NDP key to determining if budget will result in election

The provincial budget won’t be delivered until later today, but a trip to the polls this spring is more likely than not, said York University political science Professor Robert Drummond in the Cambridge Times May 1. For one thing, Premier Kathleen Wynne’s own TV advertisements seem to suggest she either views an election as unavoidable or is bowing to internal forces within her party that want her to call one before the budget is defeated, said Drummond. Read full story.

Ontario budget: Air fares likely to rise on jet fuel tax hike
Air fares are likely heading skyward, as the provincial government is set to hike taxes on jet fuel over the next four years, reported Metro May 1. . . . York University business Professor Fred Lazar, who studies aviation fuel taxes, said other jurisdictions have been reducing this tax to spur more airline travel and attract international carriers. Read full story.

Homelessness in Ontario is criminalized: Bill O’Grady
During a recent visit to Brantford, Ont., University of Guelph professor Bill O’Grady delivered remarks to Laurier Brantford students stating that homelessness continues to be criminalized in the province, reported Brant News May 1. . . . O’Grady co-authored the 2011 paper, “Can I See Your ID? The Policing of Youth Homelessness in Toronto,” with York University Professor Stephen Gaetz. It offers a statistical analysis on the decline in panhandling in Toronto. Read full story.

University missed out on all benefits of coming north
Just the fact York University is considering expanding into the region is good news for all municipalities, no matter which one actually secures the facility, reported the Aurora Banner April 30. Read full story.

Jane’s Walks: What’s on tap in North York
Residents can participate in the annual Jane’s Walk with many free, locally organized walking tours throughout the city from May 2 to 4, reported the North York Mirror May 1. York University’s Alternative Campus Tour will take place Friday, May 2 at 11am, at the fountain in front of Vari Hall. Read full story.

A York U in York Region
The Government of Ontario recently issued a request for proposals from municipalities in York Region to play host to a satellite campus for York University, reported PostCity.com May 1. On April 25, Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan were the three communities shortlisted, beating out Aurora, Newmarket and East Gwillimbury (King withdrew its bid). Read full story.