Jason Cherniak

Our family had a nice afternoon walk talking to local residents of Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill. It was a federal day of action and we heard lots of support for Mark Carney, but there were also some comments about doing more for the middle class.

This is not a big surprise. Like many of my neighbours, we recently had to refinance the mortgage on our home. I understand how people in this community feel and all governments need to pay attention.

We are not talking about people living tough lives or with low incomes, but the reality is that suburban families with traditionally stable financial circumstances now find their stability at risk. Most of their equity is in their houses and those houses have lost value. Now they have to pay more interest to keep that house, which gives them less money for retirement and their daily needs.

All governments need to make sure that they stay ahead of the risks to the middle class lifestyle. That means focussing on new affordable housing without risking a crash of the existing market. For many suburban Canadians, it is already low enough to cause legitimate angst.

My aunt and cousin hosted 32 people for the first night of Passover. We hosted 9 for the second. For me, the most important part of Passover is spending time with my family. Chag Sameach to all who are celebrating!

Come join us at the Rotary Club of Richmond Hill Ontario booth at Mayor David West’s Maple syrup Festival.

What has Doug Ford accomplished? Many believe the one thing he knows how to do is build infrastructure. You might not like the billions of tax dollars he is spending on the 413, the tunnel under the 401, the proposed new island convention centre, a spa at Ontario Place and jets at the Toronto Island Airport, but at least he is building something… or so the thinking goes. I am not convinced that is true.

It has been 8 years - where is the 413? Perhaps more importantly for York Region, where is the Bradford bypass? How long was the downtown relief line delayed when Ford changed the route to the Ontario line? How long was the Yonge-North subway to Richmond Hill delayed by putting the Ontario Line first and changing the plans on Yonge? Now Ford wants to build an Island for a convention centre, buy Billy Bishop airport to enlarge it and build a tunnel under the 401. Doug Ford loves starting infrastructure projects, but he has a big problem finishing them.

The newest failure is Ford‘s inability to expand and electrify GO Trains. Today, the Toronto Star revealed that the $27 billion plan, scheduled to open in 2031, is being scaled back and delayed by a decade. Their article suggests that this idea started in 2018, but the previous Liberal government actually began it in 2011. Surprise - Ford changed the plans and delayed the project. Metrolinx also blames the competing resources for other projects that are yet to be built.

Unlike some Liberals, I support the Bradford Bypass and see the value of the 413. I spent a lot of time lobbying for the Yonge-North subway extension and I cannot wait for all day, 15-minute GO service in York Region. I can even admit that a double-decker 401 - if it did not bankrupt the province - would be good for traffic. Ford’s problem is not in vision; his problem is in results. He promises us the moon but delivers moon dust.