LOCAL
The head of Ontario’s police watchdog singled out Police Chief Bill Blair for failing to respond to his letters concerning the police’s possible violations concerning their duty to co-operate with investigations. Over a 4 1/2 year period, Ian Scott sent 106 letters about the police’s problems in co-operation and received only one “substantive” response. [Globe and Mail]
Toronto expects a $167-million surplus, thanks largely to the land transfer tax. In 2013, the tax is expected to bring in $346-million, $25-million more than expected. [Toronto Star]
The Beer Store at Gerrard St. East and Seaton St. has an unofficial policy of limiting customers to one purchase a day depending on their “look.” Beer Store management hadn’t heard of the policy before being contact by the Star and promised to look into it. [Toronto Star]
NATIONAL
Premier Marois stated at a press conference that she refused to water down the language bill, 14, meaning it will likely die on paper because of the opposition’s obstinacy. Justin Trudeau distanced himself somewhat from his earlier comparison to US segregation, while Harper refused to let the seperatists enter into a battle against Ottawa. [National]
Stephen Harper accused Trudeau’s Liberals of promoting marijuana use among children at the expense of developing an economic policy. When asked if he had ever smoked marijuana himself, he said, “do I seem like I smoke marijuana?” [CBC]
Air Canada will have to pay passengers up to $800 in cash if their flight is bumped. Starting September 16, passengers delayed by less than two hours, between two and six, and more than six hours will be compensated $200, $400, and $600 respectively. [CBC]
INTERNATIONAL
British Prime Minister David Cameron said Britain will not be participating in any military action against Syria. It comes after his government lost a motion in the House of Commons, 272 to 285, that sought approval to a response to allegations that the Syrian regime allegedly used chemical weapons. [Globe and Mail]
Egypt’s military backed government plans to clamp down on Al Jazeera’s television channel, calling it a threat to national security. The station this week aired statements from two leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood, including a call for protest against Egypt’s new rulers. [Globe and Mail]
The intelligence linking Bashar Assad or his inner circle to the alleged chemical weapons attacks in Syria is “no slam dunk,” experts say. Doubts exist about who actually controls the chemical weapons stores, and doubts exist about whether or not Assad ordered the strike. [Toronto Star]
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