politicians

Saturday August 3, 2024

The pervasive issue of tent encampments in Ontario, exacerbated by a lack of affordable housing and ineffective local governance, casts a shadow over the notion of civic pride as we approach the Civic Holiday long weekend.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday August 3, 2024

A Crisis of Civic Pride: The Encampment Problem and Ineffective Governance

In the blossoming of spring, the humble tent becomes a poignant symbol of both escape and despair, embodying the struggles of homelessness and the fervent calls for change amidst the tranquility of nature.

May 9, 2024

As Ontarians prepare to enjoy the Civic Holiday long weekend, the very notion of civic pride is overshadowed by a glaring and pervasive issue that has come to define our public spaces: tent encampments. The presence of these encampments in parks and urban areas is not just a local problem but part of a wider North American trend exacerbated by a confluence of factors such as the lack of affordable housing, rising living costs, drug addiction, and mental health crises. The pandemic has only intensified these challenges, revealing the inadequacies of our social safety nets and the inefficacy of our local governance.

Encampments have become stark symbols of a failing system. In cities like Hamilton, Toronto, and Peel Region, parks that were once centre of community and recreation have turned into de facto shelters for those with nowhere else to go. Reports from Hamilton detail how areas like Gage Park and the Delta parquet have been overwhelmed by tents, sparking a range of public safety concerns, including drug use, theft, and violence​ (CityNews Toronto)​​ (The Big Story)​. Similar situations are seen in Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Park and along the Etobicoke Creek Trail in Peel Region​.

Analysis: ‘Compassion fatigue’: Gage Park neighbours frustrated with encampments  The problem is compounded by the lack of decisive action from local politicians who appear more invested in shifting blame than in finding solutions. The continual bickering between municipal leaders and upper levels of government has resulted in a paralysis that prevents meaningful action. In Peel Region, despite recognizing the urgent need for a council-endorsed policy to manage encampments, officials admit that the current approach is unsustainable and heavily reliant on inadequate funding from higher government levels.

As Christmas approaches, a lamentation over broken promises and governmental failures at all levels, particularly in cities, reveals the stark reality of the homelessness crisis in Canada, with blame games and jurisdictional disputes overshadowing the urgent need to legalize housing and address the root causes.

December 20, 2023

This ineffective governance is not limited to any single area but is pervasive across Ontario. In London, for example, local authorities have been criticized for their handling of the encampment crisis, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of safety and cleanliness in their communities​. Similarly, in Kitchener-Waterloo and Windsor, the growing number of encampments and the perceived inaction of local officials highlight a broader failure to address the root causes of homelessness and addiction​ 

Behind the statistics and political debates are real people suffering the consequences of systemic neglect. Encampment residents, many of whom are battling mental health issues and addiction, are left exposed to the elements and vulnerable to violence. The death of two individuals outside Mississauga’s Dundas Shelter starkly underscores the dire need for immediate and compassionate solutions​. Meanwhile, the broader community suffers as well, with residents feeling unsafe and witnessing the decay of once-vibrant public spaces.

As we reflect on the significance of Civic Holiday, it is crucial to remember that true civic pride stems from a community’s ability to care for all its members, particularly the most vulnerable. The current state of affairs demands urgent action. Local governments must stop passing the buck and start implementing concrete measures to provide affordable housing, increase mental health support, and ensure that shelters are adequately funded and accessible. Moreover, there needs to be a concerted effort to develop long-term strategies that address the systemic issues contributing to homelessness and addiction.

The crisis of tent encampments and ineffective governance is a sobering reminder of the work that remains to be done. It challenges us to rethink what civic pride truly means and to demand more from those in positions of power. As we enjoy this long weekend, let us not forget those for whom the notion of a “holiday” is a distant dream, overshadowed by the struggle for basic survival. (AI)

 

Tuesday March 26, 2024

The rising threats of extremism and misinformation targeting politicians and elections demand urgent attention from authorities to safeguard democracy and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

March 26, 2024

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday March 26, 2024

Upholding Democracy: The Urgent Need to Combat Extremism and Misinformation

August 7, 2020

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a troubling trend that threatens the very foundation of our democracy: the rise of extremism and misinformation in politics. From baseless conspiracy theories to targeted threats against politicians, these toxic forces are corroding public trust, undermining the integrity of elections, and eroding the principles of democracy.

As citizens, we must not turn a blind eye to this growing menace. It’s imperative that authorities, from government agencies to law enforcement, recognize the gravity of the situation and take decisive action to address it. The consequences of inaction are too dire to ignore.

First and foremost, the safety and security of our elected officials must be paramount. The alarming normalization of threats against politicians, fueled by extremist narratives and personal grievances, poses a clear and present danger to those who serve our country. Every threat, no matter how seemingly insignificant, must be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and met with swift and decisive action.

News: Anti-authority narratives could tear ‘fabric of society,’ intelligence report warns  

September 13, 2023

Moreover, we cannot afford to underestimate the impact of misinformation on the electoral process. Falsehoods spread rapidly in the digital age, reaching millions of unsuspecting citizens and distorting their perceptions of reality. From foreign interference to domestic disinformation campaigns, the threats to the integrity of our elections are manifold and must be met with robust countermeasures.

It’s incumbent upon authorities to bolster efforts to combat extremism and misinformation at every level. This includes enhancing cybersecurity measures to safeguard our electoral infrastructure, cracking down on online platforms that amplify extremist rhetoric, and investing in education and media literacy initiatives to empower citizens to discern fact from fiction.

June 26, 2019

Furthermore, we must confront the root causes of extremism and address the grievances that fuel its growth. Economic inequality, social polarization, and political disenfranchisement all contribute to the fertile ground in which extremist ideologies take root. By addressing these underlying issues and fostering inclusive dialogue, we can build a more resilient society resistant to the siren call of extremism.

Inaction is not an option. The threats posed by extremism and misinformation are existential, and they require a concerted and coordinated response from all stakeholders. Our democracy hangs in the balance, and the time to act is now.

As citizens, we must demand accountability from our elected leaders and hold them to the highest standards of integrity and transparency. We must reject the politics of division and embrace a vision of unity and solidarity. Only then can we safeguard the future of our democracy for generations to come. (AI)

 

Tuesday December 28, 2021

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday December 28, 2021

Hamilton’s Efforts to Combat Homelessness this Winter

While the debate rages on about the dismantling of homeless encampments in Hamilton. City staff are gearing up for providing shelter for the homeless this winter with approximately $3 Million in projects. These include:

August 26, 2021

Transitioning the former Cathedral Boys School into a temporary shelter for women (approximately 80-100 beds) at an approximate cost of $1 Million.

Adding approximately 28 temporary emergency shelter beds as men’s overflow at an approximate cost of $350,000.

Something new would be the establishment of a $500,000 fund to support churches, social clubs who have expressed interest in supporting vulnerable residents through the winter months until March 31, 2022 but who may not have the operational funds to be viable.

Creation of a special fund of $500,000 to address homelessness experienced by Indigenous community members who are overrepresented in the homeless population of Hamilton.

A grant of  of $500,000 to the YWCA Hamilton for capital renovations required to continue to operate Carol Anne’s Place as a temporary drop in program for 22 single homeless women.

A grant of of $150,000 to the Good Shepherd Centre Hamilton for capital renovations required to continue to operate Cathedral as a temporary shelter for women.

December 17, 2020

Staff are also recommending that a consultant be hired  to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a New Westminster style bylaw which was used in that BC city to combat renovictions. The city has already taken preliminary steps recently to discourage renovictions by denying some develpers tax increment grants, which were designed to encourage the construction of residential units in the city core.

Director of Housing Services, Edward John also presented Emergency and Community Services Committee with a detailed snapshot of the homelessness situation in Hamilton. The report says over 15 percent of Hamilton residents are experiencing housing need which is defined as requiring more than 30 percent of household income for shelter. The report also says there are 1375 persons in Hamilton identified as homeless. (Bay Observer) 

 

Wednesday October 28, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 28, 2020

Are politics trumping public health in Halton?

Are elected leaders in Halton Region at odds with regional public health officials over the best way to combat the alarming spread of COVID-19?

October 14, 2020

That is certainly one interpretation of events of last week and early this week that culminated with the Ford government’s decision Monday not to roll back reopening to a modified Stage 2 in Halton.

We are not arguing that decision was right or wrong. We are not experts. But until this week, those experts were sounding the alarm over the spread of the virus. And the province said clearly that Halton was among the regions where the spread of COVID-19 was considered serious enough to warrant rolling back reopening. 

Then the mayors of Burlington and Milton, Marianne Meed Ward and Gordon Krantz, Regional Chair Gary Carr and MPPs Jane McKenna and Parm Gill wrote a letter to Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams, in which they publicly disagreed with their own medical officer of health. They wrote: “Even with our numbers continuing to decline, we understand that Halton’s medical officer of health is pushing to move Halton Region back to Phase 2 … in line with Peel, Toronto, York and Ottawa.” A similar letter was written to Premier Doug Ford.

The politicians made a compelling case for not rolling the region back, but instead adopting a more targeted approach. And the province listened. Halton will not be rolling back, at least not yet.

No doubt many businesspeople and citizens are pleased. But this raises some troubling questions. 

June 3, 2020

How is it that these politicians know more than their top public health expert? What does that say about the relationship between them? Why did the politicians go over the head of public health officials to the premier’s office? Do Halton’s top elected officials not have confidence in their senior public health officer? Why are two members of Doug Ford’s own caucus going against the advice of regional health officials?

And most importantly, what are Halton citizens, who look to their elected leaders and public health officials for leadership, to make of all this?

Asked about the situation by The Spectator’s Joanna Frketich at a media briefing, Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger sounded critical of the Halton politicians. He stressed that he takes his guidance from public health, and would not be moved by other considerations. You can agree or disagree with that (we agree), but at least it’s clear. In Halton Region, that is less so, and that’s not good.

The Halton leaders were clear about one thing: They want the province to provide clear, consistent metrics on how and why decisions are made about reopening and rollbacks. That’s reasonable, and they are not the first to call for more transparency.

Addressing the situation, Ford said he was the one who recommended the politicians write a letter. Then he spoke about how input from local political leaders is important. Then he said such letters are not considered in the eventual decision. Thanks for the clarity.

Ford is said to take his guidance from a table of health experts. But the public doesn’t even know who sits at that table, never mind what specific measures they consider before making recommendations to the premier. 

As the pandemic drags on, situations like this one are bound to become more common, causing confusion and uncertainty. The government must provide a new level of clarity and transparency about data, priorities and decision-making. When citizens see and understand the evidence behind pandemic decisions, they are more likely to comply. The government should keep in mind the reverse is also true. (Hamilton Spectator Editorial)