Latest news with #DiMatteo
National Post
4 days ago
- Business
- National Post
FIRST READING: How some Canadian cities are becoming more lawless than the U.S.
Article content The two countries also can't be compared in terms of 'crime severity.' Since 2009, Canada's leading crime metric has been the Crime Severity Index, a tool that not only measures the quantity of crimes committed in a given year, but also tries to weight them in terms of relative damage or societal impact. The U.S., though, has no such metric. Article content As such, the Fraser Institute report had to work with raw figures of police-reported crime, differentiated only by whether a crime was violent or non-violent. Article content The 'comparability' of the two countries' crime figures could be skewed by something as simple as police being more diligent in counting petty crime as compared to more serious offences. But Di Matteo wrote that it was still an acceptable way 'to indicate overall crime patterns.' Article content And for most of the 2004-2022 period, the average Canadian city did indeed post lower rates of property crime than the average American city. These averages then became tied in 2020 and 2021, with Canada pulling ahead in 2022. Article content Article content The year 2022 happens to be when Canada was seized by a number of unprecedented crime waves, including a wave of arsons against churches, and a massive spike in car thefts that would eventually cause Canada to be dubbed by the BBC as an 'auto theft capital of the world.' Article content But while the average Canadian city-dweller might be more likely to get their car broken into, they still trail the United States in terms of being hurt or killed by crime. On the measure of 'violent crimes per 100,000 population,' the Fraser Institute report found that while Canada has seen violent crime increase in recent years, the U.S. remains well in the lead. Article content This remains most dramatic in terms of homicide rate. Canada has a relatively consistent murder rate of two homicides for every 100,000 people. In recent years, the U.S. homicide rate has come close to nearly tripling that amount. Article content The Fraser Institute report was published on March 18, and was largely overlooked amid Mark Carney's swearing-in as prime minister and the start of the 45th general election on March 23. Article content Last week, it was highlighted in a widely circulated social media post by Dubai-based influencer Mario Nawfal. 'Canada's biggest cities are now clocking higher property crime rates than the American metros most people think of first when they hear the word 'crime,'' wrote Nawfal. Article content Article content Article content The NDP's interim leader Don Davies has announced that his party will vote 'no' on accepting the terms of the Carney government's throne speech (Davies said it wasn't 'worker-centred' enough). Since the Liberals are governing as a minority, this means that either the Conservatives or the Bloc Québécois will have to vote 'yes' on the speech, lest the government fall on a confidence vote and Canada be plunged into another federal election. The opposition could always weasel out of a decision by simply abstaining on the vote, given that polls are showing that any election would probably just deliver the same result as last time. But the whole exercise has illustrated that Prime Minister Mark Carney's grip on power may not be as strong as he's indicated. It was only two weeks ago that he was speaking of having a 'mandate of change.' Article content And in the unlikely instance that the 45th parliament ends up dissolving almost immediately due to a procedural vote on the speech from the throne, this will technically mean that we dragged King Charles III here for nothing. Article content Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cities, towns urge state to release grip on alcohol licenses
BOSTON (SHNS) – Municipal leaders clamoring for greater authority over the number of alcohol licenses available in their cities and towns once again urged lawmakers Monday to adopt reforms previously embraced by top Beacon Hill Democrats. Cities and towns currently must petition the Legislature in order to gain additional licenses, but proposals from Rep. Joseph McKenna and Sen. Jacob Oliveira (H 437 / S 279) seek to overhaul that protracted, unpredictable process by strengthening licensing authority at the local level. The existing licensing framework, with control concentrated on Beacon Hill, has been in place since the 1930s, said Massachusetts Municipal Association legislative analyst Ali DiMatteo. In the last five years, the Legislature approved more than 80 home rule petitions, creating over 265 liquor licenses across Massachusetts, she said. 'We know you share this commitment to supporting local businesses and thriving downtowns. But actions that can often feel non-controversial but time-consuming for the Legislature are worth an effort to simplify,' DiMatteo said at a committee hearing. 'Additionally, making the process more efficient can help municipal officials make more nimble and quick decisions when it comes to alcohol licensing. Local licensing authorities need to be entrusted with determining how many licenses are appropriate within their communities.' Local licensing authorities would be allowed to grant licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages 'for on premises consumption apart from the current statutory quota limitations,' according to a House bill summary. The bill also requires that municipalities have a minimum of two off-premises consumption retail licenses, with additional licenses available for every 5,000 residents. 'It's important to note that the commonwealth will retain control over the granting of licensure through the regulatory powers of the ABCC,' DiMatteo said, referring to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. 'But passage of H 437 and S 279 would streamline the lengthy process that exists now.' Gov. Maura Healey last session floated a proposal to enable local governments to establish their own liquor license quotas and bypass the home rule petition process, though she did not end up incorporating that reform into her proposed Municipal Empowerment Act. Senate President Karen Spilka had voiced her support for the policy, telling reporters last year she 'never understood why the Legislature approves them to begin with.' Boston gained 225 liquor licenses under a successful home rule petition last session, intended to spur economic development in 13 targeted ZIP codes, including in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan and East Boston. Legislators from Boston and outside the city celebrated that law's economic development and equity benefits. Meanwhile, Cohasset's restaurant scene, including a major development project on the harbor, is hamstrung by the lack of liquor licenses, Town Manager Christopher Senior told lawmakers. He argued local officials need 'flexibility to provide licenses to locations that make local sense.' Cohasset is currently seeking five additional on-premises licenses through a home rule petition. 'We are now a victim of our own success. Every one of our 14 on-premises all alcohol licenses have been issued,' Senior testified virtually. 'We are down to the last of our four wine and beer on-premises licenses.' Oliveira, a Ludlow Democrat and one of the bill sponsors, was not allowed to testify virtually before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. Rep. Tackey Chan, who was co-chairing the hearing in Room A-2, made the decision based on a House joint rules reform measure that prohibits joint committee members from participating remotely but still allows the public to testify virtually. 'Pursuant to the House rules, the chair is not recognizing committee members who are not here physically in person,' Chan said. 'As a result senator, the chair does not recognize Senator Oliveira.' Committee co-chair Sen. Pavel Payano, who said Oliveira was 'on line' and ready to testify, accused the panel of trampling on a 'sacred principle that no voice in democracy could be silenced.' Payano argued that silencing Oliveira also equated to silencing his constituents in Belchertown, Palmer, Wilbraham, Longmeadow, South Hadley, Warren, Hampden, Springfield, Granby, East Longmeadow and Ludlow. 'I think that that is a travesty,' Payano said. 'You're telling the entire community your concerns are not welcome here. This is just not a matter of procedural fairness. To me, I find it discriminatory. You know, the folks out in western Mass., it's not the same as people that are closer to Boston.' Payano then read the testimony that Oliveira had prepared to deliver. Chan, who said he understood 'there are complications for some folks,' reiterated the House stance that legislators should testify in person. The House-Senate conference committee tasked with reaching a deal on joint rules reforms has been unable to reach an agreement for weeks, and plans to meet on Thursday. The Legislature is operating under 2019 rules, which are 'silent on remote participation,' Oliveira said. Ana Vivas, spokesperson for House Speaker Ron Mariano, told the News Service that Oliveira's testimony 'has been taken into consideration.' 'It's also important to point out that the current joint rules do not expressly allow for remote participation, and have no mention on how to administer remote hearings,' Vivas said. Senate President Karen Spilka said Oliveira was meeting with child care providers in his district Monday to discuss options to lower early education costs in western Massachusetts. 'It is deeply troubling to deny any sitting legislator the opportunity to testify on their own bill,' Spilka said in a statement Monday afternoon. 'The joint rules the House and Senate mutually agreed to in January do not prohibit remote participation, and the notion that one branch's rules can bind the operations of joint committees is without merit. I can personally attest to Senator Oliveira's hard work and dedication to his district, his constituents, and the Senate. I thank him for ably serving all three this morning.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Yahoo
Portland police, park rangers team up to enhance city safety
PORTLAND, Ore. () — A new collaboration between Portland police and city park rangers is aiming to enhance safety in some of the city's busiest areas, including the Waterfront and Eastbank Esplanade. The initiative, launched in an effort to provide safer parks and reduce incidents, has officers and rangers patrolling together at least once a week. The goal: a better experience for those enjoying Portland's parks and public spaces. Oregon DMVs fill up as Real ID deadline approaches 'We want the parks to be available for everybody,' said Sgt. Dan DiMatteo of the Portland Police Bureau. The collaboration began after DiMatteo noticed the need for additional patrols during his daily walks. Recognizing the limits of park rangers' authority, DiMatteo suggested a joint effort to increase enforcement and visibility. Since then, police have backed up the rangers in situations requiring ID checks, arrests, or addressing criminal offenses. Park Ranger Supervisor Alex Arrell emphasized that the partnership isn't about strict enforcement but about offering more eyes and tools to address potential issues. 'Having them with us has been a great help,' he said. Oregon coast hotel named among best in the world Trouble spots such as Couch Park, the Eastbank Esplanade, and Waterfront Park are frequent areas of focus. Recently, the partnership was put to the test when police responded to a man allegedly chasing a woman with a knife, interrupting the KOIN 6 interview. 'A lot of times, we'll have something just like that come up where we have to go deal with it,' DiMatteo said. 'It's something the rangers won't be able to handle alone.' The team also handles less serious incidents, such as helping people file police reports. 'The parks should be open to everybody, everyone should feel comfortable being in the parks and feel safe,' Arrell said. The collaboration has not resulted in additional costs to the parks department, according to Arrell. He said the goal is simply to increase visibility and teamwork, creating a safer environment for everyone. Troutdale man accused of stolen motorcycle operation One park visitor, Lukas Evans, who regularly brings his daughter to the park, welcomed the joint patrols. 'It should make people feel more safe knowing that the park rangers and the police are working together to make it safer,' he said. Portland Parks and Recreation says the added assistance supports its 29 full-time staff members who manage more than 300 properties throughout the city. However, officials advise that for serious incidents, people should still call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
