2 weeks Ago
Ontario’s opposition parties have every reason to consider a pragmatic new game plan when Doug Ford’s headstrong government holds a commanding lead (according to the latest Abacus Data poll). The opposition faces a daunting task despite the government’s staggering mismanagement of a host of key issues outlined by the auditor general. This includes a record amount of spending on advertising much of it essentially partisan, to bolster the Progressive Conservative’s re-election prospects.
There’s a real danger the three opposition parties, led by capable leaders, may well ensure another Tory majority if they split the vote. The 2022 election, when the Progressive Conservatives won 40.8 per cent of the popular vote while the NDP and Liberals had 23.
7 and 23.8 per cent respectively, speaks volumes. It’s time the opposition leaders consider strategic co-operation, as envisioned by Steve Paikin, host of TVO’s Agenda.
Paikin’s “non-aggression pact” as he calls it would see the parties divide ridings. They would choose candidates according to which person, party label aside, has the best chance of defeating a PC candidate in each constituency. While opposition co-ordination wouldn’t necessarily end Tory rule, it would offer hope of holding the Ford government to a more accountable minority at least.
Premier Doug Ford, who already has a majority in the Ontario Legislature, is apparently planning an early election sometime in 2025. If the Conservatives are supposed to be the stewards of our finances, why is Ford planning on spending close taxpayer dollars on an election we don’t need? What possible use could there be, except to feed Ford’s need for power? Xxx Contributing columnist Shawn Micallef has accurately pointed out some important issues facing Ontario under Premier Ford. One issue is that the TDSB is in disrepair with infrastructure.
Also, teacher availability and competency must be addressed; my granddaughter has been without a French teacher for more than three months. Perhaps one of the reasons Premier Ford is considering an early election is he hopes to be reelected before the RCMP finalizes it’s damning report on the Greenbelt fiasco. Ford is one shrewd politician.
It was disheartening to read the letter writer criticizing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s reaction to Trump’s threats of 25 per cent tariffs. What would the writer recommend instead? Ignore this existential threat? Cower in terror? Trudeau recognizes what has been described as Trump’s malignant narcissism. Based on his previous experience, Trudeau recognized Trump’s nature and did not bend the knee but made a clear-headed, realistic response to the dangers inherent in Trump’s flexing his presidential muscles.
Trudeau knows to take Trump seriously, to use whatever ploys are necessary to play to Trump’s vanity for the sake of Canada’s sovereignty. Trudeau’s maturity in showing a quick and steady approach is heartening. May Trudeau’s calm but studied reaction attract voters to him and away from the perpetually whining Pierre Poilievre.
The Conservative Party leader’s modus operandi is to constantly pander to citizens’ basest anger. In one story, this article provides all the information we need to do away with homelessness in our city. Instead of spending $380 million (according to a city of Toronto report released in February) to host World Cup games in 2026 that benefits only FIFA, imagine if we spent that $380 million to help end homelessness in our city.
There are solutions. Launch a non-profit organization to manage the housing of the currently homeless. That way, people can donate to the charity and get a tax receipt.
Tell FIFA that unless we raise $380 million through the charity by the end of 2025, they will get no financial aid from Toronto. Regardless of how much money we raise through the charity, start the new initiative in January 2026. Who knows? FIFA might even donate a big chunk of money just so their soccer tournament can go ahead.
It is nothing less than a crying shame we have become so uncaring for our fellow man that we let people live outside and die. Recently you published a letter suggesting High Park is dead and deserted because of the limitations on access for cars, and suggesting this was the reason why the city has not continued to operate a Christmas event in the park. Perhaps there are other reasons why this event was cancelled.
There are seasonal events planned at Colborne Lodge, and I’m sure that if needed, the city could allow any special furnishings to be brought in on the five days per week during which there are no limits on vehicular access, or even on weekends. As for the park being “dead and deserted” I visit the park two or three times per week and I can assure you it is alive with people, animals and birds enjoying the tranquility of nature every day of the week. The city’s mobility strategy is working well in terms of providing safe access for walking, cycling, and yes, even driving.
Toronto is overrun with cars, and having a place free of drivers’ aggressive behaviour is important now, and it will become even more essential as the city continues to densify. It’s time to put this issue to bed..
