The Toronto Argonauts’ withdrawal from the York University stadium project hasn’t discouraged soccer’s governing body FIFA from supporting Canada as host of the 2007 world youth championship, reported Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail and other major Toronto dailies May 5. “2007 is Canada’s time and nothing anyone can do or say will derail this competition from taking place in Canada,” FIFA vice-president Jack Warner said.
On the same topic:
- “Sure, I’m disappointed,” Warner said, according to the National Post. “I am disappointed that a guy’s word and commitments seem to mean nothing these days. And, of course, I think it was short-sighted of [the Argos] to pull out.”
- According to The Toronto Sun, Warner said the tournament could be limited to a five-city event if there is no stadium in Toronto.
- A Toronto Star editorial said this city does not need a 25,000-seat soccer facility at York but could use a bigger and better soccer facility. If a well-situated 10,000-15,000-seat venue is proposed, there is no compelling reason why public funds should not be used, said the Star.
Wanted: Corporate directors with great personalities
The Canadian Securities Administrators, an umbrella group of provincial regulators across the country, has developed a new set of guidelines for directors that is scheduled to take effect by the end of next month. But not everyone is convinced that some of the proposals – judging personalities, for instance – are a good idea, reported The Globe and Mail and Broadcast News May 5. “The softer skills are often the hardest to get your arms around, but they’re also very significant,” said Richard Leblanc, a professor of corporate governance, law and ethics at York University, and the author of a new book on corporate boards, which canvassed over 200 directors. Leblanc, who teaches in the Atkinson School of Administrative Studies, identified 10 types of director behaviour, and advised securities regulators on the new guidelines, including the importance of personality in the boardroom. “I don’t think there’s anything in there that is offensive or radical. I think the problem will be, how do we do this?”
Top tennis women coming to Rexall Centre
A half-dozen of the biggest names in women’s tennis, including three of the top four players in the world, are signed up to play in this year’s WTA tournament in Toronto, reported the National Post May 5. Stacey Allaster, tournament director of Tennis Canada’s Rogers Cup tournament, said she has secure commitments from Maria Sharapova, Amelie Mauresmo and Serena Williams, ranked second, third and fourth, respectively, in the women’s world rankings. This summer’s tournament, which runs Aug. 13-21, marks the first appearance of the women at the Rexall Centre. The facility, on the Keele campus of York University, last summer made its highly successful pro tennis debut by hosting the men’s tour.
On air
- Computer scientist Michael Jenkin, a professor in York’s Faculty of Science & Engineering, and doctoral student Andrew Hogue introduced their virtual reality room IVY (immersive visual environment at York) on CP24-TV’s “Home Page” May 4.