Although the Premier has yet to set a date, the Progressive Conservatives aren't wasting any precious campaign minutes when it comes to knocking on doors in Scarborough-Rouge River. Last night, PC byelection candidate Raymond Cho officially opened his campaign office at a barbecue in Scarborough alongside campaign manager Doug Ford and PC Leader Patrick Brown. A handful of Tory MPPs, including energy critic John Yakabuski and byelection fellow Lorne Coe were also there. Cho said he would advocate for expanding a subway stop into the Scarborough-Rouge River riding. <a href="http://www.qpbriefing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/DSC_0080.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-110817" alt="DSC_0080" src="http://www.qpbriefing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/DSC_0080-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a>
And while we're on the subject of aspirant Tory politicians, apparent federal contender Tony Clement (who is expected to announce a bid today) will be meeting with the man once dubbed Donald Trump North, Kevin O'Leary, to discuss the possibility of joining his ticket as financial czar, <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/oleary-meeting-with-clement-to-discuss-leadership-bid-fiscal-policy/article30871637/" target="_blank">The  Globe and Mail reports</a>. The two will also reportedly kick out the jams at O'Leary's Muskoka cottage.
Meanwhile in the capital, OC Transpo <a href="http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/transpo-puts-number-to-staff-reductions-ahead-of-lrt" target="_blank">is expected to shed from about 500 to 600 jobs</a> when the province opens up its Confederation Line LRT in 2018, according to the transit union.
And three recent government moves are not sitting well with some:
At least <a href="http://www.torontosun.com/2016/07/11/oma-deal-with-province-unacceptable" target="_blank">one doctor isn't feeling</a> the tentative deal <a title="Tentative OMA agreement would see ‘refined’ court challenge proceed: Hoskins" href="http://www.qpbriefing.com/2016/07/11/tentative-oma-agreement-would-see-refined-court-challenge-proceed-hoskins/" target="_blank">inked yesterday</a> with the Ontario Medical Association.
LGBTQ activists <a href="http://www.thespec.com/news-story/6762853-lgbtq-activists-call-for-scrapping-sex-markers-on-id-cards/" target="_blank">want gender markers, including the new X option, to be removed</a> from government ID cards altogether.
And a <a href="http://www.nugget.ca/2016/07/10/city-asked-to-act-on-human-trafficking" target="_blank">North Bay city councillor thinks</a> anti-human trafficking efforts should include lowering the age of child protection from 18 to 16.
In the opinion pages:
David Reevely worries Ontario's deal with doctors is "<a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/full-comment/david-reevely-ontarios-deal-with-doctors-may-be-more-placebo-than-cure" target="_blank">more placebo than cure.</a>"
Ahead of a deal scheduled to be signed this week, Andrew Coyne <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/full-comment/andrew-coyne-turning-the-cpp-into-18-million-rrsps" target="_blank">wonders about the nuances of CPP enhancement</a>.
The Ottawa Sun <a href="http://www.ottawasun.com/postal-deal-better-for-everyone" target="_blank">reminisces about the golden age of postal strikes</a>.
Events
10:30 a.m. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Eleanor McMahon will make an announcement about support for the non-profit sector at the Centre for Print and Media Arts, 173 James St. North, Hamilton.
10:55 a.m.
Health Minister Eric Hoskins to make an announcement about health care services with Minister Chris Ballard and Minister Helena Jaczek. Healing Garden of the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre, Southlake Regional Health Centre, 596 Davis Drive, Newmarket.

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