Thursday September 21, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 21, 2023

A Complex Blend of Inclusion and Intolerance

February 8, 2022

In the past, the “1 Million March 4 Children” gathered to protest queer-inclusive policies in schools. However, this event featured a confusing mix of activists, some aligned with intolerant ideologies. Questions arose about the true nature of this movement.

The 1 Million March 4 Children drew attention, with counter-protests emerging. Yet, the protests lacked clarity due to diverse participants, including Christian Nationalists, conservative Muslims, conspiracy theorists, and anti-education activists. This lack of cohesion raised concerns.

Under #1MillionMarch4Children, two main groups, Family ❤️ Freedom and Hands Off Our Kids, stood out. The former appeared more secular and inclusive, while the latter leaned religious and anti-queer. Both opposed queer-inclusive education in schools.

News: Hundreds of protesters, counterprotesters descend on HWDSB office  

May 4, 2023

Despite confusion, local organizations took safety measures and organized counter-protests. The discourse surrounding these protests mirrored transphobic narratives from the UK and the US, indicating an alarming trend of intolerance in Canada.

These protests were far from unified, highlighting the challenges in achieving inclusive education. Activists must collaborate with local organizations to protect LGBTQ2S+ rights and preserve inclusive education. Education remains a powerful tool for fostering acceptance; it must not be undermined.(AI)

 

Wednesday September 20, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday September 20, 2023

India’s Troubling Shift Toward Rogue State Behaviour

April 28, 2022

As the world’s attention is drawn to the annual gathering of the United Nations in New York, a disconcerting narrative is emerging: India, a nation once celebrated for its democratic values, is stepping into a perilous realm reminiscent of rogue states like Russia and Saudi Arabia, notorious for sponsoring the assassination of their critics on foreign soil. The recent accusation by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that the Indian government may be involved in the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil has ignited a geopolitical firestorm.

Trudeau’s bold assertion points directly at India’s ruling administration under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting that it could be linked to the fatal shooting of Nijjar outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia on June 18. In response, Trudeau took the extraordinary step of expelling a top Indian diplomat, the head of Indian intelligence in Canada, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.

The Times of India: India, Canada pause trade talks amid Khalistan row  

February 22, 2018

This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of mounting tensions between Canada and India. Modi, a Hindu nationalist leader, has urged Trudeau to quash Sikh protesters in Canada advocating for Khalistan, an independent homeland in North India’s Punjab district. Trudeau, while addressing the Canadian House of Commons, declared, “Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.” He called on the Indian government to cooperate with Canada in getting to the bottom of this matter.

The repercussions of this crisis extend beyond diplomatic tensions. Canada hosts one of the largest overseas communities of Indian origin, making up around 1.4 million individuals. Sikhism, the faith of many Khalistan supporters, is reported by approximately 770,000 people in the 2021 Census. Trade talks between the two nations, once promising, have frozen due to “certain political developments,” potentially damaging the economic relationship. In 2022, bilateral trade was valued at just C$13.7 billion, a small fraction of Canada’s total trade.

Furthermore, the Khalistan issue has global reverberations. Sikh separatist sentiments, driven by historical tensions between Sikhs and Hindu nationalist rulers in India, have emerged in various parts of the world. Khalistan supporters are active not only in Canada but also in the United States, where some attempted to set fire to the Indian consulate in San Francisco. Similar incidents have been reported in Brisbane, Australia, and London, England, further straining India’s diplomatic ties.

NYTimes: Trudeau Rejects India’s Denial of Involvement in Assassination in Canada  

June 23, 2022

It is concerning to witness this rise of rogue state-like behaviour, seemingly in concert with each other. As India grapples with allegations of extraterritorial assassinations, the world watches closely. The annual United Nations gathering serves as a poignant reminder that international norms, peace, and diplomacy must remain paramount in our interconnected world. The onus is on the global community to address these issues, fostering dialogue and cooperation while holding those responsible for transgressions accountable. (AI)

 

Tuesday September 19, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 19, 2023

Trudeau’s Desperate Bid to Salvage Sinking Polls and Soaring Food Prices

August 2, 2023

As Trudeau’s government grapples with plummeting poll numbers, the decision to summon CEOs from Canada’s grocery giants — Loblaw, Sobeys, Metro, Costco, and Walmart — to a meeting in Ottawa has become a high-stakes gamble in the quest to address the pressing issue of rising living costs. With housing and grocery prices skyrocketing, Trudeau is under immense pressure to demonstrate effective leadership, as recent polls show his government facing its worst ratings since 2015.

Trudeau’s announcement to hold the grocery CEOs accountable comes after weeks of relentless criticism from the opposition, particularly the Conservatives, on the handling of affordability issues. In a bold move, Trudeau warns these corporate leaders that they have until Thanksgiving to present a plan to stabilize food prices, with the threat of potential tax measures looming if they fail to deliver.

News: Grocer summit to ‘take the heat off’ Ottawa, not tackle food inflation: experts  

March 8, 2023

This shift in stance reflects a newfound urgency, given that Trudeau had previously dismissed the idea of a windfall tax on grocery chains as “simplistic.” However, mounting public frustration and political survival seem to have swayed his perspective.

The parliamentary committee’s concerns about grocery giants profiting excessively from food inflation and the Competition Bureau’s call for increased competition have further fueled the government’s resolve to take action. Amendments to the Competition Act are in the pipeline to bolster the bureau’s authority to address market issues, fostering competition that could benefit consumers.

Led by Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, discussions with grocery CEOs will focus on solutions, particularly with the top five grocers that dominate 80 percent of the market. Critics, including NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, argue that Trudeau’s plan lacks specificity and accountability, raising the challenge of translating discussions into meaningful actions for Canadians.

News: Minister says Canada’s largest grocery chains have agreed to ‘work’ on stabilizing food prices  

December 8, 2016

Ultimately, the outcome of this meeting holds both immediate and long-term implications — not only for grocery prices but also as a litmus test for Trudeau’s leadership. The nation watches closely to see if this initiative will be a turning point or merely a desperate attempt to regain popularity amid a sea of sinking poll numbers. One thing is clear: Canadians are expecting tangible results that reflect positively on their household budgets. (AI) 

 

Saturday September 16, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday September 16, 2023

Sunny Days for Poilievre as Liberal Fortunes Dim in Polls

September 12, 2023

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, finds himself in an ironic situation as the Liberals face a decline in the polls. Over the summer, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. The Conservatives, under Poilievre’s leadership, have steadily gained support and now stand at a commanding 41 percent in Abacus Data’s latest national survey. In contrast, the Liberal Party has seen a decline in support, now down to 26 percent.

Opinion: Nice try, Prime Minister Trudeau. But it’s too little, too late  

August 22, 2023

This shift can be attributed to several factors. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is experiencing near-unprecedented rates of disapproval, especially among younger voters who were instrumental in his 2015 election victory. Millennials are now showing strong support for the Conservatives, and even Generation Z is favouring them over the Liberals. Trudeau’s approval rating has plummeted to just 33 percent, with a disapproval rating of 63 percent.

The primary reason for this shift in public sentiment is the economic challenges facing Canadians. Rising housing costs and the increasing cost of living have eroded trust in the Liberal government’s ability to address these issues effectively. According to the Abacus Data poll, the “rising cost of living” is the top concern for Canadians under 40.

Furthermore, environmental and climate change issues, once a significant focus for the Liberals, have taken a backseat in voters’ minds. Only 23 percent of Millennials now consider climate change one of their top three political concerns.

Liberal Party: The “Sunny Way”  

August 5, 2022

Pierre Poilievre, despite initial skepticism from non-Conservatives, has steadily risen in popularity over the past year and is now the preferred choice for prime minister among a significant portion of Canadians. A survey by the Angus Reid Institute shows Poilievre with 32 percent support for prime minister, compared to Trudeau’s 17 percent.

The shift in priorities and the decline in Liberal support have led to a significant change in the political landscape. The Conservatives have made breakthroughs in support in Ontario and Atlantic Canada over the summer, making a Conservative majority government the most likely outcome in any future election. According to projections, the Tories could win a majority of 179 seats, with the Liberals and NDP lagging behind with 103 and 21 seats, respectively. (AI.) Editorial cartoon published in the Hamilton Spectator, and the Toronto Star.

 

Friday September 15, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday September 15, 2023

Over-the-Counter Cold Remedies: A Quackery Quandary

February 6, 2015

In the wake of the FDA’s recent revelation challenging the effectiveness of common over-the-counter cold and flu remedies containing phenylephrine, a long-standing dilemma has surfaced. While the FDA’s verdict on the limited efficacy of phenylephrine, a prevalent ingredient in these medications, has created a buzz of uncertainty, there’s a nostalgic and enduring remedy that deserves our attention – the warm embrace of Bubbe’s chicken soup.

The FDA’s pronouncement about phenylephrine delivers a sobering blow, casting doubt on the potency of some of our most trusted cold and flu treatments. Brands like Benadryl, Mucinex, Sudafed PE, and Tylenol, once hailed as saviors during the sniffle season, may be on the brink of obsolescence as manufacturers race to revamp their formulas. But what if these colourful pills we’ve reached for throughout the years are nothing more than sugar-coated placebos?

News: Popular nasal decongestant doesn’t actually relieve congestion, FDA advisers say  

July 21, 2020

In stark contrast, Bubbe’s chicken soup, a timeless remedy with roots reaching back generations, may lack the scientific rigor some demand, yet it consistently offers a comforting refuge when illness strikes. While it may lack the stamp of approval from clinical trials, it boasts an undeniable ability to make us feel better. As we grapple with the uncertainty surrounding modern cold remedies, perhaps it’s time to heed the wisdom of tradition and embrace the enduring comfort of Bubbe’s tried-and-true chicken soup. (AI.) Editorial cartoon published in the Toronto Star.