Source: Toronto Star
MPPs worry they'll face voter wrath over higher power costs from Samsung accord
There is mounting anger within the Liberal caucus over Premier Dalton McGuinty's decision to award a $7 billion green-energy deal to a South Korean consortium, sources told the Star.
MPPs, who were advised on a conference call that the controversial accord with Samsung C&T and Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) would be proceeding, complain they had no input on an arrangement.
The deal, signed Thursday, will increase ratepayers' hydro bills and critics say it will undermine domestic renewable energy producers.
"This thing was just presented as a fait accompli," said one Liberal privy to the 40-minute call last Tuesday, which was chaired by two senior McGuinty aides.
"It's the same goddamned thing as on the HST," the MPP said, referring to the way the 13 per cent harmonized sales tax was foisted upon the Liberal caucus last March after McGuinty and Prime Minister Stephen Harper had agreed to meld the 8 per cent provincial sales tax with the 5 per cent federal GST.
"The sense around the place is that it's just one-man rule. The morale in caucus is lower than a gutter snake in a puddle on a back country road."
At issue is the fact that the South Korean consortium will receive an "economic development adder" – an incentive over and above the generous premium already paid to green-energy producers.
That subsidy, announced Thursday, will be worth $437 million over the 25-year life of the deal to build wind turbines and solar equipment in Ontario. The Liberals say it will create 1,440 manufacturing positions at four factories and lead to a total of 16,000 new jobs.
But Liberal MPPs are concerned they will face the wrath of constituents because the cost of the deal will be paid through higher hydro bills – about $1.60 per household a year.
"People are cranked up enough about the HST being on energy bills (when it takes effect July 1) and we're worried (the opposition Progressive Conservatives and New Democrats) will spin this as yet another increase on your energy bill – even if it's only $1.60," another Liberal said.
"It just drives (constituents) crazy; it's a little bit here and a little bit there."
Even Liberals who support the premier's initiative as a shrewd move in difficult economic times are unhappy with the way the accord was rolled out.
"We just want to give him some small-p political advice because we're only 20 months away from the (election) campaign," said a Liberal.
"People were pissed off that there was no chance to discuss this. Zero. We didn't get to talk about the pros and the cons. (The premier's office) basically said: `Here are the talking points; end of story.'"
The Star has previously revealed that several senior ministers advised McGuinty against the Samsung/KEPCO deal at a rancorous Oct. 28 cabinet meeting, where George Smitherman, who was then energy and infrastructure minister, defended it.
Smitherman – who negotiated the contract in South Korea and made it the cornerstone of the Liberals' Green Energy Act pledge to create 50,000 green-collar jobs over the next three years – has since left provincial politics to run for mayor of Toronto.
Along with concerned hydro ratepayers, some MPPs are already hearing from domestic green-energy producers shut out of what Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak has dubbed "a sweetheart deal."
"People are ticked. They want to know why Ontario companies couldn't get this," a Liberal said.
"We're afraid it's going to blow up in our faces – just like the HST."
But in Ottawa on Friday, McGuinty defended the setting aside of scarce transmission capacity for the South Korean consortium – ahead of Ontario renewable energy producers vying for the same access to the grid.
"I was thinking last night that it's a wonderful thing that people here in Ontario are fighting for access to our feed-in tariff program. I haven't heard of such interest in California or Texas or Michigan," the premier said.
"This is the place in North America where you want to be to build new clean, green, renewable energy."
critter cartoon
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Toronto constable charged in alleged restaurant assault
Source: National Post
By Meghan Housley, National Post
A Toronto police officer has been charged with assault after a dispute outside a Don Mills restaurant.
The officer met a man outside a restaurant in the York Mills-Upjohn Road area on Monday, police said in a release today. It is alleged that the off-duty officer then assaulted the man.
Const. Gary Gould, 28, has been with the Toronto Police Service for seven years and is currently with 33 Division. He has been charged with assault causing bodily harm and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 23 at the Toronto East Courthouse at 1911 Eglinton Ave. East.
By Meghan Housley, National Post
A Toronto police officer has been charged with assault after a dispute outside a Don Mills restaurant.
The officer met a man outside a restaurant in the York Mills-Upjohn Road area on Monday, police said in a release today. It is alleged that the off-duty officer then assaulted the man.
Const. Gary Gould, 28, has been with the Toronto Police Service for seven years and is currently with 33 Division. He has been charged with assault causing bodily harm and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 23 at the Toronto East Courthouse at 1911 Eglinton Ave. East.
OPP Commissioned Officers support Fantino
Source: CNW Group
ORILLIA, ON, Jan. 21 /CNW/ - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Commissioned Officers Association (COA) pledged its continued support for Commissioner Julian Fantino.
"The COA overwhelmingly voiced their support for the strong leadership that Commissioner Fantino has provided to the OPP for the past three years, often during very difficult situations," said Mike Armstrong, President of the COA. "The Commissioner's unwavering commitment to the safety of his officers and the public are to be commended.
"Commissioner Fantino's devotion to his people and to the citizens of Ontario has earned him an international reputation as a leader with vision and a deep understanding of policing issues," added Armstrong. "The COA will continue to support the Commissioner in his mandate to ensure the safety and security of Ontarians."
For further information: Mike Armstrong, President, (705) 329-7401
ORILLIA, ON, Jan. 21 /CNW/ - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Commissioned Officers Association (COA) pledged its continued support for Commissioner Julian Fantino.
"The COA overwhelmingly voiced their support for the strong leadership that Commissioner Fantino has provided to the OPP for the past three years, often during very difficult situations," said Mike Armstrong, President of the COA. "The Commissioner's unwavering commitment to the safety of his officers and the public are to be commended.
"Commissioner Fantino's devotion to his people and to the citizens of Ontario has earned him an international reputation as a leader with vision and a deep understanding of policing issues," added Armstrong. "The COA will continue to support the Commissioner in his mandate to ensure the safety and security of Ontarians."
For further information: Mike Armstrong, President, (705) 329-7401
Ontario's green deal raises ire of energy developers
Source: Globe and mail
KAREN HOWLETT
TORONTO — From Friday's Globe and Mail
Published on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 12:00AM EST
Last updated on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 3:12AM EST
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is reaching half way around the globe to fast track the creation of North America's first green-energy manufacturing sector, in a bid to make the province the go-to place for parts suppliers, equipment designers and operators.
His government signed a $7-billion deal yesterday with a consortium led by South Korean industrial giant Samsung Group that will cost every electricity customer in the province an extra $1.60 a year on their bill for 25 years.
The centrepiece of the project is an investment in enough wind and solar electricity to light up more than 580,000 homes in the province.
But the plan also calls for reaching beyond Ontario by having Samsung anchor a cluster of companies that will export clean electricity to the burgeoning green-energy market in North America.
It's the biggest bet on green energy ever made in Canada, Mr. McGuinty said yesterday.
"[Samsung] can do something rather extraordinary here, which is put in place almost immediately critical mass of manufacturing capacity."
The deal is the modern day version of an earlier, $500-million fund the government used to attract $7-billion in auto investments to Ontario. But with the auto sector hit hard by the global economic recession, Mr. McGuinty is now counting on green energy to create jobs in the province's battered manufacturing heartland.
"We're trying to lay the foundation here for new economic growth in Ontario," he said.
However, the move raised the ire of energy developers and opposition members, who argued that Samsung is getting a sweetheart deal. Mr. McGuinty is luring the company to the province with financial incentives over and above the generous guaranteed revenue stream his government pays green-energy companies.
Samsung will receive $437-million in incentive payments over the 25-year life of the deal if it fulfills its obligation to create 16,000 jobs. This will be done, in part, by having Samsung woo green energy companies to the province. This is the incentive that will add the $1.60 to consumers' electricity bills.
Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak said the deal contains no job guarantees, so all Ontarians have to go on is Mr. McGuinty's word.
"Ontario families have no reason to trust Dalton McGuinty's latest job promise surrounding his sweetheart Samsung deal," he said.
Energy developers said the government is circumventing the province's program for attracting green-energy investment. Under Ontario's recently launched feed-in-tariff program, which pays premium prices for renewable power, a government agency is inking deals with companies.
But the Samsung deal could make it difficult for other companies to enter the market, because the province has limited capacity to transmit electricity to consumers' homes. Transmission power will be held in reserve to support Samsung's projects.
"They're threatening to kill the feed-in-tariff program before it's even learned to walk," said Dave Butters, president of the Association of Power Producers of Ontario.
Samsung also will be paid the feed-in rate of 13.5 cents a kilowatt hour for the wind power it produces and 44.3 cents for its solar power. Electricity bills are climbing in Ontario, because these generous contracts with green power producers are well above the market price of 3.31 cents for electricity.
New Democratic MPP Peter Tabuns questioned why Mr. McGuinty is relinquishing sovereignty over a portion of the province's electricity generation to a foreign government. The South Korean government owns 54 per cent of Korea Electric Power Corp., Samsung's partner in the deal.
Ontario Power Generation, the Crown owned electricity utility, would have been capable of taking on similar, large scale projects, Mr. Tabuns said.
KAREN HOWLETT
TORONTO — From Friday's Globe and Mail
Published on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 12:00AM EST
Last updated on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 3:12AM EST
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is reaching half way around the globe to fast track the creation of North America's first green-energy manufacturing sector, in a bid to make the province the go-to place for parts suppliers, equipment designers and operators.
His government signed a $7-billion deal yesterday with a consortium led by South Korean industrial giant Samsung Group that will cost every electricity customer in the province an extra $1.60 a year on their bill for 25 years.
The centrepiece of the project is an investment in enough wind and solar electricity to light up more than 580,000 homes in the province.
But the plan also calls for reaching beyond Ontario by having Samsung anchor a cluster of companies that will export clean electricity to the burgeoning green-energy market in North America.
It's the biggest bet on green energy ever made in Canada, Mr. McGuinty said yesterday.
"[Samsung] can do something rather extraordinary here, which is put in place almost immediately critical mass of manufacturing capacity."
The deal is the modern day version of an earlier, $500-million fund the government used to attract $7-billion in auto investments to Ontario. But with the auto sector hit hard by the global economic recession, Mr. McGuinty is now counting on green energy to create jobs in the province's battered manufacturing heartland.
"We're trying to lay the foundation here for new economic growth in Ontario," he said.
However, the move raised the ire of energy developers and opposition members, who argued that Samsung is getting a sweetheart deal. Mr. McGuinty is luring the company to the province with financial incentives over and above the generous guaranteed revenue stream his government pays green-energy companies.
Samsung will receive $437-million in incentive payments over the 25-year life of the deal if it fulfills its obligation to create 16,000 jobs. This will be done, in part, by having Samsung woo green energy companies to the province. This is the incentive that will add the $1.60 to consumers' electricity bills.
Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak said the deal contains no job guarantees, so all Ontarians have to go on is Mr. McGuinty's word.
"Ontario families have no reason to trust Dalton McGuinty's latest job promise surrounding his sweetheart Samsung deal," he said.
Energy developers said the government is circumventing the province's program for attracting green-energy investment. Under Ontario's recently launched feed-in-tariff program, which pays premium prices for renewable power, a government agency is inking deals with companies.
But the Samsung deal could make it difficult for other companies to enter the market, because the province has limited capacity to transmit electricity to consumers' homes. Transmission power will be held in reserve to support Samsung's projects.
"They're threatening to kill the feed-in-tariff program before it's even learned to walk," said Dave Butters, president of the Association of Power Producers of Ontario.
Samsung also will be paid the feed-in rate of 13.5 cents a kilowatt hour for the wind power it produces and 44.3 cents for its solar power. Electricity bills are climbing in Ontario, because these generous contracts with green power producers are well above the market price of 3.31 cents for electricity.
New Democratic MPP Peter Tabuns questioned why Mr. McGuinty is relinquishing sovereignty over a portion of the province's electricity generation to a foreign government. The South Korean government owns 54 per cent of Korea Electric Power Corp., Samsung's partner in the deal.
Ontario Power Generation, the Crown owned electricity utility, would have been capable of taking on similar, large scale projects, Mr. Tabuns said.
Misstep on native affairs
Source: Toronto Star
When Premier Dalton McGuinty gave aboriginal affairs a dedicated minister in 2007, he said the issues were so important they required full-time attention. Now he has put the ministry under the wing of Attorney General Chris Bentley, already fully occupied. Does that mean the pressing issues have been resolved?
Far from it. The battles over mining in Ontario's vast north are intensifying, there are ongoing problems with land claims, and poverty and despair overwhelm many First Nations communities.
And yet, Bentley, who among other things is struggling to reduce court backlogs and end a legal aid boycott by defence lawyers, is now expected to take responsibility for all this and "build new economic opportunities for aboriginal people in Ontario." Tall order indeed.
Predictably, native leaders are disappointed that McGuinty does not see their issues as "worthy" of a dedicated minister.
For his part, Bentley says he can handle the job and has "a lot of listening to do." The risk, though, is that native leaders may wonder why they should bother talking. Michael Bryant was aboriginal affairs minister for just 11 months before being shuffled out. Brad Duguid held the post a bit longer – 16 months – before being moved out this week. Given this revolving door, will Bentley even be around long enough to meet with all the players?
This is all the more disappointing because, to date, McGuinty has made substantial efforts to improve the government's relationship with First Nations. It would be a shame if this latest move undermined that positive momentum.
Shortly after giving aboriginal affairs its first full-time minister, McGuinty said he had thought of assuming the role himself to show its "seriousness" but decided not to "because it was too much work for me to do it justice." If the premier can't handle this portfolio with his other duties, why does he think the attorney general can?
When Premier Dalton McGuinty gave aboriginal affairs a dedicated minister in 2007, he said the issues were so important they required full-time attention. Now he has put the ministry under the wing of Attorney General Chris Bentley, already fully occupied. Does that mean the pressing issues have been resolved?
Far from it. The battles over mining in Ontario's vast north are intensifying, there are ongoing problems with land claims, and poverty and despair overwhelm many First Nations communities.
And yet, Bentley, who among other things is struggling to reduce court backlogs and end a legal aid boycott by defence lawyers, is now expected to take responsibility for all this and "build new economic opportunities for aboriginal people in Ontario." Tall order indeed.
Predictably, native leaders are disappointed that McGuinty does not see their issues as "worthy" of a dedicated minister.
For his part, Bentley says he can handle the job and has "a lot of listening to do." The risk, though, is that native leaders may wonder why they should bother talking. Michael Bryant was aboriginal affairs minister for just 11 months before being shuffled out. Brad Duguid held the post a bit longer – 16 months – before being moved out this week. Given this revolving door, will Bentley even be around long enough to meet with all the players?
This is all the more disappointing because, to date, McGuinty has made substantial efforts to improve the government's relationship with First Nations. It would be a shame if this latest move undermined that positive momentum.
Shortly after giving aboriginal affairs its first full-time minister, McGuinty said he had thought of assuming the role himself to show its "seriousness" but decided not to "because it was too much work for me to do it justice." If the premier can't handle this portfolio with his other duties, why does he think the attorney general can?
Case Against Bryant Put Over
Source: Toronto/AM640
1/22/2010
A criminal court case involving former Ontario attorney general Michael Bryant has been put over until March 5. He did not appear in court Friday, but was instead represented by his lawyer. Bryant was charged last summer with criminal negligence causing death and dangerous driving causing death in a collision involving a cyclist. Police say bike courier Darcy Allan Sheppard died after grabbing onto a car after an altercation with the driver.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
As charges heat up, Julian Fantino takes a vacation
Source:Now Magazine
Will Julian "Mr. Kick Ass" Fantino get the boot?
By Enzo Di Matteo
A cynic might suggest that OPP commissioner Julian Fantino’s post-holiday vacation couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.
With all the dirt in the papers about how he tried to influence councillors over a standoff with natives at Caledonia, and the usually cop-friendly Globe’s Christie Blatchford on his back, it wouldn’t be a bad time for Fantino to check out for a few days.
Could the end be nigh for Fantino? A strange set of circumstances have conspired around the OPP commisoner’s handling of the native occupation at Caledonia to make his departure a real possibility. Funny thing: he may get the boot for taking the side of natives in this one. Talk about weird scene for Mr. Kick Ass.
But even Fantino foes gotta be scratching their heads over this latest affair.
To recap: the provincial Crown has decided to pick up influencing charges brought by anti-native agitator Gary McHale, against Fantino.
The charges stem from a letter Fantino wrote Caledonia councillors warning them against taking McHale’s side in a longstanding land dispute between residents and natives in the community southwest of Hamilton. (The conflict dates back to 2006 when a developer bought up and built houses on land claimed by natives.)
Fantino threatened to withhold policing services, which was probably an inadvisable thing to do.
Zero marks for tact on Julie’s part there. The commish should have let it be known more quietly that upping the ante in the volatile situation wouldn’t be a good idea. Instead, he came out as only Julie knows how – guns blazing. Hence the current pickle.
Can’t fault Fantino for trying to avoid turning a sticky land claims dispute, which has seen its share of violence, from escalating out of control.
Haven’t we learned anything from Ipperwash? There, too, the OPP were called upon by angry residents to remove native protestors over a decades-old land dispute.
The OPP finally succumbed to political pressure from Mike Harris’s gang and local outrage from property rights types, and native activist Dudley George ended up dead.
Don’t want a repeat of that debacle, do we? McHale’s seems to be taking his cue from Ipperwash residents locked in that battle all those years ago.
The OPP have a clear protocol when it comes to land disputes involving natives, and that’s to let the feds and province work it out.
Fantino’s been slapped before by Amnesty International and others for getting heavy with native protestors at Caledonia, and elsewhere. Whatever his reasons, he seems just as intent to wash his hands, Fantino thankfully doesn’t seem to want to repeat that mistake.
Caledonia wont be solved through heavy handed policing. The issue’s political. Unfortunately, the feds have left the province holding the bag. The province bought back lands at the centre of the fight back from developers, but the native occupation and hard feelings remain.
Locals have reportedly started unarmed militias. And the land claims dispute has spilled over into a fight over native smoke shacks. It’s a sad state of affairs, onto which the aforementioned McHale has thrown gasoline with his crusade against “race-based policing” – as in, natie lawbreakers are receiving preferential treatment over law-abiding whites.
McHale’s story is finding favour in the mainstream, with a little help from Globe and Mail columnist Christie Blatchford.
Most who were paying attention when the Caledonia story broke way back when will remember McHale as the big loud guy, pushing his weight around and egging on native protestors on the frontlines
But all of a sudden, he’s just the little guy trying to fight injustice.
The provincial NDP seem to have bought in, leader Andrea Horwath last week to calling for Fantino’s head while the influencing charges brought by McHale play their way out in court.
McHale, who does not live in Caledonia, has wrapped himself in the flag, and turned his fight into a one-man battle for democracy. Check out the website he started, Caledoniawakeupcall.com. Or his new venture, Canadian Advocates for Charter Equality. He’s executive director.
In the meantime, what will become of Fantino?
The fact the Crown decided to move ahead with McHale’s charges suggests his political higher ups may be tiring of his act. Reality is his political masters were tiring of the act before McHale came on the scene. The province only extended his contract for one year when Fantino re-signed back in June 2009.
The McHale dustup might be just the excuse the province is looking for to justify not renewing his contract, which expires in July.
Besides McHale’s charges, Fantino has also been dogged by an embarrassing discipline dispute that includes allegations of witness tampering and political interference.
That much-rumoured run for mayor of Vaughan may be in Fantino’s plans after all.
Will Julian "Mr. Kick Ass" Fantino get the boot?
By Enzo Di Matteo
A cynic might suggest that OPP commissioner Julian Fantino’s post-holiday vacation couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.
With all the dirt in the papers about how he tried to influence councillors over a standoff with natives at Caledonia, and the usually cop-friendly Globe’s Christie Blatchford on his back, it wouldn’t be a bad time for Fantino to check out for a few days.
Could the end be nigh for Fantino? A strange set of circumstances have conspired around the OPP commisoner’s handling of the native occupation at Caledonia to make his departure a real possibility. Funny thing: he may get the boot for taking the side of natives in this one. Talk about weird scene for Mr. Kick Ass.
But even Fantino foes gotta be scratching their heads over this latest affair.
To recap: the provincial Crown has decided to pick up influencing charges brought by anti-native agitator Gary McHale, against Fantino.
The charges stem from a letter Fantino wrote Caledonia councillors warning them against taking McHale’s side in a longstanding land dispute between residents and natives in the community southwest of Hamilton. (The conflict dates back to 2006 when a developer bought up and built houses on land claimed by natives.)
Fantino threatened to withhold policing services, which was probably an inadvisable thing to do.
Zero marks for tact on Julie’s part there. The commish should have let it be known more quietly that upping the ante in the volatile situation wouldn’t be a good idea. Instead, he came out as only Julie knows how – guns blazing. Hence the current pickle.
Can’t fault Fantino for trying to avoid turning a sticky land claims dispute, which has seen its share of violence, from escalating out of control.
Haven’t we learned anything from Ipperwash? There, too, the OPP were called upon by angry residents to remove native protestors over a decades-old land dispute.
The OPP finally succumbed to political pressure from Mike Harris’s gang and local outrage from property rights types, and native activist Dudley George ended up dead.
Don’t want a repeat of that debacle, do we? McHale’s seems to be taking his cue from Ipperwash residents locked in that battle all those years ago.
The OPP have a clear protocol when it comes to land disputes involving natives, and that’s to let the feds and province work it out.
Fantino’s been slapped before by Amnesty International and others for getting heavy with native protestors at Caledonia, and elsewhere. Whatever his reasons, he seems just as intent to wash his hands, Fantino thankfully doesn’t seem to want to repeat that mistake.
Caledonia wont be solved through heavy handed policing. The issue’s political. Unfortunately, the feds have left the province holding the bag. The province bought back lands at the centre of the fight back from developers, but the native occupation and hard feelings remain.
Locals have reportedly started unarmed militias. And the land claims dispute has spilled over into a fight over native smoke shacks. It’s a sad state of affairs, onto which the aforementioned McHale has thrown gasoline with his crusade against “race-based policing” – as in, natie lawbreakers are receiving preferential treatment over law-abiding whites.
McHale’s story is finding favour in the mainstream, with a little help from Globe and Mail columnist Christie Blatchford.
Most who were paying attention when the Caledonia story broke way back when will remember McHale as the big loud guy, pushing his weight around and egging on native protestors on the frontlines
But all of a sudden, he’s just the little guy trying to fight injustice.
The provincial NDP seem to have bought in, leader Andrea Horwath last week to calling for Fantino’s head while the influencing charges brought by McHale play their way out in court.
McHale, who does not live in Caledonia, has wrapped himself in the flag, and turned his fight into a one-man battle for democracy. Check out the website he started, Caledoniawakeupcall.com. Or his new venture, Canadian Advocates for Charter Equality. He’s executive director.
In the meantime, what will become of Fantino?
The fact the Crown decided to move ahead with McHale’s charges suggests his political higher ups may be tiring of his act. Reality is his political masters were tiring of the act before McHale came on the scene. The province only extended his contract for one year when Fantino re-signed back in June 2009.
The McHale dustup might be just the excuse the province is looking for to justify not renewing his contract, which expires in July.
Besides McHale’s charges, Fantino has also been dogged by an embarrassing discipline dispute that includes allegations of witness tampering and political interference.
That much-rumoured run for mayor of Vaughan may be in Fantino’s plans after all.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Police officer sentenced for pharmacy theft
Source:York Region News
January 13, 2010 05:43 PM
Toronto cop addicted to pain killer Oxycontin
JOE FANTAUZZI
A Toronto police officer, who held up a Markham pharmacy, has been handed a suspended sentence.
Justice William Gorewich also ordered Tamara Rodin, 42, of Markham, who was previously convicted of uttering threats and theft not exceeding $5,000, to serve two years probation, a weapons ban, 75 hours of community service and to avoid non-medically prescribed narcotics.
York police charged Rodin after a woman walked into Sunrise Pharmacy, near 16th Avenue and Main Street in Markham, claimed she had a gun and demanded prescription drugs from a pharmacist.
After getting the drugs, she fled.
Rodin was arrested the same day.
Rodin did not have a gun during the hold-up, Justice Gorewich told a Newmarket courtroom yesterday afternoon.
The judge denounced her behaviour, noting that she made efforts to rehabilitate herself.
During the hearing, Rodin sat at the defence table with her lawyer Mitchell Chernovsky. The Crown argued for Rodin to submit a DNA sample but Justice Gorewich rejected it.
Justice Gorewich also granted Rodin a conditional discharge for two charges of uttering forged documents related to phoney prescriptions in 2005.
Rodin was addicted to Oxycontin at that point and had encountered difficulty getting more of the drug, Justice Gorewich told the court.
Her behaviour clearly indicated an addiction, he said.
"Good luck to you," Justice Gorewich told Rodin.
Mr. Chernovsky characterized his client as "somebody who has basically lost everything" and that she has "functionally" lost her career.
As a police officer, Rodin trained other officers in physical fitness and use-of-force, Mr. Chernovsky told the court.
He also mentioned that his client had been shunned after testifying against a fellow officer who was later convicted.
January 13, 2010 05:43 PM
Toronto cop addicted to pain killer Oxycontin
JOE FANTAUZZI
A Toronto police officer, who held up a Markham pharmacy, has been handed a suspended sentence.
Justice William Gorewich also ordered Tamara Rodin, 42, of Markham, who was previously convicted of uttering threats and theft not exceeding $5,000, to serve two years probation, a weapons ban, 75 hours of community service and to avoid non-medically prescribed narcotics.
York police charged Rodin after a woman walked into Sunrise Pharmacy, near 16th Avenue and Main Street in Markham, claimed she had a gun and demanded prescription drugs from a pharmacist.
After getting the drugs, she fled.
Rodin was arrested the same day.
Rodin did not have a gun during the hold-up, Justice Gorewich told a Newmarket courtroom yesterday afternoon.
The judge denounced her behaviour, noting that she made efforts to rehabilitate herself.
During the hearing, Rodin sat at the defence table with her lawyer Mitchell Chernovsky. The Crown argued for Rodin to submit a DNA sample but Justice Gorewich rejected it.
Justice Gorewich also granted Rodin a conditional discharge for two charges of uttering forged documents related to phoney prescriptions in 2005.
Rodin was addicted to Oxycontin at that point and had encountered difficulty getting more of the drug, Justice Gorewich told the court.
Her behaviour clearly indicated an addiction, he said.
"Good luck to you," Justice Gorewich told Rodin.
Mr. Chernovsky characterized his client as "somebody who has basically lost everything" and that she has "functionally" lost her career.
As a police officer, Rodin trained other officers in physical fitness and use-of-force, Mr. Chernovsky told the court.
He also mentioned that his client had been shunned after testifying against a fellow officer who was later convicted.
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No more taxes after HST...I promise!
They had No Choice!
They wore these or I took away thier toys for 7 days!
No kidding!
"Damn Street Racer"pays with Brusies
