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The " Ford Years " in Toronto and some Mayoral scandals in Montreal being the exceptions.
Yes, and now we are back to normal again, Ford replaced by Tory, who's the patron saint of political pragmatism: one day he would announce new funding and transit expansion for the TTC along with a billion dollar new urban park for downtown and new bike lanes, and the day after he would be in Scarborough pandering to the "no new taxes" crowd. Classy.
Tolerance, civility, respect, respect for diversity, sound (and sane) governance, polite public discourse, a strong social safety net, and a sort of prevailing "common sense" that's missing in America and many parts of the world today. As someone coming from the U.S., those are the things that really make these Canadian cities stand out from their U.S. counterparts only a few hundred km to the south.
On the surface, they may seem like very insignificant and intangible factors almost bordering political correctness, but I've slowly come to appreciate them after 2 years living in Canada.
Sure, it's a cup of coffee per day per person, but like the old saying goes, even pennies add up
I read a recent Boston Consulting Group report on Montreal, where they interviewed city counsellors and planners from other cities, and the consensus was that the one top priority item that Montreal can do to jump start its economy and attract business and talent is by building world class infrastructure. Montreal did that under leaders like Jean Drapeau in the 50s, 60s, and 70s (Metro, Expo, Summer Olympics), which propelled the city to the forefront of a modern and global metropolis. Now it needs another such push.
As someone from the "millenial" generation, I have a lot of pride in both Montreal and Toronto (especially what Montreal was able to accomplish in the last few decades), and I have a lot of hope that both cities reach their full potential and beyond in the coming years.
It's interesting what you read in that report, because that's precisely what Montreal is starting to do. (Albeit slowly, considering the massive infrastructure deficit there. But at least things are finally getting off the ground.)
Tolerance, civility, respect, respect for diversity, sound (and sane) governance, polite public discourse, a strong social safety net, and a sort of prevailing "common sense" that's missing in America and many parts of the world today. As someone coming from the U.S., those are the things that really make these Canadian cities stand out from their U.S. counterparts only a few hundred km to the south. .
The U.S. is big and diverse enough for you to be able to find all of that within its confines, however.
I suppose there is some level of anxiety on the part of people who value those things, in the fear that the craziness will spread to their havens of sanity.
But at least for the moment, almost all of the good stuff about Canada can also be found in the U.S. if you know where to look and focus on that. It's actually not that hard to find it. When Canadians go to the U.S., much of the time we're in places that aren't totally alien to what we're used to at home.
The U.S. is big and diverse enough for you to be able to find all of that within its confines, however.
I suppose there is some level of anxiety on the part of people who value those things, in the fear that the craziness will spread to their havens of sanity.
But at least for the moment, almost all of the good stuff about Canada can also be found in the U.S. if you know where to look and focus on that. It's actually not that hard to find it. When Canadians go to the U.S., much of the time we're in places that aren't totally alien to what we're used to at home.
You are a very fair and balanced poster. You don't need to pound our point and over-boast. You have a understanding of the Franco and Anglo sides. All with the US. As I said in threads before. Canadian cities like Toronto. Did not have to endure the Radical Racial change beginning in the 1950s of a Great African-American migration to Eastern and Midwestern US cites. Causing sometimes radical quick change of whole city neighborhoods. Racial turmoil of the 60s 70s and White-Flight from major parts of cities. Also lead to declines of their Cores Downtowns. Suburbs all exploded but also a drain of the major city they encircled.
This while de-industrialization of these cities to moving to the suburbs. Then many began moving to the Southern Sunbelt cities and if course China.
Cities, slowly by the 80s begin to at least attempt to renew their Cores. But the neighborhoods affected by racial strife and then blight. Continued more then not. But by the 90s many began to see successes. In their cores explode. NYC especially getting much international investment. Chicago's core exploded in population and renewal too. But without the international investment.
Then The great Latino Migration from South of the US border. With a massive low-educated illegal crossing of the Mexico US border has the US needing to absorb at least the estimated 35 million population if all Canada.
Most Canadians who travel in the US never see the issues Canadians can boast they have far less of and areas of Major cites where crime is highest to avoid.
The challenges the US faces are far more drastic and ongoing. Canada escapes far more. I suppose it can be something to boast of. But can become a means rather then a more inferiority complex. A more overly boastful confrontation on C-D but generally held back face to face with Americans.
The US seems in constant change and like can become too complex. But if the US fails. Canada and the world has a major tsunami strike their way too.
My experience as well, and may I say, the same vagueness about Vancouver. To me it shows a very provincial mindset where your knowledge about other cities, even those within your own country ( whether you think the ROC is your country or not ) is sort of worn as a badge of honour. It's very Gallic to me. .
Yup. As you recall, I've made note of this many times.
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Originally Posted by Natnasci
However, like you, my personal experience is different. The friends I know in Montreal are well travelled and know Toronto and Vancouver well. One has lived in both Vancouver and Toronto, and has now opened up an office in Toronto while still having his main residence in Montreal. He loves all three cities.
I wonder if they look at their friends in Montreal who have these outdated stereotypical views as being slightly naive or even backwards, .
I've rarely heard anyone bemoan this fact here in Quebec. Some people may acknowledge it in passing when the topic comes up, but reactions tend to be "neutral".
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Originally Posted by Natnasci
or at the very least not interested in the continent they reside in.
It's more the *country* they reside in, and not the *continent*. Sad to say.
There is more interest on the part of Quebecers in the U.S., and also Latin America.
I am starting to think that places like Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary should leave Canada and join the U.S.
I mean, think of all the lost opportunities? Think of what they could be if they were part of the world's biggest superpower? (Toronto might even finally get an NFL team!)
Yes, it would mean relinquishing part of their identity that makes them, "themselves". But what is being "themselves" for them, anyway?
But at least for the moment, almost all of the good stuff about Canada can also be found in the U.S. if you know where to look and focus on that. It's actually not that hard to find it. When Canadians go to the U.S., much of the time we're in places that aren't totally alien to what we're used to at home.
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