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Over $250-Thousand in Gift Cards Given to TDSB workers

Posted By: Michelle Rosa · 6/28/2012 6:13:00 AM

There are new revelations regarding the Toronto District School Board and questionable spending.

This after the Skilled Trades Council charged the TDSB $3000 to install an electrical receptacle and tradesman charged $143 to install a pencil sharpener.

Now, the Toronto Star claims gift cards are being given to trades council workers on taxpayer dime.

The province set up a special fund for education support workers which was supposed to have funds for professional development but, hundreds of thousands of dollars from that fund have somehow been handed over to the union's trades workers.

Store gift cards in denominations of $300 and $500 to TigerDirect have been used by hundreds of workers to purchase electronics, games or to help pay off computer purchases. The Star claims at least $253-thousand in gift cards has been spent, but it could also be as much as double that amount.

Over $17-million has been provided by the province to school board workers across Ontario within the past few years, and that was meant to be used to again, "enhance professional development and training opportunities for educations support workers."

According to a 2009 trades council document by Chief Hazel, every permanent member of the TDSB council would get a $300 gift card with their name and account number printed on it.
 

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  1. Sue posted on 06/28/2012 07:51 AM
    This is DISGUSTING!! Shame on all of you!! This is our money that is being taken away from our kids!! A board meeting in September is not going to cut it! Make some noise parents!!!
  2. Richard Collins posted on 06/28/2012 08:37 AM
    It's time we got these crooked unions out of our country, and especially out of our children's educations! Sign the petition to start putting the brakes on their power to extort money from those who need it most, http://tinyurl.com/we-can-advance
    1. Rick posted on 06/28/2012 02:14 PM
      @Richard Collins I am adding the link to my facebook.I hope more Canadians get serious on holding TDSB accountable for their actions. Are we turning into a currupt 3rd world country
  3. John posted on 06/28/2012 08:45 AM
    Fire all those involved in any way, charge as many as possible criminally, levy heavy fines and demand full restitution. Then install the proper checks and balances to prevent this sort of thing from happening again. Did we learn nothing from the MFP scandal?
    1. Rick posted on 06/28/2012 04:45 PM
      @John ,and don't forget to revoke their licence/s, if applicable
  4. proton posted on 06/28/2012 09:17 AM
    This should be criminal. Fire the board, the school trustees going along with this, and get someone with fiscal responsibility to take over. Next union contract MUST be written based on private sector similarities. Get rid of the city councillors that used to be trustees that let thiis legalized thievery go on.

    Another example of Ford's gravy train!!!
  5. Rick posted on 06/28/2012 10:11 AM
    Kevin O'Leary says, " Money has no soul" Anyway of convincing him, "TDSB has no soul?" How canTDSB ask for more budget money year after year and yet noone is looking at the waste. We should beg Sheila Fraser to HELP Toronto and investigate these roughs. Wake up people, we are being gouged!! I am posting this link on facebook and everyone who cares must do the same
  6. Rick posted on 06/28/2012 10:17 AM
    Who ever approved these gift cards, must be fired ASAP, public hearing and criminal charges must be laid.
  7. kenfromcanada posted on 06/28/2012 11:26 AM
    Many years ago, the late President Reagan, in 1981, fired ALL the Air Traffic controllers when their union made excessive demands. Come on Mr.Ford, who I still support - fire these bastards!

    Do it on a board by board basis - there are MANY large contracting companies looking for work - that - OMG - you may SAVE MONEY!

    A long time ago when I was contracting, we had a project that was semi-city related. We did the first part - on time, on budget. The City found out and was foisting union workers on us for certain - NOT SO SKILLED - parts of that phase. AND the cost - was coming out of OUR pocket!

    We decided to pass.

    But then again, only City friendly firms are allowed to make huge sums.
  8. MeredithM posted on 06/29/2012 04:20 PM
    Toronto Taxpayers, join the Tracking The TDSB facebook group and add your voice to those demanding accountability and a full and public investigation of this TDSB wastefulness.

    http://www.facebook.com/TrackingTheTDSB
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