In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

 🐒 Toronto Zoo Staff Data Compromised in Major Cyber Attack

 🏥 Ontario Names Accreditation Canada as Inspector for Surgical Centres

🚔 Reckless G2 Driver Caught Speeding in Safety Zone Faces Multiple Charges

👮🏽 Police Search for Suspect Following Pickering Bank Robbery

 🩺 Durham Region Backs Plan to Tackle Family Doctor Shortage

🏆 Trivia

 🏀 Durham College Triumphs Over George Brown Huskies in Close Basketball Match

⛹🏼 Durham College Men's Basketball Secures Decisive Win Over George Brown Huskies

 📅 Whitby Events

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Toronto Zoo Staff Data Compromised in Major Cyber Attack

In a recent development, the Toronto Zoo has disclosed a significant data breach affecting current, former, and retired employees dating back to 1989. The compromised data includes sensitive personal information such as past earnings, social insurance numbers, birthdates, telephone numbers, and home addresses. Fortunately, personal banking information is not believed to be part of the breach as it is not stored on the Zoo's servers.

In response to this incident, the Zoo is taking proactive measures by offering all impacted staff members a complimentary two-year credit monitoring service. This service is designed to detect signs of identity fraud, allowing individuals to take necessary protective actions. Retired and former employees wishing to avail this service are requested to contact the Zoo via email with specific personal details.

The investigation is ongoing to assess if Zoo members, guests, donors, and volunteers have been affected. Affected individuals will be directly notified. The Zoo reassures that this breach has not impacted animal wellbeing or care systems and that normal operations, including guest visits, continue unaffected.

The Zoo has expressed deep regret over this incident, highlighting the concerning trend of cyber attacks targeting not-for-profit and public sector organizations. They emphasize their mission of connecting people with animals and conservation science, not dealing with cyber threats, and extend an apology to all affected staff members. Read more.

Ontario Names Accreditation Canada as Inspector for Surgical Centres

The Ontario government is advancing its healthcare initiative, Your Health, with a proposal to appoint Accreditation Canada as the inspection body for over 900 existing and future community surgical and diagnostic centres. Set to begin on April 1, 2024, this move aims to uphold high-quality standards and ensure rigorous oversight of these facilities.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones, emphasized the government's commitment to reducing surgical wait times, not settling for the current delays. The expansion of community surgical and diagnostic centres is a key strategy in this effort. These centres will perform more surgeries and diagnostics in modern, convenient settings, with costs covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) rather than individuals.

Accreditation Canada's role will be crucial in developing an enhanced oversight and quality assurance program. With over 65 years of experience, they are expected to align these community centres with the strong requirements of public hospitals, ensuring consistent patient safety and high-quality healthcare. The government plans extensive consultations with healthcare sector partners, regulatory colleges, and patients in developing this program.

Starting in Spring 2024, the government will also license additional community centres to offer more OHIP-insured services like MRI/CT scans, GI endoscopies, and orthopedic surgeries closer to patients' homes.

Notably, Ontario has made significant strides in healthcare over the past year, achieving the shortest surgical wait times in Canada in 2023, reducing surgical waitlists, clearing cervical cancer screening test backlogs, surpassing pre-pandemic levels of pediatric surgery completions, and expanding diagnostic imaging capacity.

The government remains committed to continuing bold and innovative changes under the Your Health initiative, aiming to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for Ontarians. Read more.

Do you Have the Scoop on a Breaking Local News Story?

Reckless G2 Driver Caught Speeding in Safety Zone Faces Multiple Charges

In a recent incident, law enforcement officials intercepted a vehicle that was traveling at a hazardous speed of over 90 km/hr in a 40 km/hr Community Safety Zone. The driver, holding a G2 license, was found to be operating the vehicle despite an existing suspension. Upon inspection, the vehicle was deemed to fail multiple safety standards, leading to its impoundment for 14 days and its removal from the road due to unfitness for operation. The driver's explanation for the excessive speed was a simple one: a rush to meet friends for lunch. This reckless behavior resulted in the issuance of eleven tickets for various offenses, including stunt driving, careless driving, speeding, driving while suspended, and having defective brakes. Read more.

Police Search for Suspect Following Pickering Bank Robbery

In a recent incident in Pickering, a robbery at a financial institution on Whites Road has prompted a police search for the male suspect. The event occurred on the evening of December 23, 2023, when an unidentified man entered the bank and confronted a woman withdrawing cash. The assailant forcibly took the money from the victim and then escaped on foot. He is described as having a medium build and was last seen wearing a green winter jacket with a distinctive red and black patch on the left shoulder, a light-hooded sweater, grey jogging pants, and untied brown work boots. The victim, who suffered minor injuries during the robbery, reported the incident to the West Division police.

Anyone who can identify the suspect or has any information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Aselton of the West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2535.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward. Read more.

Durham Region Backs Plan to Tackle Family Doctor Shortage

Durham Region's Committee of the Whole supports a new program to attract family doctors, addressing the shortage in the area. The plan, still requiring final approval, involves hiring a recruiter and implementing strategies to draw physicians. Approximately 180,000 residents currently lack a family doctor, and the region needs about 145 more doctors. The program is set to start in 2025 with shared funding between the region and municipalities. Read source.

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Durham College Triumphs Over George Brown Huskies in Close Basketball Match

Durham College women's basketball team defeated George Brown Huskies 74-70, with Emma Bergen leading the charge with a double-double of 30 points and 10 rebounds. The Lords displayed a strong offense and resilience, especially in the fourth quarter, securing their victory. Key players included Onika Leveridge and Emily Glendinning, contributing significantly to the win. The team looks forward to their next game against the Centennial Colts. Read more.

Durham College Men's Basketball Secures Decisive Win Over George Brown Huskies

In a dominant display against the George Brown Huskies, the Durham College men's basketball team extended their winning streak to nine games with a 90-64 victory. Key players included O'Shane Taylor-Douglas and Mark Stoop, with the team showing remarkable efficiency and strength, particularly under the rim. The Lords are now preparing for their next game against the Centennial Colts. Read more.

In the mid-19th century, Whitby was chosen for a significant administrative role in Ontario. What role was this?

• A) It became the capital of Ontario Province.

• B) It was designated as the seat of government for the County of Ontario.

• C) It was named the official port of entry for immigrants to Ontario.

• D) It became the headquarters for the Ontario Railway Commission.

Answer posted below.

January 18th

• Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain Workshop (55+) - 9:30AM-12:00PM

• Quick and Healthy Snack Foods with Sylvia (55+) - 1:30PM-2:30PM

• Euchre - Brock Street Lounge - 7:00PM

January 19th

• Rise and Shine Breakfast - Oshawa - 8:30AM-10:00AM

• Dylan Gott Comdey Show - 8:00PM

• 80's Night at Bullocks Pub - 9:00PM-12:00AM

• Live Music with Dino Stakos - Brock Street Lounge - 7:00PM

January 20th

• Afternoon Tea - Chanterelle Bistro - 11:30AM-2:00PM

• World Religion Day - 2:00PM-4:00PM

• Saturday Studio Winter 2024 - 10:30AM and 1:00PM

• Dylan Gott Comdey Show - 8:00PM

• Live Music with Cale Crow - Brock Street Lounge - 7:00PM

January 21st

• Whitby Firefighters vs NHL Hockey Heroes Charity Game - 2:00PM

• BMO Free Public Skate - 2:00PM-3:45PM

January 25th

• Wellness for Weight Loss Program with Sylvia - 1:30PM-2:30PM

February 3rd

• Afternoon Tea - Chanterell Bistro - 11:30AM-2:00PM

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