It has been one of those weeks where there is lots to talk about, but not much to say.
24 Sussex and aging jets
For literally years, both issues have commanded attention. Inflated renovation costs and the absence of novel ideas has left the prime minister’s official residence in a state of disrepair.
Similarly, the prime minister’s plane sat idle in India after getting Trudeau to the G20 meeting and failing to be approved for take-off to get him back home.
People talk about frugality and the fear with which politicians make choices about items that would seem to benefit them. Apart from cheapskates, most Canadians understand the need to take care of business. Opulence is a whole other question, but a solid residence and effective transportation are a necessity in today’s world.
Polls and surveys
One curious takeaway from the weekly poll in this publication is the number of times its answer reflects our own thinking on things. This isn’t to suggest our personal impressions are perfect or beyond being challenged, but it is interesting how our online respondents see the world.
Case in point was the question last week – “Should Premier Doug Ford resign over his handling of the Greenbelt land swap?” This was quite a cheeky question considering the blue blood in Wellington County. At one point it was 50/50 and settled at week’s end with 68% stating “Yes,” Ford should resign.
The poll is unscientific to be certain, but it tells us the public are plugged in and not impressed.
Because they can
Generally, governments release paperwork associated with marching orders for the coming term.
For whatever reason, the information requested by CBC about Premier Ford’s orders to ministers was denied. After filing an FOI (Freedom of Information) request the waiting game began. Global News was quietly slipped some of that paperwork and some of the suspense was lifted. As we all acknowledge it is mighty hard to keep secrets and eventually the truth emerges.
Oddly though, a price has been paid by taxpayers for those three years of Ford’s obstruction and failure to release the paperwork. According to the CBC, some 1,672 hours of lawyer time were billed to keep secret, what most leaders would be only too happy to share.
Unfortunately, Ford’s hubris continues unabated.
Remembering 9/11
We made a point of asking our kids whether 9/11 was mentioned at school this year.
This is the 22nd anniversary of that fateful September day when terrorists commandeered planes to attack sites in New York and Washington DC.
It was a pivotal moment in North America, with lasting consequences that are still affecting free people around the globe. Travel became more cumbersome, privacy rights of citizens changed, and fortress North America witnessed terrorism on its land.
Nothing was mentioned at school this year. That is a pity.
