Saturday March 18, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 18, 2023

Ontario experienced its darkest winter in more than 80 years

October 15, 2021

If you felt Ontario had an abnormally dark and dreary winter this year, the science backs you up.

In fact, parts of the province saw the least amount of direct sunlight in more than eight decades.

Data by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) shows that between December 2022 and February 2023, some regions of Ontario recorded the lowest levels of solar energy since 1940.

Brian Brettschneider, an Alaska-based climatologist with the U.S. National Weather Service, analyzed the data published by the ECMWF and presented the findings in several maps.

“There’s kind of this bullseye over southern Ontario, where the solar energy was quite a bit lower than, comparatively speaking, anywhere else,” he said, in an interview with the Star.

Though Ontario had “unremarkable” levels of sunlight in December, it was in January when the province experienced “exceptionally low” amounts of solar energy, said Brettschneider. It was followed by a February season which also had lower-than-normal levels of sunlight.

Looking back at the weather in Toronto this season, the city experienced 14 consecutive days in late January without the sun appearing, according to David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada. Earlier in the season, between Dec. 30 and Jan. 13, there was only one day that was described as mainly clear.

August 25, 2021

“It’s hard to imagine a year that was so cloudy and overcast,” said Phillips. “We also had fog, drizzle, snow, freezing rain, blowing snow and snow showers — a whole litany of precipitation types.”

The wet and overcast conditions were due to persistent flows of moisture arriving from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, said Brettschneider.

“You just get a lot of efficient cloud production when that happens,” he added.

Phillips also noted that southern Ontario had an unseasonably warm winter season, except for this March. But the low-pressure systems that bring these balmy conditions usually bring clouds and moisture as well, he said. (The Toronto Star) 

 

Friday March 17, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 17, 2023

Trudeau calls David Johnston ‘unimpeachable’ as Conservatives attack his impartiality

March 9, 2023

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended his choice of former governor general David Johnston as special election rapporteur Friday, arguing that Conservative attacks on him show the party is more interested in creating chaos than tackling foreign election interference.

“David Johnston has served this country in many, many different ways through a long and unimpeachable career,” Trudeau said in Guelph, Ont. of the man he appointed to investigate reports of foreign election interference.

“When we are looking to someone who will put the country first, and put the interest of Canadians at the core of everything he does, there is no better name than David Johnston.”

Citing classified Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) sources, multiple media reports have alleged that China tried to ensure the Liberals won a minority government in the last general election. Those reports also said Beijing worked to defeat Conservative candidates who were critical of China by interfering in the last two federal elections.

March 2, 2023

A panel of top civil servants concluded that attempts to interfere with the 2021 federal election did not affect the results. Trudeau has announced multiple investigations into foreign election interference and appointed Johnston as special rapporteur earlier this week.

Among other things, Johnston has been tasked with advising the prime minister on whether to call a public inquiry — something all of the opposition parties have demanded.

Trudeau has said he will abide by Johnston’s recommendations. The Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois pushed back against Johnston’s appointment Thursday, arguing that he is too closely linked with the prime minister.

March 19, 2015

“Trudeau has named a family friend, old neighbour from the cottage and member of the Beijing-funded Trudeau foundation to be the independent rapporteur on Beijing’s interference,” Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said in a media statement.

“Get real. Trudeau must end his cover up. Call a public inquiry.”

Trudeau said Poilievre is “hoping that if he attacks our institutions with a flamethrower, maybe he’s going to be able to win. That sounds like a really great way of ensuring that all Canadians lose.”

The prime minister said the Conservatives under Poilievre are only concerned with turning the election interference issue into a partisan circus.

“We need to stand up for our institutions, we need to reassure Canadians that everything has been done and will be done to make sure that they are focused on serving Canadians, and keeping people safe. (CBC) 

 

Thursday March 16, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 16, 2023

Transport Minister pledges to close passenger compensation loophole used by airlines

January 13, 2023

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said Tuesday the federal government will close a loophole that allows airlines to deny customers compensation for cancelled flights.

The reform will come as part of an overhaul of passenger rights to be tabled in Parliament this spring, he said at a news conference.

Asked whether he would end the exemption that lets carriers reject compensation claims by citing safety issues, Alghabra answered in the affirmative.

“The short answer is yes. We are working on strengthening and clarifying the rules to ensure that we make a distinction,” he said.

“Obviously we don’t want planes to fly when it’s unsafe to do so. But there are certain things that are within the control of the airlines, and we need to have clearer rules that puts the responsibility on the airlines when it’s their responsibility.”

Alghabra’s pledge came during a news conference at Toronto’s Pearson airport Tuesday morning, where he promised an additional$75.9 million over three years to reduce the backlog of complaints at the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).

May 25, 2022

The money will allow the transport regulator to hire 200 more employees who can chip away at the 42,000 complaints currently filed there, he said.

“The backlog is huge.”

The announcement comes after the government topped up the agency’s funding by $11 million last year – shortly before travel chaos erupted over the summer as flight demand surged, prompting another wave of complaints.

Gabor Lukacs, president of the Air Passenger Rights advocacy group, expressed skepticism that the new cash will make a big dent in the backlog.

“The government is throwing good money after bad,” he said. “It will not improve lack of enforcement on its own.”

Alghabra hinted at other changes upcoming in a revamped passenger rights charter, including potential reforms to the regulator’s role as an investigative and enforcement body.

“We are looking at strengthening the rules, as I said, and perhaps looking at increasing the authorities that the CTA has. But I leave it up to the CTA to exercise its judgment and when and how to impose these fines,” Alghabra told reporters.

The agency has a dual mandate as a tribunal handling complaints and a regulatory authority, though advocates say it has not gone far enough to punish violations under the latter. (The Globe & Mail) 

 

Wednesday March 15, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday March 15, 2023

Avril Lavigne confronts topless protestor at Junos

Young Doug Ford: The Series

A wildly unpredictable Juno Awards unfolded on Monday as a topless protester charged the stage, leading to some feisty words from Avril Lavigne, while an absent the Weeknd emerged as the top winner this year.

With a few twists and turns, Canada’s biggest celebration of music did away with its typically tame proceedings shortly after the broadcast got under way. Lavigne was interrupted by a topless woman who leapt on the stage wearing pasties with paint on her that read “land back” and “save the green belt,” a reference to Ontario’s decision last fall to open a protected area of land for housing.

The pop-punk princess appeared blindsided by the crasher and proceeded to swear at her, demanding she get off the stage. The person was quickly escorted away by security.

Unfazed, Lavigne moved on to introduce a performance by Punjabi-Canadian singer and rapper AP Dhillon.

She returned later to accept this year’s fan choice award with a few choice words and another expletive.

The unexpected moment set the tone for an energetic Junos that saw the Weeknd’s smash hit Dawn FM earn him album of the year, adding to four wins he scored at a Saturday industry event, including artist and single of the year for Sacrifice. (The Globe and Mail) 

 

Saturday March 11, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 11, 2023

Ask not what your city can do for you…

February 15, 2020

As we sit here surrounded by mounds of snow waiting for the next dump, it’s time to address the infuriating issue of unshovelled sidewalks. Every pedestrian who traverses our city, be it for transportation, exercise, or leisure, knows that the state of our sidewalks in winter is a complete disaster, especially in residential areas. While most property owners diligently shovel their portion of the walkway, there are always a few self-righteous, able-bodied laggards who refuse to do their civic duty.

It’s mind-boggling that some folks have the audacity to claim they don’t use the sidewalks, so why bother clearing them? What kind of backwards thinking is that? Everyone who owns property or works on behalf of someone who does has a collective responsibility to optimize public safety, including keeping sidewalks safe and accessible for everyone. We have an aging population, we’re supposed to be walking more and relying on cars less, and walking is essential for our mental and physical well-being. Yet, these lazy snow shovelling scofflaws obstruct us from taking full advantage of the benefits of walking.

March 11, 2008

Sure, we can rely on local government to enforce the law and issue bills to those who refuse to shovel their sidewalks. However, it’s not that simple. Cities have started ticketing these snow-shovelling delinquents, but the process is slow and ineffective, and the repeat offenders continue to pose a hazard to pedestrians. It’s high time we streamline the complaint process, implement stricter penalties, and make sure these lazybones realize that their actions have consequences.

Furthermore, let’s not forget that lack of physical ability or being away are not legitimate excuses for failing to shovel one’s portion of the sidewalk. There are always ways to get it done, even if it means hiring someone to do it or asking a neighbour for help. It’s time for these able-bodied laggards to stop making excuses and start taking responsibility for their property.

In conclusion, let’s make it clear that ensuring safe and accessible sidewalks is not just a seasonal complaint, it’s a fundamental aspect of public safety, accessibility, and quality of life for all members of the community. We need to hold these lazy, righteous able-bodied laggards accountable and remind them that their inaction has real consequences for the rest of us. So grab a shovel, roll up your sleeves, and let’s clear those sidewalks! (AI)

March 9, 2023 cartoon

Letter to the Editor, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 16, 2023

MacKay on the money

We loved Graeme MacKay’s Saturday cartoon depicting the home with lots of proactive political lawn signs but a sidewalk that is piled with snow, blocking the passage of an elderly pedestrian. It’s easy to have high standards on social justice if one doesn’t have to do anything real like shovelling your sidewalk!

Gretchen Harris, Hamilton