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octothorp · 12-02-2012, 01:23 PM

I respectfully disagree with the general notion that Calgarians (or other Canadians, for that matter) shouldn't care what happens in Torontonian politics. I care about what happens in, say, US politics, or Quebec politics, because ultimately these things do affect my life. A well-run Torontonian municipal government is good for Calgary, because it helps set an example for other municipalities (a measure that it's failing on right now). Infact, this is important to all levels of Canadian government... it's important that politicians feel that violating codes of conduct will result in them being held accountable by the legal system and by voters.
On the other hand, it's also very important for Canada that it's largest city is makes tough choices about spending and shows a commitment to fiscal restraint. In this way, Ford is actually setting a good example in terms of priorities, though clearly some of his more antagonistic policies have overshadowed these positives.
But for me, the most important aspect is that Toronto should be present in, and infact should be a leader in any debates about the role of municipal governments in Canada, about how funding for cities should be handled. Toronto's absence in that debate in the last couple years is very unfortunate. The issues facing Toronto are not that different from the issues facing Calgary or Halifax or Montreal or Vancouver, and a Torontonian mayor who is a strong advocate of city issues on the national level is obviously a positive for Calgary.

12-02-2012, 01:23 PM	#111
octothorp Franchise Player Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: not lurking Exp:	I respectfully disagree with the general notion that Calgarians (or other Canadians, for that matter) shouldn't care what happens in Torontonian politics. I care about what happens in, say, US politics, or Quebec politics, because ultimately these things do affect my life. A well-run Torontonian municipal government is good for Calgary, because it helps set an example for other municipalities (a measure that it's failing on right now). Infact, this is important to all levels of Canadian government... it's important that politicians feel that violating codes of conduct will result in them being held accountable by the legal system and by voters. On the other hand, it's also very important for Canada that it's largest city is makes tough choices about spending and shows a commitment to fiscal restraint. In this way, Ford is actually setting a good example in terms of priorities, though clearly some of his more antagonistic policies have overshadowed these positives. But for me, the most important aspect is that Toronto should be present in, and infact should be a leader in any debates about the role of municipal governments in Canada, about how funding for cities should be handled. Toronto's absence in that debate in the last couple years is very unfortunate. The issues facing Toronto are not that different from the issues facing Calgary or Halifax or Montreal or Vancouver, and a Torontonian mayor who is a strong advocate of city issues on the national level is obviously a positive for Calgary.