cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25221878
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25218430
Quick vid summarizing it all for those who do not have time to read through
I can’t say I’m particularly outraged by any of the proposed legislative changes, but I feel like there’s some reading between the lines that would need to be done.
Like their transportation memo embraces new and innovative technology, while ignoring the innovation and efficiency that can be gained by leveraging existing technology. Canada’s train legislation is in dire need of reform.
If they centralize control of transport policy in the federal government, but then declare the needs of suburbs take priority over the needs of cities, then we could end up with a Doug Ford in charge who works to eradicate cycling infrastructure nationwide, and turn cities into mere corridors for cars to pass through to other destinations.
Like their transportation memo embraces new and innovative technology, while ignoring the innovation and efficiency that can be gained by leveraging existing technology. Canada’s train legislation is in dire need of reform.
This is what I gathered too. The standard tactic of distracting the government and the public from known good solutions, to spend money on something else instead which happens benefit them. Example - Hyperloop as a distraction from high speed rail.
Either way, I wouldn’t expect for-profit tech CEOs who aren’t experts in public services like transportation or health to propose reforms that put the public’s benefit first. I’d expect that from a city planner, a Metrolinx person, a university expert, some other public servant, or adjacent.
This doesn’t read as batshit as Project 2025. The 4 memos they’ve posted are:
- Build more transport infrastructure
- Modernize our healthcare info system
- Prioritize high skilled workers in immigration
- Cultural programs to encourage Canadian Pride
IMO only the fourth one is somewhat questionable
Definitely not as batshit, yet. Self-serving - likely.
If you read into them, you see stuff that is not exactly what the titles imply. For example the immigration changes are proposed by the guy behind the infamous app that was bringing in international students in questionable circumstances. His new company also has to do with immigration. I read it as - use my thing to do immigration selection, or hire me to build it.
I skimmed through a few memos. Changes proposed loosely or directly benefit the author of the memo. E.g. Bird guy wants Canada to deregulate transportation not to build more public transit but allow robots (and probably more scooters) and such on the streets.
Several Shopify names on there, Wealthsimple, Questrade, etc.
I’m so disappointed in Wealthsimple.
I think I have a dormant account with them and I should probably get rid of it.
I’m not, I’ve hated them since they bought out SimpleTax and made filing my taxes less fucking simple. Still mad about it years later. Anyway, they’re an investment company with all of the baggage that comes with, so it doesn’t surprise or disappoint me at all that they’re lobbying for deregulation.
tbf, they could be worse than a typical investment company since they also have the techbro change-the-world fantasy baggage in the mix.
Even that’s not really unique in the retail investment space, just look at Robinhood’s marketing from before /r/SuperStonk happened and they pissed people off by limiting trades on GME. A lot of it is like, “even you can hoard wealth like your favourite billionaire”!
