The Annex Guardian

The kits have been banned in Canada since 1973 because of safety concerns that children may inhale vapours from the solvents used to blow the balloons.

They consist of a solvent in a tube with one or more plastic straws for dipping into the tube and blowing balloons or bubbles.

In extreme cases, children could experience symptoms of central nervous system depression or dysfunction, which may include euphoria, hallucinations, dizziness and poor coordination of movements.

In the long run, they could experience more serious symptoms such as muscular twitching, unconsciousness and even coma.

Health Canada inspectors removed more than 1,500 kits from the CNE fairgrounds on Aug. 20. The toys were confiscated from three booths inside the fair's international pavilion area. They are identified as Products of the Philippines.

An unknown quantity of the prohibited toys may have been sold from Aug. 15 to 20.

No injuries have been reported to Health Canada in regards to the recently sold kits.

Anyone with concerns can e-mail cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca or call 1-866-662-0666.

It takes place Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m., at Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Avenue. Admission is free but seating is limited.

Deibert will address the colonization and militarization of the Internet through censorship, surveillance and information warfare, and the efforts of he and his group of "hacktivists" at U of T's Citizen Lab to empower global citizens and protect their rights to freely share and access information online.

For full details, visit www.artsci.utoronto.ca or call 416-946-7950.

 The spot check, on Hoskin Avenue near Queens Park Crescent, comes during Frosh Week at the university.

“Frosh Week festivities are an opportunity to have fun and let loose before the demanding academic year begins. However, ensuring safety is paramount,” police said in a news release.

“Our message to all drivers and students is to enjoy Frosh Week, but be responsible, plan ahead and make smart choices about your transportation. Don’t put the public or themselves at risk by driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.”

"A school should be a place where a kid can go and feel at home," Det. Larry Straver, co-ordinator of Toronto Crime Stoppers, said in a news release. "We want students to realize we understand what they're going through, that we've been there and show them that there are options available to them that can help make their school environment a safer place for everyone."

There are three ways to send anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers: by talking (call 416-222-TIPS), by typing (online at www.222tips.com) and by texting (text TIP312 and your message to CRIMES (274637).

The annual CIBC Run for the Cure takes place at Nathan's Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W., beginning at 8 a.m. with the final registration and the run at 10 a.m. (There is a one- and five-kilometre walk or run. The walk starts at 10:10 a.m.)

The day includes a survivor recognition as well as an awards celebration at 11:15 a.m.

For details, visit www.cibcrunforthecure.com or call 416-977-CURE (2873).

The run was created in 1992 by a group of volunteers who wanted to raise awareness and funds for the cause. The first event took place in Toronto. More than 1,500 participants raised $85,000. Last year, 53 communities and 170,000 Canadians participated in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, raising more than $27 million for breast cancer research, education, and awareness programs.