Doug Ford’s Ontario looks like U.S.
On Saturday, September 15, I made my way to the Ontario Legislature, determined to express my utter disgust with Bill 31 (NOW, September 13-19). A rare weekend sitting had been called to expedite the bill’s passage. It was tense.
While physically turning his back to the public for the duration of the proceedings, Premier Doug Ford finally wrapped up his chat with the MPPs sitting behind him, and the PCs moved to adjourn.
Shouting erupted. Following several warnings, I was arrested and hauled off in handcuffs (along with an equally determined woman I met outside) for peacefully refusing to leave the public gallery.
As the Legislative officers hoisted me to my feet, one said, “We represent the Crown, you have insulted the Queen.”
My punishment: aside from being charged with a criminal offense, I am banned from Queen’s Park (including the lawn out front) for the rest of my life.
So, at 35 years of age, I will never again be granted access to the democratic deliberations of the Queen’s representatives.
I stopped visiting the U.S. a while ago out of principle, but things are starting to look the same over here.
Alykhan Pabani, Toronto
Toronto secessionists give Ford more ammo
George Elliott Clarke’s The Case For Secession (NOW, September 13-19) is as nutty as Premier Doug Ford’s use of the notwithstanding clause to overrule a court decision on downsizing Toronto council.
I live in Toronto, but I’m a proud Ontarian. I certainly don’t want Toronto to secede from the province. Those who do are the same elites Ford rails against and who give him his fuel.
We all need to take a deep breath and figure out how to make Toronto work better.
Toronto is certainly not the centre of Canada’s universe. But it is definitely crucial to Canada’s economic vitality, and a better working city benefits all Canadians.
Andrew van Velzen, Toronto
If we don’t make T.O. a province
George Elliott Clarke is right in pointing out that Toronto has more people than Manitoba. Toronto has more people than Saskatchewan. Toronto has more people than all four Atlantic provinces combined.
If we don’t make Toronto a province, the discrimination and abuse (i.e., forced amalgamation and cutting our council in half) will happen again and again.
Al McPherson, Toronto
Jesus, deliver us from Doug
Four more years of Lyin’ Doug and the rest of the gutter clutter in the PC caucus. Jeebus, help us all.
Richard Kadziewicz, Scarborough
Jewish question on anti-Muslim rhetoric
Re Justice On The Hate Front (NOW, September 6-12). Bernie Farber didn’t mention the organization anti-Muslim demonstrator Ranendra “Ron” Banerjee is most known for supporting: the Jewish Defense League.
Karin Brothers, Toronto
Memories of Itsik Manger
As a Jewish poet, I enjoyed reading about Reflections Of A Lost Poet: The Life And Works Of Itsik Manger at Ashkenaz Festival (NOW, August 30-September 5). Like Manger, my grandfather was also born in 1901 and died alone in 1969. His mental health was affected by losing members of his family to the Holocaust.
Randall Jeffrey Pancer, Toronto
Handguns have no place in cities
This summer has been a wake-up call for all Canadians to the danger of handguns in our cities (NOW, August 9-15). Media reports indicate that 45 per cent of guns used in crimes were obtained in Canada. The reality is that handguns have no place in our cities. Canadians agree.
In the face of overwhelming popular opinion and increasing gun violence, Ottawa must act now with a ban on handguns in cities before we start to look like our southern neighbours.
Darren Stehle, Toronto
Advice for cyclists on car windshields
I want to say how refreshing it is to read balanced, reasonable points of view in your Cycling Issue (NOW, August 23-29).
I would add a word of advice for new cyclists and veterans alike. Modern car windshields make it very difficult for riders to see the driver in a lot of cases.
Well-intentioned drivers wave cyclists to cross in front of them (even when it is a driver’s right of way), oblivious to the fact that cyclists may not be actually able to see them wave. It’s another source of confusion, which is never good!
Glenn Miller, Toronto
