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SOUTH ASIAN OBSERVER NEWS 13
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2017

Toronto region becoming more divided along income lines

cross the GTA, the gap between rich and poor is
widening, while middle-income areas are
Adisappearing, United Way analysis of census data
shows.
Ashleigh Kelk, 33, of Brampton, is an example of how
residents in low-income areas are striving to improve their
lives, but lack the opportunity to do so. - Vince
Talotta/Torstar
Toronto, long celebrated as a city of neighbourhoods, has
become a collection of islands segregated by income,
according to a new analysis of the latest census data.
Equally troubling is that this 40-year trend for Toronto
has spread beyond the city's boundaries into areas such as
Peel where for the first time a majority of neighbourhoods
are low-income, says a report by United Way Toronto and
York Region being released Wednesday.
"The data shows that the challenge of growing income
inequality and polarization is now widespread throughout
the region," says the study, an update of the agency's 2015
Opportunity Equation report that dubbed Toronto the
"inequality capital" of Canada.
"What's sobering is that the majority of all the
neighbourhoods in the GTA are segregated into either high-
or low-income and the middle is vanishing. This is no longer income before taxes in the GTA in 2015 was $50,479. Using we're at risk of getting stuck in this position," the report
just a Toronto or city issue," said United Way President and data released last week, the report maps individual incomes warns.
CEO Daniele Zanotti. by "census tract," or small, relatively stable areas with Income inequality measures who gets how much of the
"This report gives us pause on the region we are and the between 2,500 and 8,000 people, to tell the story. pie, compared to other people or neighbourhoods while
region we risk becoming if we don't double down on good "The gap between the rich and poor has continued to rise "polarization" looks at how incomes migrate to opposite
jobs, make sure our young people connect to the pipeline to in major cities throughout the country," says the report, ends of the spectrum as the middle disappears. Together,
those good jobs, and ensure that background and which also mapped Census Metropolitan Areas (CMA) both phenomena prevent people from getting ahead and
circumstance are not conditions for success," he added. centred around Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary. But the threaten Canadian values of fairness and opportunity, the
According to the 2016 Census, the average individual Toronto CMA remains the inequality capital of Canada "and report argues.

Mississauga Man Wins Incredible Lotto Jackpot

Mississauga man and recent education.
immigrant from Nigeria has "This win will allow us to purchase a
Areceived an absolutely astounding beautiful home and provide the funds for
early Christmas present. the best education for our daughters," he
OLG recently announced that "Canada said. "I feel so privileged every day to live in
has solidified its place as the land of a country where my family is safe and
opportunity" for Olateju (Teju) happy!"
Ogunwomoju, as he has won the guaranteed Since LOTTO 6/49 was launched in June
$1 million prize from the October 21 Lotto 1982, there has been a total of 3,524 LOTTO
6/49 draw. 6/49 draws with Ontario players having won
"We've been here just under two years more than $12 billion in prizes, including
and I'm already a millionaire," 1,346 jackpot wins. There have been 468
Ogunwomoju told OLG while at the OLG Guaranteed $1 Million Prize draws to date.
Prize Centre in Toronto. Two hundred and eight of the winning
"I checked my ticket on the OLG Lottery tickets have been sold in Ontario.
app and saw the words 'Big Winner!'" The winning ticket was purchased at
Ogunwomoju plans to use the money to Becker's on Mississauga Valley Boulevard
buy a home and pay for his daughters' in Mississauga.

Former Brampton teacher accused of calling
Muslim student 'bomber,' discussing porn in class

ulie Gionest, who taught French at the Municipal Freedom of Information
Lougheed Middle School in Brampton, Act. Gionest is accused of failing to
Jis set to appear before an Ontario maintain the standards of the teaching
College of Teachers disciplinary panel later profession, abusing "a student or students
this month. verbally," and abusing "a student or
A former Lougheed Middle School students psychologically or emotionally,"
teacher in Brampton has been accused of among other allegations set out in the
making derogatory, abusive and sexual notice of hearing.
comments toward students. It's also alleged she "committed acts that,
Among the allegations against Julie having regard to all the circumstances,
Gionest, who taught French at Lougheed would reasonably be regarded by members
Middle School in Brampton, are that she as disgraceful, dishonourable or
referred to a Muslim student as "bomber," a unprofessional."
white student as "cracker," and a black Gionest is accused of saying to a female
student as a "thief." Muslim student on Dec. 1, 2011, after being
None of the allegations, which hit by a ball in the gym, words to the effect
reportedly occurred during the 2011-12 of "Is this what your religion teaches you?"
school year, have been proven. Gionest is also accused of making
Gionest, who is no longer with the Peel several comments of a "sexual nature" to
District School Board, hasn't responded to a students and using vulgar language in
request for comment. She will appear front of them. There have also been alleged
before the panel on Nov. 22. incidents in which "subjects of a sexual
Peel District School Board spokesperson nature" were discussed in class with
Kayla Tishcoff said she couldn't say when students, according to OCT documents,
Gionest worked as a teacher or when her including "anal sex" and pornographic
employment ended as it is protected under websites.