Yesterday, we thought Caplan might be trying for a "three in a row". Instead his party leader and provincial premier came forth to bat on the "TTC-no strike option/essential service" motion that Caplan presented. McQuinty and the departing Mayor Miller seem to disagree on need and relevance to this as part of the current city and election agenda (See Star report).
We are perplexed like Miller about why the Premier and a party lieutenant are coming out in a city election year to classify the TTC as an "essential service".
What the city needs is money and a labour arbitration process that considers the ability of the city and its taxpayers to pay. McQuinty remains silent although last week he seemed to dismiss or discount any fruitful outcomes from any discussion on a TTC operating subsidy. Is he implying that Toronto must standalone on its revenue-service costs balancing act? Is he setting the stage for the province to detach itself further from the financing of this city?
This is the same premier that had a chance to offer the city a consumption/sales tax option as a revenue generator when the Toronto Act was being negotiated but said no way. Was he consumed by the HST negotiation with Ottawa as Mayor Miller pushed forward his One Cent GST campaign.
So we might find a candidate like Smitherman getting elected, then getting a phone call from McQuinty for you know what to do.
There is some intrigue here. But motives are opaque.
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