March 2, 2010 - 12:48 pm |
Posted by Jonathan Ross
Robertson's looking for another kind of handshake like this (minus the Conservative propaganda), but is unlikely to walk away with anything of substance from Harper this time around.
I have been delinquent during the Games, as unlike those who transformed themselves into “media”, I took some time away from the blog and municipal politics to enjoy the civic experience of a lifetime.
That being said, I am now back in the swing of things, and will be posting regularly from this point forward. CivicScene will also have some featured pieces coming out in one of Vancouver’s preeminent news outlets in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.
Mayor Gregor Robertson has left himself little time to rest in between the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as he has made his trek eastward to Ottawa and Toronto in search of “a commitment to a national housing strategy” and more provincial and federal funding for transit.
Yet on the heels of Premier Gordon Campbell’s government preparing people for today’s budget which will dramatically “cut back on the operating budgets of government” as well as Prime Minister Stephen Harper prefacing his upcoming budget by calling it the “toughest of his career,” I can’t see the Vancouver Mayor walking away with anything at all in terms of financial commitments.
But the trip is significant for the way in which Robertson is graduating from his roles and responsibilities that are most often bound within the confines of Vancouver’s official boundaries.
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February 5, 2010 - 9:34 am |
Posted by Jonathan Ross
Breathtaking, isn't it?
The situation with regards to the Canadian pavilion – in theory, something that should have been one of the jewels of the Olympics – is a national disgrace.
Now, before I go on, let me say that in general, I am shocked to still see general work and even construction happening across the downtown core at this late stage in the game. From the Alberta showcase to the tents around BC Place, it seems as though many attractions will be ready to go just in time for the start of the opening ceremonies.
But with regards to the Canadian government’s involvement, the sordid details speak for themselves
October 30, 2009 - 4:48 pm |
Posted by Jonathan Ross
Head over to the CBC coverage of the arrival of the Olympic torch on Canadian soil and check out the video entitled “Olympic torch relay kicks off” on the right hand side.
Wait for the clip of Stephen Harper’s speech, and take a look at Gregor’s expression. I know he must be jetlagged, but it is hilarious, if not telling.
I will get to the post on the moderation of Vancouver’s municipal political scene over the weekend. Happy Halloween!
October 15, 2009 - 8:47 am |
Posted by Jonathan Ross
Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a surprise visit to Vancouver on Tuesday, announcing more money that while belonging to the public, is being branded by the Conservative Party of Canada. The campaign style stop was only finalized over the weekend as soon as it became known within the PMO that Michael Ignatieff was poised to deliver a speech to the Vancouver Board of Trade.
Stephen Harper announces funding for the Vancouver South Shore Trade Area this past Tuesday.
So what was lone NPA City Councillor Suzanne Anton doing with Harper after the announcement?
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