Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
I think it is fair to expect a municipal, provincial and federal response to the situation.
Looking at the Portugal example posted earlier, a few things stood out to me. The biggest thing of course is that Portugal didn't expect a quick fix. They implemented solutions and the results are being measured 30 years later. In general, North Americans tend to be much more individualistic. They want instant results, and they want others to take care of it. Portugal didn't look at is as "Lisbon's" problem, but a national problem. European countries also tend to have a greater sense of community and national pride. They would view the situation in Vancouver as a national disgrace, not just a local or regional problem.
Politicians are also a big problem. Most municipal politicians are so focused on their immediate careers, that they don't care what people think of them 30 years later. They are either trying to cling on to the current job, or use it as a jumping off point to their next job.
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Its a lot easier when they're geographically more compact.
Its easy for Ottawa to put Vancouver's homeless problem out of their minds when its 4,500 kms away and they can label it a Civic and/or Provincial issue.
They've got 'Get Out Of Jail Free' cards coming out of their ears on this.
They shouldnt. But they do. I agree it should be a National concern. Will it be? Somehow I doubt it.