mackaycartoons

Tuesday November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 28, 2023

Ontario Liberals Await New Leader Amidst Voter Apathy Concerns

June 15, 2023

On the cusp of unveiling their new leader this coming weekend, the Ontario Liberal Party finds itself caught between the shadows of Premier Doug Ford and the looming specter of voter apathy. As the live delegate votes unfold in suspense over the next few days, the pressing question for the Ontario Liberals is whether Doug Ford or voter apathy poses the greater challenge.

Over the weekend, thousands of Ontario Liberals participated in the party’s leadership race, casting their ballots for one of four candidates: Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith, MPP Ted Hsu, and MP Yasir Naqvi. The anticipation is palpable, with the announcement of the new leader scheduled for next Saturday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

News: Ontario Liberals will voted this past weekend to select new leader

March 7, 2023

A significant shift in the party’s leadership selection process is underway, as the Liberals adopt a one-member-one-vote system, mirroring the method that led to Doug Ford’s selection in 2018. While some members applaud the transparency and inclusivity of the new process, concerns linger. William Davis, a delegate from the 2020 convention, voiced reservations about the system, suggesting a longer membership requirement to ensure a more informed electorate.

The contest seems to be invigorating the party, with interim leader John Fraser noting the excitement and energy among Liberals during the weekend’s events. However, the specter of the 2022 election defeat to Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives continues to cast its shadow. The post-mortem report released on January 5, 2023, highlights the party’s struggles with an unpopular leader, unclear messaging, and insufficient campaign resources.

News: Ontario records lowest voter turnout in election history

June 9, 2022

The Liberals admitted that their platform lacked a clear vision for the province, relying on gimmicky promises that failed to resonate with voters. The review also identified challenges in volunteer recruitment, canvassing, and a deficiency in voter data and polling efforts. With only 43 percent voter turnout in the 2022 election, apathy emerged as a significant hurdle, affecting all parties.

As the Liberals brace for the announcement of their new leader, the question of whether they have effectively addressed the issues identified in the post-mortem report lingers. Will the chosen leader be equipped to rally the party, engage voters, and pose a formidable challenge to Doug Ford in the 2026 election? Or will the shadow of voter apathy continue to eclipse the party’s efforts, leaving them vulnerable in the political landscape of Ontario? The next chapter in Ontario Liberal politics awaits, and the outcome will undoubtedly shape the party’s trajectory in the years to come. (AI)

Saturday November 25, 2023

November 25, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday November 25, 2023

Poilievre’s Rejection of Ukraine Trade Agreement: A Disappointing Dog Whistle to Far-Right Supporters

November 9, 2023

In a recent House of Commons vote on the Canada-Ukraine free-trade agreement, all parties except the Conservatives endorsed the accord. The Conservative party justified their rejection by claiming that the agreement would require Ukraine to impose a carbon tax. However, this claim is false.

Chapter 13 of the agreement explicitly states that the parties will cooperate to promote carbon pricing and measures to mitigate carbon leakage risks. Nowhere does it mandate Ukraine to impose a carbon tax. Furthermore, the Ukrainian government approved the wording of the agreement.

It is disheartening to see the Conservatives use this fictitious carbon tax as an excuse to oppose stronger trade ties with Ukraine. One can’t help but wonder if this is merely a political strategy to appease far-right supporters who lean towards Trump, deny climate change, apologize for Putin, and support the fringe People’s Party of Canada (PPC) led by Maxime Bernier.

Opinion: Pressed on Ukraine trade deal, Pierre Poilievre tells tales

August 9, 2023

The Liberal party may be attempting to paint Mr. Poilievre as a Donald Trump clone, as Trump and his supporters have shown an irrational fondness for Vladimir Putin and opposed aid to Ukraine. Interestingly, Maxime Bernier, leader of the PPC and a self-proclaimed MAGA wannabe, also opposes aid to Ukraine, suggesting a troubling alignment of views.

Mr. Poilievre’s eagerness to win back the support of the PPC and elements within his own base, while also showcasing his unwavering opposition to carbon taxes, seems to have overshadowed his support for a democracy under threat. This decision not only provides the Liberals with political ammunition but also raises concerns about his readiness to lead the country.

September 9, 2023

While the Ukraine vote might not have a significant impact on the upcoming election, it is crucial to focus on pressing economic issues such as inflation, interest rates, housing shortages, and overall economic competitiveness. Canadians are looking for solutions to the challenges we face, and it is disappointing that Mr. Poilievre seems to have turned his back on Ukraine at a time when he needs to demonstrate his leadership abilities.

Rejecting the Ukraine trade agreement based on false claims of a carbon tax requirement is a disappointing dog whistle to far-right supporters. It raises questions about Mr. Poilievre’s priorities and his willingness to stand up for democratic values. As Canadians, we deserve leaders who prioritize the greater good over political posturing.

Thursday November 23, 2023

November 23, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 23, 2023

Growing Debt, Shrinking Priorities: The Trudeau Government’s Balancing Act

November 3, 2022

The Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, has tabled a fall economic statement revealing a stark reality: servicing the considerable federal debt will consume a larger share of Ottawa’s revenue than in recent years. This ominous financial forecast comes as Canada grapples with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, with economic growth expected to stall, unemployment set to rise, and tens of thousands of jobs at risk.

Freeland proposes additional spending of $20.8 billion over the next six years, emphasizing it as a modest increase compared to previous years and a display of fiscal prudence. However, the lion’s share of this new spending is allocated to housing initiatives and climate-friendly projects, diverting attention and resources away from crucial areas such as defense, social programs, infrastructure, innovation, and healthcare.

News: Canada fiscal update sees higher deficits and debt, adds housing measures

October 1, 2019

The Trudeau government has consistently run deficits since its election, exacerbated by the pandemic’s economic fallout. The interest rates, now at a 20-year high, have inflated the cost of borrowing from $20.3 billion in 2020-21 to a staggering $46.5 billion in the current fiscal year. Debt servicing charges are projected to soar to $60.7 billion in 2028-29, making it one of the most burdensome items in the federal budget.

To contextualize the impact, debt service charges for this year alone surpass spending on the Canadian Armed Forces by $18 billion and exceed the allocated funds for the Canada Child Benefit by $20 billion. This rise in debt interest charges limits the government’s fiscal flexibility to address critical issues such as the housing supply crunch.

November 2, 2016

Kevin Page, former parliamentary budget officer, warns that the substantial increase in debt during the pandemic will now have repercussions. The federal debt has doubled since 2015-16, reaching $1.2 trillion last year and projected to climb to $1.4 trillion by 2028-29. As debt interest charges consume more fiscal space, the government’s ability to tackle pressing issues diminishes.

Despite lower new spending in the economic statement compared to previous budgets, the fiscal outlook remains grim. The deficit for this year stands at $40 billion, and with a forecasted economic growth of only 0.4%, the unemployment rate is expected to rise to 6.5%. Projected deficits for the coming years have been revised upwards, indicating a challenging fiscal path ahead.

Freeland’s focus on housing measures, while important, raises concerns about the government’s ability to address a broad spectrum of issues. The proposed new spending measures, though aimed at addressing the housing crisis, may not be sufficient to meet the urgency of Canadians’ needs, as emphasized by opposition leaders.

Opinion: ‘Trudeau’s political problem is bigger than his debt problem’

November 13, 2014

As the government deviates from its traditional fiscal anchor, allowing the net debt-to-GDP ratio to rise, questions arise about the sustainability of Canada’s finances. Freeland introduces a new fiscal anchor, aiming to keep deficits below 1% of GDP in future years, asserting that this strategy will ensure continued investments in Canadians.

In the face of rising debt and constrained fiscal options, the Trudeau government must carefully navigate its spending priorities to address the multifaceted challenges facing the nation. Balancing economic recovery with essential program funding is a delicate task, one that demands strategic decision-making to safeguard Canada’s financial stability and the well-being of its citizens. (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:

Wednesday November 22, 2023

November 22, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday November 22, 2023

Doug Ford’s Green Dilemma: An Unappetizing Plate of Policy

April 18, 2023

As the advocacy group Ontario Place for All takes Premier Doug Ford’s government to court over the redevelopment plans for Ontario Place, the scenario unfolds like a childhood struggle over vegetables at the dinner table. Much like a parent urging a reluctant child to “eat his greens,” this legal battle is a call for Premier Ford to consume a hefty serving of environmental responsibility.

The group, in its pursuit of a “full environmental assessment,” is akin to a concerned parent demanding that Ford thoroughly examine the nutritional content of his policy plate. The court application challenges the omission of the West Island redevelopment from the initial environmental assessment, asserting that a new evaluation, inclusive of the spa complex, is imperative.

News: Ontario Place group seeks court injunction to pause redevelopment

January 12, 2019

In the parental tug-of-war, Ontario Place for All seeks an interim injunction, preventing the government from engaging in actions that would harm the West Island’s trees, amounting to a plea for Ford not to damage the delicate ecosystem. The group also demands transparency, asking for the government to reveal its lease with Therme and the business case for the West Island redevelopment.

Norm Di Pasquale, co-chair of Ontario Place for All, plays the role of the stern but caring parent, stating, “We just want the government to follow its own laws.” It’s a plea for Ford to adhere to the rules and engage in a consultation process, mirroring a parent’s insistence on following established guidelines.

May 12, 2022

On the flip side, Premier Ford seems to adopt a defiant stance, claiming the public’s disinterest in his government’s bill to return land to the Greenbelt. This dismissal is reminiscent of a child claiming indifference to the nutritional benefits of greens. Ford’s government defends brief consultations on the bill, reminiscent of a child resisting a longer dinner engagement.

The Premier’s pivot to the carbon tax issue reflects a child distracting from one disliked vegetable to another. It’s a strategic move to shift focus, suggesting that the public cares more about a different topic – a familiar tactic in the art of diversion.

As the Greenbelt bill faces limited committee hearings, Ford’s government appears to assert newfound confidence, referencing polling figures as evidence of weathering the Greenbelt crisis. The memo from the premier’s office reads like a parent celebrating a child’s improved eating habits, emphasizing the positive outcomes of Ford’s policy adjustments.

News: Doug Ford says public ‘don’t give two hoots’ about Greenbelt reversal bill

Series: Young Doug Ford

In the end, the Ontario NDP’s queries about public engagement on the Greenbelt bill echo the persistent calls of a parent asking, “Why won’t you listen to the public?” Yet, Ford’s government remains steadfast, presenting its decisions as public-policy choices, much like a parent justifying unpopular but supposedly necessary dietary restrictions.

In this political dining room, the menu of environmental policies is served with a side of controversy, and Ford’s government is caught between appeasing the public palate and asserting its own perceived priorities. The question remains: Can Doug Ford find a balance on his policy plate that satisfies both the public’s appetite for environmental protection and his government’s strategic agenda? (AI)

Tuesday November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 21, 2023

Trudeau’s Economic Winter: As Black Friday Discounts Soar, Liberals Face a Chilling Blowout in Polls

September 19, 2023

As Black Friday sales week unfolds, Justin Trudeau faces a political clearance event of his own, with the latest polls revealing the Conservative Party leading by a whopping 14 points nationally. The only bustling storefront in Trudeau’s political mall seems to be his remaining bastion of support – women over 54. But with the unveiling of the economic statement, the Prime Minister might find it harder to convince Canadians that his government is still on the right track.

News: Freeland to deliver $15-billion in rental housing loans in slimmed-down fiscal update

November 4, 2023

In a bizarre twist, Trudeau, known for championing a national carbon tax to combat climate change, recently hit pause on the carbon levy for home heating oil. This decision, framed as a temporary relief for lower-income Canadians, has ignited a storm of criticism and exposed the fragility of his government’s climate policies.

Attempting to capitalize on the situation, federal Conservatives swiftly introduced a motion to extend the home heating oil pause to all forms of home heating. Even the left-wing NDP joined the chorus, criticizing the Liberal policy as unfair to Canadians outside the Atlantic region.

The federal government, led by Justin Trudeau, is making changes to its climate policy, which primarily benefit Atlantic Canada. These changes include increased rural rebates and exemptions for home heating oil from the carbon tax. This has generated mixed reactions and debates.

October 28, 2023

As Trudeau resists further carve-outs to the carbon price, experts suggest that this seemingly minor amendment could jeopardize the government’s signature climate legislation. The narrative around the carbon tax, once a cornerstone of Trudeau’s environmental agenda, now seems to be melting faster than an ice cap in a heatwave.

Amid sagging poll numbers and growing skepticism about the Liberals’ ability to manage the economy, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to unveil the “fall economic statement.” As the Liberals grapple with a slump, the statement is anticipated with both curiosity and doubt, especially considering the cost-of-living concerns Canadians face.

While Trudeau claims fiscal responsibility, critics argue that his government’s spending spree has inflated annual budgets well beyond their initial plans. As Canadians grapple with an affordability crisis, rising prices, and a lackluster economic outlook, the fall economic statement is poised to be a tough sell for a government that seems increasingly out of touch.

News: Poll suggests widespread dissatisfaction with Trudeau government

December 30, 2021

As the Trudeau government attempts to convince Canadians of its economic prowess, the data tell a different story. With a decade of lackluster growth, a public sector rising in cost and inefficiency, and a slew of regulatory initiatives impacting businesses and consumers, the economic reality clashes with the Liberal narrative.

While the fall economic statement may promise efficacious fiscal management, many Canadians remain unconvinced. As the government walks the tightrope between necessary investments and fiscal responsibility, it seems the Trudeau administration has a tough sell ahead, and the Black Friday blowout might just extend into the political arena. (AI)