What to know about a potential government strike

Plus, alleged abuse of Toronto dancers and trouble at the Trudeau Foundation [The Star] First Up [By Manuela Vega] By Manuela Vega Good morning. Here’s the latest on allegations of a sexual impropriety from a GTA choreographer, a possible government strike and the feud at the Trudeau Foundation. DON’T MISS Nick Kozak for The Star star exclusive [A GTA dance was gaining fame — behind the scenes, dancers say their leader was abusing his power to get some of them to sleep with him]( Members of the Renegades, a GTA group best known for placing third on the 2022 season of the TV show “Canada’s Got Talent,” say choreographer Xavier Tu abused his power when he cultivated romantic and sexual relationships with them. The allegations first surfaced on an Instagram post in September — after which Tu sued 11 of his former dancers for more than $1 million, claiming the post defamed him. He denies allegations of sexual impropriety, saying they’re part of a “libelous conspiracy” to “cancel” him, court documents reveal. [Morgan Bocknek reports on the allegations laid out in the post and in a statement of defence](. - Go deeper: In the statement of defence from Ireland Byrne, she alleges Tu was in multiple intimate relationships with female members of the Renegades, and used his power and authority to “coerce, manipulate, isolate and emotionally torment them.” - Watch for: Tu has asked for an injunction that would prevent Byrne and others from making any allegedly defamatory statements about him. Meanwhile, Byrne has filed a motion seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed, accusing Tu of abusing the courts to try to silence her and her fellow dancers. Canadian Press/Patrick Doyle labour [Airport slowdowns and a tax refund “shutdown” — six things to know about a possible government strike]( Pushing for higher wages and the ability to work remotely, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is preparing for a possible strike after a majority of its 120,000 eligible union members voted in favour. Although the president says they could walk out immediately, they’ll wait for talks with the Treasury Board, which employs the workers, to wrap up Friday. [Here’s why PSAC national president Chris Aylward says the strike — one of the largest in decades — could have ripple effects across the country](. - Context: Approximately 123,800 public service employees working a wide array of jobs could go on strike. They represent four different bargaining groups — program and administrative services; operational services; technical services; and education and library science. - By the numbers: “These are not high-paid, senior executives,” Aylward said. “The majority of our members are women making between 40 and $65,000 a year.” - Watch for: The CRA, who are represented by PSAC and a subcomponent called the Union of Taxation Employees, have also voted in favour of a strike mandate. They will be in a legal strike position as of Friday, Aylward said. Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld federal politics [What’s going on with the Trudeau Foundation? Here’s what we know about the controversy that led to a mass resignation]( After the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation board of directors resigned en masse this week, the organization says it’s launching an “independent review” of a $140,000 donation that had a “potential connection to the Chinese government.” With the investigation, the organization will fulfill an action the officials had agreed on prior to their resignations. [Alex Ballingall breaks down the internal feud and the aftermath](. - Context: A source with direct knowledge said the dispute erupted in recent days after an attempt to return the donation failed. - Now what? In a statement Wednesday, the foundation said the review of the donation will be conducted by an accounting agency, instructed by an outside law firm. The statement did not name either firm, but said neither of them has worked with the charity before. - More: The Trudeau Foundation did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday about the source’s concern. Several officials at the charity did not respond to interview requests, while others declined to speak when contacted by the Star. [Sherman Investigation Alerts] What really happened to Honey and Barry Sherman? Get breaking updates in your inbox from the Star’s investigation as it keeps unfolding, including new episodes of our #1-rated podcast “The Billionaire Murders.” [Sign up for our free alerts here](. WHAT ELSE The Ford government has suddenly removed the Peel police board chair — [and is refusing to say why](. [A day trader has been ordered to pay taxes on TFSA]( investments after his holdings grew to more than $600,000. [Here’s how much wait times could increase for Toronto’s busiest subway line]( according to the TTC. Is this the end of the housing correction? [Take a look at how much home prices are now expected to increase]( Freedom Mobile’s new owner comes out swinging with a [pledge to undercut Bell, Telus and Rogers by 20 per cent](. Here’s why the CBC isn’t the enemy — [no matter what Pierre Poilievre and Elon Musk may think](. Parents are threatening legal action over the TDSB [error that excluded racialized, disabled and LGBTQ students from an alternative school lottery](. NPR is the first major news organization to leave Twitter, [accusing the platform of undermining its credibility](. After a crushing play-in loss to the Bulls, [the Raptors’ season ends](. Prince Harry will attend King Charles’s coronation. [Meghan won't](. Toronto broke a record after Wednesday neared 30 C. [These upcoming temperatures could break more](. [Demand for pet food banks and support services are on the rise]( among Toronto pet owners. ICYMI Andrew Francis Wallace/The Star [Reeling from home-heating costs? Meet the heat pump — an old idea that’s gaining new ground.]( CLOSE-UP Lance McMillan/The Star VAUGHAN: Firefighters are seen Wednesday after a blaze at a residential subdivision damaged or destroyed dozens of homes under construction. [Here’s what we know](. 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_176203). Ashley will 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. [Unsubscribe From This Newsletter]( [Sign Up for More Newsletters and Email Alerts]( [View in Browser]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. 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