Thank you for listening to Depictures Media Radio. Welcome to Policy and Rights,
the show about the government, policy and human rights. Welcome back to Policy
and Rights. Here in Depictions Media Radio, I'm your host Michael cloggs.
Two very hot topic items, transit and housing. How to make make our
commute affordable, because, hey, let's face it, with interest rates and
inflation and food costs in everything else that is going up, being able to
get backwards and forth to work and travel around our cities and everything is also
becoming very expensive. And hey, we need to be able to collect that
paychecks so we can pay the rest of our bills, and we have to
make sure that that something is accessible and affordable. Hey, let's make it
transit. So we're gonna hear a little bit about what's going on with this
subway system in Toronto and how they're trying to make improvements to their community via
that transit system. We're also going to hear from the Liberal imp retreat about
what they're saying is going on with housing and what is it that that the
Liberal MPs want to see their own government do about the housing problem. How
to make housing that much more affordable so that the average person doesn't have to
worry about it. On that matter, if you do have a have a
home, and even if you're living a paycheck to paycheck, you know what,
let's be grateful that we actually have homes to live, even did we
do have that food on our table, and that we have the ability to
get back on and forth to work safely and effectively. So why don't we
listen to what's going on with transit and housing? Booman, Good morning everyone,
Welcome to Toronto on a sunny day. It's great to be here with
all of you. The message today simple enough is enough. That is the
message that I'm sending to the telecos on behalf of millions of TTC riders who
have been very, very patient. And that's why this morning with my colleagues,
and we'll be getting into the details before, we are forcing the telecost
to ensure that all subware users, regardless of the service providers they have have
access to mobile services by October third. That is the key message today that
should be heard by everyone here in Toronto. But before I get going,
let me see a few words to Mayor Chow Mayor chop Lizer to be with
you. I think it's our very first press conference that we are having together,
and I can say what a start. I must say. We're going
to be improving the lives of millions of Torontonians that are experiencing lack of cell
phone services and subways, and we're acting together and we're acting decisively. I
also want to recognize councilor mayors, which is the chair of the TTC councilor
you're just there. I just want to say thank you because your presence speaks
volumes about your dedication to improve services for people who are riding on the side
with every morning. To my colleagues, and I'll take the time to name
all of them because they have made a huge difference in leading the effort.
They have really been following this case for years and making sure that that the
first opportunity the federal government would intervene to make sure that we improve the lives
of Torontonians. So Julie Derrowitz is with me, Ivan Baker is with me,
Rob Oliphant's just joined us. James Maloney, James is somewhere there.
James is the chair of on the Ontario Caucus. Holly Lassie is with us,
and Sam Azahid. This is the team that has been pushing us and
me as Minister to make sure that we would improve the safety for writers in
the TTC by providing them cell phone services. I think that you have millions
of families that will rejoice today and saying that there I've contributed to make Toronto
safer. Before I get it to my formal remark about the TTC, I
think it is a moment we should all take. Before I begin, let
me just say a few words to commemorate September eleven, the September eleven attacks.
Most of us remember where we were on that terrible day already twenty two
years ago, and today our thoughts where our American friends and obviously Canadian family
who lost loved ones on the tragic day. See if dama granp zepoma detricisa
cha the mom's concern inspel de Toronto and I seek a preserve they make a
legno merci de nuponi historic. Then these twelve service the Transplanta Toronto. What
I'm announcing today is that connectivity is finally coming to all TTC users here in
the city of Toronto. This is affecting more than two million people on an
average work day, two million people on an average work date. That's the
number of people that will be affected by the announcement today. I think we
can all agree as Canadians and a mayor, as Torontonians that in Canada's largest
city, it is simply unacceptable that so many subway riders still do not have
access to our less services. Just think about that. Even airplanes today are
offering connectivity. Yet for many TTC users getting on the subways like riding in
perpetual airplane mode. What I'm here today to tell you that those days are
over. Time is up, and that's why we're gonna be acting decisively to
change that for millions of TTC riders. Compare the universals and industry. Moravai
consists that they found Canezier del MILIORIZIERAJU, a Peperclofoni, Loscopil Toronto, poor
EXCI service, the telephony mobile quel Aline. It's been more than a decade.
Just think about that, more than a decade since the TTC signed a
deal to enable cell service in the subway, and yet ten years on Torontoni
and you use the subway are left waiting because companies aren't stepping up to the
plate to provide the same services available in every other Canadian transit system. So
the time has come to take action to addres this situation once for all,
and that's what I'm doing to do with my colleagues and the Mayor of Toronto.
Following an expedited public consultation process, I'm announcing today that the licenses to
operate of all major carriers will be revised so that to ensure that all TTC
riders will now be able to have coverage in the subway system in Toronto.
And that is a key point for all the users in the existing UH system
here in Toronto. My friend, this is a question of safety first and
foremost for your kids, for your friends and loved ones, but also for
our community here in the city. Sweet Eye Processors, the Concertational Public Accellery,
John Social Drick, the two legraphs I find the SKA to at the
service the Telephonymobile Daltro Toronto. In practical terms, for folks who are watching
at home and are listening to us, this means that all major carriers will
have to offer voice, text and data services, including obviously nine one service
by October. Turn on the current worldless network in the subway system in Toronto.
This will be followed by full service in all tunnels and stations across the
network as soon as it's possibly feasible. And make no mistake, should mobile
carriers fail to meet these conditions, I will not shy away from taking further
action as appropriate, and not only I expect them to follow what we're demanding
to the end requiring I think it would be in their best interests, as
millions of Trontonians are using and want to be using their services and are going
to be watching. This could include if they failed to act, imposing minatory
penalties and even suspending or revoking a carrier spectrum license. This is very serious
business. The TTC, ladies and gentlemen and conclusion, is the largest transit
system in Canada and a huge player in the city's economic well being. That's
why I firmly believe that enabling connectivity on the TTC for all users is not
only the necessary thing to do, but the right thing to do. That's
what I will keep with my collings, fighting for TTC users and for all
to Antonio's With that, I am pleased to pass the microphone to my friend
the Mayor of Toronto, Merrit Shall, the floor is yours. Wow,
thank you, mister minister. Today is a happy day. All the transit
riders are gonna have a sigh of relief and said, finally, finally,
it's happening October three, where moms would be and dad's would be able to
connect with their children that are on the subway to find out that ah,
we have arrived. Or those that want to do some homework or do some
work on the subway, they could do that at texts. And of course
that if some folks wants to have any kind or if people that are in
trouble hopefully not, they could feel that they can connect with someone. That
sense of security is so important. Mister minister. I am amazed how fast
and strong and decisive that you've moved, because I've been elected, holding office
for about thirty years, and some things takes a long time. Yes,
it is been ten years since the TDC make that agreement. We didn't have
much to show for it, and any kind of pleading and begging didn't get
us anywhere from the City of Toronto, and lots of people have and that
too. Now you are using your mandate your power to say to the telecoms
to say that it's long overdue, let's make it happen, and that we
need this service as soon as possible. And we hope that the companies will
get the message that they would cooperate and work together so that Torontonians get the
service they deserve and they need. But I am so relieve that you're willing
to take strong action. Let me tell you, we need to see a
lot of that kind of action because it is very precious in this world of
ours. So thank you for stepping up, thank you for answering the cause
of the citizens and residents of Torontonians. And thank you for saying to the
TDC riders we hear you, We're here for you. We will make internet
services available for every rider, no matter which company that you are using,
lex Simple coup Thank you, very thank you. We'll be happy to take
a question. I think the mike is there, but however you want to
do that, you decide, you are. You all know each other and
it's a sunny day, we have a lot of time. Thank you for
taking my question. It's Alex from the Globe and Mail. I'm just wondering.
Rogers has said that the current network as it exists couldn't handle the roaming
from all of the TTC riders, from all carriers. So do you believe
it's technically feasible for this deadline to be met? Well, definitely. That's
why we had public consultation and what we expect is that all the companies will
work together. You know, I was very firm with them when it came
in May, and I give them a deadline to say you need to get
together to provide services. We're talking about millions of people who have been waiting,
as the mayor set for almost ten years, to fix that in the
largest city of Canada. So by amending the license and requiring in other words,
forcing them to do so, obviously, I expect them to follow suit.
What may happen, as you suggested with the roaming, is that what
we want to ensure is some level of services for all TTC users, even
if it could mean in a very short period of time that they would be
reduced service for one carrier. But I think it in the public interests for
safety, for our communities, for our kids. As the mayor said in
my colleagues, it is in our best interests as a city to make sure
that everyone as some services by October third. And like I said, the
other news is that we're going to be a mandating expansion because, as you
know, what we're talking about is in the existing network. But what we
are saying also is that we want them to cover one hundred percent of all
the station within six months. We want them to cover eighty percent of the
tunnels within a year, and we want them to cover one hundred percent of
the tunnels and the subway within three years. The reason for that is that
they can only do work during the night within some hours. And the third
condition is that we want to make sure that at every new station and every
new line, when the lines become operational, that they will be full voice,
data and text services as soon as the new lines become operational. That
is what Canadian expect, That's what TT seriusers expect, and I think we're
in twenty twenty three, that's what we all want to see in Toronto.
You previously gave them a deadline to reach a commercial agreement in terms of the
raids and they failed to meet it, and now all the companies are kind
of blaming each other right with Rogers saying it's Balentellos who are dragging their heels
and Bellentella saying Rogers just won't give them access to the technical spacks and everything
that they need. So what do you plan to do if we end up
in this situation again where they're just pointing fingers at each other. They know
me by now, I'm not the type of guy you want to mess with.
I think they've figured that out. But above that, they don't want
to mess with millions of Torontonians who now have a clear timeline as what is
being expected, and obviously it isn't their best commercial interest to serve customers here
in the TTC subway. But in addition to that, by amending their license,
which is something which is unprecedented in Canada's history that a Minister of Industry,
as the mayor said, that's the first time ever we've done that,
is to amend the license that allow them to provide service with conditions to provide
services in the subway in Toronto. I think the message could not be stronger
and I expect them fully to comply with that. If they fail to do
so, we'll take enforcement action. But I suspect that the voice of Torontonians
is much louder than any enforcement action. People want to see action and now
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masquete grand Hi, good morning and Matthew Binley from Global News. Minister with
respect, I'd like to talk to one of your Toronto area MP's Liberal MPs
on the situation when it comes to funding for African primarily African refugees in Toronto.
U to whoever, which one of you wants to actually take this on
the ministry just a moment ago said don't mess with Torontonians. Millions of Torontonians.
They won't be ignored. Many people will feel like the message to each
of you on this situation over funding with the city is being ignored. Council
people here are naming you directly in the chambers saying that they will be increasing
pressure on you to ensure that the message on funding is heard. I'm just
wondering if one of you would care to say, well, you're sitting next
to the mayor and again, Minister with respect, if one of your MPs
would like to actually sure, I'll probably ask Rob Oliphant was the Potomise Secretary
to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, if he wants to comment further. But
we're always listening. I mean today you have a great example from the moment
that we had jurisdiction. We acted decisively to improve the lives of millions of
Torontonians. And I can assure you, in the history of Canada, you
have one of the strongest caucus who speaks on behalf of the issues that matters
the Canadian We spend the summer listening to our folks. We know that affordability
is the first thing that people have in mind, the cost of grocery.
We're talking about housing. We're talking also about making sure that we have this
green industrial transformation. Today is Monday, and we're acting on the TTC and
I think you'll see a lot of action because that's what Canadian expect from us.
But would that I'll turn over it to Rob if he wants to add
a few words on behalf of my colleagues. Thank you, Minister Mayor.
I haven't had time to congratulate you in person. Congratulations. The issue of
asylum seekers and refugees seeking housing in Toronto's real housing affordability, housing attainability is
absolutely critical. The federal government has absolutely stepped up to the plate. Have
we done enough? I would be very clearly, as one Torontonian, one
Toronto MP saying no, that we will continue to need to discuss with the
City of Toronto, with the people of Toronto, how it is we solve
the problem. The problem is multifaceted. The problem is not the problem of
asylum seekers. It is a housing market crisis in Toronto. It is a
shelter space crisis in Toronto. We are wanting to be the best partners well
also call upon the Province of Ontario to step up and find every level of
government, every order of government, finding its place to solve the problem.
Torontoians have been loud and clear. I have received emails, but as I
think all my colleagues have, We've had discussions about it at our four one
six caucus. We will continue to work with the city and find a solution.
Can I just actually follow up with you because it is really primarily a
problem of money at this point in jurisdictional bickering. So what kind of message
are you sending to the Prime Minister when you meet with them on behalf of
your caucus mates in the city that you know your seats could be at risk
here it is partly a problem of finances and money, but it is also
a problem of building affordable housing and attainable housing. Continually. This is something
that there are no quick solutions to housing. This is a major market problem
that we're having, not only in Toronto but other cities. We face it
in a variety of ways in the city. I face it in my own
writing, all my colleagues do. We are speaking about the issue, will
continue to speak about the issue, but we'll also call upon the Ford government
to also step up to the plate, who has responsibility for housing as well.
Thank you, I was a lot of issue, Minister Sean Jeffords,
CBC chur til I question for you along the lines of my colleague from Global
News. Last week, the City of Toronto adopted a long term financial plan.
It calls on the province and the federal government to step up in different
ways and negotiate a new fiscal framework for Toronto, but probably more broadly for
cities. The response to this point, up to this point the federal government
is given has largely been dip into your savings or go up the road to
Queen's Park to sort out your financial problems. Why is the federal government taking
that tone and why is it not in active negotiations on this fiscal framework with
the city right now? Well, I think Rob's said it very clearly.
First of all, we're listening to people, but it's student in the federation
like Canada, the enter is not always at the federal government. I think
that the provincial government as a role to play. You've seen it, for
example, when we've attracted record level of investment in the province, we went
back to the provincial government in Ontario and say you have to pay your fair
share. That's how it should work in a federation like Canada. You've seen
when we did Volkswagen within LG and Stellentis, the federal government is going to
be their tutor, the provincial government at one third. I think that the
message overall is that in issues like that of primary jurisistic jurisdiction of the province,
people should turns first to Queen's Park. But in terms of listening,
I can tell you we've been doing that all summers and you have probably one
of the most dedicated team of people who want to deal with the issues that
affect Canadians in their daily lives. We are listening, but also we need
to be fair in saying there there's a door you need to knock first,
and I think this first door is in Queen's Park Minister. A question for
a colleague of mine. It's been over a year since the massive Rogers outage
and this ARTC is still investigating what happened. Critics say the CRTC is moving
too slow to force telecoms to be more upfront with customers. What's your response
to that. Well, as you know, the CRTC is independent, so
they do their work. Obviously we follow the work that they're doing. They
have to continue this investigation. You know, at the moment when we had
the outage, I acted decisively. This was the moment when I call all
the CEOs and say you need to do better on behalf of Canadians. We
also signed something, remember the contract with Canadians that made sure that we would
take a number of steps to minimize the impact. First of all prevented,
but should it ever happen again, that we minimize that they're automatic roaming emergency
services. We took a number of action. So I'll let this CRTC do
the important work they do. But as you see, whenever we have jurisdiction,
I take no time to act on behalf of people. That's what we're
doing this morning, which is going to affect the life of millions of people.
Hi, Minister teining As Daniel with City News. I'm wondering what the
response has been like from other carriers. I know Bell has been very unhappy
about this situation, wanting to work collaboratively with Rogers to build this network underground
where they consulted all at all before this announcement was made. What's their response
been like, Well, they as you know, under the Act, when
we amen, this is a very very big step in the history of Canada.
I'm told it's never been done where you a man a carrier's license to
operate with conditions so for them to be able to sell cell phone service and
they have to comply with what we said today. This is unprecedented, but
I think it's needed. The mayor said it loudly. My colleagues said it.
We needed to act because millions of Torontonians want services, and I think
they're right. You know, we deserve better, We deserve to have cell
phone coverage in the subway system in Toronto. In order to do that,
I had to go to a public consultation to follow the requirements of the Act.
This is what we done. We listen to everyone and that's why today
we're becoming We're coming with very clear rules that says, regardless of the carrier
you have, by October third, you need to have cell phone coverage in
the existing network in the subway. And also we're mandating that you expand the
service, like I said, with respect to all the stations within six months,
eighty percent of the tunnels in two years, one hundred percent of the
tunnels in three years. And any news station or lines that are going to
be open here in Toronto will have to have full networks coverage in terms of
voice, data and in text as you open. So that is now mandated
and that's what they will have to comply with. But have they expressed that
they're going to be fighting this at all? And also why now? Why
do you feel comfortable making this decision now? Well, I don't think it's
in their best interest to fight Torontonians. Listen, those are their customers.
I don't see the logic of them to find their customer, let alone fight
the regulator. But what I would say, why now, As I said,
because it's about time, because they have not done it before, and
as I said before before when it was under BIA, I have no jurisdiction
under the Telecom Act. If you want the very lowyer answer, I had
jurisdiction the moment BIA was bought by Rogers, at which point in April,
the moment they bought it, we demanded that they offer services. They failed
to do so, they failed to come to an agreement. We said,
we're going to launch public consultation and put that in your license. That's what
we're doing today. So, as the merrier said, from April to where
we are today, I think in Canada's history it's pretty short in terms of
taking action to defend the rights and the expectation of Torontonio's morning minister ian bigs,
theres good. How are you good? To see you good? Just
doing I just launched their service August twenty three. Consultations to still underway and
kind of preempting some of the processes. Are they facing any penalties and repercussions
for that action. No, no penalties. They just need to agree now
with all the others. You know, I don't look at the issue from
the perspective of the carriers. I look at the issue from the perspective of
the people. People have kids. The mayors said it the colleagues. You
know, people want to be able to text to their kids, say,
by the way, I'm going to be late. They want to be checking
on their neighbors if they made it safely to home. They want to be
able to tell the employer maybe something happened while they are in the subway.
Think about that. This is what the fifth largest city in North America and
in twenty twenty three, we don't have cell phone coverage in the subway system.
I think it the clear message that Torontonians are sending today, and I'm
their voice. I'm expressing their frustration. It's unacceptable and therefore it's for the
carriers to organize themselves to do that today. It's it's being required under their
license and I expect them to follow suit. And in terms of Rodgers,
they'll have to work with the others because the point is that we want to
make sure that, regardless of the carrier you choose, you have cell phone
coverage when you ride in the TTC system. And just given past deadline fails
October twenty October three, it isn't in place. What kind of penalty would
they face penalties immediately? And when do the license renewal. Would that actually
affect them, Well, first of all, they'll face Torontonians, and I
don't think that's what they want to do. They'll face their customers because their
customers know now that what is expected of them, and if they fail to
do so, I'll take enforcement action. But I don't think we'll get there
because this is just common sense. This is something that is needed, something
that has been wanted for Torontonians, and I think colleagues would say in the
mayor, the people have been patient around here, people have been patients.
At the moment, we've got jurisdiction, we took action to make sure it's
going to happen, and if they fail to do so, we'll take enforcement
action. And as you know, since I'm the regulator, it goes up
to revoking a license to operate. I never think that we're going to go
anywhere close to that, because their customers, which are watching TV tonight and
listening to radios and read the paper, will demand that by octoberat or they
have the service in the existing system. We just have one very quick follow
up on the monetary penalties. Can you give us a sense of like what
the realm of that would potentially look like, well, there's a range of
that, but let's be we're talking amongst each other here. This is good
commercial practice to serve your customers better. I don't think that I should have
ever had to act, or me or the mayor of the colleagues to do
that. It's sad that we had to do it to force them to do
so. But I think now they understand that we mean business, that they're
going to be required to do so. But I expect them, you know,
to do that, to step up to the plate as they should have
done from They want to fix that, not waiting for government to intervene to
protect the interest of citizens. So you don't want to give a specific goal.
Well there's a range of penalties, but you know what, I don't
think we'll ever get there. We've been working with them. They know,
they know to Antonians, and they know who I am, and they know
the mayor. I think they know enough by now to make sure that they
have to do what they have to do. Okay, thank you, good
morning, minister. A moment karrectly from City News, Sir, just a
question in terms of what is it that you expect by October three? Versus
what will be laid out over the next three Okay, so let me take
it simply, and I think may or if you want to comment at the
end, I'd be happy to any colleagues who want to have because I'm the
voice, but many many colleagues have contributed to that. So what we're saying
is that there will be equivalent level of services for all TTC users in the
existence system by October Try. So that's the first date, So regardless of
the carrier you have, you will be able to have basic services in the
existing system by October Try. The second thing we're mandating the telcos is to
say, as we know this is only covering part of the TTC system.
We know that there's many tunnels and stations which don't have services, so we
say you need to expand their services. So all stations within six months should
have voice, text and messaging services. And we say within two years you
need to cover eighty percent of the tunnels, and within three years you need
to cover one hundred percent of the tunnels, so that in three years you
would have full coverage. And the reason why we need to give a timeline
is because as people would't understand you need to install equipment, and that equipment
and you have the share of the TTC can go on, but you can
only do that within so many hours during the night. The third thing we're
saying is that for any new station, any new tunnels, any new lines
that are going to be opened in Toronto, at the time you open the
line, you need to make sure that you have full mobile services. So
we don't face that ever again, Mayor if you want exact date, October
three, you heard, and then June off next year. And for the
station we're looking at a year later after that, twenty twenty five. One
hundred percent station and subways in the tunnel by December of twenty twenty six.
Okay, So you will get it in the station first, existing infrastructure first,
then the area that is on the stations okay, text, etc.
And then tunnels good percentage of it, then one hundred percent of it okay.
So June, October, June, December, December okay. So basically
whatever Rodgers offers as October thirty, the other providers have times yeah for four
every other so in a sense they can do that to roaming order type of
equipment. That's that's for them. To figure out. But as as we
said, October thirty is the day that Torontonians will be walking in the subway
and in the existing places where you have coverage, will be able to use
their cell phones, regardless of the carrier they have. Okay, and this
is just a question on behalf of my colleague mc cormack, mcconey and OTTWA.
What's yours cormack doing? By the way, he's very well, thank
you. Let's start with the important things. As you know, he covers
all our stations, so he's like our superstar. What's your reaction to Conservative
Party delegates voting in favor of a future Conservative government prohibiting medical or surgical interventions
for gender diverse and transgender children. To be honest, I don't follow what
these guys are doing. Uh you know. Honestly, I follow what Canadians
care about. And Canadians care about is affordability, the price of grocery.
They care about a housing, they care about the green industrial transformation, and
they care about what we're doing this morning to improve services for Torontonians. That's
what I care about. Honestly, I have no time for these guys.
Yes, sit man, thank you everyone. When you want junk to disappear,
all you have to do is point there's no silver bullet to the housing
crisis that we're living through. It's going to take all hands on deck,
cross levels of government with the private sector, with a nonprofit sector. But
we're going to need to do a series of different things. We're going to
need to advance measures that are going to help change the financial equation for builders
who are dealing with a lot of projects that are actually approved but been put
on pause because of a higher interest rate environment. We're also going to need
to work to change the way that cities build homes by issuing permits more quickly,
changing their zoning practices to make it easier for builders to build. And
we're also going to need to grow to the productive capacity of the workforce by
training Canadians to work in home building, by recruiting newcomers who have the skills
we need to build, and by investing in innovation like building homes and factories
so we can actually be more productive with the assets that we have with the
investments that we make. We're going to be looking at everything we can do
to build homes more quickly so we can make homes affordable for ordinary people.
That's not too much asking, UH with the announcement today. Today is going
to be U the first time that we've done something like this in Canada,
and I don't want to spoil the news that we're going to share a little
later this UH this morning. But you should also keep in mind that this
morning's announcement is one of a series of measures we're going to be advancing over
the course of the fall that are going to have a meaningful impact to get
more homes built in this country. Look, my perspective is that if people
see us getting to work, they're going to have an opportunity to judge whether
our plan is going to be effective. With respect to people who make the
argument that the time has come and gone to make a difference, I think
you should always be working to solve problems. The reality is the dynamic has
changed over the last number of years. When we first arrived in office in
twenty fifteen, the greatest need when it came to housing was for so should
publicly funded social housing for low income families. That need still persists, but
the dynamic has fundamentally shifted. What we've seen over the course of the pandemic,
with people initially buying up homes during the pandemic, putting more pressure on
the stock, followed by hike and the interest rates that are impacting home builders
in the environment and impacting people who hold mortgages, particularly those who have a
variable rate mortgage. We see that the need is now just not for low
income housing, but for homes for middle class Canadians. People who are going
to school deserve to have a place near their classes, people who are going
to work deserve to have a home near where they go to work. And
everybody deserves to be able to have a home they can afford near the services
that they need access. My expectation is that Canadians want to see what we're
going to be coming up with over the next number of months. They want
to see from me personally, being new to the position, what kind of
a changed approach, and they should expect to see a renewed focus that's looking
to build homes not just for low income Canadians and affordable housing projects, but
across the housing spectrum to make sure we're building homes for middle class Canadians.
To folks, what is the move going into Ontario, Folks, great listen.
We have a fantastic team and very excited about talking about canadians priorities and
how we're going to attack those we're no concerned about. Look at polling numbers
go up and down all the time. The focus for me is on what
I'm hearing at the doors and in my conversations and at the round tables that
I'm doing, particularly across southern Ontario. That's my focus. But this opportunity
gets voices from across the country and really excited about the conversations that are going
to happen. And we know Canadians are struggling now and we're hearing that loud
and clear. So we as a government have to determine what are the next
steps that we're going to take to ensure that we take Canadians to this challenging
time. Yeah. So it's not just a little up, I say.
No, I'm not saying it's up and down. I'm saying, listen,
we always listen to the voice of Canadians and we want to respond to that.
I don't focus on the numbers. I focus on what I'm hearing from
Canadians across the country and really getting down to work to ensure that we are
addressing the concerns that Canadians are voicing, like housing and affordability. So we
have the team that can tackle this. We absolutely do, and I am
so confident in this team. Having said that, we are totally understanding of
what Canadians are going through and we look forward to addressing the concerns that they
are having with practical solutions that are going to get people through these challenging times.
It's confidence and the Prime Minister is shaken right now. Not for me.
Listen, this Prime Minister has led us through the most challenging times.
Look at what we've been through with COVID, and I have heard from a
number of my own constituents, but people across the country that we're very grateful
for the supports And so for me, I think that our Prime Minister has
taken us through some of the most challenging times that this country has faced,
and I know he's up for the challenge ahead and I look forward to the
discussions over the next couple You need to do, you need to talk up
your communications game at this point then I think what we need to work up
is to focus on the work that we are doing for Canadians. We have
to deliver and what that means is listening to what Canadians are telling us and
ensure that we are responding to those very important pressing issues. And I look
forward to the work. Thanks so much. Homistocial least subs new measures coming
on housing and affordability. Last week you seem to suggest that it's only communications
that are need to tend crews. Today on the side of the Conservatives,
you said we need to say the course on childcare and these sorts of things.
Do you need new measures and what do those new industriess need to beclud
If I somehow indicated that we didn't need to do more things to help Canadians
with affordability issues and surely do more on things like like housing, then surely
not my intention. I agree with Minister Jually and other colleagues who say that
we need we need to do more on things like housing and affordability. And
part of the conversations we will be having in the coming two days are what
exactly are are these things that that we will be doing. As you know,
the Prime Minister will be making announcement a little bit later today on housing.
Is it father criticism that the Liberals have been slow in getting out a
plan that perhaps you've been caught flat footed on housing getting a plan out.
This is I mean, the housing crisis has been decades in the making.
It's not it's nothing. It's nothing new. Could it could go. It
could go back to the early nineties where the federal government decided to stop investing
in housing and told provinces and territories that that was their responsibility. We changed
that when we came in in twenty fifteen with massive programs and we are we
are seeing more housing being built, but but not enough, and we need
to do more, and certainly the federal government has an important role to play.
It's not something we can do by ourselves. We need to work with
provinces, we need to work with municipalities, we need to work with private
sector. And that's what we're hard up work doing. Yeah, you know,
I have a concerted Quanngine adds the carmate tax is now conversing. It's
been for some time, for some time, but certainly we look at the
bully numbers that that message continues to gain traction. What do you say the
Canadians that believe, yeah, lifefordability or lack of pordability is tied to what
I'm paying now for hop gating for gas and progrosries. We when we talk
about the cost of measures to address climate change, we we have to realize
that Canadians are paying a very high price tag for the impacts of climate change
in the past few years. We're talking about tens of billions of dollars and
that's not accounting for the force fires we've seen this summer, which we're the
worst in Canada's history, tens of thousands of people being being moved from their
homes, Entire cities had to be had to be evacuated, floodings in Nova
Scotia. Just at the end of winter, we had ice storms in Eastern
Canada. Climate change is costing Canadians billions, tens of billions of dollars,
and we need to act. And there's no there's no bumper sticker solution to
climate change. It's hard work. And we know that carbon pricing is one
of the best ways to fight climate change. Say that and I appreciate that,
but that's here. That's a national budget. But for people at home,
it's their monthly but they're they're paying for that. I mean, if
it's costing, if it's costing Canada tens of billions of dollars of climate impacts,
you don't think people at home are paying for that one way or the
other. They are everyone, all of us are paying for that. And
we need to put in place measures so that our kids and grandkids aren't stock
with a planet that that in some parts of the world may become unlivable.
That's what that's what we're doing. That's what a responsible government needs to do.
And and yes, they are challenges with affordability, and we're working very
hard, which is why, for example, we're recycling ninety percent of the
revenues of of carbon pricing directly to households to help them in this transition to
a low carbon economy. But it's going to take some time and hard work
and and and bumper sticker slogans won't help us defind climate change. People using
the wildfires, the climate change, the impact the climate change will impact how
much money the federal government can devote to affordable housing. And is that an
issue that perhaps because of limited resources, we shouldn't be expecting that much or
that will limit your bill of sector. This is in hard terms on housing
an affordability. Certainly, housing and affordability are top of mind in my community
and across the country, and at this caucus we will be definitely having conversations
about how we can continue to step up to address affordability issues, things like
the Canada's child benefit ten dollars day childcare, making sure that we are there
for Canadians on housing, and on on items relating to vulnerability. Our top
of mind for sure is the power to the tap about those were having cutbacks
and department. Well, if you take a look at the spending review,
it's fifteen billion dollars over five years and four billion dollars every year thereafter.
That relative to the total spend should not impact our priorities on housing, on
affordability, on vulnerable Canadians. And so we're going to continue to be focused
on those priorities while making sure that our own fiscal house is in order.
And that's what all Canadians are doing right now, and that's what the Government
of Canada will do. Is the cauc is shaken right now, is the
cauc is shaken by the polling numbers. Caucus is very much focused on what
we need to do to continue to support Canadians, and that is a very
distinct difference between us and other parties in this country that we are focused on
how we can support Canadians, especially during difficult times. That's exactly what you
saw our government do during the pandemic. For example, the procurem of vaccines,
PPE and rapid tests was about stepping up to make sure that our country
had what it need during difficult times. This is exactly what we will continue
to do during this economic time in Canada's history. Thank you to change of
strategy when it comes to count on Pierpolov. Our focus is on Canadians.
That's what my focus has been as MP and minister, and that's what our
focus I'm sure will continue to be. Thank you so much. The most
great We're halfway through a mandate. We've been delivering a lot on behalf of
Canadians and four Canadians, and there's still more work to be done. We're
looking forward to discussing what's going to happen in the next two years. So
what do you're making the poll numbers then pulling goes up, polling goes down.
I think it's great that Canadians are being exposed to Pierre Polyev. I
think that once they start to learn about who he is, what he's voted
for, what his values are, it's going to really shape their opinion of
him. So I think it's important that the population that Canadians have access to
that is the prime minister is still the best asset for your party. I'm
really excited to go into the next election. I'm really excited with the team
that we have, and that includes a prime minister obviously, and I think
I think it's going to be a really good election. I'm looking forward to
it. It's there's a clear contrast between us and the other guys now,
and I think that Canadians will see that. Thanks, I gotta get in
there. Gets. What are your constituents telling me about affordable housing? What
do they want to see? The one if you see more and more housing
and more construction, and that's a challenge. We see numbers going down across
the country and we have to be there to support, you know, more
housing and maybe in a way work better with provinces and cities. Is there
something a recommendation that would work better in Quebec than anywhere else? Well,
faster, better, quicker, that works everywhere. And this is what we're
here to discuss. And I have a full confidence in my colleague Phraser to
do the job. But do you think you'll come up with a player?
Can you have some PI what a bunch of experts coming to Yeah, And
we listen to them and we had many deep discussions about it and we're working
on it. It's not there's not a simple, easy solution where you can
just turn around and you know and build thousands of of of you know units.
The objective is to build thousands of units as soon as possible. But
we have to do it right. And again, I think we have to
find ways to better work with provinces and cities. What do you say the
people with SPA? But you know, I'm just wondering how you how your
colleagues are feeling right now with the pulling numbers as they have in this summer.
I mean polls tell part of a story. We have a lot of
work ahead of us. I think the work that we have to try to
pull the country together on the big issues like climate change in housing. Housing
is the current issue. Climate change hasn't gone away. We're looking looking at
what's going on with the weather events in Morocco now, the forest fires in
Canada all summer. We have to focus on the work that we have to
do and hopefully Canadians will see the work coming through and that we're delivering results.
And hopefully we are delivering results and that'll show weapon polls at some point,
But we start chasing polls around the room, we're not doing the work
that we need to do. I'm wondering, though, if there's a level
dissatisfaction or concern right now, though, No, I mean the concern is
we've got to solve the problems that we have on the table in front of
us, and that's our responsibility. People can talk about the problems, people
can talk about their opinions of the problems, but our responsibility is to find
solutions to the problems and get the governments working together on housing with the stakeholders,
make sure that we land on the right place there. Climate change isn't
going away, and I sit on the Environment Committee and looking at the new
Environmental Protection Act measures that we're going to be working on this fall. We've
got a lot of work to do that we are doing, and at some
point we look up at the scoreboard. But right now we're in the middle
of a game that we have to win at this point. Though, you
know, I just came from Quebec City. Listen conservatives and for them it's
you know, they do talk about housing, but it's also affordability and that
goes to the carbon tax. What do you make of the affordability issue for
as for them, if you get rid of the carbon tax, you make
things more affordable for Canadians across the boards. For people that say that they're
business people, they don't act like business people. Sometimes the carbon price that
we have also has a rebate, and they never talk about the other side
of the ledger. So what we have done is put in a measure to
incent people to reduce the use of carbon. And if they reduce the use
of carbon, then the incentive payment that they come get coming back to them
they get to keep. If they keep using carbon, they have to that
incentive payment doesn't go to anywhere other than paying for more carbon. So really,
the market based solutions that we put in for reducing the use of carbon
is something that we're firm on because they make sense and they make economic sense.
I come from business. I know when you focus on the areas that
you're spending your money on. You will get results based on where you're putting
the proper investments. So we are investing in reducing the use of carbon and
we're doing that in a way that also doesn't have a solid impact on individual
Canadians. So you know, listening to that, and I think about the
Conservative messaging very consistent since Pierre Plov became leader. Acts the tax, acts
attacks, right, So that so is this do you think the part of
the challenge for the liberals is policy? Part of it communication? Where do
you see the issue right now? Like we've got the right policy. When
you go up against acts, the tax it's a bumper sticker. We can't
rule by bumper stickers. We have to put in good policy. And when
you look at what's going on with the climate right now, it's not going
to solve itself. It's something that we have to have good government policy on
all levels to fight the climate crisis that we're in. And it's unfortunate that
the discussion isn't at the right level from the other side, where they don't
even agree that there is a climate crisis. At some point they need to
wake up and see that we are in a climate crisis and we need good
policy. If they can suggest better ideas, we need to discuss those.
But acts the tax isn't one of those good ideas. Do you think the
leadership of the prime ministers I question right now? No, No, I
think we've got a strong leader that's taking a lot of flack because there are
a lot of issues that we need to deal with and when you're in a
leadership position, you're the one that takes the flack. But the team is
working together to try and get to a better place in terms of coming out
of COVID, dealing with the COVID wave that we'll deal with this fall that
hasn't gone away, and then at the same time, get us through the
higher interest rate area where we are right now, so that we can get
inflation back to where it needs to be. And so the Bank Accounada is
doing what they need to do to get inflation down and we need to make
the adjustments to help vulnerable Canadians get through the inflation cycle that we're in right
now. Lord, thanks to the time. Yeah, you're a hook.
Do you have a good There's a small group of demonstrators that were outside the
hotel circling around last night the police came there letting a fire away was the
skywalks new papers. You can't see MP's walking across the front doors locked.
What do you think of that? That's how you're having to hold your as
well. I think it's it's kind of unfortunate that that's the angle of democratic
right that some people are taking. But it's their right to do it,
you know, and so we business will go on, you know. I
think that I was in Ottawa, of course during the occupation of the downtown
and uh, you know, we we can't forget that that was finally resolved,
you know, with pretty much nobody getting hurt or anything else. It's
it's it's a funny aspect of democracy that we've actually lived with for a very
very long time, and and it happens now. How are you feeling about
the State Party right now? Pretty good? Actually, you know, the
fundamentals are all there. I think probably the focus of some of our discussions,
at least the focus I will want to bring to it is really it's
really focus. You know. If you count up all of the things in
the minister's mandates, there's about seven hundred and thirty different things that these ministers
are responsible for accomplishing. Well, we can't talk about them all. So
if we can't talk about the ball, what do we talk about? What
are the what are the priorities? And this again is where people like me
who are at street level will tell the party, well, this is what
I'm hearing from the street. These are the things that are are most bothering
our constituents. And so it's a double side of thing. What have we
done and more importantly, what are we prepared to do? That's that's really
what we need to talk about about. Focus about what the do. No,
we're not looking for direction, We're going to give direction, is it?
And affordability measures? Well, I think that that's clearly the you know,
the main focus. And in that regard, I think that the new
minister Sean Fraser uh. I mean I saw very firsthand what he did at
immigration. Uh. This guy's got what it takes I think to come up
with maybe something a little disruptive, but certainly something that's going to change it.
Do you see this as a policy challenge for the party or a communication
challenge? I think it's it's always a bit of both. You have to
assess what we're doing versus what the public wants and verse is what they think
they're getting. And sometimes where you know the miss there's a misunderstanding, you've
got to get out and talk to them or consult with some more bolls.
But where there's a policy, and I'll use gun control as an example,
that's a policy where a lot of folks are are offside with the government.
But that's a policy gap we're not going to close. We firmly believe that
certain weapons don't belong in the hands of civilians and that's that. And those
folks can vote with their with their ballot the next time around. Should the
should the government be more aggressive or choudge his strategy When it comes to countering
Ter Polio, well, I mean he did this summer what mister Trudeau did
back in the summer of twenty fourteen out talking to people. Big difference is
we didn't have to spend three million dollars to burnish mister Trudeau's reputation. He
has. Mister Polio has a three million dollar cote of paint, but it's
very thin. He's left better part of twenty years of very very toxic behavior.
You should go back and watch how he treated Jean Cherai during the leadership
convention for the Conservatives. This is a person that if you really really do
know him, reasonable people will have serious questions. Was it a mistake to
let the Liberals allows to Paul? You have to put that three million dollars
up by out not trying to find him before he got the chance to find
himself. I don't think so. I mean, that's just me as an
ext media communication guy for many many years before this. You know, you
have to respect his right to have his say. But the thing is that
his reputation, his background will actually reveal the truth about who he is.
All Right, there you go, Thank you, thank you very much.
I'm okay. How are you. How you're feeling getting into box today and
what you've been hearing on the doorsteps throughout the summer. I'm feeling good.
It's great to see all of my colleagues again. We separate like seeds of
a dandelion at the end of the spring, and coming together is really nice
to be able to connect and here about what people are thinking about what they're
working on the doors. I've been hearing largely about climate change, about some
of the things people are talking about costs of living. Of course, people
are really scared about climate though. I can tell you right now I've been
working with First Nations a lot, as you know in my role, and
the majority of evacuees are indeed indigenous people. Their homes, their communities,
their land is under threat. And so underneath all that fear is this like
steady thrum of what's happening with our climate? And how are we as Canadians
going to be not just part of the solution, but prepared for whatever comes
next. What do you make then, of the pulling lead that the Conservatives
have right now based on issues like affordability and inflation and the carbon tax.
Like listen, I'm not expert at pulling, and I would suspect that the
way that you ask questions are the kinds of answers that you get. But
I will say this that underneath all of those concerns lies this deep anxiety about
what's happening with our climate. And when we talk about food prices, of
course, you know, the conservative they're talking about a price on pollution as
one of the only driver of the increased costs of foods. But we know
that's not true. In fact, entire areas, arid areas are getting wiped
out as a result of the kinds of threats that we're seeing to the ability
for farmers to grow. I was out of West and Saskatchewan with James Smith
create their aquifers are drying up. They are unable to figure out what to
do when the aquifers that feed their own community source water. That's how the
conversation started dry up. But they also talked about the agriculture, and many
of them are involved in agriculture and pursuits, and you can't water your plants
if you don't have any water, and so you know, we're seeing this
compounding challenge of dealing with climate change, and so I think, to be
honest, this is a critical moment for Canada, for Canadians, and for
all of us to pull together to figure out not only what we're going to
do to be part of a global effort to reduce our emissions, but also
how we're going to keep our community safe and ready for whatever comes next.
Those members, well, I think we can't forget about those extraordinary and compounding
costs for sure, because not only are they expensive for individuals, and for
businesses. I talked about agriculture, but there's lots of other businesses lumber,
for example, and the forestry sector is being, you know, very hard
hit by the vast volume of forests that's that's been burned this summer. But
I think we also have to keep costs on the mounting. We have to
keep track of the mounting costs of responding to climate emergencies. So in my
own department, for example, through the Emergency Management program. You know,
I don't have the number now, but it's hundreds of millions of dollars that
have been spent this year alone just responding to helping people get out of the
way of disasters. And then on top of that, when you factor in
you know what the costs will be to rebuild. We're taught we're hearing from
insurance companies here in Canada now that are saying maybe they won't insure anymore,
and specific garius for specific disasters, everybody's insurance is going to go up.
So I think we can't think about it in a piecemeal way. We have
to be thinking more broadly about how we're going to as a country wrapper heads
around the fact that as Elizabeth May says, even if we were to stop
all admitting right now, we'll see a decade of difficult weather. Mister cler
is well ahead of mister Truder right now. Do you think you've underestimated in
the locals rudestimating, mister, I don't underestimate anyone. Every battle is a
battle. That's what politics is. It's a battle of ideas, and it's
a battle of vision, and it's a battle of passion. Thank you everyone,
you know. I guess first of all us, how are you and
your colleagues feeling right now? Given the polling numbers that you've seen this summer.
We've had a good summer. I think that the Prime Minister has traveled,
been at home, he's been listening. I've been listening in my writing.
And people have concerns. I mean there's cost of livings concerns, there's
housing attainability concerns. Now we hear that, but I think people also know
these are long term fixed and they're going to watch for us. What do
you say right now? Though? To the Canadians who have answered those polsters
basically expressing that they don't believe the Liberals are the party to have the solution
on those issues, I would say we're ready to listen to them, and
we're ready to find new ways to engage and we'll keep doing it. Week
done some things around when your party when it comes to that, how can
you poles are up and down? I mean I've been I've been in the
game a long time, and I've seen governments have high ratings and low ratings.
I've seen people get distressed. In my job, I get to travel
the world and I see world phenomena and I see the reality is at cost
of living, interest rates, affordability are issues in many Western countries, and
I think we will keep saying when you look at the alternatives we provide,
the best alternate is your party doing a good enough job communicating that though I
can always do better, we can always do better. Little se measures include
all affordability and posings. I think that we have to find ways to help
Canadians. We've had the largest transfer of income to poorer families to the Canada
Child Benefit of any government ever. We'll continue to use imagination. We'll figure
out something. Watch. Thanks, How are you guys feeling with the late
recent round of polling numbers, employee numbers and polling numbers. Listen, We're
gonna have a lot of discussions around what we stand for, what we're gonna
do going forward, remaining positive in terms of the initials that we're taking.
I get the opposition is trying to frame it in a very negative way,
and that's your job, but it seems as though they want things to be
broken, they want seems to be angry. And I'm newly elected. Really,
I've only been there a number of months now, and I'm very positive
about the things I'm doing and certainly the resectional I'm getting at home and I
want to make a difference and i want to provide value, and that's what
I think my collar is won as well. So final thoughts. I was
in there as having coffee with a friend of mine and we were talking about
hate, the state of what's what's going on, what you know, trying
to get people to focus a little more than just simply paycheck to paycheck and
excuse me. She brought up a point of how we need to actually stay
grateful for what it is that we do have and stop focusing on what we
don't have if we want to find ourselves with more abundance in our life that
we have to actually focus on the things that we have and be grateful for
the things that that we that we do have, that we that we do
have the food we need, we have the vehicle we need, and we
have the home we need. And when we start focusing on the idea of
how we can be grateful for what it is that we do have, that
we also focus on how do we keep it and how do we keep those
feelings up and how we learn how to work with the system so that we
can protect those things that we love. Thank you for listening today, even
listening to policy and right to your Depictions Media Radio. I've been your host
in Michael Cloggs and please do find that subscribe button wherever it is h The
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