Demand respect from Ottawa, Toronto voters told
Last Updated: Monday, December 5, 2005 | 1:51 PM ET
CBC News
Toronto Board of Trade president Glen Grunwald says voters only need to look at the number of services that city hall provides for new Canadians, for example, to see that many so-called federal issues are largely Toronto issues.
Grunwald says Ottawa expects Toronto to help shoulder those burdens, but doesn't give the city the resources it needs.
"We really have not been given the respect we should be given as citizens," he said.
"We get no response, so there must be a lack of respect. That's the only thing we can think of."
"Respect" tops a list of 10 issues the Board of Trade wants voters to consider when they choose members of Parliament in the Jan. 23 election.
The list also claims that "the federal government takes over $6 billion a year more out of this city than it puts back in" in services.
In addition, it notes "this is the fourth election since Ottawa promised $500 million for waterfront revitalization. So far, only $36 million has been provided."
With more than 10,000 members, the Toronto Board of Trade is Canada's largest local chamber of commerce.
