Markham dance guru wins Canada Council prize

Internationally renowned dancer, choreographer and institution builder, Menaka Thakkar, who received an honorary doctor of laws degree from York University in 1992, is the 2012 winner of the Canada Council Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts, reported the Markham Economist & Sun Aug. 30. Read full story.

Woman who killed boy gets released to Hamilton halfway house
Osgoode Hall Law School‘s chapter of the Innocence Project took Amina Chaudhary as its first case and has since referenced her situation in an application that would force law enforcement to keep exhibits in murder cases unless the inmate gives permission to destroy them, reported the Hamilton Spectator Aug. 30. The Parole Board of Canada has handed down its decision to release her to a halfway house in Hamilton. Read full story.

B.C. finance minister steps down
B.C. Finance Minister and Deputy Premier Kevin Falcon stepped down from his cabinet posts Wednesday. York University Professor Dennis Pilon said the latest news could potentially be a prelude to a “Dump Christy” campaign in the Liberal Party, reported CNews Aug. 29. Read full story.