In fact, a strong case could be made that hating Toronto is one of the key factors that binds the rest of Canada together:
Ontario’s capital not only had the lowest rate of positive responses, it also had the highest rate of “very negative” responses. “Many Canadians have a hate-on for Toronto,” said Myer Siemiatycki, a Ryerson University politics professor. “Toronto is regarded as totally self-indulgent, so there’s a sort of ‘Who do they think they are believing they’re the centre of the country and the universe?’” Jim Milway, executive director of the Martin Prosperity Institute at the Rotman School of Management, said the poorer perception of Toronto — 19% of respondents gave negative responses — is due to animosity more than anything else. “It’s not necessarily that people like their city more than Toronto,” he said. “It’s that people just don’t like Toronto, period.” Prof. McGrane, of the University of Saskatchewan, said the “grudge” is rooted in historic grievances, particularly harboured by westerners who have long felt “left out.” “It’s not that we hate (Torontonians), but we’re a bit suspicious about them and their motives,” he said.
I can’t claim to have been everywhere in the country, but from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, hatred of Toronto and distaste for Torontonians is almost universal among Canadians.
Could it perhaps be derived from the snotty, self righteous tone of the two so called “national” newspapers who preach to the rest of the nation on how “real” Canadians should think and behave. Both these newspapers are in Toronto and reflect the wannabe European attitude.
Comment by Wallhouse Wart — November 9, 2011 @ 21:02
Their butthurt gives us strength.
You are all condemned provinces. We keep you alive to serve this city. So row well, and live.
Comment by Chris Taylor — November 10, 2011 @ 09:09
Oarmaster Taylor is right: you should all be grateful that the captain has not taken up water-skiing!
Comment by Nicholas — November 10, 2011 @ 10:11