Basil Canning is a life-long Toronto resident who is running for Toronto City Council in Ward 6. He is deeply passionate about making Toronto a more livable and accessible city for everyone.
Basil ‘s background is in construction as he is trained ironworker, who since 1988 has been part of the Ironworkers Union Local 721. He started his career working trackside at Union Station and throughout his career he has been actively involved in many public works projects for the Greater Toronto Area, including but not limited to the restoration work on the Prince Edward Viaduct, also known as the Bloor Street Viaduct, as well as the subway line to Vaughan, and the expansion at Ashbridge’s Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant and last but certainly not least he also contributed to the important Atrium expansion at the Hospital for Sick Children, also known as SickKids Hospital in downtown Toronto. When he is not hard at work he enjoys spending time in the vibrant community of York Centre with his partner, their dogs and his family.
Basil Canning Website Copy (Political Campaign)
Having worked on large scale projects over the years, there are always obstacles that need to be overcome and problems that need to be solved. I have sought practical solutions to every problem I have encountered and will bring this approach to city council and our residents.
Housing Plan:
One of my plans is to incentivize growth in rental development. This could be done by placing properties in three categories, Owner Occupied and investment Properties. Investment Properties could be taxed higher, unless rented or leased. This would result in occupied properties. Revenues generated from this initiative could then be put towards developing more rental properties.
Green T.O:
Green initiatives are important to me. I would like to implement several solutions including, painting roof top white and modernizing city equipment. I would look to improve traffic flow to avoid congestion. This could be done through lane reversals. Clearing road construction as much as possible during heavy morning and evening commutes would also help to alleviate rush hour traffic.
Transit Matters:
The city has many ongoing transit improvement initiatives. I would endeavour to speed up completion of these projects to realize the benefits sooner. By finishing these ongoing construction projects the streets will be cleared, making it safer to travel.
Policing Concerns:
The Police Service should be transparent. Measures could be taken to improve police relationships in our communities. City Council must do its part in taking on the issues of homelessness, mental health, and addiction. The reduction of these social issues would allow police to focus on other concerns in our neighbourhoods.
Answer to a voter:
Thank you for your comment. As for a US style de-escalation I would not welcome that either. It is a large issue that can’t really be adequately answered by a City Councillor but rather a collective solution needs to be formed with all levels of government. Nonetheless I will try to do the best for my constituency and bring their concerns to the forefront as a Toronto City Councillor.
Position I am running for?
City Councillor, York Center
Do I have previous political experience?
This is my first time running for any political office.
Why have I decided to run?
Gratitude for the City of Toronto. This city has provided me a wonderful life thanks to Toronto services that have been there for me in the past. I want to share my experience, strength and vision for Toronto.
How would I embrace and champion diversity in this role?
Diversity inclusion is of paramount importance. With that in mind, I would establish dedicated ongoing community meetings. The meetings would provide a safe space for members of the disability, LGBTQ2S+ and BPoC communities to share stories, and visions for Toronto’s future. And take action on these concerns, improving the community.
What are my top three issues?
Community safety
We should do everything in our power to ensure that no one is harmed by violence or crime.
Housing
Housing should be affordable, accessible and dignified.
Job Creation
Our industrial and commercial lands could be utilized to their full potential, creating jobs that would be close to residents. The end result would reduce homelessness, unemployment and crime.
If elected, what do you plan to accomplish in your first 100 days?
I will endeavour to get the Diversity meeting established and organized. I want to research and analyze the best way of bringing business and employment opportunities to the commercial lands within York Center. I plan on reviewing all major city services to seek out where improvements could be made to city programs and initiatives.
Position I am running for?
City Councillor, York Center
Do I have previous political experience?
This is my first time running for any political office.
Why have I decided to run?
Gratitude for the City of Toronto. This city has provided me a wonderful life thanks to Toronto services that have been there for me in the past. I want to share my experience, strength and vision for Toronto.
How would I embrace and champion diversity in this role?
Diversity inclusion is of paramount importance. With that in mind, I would establish dedicated ongoing community meetings. The meetings would provide a safe space for members of the disability, LGBTQ2S+ and BPoC communities to share stories, and visions for Toronto’s future. And take action on these concerns, improving the community.
What are my top three issues?
Community safety
We should do everything in our power to ensure that no one is harmed by violence or crime.
Housing
Housing should be affordable, accessible and dignified.
Job Creation
Our industrial and commercial lands could be utilized to their full potential, creating jobs that would be close to residents. The end result would reduce homelessness, unemployment and crime.
If elected, what do you plan to accomplish in your first 100 days?
I will endeavour to get the Diversity meeting established and organized. I want to research and analyze the best way of bringing business and employment opportunities to the commercial lands within York Center. I plan on reviewing all major city services to seek out where improvements could be made to city programs and initiatives.
Finlay the Fearless: A Scottish Wildcat’s Tale (Children’s Book in development, for a Charity in Scotland)
Once upon a time, in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, there lived a little wildcat named Finlay. Finlay was no ordinary cat; he was a Scottish Wildcat, a majestic and rare creature known for its wild spirit and untamed beauty. His fur was a striking mix of grays and stripes, and his emerald eyes glimmered like stars in the night sky.
But Finlay’s story began in a much different place. One stormy night, a group of kind-hearted people from Wildcat Haven found a tiny, helpless kitten all alone in the wilderness. They knew they had to help him, for Scottish Wildcats were a critically endangered species, and each life was precious.
They scooped up the little kitten, wrapped him in warmth, and named him Finlay. Under their tender care, Finlay grew strong and curious. He played with toys made from feathers and scampered through the lush greenery of his sanctuary home.
As the years passed, Finlay became more fearless and adventurous. He explored every nook and cranny of the Wildcat Haven, honing his hunting skills and learning the secrets of the wild. But as much as he loved his human friends, he knew deep inside that the true wild was calling him.
One bright morning, as the sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, the staff of Wildcat Haven gathered to make a difficult decision. It was time for Finlay to return to the wild, to embrace his true destiny as a free and independent Scottish Wildcat.
With a mixture of happiness and sadness in their hearts, they bid farewell to Finlay. They knew he would be a magnificent wildcat, but they would miss their playful companion dearly. As a symbol of their love and protection, they placed a collar with a small bell around Finlay’s neck, so that his wild family would know he was once cared for by people who cherished him.
With a brave heart and a spirit full of determination, Finlay set out into the wild. He traversed the rugged terrain, leaping over rocky cliffs, and exploring dense forests. The call of the wind and the rustling of leaves filled him with excitement and anticipation.
In the wild, Finlay faced many challenges, but he was no longer a little kitten. He had learned from the best, and his instincts guided him well. He hunted skillfully, avoiding other predators, and found shelter in hidden dens.
Months passed, and Finlay’s legend grew among the creatures of the Highlands. He was known as “Finlay the Fearless,” a wildcat of unmatched courage and wisdom. He protected his territory with ferocity yet showed kindness to those in need.
As the seasons changed, and the world transformed from lush green to snowy white, Finlay found companionship in another Scottish Wildcat, a fierce and independent female named Isla. Together, they roamed the wilderness side by side, facing the challenges of life with unwavering determination and love for their home.
And so, the tale of Finlay the Fearless, the Scottish Wildcat, spread far and wide. His story touched the hearts of both young and old, reminding them of the importance of preserving and protecting these precious creatures.
Wildcat Haven continued their mission to conserve the Scottish Wildcat’s habitat, knowing that every effort counted in the fight to save these magnificent animals. And deep in the heart of the Highlands, the spirit of Finlay and Isla lived on, a symbol of strength, freedom, and the untamed beauty of nature.
The end.
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Press Release for a charity in Scotland:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
World first: Family of Scottish Wildcats captured on camera.
Wildcat Haven has obtained video footage of the youngest wild Scottish wildcat kittens ever caught on camera. At only 7 to 8 weeks old they are still entirely reliant on their mother, but they offer clear evidence that wildcats are breeding and thriving in the wild, dispelling the notion that the wildcat is functionally extinct. Even more remarkably, images have been obtained of the entire family, including the father. All the scientific literature states that males are solitary and have nothing to do with their offspring. These images shed new light onto the hitherto unknown family life of the Scottish wildcat, which is the rarest cat in the world.
Wildcat Haven is the only the organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of Scotland’s iconic wildcats in the wild, and this discovery in Aberdeenshire, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to safeguard this critically endangered species.
Wildcat Haven’s founder and conservationist, Dr. Paul O’Donoghue expressed his excitement over this discovery, saying, “Finding a thriving family of wildcats in Aberdeenshire is an incredible moment for the future of these beautiful animals. It underscores the importance of our mission to conserve the Scottish wildcat in the wild where it belongs’.
The Scottish government had written off the wildcat as functionally extinct yet using state of the art camera trap technology and an extensive network of dedicated and skilled community members in Aberdeenshire, Wildcat Haven have found at least 30 wildcats in Aberdeenshire alone. Renowned for their elusiveness, there will undoubtedly be more wildcats yet to be found. O’Donoghue continues, ‘Far from being functionally extinct, this represents a significant and connected population that is clearly, successfully breeding in the wild. All efforts should be focussed on these priceless free-living wildcats’.
Capturing any wildcat on camera is exceptionally difficult, but to get a whole family of 5 in one image, has never been obtained before. Wildlife vet Nick Morphet who has worked in wildcat conservation for 8 years, says,’ I couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing, it is breaking new ground in our knowledge of the biology of these animals. Males are thought to be entirely solitary, so this is a an extremely exciting new discovery about wildcat family life’.
The major threat to these wildcats will be hybridisation with domestic cats and so this winter, Wildcat haven have plans to carry out a neutering project for domestic cats covering a 1000 sq km area in Aberdeenshire. O’Donoghue continues, ‘Our mission is to create vast areas where wildcats can only breed with other wildcats. This is how the Wildcat can and will be saved’.