You Don't Say... March 14, 2011

I'm not saying that St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto is the best healthcare facility in the world, but it is damn good! Special kudos to the cardiac surgery team and all the nurses on the 5th and 7th floors.

I'm not saying that Toronto mayor Rob Ford is going to be removed from office any time soon, but a lad can dream, can't he? And thanks to an application from Paul Magder that claims Ford broke the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, that dream is a step closer to reality. Our distinguished leader allegedly took part in a debate and vote to rescind an order to repay over $3,000 dollars he collected for his private football charity while a city councillor, which violates the Code of Conduct for Members of Council. It is quite clearly a conflict of interest to vote that you, yourself, doesn't have to pay back money owed and the maximum penalty is removal from council without the possibility of running for office for 7 years. All the powers-that-be have to do is accept the application for Ford's removal and...we...shall...have...peaaaaacceee. Check out the link below for more on this ongoing saga.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2012/03/12/toronto-rob-ford-application.html?cmp=rss

I'm not saying that I'm a gambling addict, but I think, if done properly, a casino in Toronto could be good for the city. If it's done properly. The casino has to be put in an isolated location away from houses and other businesses, because there are always crimes associated with gambling and they don't do anything to help land values in the neighbourhood. Ontario Place is not a bad option for the project. The legalizing of online gambling that is happening in conjunction with the casino project is more troubling to me, as people can sit at home all day with credit cards and watch their savings evaporate into thin air. Granted that can happen at casinos, too, but it's easier to lose control when you don't have to leave your couch and when you don't have to physically take out money to gamble.

I'm not saying that I want March Break travelers stranded, but I am alarmed at how fast governments are willing to pass legislation to send striking workers back to work. I understand this move in the case of the Air Canada employees who have just been ordered back on the job, as many people need a way home from holidays this week. On the other hand, it is a disturbing trend that almost any worker can be sent back to their jobs before receiving a new contract. Workers and unions are losing bargaining power and the ability to show their discontent with wages and working conditions. This is another reason why we need strong unions in this world.