Canada in Brief: July 22, 2009

Phone list questioned
ONTARIO – The “do-not-call list” that many Canadians have registered for has backfired on the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. There is a cause for concern that companies are actually downloading the “do-not call list” and the names are being utilized for soliciting purposes. Fines are as high as $15,000 per violation, however the number of dismissed do-not-call complaints allow many companies to walk away without any penalty.
-Compiled by Arshad Desai

City on strike
TORONTO, ONTARIO – On June 22, CUPE Local 416 and Local 79 went on strike over a contract dispute with the City of Toronto. The latest offer made by the city on July 10 has yet to be accepted by the union.The 23 signatures from councilors necessary to force a meeting are still being collected.
-Compiled by Linda Givetash

Youth unemployment on the rise
On July 10 Statistics Canada released a report outlining employment rates. It noted that employment among youth aged 15 to 24 fell by 33,000. The unemployment rate for that age group is 15.9 percent, the highest it has been since 1997.
-Compiled by Linda Givetash