Cities Budget Buoys NDP Support

[mirror]

NDP caucus lauded by Toronto's mayor

Toronto Mayor David Miller said the NDP budget amendments have done great things for Canada's largest city, allowing him to keep down the price of transit passes, buy new buses and build new affordable housing.

The comments are a boost to the 19-member NDP caucus, which was welcomed to Toronto last night at a city hall reception as the MPs kicked off two days of strategy meetings for the fall session and coming federal election.

"The day that Jack Layton negotiated an agreement with Paul Martin for what I would call the cities budget was an incredible day for Toronto, and was a day that every single member of this caucus should be incredibly proud of, as Jack has made you statesmen and true leaders in this country," Mr. Miller said.

With the Liberal government on the ropes over the sponsorship scandal in the spring, the NDP offered the Prime Minister its support in the Commons in exchange for a $4.5-billion amendment to the federal budget that was aimed toward cities and the environment.

Mr. Miller said Toronto has 60,000 families on the waiting list for social housing and the $1.6-billion for housing in the NDP budget amendments will go "a long way" to addressing that shortage.

With Layton pushing for government policies that appeal to the average working Canadian it's no wonder that the New Democrats are within strinking distance of the official opposition, with only 6% separating them according to the latest SES national polls.

The NDP will not be supporting the nationalization of Canada's oil and gas industry, which should appeal to Canadian business leaders as well. All in all it looks the Layton New Democrats are on a roll!

[apollo19]

A New Democrat party member applauding the New Democrat leader.. what a surprise

Many cities are happy that they got more money. I would just like to ask you why you think social housing and welfare, etc, are issues of concern for the 'average working Canadian'.

[mirror]

Let's see now, the working people in Canada don't use the education system, don't use public transit, don't live in subsidized housing, don't have concerns about polution, and the environment, and don't have concerns about the rising gas and oil prices. Uh hum!

It's not what I say, it is what Canadians say, which is indicated in the SES poll showing that the NDP are now withing 6% of the official opposition.

[Canuck E Stan]

"the working people in Canada"

That leaves you out for sure.

[mirror]

"the working people in Canada"

That leaves you out for sure.  

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Dear CES

You can always tell when the Conservative party members are posting: no party policies of their own they dare discuss, but big on the personal putdowns, and not a shred of any substance to any of the debates

Cheers

[shoop]

You can always tell when the Conservative members are posting: no party policies they dare to discuss, but big on the personal putdowns, and not a shred of any  substance to the debates 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Two points.

1. mirror you are familiar with the story of the pot and the kettle?

2. you can't work with the amount of time you are on here. But nice attempt at changing the subject.

[cybercoma]

Let's see now, the working people in Canada don't use the education system, don't use public transit, don't live in subsidized housing, don't have concerns about polution, and the environment, and don't have concerns about the rising gas and oil prices. Uh hum!

It's not what I say, it is what Canadians say, which is indicated in the SES poll showing that the NDP are now withing 6% of the official opposition.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, the average Canadian sure doesn't give a crap when the NDP is only concerned with those problems in Toronto.

[mirror]

Let's see now, the working people in Canada don't use the education system, don't use public transit, don't live in subsidized housing, don't have concerns about polution, and the environment, and don't have concerns about the rising gas and oil prices. Uh hum!

It's not what I say, it is what Canadians say, which is indicated in the SES poll showing that the NDP are now withing 6% of the official opposition.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, the average Canadian sure doesn't give a crap when the NDP is only concerned with those problems in Toronto.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dear cybercoma

Martin had his caucus mtg in Regina

Harper had his caucus mtg in Halifax

Layton is having his caucus mtg in Toronto

And your point again is. Zilch.

Exactly.

Another substantive post from a Conservative party member.

Cheers

[Canuck E Stan]

And now the rest of the news from the mayor of Toronto

Statement by Mayor David Miller

"And I have always believed that every elected official in every government must have a personal and professional commitment to honesty, transparency, and responsibility."

Gosh,we got a mini Martin clone government coming alive in TO, thank goodness the NDP are here to bail them out.

[mirror]

And now the rest of the news from the mayor of Toronto

Statement by Mayor David Miller

"And I have always believed that every elected official in every government must have a personal and professional commitment to honesty, transparency, and responsibility."

Gosh,we got a mini  Martin clone government coming alive in TO, thank goodness the NDP are here to bail them out.

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Dear CES

Please fix your link to the National Post article

Secondly Mayor David Miller was refering to the computer scam ripoff at Toronto City Hall by right wing or Conservative Councillor Tom Jacobek.

Cheers

[Canuck E Stan]

Statement by Mayor

Here's the link hope it works.

"Secondly Mayor David Miller was refering to the computer scam ripoff at Toronto City Hall by right wing or Conservative Councillor Tom Jacobek."

Layton cut his political teeth in TO,no wonder Miller is happy to see the NDP in Toronto, with Layton there, he can make up the shortfall in the Toroto budget by getting down on his knees in front of Martin.....again.

[cybercoma]

Dear Mirror,

There's a difference between having meetings in a city and spending the entire nation's collective money on public transit that will be used by less than 10% of the country's population.

[mirror]

Dear Mirror,

There's a difference between having meetings in a city and spending the entire nation's  collective money on public transit that will be used by less than 10% of the country's population.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dear cybercoma

If you want tax reductions for the rich and policies that are soft on social programs and the Charter of Rights, don't vote for the New Democrats.

I don't think there should be a charge for public transit. Then you will really see people get out of their cars with substantially reduced traffic and also it would help with Canada's environmental and pollution problems. You sound like a lobbyist for the auto industy.

Cheers

[cybercoma]

Dear cybercoma

If you want tax reductions for the rich and policies that are soft on social programs and the Charter of Rights, don't vote for the New Democrats.

I don't think there should be a charge for public transit. Then you will really see people get out of their cars with substantially reduced traffic and also it would help with Canada's environmental and pollution problems. You sound like a lobbyist for the auto industy.

Cheers

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dear mirror,

Are you for real? This has nothing to do with tax reductions for the rich or being soft on social programs.

This has to do with the FEDERAL government funding CITY transit.

Do you ever stop and ask the question, "who should fund this?"

It would seem your answer to that question everytime is "everyone in Canada".

Do you believe we should get rid of provincial and municipal governments?

[mirror]

Dear cybercoma

If you want tax reductions for the rich and policies that are soft on social programs and the Charter of Rights, don't vote for the New Democrats.

I don't think there should be a charge for public transit. Then you will really see people get out of their cars with substantially reduced traffic and also it would help with Canada's environmental and pollution problems. You sound like a lobbyist for the auto industy.

Cheers

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dear mirror,

Are you for real? This has nothing to do with tax reductions for the rich or being soft on social programs.

This has to do with the FEDERAL government funding CITY transit.

Do you ever stop and ask the question, "who should fund this?"

It would seem your answer to that question everytime is "everyone in Canada".

Do you believe we should get rid of provincial and municipal governments?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dear Cybercoma

Yes t does have to do with tax reductions for the rich. You are just using a smokescreen.

It doesn't sound like you have ever heard of the expression the "common good". What happened in New Orleans is the result of politicians neglected the common good. You are too caught up in whose turf it is rather than trying to provides services for the people.

Personally I think we are overgoverned and that there really is no need for provincial governments, as they spend way too much time pitting their part of the country against another part instead of working together for all Canadians.

What makes you think the cities in Alberta or wherever are not getting any funding for public transit? I don't live in Toronto but I am delighted the people in Toronto will have good public transit. I wish it for the cities in Alberta as well.

Cheers

[cybercoma]

Dear Cybercoma

Yes t does have to do with tax reductions for the rich. you are just using a smokescreen.

It doesn't sound like you have ever heard of the expression the "common good". What happened in New Orleans is the result of politicians neglected the common good. You are too caught up in whose turf it is rather than trying to provides services for the people.

Personally I think we are overgoverned and that there really is no need for provincial governments, as they spend way too much time pitting their part of the country against another part instead of working together for all Canadians.

What makes you think the cities in Alberta or wherever are not getting any funding for public transit? I don't live in Toronto but I am delighted the people in Toronto will have good public transit. I wish it for the cities in Alberta as well.

Cheers

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dear mirror,

Speaking of smokescreens, what the hell is the point of the New Orleans reference?

At least we can both agree that we're overgoverned.

Unfortunately, I don't share you view that federal funding for Toronto's transit system is a "common" good. The funding didn't go to cities in Alberta, it didn't go to other cities in Ontario either. Federal money went to Toronto for public transit. This is not the "common" good, this is the good of Toronto and as such should've been funded by the City of Toronto or even the Province of Ontario.

Your idea of all Canadians working together is beautiful hippie crap. It doesn't work because the needs of those in Calgary, Alberta are different than those of people in Moncton, New Brunswick. And why should someone in Surrey, BC pay for public transportation in Toronto?

There is no common good about it.

(Now if you want to argue off-topic about New Orleans, the common good was shown when people from all over the United States, Canada and the rest of the world came together to donate money and provide services to those people after the disaster. The federal government was right in not spending federal money on a municipal project.

The city of New Orleans, who knew of the problem with the levees, should've collected funds and did what they needed to do to make the necessary repairs. If it was beyond the scope of what they could handle, the State should've supplemented the funding.

The federal government has no right spending EVERYONE's money on projects that effect people in a single city, due to the incompetency or inadequacy of municipal and state/provincial governments.)

[err]

Unfortunately, I don't share you view that federal funding for Toronto's transit system is a "common" good.  The funding didn't go to cities in Alberta, it didn't go to other cities in Ontario either.  Federal money went to Toronto for public transit.  This is not the "common" good, this is the good of Toronto and as such should've been funded by the City of Toronto or even the Province of Ontario.

Considering that nearly 15% of Canadians live in Toronto, it's certainly helping a bunch of Canadians. Having a decent public transit system improves traffic, cost of living, greatly reduces pollution, etc...

It makes living in a large city like Toronto more affordable, and hence allows businesses to attract cheaper labour (I thought you'd like that one)...

Your idea of all Canadians working together is beautiful hippie crap.  It doesn't work because the needs of those in Calgary, Alberta are different than those of people in Moncton, New Brunswick. 

How about helping Canada meet its Kyoto committments ??

(Now if you want to argue off-topic about New Orleans, the common good was shown when people from all over the United States, Canada and the rest of the world came together to donate money and provide services to those people after the disaster.  The federal government was right in not spending federal money on a municipal project. 

Not spending money on security of US citizens, when it's obvious to everyone that spending money on Iraq and Star Wars is more important... Those darkies in New Orleans didn't know how to vote Republican, so why should a Republican government spend money on them....

The federal government has no right spending EVERYONE's money on projects that effect people in a single city, due to the incompetency or inadequacy of municipal and state/provincial governments.)

So the feds shouldn't bother protecting New York buildings from airplanes either... that should be a New York concern.... I mean, blowing up a few buildings in New York doesn't affect anyone in Alabama, does it ???

[mirror]

Where in the world are people getting the idea that this is for Toronto only?

All major cities in Canada are going to get what Toronto got in proportion to their population for their public transit.

[err]

Where in the world are people getting the idea that this is for Toronto only?

All major cities in Canada are going to get what Toronto got in proportion to their population for their public transit.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't think that some of the other posters will want to acknowledge that the NDP did something that will benefit all cities in Canada, reduce pollution (and global warming), reduce cost of living for working people, reduce congestion on our roads...

It probably really Burns them to admit that the NDP is doing a good job.

[Canuck E Stan]

"I don't think that some of the other posters will want to acknowledge that the NDP did something that will benefit all cities in Canada, reduce pollution (and global warming), reduce cost of living for working people, reduce congestion on our roads..."

I have to admit ,these wonderful things the NDP have done might be happening "as we speak" where you live, but around here and the rest of Canada it's same old dirty air, cost of living is getting higher,roads are more congested than ever.... Let me know when the NDP benefits come to a city or town outside of yours. These changes(if they ever occur) won't be seen for decades. So how will you know if the Libs will actually implement anything.Lots of talk by the NDP,but for me it's just another page from the RED BOOK. Promises,promises.

[mirror]

Dear CES

Toronto Mayor Miller was parading around with a cheque so I presume that means he has already received some of the money and will be putting it to use shortly.

Ask your own city hall about it

Cheers

[Canuck E Stan]

Sorry, I don't live in Toronto.

Government cheques have a tendancy of bouncing to places other than where they are intended.

Ever get a UI cheque? I understand they are always send to the wrong people and places.

[shoop]

Sorry, I don't live in Toronto.

Government cheques have a tendancy of bouncing to places other than where they are intended.

Ever get a UI cheque? I understand they are always send to the wrong people and places.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Uhhh, mirror would have to have worked at some point in his life to have gotten a UI cheque. Seriously, what are the odds of that?

[err]

I have to admit ,these wonderful things the NDP have done might be happening "as we speak" where you live, but around here and the rest of Canada it's same old dirty air, cost of living is getting higher,roads are more congested than ever....

Let me know when the NDP benefits come to a city or town outside of yours. These changes(if they ever occur) won't be seen for decades. So how will you know if the Libs will actually implement anything.Lots of talk by the NDP,but for me it's  just another page from the RED BOOK. Promises,promises.

Do you ever notice how people who support losing parties (like the Conservative/Reform/Alliance party) have such a hard time admitting that another party is actually doing something good for Canadians. I guess they're sore losers.

And by the way, the RED BOOK was the Liberal party, not the New Democrats...

[cybercoma]

Yeah, the NDP is real concerned with reducing pollution. I've heard Jack Layton run his mouth a lot about fixing the border problem in Windsor. Just yesterday trucks were lined up from the 401 to the bridge (about 30 kms), stopping and going spewing diesel pollutants into the air. The Liberals were concerned about it too, until Chretien cut Herb Gray loose and now we have too powerless NDPers in office.

Someone let me know when Brian Masse or Joe Comartin or anyone in the NDP make a lick of difference for my city specifically. Until then, it would appear to remain a party concerned only about Toronto even though they have members in other cities.