Montreal is also thriving, creative and dynamic in ways few Canadian cities are. Its got an actual art scene, which is pretty rare for Canada. Its great food, decent mass transit, and fun neighbourhoods.
It may be falling down and overrun with student protesters but at least it is not the never ending soulless sprawl that is Toronto.
I support the student protestors. Not their violence, obviously, but I suppose violence is inevitable in these sorts of situations.
If the government cannot confront organized crime and its parasitic presence in its construction requisition system, it is basically engaging in selective budgetary restraint - which means it doesn't believe it "really" has to engage in budgetary restraint. Mind you, the budget problems are real - but attacking soft, weak targets means the gov't doesn't believe it.
It is easier to ask for sacrifice when you are seen as having tried to avoid it. That didn't happen. Now we see the inevitable outcome, and the media spin on it is shameful.
My personal belief is that Jean Charest's administration will be remembered akin to Nero's, except that JC's administration will actually deserve the dishonour.
It may be falling down and overrun with student protesters but at least it is not the never ending soulless sprawl that is Toronto.