April 12th, 2023 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL: Ford’s budget is a fail (Mar. 2023)
The province is enjoying a windfall from sales tax on the inflated prices of goods and services. Notwithstanding a legacy of debt, which provincial governments of all stripes have contributed to, this government here and now is swimming in cash. One might have expected a budget with more punch, a budget that makes a difference for the economy, the environment, or for the many Ontarians who are struggling right now—but no. We have a budget that is neither conservative nor progressive, and there appears to be no underlying vision whatsoever, beyond kicking the can down the road. Read more
April 12th, 2023 · Comments Off on FORUM: Budget passes in a consensus vote (Mar. 2023)
New support for vulnerable residents
By Dianne Saxe
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the end of winter. The events unfolding at city hall have been nothing short of extraordinary lately. From the first ever “strong mayor” budget to the mayor’s first loss on a major vote (the Yonge Street Complete Street) to 280 development applications in Ward 11 alone, there’s been a lot going on. Read more
April 12th, 2023 · Comments Off on FORUM: Conservative budget doesn’t deliver for Toronto (Mar. 2023)
Ford’s budget leaves us hanging
By Jessica Bell
The Conservative’s budget was released on March 23. Overall, the budget increases spending by one per cent, far below the 6.8 per cent rate of inflation. We will be seeing cuts. Here’s the lowdown.
March 27th, 2023 · Comments Off on NEWS: 196 years of Black history in Toronto (Feb. 2023)
A church founded by former slaves who were rejected by “white” churches
By Hailey Alexander
First Baptist Church at 101 Huron St. was founded in 1826 by Elder Washington Christian and 12 other formerly enslaved people who escaped to Canada by way of the Underground Railroad. First Baptist Church is the oldest Black institution in Toronto. Read more
March 27th, 2023 · Comments Off on LETTER TO THE EDITOR (Feb. 2023)
RE: Volunteers needed!
I would like to thank you for your article on St. Stephen’s yard and for drawing attention to the challenges those facing homelessness experience. Read more
March 27th, 2023 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL: Freedom Ford-style (Feb. 2023)
Doug Ford abandoned us. That’s what a 200-page decision reviewing Ottawa’s invocation of the Emergencies Act says. Written by Commissioner Justice Paul Rouleau and published by the Public Order Emergency Commission, this report points the finger for last year’s Freedom Convoy riots squarely at the premier, whose failure to act, it says, led to some members of the public feeling emboldened. Read more
March 27th, 2023 · Comments Off on FORUM: Toronto’s budget built on a false premise (Feb. 2023)
Where is Ford in Toronto’s time of need?
By Jessica Bell
The first official Toronto budget under the new strong mayor reign has revealed an unpleasant truth. This is a fantasy budget built on a house of cards. Even with a seven per cent planned property tax hike, the federal and provincial governments need to hand over $1.4 billion to the city for the budget to balance in 2023. And even if they say yes to Toronto’s official funding request, the city will still cut services. Read more