Mark McAllister
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Sr. Journalist for @CityNews Toronto, Husband, Dad, NBA Fan ... IG Threads: @ markmcallister ... Contact: mark.mcallister@citynews.rogers.com
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Articles by Mark McAllister
Ontario NDP mark 1,000 days since RCMP probe began into Greenbelt scandal
It’s not the type of milestone the Ford government will be observing, but NDP Leader Marit Stiles continued her push on Wednesday for more transparency into the RCMP investigation into the 2022 Greenbelt scandal. Stiles brought an actual cake to Queen’s Park to mark 1,000 days since the RCMP launched its probe.
Our employment laws are as simple as three little letters
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Liberal MP Erskine-Smith’s departure from provincial leadership race opens door for other contenders
One high-profile potential candidate is no longer in the running for the Ontario Liberal leadership, leaving the door open for other major contenders to battle it out for the chance to take on Premier Doug Ford Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith is leaving his post in Ottawa, and despite expectations that he’d run for the party leadership, he’s told supporters he’s out. That has opened the door even more for several other potential candidates. “Things are not okay in this province.
Crombie considers political return to run again for Mississauga mayor
A familiar figure might be returning to the political scene with the possible entry of Bonnie Crombie into Mississauga’s mayoral race. Crombie was mayor of the city from 2014 to 2024 before stepping down to run for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party. She would go on to beat Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith, Liberal MP and former provincial cabinet minister Yasir Naqvi, and former Liberal MP and then MPP Ted Hsu on the third ballot.
New gig, but it’s the same music
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Poll suggests popularity of Ontario Premier Doug Ford hits personal low
A new poll suggests the approval rating among Ontario voters for Premier Doug Ford has hit its lowest level since his government was first elected in 2018. “It’s a significant thing to drop 10 points in approval over the course of three months or in a quarter. Now, Doug Ford is somebody when he’s up, he’s up, when he’s down, he’s down,” Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, told CityNews on Thursday.
99 problems - and the job is just one
Mark McAllister Almost a fifth of workers in Northern Ireland report that they keep worrying about job problems and find it difficult to unwind after they finish work, either much of or all the time. That's according to the Employment and Skills survey results published late last year highlighting that the resultant stress relates to feeling used up at the end of the day. Over a third of workers (38%) feel spent at the end of each workday for much of the time or more.
Ford government looking for company to build ‘observation wheel’ at Niagara Falls
The Ford government is pushing to add a major attraction to Niagara Falls, but not everyone is on board with the idea. In a push to try and attract even more visitors and tourists to the region by adding more casinos and attractions, the plans include taking over parkland in favour of another Ferris wheel.
What does hard work feel like to you?
Mark McAllister We all have our own ideas of what hard work looks and feels like. And in most cases, it is in the eye of the worker, whether it be sweat on the brow, boxes packed in the storeroom, the volume of data inputted, the miles driven or the number of customers served. Often a cynical eyebrow is raised when the old “work smarter not harder” line is used, as it sometimes has little applicability as the work is what it is.
Are you really happy at work?
Mark McAllister In the recently published results of the Cardiff University study entitled “Going beyond pay: Job quality in Northern Ireland – Results from the Skills and Employment Survey 2024”, one set of statistics caught my eye more than others. It showed that around one in six employees in Northern Ireland report low levels of enthusiasm in their work (16%), conveying that their work has made them feel ‘depressed', ‘gloomy' or ‘miserable'.
Are you really happy at work?
Mark McAllister In the recently published results of the Cardiff University study entitled “Going beyond pay: Job quality in Northern Ireland – Results from the Skills and Employment Survey 2024”, one set of statistics caught my eye more than others. It showed that around one in six employees in Northern Ireland report low levels of enthusiasm in their work (16%), conveying that their work has made them feel ‘depressed', ‘gloomy' or ‘miserable'.
Toronto Island residents react to being called ‘squatters’ by Premier Doug Ford
Toronto Island residents are reacting to Premier Doug Ford calling them “squatters” amid a debate over expansion of Billy Bishop Island Airport. Ford said last week he was “eager” to see the modernization and expansion of the airport, which includes extending the runway in order to accommodate larger jet engines.
Slop, hallucinations, grievances and DIY court cases - AI's impact on employment law
Mark McAllister We all love a good labour-saving device that's for sure, and one that allows you to do it yourself without having to pay someone professional is even better. I'm not talking about asking your smart speaker, or a Tik Tok tutorial or a You-tube video, but rather pulling together a workplace grievance or indeed a claim to the industrial tribunal using artificial intelligence to draft the document in the correct format replete with case precedents and some legalese for good measure.
Slop, hallucinations, grievances and DIY court cases - AI's impact on employment law
Mark McAllister We all love a good labour-saving device that's for sure, and one that allows you to do it yourself without having to pay someone professional is even better. I'm not talking about asking your smart speaker, or a Tik Tok tutorial or a You-tube video, but rather pulling together a workplace grievance or indeed a claim to the industrial tribunal using artificial intelligence to draft the document in the correct format replete with case precedents and some legalese for good measure.
New poll suggests tight race between Ford's PCs and Ontario Liberals
A new poll has found that the Ontario Progressive Conservatives and Liberals are in a tightening race just one year after the provincial election. The survey of 1,000 residents by Liaison Strategies found that, amongst decided and leaning voters, the PCs have just a four-point lead over the Liberals if an election was held tomorrow, at 40 per cent and 36 per cent respectively. The Marit Stiles-led NDPs are further back at 17 per cent.
Is social partnership only for the good times?
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Teachers and parents hold rally after multiple educators fired, suspended at Bowmore Public School
Elementary school teachers gathered outside the Toronto District School Board head office Tuesday to support their colleagues who have been fired or suspended from Bowmore Road Junior and Senior School. In total, eight teachers have been suspended, two have been fired and the principal and vice-principal have been removed from the Upper Beaches elementary school.
Predictably unpredictable on the jobs front
With the holiday season well behind us now and the parties a distant memory, a degree of predictability should return to the areas of work that were flexible during the festive season.
Good work, good jobs and the steady role of the LRA in the North West - View from the Foyle
Mark McAllister, CEO, LRA What is striking is the sheer predominance of very small firms in this landscape. According to the latest Invest NI performance report for Derry City and Strabane, 90% of businesses in the council area employ fewer than ten people. These are tight, multi-tasking operations where a single individual can quite often carry the responsibilities of owner, manager, administrator and HR.
Ford government criticized for late release of EQAO results
For many parents and educators, Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) test results offer a gauge of where students are with their studies. But the Ford government has been keeping those results under wraps, and some say that doesn't 'add up.' EQAO is an arms-length agency of the Ontario government which tests students annually in Grades 3 to 6 in reading, math, and writing. Grade 9 and 10 students also take a literacy test.
Ford government criticized for late release of EQAO results
For many parents and educators, Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) test results offer a gauge of where students are with their studies. But the Ford government has been keeping those results under wraps, and some say that doesn’t ‘add up.’ EQAO is an arms-length agency of the Ontario government which tests students annually in Grades 3 to 6 in reading, math, and writing. Grade 9 and 10 students also take a literacy test.
NDP claims Ford is trying to seize control of Exhibition Place
Some politicians claim the Ford government is looking to gain control over City-owned land at Exhibition Place in what the NDP describe as an “unconscionable land grab.” New legislation introduced by the PC government earlier this month as part of its Fall Economic Statement seeks to amend the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act, which governs the site’s $2.2 billion redevelopment plan. Buried in the details are numbered pieces of City-owned land which make up the Exhibition grounds in Toronto.
Potential buyer stepping up to save Crown Royal bottling plant set to close
At least one company is said to be in serious talks to take over a southwestern Ontario bottling plant set to close early next year after spirits maker Diageo announced plans to shift some of its operations to the U.S. The facility in Amherstburg, Ont., which bottles Crown Royal products, is scheduled to close in February in a move the company said is aimed at improving its North American supply chain. The closure is expected to affect 200 jobs.
340B isn't the rural Kansas lifeline it claims to be | Opinion Original
A Kansas bill, SB 284, is being considered to support rural hospitals through the 340B drug discount program. The 340B program requires drug companies to sell medications at a discount to certain hospitals serving low-income patients. Critics argue the program primarily benefits large, wealthy urban hospitals that have been classified as rural. A proposed federal initiative aims to invest $50 billion in rural health care to address low patient counts.
Let’s talk about pay
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'I'm outraged:' Parents of special needs students angry with TDSB over program changes
Fourteen-year-old Evie Kleiman lives with a rare genetic disorder known as Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS), which has left her non-verbal and not able to listen to or follow commands. As a result, she needs special care while at school and now that is at risk.
Ontario government open to discussions with City of Toronto over removal of bike lanes
The Ontario government may be easing off the idea of removing bike lanes from main arterial roads in Toronto as a result of discussions taking place with the city. The Ford government has been working towards removing bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue in Toronto for months.
Experts say Ontario's excess electricity could short circuit Ford's 25 per cent U.S. surcharge
We should get a clearer picture of the Ford government's threat to apply tariffs and potentially cut off the electricity supply to U.S. border states in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threat against Canada. On Monday, Premier Doug Ford and energy minister Stephen Lecce are expected to provide further details on Ontario's plan to slap a 25 per cent surcharge on electricity supplied to neighbouring states Minnesota, Michigan and New York.
Integrity Commissioner denies NDP request to investigate Ontario Place deal
While there are still many questions being asked about the Ford government's controversial redevelopment of Ontario Place, a member of the premier's inner circle will not be the subject of a former probe - at least for the time being.
Ford hints at possible early Ontario election in order to counter potential Trump tariffs
We already know there will be a federal election this year but there are further hints that voters may also be going to the polls in Ontario. Ontario Premier Doug Ford laid the groundwork for a possible election call Thursday squarely at the feet of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump and his threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods.
Ontario government 'in conversation' with Hwy. 407 over potential buyback
From a tunnel under the 401 to ripping out bike lanes, the Ford government has proposed several different ways to potentially ease congestion in the GTA. And now a common one has resurfaced: buying back Highway 407. Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria confirmed Thursday the government has "been in conversation with the 407." "We will continue to find ways to make life more affordable for Ontarians and ensure they can get where they need to go every day.
Mayor calls Ford government's removal of bike lanes 'arbitrary' and not a good use of taxpayers money
Mayor Olivia Chow says the Ford government's rush to push through with its arbitrary decision to remove up to three bike lanes in downtown Toronto is not a good use of taxpayers' money. The mayor reacting to the news Friday that the provincial government is moving ahead with plans to remove bike lanes along University Avenue, Bloor and Young streets ahead of a November 20 deadline for public comments on Bill 212.
Ontario called on to do more to combat school violence as some teachers forced to wear protective gear
The Ontario NDPs are calling on the province to do more to combat violence in schools, alongside educators who revealed some of them have been forced to wear protective gear in class. In a press conference Wednesday, NDP Education Critic Chandra Pasma NDP Labour Critic, Jamie West announced that they are tabling a motion calling on the government to immediately implement an emergency plan to end school violence.
Rally held to save closure of Kensington Market supervised consumption site
Dozens of people turned out in Kensington Market outside one of the supervised consumption sites set to close in a community where, unlike some others in the city, many say it's supported. The Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site is one of five Toronto sites set to shut down after the Ford government's decision last month to close facilities close to schools and childcare centres by the end of next March.
Long-planned runway expansion at Billy Bishop raises concerns about future use
Expansion of the runways at Billy Bishop Airport is in the works to meet safety regulations by July 2027 but those keeping a close eye say it offers an opportunity for future growth Draft plans for how the city's downtown airport will add to "runway and safety areas" have been released, with different options being considered which would provide safety buffer zones for planes landing and taking off while increasing the space now occupied by water.
Mayor Olivia Chow enjoys strong support one year into her term
One year into her time in office a new public opinion poll shows six in 10 Torontonians approve of Mayor Olivia Chow's performance to date. The latest Liaison Strategies poll for the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada finds Chow's approval rating sitting at 59 per cent, an increase of six percentage points from the last measurement, but far below the 73 per cent support she enjoyed 11 months ago.
Half of city residents would move to affordable Canadian city: poll
How unaffordable has Toronto become? Some people are looking elsewhere for stability, and we're not just talking about the suburbs. According to a new Royal LePage survey, roughly half of Toronto and GTA respondents said they would move to another Canadian city for a job or more affordable living if given the opportunity. The online poll surveyed 900 Canadians aged 18 and older living in Canada's three largest urban centres.
Mixed reaction for new 'Parkshore' community plan for western beaches
Imagine the western portion of Toronto's waterfront as a place to live. A Toronto-based planner has come up with a creative solution to develop land between Humber Bay Shores and the Exhibition grounds. But while the new look community hits on all the buzzwords aimed at transforming the city, some say this isn't the place to put it. Brent Haynes is the young designer with the master plan.
Ontario Line construction could force 300-plus kids to relocate from Riverdale school
A major subway project threatens to force hundreds of students to take a longer walk to school next year. Pape Avenue Junior Public School in Riverdale is right in line with the construction of the new Ontario Line and the signs of disruption are already visible with large concrete blocks and fencing around playground equipment.
End of provincial health care program for uninsured people leaves one man with hefty medical bills
A young man facing enormous hospital bills after major surgery because he's new to the country and uninsured has been left in limbo with no real path forward from health officials. Jose Riverio moved to Canada from Mexico to be with his Mom in late 2021, but one day he quickly became ill, fell into a coma and ended up losing both of his legs. "My health was really critical, so I had to decide whether to have my legs amputated or not.
More parking payment options coming to Toronto streets Original
Decades after the old pay-and-display machines for parking on Toronto streets made their debut and eight years since the launch of the Green P app, more changes are in the works for drivers. Touch screens and new pay-by-plate parking meters which don't require a ticket to display are being touted as more "user friendly" while a new pilot program introduces cashless transactions. But should the Parking Authority be putting the brakes on some of the programs being considered?
Tesla, trade unions and a tyrannosaur
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Toronto e-scooter pilot program facing roadblocks
Toronto will soon see more e-scooters taking over the streets now that spring has arrived even though they're still banned. An e-scooter pilot program was first discussed at City Hall last summer in an effort to tackle what some consider to be a nuisance while also dealing with the reality that they, and other 'micromobility' vehicles, are here to stay. "We need better ways for people to get around the city. We are adding hundreds of thousands of more people.
Toronto council wants to demolish Green P lots for housing Original
Toronto's city council, spearheaded by Mayor Olivia Chow, wants to pave over parking lots, including some Green P lots, and replace them with affordable housing. Among the Green P locations being considered is one site in Kensington Market, a parking lot Mayor Chow considers a priority spot. Chow, who admits she has been pushing for this since she was a councillor 20 years ago, believes it to be an intelligent strategy.
Mayor Chow 'saddled' with making World Cup successful despite ballooning costs Original
Toronto's decision to play host to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is raising a number of questions about how best the city can benefit from one of the biggest global sporting events despite the ballooning costs associated with it. Canada, which is co-hosting the event alongside Mexico and the United States, will stage 10 opening-round games - split evenly between Vancovuer and Toronto which will play host to Canada's first group match on June 12 at BMO Field.
Toronto looks to follow Hamilton's lead when it comes to deceitful practice of renovictions
Earl LeBlanc had been living in his East York apartment for 10 years before he was told in 2019 that he had six weeks to get out. The building owner had plans to refurbish the place and ultimately increase the rent. LeBlanc says it was a stressful, worrisome time for him. "Big time and I'm an older guy and a senior and so it's sort of into panic mode," he tells CityNews.
Toronto property tax increase reduced to 9.5 per cent in 2024 Original
Toronto residents can expect a property tax hike of 9.5 per cent in 2024, CityNews has learned. The figure is one per cent less than the 10.5 per cent city staff had previously recommended, meaning the average Toronto homeowner will pay approximately $372 extra in property tax this year. The change will result in about $42 million in lost revenue and it's uncertain where that money will come from or if further cuts will be necessary to make up the deficit.
Toronto opens new 24-hour respite centre but admits challenges remain when it comes to unhoused people
City of Toronto officials are providing more indoor space for people experiencing homelessness this winter, including a new 24-hour respite centre. Those on the front lines say it's important to read between the lines and that the devil is in the details. In an update to its Winter Services Plan, the city confirmed the Better Living Centre on the grounds of Exhibition Place will serve as a 24-hour respite site until March 2024.
Toronto rescinds cap on rideshare licences, Uber praises move
Toronto's City Council and Mayor Olivia Chow confirmed on Thursday it would continue to issue licences to rideshare drivers, such as Uber, by rescinding a previous cap. Last week, Uber Canada announced it was taking Toronto to court to reverse the city's decision to limit the number of rideshare vehicles on its streets. The rideshare company filed an injunction with the Ontario Supreme Court on Dec.
Is Toronto prepared for the winter ahead
With snow in the forecast, there are questions about the City's preparedness for the winter ahead with problems plaguing operations the last couple of years. So what can we expect when the white stuff starts to hit our roads and sidewalks? "We have a comprehensive plan for removal of snow and we are ready to go," said Deputy Mayor and Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, who says all 1,400 pieces of equipment across the city are ready to be activated as soon as the snow arrives.
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