The latest mess in the temporary foreign worker program

Plus, an Etobicoke manhunt and the blocked deportation of a refugee claimant [The Star] First Up [By Andy Takagi] By Andy Takagi Good morning. Here’s the latest on lax vetting in the temporary foreign worker program, an ongoing manhunt in Etobicoke and a refugee claimant’s blocked deportation. DON’T MISS Canadian Press/Graham Hughes star exclusive [Officers were told to skip steps when vetting temporary foreign worker applications]( The federal government has been fast-tracking temporary foreign worker applications, directing processing officers to skip crucial steps meant to prevent fraud, the Star has learned. That included a pause on routine checks meant to ensure the system — which has been heavily criticized in recent months — is not abused by unscrupulous employers. [Ghada Alsharif and Kenyon Wallace have the full story on “streamlining” in the TFW program](. - ICYMI: The government announced a [reduction to the number of low-wage temporary foreign workers yesterday](. - Wait, what? Canada’s TFW program has faced scrutiny for exploiting migrant workers. A UN official called it “a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery.” Calvi Leon/The Star crime [The manhunt continues for Etobicoke double murder suspect]( Police have expanded their search for Joseph Ayala, 33, who is wanted for second-degree murder in the deaths of two family members found in their Etobicoke home on Friday evening. A source close to the family said Ayala had been involved with the police in the past when he had refused to take medication for his schizophrenia. [Here’s an update as the manhunt enters its fifth day](. - The victims: Sources said the two victims were Ayala’s grandmother, 82-year-old Colleen Fraser, and his 60-year-old mother Sherry Fraser. - Look out for: A five-foot-eleven man with a shaved head, known to wear a cowboy hat, black cowboy boots and a jacket with tassels on the sleeves. Ayala is considered dangerous and shouldn’t be approached, police said. R.J. Johnston/The Star courts [A judge blocked a refugee claimant’s deportation over ‘misleading’ evidence]( The government submitted “misleading” evidence in trying to deport a Nigerian refugee claimant, a judge said in a recent decision to block their deportation. Abideen Olalekan Oladipupo has struggled with depression and PTSD, and attempted suicide twice while in immigration detention — but border services still deemed him fit to fly. [In a strongly-worded decision, a judge determined otherwise, Nicholas Keung reports](. - From the judge: “This conduct borders on — and very closely borders on — misleading the Court,” Justice Shirzad S. Ahmed said of the Canada Border Services Agency. - Go deeper: Oladipupo sought asylum in Canada in 2016, claiming he faced persecution in Nigeria due to his political beliefs. His claim was denied in 2018 and subsequent appeals failed. WHAT ELSE Consumer debt hit $2.5 trillion in the second quarter, [with credit card debt at its highest level in 17 years](. [The Trudeau government matched U.S. tariffs on Chinese EVs]( as Beijing warns of “retaliation.” Doug Ford’s Greenbelt scandal and health-care neglect has the [Liberals and NDP looking to score a win in a Conservative stronghold](. The Star’s Editorial Board: [The sad death of a little girl warrants an inquiry and the attention of our society of indifference](. [RBC outlined the details of its case for firing a former CFO]( and employee in court documents. A Toronto cop who stole a Swiss watch and credit cards from dead people was [arrested at Montreal airport](. [A man has pleaded guilty to a “terrifying” Toronto sex assault]( despite the victim never having come forward. [A Toronto man found in England is facing a murder charge]( after a Mississauga bodybuilder’s death. [Misconduct charges have been withdrawn for officers]( accused of failing to properly investigate Tess Richey’s disappearance. [Another round of thunderstorms and rain are forecasted for the GTA this week]( Environment Canada says. What are the best Canadian songs of the ‘90s? [We asked musicians who were there to weigh in](. Are you noticing more wasps in Toronto? [Here’s what you need to know and how to avoid getting stung](. POV Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi [The Liberals are facing a bloodbath — and Justin Trudeau is ignoring the real problem.]( CLOSE-UP Charles Krupa/AP Photo FENWAY PARK: Danny Jansen made baseball history on Monday. He was at bat for the Jays when a game was halted by rain two months ago, but catching for the Red Sox when play finally resumed on Monday. [Mike Wilner recaps how Jansen came to play for two teams in a single game and how the Jays beat Boston twice in one night](. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_1142). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. Or, if you'd prefer, you can unsubscribe from this newsletter by clicking the first link below. 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