mackaycartoons

Graeme MacKay's Editorial Cartoon Archive

  • Archives
  • DOWNLOADS
  • Kings & Queens
  • MacKaycartoons Inc.
  • Prime Ministers
  • Special Features
  • The Boutique
  • Who?
  • Young Doug Ford
  • Presidents

Thursday August 10, 2023

August 10, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 10, 2023

Doug Ford’s Greenbelt Scandal: A Breach of Trust and Environmental Stewardship

August 5, 2023

In a revelatory exposé, Doug Ford’s alleged corruption is exposed in a damning 93-page report by the auditor general, Bonnie Lysyk. This report vividly depicts Ford’s apparent disregard for transparency, accountability, and environmental concerns. Last fall, Ford’s government unlocked 7,400 acres of ecologically protected land, shrouding the entire process in impropriety that cannot be ignored.

Lysyk’s report raises questions about Ford’s motives. The argument that this land was essential to address housing needs is undermined by Lysyk’s finding that such vast acreage was unnecessary to fulfill the promise of constructing 1.5 million homes. This calls Ford’s credibility into question and raises suspicions of ulterior motives.

The most alarming aspect is the lack of transparency in site selection. Lysyk’s report reveals opaque and biased criteria. Ford’s administration favoured well-connected developers, notably demonstrated by Ryan Amato’s role, chief of staff to Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark. The report uncovers a direct link between Amato and influential developers, indicating preferential treatment.

News: Ontario Greenbelt plans were ‘biased’ towards select developers: AG report

December 5, 2019

The report goes beyond revealing government dealings; it exposes an ethical void. Amato’s attendance at a private event with landowners and developers, where confidential information was shared, showcases the cozy relationship between Ford’s government and industry influencers. Amato’s delay in opening developers’ requests, only to later provide the information to the Greenbelt project team, suggests orchestrated manipulation.

Ford’s defensive stance is equally troubling. Despite compelling evidence of favouritism and ethical breaches, he insists “there’s nothing to hide.” This dismissive approach undermines Ontarians’ demand for transparency and integrity from their leaders.

The environmental consequences are deeply concerning. The report outlines potential damage to prime agricultural land, wetlands, woodlands, and endangered species. Ford’s disregard for environmental protection is alarming, particularly in a climate-conscious era. Removing these protected areas jeopardizes wildlife, heightens flood risks, and compromises water quality.

January 12, 2023

Ford’s administration appears to have overlooked long-term impacts, prioritizing developers’ interests over public and environmental welfare. The suggestion that the value of these removed lands could surge by billions underscores suspicions of favouritism.

Ongoing investigation by the Integrity Commissioner underscores the severity of the situation. Public demand for truth remains paramount, and Ford must be held accountable for his administration’s actions. His tendency to deflect responsibility or feign ignorance about a biased selection process is a disservice to Ontarians.

This scandal signifies more than an isolated incident; it exposes a deeper problem corroding our democracy and eroding public trust. Ontario deserves leaders upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. Doug Ford’s actions, as detailed in the report, cast serious doubt on his fitness as one such leader. (AI)

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give illustration a try:

https://mackaycartoons.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-0810-ONT.mp4

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2023-14, Bonnie Lysyk, corruption, developer, Doug Ford, gift wrapping, greenbelt, housing, land swap, Ontario, Ryan Amato, Steven Clark
← Wednesday August 9, 2023
Tuesday August 22, 2023 →

Please note…

This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

  • The Hamilton Spectator
  • The Toronto Star
  • The Globe & Mail
  • The National Post
  • Graeme on T̶w̶i̶t̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶(̶X̶)̶
  • Graeme on F̶a̶c̶e̶b̶o̶o̶k̶
  • Graeme on T̶h̶r̶e̶a̶d̶s̶
  • Graeme on Instagram
  • Graeme on Substack
  • Graeme on Bluesky
  • Graeme on Pinterest
  • Graeme on YouTube
New and updated for 2025
  • HOME
  • MacKaycartoons Inc.
  • The Boutique
  • The Hamilton Spectator
  • The Association of Canadian Cartoonists
  • The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists
  • You Might be From Hamilton if…
  • Young Doug Ford
  • MacKay’s Most Viral Cartoon
  • Intellectual Property Thief Donkeys
  • Wes Tyrell
  • Martin Rowson
  • Guy Bado’s Blog
  • National Newswatch
...Check it out and please subscribe!

Your one-stop-MacKay-shop…

T-shirts, hoodies, clocks, duvet covers, mugs, stickers, notebooks, smart phone cases and scarfs

2023 Coronation Design

Brand New Designs!

Follow Graeme's board My Own Cartoon Favourites on Pinterest.

MacKay’s Virtual Gallery

Archives

Copyright © 2016 mackaycartoons.net

Powered by Wordpess and Alpha.

Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial
 

Loading Comments...