“We’re not out of it yet.” MPs prepare to vote on the Emergency Act

Plus, shaking up Toronto's upcoming elections and controversial development in the 905 [The Star] First Up [By Jordan Tamblyn] By Jordan Tamblyn Good morning and happy Family Day. Here’s the latest on tonight’s historic Emergencies Act vote, a familiar face running in Toronto’s upcoming election, and why 905 residents are fuming over Doug Ford’s development plans. DON’T MISS Andrej Ivanov/AFP convoy protests [Ottawa’s streets quiet and battle lines are being redrawn around the Emergencies Act ]( After 24 days of protests, the truck blockades are gone and the streets around Parliament Hill are empty. 191 arrests have been made, 389 charges laid and 79 vehicles towed since Thursday, but Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino says the situation is still far from stable – and the extraordinary powers granted to police under the federal Emergencies Act are still required. “We’re not out of it yet,” he told the Star. [Here’s where things stand](. - What’s next: The focus now shifts to MPs’ historic vote on whether the Emergencies Act should continue in force. If tonight’s vote to certify the emergency declaration passes, the feds have another 23 days until the Act expires. If the vote fails, the Prime Minister could have another no-confidence crisis on his hands. - Chantal Hébert’s take: Justin Trudeau won’t be the one who decides whether his government gets its emergency powers. [It could all be up to NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh](. - Althia Raj’s take: Inside the House of Commons, the [debate is raging over the government’s use of the Emergencies Act](. Lucas Oleniuk/The Star star exclusive [“There’s still so much work to be done.” Ausma Malik is throwing her hat in the municipal ring]( Toronto is getting ready for another 25-mega-ward election on Oct. 24. Even before nomination papers can be submitted, there’s movement: former Toronto District School Board trustee Ausma Malik is stepping up to run in the Spadina-Fort York ward vacated by Coun. Joe Cressy. A staunch progressive unapologetic about her push for city-building, Malik could face an uphill battle should Mayor John Tory successfully seek a third term. [Read more in Malik’s exclusive interview with the Star’s Jennifer Pagliaro](. - More: “There’s still so much work to be done … to make our communities more affordable, to make sure people can stay and thrive in our city and to make our institutions more just and responsive,” Malik tells the Star.  - Context: With Toronto still reeling from the pandemic, recovery will be a key topic heading into the race. [Here’s a look at a gaping hole in the city’s $13.03-billion budget heading into 2023]( Supplied Photo/BDP Quadrangle unwelcome development [Why Doug Ford’s plan for two York Region transit hubs has locals fuming]( Despite opposition from municipalities, Premier Doug Ford plans to build two “transit-oriented communities” in Markham (Bridge Station) and Richmond Hill (High Tech) as part of the Yonge North Subway Extension. Raising particular concern is that the province’s plan would double the number of new residents envisioned by municipalities, while introducing significantly fewer jobs. In a letter to Ford, the city of Markham said the plan should be “immediately withdrawn.” But if the province employs Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZOs), it can proceed despite the local council’s objections. Oh, and MZOs can’t be appealed. [Housing reporter Donovan Vincent has the story](. - By the numbers: Local plans created with input from residents envision developments that would see the addition of 40,000 residents and 33,700 jobs. The province’s plan is for 80,400 residents and 24,900 jobs. - Wait, what? Municipal staff in York Region were [told to sign nondisclosure agreements]( over Ford’s subway plans.  - Why it matters: It’s not just York Region. Similar communities are being planned for other parts of the 905, including Mississauga and Brampton. WHAT ELSE How the convoy protests could have [long-term impacts on Canada’s housing market](. Happy Family Day! [Here’s open and closed in Toronto today](. Have you been working from home? [Here’s how to claim expenses on your taxes](. Does your F150 have a push-button start? [Keep a close eye on it]( warn Alberta police. At least three London, Ont., serial killers were caught after this 9-year-old’s murder. [Was he killed by a fourth?]( The Queen plans to [keep calm and carry on working]( her positive COVID-19 test. GO DEEP Toronto Star Graphic [If you build it, they will come. Try our interactive map to see where Toronto is seeing uneven – sometimes explosive – growth.]( CLOSE-UP Anne-Christine Poujoulat/Getty Images BEIJING, CHINA: After winning gold, silver and bronze during the Beijing Winter Games, speedskater Isabelle Weidemann carried the Canadian flag during the Olympics’ closing ceremonies Sunday. Team Canada won a total 26 medals in the 2022 Games. [Click here to see who’s taking home the hardware]( Thanks 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_107535). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. 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