2023-11

Thursday June 22, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 22, 2023

Ford’s Tentacled Reach

May 12, 2023

The Ontario government is moving forward with its plan to expand the powers of mayors in more municipalities, allowing them to exert greater control over local affairs. However, critics remain skeptical of Premier Doug Ford’s intentions, comparing his influence to that of a Cthulhu-like monster with multiple arms controlling puppet mayors. These enhanced powers, already implemented in Toronto and Ottawa, grant mayors the authority to pass bylaws related to the province’s housing initiatives, even with just a third of their local councils in support.

Additionally, these stronger powers give mayors the ability to veto budget amendments unless they receive a two-thirds majority vote from the council. Mayors also gain the authority to hire senior bureaucrats and establish new departments within their municipalities. While many cities in the United States, such as Chicago and New York, grant their mayors substantial influence, critics argue that the provision allowing the passing of bylaws with only a third of the votes undermines the principles of democracy, labeling it as “minority rule.”

News: Doug Ford gives ‘strong mayor’ powers to 26 more Ontario cities  

January 28, 2023

The provincial government has defined specific regulations designating these priorities as contributing to their ambitious target of constructing 1.5 million homes and providing housing-related infrastructure, including roads and sewer pipes, by 2031. Ontario’s Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister, Steve Clark, made the announcement alongside mayors from Guelph, Burlington, and London, who will soon possess these expanded powers. The decision was reached after a meeting at Queen’s Park between Clark, other cabinet ministers, and the mayors of the province’s largest cities.

Effective July 1, the new powers will be implemented through regulations and will be granted to municipalities with a population exceeding 100,000 or projected to reach that threshold by 2031. Additionally, these municipalities must have signed a “housing pledge” to support Ontario’s target for new homes. The list of municipalities receiving these powers includes Barrie, Niagara Falls, Windsor, Hamilton, Mississauga, and Markham. Notably, Newmarket, located north of Toronto, is excluded from the list due to the local government’s failure to sign the housing pledge.

Mayor John Taylor of Newmarket cited the town’s insufficient sewer capacity as the reason for not signing the pledge. He attributes this problem to the province’s decision to block the construction of a planned regional sewage plant and instead build pipes to an existing facility in Durham Region, a process that may take up to eight years. Mayor Taylor also stated that, regardless of the powers granted, he would not utilize them.

News: These 26 Ontario cities are getting strong-mayor powers. Is yours?  

August 21, 2019

Patrick Brown, the former leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party who now serves as the mayor of Brampton, disagrees with the notion that these powers are antidemocratic, claiming that people already assume mayors possess such authority. Brown believes that Premier Doug Ford, who spent time at Toronto City Hall, understands the inconsistency between public perception and the actual powers held by mayors.

It is worth noting that Premier Ford’s late brother, Rob Ford, served as the mayor of Toronto, but his powers were significantly reduced by the city council in 2013 following his erratic behavior and struggles with substance abuse. In Ottawa, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has pledged not to use the “minority rule” power to pass bylaws. Interestingly, it was former Toronto mayor John Tory who initially requested this additional measure from Premier Ford, even after the province had already announced plans to strengthen mayoral control over budgets and bureaucracy.

As the by-election is currently underway due to Mr. Tory’s resignation and admission of an affair with a subordinate, frontrunner Olivia Chow and other candidates, including Josh Matlow, Ana Bailão, and Mitzie Hunter, have already expressed their disinterest in utilizing the “minority rule” bylaw power if elected. (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 June 21, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 21, 2023

Right-Wing Purgatory: The Delusional Quest for Comebacks by Conservative Leaders

April 26, 2022

In a bizarre right-wing purgatory, Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, Pierre Poilievre, and Maxime Bernier find themselves entangled in their own web of delusions, desperately seeking earthly comebacks to lead their respective governments. However, their chances are slim, and their attempts at redemption border on the comical and ultimately futile.

In Canada, the landscape is rife with conservative leaders vying for right-wing supremacy. Pierre Poilievre and Maxime Bernier, leaders of the Conservative Party of Canada and the People’s Party of Canada, respectively, showcase the internal divisions within conservative politics. The recent Portage-Lisgar by-election exposed their opposing stances, with Conservatives resorting to exploiting anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments to undermine Bernier’s credibility. Yet, Bernier managed to retain significant support, revealing the endurance of his party’s platform, even among those holding anti-Pride views. It’s a convoluted mess of contradictions and reveals the challenges these leaders face in navigating sensitive topics to appeal to a broad voter base.

News: Liberals, Conservatives take 2 seats apiece in 4 federal byelections  

December 16, 2019

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson’s transformation into a Trump-like figure is evident. From his resignation letter styled after Trump’s brashness to the inadequate response by the Conservative Party to his Party-gate actions, Johnson’s resemblance to Trump is hard to ignore. While British institutions successfully removed Johnson from office and parliament, the condemnations from the Tory party have been weak, reminiscent of the mistakes made by Republicans in handling Trump. The Tories risk storing up problems for the future if they fail to address Johnson’s actions and reject his lies, as the Republicans did with Trump.

April 6, 2023

As for Donald Trump himself, he faced arraignment in Miami on charges related to the intentional retention of classified documents and obstruction of justice. Remarkably, this marked the second indictment against Trump within three months, adding to his long chain of corruption. Despite his legal troubles, Trump remains a leading contender for the Republican nomination, and his team seems undeterred by the chaos surrounding him. Other Republican candidates have been hesitant to confront him directly, hoping that the weight of the charges will prove insurmountable. The lack of forceful opposition from candidates and GOP leaders indicates that voters are unlikely to change their stance, further entrenching the perception divide between Republicans and the rest of the country.

The future remains uncertain for these conservative leaders as they battle their way back to power. Their shamelessness and unwavering arrogance set them apart from other politicians, but it is precisely these qualities that render their comebacks comical and futile. The prolonged stay in right-wing purgatory serves as a stark reminder that political redemption is not guaranteed, even for those who once held significant influence.

Opinion: Trump, Johnson and the real problem with populism  

May 16, 2023

The delusional quest for comebacks by Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, Pierre Poilievre, and Maxime Bernier paints a vivid picture of right-wing purgatory. As they grapple with internal divisions, exploit anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, and face legal troubles, these conservative leaders find themselves trapped in a realm of their own making. Their chances of reclaiming power dwindle as their antics and refusal to be held accountable alienate their own party members and the broader public. The lesson is clear: political redemption requires humility, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving the people, qualities that these leaders sorely lack. (AI) | Editorial Cartoon also printed in the Toronto Star.

 

Tuesday June 20, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday June 20, 2023

Grocery Monopoly: Big Chains Face Windfall Tax and Code of Conduct Scrutiny

June 18, 2020

In a classic case of Monopoly come to life, the parliamentary agriculture committee is calling for Ottawa to slap a windfall tax on the owners of Big Grocery if they dare to generate excess profits on food items. These wealthy Uncle Milburn Pennybags-like figures must be feeling the heat as the committee released its report on June 13, capitalizing on Canadians’ frustration with rising inflation during their weekly grocery run.

The committee highlighted that while the food and beverage retail sector has been dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages, they conveniently managed to record an increase in net income. This has led to speculation about the so-called “price gouging” by Canada’s five largest retailers, who hold a whopping 80 percent of the grocery market. It seems the committee is playing the role of Detective Weak Police, wondering if anyone at the Competition Bureau is actually paying attention to what’s happening right before their eyes.

Analysis: Food retail sector facing big changes

March 8, 2023

However, the owners of these Big Grocery chains were quick to defend themselves. They appeared before the parliamentary committee in March and took the oath to solemnly swear that they weren’t profiteering off higher grocery prices. Galen Weston, the president of Loblaw, one of the major players, even had the audacity to argue that “reasonable profitability” is simply part of running a successful business. Oh, how noble of them! Apparently, those profits are just being reinvested into the company and, of course, into the oh-so-needy country.

But if the government decides to implement this windfall tax, it will surely hit the grocers where it hurts the most—their bottom lines. Of course, this hinges on the findings of the Competition Bureau, which is currently conducting a study of food inflation. As expected, the bureau released a statement listing various factors that could have impacted food prices, including extreme weather, higher input costs, geopolitical events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and supply chain disruptions. They seem to be exploring every excuse in the book rather than addressing the elephant in the room—questionable competition factors.

April 13, 2023

Not everyone is convinced that a windfall tax is warranted, though. Gary Sands, the vice-president of government relations at the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, adamantly denies any evidence of “greedflation.” He argues that price increases are not limited to the big grocery chains but are apparent in smaller stores as well, as everyone is simply responding to supplier price hikes. Sands presented his case to the committee and warned them of the slippery slope they’re treading on. He rightly points out that if retailers face a windfall tax, suppliers should be subjected to the same treatment, given the interconnected nature of the industry.

The government, however, wants everyone to know that they’re not just picking on grocers. No, no, they’re committed to ensuring that everyone pays their “fair share” of taxes. Adrienne Vaupshas, the press secretary of the federal minister of finance’s office, had the audacity to claim in an email statement that the government has imposed taxes on other companies like banks and insurers in the past. Well, that makes it all fair and square, doesn’t it?

News: Ottawa should consider windfall tax on grocery profits if they’re found to be excessive: report  

May 10, 2022

According to Michelle Wasylyshen, the spokesperson for the Retail Council of Canada, the industry’s price hikes are justified by various macroeconomic trends and have nothing to do with greed. She blames the rising costs of feed, fuel, and fertilizer, along with supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and climate events, as the real culprits behind food price inflation. Wasylyshen warns against excessive government intervention in the retail food business, claiming there’s no evidence to suggest that meddling in operational aspects would do anything to benefit consumers.

But of course, there are always those who believe that government intervention is the holy grail to control Canada’s grocery oligopoly. Advocates have been clamoring for a grocery code of conduct, similar to those in Australia and the United Kingdom, to rein in the power of Big Grocery. Finally, after years of deliberation and consultation with industry players, it seems that the code is nearing completion. Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau even boasts that it could be implemented before the end of 2023. However, the agriculture committee insists that the code must be mandatory and enforceable, or else there’s no guarantee that all the major grocers will willingly sign on. (AI)

 

Saturday June 17, 2023

Illustration by Graeme MacKay, The Toronto Star – Saturday June 17, 2023

Toronto Mayoral By-Election Puts Housing Issue in the Spotlight

June 7, 2023

With less than a week remaining until Toronto’s mayoral by-election, the city is buzzing with anticipation as front-runners Olivia Chow, Josh Matlow, Brad Bradford, Ana Bailão, Mitzie Hunter, and Mark Saunders vie for the top position. Housing, a key issue that dominated the previous election in October, continues to take centre stage, with candidates wasting no time in presenting fresh solutions to address Toronto’s chronic housing problems.

In her campaign launched in mid-April, Olivia Chow, a former city councillor, member of parliament, and school board trustee, has maintained a solid lead in early polling. Chow champions a renter-centric platform, emphasizing the importance of providing every citizen with a roof over their heads. She proposes raising the Vacant Home Tax to 3% and using the funds collected to construct affordable and subsidized units alongside condominiums throughout the city. Additionally, Chow aims to expand Toronto’s rent bank to assist 5,500 people annually and significantly enhance the Eviction Prevention in the Community program.

Analysis: Toronto election reality check: What the top candidates would do about the housing crisis — and what the experts say  

May 12, 2023

Chow’s initiatives also include establishing a Toronto Renters Action Committee to advocate for antirenoviction bylaws, real rent control, and the evaluation of existing renter-related policies and programs. She plans to build 25,000 rent-controlled homes, including 7,500 affordable units and 2,500 rent-geared-to-income units, over the next eight years on City-owned land. Moreover, Chow expresses support for increased density along main streets and transit corridors.

Josh Matlow, the current City Councillor for Ward 12, Toronto-St. Paul, launched his campaign in March with a controversial proposal to raise property taxes by 2%. He intends to allocate these additional funds to a new City Works Fund, which will keep warming centres open and address infrastructure maintenance. Matlow also suggests the creation of Public Build Toronto to generate 8,250 rent-controlled market apartments and 6,750 affordable apartments, including 750 deeply affordable units for low-income individuals. He supports adding up to three rental units to existing homes and approving nine-storey buildings as-of-right on designated avenues, accompanied by a dedicated team to expedite applications and prioritize affordable housing.

Printed on the cover of The Toronto Star

Brad Bradford, the current City Councillor for Ward 19, Beaches-East York, and Chair of the Planning and Housing Committee, aims to streamline approvals, reduce red tape, and tap into “missing middle” housing to increase affordable housing stock. He proposes ramping up adaptive reuse and implementing as-of-right approvals for office conversions to expedite the rezoning process. Bradford pledges to accelerate the Housing Now initiative, constructing housing on City-owned land with one-third dedicated to affordability. He commits to keeping property taxes at or below the rate of inflation, recognizing the financial challenges faced by families in the current cost-of-living crisis.

Ana Bailão, a long-time affordable housing advocate and former Deputy Mayor, unveiled her candidacy in March with a plan to improve city services, build housing, and enhance affordability. Her $48.5M housing plan includes constructing 285,000 homes by 2031, with 20% dedicated to purpose-built rentals. Bailão proposes modular supportive homes for the homeless, rental assistance for individuals escaping domestic violence, and a freeze on new development proposals threatening rental apartment buildings. She emphasizes the need for planning regulation and zoning reforms to accommodate “missing middle” housing.

News: Toronto mayoral candidates spar in chaotic debate less than two weeks before by-election  

May 28, 2022

Mitzie Hunter, formerly the Chief Administrative Officer of Toronto Housing and Head of CivicAction, presents a five-point plan focused on delivering new affordable housing quickly. Her proposals involve unlocking public lands for affordable housing, encouraging multiplex housing, adding rental apartments near campuses, expediting building approvals and construction, and implementing renter protection programs. Hunter plans to establish the City Affordable Housing Corporation, aiming to deliver nearly 22,700 units, two-thirds of which will be rented at below-market rates. She also supports building “missing middle” housing in various neighbourhoods.

Mark Saunders, the former Chief of Police, pledges to expedite residential construction approval processes, aiming to reduce approval times to one year. He suggests introducing a project tracking system to enhance accountability and digitizing the planning and approvals system. Saunders emphasizes the need to overcome barriers at City Hall to achieve the 10-year goal of 40,000 new affordable housing units. He supports the Toronto Community Housing model and incentivizing the conversion of underused commercial buildings into shelters or supportive housing. Saunders also proposes a federal grant program to cover the costs of building purpose-built rental projects.

October 25, 2022

In a recent survey conducted by The Forum Poll™ among 1,047 Toronto residents, Olivia Chow leads the race with 35% support, although her lead slipped by 3% over the past week. Mark Saunders follows with 14%, while Anthony Furey (11%) and Ana Bailao (10%) have overtaken Josh Matlow (9%). The poll highlights housing affordability as the most crucial issue in the mayoral election, resonating with 27% of respondents, closely followed by concerns about the cost of living and inflation at 21%.

As the election date draws near, the race remains dynamic, with Furey and Bailao potentially shaking up the standings. With just a few days remaining, the outcome of the election holds the potential for a surprise upset. (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:

Saturday June 17, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday June 17, 2023

Reflecting on Father’s Day and the Importance of Taking a Break from the News

May 13, 2023

Father’s Day serves as a reminder to appreciate the important people in our lives and cherish the moments spent with loved ones. In a world filled with doom and gloom, taking a break from the constant barrage of negative news can be crucial for our well-being. Recent events, such as climate change-induced wildfires in Canada, the tragic Manitoba bus accident, rising interest rates, and the ongoing political polarization, highlight the overwhelming amount of negative information that bombards us daily.

It’s no secret that journalists tend to focus on negative news, and political coverage often adopts a cynical or pessimistic tone. This trend has only intensified over time, leading to a decline in trust in the media and an increasing number of individuals avoiding the news altogether due to its detrimental impact on their mood. This negativity bias, rooted in human psychology, causes people to pay more attention to negative information than positive news. Both news consumers and journalists are influenced by this bias, and it poses a challenge for the media landscape.

Fortunately, there are signs of improvement. The rise of diverse media outlets has created a market for good news, catering to those seeking positive stories. However, platforms like Facebook, with their algorithmic structures, can inadvertently reinforce negativity biases, leaving news consumers torn between their desire for positive news and their immediate attraction to negative stories. Striking the right balance between catering to immediate preferences and providing long-term well-being is a challenge faced by news outlets and social networks alike.

Study: Bad News: Negativity Increases Online News Consumption  

November 1, 2022

A study published in Nature Human Behaviour shed light on the influence of negative news headlines. It revealed that negative words in headlines increase click-through rates, while positive words decrease them. This research suggests that people are more likely to consume negative news, particularly in the realms of politics and economics. Although this bias is not solely the fault of journalists and editors, it raises ethical concerns and contributes to audience anxiety. The online news environment, with its fierce competition for attention, and the optimization of headlines for engagement further perpetuate the prevalence of negative news.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the trajectory of news media sentiment, researchers have compared the sentiment and emotional undertones of news content over different time periods. A research project analyzing 23 million headlines from popular news outlets in the United States between 2000 and 2019 found that mainstream news media headlines have gradually become more negative over time. Headlines with negative connotations have become more prevalent, while those with positive undertones have decreased. This shift in sentiment is noticeable across various news outlets and can be partially attributed to ideological leanings, with right-leaning media consistently portraying more negative headlines.

Emotional undertones in headlines have also experienced a notable change. The proportion of anger and fear has nearly doubled, while sadness and disgust have seen a smaller increase. Emotionally neutral headlines, on the other hand, have become less common. Interestingly, the increase in anger-inducing headlines is more prevalent in right-leaning outlets, while the surge in fear and decline of emotionally neutral headlines are observable across media outlets regardless of their ideological leanings.

Essay: I Thought I Was Fatherless. Then I Realized What a Father Was.  

June 5, 2012

The reasons behind this phenomenon are multifaceted. Financial pressures to maximize click-through rates, driven by declining revenue in the media industry, likely contribute to the increasing negativity and emotional intensity of headlines. Additionally, crafting headlines to serve political agendas, veering away from fact-based objectivity, may also play a role. While the higher occurrence of negative and angry headlines in right-leaning media is noteworthy, the exact causes are open to speculation and require further research.

It is undeniable that news consumption can be disheartening in today’s world, and the extent of negativity depends on what sources one follows. As researchers continue to delve deeper into the impact of negative news content on readers and democratic institutions, it is essential for individuals to recognize the toll it can take on their well-being. Father’s Day serves as a reminder to prioritize spending time with loved ones, creating warm and positive moments that provide respite from the constant influx of negative information. By finding a balance between staying informed and nurturing our personal relationships, we can foster a healthier and happier mindset. (AI)