July 8, 2009, 5 e-mails

B. S. wrote:

Yesterday I posted about four paths to move on.

Here's an update on that:

Wrap it up

I've tried to get information from the City: who can I talk to regarding health- and waste-management aspects of better containment in a foil wrap. So far I've not received contact information - or any other response.

Get an injunction

We would need an expert who is credible as the source of an affidavit about the hazards to health and environment of the dump, and who is willing to be cross-examined at court. Negatives so far, will keep asking.

Pressure to settle

Nothing to report.

Legislate back to work

Rosario Marchese's office has informed me that a petition can be forwarded only when the Legislature is in session and it is not now. Only the Premier can call it back. According to Canadian Press yesterday:

"Premier Dalton McGuinty says health officials aren't sounding the alarm about Toronto's garbage strike, so residents shouldn't expect him to legislate an end to the dispute any time soon."

The piles of bags you heard about yesterday, dumped outside the rink, have been removed. Thank you to however took care of that. Tonight, two new bags were thrown next to the rink, on the grass at the Barton side.

According to WHO information I read yesterday, Permethrin has remarkably little _acute_ toxicity for birds. That's fortunate for the sparrows and starlings who are feeding on the dead flies in the rink. http://www.inchem.org/documents/pds/pds/pest51_e.htm

G. M. wrote:

This was forwarded from Adam Giambrone's office and may be of interest to families who are having childcare/activity challenges during the strike. I'm not sure whether the attached calendars will come through - email me directly if you'd like it forwarded to you.

T. C. wrote:

Hi neighbours! We're doing another garbage run. Here is J.'s message and contact info.

Hi all! I'll be renting a truck this Monday July 8th and thought I'd offer my services again.

I found a great private dump near the Ingram Transfer Station that's reasonably priced. Rest assured, no picket lines will be crossed.

Here's the deal!

• $5 a bag (a 3 bag minimum would be greatly appreciated [if you haven't accumulated much maybe talk to a neighbour?!]) • Please leave the money in an envelope in the mailbox

If you're interested please respond with the following information*.

Address: ___________
Phone Number: __________
Bag Location: __________
Special Instructions: __________

I'll be starting my route early (7 am) and will be going all day. So don't worry if it's 1pm and I haven't been by yet. I'm on the way!

Oh, and if the strike ends before Monday I'll assume my services are no longer needed unless otherwise instructed. I'll go either way as we have tenants and a lot of yard waste to deal with.

• Apologies, I know we've probably been over this already but it saves me a ton of time organizing and it's greatly appreciated.

C. M. wrote:

I am a little concerned if this group is spending it's time and energy trying to get city employees legislated back to work. That would be a very anti-worker and anti-democratic approach and I personally think not what this group should be focused on.

L. B. wrote:

What is more "anti-democratic" than taxing citizens for services that are not delivered, then dumping pesticide laden waste in public park space next to their homes without warning?

As for the matter of arbitration, this is not necessarily "anti-worker". Past examples of arbitration have demonstrated that this can result in more generous settlements for unions than continued negotiation.

Personally, I support the idea of pursuing a court order for the legal removal of waste from Christie Pits, seeing as CUPE and city officials have already refused the proposal put forward by private citizens to contract out this service. It seems to me that if a judge would permit the suspension of a strike action in order to allow spraying to occur, following the issuance of a public health order, then it would stand to reason that we could obtain a similar injunction to permit the removal of the waste. My 2 cents.