It would fetch a good deal more today. The Toyota’s value is reflective of a new Japanese collector car industry.