Federalism failing Canadians
(editor's note: This entry appeared on the website of community Commonwealth.)
Subject: Federalism is Failing Canadians - Case Study: Toronto Port Authority
Federalism in Canada seems to be dedicated to serving itself instead of serving the public. Recent controversies involving federal cabinet minister (“It’s only about money”) Lisa Raitt, remind us, she was in charge of the federal Port Authority when it sued the city of Toronto for a billion dollars.
We still question how a federal agency can sue a city for a billion dollars, and why it received millions from the Department of Transport to support its battles against Toronto. The end result is that Transport Canada now controls the most valuable part of Toronto Island, and the people of Toronto have no say in this precious land. It was a David and Goliath battle and Goliath won that battle, at a huge public expense.
Now we read that the Port Authority spends $50,000 in 8 months at a local steak house, plus $65,000 for legal advice which it hides from board members when they question the federal agency’s management. When the Port Authority runs out of money, are they going to sue the city for another billion?
It’s becoming painfully obvious that federalism is failing Canadians. The Toronto Port Authority is only a symbol of the many problems people have with the federal government. Perhaps we should pay income taxes directly to the city, instead of giving it to a self-serving federal government.
We still question how a federal agency can sue a city for a billion dollars, and why it received millions from the Department of Transport to support its battles against Toronto. The end result is that Transport Canada now controls the most valuable part of Toronto Island, and the people of Toronto have no say in this precious land. It was a David and Goliath battle and Goliath won that battle, at a huge public expense.
Now we read that the Port Authority spends $50,000 in 8 months at a local steak house, plus $65,000 for legal advice which it hides from board members when they question the federal agency’s management. When the Port Authority runs out of money, are they going to sue the city for another billion?
It’s becoming painfully obvious that federalism is failing Canadians. The Toronto Port Authority is only a symbol of the many problems people have with the federal government. Perhaps we should pay income taxes directly to the city, instead of giving it to a self-serving federal government.
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