You tell us: Does Toronto lack a sense of community?
Kellie Leitch has dumped sugar on the ever-smouldering flames of Canada’s urban/rural divide.
But sweet-toothed and fructose-free Torontonians alike are rejecting the federal Conservative leadership candidate’s claims that the city lacks a sense of community.
In 2011, Leitch told a local paper in her Ontario riding of Simcoe—Grey that downtown Toronto never felt quite like home for the Manitoba-born doctor. It lacked a certain friendliness, which she quantified in cups of sugar.
“I would never go next door and ask my neighbour for a cup of sugar. It just wouldn’t happen,” she told the paper, adding that sharing sweets was “the neighbourly thing to do.”
Leitch stood by her remarks in a recent Toronto Life interview, saying city life was just “different” and she rarely saw her fellow condo-dwellers.
Now, spurred by a column in the Toronto Star, Canadians from big cities and small towns alike are sharing their experiences with neighbourliness.
Tell us: How do you connect with your neighbours? Write us in the comments and we’ll share in a future post.
Dear @KellieLeitch,
I live in Toronto. Here is an example of my neighbourhood's sense of community.
Cc: @metromorning @mattgallowaycbc pic.twitter.com/QMBgHmn4mK— Gil Meslin (@g_meslin) January 17, 2017
In my little low rise, I know the names, occupations, and interests of several of my neighbours. We say good morning, we help each other.
— Victoria James (@VictoriaJamesTO) January 17, 2017
When I lived in Toronto, I may not have ever asked my neighbour for a cup of sugar, but he did invite me to some awesome raves at his apt.
— Nora Loreto (@NoLore) January 17, 2017
Hey @KellieLeitch – here is my "community" in Toronto. Any of them would lend me a cup of sugar. pic.twitter.com/7yLT4iM3CE
— Peggy Sweeney (@Peggy_Sweeney7) January 17, 2017
I have, in fact, borrowed cups of sugar in Toronto. AM I A UNICORN!? https://t.co/zw5egkn5qe @thekeenanwire
— Shannon (@zchamu) January 17, 2017
Some are poking fun at Leitch’s choice of measuring stick.
As a medical doctor, Kellie Leitch's refined sugar advocacy seems irresponsible.
— Shawn Micallef (@shawnmicallef) January 17, 2017
@awg_allan I've never asked a Toronto neighbour for a cup of sugar, but I've asked for a wifi password. That's the modern equivalent, no?
— Brian Alkerton (@alkerton) January 17, 2017
While some are wondering if this is a Toronto thing, or a Kellie Leitch thing
Growing up in Clearview Township, I can tell you she hasn't asked for cups of sugar there either @thekeenanwire https://t.co/mHvVKhlSL1
— Emily Emerson (@MrsEmerson_inTO) January 16, 2017
Hey Kellie Leitch, if you came to my door in Grey Bruce asking for a cup of sugar I'd think twice, because of what you said about Toronto.
— Joseph Nanni (@josephnanni) January 17, 2017
@joshstuart @mattgallowaycbc maybe if @KellieLeitch was nicer people would share their sugar? My #neighbour bakes me bread #Toronto
— Charlene (@cjcressman) January 17, 2017
I could understand Kellie Leitch's neighbours not wanting to get to know her or engage with her much though, given her self-presentation.
— Tom (@thomasjohnd) January 17, 2017
