In the NBA, Toronto could not withstand the irresistible force that is LeBron James. In the NHL, the rule book has been abandoned
To paraphrase that old breakup line, “It ain’t you, Toronto. It’s LeBron.” Because no one gets to break up with Toronto, the humiliation of the Raptors by LeBron James is being seen as all about Hogtown. Sad. But when you’re the centre of your own universe, you think you should be able to buy, intimidate…
The Ontario PC leader boasting that he would build homes on the fiercely-protected lands illustrates stunningly bad political instinct
One of Patrick Brown's legacies is the ample war chest the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario has for the June 7 provincial election campaign. Among the largest donors in recent years are land developers. A recently-released video of PC Leader Doug Ford (Brown’s successor) speaking behind closed doors to supporters exposes his plans to open…
We won't find reconciliation until we're willing to examine the truth in all its nuances and subtleties
In November 2016, I attended a national gathering in Toronto organized by Indspire, a truly worthwhile national body that promotes and assists with the improvement of education quality and success among Indigenous youth. I was presenting a workshop on the value of bringing dramatic activities into classes such as math and science, to engage students…
Concerns about density are misplaced – Toronto and Vancouver have plenty of room to grow up and grow more affordable
By Josef Filipowicz and Kenneth P. Green The Fraser Institute Headlines about housing affordability in Canada mainly concern two cities – Toronto and Vancouver. In both cities and their surrounding areas, rental vacancies hover at or below one per cent, and home prices remain historically high. So Canada’s most desirable markets face tremendous pressure to…
The MLS champions have put the spotlight on the 'beautiful game' like never before in this country
It wasn’t long ago that Toronto FC was regarded as one of the worst teams in Major League Soccer history. Now, they’re at the pinnacle of success – and in a unique position to permanently transform soccer’s reputation in Canada. On Saturday, Toronto FC (Football Club) won the MLS Cup by beating Seattle Sounders 2-0…
Everyday people who want to make money from their homes are opposed by unions protecting their members from competition
“There’s no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation,” Pierre Trudeau, then justice minister of Canada, famously said in 1967. Fifty years later, this statement is no longer true. People who are straight, gay, transgendered or otherwise can’t necessarily get a room for the night from anyone willing to rent. No, when…
The federal government's plan to substantially increase new arrivals requires close co-ordination with provincial and municipal officials
With a falling birth rate, an aging workforce and a shortage of skilled workers, Canada depends on immigration. Instead of talking about building walls like our U.S. neighbours, Canadians acknowledge that immigration is essential to our prosperity. So few dare question the official immigration policy, even as it becomes increasingly apparent that strong criticism is…
The Liberal's Great Supercluster Screw-up just another drain on Canadian taxpayers
Governments always want to look like they’re implementing good ideas and accomplishing important things. Take the Innovation Superclusters Initiative (ISI) for example. The federal government plans to throw almost a billion tax dollars at non-profit groups to create jobs and help Canadian companies dominate the world. As crazy as it sounds, that’s the ostensible reason…
Toronto and Vancouver have restricted Airbnb listings to a primary residence. The number of listings is dropping fast
In Canada, Airbnb is getting … well … deflated. The ironic reason is that it’s become too popular. Airbnb is an online service for “Air bed and breakfast.” It's for guests who want a cheap place to stay the night, even if it's on an air mattress. Since its 2008 launch in San Francisco, Airbnb…
Adi Astl took matters into his own hands and built steps down an unsafe pathway in a Toronto Park which the city had been unwilling to build for 10 years
The folly of government spending can be broken down into eight little steps. It’s an important lesson many Canadians have finally learned or one that’s been permanently reinforced, thanks to Adi Astl’s actions. The 73-year-old retired mechanic was an unknown figure in the sea of humanity. He seemingly lived a normal life and never sought…
To paraphrase that old breakup line, “It ain’t you, Toronto. It’s LeBron.” Because no one gets to break up with Toronto, the humiliation of the Raptors by LeBron James is being seen as all about Hogtown. Sad. But when you’re the centre of your own universe, you think you should be able to buy, intimidate…
