UPDATED: Meanwhile, In Ontario

 

Contrary to what its citizens may think, Ontario generally and Toronto specifically do not occupy centre stage in most Canadians' minds. Therefore, I don't often write about the province where I live; however, sometimes there is a confluence of national and provincial politics. The decision not to expand Billy Bishop Airport is one such instance.

Although I do not live in Toronto and visit it as infrequently as possible, I was almost jubilant when I learned that the Carney government had said no to power-mad premier Doug Ford's intention to expand the airport to accommodate jets. A city with a history of blighting its waterfront with towering condos that block views and access to Lake Ontario, it was heartening that city residents rallied in force against Ford's plan, which would have seen the expropriation of parkland and Toronto Island land to allow for those jets. Esthetics aside, it would also have meant exposure to much more toxic pollution for anyone living nearby, since jets expend a great deal of fuel both taking off and landing. 

Nonetheless, the Ontario government is unwilling to admit defeat. And that refusal also reveals what it thinks of those who actively engage in their democratic rights.

Blasting the federal government for listening to “a small fringe group in Toronto,” provincial Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria insists the Billy Bishop expansion is not dead. 

“We’ve seen the federal government here listen to a small fringe group in Toronto, but we, as the province, will continue to push forward on modernization of this airport because it’s the right thing to do and it makes sense,” he said Tuesday at an unrelated announcement in St. Thomas.

Sarkaria's thoughts epitomize how this government exercises its power. It operates on the principle that it knows best about all things, and voters have only to accept that 'truth'. Such is reflected in the fact that prior to the decision, Ford disempowered Toronto as one of the tripartite partners in the operation of the airport. The city lost its authority through provincial legislation, and there is clearly no desire for the Ford government to reflect upon its decisions.

Perhaps provincial NDP leader Marit Stiles says it best:

“This premier’s obsession with Toronto has gone on long enough. Minister Sarkaria referring to the people who opposed this project as a ‘fringe group’ is a pathetic insult to the tens of thousands of people who fought back against this ridiculous project,” said Stiles.

“Doug Ford didn’t get his way, and his ministers are lashing out at constituents for using their democratic rights. We don’t need jets in the middle of Toronto. Bill 110 is still law, and Doug Ford has given himself the power to do whatever he wants with Little Norway Park and the Toronto Islands. It’s time for the premier to end this land grab, kill Bill 110, and return these lands to the city of Toronto.”

Is the expansion of Billy Bishop dead? That remains to be seen, but, as Theo Moudakis reminds us in the above editorial cartoon, three federal byelections are pending. With Toronto having so many Liberal MPs, the results of those byelections will determine whether Mark Carney continues with his majority.

As always, politics being what it is, I believe it is wise to exercise a degree of cynical caution about the course of future events.

UPDATE I thought a few comments from Globe and Mail readers might be a useful illustration of what people think of Mr. Ford:

The Ford government is increasingly becoming disconnected from reality. They’re so self-absorbed and arrogant that they’re unable to acknowledge reality. Calling tens of thousands of Torontonians, and the silent majority who did not want this expansion, a “small fringe group” is language straight out of the Trump playbook and the reaction of a child. It’s pathetic and sad to watch.

 Wake up Premier Ford, this is definitely NOT a small fringe movement.

I was chatting today after golf with 11 other golfers in our group, one had not heard about the issue, the others who pan the political spectrum all spoke up in favour of the Federal ban on the proposed 10 fold expansion of the Island airport.

I live in the north of Toronto, and am steadfastly agin the proposed huge expansion, Reasons are many, including > heavy traffic congestion already in the area, (it takes around 25 mins by free shuttle from the CP Royal York to the airport).

> heavy erosion of Toronto's lovely waterfront and islands via 10 times more airplanes, mainly jets, together with their noise and pollution.

> the fact that Hamilton airport can be dramatically expanded, and just needs a GO train into Union, which could take maybe 30 mins, similar to the bus ride from the Fairmont. Further Hamilton airport is ideally located in regard to the population of the Golden Horsehoe, (Hamilton, Burlington, KW, London etc).

So Premier Ford, please wake up to reality....and if you do not believe me, do a phone MR Study. Oh wait a second, don't put that on the taxpayers tab.

 

I'm a Montrealer, but I visit Toronto a few times a year and the Islands are the best part of your beautiful city. Multiplying the traffic of Billy Bishop would ruin so much of your waterfront and parks, and the UP Express makes it very easy to get to Pearson so the expansion is not needed

 

More Corporate Arrogance From Porter Air -UPDATED

I recently wrote a post on Porter Air and its shameful treatment of its fuel handlers, most of whom start that crucial position at about $12 per hour and are currently on strike while the airline uses scabs in their stead. Its corporate arrogance was once again on full display in Toronto today as it announced its desire (intention) to begin flying jets out of the Billy Bishop (or as it is known regionally, the island) airport, despite this inconvenient fact:

an existing tripartite agreement, signed in 1983 by all three levels of governments, which runs until 2033. That agreement prohibits the use of jet aircraft at the island except in certain circumstances such as medical evacuation flights or during the CNE.

The above agreement was put into place for a number of reasons, not the least of which was to avoid having noisy jets flying directly over downtown Toronto. As well, the airport itself in its current configuration is too short to accommodate jets. And much has transpired in terms of extensive albeit aesthetically questionable condo development along Toronto's waterfront, the owners of which will be obviously negatively affected by an amendment to the agreement.

And yet that is exactly what Porter president and CEO Robert Deluce expects, saying that Porter will ask three governments “shortly” to amend the tripartite agreement — to allow jets and permit a “modest 168 meter” extension at each end of the existing main runway.

Predictably, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, who has never met a development he hasn't liked (casino, casino, casino!) is enthused over the prospect, as is his always-present brother, Doug (he who explains away every criticism of Rob as 'a left-wing conspiracy'). Where the rest of Toronto's City Council stands on the issue remains to be seen.

Whether or not one cares about Toronto is largely irrelevant here. More germane is whether or not this situation will turn out to be just another rubber-stamp of the corporate agenda. Indeed, will the wishes of the taxpaying citizens of Canada's largest city fork any lightning at all? The answer could provide a template of things to come for the rest of us.

UPDATE: There are two columns in this morning's Star on the issue, one moderately in favour of Porter's plan, (Royson James), and one vehemently opposed, Christopher Hume. Each make some interesting points, but given my own bias against corporate arrogance, I find myself more disposed to Hume's piece. Take a look and see what you think.