~*Official Canada Thread of Good Governance and Unnecessary Apologizing*~

[AbsolutSurgen]

26 minutes ago, CitizenVectron said:

 

I'm not knocking his public school stuff, people with bad beliefs can still do good things. But he advised on the idea of boarding schools for Indigenous children (which necessitates removing them from their homes), and placing them in the hands of Catholic administrators. He wasn't involved in the doing of it, but he approved of it.

 

And like I said—it's time we removed everyone from that era from buildings and everything else. Even the best people from then would be considered massive regressives by now. We should celebrate old accomplishments, but not the people who did them, necessarily. There's absolutely zero harm done by removing Ryerson's name from the school, and any outrage is steeped in snowflakeism.

I don't think boarding schools in the Victorian era had the same stigma you are associating with them.  My understand was that during the early 1800s, boarding schools were relatively common.  He suggested the concept of boarding schools in the 1840s -- not what happened 80 years later.  (I believe he was a Methodist, and avid advocate for freedom of religion, so I am not sure he advised for Catholic priests to run the schools.)

 

IMHO, historical figures need to be looked at in the context of the era and their peers.  Someone who pushed society FORWARD, like Ryerson did, should be celebrated for their advancements, rather than castigated for not having 2022 values.  History is important -- understanding the lessons we've learned is important.  Egerton Ryerson and John A MacDonald are not like confederate generals. 

 

I could argue that people like Jean Chretien (Minister of Indian Affairs) and Pierre Elliott Trudeau (Prime Minister) have more responsibility, because they actually were responsible for overseeing Residential Schools.   And you won't hear me arguing to rename Montreal's airport.

[CitizenVectron]

20 minutes ago, AbsolutSurgen said:

I don't think boarding schools in the Victorian era had the same stigma you are associating with them.  My understand was that during the early 1800s, boarding schools were relatively common.  He suggested the concept of boarding schools in the 1840s -- not what happened 80 years later.  (I believe he was a Methodist, and avid advocate for freedom of religion, so I am not sure he advised for Catholic priests to run the schools.)

 

IMHO, historical figures need to be looked at in the context of the era and their peers.  Someone who pushed society FORWARD, like Ryerson did, should be celebrated for their advancements, rather than castigated for not having 2022 values.  History is important -- understanding the lessons we've learned is important.  Egerton Ryerson and John A MacDonald are not like confederate generals. 

 

I could argue that people like Jean Chretien (Minister of Indian Affairs) and Pierre Elliott Trudeau (Prime Minister) have more responsibility, because they actually were responsible for overseeing Residential Schools.   And you won't hear me arguing to rename Montreal's airport.

 

Rename the Trudeau stuff (not sure if there is any Chretien stuff, yet), too. Rename everything. I don't care if people were progressive for their time, they aren't progressive (or even moderate) now. Remember their accomplishments and that they were tied to them, but don't celebrate anyone from the past.

[AbsolutSurgen]

What is going on in PEI?

[Jason]

5 hours ago, AbsolutSurgen said:

What is going on in PEI?

 

Involuntary screwing it is then. 

 

[AbsolutSurgen]

 

 

 

Drone carrying 11 guns found stuck in tree near Canada-U.S. border in southwestern Ontario

BETA.CTVNEWS.CA

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Lambton County OPP are investigating after a drone carrying handguns got stuck in a tree.

Banning hand gun collections won't solve the problem of guns on the streets of Toronto.

[b_m_b_m_b_m]

The problem is the major arms exporter to your south

[AbsolutSurgen]

3 minutes ago, b_m_b_m_b_m said:

The problem is the major arms exporter to your south

[chakoo]

It won't solve all issues but it will have an effect. Or are we just going to act like the US and bury our heads in the sand? 

 

For those outside Canada/Toronto

‘What was the next move?’ Man with legally owned ‘arsenal’ arrested in shocking downtown Toronto murders

WWW.THESTAR.COM

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“Given that he had already killed two apparent strangers, as we allege, and that a cache of firearms was located in his residence, we can reasonably conclude that the quick work of our investigators has prevented a further loss of life,” Toronto police Chief James Ramer said Tuesday.

 

[AbsolutSurgen]

1 minute ago, chakoo said:

It won't solve all issues but it will have an effect. Or are we just going to act like the US and shove our heads in the sand? 

 

For those outside Canada/Toronto

‘What was the next move?’ Man with legally owned ‘arsenal’ arrested in shocking downtown Toronto murders

WWW.THESTAR.COM

---

“Given that he had already killed two apparent strangers, as we allege, and that a cache of firearms was located in his residence, we can reasonably conclude that the quick work of our investigators has prevented a further loss of life,” Toronto police Chief James Ramer said Tuesday.

 

In Canada, it is illegal to shoot a handgun anywhere else other than a licensed gun range.

It must be transported unloaded in a locked case away from view.  The person transporting it must have a permit to transport it.

I saw people walking around with legal guns on their hips in the US.

 

No one is talking about banning hunting rifles -- which this dude had as well.

 

Unfortunately the Police do not keep track of the origin of guns in any statistics, however, there is lots of evidence to suggest the biggest source of street/gang guns are illegal imports from the states.

[AbsolutSurgen]

I do not know a single one of their names.  This makes me happy.  

[And, despite what they look like, they are not Santa's elves.]

[CitizenVectron]

Yep, the court here is quite non-political. Obviously justices tend to skew the direction of the PM who appointed them, but they are also highly respected judges in their fields who have undergone screening from bar associations, law societies, etc, before ever getting to the short list that is presented to the PM.

[AbsolutSurgen]

I will also say:

I am happy that the Canadian Supreme Court generally does not try to take over from the legislative branch.

I am happy that evangelicals have very little sway in Canadian politics

[AbsolutSurgen]

Canada's electricity grid will need substantial changes to help achieve net zero: report | CBC News

WWW.CBC.CA

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Canada will need to make aggressive changes to its electricity systems to meet increased demand, driven partly by the uptake of electric vehicles, according to a new report. 

Infrastructure takes a long time to get put in place.  This has been a clear whole in the climate plans for years.  Commitments to make them aligned are meaningless without the appropriate action to meet the commitments.

[b_m_b_m_b_m]

Might be worth not relying on putting the entire transportation sector for largely single occupancy vehicles on the grid and instead build a LOT of dense housing in walkable areas near expanded frequent public transit

[AbsolutSurgen]

Just now, b_m_b_m_b_m said:

Might be worth not relying on putting the entire transportation sector for largely single occupancy vehicles on the grid and instead build a LOT of dense housing in walkable areas near expanded frequent public transit

That will take even longer.  They're not working on that either.

[b_m_b_m_b_m]

3 minutes ago, AbsolutSurgen said:

That will take even longer.  They're not working on that either.

A surprising amount could get done relatively quickly if we hashtaglegalizeit

[AbsolutSurgen]

6 minutes ago, b_m_b_m_b_m said:

A surprising amount could get done relatively quickly if we hashtaglegalizeit

Perhaps in Montreal - it's pretty walkable already.  Maybe Vancouver.

Toronto (the GTA) is a lost cause.

Making Edmonton walkable would be interesting...

[Jason]

1 hour ago, b_m_b_m_b_m said:

Might be worth not relying on putting the entire transportation sector for largely single occupancy vehicles on the grid and instead build a LOT of dense housing in walkable areas near expanded frequent public transit

 

But that's socialism. Capitalist freedom is the government telling me I can only build a SFH on my property. 

[chakoo]

DT Toronto is walkable with extensive PT. It's outside the DT core that becomes an issue.

 

Building infrastructure would also be great if newly elected provincial or federal parties don't come in and cancel existing projects. My condo was looking into retrofitting for EVS up until the OPC came to power and scrapped a bunch of programs.  TTC is constantly having it's plans thrown out and replaced. 

[silentbob]

Last job I could easily walk between the 5 stores I would service in the Downtown Toronto. A little bit of a walk for a couple but still doable. People could be sketchy as hell, but they were everywhere and anywhere (mostly Sherborne and Dundas) 

[AbsolutSurgen]

15 minutes ago, chakoo said:

DT Toronto is walkable with extensive PT. It's outside the DT core that becomes an issue.

 

Building infrastructure would also be great if newly elected provincial or federal parties don't come in and cancel existing projects. My condo was looking into retrofitting for EVS up until the OPC came to power and scrapped a bunch of programs.  TTC is constantly having it's plans thrown out and replaced. 

 

3 minutes ago, silentbob said:

Last job I could easily walk between the 5 stores I would service in the Downtown Toronto. A little bit of a walk for a couple but still doable. People could be sketchy as hell, but they were everywhere and anywhere (mostly Sherborne and Dundas) 

The problem is that a very small population (probably less than 500k) live like that -- the other 7.5 million in the Golden Horseshoe don't.

[b_m_b_m_b_m]

Maybe they should have more intense land uses than single family homes within a mile of metro stops as can be easily seen from google maps

[silentbob]

2 hours ago, AbsolutSurgen said:

 

The problem is that a very small population (probably less than 500k) live like that -- the other 7.5 million in the Golden Horseshoe don't.

Oh I know as I’m more GTHA then GTA 

[chakoo]

4 hours ago, AbsolutSurgen said:

 

The problem is that a very small population (probably less than 500k) live like that -- the other 7.5 million in the Golden Horseshoe don't.

 

https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/92e3-City-Planning-2021-Census-Backgrounder-Population-Dwellings-Backgrounder.pdf

 

The 2021 population of Toronto is 2,794,356.

 

While I own a car I, 90% of the time I only use it to get out of the city, not within the city. There is a reason my 5 year old car is still under 15k. 

 

4 hours ago, silentbob said:

Last job I could easily walk between the 5 stores I would service in the Downtown Toronto. A little bit of a walk for a couple but still doable. People could be sketchy as hell, but they were everywhere and anywhere (mostly Sherborne and Dundas) 

 

Heh, South Sherborne is sketchy as ***k. Not really an ideal place to go for a walk in this city. I'm pretty good everywhere else.

[AbsolutSurgen]

10 hours ago, chakoo said:

 

https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/92e3-City-Planning-2021-Census-Backgrounder-Population-Dwellings-Backgrounder.pdf

 

The 2021 population of Toronto is 2,794,356.

 

While I own a car I, 90% of the time I only use it to get out of the city, not within the city. There is a reason my 5 year old car is still under 15k. 

 

 

Heh, South Sherborne is sketchy as ***k. Not really an ideal place to go for a walk in this city. I'm pretty good everywhere else.

Is any of Scarborough walkable?  How much of Etobicoke?  Downsview, North York, etc.

 

There are lots of sketchy areas in Toronto that I wouldn't go walking at night.  Regent Park, Rexdale, Jane and Finch, etc.

[AbsolutSurgen]

My social media bubble in Canada seems to be focused on two things:

1)  Whether abortion rights in Canada are "fragile" and whether the conservatives will pass an anti-abortion law

2)  That anti-abortion is driven by old white men trying to control women.

These are the candidates for the CPC leadership.  Care to guess which is the pro-lifer?  Stereotypes are not helpful.

[chakoo]

1 hour ago, AbsolutSurgen said:

Is any of Scarborough walkable?  How much of Etobicoke?  Downsview, North York, etc.

Are those the city of Toronto which I posted it's stats to? Also considering how much of the TTC network covers North York then the answer would be yes.

 

I live near bloor, I've gone on walks as far north as slightly above eglinton and back or as far south as the harbor and back. All very walkable. I've also in the past TTC to work all the way in markham which included an extra 15m walk from the bus. There are many times in both Cali and Texas where walking a couple of blocks is very difficult.

 

 

1 hour ago, AbsolutSurgen said:

There are lots of sketchy areas in Toronto that I wouldn't go walking at night.  Regent Park, Rexdale, Jane and Finch, etc.

I wasn't talking night in my post. I'm not sure you've been to south sherborne recently. The other places are meh on my sketch scale. I grew up in not great parts of SoCal so I know what it's like to have the local gang hang out in your living room because one of them happens to be the son of a local friend of my mom (they were actually very friendly while they were hanging out), or frequent shootings near by. 

[b_m_b_m_b_m]

With the right development many of those places can be walkable without much trouble. North York for example has a decent grid and is close to the subway but is still largely surrounded by single family homes. There’s also dozens of acres of surface parking around GO stations that I see that can and should be redeveloped for housing for people instead of cars. 

[AbsolutSurgen]

38 minutes ago, chakoo said:

Are those the city of Toronto which I posted it's stats to? Also considering how much of the TTC network covers North York then the answer would be yes.

 

I live near bloor, I've gone on walks as far north as slightly above eglinton and back or as far south as the harbor and back. All very walkable. I've also in the past TTC to work all the way in markham which included an extra 15m walk from the bus. There are many times in both Cali and Texas where walking a couple of blocks is very difficult.

 

 

I wasn't talking night in my post. I'm not sure you've been to south sherborne recently. The other places are meh on my sketch scale. I grew up in not great parts of SoCal so I know what it's like to have the local gang hang out in your living room because one of them happens to be the son of a local friend of my mom (they were actually very friendly while they were hanging out), or frequent shootings near by. 

All of those places are in the City of Toronto, and are part of the 2.7 million population.

 

Fair, my perception of "sketchy" may be different than yours.  My last trip to J&F convinced me I didn't want to go back without a good reason.  That said, every neighbourhood in Toronto is an order of magnitude safer than where I lived in Brazil.

43 minutes ago, b_m_b_m_b_m said:

With the right development many of those places can be walkable without much trouble. North York for example has a decent grid and is close to the subway but is still largely surrounded by single family homes. There’s also dozens of acres of surface parking around GO stations that I see that can and should be redeveloped for housing for people instead of cars. 

Yes.  If we raze all the $2-4 million homes, it could be made walkable.

If you get rid of the Parking around Go's, you cut off the access to many Go Train stations.  For the most part, they are mainly commuter trains (or for suburbanites to go to Raptor/Blue Jay/Leafs games).

[Uaarkson]

Legalizing commercial development in all R-1 zones could make even cul-de-sac suburbs semi-walkable, and would boost GDP by a ridiculous amount 

[b_m_b_m_b_m]

33 minutes ago, AbsolutSurgen said:

All of those places are in the City of Toronto, and are part of the 2.7 million population.

 

Fair, my perception of "sketchy" may be different than yours.  My last trip to J&F convinced me I didn't want to go back without a good reason.  That said, every neighbourhood in Toronto is an order of magnitude safer than where I lived in Brazil.

Yes.  If we raze all the $2-4 million homes, it could be made walkable.

If you get rid of the Parking around Go's, you cut off the access to many Go Train stations.  For the most part, they are mainly commuter trains (or for suburbanites to go to Raptor/Blue Jay/Leafs games).

You do realize why those homes are worth $2-4 million right? When these homes go on the market a developer should be able to purchase it and then build more homes in its place as there’s clearly a market for housing.
 

reconfiguring commuter rail to more than just peak time commuter rail isn’t as difficult or expensive as you think (and I think GO is already doing some of this). building dense housing around these stations with minimal parking creates ridership in itself. Making available all areas within one mile around a GO station to a modest 10k/sqmi means tens of thousands of new homes available to be built, but the parking lots are the low hanging fruit. And this makes the transit system better because having car dependent transit limits its usefulness. 

[AbsolutSurgen]

Aitchison looks like the best choice.

[Brick]

On 5/5/2022 at 9:00 AM, AbsolutSurgen said:

My social media bubble in Canada seems to be focused on two things:

1)  Whether abortion rights in Canada are "fragile" and whether the conservatives will pass an anti-abortion law

2)  That anti-abortion is driven by old white men trying to control women.

These are the candidates for the CPC leadership.  Care to guess which is the pro-lifer?  Stereotypes are not helpful.

 

Did you just #notallmen for abortion? 

[CitizenVectron]

6 minutes ago, Brick said:

 

Did you just #notallmen for abortion? 

 

Also, it sounds like at least two crazies (including anti-abortion guy) qualified for the leadership contest but were denied by party leadership because they'd make the party look bad. Don't get me wrong, that's a good thing for Canada, but it shows the base of the party is still more than willing and capable of putting forward these views (and champions of them).

[AbsolutSurgen]

1 hour ago, CitizenVectron said:

 

Also, it sounds like at least two crazies (including anti-abortion guy) qualified for the leadership contest but were denied by party leadership because they'd make the party look bad. Don't get me wrong, that's a good thing for Canada, but it shows the base of the party is still more than willing and capable of putting forward these views (and champions of them).

It is very easy to become a candidate for party leadership, the bar is set low for a reason.

There are three candidates that are very centre-right -- Brown, Aitchison and Charest.  I think Aitchison would make a great PM.