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DID HOSPITAL HINDER SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION?
ONLINE at yorkregion.com News, events and information on your desktop, laptop or mobile device
Sunday Reads
Police reports suggest Mackenzie Health wanted to "avoid civil litigation" after PSW accused of assaulting elderly patients JEREMY GRIMALDI jgrimaldi@yrmg.com
T
he role management at Mackenzie Health played in a York police sexual assault investigation is being questioned following a court’s decision not to convict personal sup-
port worker Soja Zadeh of sexually assaulting elderly patients at the hospital. "I feel betrayed, I have no idea how anyone could ever send a loved one (to this hospital) again after this," said the daughter of one patient. In a series of York Regional
Police Information to Obtain documents, officers say some hospital managers were evasive with investigators in an apparent bid to "avoid civil litigation." The information and opinions in the court documents
Explore unsolved mysteries and read new work by Canadian authors. yorkregion.com/sundayreads
Events Calendar
l See I FEEL page 10
See what’s happening by visiting our online community calendar. www.yorkregion.com/events
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Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017 |
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COMMUNITY
Bovine beauty on stilts keeps tourists flocking to city TIM KELLY tkelly@yrmg.com Holy Cow! Markham’s cow sculpture on stilts is drawing tourists from all over who just have to get a glimpse of Cathedraltown’s newest celebrity. "It’s so huge," said Lisa, a cyclist from Toronto,
who actually drove up to see "Charity" on Saturday morning after reading about the stainless-steel bovine last Wednesday. She posed for a selfie in front of the sculpture, telling a bystander she was fascinated by the piece after she read about it. "I told all my friends about it and we talked
about it," she said. Jesse Edwards, 31, and his nine-year-old son Jayden, came all the way from Oshawa to see the sculpture which stands on four stilts about 25 feet in the air and is apparently oneand-a-half times the size of the actual cow it’s modelled on. "It’s so big," said Jesse.
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"It just doesn’t belong here," he said of the artwork located in the middle of a parkette on Charity Crescent, surrounded by 21 homes. Jayden thought the shining sculpture was "crazy." Both were entranced by the cow’s coal-dark eyes and the fact that it faces the impressive Cathedral of Transfiguration, which dominates Cathedraltown and for which the neighbourhood is named. For Jesse, the face the sculpture faces the cathedral brought up images of Moses and the Ten Commandments and the biblical figure’s return down the mountain to find the Israelites worshipping a "golden calf." He just thought the placement of the statue and the developer’s reported decision to have it face the cathedral was
"weird." Other tourists also made their way toward the cow sculpture Saturday taking pictures or just gawking at it as they drove by. There are a couple of benches placed just in front of it if you want to get up close and personal with "Charity." Residents have said they will go to council in September with the intention of having the cow sculpture moved. They have an online petition of 122 names on a petition asking that the sculpture be moved from Charity Crescent. Meanwhile, Helen Roman-Barber, Cathedraltown’s developer, has made it clear the statue is going nowhere. "There’s no way she’s going to go anywhere else," she said. With files from Torstar News Service
Tim Kelly/Metroland
Jesse Edwards, 31, and his son Jayden, 9, came all the way from Oshawa to see ’Charity’ the cow sculpture on stilts in Markham on Saturday. Lots of tourists have been coming to the Cathedraltown neighbourhood to see the sculpture.
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KIM ZARZOUR kzarzour@yrmg.com Tucked behind the overgrown bushes on a busy suburban highway, windowsills rotting, mouldy old Christmas decorations dripping off the back porch, Patrick Cooney’s house has seen better days - but better days may be ahead. A half-dozen city workers, politicians, planners and activists waded through the Markham property’s thigh-high weeds last week, swatting mosquitoes and staring up at the wreckage with enthusiasm. Could this be the place? The ad hoc group of visionaries, pragmatists and idealists were gathered at the 150-year-old farmhouse on Major Mackenzie Drive to work on a dream - one that Patrick Cooney, immigrant, labourer and father of six children, might approve. Michael Braithwaite led the group’s tour July 25. Executive director of Raising the Roof, a national organization seeking long-term solutions to homelessness, he described his vision of repurposing vacant heritage homes across the country for affordable housing. The way he sees it, developers, government and local municipalities could donate or provide longterm lease agreements - at a price of $1 for 10 to 20 years - for unused buildings like the old Cooney homestead, which could then be renovated for rental housing with construction help from marginalized, unemployed youth. It’s an idea he and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Darryl
Gray came up with at York Region’s Human Services Planning Board recently after partnering on a similar project last fall, converting a TRCA-owned home on Mill Street in Markham to a three-bedroom dwelling for at-risk youth. They believe their new venture, which they’ve dubbed "Reside," can tackle two issues at once: the affordable housing shortage, and at-risk youth. Rather than focusing on building new housing, which is a major financial, time and ecological investment, Braithwaite and Gray propose an alternative solution: transforming the existing stock of empty buildings into affordable homes. There’s plenty out there. The conservation authority owns 118 homes across the GTA watershed, obtained as part of the acquisition of natural heritage land and green space; municipalities, in their quest to preserve historic buildings, also end up with vacant homes needing purpose. Nobody likes a vacant building - not the neighbours, who worry about vandalism and deterioration, nor the developers or municipalities responsible for maintaining them. The homes would be renovated with through Building Up, a nonprofit social enterprise that trains and employs marginalized youths to keep them from experiencing homelessness themselves. Similar initiatives have been successful in the Netherlands, Sydney and the U.K. But first, the Reside team needs to find a building to showcase their idea.
| Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017
Heritage, homelessness team up to help at-risk youth
Susie Kockerscheidt/Metroland
Marc Soberano of Building Up (from left), Markham Councillor Karen Rea and Michael Braithwaite of Raising the Roof help launch a new initiative piloted in York Region - hiring at-risk youth to help renovate vacant homes and turning them into affordable housing like this one in Markham. Last week they visited the Cooney house, the 100year-old Raymer Wambold house on Markham Road, and a former church house in Caledon. Local councillor Karen Rea helped lead the factfinding tour in Markham. "We have a huge issue here with the price of houses, and rental rates are astronomical. We need to stop passing the buck, saying it’s not a municipal issue, saying it’s the region’s issue or the province’s. It’s everyone’s." A member of the heritage committee, Rae said the city has 65 vacant heritage homes and, like most municipalities, an ongoing struggle with "demolition
by neglect" - developers letting them deteriorate until they’re beyond repair. Saving the homes, and helping homeless, is a "win-win," she said. Christine Pacini, partner at SHS Consulting, also took part in the tour, working with the team to find a home that can act as a demo model to be replicated across the country. "Developers buy up a big chunk of land that may have buildings on it and, while they wait for approvals to begin building, the homes can sit vacant for five, 10, 20 years." Rather than leave them to go derelict, or force a developer to turn reluctant, often absentee landlord,
the home can be renovated with help from government, nonprofits and donations from businesses like Home Depot. And instead of an absentee landlord, Raising the Roof or a community organization they’ve partnered with, will oversee the housing, she said. John Taylor, chair of the region’s human services planning board and Newmarket regional councillor, is talking with developers in the northern part of York to get them on board, too. "It’s a really interesting idea . We have made some progress on the housing issue but we have to be more innovative, think outside
the box with creative solutions." Also on board is Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow, who notes that the ideal building would be located near a transit corridor. "I’ve been with the TRCA for more than 20 years, and this is one of the coolest projects I’ve ever been involved with," said Gray. "It’s a great example of different segments of the community coming together with the private sector to make something happen. "At the end of the day, we are about serving the public, and this is a different way for us to leave a lasting legacy."
Fight the Bite! Protect Yourself Against Lyme Disease
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For more information on Lyme Disease or how to submit a tick for testing, visit york.ca/lymedisease or call York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-512-6228.
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Use these simple tips to protect yourself and your family any time you visit a wooded or natural area: • Wear light-coloured pants, long-sleeved tops, closed shoes and walk in the middle of the trail • Use an insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin • Shower when you get home to remove unattached ticks and check yourself, your family and your pets to find and remove attached ones as quickly as possible
Thornhill Liberal | w | Thursday, August 3, 2017 |
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Ways to spend a staycation in York Region If you plan on sticking close to home for your summer vacation, here are some fun things you can do in York Region.
1
PLAN AN ART TOUR Visit one or more of the region’s art galleries such as the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, the Latcham Gallery in Stouffville, the Varley Art Gallery in Unionville or the Georgina Arts Centre & Gallery in Sutton.
2
HAVE A PICNIC IN A CONSERVATION AREA York Region boasts more than two dozen conservation areas including Kortright Centre in Vaughan, Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area in East Gwillimbury, Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area in Whitchurch-Stouffville and Thornton Bales Conservation Area.
3 4 5
SPEND A DAY OR MORE AT THE BEACH York Region has a slew of public beaches clustered along the shore of Lake Simcoe in Georgina from Claredon Beach in Keswick to De La Salle Park in Jackson’s Point to Holmes Point Conservation Area in Pefferlaw. TAKE A SPLASH PAD TOUR If it’s hot outside and you have kids, visiting a selection of the myriad splash pads — such as the ROC in Georgina, Mackenzie Glen District Park in Vaughan and Byer’s Pond Way Park — around the region can be a fun and inexpensive way to spend a few hours each day. VISIT LOCAL HISTORICAL SITES A staycation can be a great time to learn about your community’s past through visiting historic buildings such as Hillary House in Aurora to the Sharon Temple in East Gwillimbury and from the Heintzman House in Thornhill to the King City Cemetery Dead House. Your municipality’s website is a good place to discover a list of sites you might want to check out.
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| Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017
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Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017 |
6
EDITORIAL | OPINION
• OUR VIEW •
ABOUT US
Court ruling shows anti-SLAPP law working as intended Participating in the discussion about any number of issues of public interest should feel just a little bit safer thanks to a court ruling handed down by an Ontario judge last week. The case in question saw Stouffville teacher Katie Mohammed on the receiving end of a $120,000 lawsuit launched by United Soils Management over comments she had posted to a pair of Facebook groups in September 2016 expressing concern that fill being deposited in a pit on a United Soils-owned property on Ninth Line could contain harmful contaminants. Shortly after Mohammed made her posts, a lawyer for United Soils sent a letter demanding she retract and apologize for her statements, which she promptly did out of fear of litigation. Despite this, United Soils proceeded with legal action anyway. In his written decision released July 25, Justice Thomas R. Lederer questioned United Soils’ pursuit of a lawsuit even after having received its demanded apology and concluded it was "a continuation of its desire to intimidate." "The proceeding is not only without substantial merit. "There is no merit," he added. Lederer also awarded $7,500 in damages to Mohammed via the province’s anti-SLAPP legislation. It’s the first time damages have been awarded to a defendant under the relatively new law, according to Sotos LLP who represented Mohammed, and may set a precedent for future cases. Ontario’s Protection of Public Participation Act came into effect in November 2015 with the intent of permitting the province’s residents to take part in the public discourse without the risk of governments, corporations or powerful individuals using the courts to intimidate and/or censor them with strategic litigation against public participation, or SLAPP, suits. Given that waging a battle in the courts - even a justified one - is almost always an expensive proposition, the spectre of being hit with a SLAPP can have a chilling effect on free speech and prevent civic-minded citizens from getting involved in the process. Numerous examples exist in Ontario, and beyond, where politicians and large corporations alike have turned to the courts and litigation to silence vocal critics and discourage others from getting involved. When this happens, democracy suffers. That’s why this victory for Mohammed isn’t simply a case of a single citizen triumphing over an attempt by a corporation to silence her, but a demonstration the antiSLAPP law is working as it should. And that’s good for all of us. The justice system is about just that: justice. It’s not a cudgel with which the wealthy and powerful can stifle legitimate criticism.
The Thornhill Liberal, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 100 community publications across Ontario.
The Thornhill Liberal is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the newspaper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca
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• LETTERS & COMMENTARY • Garbage, speeding irksome in Thornhill Woods Re: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Traffic safety, garbage of concern in Vaughan, July 16. I live in Thornhill Woods area and unofficially renamed it to Garbagehill Woods for the following reasons: People put all kinds of garbage - heaps of it - on the curb any time they feel like it even if it is a day or two after the bi-weekly garbage collection. So we have to drive by, walk by and observe these monumental heaps of garbage waiting for the raccoons to rip apart for the next two weeks, or pose a safety hazard to children and pedestrians who have to avoid something falling
on them or possibly cutting them. People here must live like pigs; I would hate to see inside their homes. They don’t care and must be very proud of their mounds of garbage displayed for everyone to see. Yes, I inform bylaw enforcement, and they respond almost a week later. What is the use? People also do not compact their blue box waste and on windy days, their debris is everywhere and you just drive by it knowing that it was theirs that blew away. Then there was a comment as to why there is no garbage containers beside park benches. Well initially there was, but the containers get filled and never get emptied, so the containers were removed because there are
yorkregion.com
CONTACT US Thornhill Liberal 580B Steven Court Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z2 Phone: 905-853-8888 Fax: 905-853-4626 Web: www.yorkregion.com
Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 200 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters.
unsightly. I know for a fact that some residents, repeat offenders, have been fined, but doesn’t seem to help. Then there is the post box areas. Some have blue boxes for the junk mail, but never get emptied, thus another mess everywhere. Why can’t the waste collection people stop and empty these blue boxes weekly? It is not additional volume as it would have been picked up at each home anyway! I might as well add one more off topic: speeders. I observe more vehicles do not stop at stop signs whether turning left or right or straight through cars, trucks, tow trucks, buses, yes buses, just in a hurry to get to the next stop sign if they can stop for it. Yes, I report this to the
police, and they tell me to go online and register the incident. They ask for the licence plate ID, yeah right, at those speeds, not happening. There is no place online to complain about multiple ongoing complaints and does not allow you to proceed to send the report, so I put as a plate ID as 2fast2C. Anyway, nothing appears to resolve the problems on our streets, the police just can’t be everywhere all the time, I understand that. Welcome to Garbagehill Woods. Alex Szkabarnicki Thornhill
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Publisher Dana Robbins General Manager Shaun Sauve Director of Advertising Amanda Smug
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| Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017
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Several parks in York Region are park of the top 150 coolest parks in Canada list, including Rouge Crest Park in Richmond Hill (clockwise from top left), Blue Heron and Tasca parks in King Township and Lake Wilcox Park in Richmond Hill.
5 local parks among Canada’s coolest In honour of Canada 150, the Playground Writers of Canada published a list of Canada’s 150 coolest parks - and five are in York Region
1 2
ALL OUR KIDS PLAYPARK, NEWMARKET Local kids know it as Dinosaur Park, after the mock fossils buried in the giant sand pit. The park also has a sand pit, swings and playground for young children, trees and benches, climbers for youth and workout equipment for adults. LAKE WILCOX PARK, RICHMOND HILL The park was designed with natural and cultural heritage in mind - the beauty of the Oak Ridges Moraine and the area’s history as an Indigenous settlement. There are quotes and symbols incorporated throughout the park. A custom playground, with trees, pebbles and boulders, fits into the natural landscape.
3
ROUGE CREST PARK, RICHMOND HILL The park features a swing court with nearly o a dozen different types of swings, a vertical playground, where children climb and play in a 25-foot tall cage, and a Las Vegas style water feature, where the water jets out.
4
BLUE HERON PARK, KING TOWNSHIP The now popular park was initially planned as a passive park space with plenty of tall grasses, plants and trails. Play structures work with the geography, such as a slide built into the side of the hill, and incorporate natural elements such as climbing logs.
charges for their services. So theoretically, the service and cost should be the same… regardless of who moves your family. Yet there is one mover – abbeyWood Moving & Storage – that goes beyond just moving your belongings. When service is what you are paying for, call the moving company that does more than just get you there. It doesn’t matter if you are moving around town, across the country or around the world, you want
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Do you want to be featured in the next issue of Wedding Trends? Just email goodlifeeditor@yrmg.com with the subject line “Wedding Trends.” Include two photos and a 100-word description of your wedding, including any details that made your day spectacular. If your wedding is chosen, your story and photos will be included in the 2018 issue of Wedding Trends — York Region’s best wedding magazine!
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TASCA PARK, KING TOWNSHIP The 20-acre fully-accessible park features a large play structure, water park, stone labyrinth and outdoor fitness equipment along a trail loop surrounding the park. There is also an obstruction-free toboggan hill, soccer field and skate park built with natural materials, such as wood and rocks.
OO G T N I Y VE E PA UR MO IS R ’ YOU OR YO U GET … F O N CH LL Y RTATIO A MU IF SPO N A TR Most major moving companies have similar
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3 tools to rent for a green and healthy lawn More than half an inch of this dead build-up will start to damage roots and block nutrients. Rent a power turf rake to quickly and easily clear excess thatch.
Whether you’re working on your own yard or you’re a professional with clients to serve, the arrival of warm weather is the perfect time to build a healthy lawn that will make the neighbours green with envy. “A well-kept lawn is about more than just looks. It also creates oxygen, reduces noise pollution and removes emissions from the air,” explains Jamal Hamad, who leads the pro and tool rental departments at The Home Depot Canada. Tool rentals are popular for lawn maintenance because both homeowners and professionals can get high quality equipment for the short term without having to worry about upkeep or storage. The service works with your schedule and budget because you only pay for what you need, when you need it. Hamad recommends the following equipment to prepare your lawn for the season:
Aerator: Almost every yard can benefit from aeration. An aerator removes thin cores of dirt so that air, water, fertilizer and new grass seed can penetrate. This lets the roots grow deeper and stops too much thatch from building up. Rent a power aerator to get this job done faster and to make sure the holes are deep enough to be effective. Seeder: Over-seeding is a great way to fill in bare spots and enhance a tiredlooking lawn. But it’s important to seed correctly or you’ll be throwing your money away. A power seeder makes slits in the ground to embed your seeds, giving them the best chance at germinating. Find more information at www.homedepot.ca/toolrental.
Turf rake: Too much thatch is one of the most common yard problems.
—News Canada
Thornhill Office 8000 Yonge Street 905.889.9330
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STEELES/HENDERSON, 15 DELAIR CRES., Classic “Red Brick” bungalow on Quiet Crescent in “Grandview Estates”, 3+1 Bedrooms with finished Basement and Double Car Garage. A beautiful 1/4 Acre Lot (approx.) with a Lush and Private Backyard with beautiful Landscaping. Excellent Schools, Minutes to Transit, Shopping and Amenities.
Mary-Lu Johnston*
4 BEDROOM - THORNHILL
Marjorie Butler*
Sam Cuda*
THINKING OF SELLING?
Sam Cuda*
Immaculate, spacious & beautifully renovated 4 bedroom, 4 bath oozing pride of ownership nestled on quiet street in Heart of Royal Orchard. Finished lower level, private fenced yard w/large deck perfect for summer entertaining! Walking distance to schools, trails, transit. Close to shops & 407. Truly move in ready! Sam Cuda* & Nancy Cuda* info@cudarealestate.com www.cudarealestate.com 905-889-9330
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SOLD
Keith Kwan
Sales Representative/ Manager
gary_roach29@hotmail.com
Jo Carroll*
Situated on a cul-de-sac in desirable olde Thornhill. Wood burning fireplace, walk out to private back yard with large deck, Terrace and Pergola. Close to all amenities and Yonge Street. Minute to Highway 7 & 407 and Finch Subway, Thonrhill Country Club and Toronto Ladies. Jo Carroll* Carroll_Jo@hotmail.com
905-889-9330
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LF GO W ME VIE O ES SE AW OUR C Marian Bache**
Marian Bache**
905-889-9330 mbache@royallepage.ca
SOLD
Beautiful Executive 2 storey, 5 bedroom Home with Custom Sun Room overlooking the Toronto Ladies Golf Course. Quality Renovations including Kitchen and Bathrooms, large principal rooms including Family Room and Living Room and All Bedrooms. Meticulously cared for by Same Owners for 48 years. Main Floor has been retrofitted and can be used for Handicapped. Private Backyard Oasis!!!!
$1,799,000
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Marian Bache**
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Margaret Paterson**
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* Sales Representative ** Broker
Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017 |
8
9
Your weekly collection of brain-teasers!
CLUES DOWN
| Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017
PUZZLERS
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Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017 |
10 NEWS
‘I feel I’ve been victimized twice’: patient’s daughter l Continued from page 1
have not been tested in court, but are the police’s record of their investigation and interviews. The documents state: – One staff member witnessed three alleged sexual abuse incidents but did not notify anyone for at least eight months. – After learning of the accusations, Mackenzie Health waited a month to contact some family members. – A manager told family members the hospital was "not obliged" by law to contact police unless the patient had been shot. – Once an official police investigation was underway - because of a complaint from a patient, not the hospital - some managers asked police not to contact family members of the alleged victims as it might "jeopardize the reputation of the hospital" and could result in the hospital being sued. – The hospital refused to give information, including the name of the staff member accused and the hospital’s investigation records, to officers. As a result, police were forced to go through the courts to get that information. – After he was fired from Mackenzie Health, Zadeh was able to seek new employment in the industry and was accused of additional assaults. The investigation prompted Police Chief Eric Jolliffe to stress to residents that they can’t rely on others, including public organizations, to share information with police. "Citizens . cannot always rely on others to report criminal offences," he wrote in an email to yorkregion.com about the case. PLEA DEAL On May 31, Zadeh walked away from Newmarket courthouse with a three-year probation order after he pleaded guilty to slapping a patient on the rear end. Justice Joseph Kenkel granted Zadeh, 53, of Newmarket, a conditional discharge, finding that he had already served more days
in jail - four in all - then he would have received for that offence. The Crown said despite going through lengthy pretrial motions and scheduling five weeks’ worth of trial, it had reviewed the 13 charges and found there was little chance for conviction. Crown lawyer Erin Thomas said they agreed to the guilty plea in part because some of those expected to testify had "frailties". Zadeh worked at the Richmond Hill hospital from May 12, 2014 until he was fired Oct. 19, 2015. Between March and October 2015, his co-workers told police they witnessed or were told by patients that Zadeh engaged in several troubling incidents, including inserting his thumb in an elderly lady’s anus, rubbing another patient’s vagina in the shower and according to at least one unconfirmed account, rubbing and sucking on a woman’s breasts. According to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, there is no legal obligation for PSWs to report incidents of sex assault or other forms of patient abuse to police unless working in a "long-term care facility." Zadeh was also accused of assaulting two more patients - one at Hadley Grange, an assisted living facility in Aurora, and another in the patient’s home. FAMILY CONTACTED POLICE Police were contacted by a victim’s daughter on Dec. 19, 2015, hours after she was told by Mackenzie Health executives that her mother had been "touched inappropriately" by a PSW. "When I first heard that, I thought someone had hit her" the daughter told yorkregion.com. When she asked if police had been contacted, director of quality and risk management Wendy Hooper told her "We’re not mandated to do that unless it’s a gunshot wound." "I said I can’t fathom this," she said. "You have an obligation, at least a moral obligation to tell the police." In January 2016 police
Susie Kockerscheidt/Metroland
Soja Zadeb, accused and cleared of sexually assaulting elderly patients at Mackenzie Health, walks into the Newmarket courthouse in May. filed the first of a series of ITOs. It states there were four suspected victims, but the patients were not identified by name. According to court documents, although Hooper instructed staff not to share victims’ names with police, the hospital’s patient care manager Charmaine Ambrose gave the names to police. During her interview with police, Ambrose refused to say that Zadeh’s patient care was "sexual in nature," instead choosing to call it "inappropriate and rough" - even though she signed a letter to Zadeh months earlier that stated patient care was "sexual and inappropriate in nature." Const. Stephanie Couture noted in her sworn statement that she thought Ambrose was afraid of "civil liability."
Hooper told police that Ambrose gave police the victims’ names contrary to her instructions. When Hooper was advised police would contact patients, she "attempted to persuade the detective to not contact them, as it would jeopardize the reputation of the hospital," the documents state. Hooper then told police she would be calling patients or their families to advise them police would be contacting them. The investigator asked her not to do so as it would compromise an ongoing criminal investigation. "(Hooper) did not acknowledge she would comply with the request," the document states. NON-DISCLOSURE ORDER As a result investigators sought and were granted a legally binding non-disclosure order from the courts
to prevent her from giving information to the victims. Hooper also told police "she could not remember" if there was a requirement for hospitals to report allegations of a criminal offence. "If given the chance to do things over in this incident, Wendy Hooper would not do anything differently and would still not contact police in regards to the sexual assault allegations," Couture concluded in her statement. Interviews by police with patients and staff indicate key members of the hospital’s leadership team were made aware of the allegations after staff spoke to a complainant, who asked that police not be notified. This included president and CEO Altaf Stationwala, executive vice-president Susan Kowlek, operations director for emergency, medicine and critical care Heather Riddell, manager of employee relations and diversity Julie Cook and human resources director Ashton White, according to the court document. For one patient’s daughter, the ordeal has been a harrowing one, which has left her mother weaker and her questioning not only the Canadian medical but legal system. "It’s really too hard to say what the effects have been," she said. "My family is going through feelings of guilt, they have to look at her daily knowing this. I feel like I’ve been victimized twice, I first had to hear someone violated my mother then I had to hear that he was convicted of nothing." She said she is now taking legal action against the hospital. Mackenzie Health issued a written statement June 15, 2016 and would not provide further comment after repeated requests.
The statement says if Zadeh was a member of a professional college, like a doctor or nurse, the process would have been to report to the college. REVISED PLAN "As PSWs are not a legislated health profession, we were unable to follow this process," the statement reads. "In light of these events, Mackenzie Health has taken the important step of revising the hospital’s police investigation policy to strengthen our ability to share information and report incidents to police." The hospital refused to provide specific details of that revised plan. Hooper did not respond to repeated requests for comment. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term care said it does expect hospitals to "notify police of any potential criminal matters involving patients that take place within their facilities." However, it stops short of mandating it, explaining that reporting takes "control away from the victim on how they wish to be treated." "The ministry is considering its options with respect to the development of a mandatory registry for PSWs," the ministry said in a written statement. "A mandatory registry will ensure oversight and accountability of this professions and will ensure that patients, their families and employers can be confident that their PSW is qualified and provides safe care." Mackenzie Health operates the Richmond Hill hospital, the under-construction Vaughan hospital, long-term and interim long-term care facilities in partnership with UniversalCare, as well as a regional stroke centre and kidney disease program.
NEXT WEEK The headlines this summer have been jolting - from the Mackenzie Health PSW accused of sexually assaulting elderly patients, to an elderly Ottawa man punched by his PSW, to ex-nurse Elizabeth Wettlaufer killing seniors in her care – but advocacy groups, and those who work in longterm care, say it’s just the tip of the iceberg. We look at how predators slip into our health care system and what must be done to make vulnerable seniors safe.
CRIME
11
Accused played by rules but province should tighten rules: lawyer LISA QUEEN lqueen@yrmg.com Charges have been dropped against all suspects who had been accused following a lengthy OPP fraud investigation. The OPP’s anti-rackets branch health fraud investigation unit launched the investigation in March 2014 after receiving a complaint from the Ministry of Health’s assistive devices program regarding a registered vendor of mobility aids and several registered authorizers. Police alleged the vendors and authorizers were colluding to pre-
scribe and supply mobility aids to clients who did not meet the eligibility criteria. Fraud-related charges were laid last October against seven suspects from Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Toronto, Barrie and Mississauga. But on July 19, the charges against all the accused were dropped because "there was no reasonable prospect for conviction," Barry Fox, lawyer for suspect Mehran Redjvani, of Richmond Hill, said. The accused played by the ministry’s rules, although there is room for improving the regulations, he said. "The rules were not as tight or explicit as they should have been. One would hope (they’ve being revamped) because there’s a potential for abuse," Fox said. Ministry spokes-
person, Mark Nesbitt, said the ministry alerted police when it suspected a concern but that’s where its role ended. "Though the charges related to this investigation have been dropped, an official notice has not yet been provided. The ministry will not comment on ongoing legal proceedings," he added in an email. Nesbitt did not respond to questions about whether the ministry has or will take steps to improve its rules. In addition to Redjvani, charges were dropped against Inna Dainov, of Thornhill, Darlene Robinson, of Barrie, Tetyana Sadova, of Toronto, Anand Santhagunam, of Toronto, Arvind Gupta, of Mississauga and Inderneet Arora, of Toronto. -with files from Jeremy Grimaldi
WE HAVE THEM ALL
| Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017
Charges dropped in fraud case
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Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017 |
12
13 | Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017
yorkregion.com
Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017 |
14 EVENTS
l Thursday, August 3 Choir seeking voices WHEN: 12:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m WHERE: Private residence, To be revealed after audition, Thornhill CONTACT: 905-731-8318 COST: Newest chamber choir in York Region, Chorisma, requires a few voices, particularly sopranos. Call for an audition. Next concerts: Oct. 14 and Dec. 4.
Thursday Nights at the Bandstand WHEN: 7:30 p.m - 9:00 p.m WHERE: Unionville Millennium Bandstand, Corner of Fred Varley Drive and Main Street, Markham CONTACT: 647-300-4891 l Friday, August 4 Choir seeking voices WHEN: 12:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m WHERE: Private residence, To be revealed after audition, Thornhill CONTACT: 905-731-8318 COST: Newest chamber choir in York Region, Chorisma, requires a few voices, particularly sopranos. Call for an audition. Next concerts: Oct. 14 and Dec. 4.
yorkregion.com
Language Cafe - Friday WHEN: 10:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m WHERE: The Bridge Church, 5440 16th Ave., Markham CONTACT: 905-294-6716
l GET
CONNECTED
Visit yorkregion.com/events to submit your own community events for online publishing. These are informal drop-in opportunities where you can enjoy a beverage and snack while practicing English with fluent locals and other newcomers. What Does Canada Mean to You? WHEN: 2:00 p.m - 3:00 p.m WHERE: Bathurst Clark Resource Library, 900 Clark Ave. W., Thornhill CONTACT: Bathurst Clark Resource Library, 905-653-7323, Librarian.Librarian@vaughan.ca, http://www.vaughanpl.info COST: Produce and shoot a movie that we will enter into the "Here’s My Canada" film contest. For ages seven to 12. Pre-register at the service desk. Blood Donor Clinic WHEN: 2:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m WHERE: The Church of St. Patrick, 5633 Hwy. 7 E., Markham CONTACT: 888-236-6283 Summer donors are needed to help hospital patients! l Saturday, August 5 Markham Farmers Market 2017 WHEN: 8:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m
WHERE: Main Street Markham, 132 Robinson St., Markham CONTACT: 905-472-2462 Freshness straight from the farm. A great place to shop, and live entertainment, too, starting at 10 a.m. New musicians this year. Come and see who is playing l Wednesday, August 9 Markham Classic Cruisers Cruise Nights WHEN: 6:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m WHERE: Markham Museum, 9350 Markham Rd., Markham CONTACT: Eileen Baron COST: Everyone welcome. Come and enjoy an evening of classic, modified and unique vehicles. l Thursday, August 10 Osteoarthritis (OA) Of The Hand WHEN: 2:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m WHERE: Boxgrove Medical Arts Centre, 304-110 Copper Creek Dr., Markham CONTACT: Registration Required 416-979-7228 At the end of this program, participants will be able to use strategies to control pain, protect joints and improve function of the hand.
5 things to do this weekend l Friday, August 4 What Does Canada Mean to You? WHEN: 2:00 p.m - 3:00 p.m WHERE: Bathurst Clark Resource Library, 900 Clark Ave. W., Thornhill CONTACT: 905-653-7323 Produce and shoot a movie that we will enter into the "Here’s My Canada" film contest. For ages seven to 12. Pre-register at the service desk. l Saturday, August 5 Aurora Farmers Market and Artisan Fair WHEN: 8:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m WHERE: Aurora Town Park, 49 Wells St., Aurora CONTACT: theaurorafarmersmarket.com Come see us on Saturdays at 8 a.m. - rain or shine. Parking is available at the GO Station. l Sunday, August 6 Dinner With Canada: Viola Desmond Edition WHEN: 4:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m WHERE: Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket CONTACT: Alex Karolyi, alex@shadowpaththeatre.ca, https:// www.eventbrite.ca/e/dinner-with-
Steve Somerville/Metroland
Violin player Matthew Eeuwes performs on Main Street during the Unionville Festival.
canada-tickets-34020827210 COST: $18-$26 Dinner with Canada is a pop-up theatrical dinner party reflecting a proud moment in Canadian history!Celebrate Nova Scotian business woman and civil rights pioneer, Viola Desmond - the 1st Canadian women to be featured on Canadian currency. l Monday, August 7 Celebrate Simcoe Day WHEN: 12:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m WHERE: Main Street Unionville, Main Street Unionville, Markham
CONTACT: 905-477-0117 Spend the day on Main Street Unionville, with live music, entertainment, wagon rides. Blood Donor Clinic * Civic Monday * WHEN: 1:30 p.m - 7:30 p.m WHERE: Holiday Inn Express and Suites Newmarket, 100 Pony Dr., Newmarket CONTACT: 888-2366283, elaine.stpierre@blood.ca Summer donors needed to help hospital patients at this special holiday blood donor clinic! Appointments at #GiveLife.
15
The Wills Lawyer Since I have started my wills practice, I have done many wills for couples with young children. One couple, in particular, had such an impact on me that I decided to write an article about what parents with young children need to know about wills. While I was taking notes in our first meeting, the wife looked at me and said “we have been wanting to do this for so long, but we put it off, and now I can finally sleep at night.” The husband then said “since our first child was born, Michelle Kotzer we’ve always been worried about what would happen to our children if we were in a catastrophic accident. We feel so much better that this is being done.”
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| Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017
PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
What happens if you pass away without a will leaving young children? Firstly, there is no executor in place to look after your estate on your death. Secondly, there is no guardian named who can look after your children. In fact, there could be a custody battle between your family and your spouse’s family over who should raise the children. As far as inheritance, your children will inherit everything you own at the age of eighteen. Remember how you were at eighteen. Do you think you could have handled a large inheritance? By law, your children would automatically receive their inheritance at eighteen regardless of their level of maturity. These are only some of the issues that occur, if you pass away without a will. No parent wants to leave a mess for their family.
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When making a will what are some things you should consider? First, who should you appoint as your executor? You can appoint your spouse as your primary executor. In fact, this is what is usually done. What about the back up executor? Who will look after your estate in case your spouse is not alive when you die? You can appoint someone else you trust like your parents or siblings. You should also consider whether the person you are appointing as executor has the time to take on the task. An executor may be trustworthy, but he or she may be unwilling to accept the appointment. Executors have the right to decline the appointment at the outset when they find out that they have been named. It is advisable to obtain your executor’s consent.
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What about the guardian? If you have minor children your will should appoint a guardian to look after them in the event that you and your spouse both pass away before your children reach the age of majority. Be careful about appointing a married couple as guardians. You should feel very confident about their ability to get along together before concluding an appointment of this nature. If they get separated or divorced, who will have custody of your children? For example, if you appoint your brother and his wife as guardians, and after your death they separate, will there be a custody battle for your children? To solve this, it might be prudent to appoint your brother alone.
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Your parents are not always the best choice as guardians because they may not out live you, and if they do, they may be elderly and unable to act.
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I am a wills lawyer at the office of Fish and Associates, 7951 Yonge Street, Thornhill, Ontario. You can contact me directly at 905-881-1500 (Ext. 22) or email me at mkotzer@fishlaw.ca or visit www.michellekotzer.com.
yorkregion.com
1.800.449.3808
Thornhill Liberal | Thursday, August 3, 2017 |
16 Based on full-line brands, on 12 month, year over year rolling unit sales
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