David Miller (Canadian politician): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:25, 4 March 2006

Revision as of 22:28, 4 March 2006

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===Bridge and airport policy===

Soon after his election, Miller led council to reverse its previous support for the Toronto City Centre Airport bridge. He argued that the bridge was detrimental to the regional environment, was unwanted by most local residents, and would prevent a more comprehensive renewal of the waterfront economy. Supporters countered thatof the bridge argued that it would make airline service more efficient, and would provide a financial benefit to the city. The vote, held on [[December 3]], [[2003]], was 32-12 in favour of withdrawal.{{ref|bridge}} There were subsequent threats of legal action against the City by the [[Toronto Port Authority]] and developer Robert Deluce, but these were settled in 2005 when the federal government agreed to pay $35 million in compensation. Shortly after the settlement, Miller announced that he would seek the repayment of $27 million in back taxes from the Port Authority to the city.{{ref|backtaxes}}

The cost of the federal payout was controversial among both supporters and opponents of Miller's government. Liberal [[Member of Parliament]] (MP) [[Tony Ianno]], who defended the settlement as providing fair compensation to those with legitimate claims, also argued that it invalidated Miller's promise that the bridge could be cancelled without incurring additional expenses.{{ref|Ianno}} Miller's allies, including NDP leader [[Jack Layton]], responded by arguing that the federal payout was overly generous, and did not reflect the true costs of cancellation.{{ref|Layton}}