federalism

Thursday September 28, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 28, 2023

Municipal Budget Woes: The Balancing Act Amid Rising Costs

March 24, 2007

In Ontario, municipalities are currently navigating treacherous financial waters, trying to maintain essential services while grappling with budget shortfalls. The pressures to raise property taxes loom large, but it’s a precarious path to tread, especially at a time when citizens are already stretched thin by rising inflation, borrowing costs, and a cost of living crisis. The recent budget discussions in Hamilton serve as a stark reminder of the anxieties that homeowners face.

News: City says 14.2 per cent tax increase looming for Hamilton next year  

August 22, 2012

Coun. Tom Jackson’s recent question in Hamilton hit a nerve: with skyrocketing property values since the last assessment in 2016, many homeowners feared their taxes would double or worse. The reality, as explained by Carmelo Lipsi, the vice-president and COO of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), is far less dire. Reassessment doesn’t automatically double your taxes; it just redistributes the tax burden.

The reassessment process is based on a complex set of factors, including real estate activity, property size, location, and construction quality. When the reassessment occurs, it compares the change in your property’s assessed value to the average change for similar properties in your municipality. If your property’s increase exceeds the average, you may expect to pay more taxes; if it’s below, you might see a reduction.

August 14, 2014

In areas with rapidly rising property values, homeowners may face tax increases, while those in more stable areas could see a reduction. Additionally, area rating in Hamilton, where different parts of town pay varying amounts for different services, further complicates the tax calculation.

It’s crucial to note that reassessment isn’t the only factor affecting taxes. Council-approved tax increases also contribute to changes in property tax bills. However, the idea that reassessment alone could double or triple taxes is a misconception.

The situation isn’t unique to Hamilton. Brockville is also facing budgetary challenges, with inflation, rising costs, and unforeseen expenses impacting the 2023 budget. A reliance on fiscal policy reserves and the need to find sustainable revenue sources loom large.

Analysis: As Ontario rolls in tax dollars, why are its cities so cash-strapped?

July 21, 2023

Oshawa, on the other hand, is exercising Strong Mayor powers to expedite budget decisions as part of a broader commitment to building 1.5 million homes by 2031. While these powers grant mayors greater control over budgets, the impact on housing remains uncertain.

In Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow’s proposal for a city sales tax was met with mixed reactions. The city faces a substantial budget shortfall, and while the sales tax idea seems off the table for now, it highlights the challenging choices municipalities must make to bridge budget gaps.

Ultimately, municipalities in Ontario are navigating a complex financial landscape, and their perennial default is often to seek support from other levels of government. Raising property taxes, while often necessary to fund essential services, must be done judiciously, considering the economic pressures on residents. The reassessment process may not be the doomsday scenario some fear, but it’s a reminder of the delicate balance that local governments must strike when managing budgets in trying times. The key is transparency, communication, and a commitment to ensuring the burden of taxation remains fair for all residents. (AI)

 

Tuesday August 29, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday August 29, 2023

Neglecting Affordable Housing: Trudeau Government’s Misplaced Priorities

August 22, 2023

In recent years, the Trudeau government has positioned itself as a champion of progressive values, focusing on laudable issues such as climate crisis, inclusivity, cannabis legalization, indigenous reconciliation, and more. While these topics deserve attention, it’s imperative to acknowledge that the government’s priorities have been severely misplaced. The most glaring omission from their agenda is the affordable housing crisis that is festering across Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s assertion that “housing isn’t a primary federal responsibility” is not only inaccurate, but it also reflects a disregard for the pressing issue at hand. Recent polls indicating that 70 percent of Canadians believe the government is inadequately addressing the housing crisis should serve as a wake-up call. While the term “housing” might not be explicitly mentioned in constitutional documents, the right to “life, liberty, and security of the person” as well as “equal protection” cannot be fulfilled without access to adequate housing.

Opinion: Sean Fraser is the new federal housing minister. He can’t waste any time acting on the affordability crisis  

July 28, 2023

Canada’s commitment to enforce the right to housing, as established in various international covenants, was enshrined in Canadian law in 2019. Despite this commitment, the federal government has chosen to evade its responsibility, engaging in the very behaviors they accuse other levels of government of. This is exemplified by the government’s handling of refugee claimants in Toronto, a situation marked by ambiguity, turf guarding, buck passing, and finger pointing.

The federal government’s historic involvement in housing has been conveniently forgotten. Following World War II, Canada saw the creation of a million low-cost Victory Houses, an achievement made possible through government land, direct grants, and efficient production methods. From the 1960s to the 1980s, a significant portion of new construction comprised non-market housing, supported by federal land, grants, and financing partnerships with provincial and municipal governments.

July 21, 2023

However, the decline of non-market housing began in 1992 when the federal government shifted the responsibility for affordable housing to provinces. Federal spending on affordable housing also decreased significantly after this shift. The subsequent reduction in private rental construction further exacerbated the housing crisis, following a cutback on taxation incentives in 1972.

The consequences of these neglectful actions are evident in the alarming statistic that the average Canadian home now costs 8.8 times the average income. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, these numbers reach staggering levels of 13.2 and 14.4 times, respectively. As for rental housing, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates a need for nearly six million new homes by 2030, a rate three times higher than current construction levels.

June 9, 2023

While the Trudeau government boasts of its commitment to tackle the housing crisis, its actions reveal a stark contrast. Cabinet meetings have been convened, experts consulted, and rhetoric repeated, yet tangible solutions remain elusive. The government’s lack of response has left Canadians struggling with intense housing challenges, further exacerbating the already palpable cost of living concerns.

The refusal to consider a national summit on housing is a testament to the government’s misplaced priorities. The urgency for national leadership is undeniable, and the federal government is uniquely positioned to provide this leadership. While addressing issues like climate change and inclusivity is important, they should not come at the expense of solving a crisis that directly impacts the basic well-being of Canadians.

August 26, 2021

Prime Minister Trudeau’s assertion that Canadians want hope and leadership holds true. However, hope cannot be sustained if pressing concerns such as affordable housing are ignored. As the government grapples with its political standing, it must acknowledge that addressing the housing crisis is not just a political imperative but a moral obligation. Failure to act decisively on this front risks further eroding public trust and will inevitably have lasting consequences for both the government and the Canadian population. (AI) | Editorial cartoon published in the Hamilton Spectator.

 

Friday July 28, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 28, 2023

Canada’s Compassion for Refugees: A Triumph Marred by Neglect

December 11, 2015

Canada has earned international praise for its compassionate policy of opening its arms to refugees and asylum seekers, offering them a glimmer of hope in their darkest hours. Countries like Ukraine, Syria, Haiti, and parts of North Africa have faced unprecedented instability, leaving countless lives shattered. In the face of such crises, Canada’s commitment to providing sanctuary is commendable and reflects the nation’s humanitarian spirit.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada has set ambitious targets for welcoming newcomers, aiming to address labor shortages and enrich the nation’s cultural fabric. The record-breaking intake of immigrants, reaching 431,645 permanent residents last year, demonstrates the government’s willingness to make a positive difference.

May 9, 2019

However, while the welcoming gestures and promises of safety are uplifting, a troubling reality darkens this otherwise noble picture. Recently, dozens of desperate refugees have found themselves relegated to sleeping on the sidewalks of Toronto, a city that has been unable to accommodate them in shelters due to an overwhelming influx. The responsibility of providing shelter and housing to these newcomers, who legally sought refuge in Canada, falls on the Federal government, which seems to have fallen short in fulfilling its duty.

News: Asylum seekers left sleeping on Toronto streets amid funding stalemate between city, feds  

February 23, 2017

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s symbolic airport appearances, with cameras flashing and welcoming smiles, are an essential aspect of showcasing Canada’s humanitarian stance. Yet, it’s disheartening to witness the lack of tangible support and assistance provided afterward. The spotlight fades, and the struggles of refugees persist.

The recent allocation of $97 million to the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) is a positive step, offering temporary housing to some of those left stranded. However, it appears to be a short-term fix for a long-term issue. Toronto’s overwhelmed shelter system and its inability to accommodate asylum seekers have been known for months, but the response from the Federal government came late and appears insufficient to address the crisis comprehensively.

March 29, 2023

It’s distressing to witness the plight of these vulnerable individuals who fled perilous circumstances with the expectation of finding safety and security in Canada. Instead, they find themselves dwelling in a tent city, unsure of when or if they will be provided proper shelter, support, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Mayor Olivia Chow’s plea for the federal government to cover the $157 million Toronto spent on existing refugee claimant shelter spaces highlights the immense burden placed on the city and its resources. The inability of the current system to cope with the influx necessitates a more robust and sustainable funding model, supported by open dialogue and cooperation between different levels of government.

News: Freeland says feds’ ability to spend ‘not infinite’ as Toronto requests more money  

December 7, 2016

While Ontario has taken some steps to increase funding for homelessness prevention and rental housing costs, it remains clear that long-term, substantial support is needed to address the systemic capacity issues faced by municipalities. The call for consultation with municipal leaders on immigration targets and necessary supports is crucial for building an inclusive and resilient society.

Canada’s commitment to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers is an essential part of its identity, reflecting the values of compassion, empathy, and humanity. However, these values must translate into practical and comprehensive actions. As the numbers of newcomers continue to rise, it is incumbent upon the Federal government, under the leadership of Justin Trudeau, to ensure that proper shelter, housing, and support are readily available to those who have sought Canada as a beacon of hope in their darkest hours.

March 24, 2022

Canada’s spirit of compassion is boundless, but without a robust and proactive approach to assisting these desperate newcomers, the nation’s reputation as a safe harbour for the displaced could be tarnished. The time for immediate and effective action is now, to ensure that no one seeking refuge in Canada is left stranded on the rocky shores of uncertainty and despair. By stepping up and providing genuine assistance, Canada can truly stand as a shining example of humanitarianism and solidarity to the world. (AI)

Letters to the Editor, The Hamilton Spectator, Wednesday August 2, 2023  

Cartoon unkind to workers

Letter to the Editor

The homeless situation in our city and in most major cities throughout our province is tragic.

I see no humour in MacKay’s editorial cartoon (July 28). The workers in the shelters are front-line workers who deal with this issue daily. These brave educated individuals strive to find solutions in this expanding and sometimes hopeless predicament. They are the ones who have to tell the refugees that there is no place for them, after having used up every available and imaginable space. There are no police officers guarding the doors and handing out cardboard boxes; indeed, MacKay also insults them.

Jan Peirson-Reid, Carlisle

 

Friday July 21, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 21, 2023

Hot Potato Politics: Municipalities Left Holding the Homeless Bag

December 28, 2021

The plight of homelessness has escalated to a pressing concern across municipalities in Canada, demanding urgent attention from politicians and citizens alike. The homeless population has grown to such an extent that they are often seen as this nation’s internal refugees, constantly seeking resources and protection while being redirected to less visible locations.

The transformation of Canada’s population distribution, where now a significant percentage reside in cities, has outpaced the capabilities of our current federalism structure. Originally established in 1864 when the majority lived in rural areas, this system of power-sharing is no longer aligned with the realities of today’s urbanized society. Federal, provincial, and regional governments have been slow to adapt to this shift, hindering effective collaboration to tackle issues like homelessness and affordable housing.

News: ‘It’s about time’: Ottawa offers millions more in housing support to shelter refugees in Toronto  

June 7, 2023

While voices in Hamilton are only now coming together to tackle a problem that finds 1600 people living in encampments, it is essential to manage expectations realistically. Homelessness and affordable housing are national and provincial challenges that cannot be solved solely at the city level. Relying on property taxes for funding major initiatives, such as public transit, research and development, housing, education, healthcare, and environmental renewal, is inadequate and limiting.

Cities are often left in a disadvantaged position, having to plead with provincial or federal capitals for resources beyond their control. This failure of our federal system deprives municipalities of the essential resources needed to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. A new vision and imagination are required to rejuvenate the system, but it demands the willingness of senior authorities to initiate a municipal renaissance. So far, Ottawa and Queen’s Park have been content with minor adjustments instead of making meaningful investments.

February 10, 2022

Canada’s greatest talents lie within communities, but their full potential remains locked away due to outdated and neglectful systems that disregard local needs for increased investments. While there is a national homeless strategy, its effectiveness is hampered when the federal government withholds necessary funding to address the challenges adequately. Similarly, giving Ontario’s mayors additional powers without the accompanying resources is a fruitless endeavour.

News: Growing number of homeless encampments leave smaller cities struggling to respond  

Hamilton’s current effort to address homelessness is seemingly on the verge of coming together, but it may only serve as an innovative pilot project if the required funds are stashed away in senior government capitals. To fully capitalize on cities as Canada’s greatest strength, federalism must be brought into the modern era. Only when this happens can we unleash the true potential of our urban centres and effectively combat homelessness and other pressing issues that affect our communities. (AI) | Cartoon published in the Hamilton Spectator, and the Toronto Star.