2023-20 – mackaycartoons

Thursday November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 30, 2023

Navigating Diplomacy at COP28: Guilbeault’s Uphill Battle

November 4, 2023

As the world anticipates the United Nations summit on climate change, the focus broadens beyond the global initiatives to combat environmental challenges, delving into the intricate dynamics of diplomacy within the conference halls. Canada’s Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, once a fervent advocate for climate action, now faces a unique challenge as he steps into the complex tapestry of COP28.

Guilbeault’s journey through COP28 takes an unexpected turn with the presence of Premier Danielle Smith and Premier Scott Moe of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Their approach to the conference diverges from the global narrative of reducing reliance on fossil fuels, appearing more inclined towards sustaining the fossil fuel industry in their provinces.

Analysis: Alberta could lead the energy transition. But Danielle Smith’s approach and Ottawa’s subsidies are a toxic combination

May 31, 2023

Premier Smith ardently champions Alberta’s “clean” fossil fuel industry, particularly emphasizing carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a solution to cut emissions. However, recent reports from the International Energy Agency cast doubt on the global efficacy of CCS, challenging its status as a transformative solution.

As Premier Smith confidently strides into COP28, accompanied by over a hundred Alberta delegates, the inherent conflict of interest becomes apparent. The conference, hosted by Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of the UAE’s national oil company, ADNOC, and the UAE’s climate envoy, raises suspicions of a conflict of interest, especially with leaked documents indicating Al Jaber’s intention to broker oil and gas deals during the conference.

This sets the stage for an uncomfortable encounter between Smith and Guilbeault. Smith’s dismissal of Guilbeault as a “maverick” who “doesn’t seem to care about the Constitution” adds a layer of tension. While the federal government’s alignment with Alberta on promoting carbon capture and storage might offer a semblance of common ground, Smith’s move to invoke the sovereignty act against federal Clean Electricity Regulations hints at a deeper divide.

News: COP28: UAE planned to use climate talks to make oil deals

November 18, 2022

Guilbeault, tasked with advancing Canada’s commitment to fighting climate change, finds himself navigating a complex diplomatic landscape. As Premier Smith revels in her pro-oil-and-gas message, Guilbeault stands at the forefront, grappling with the clash between provincial and federal interests. It’s a delicate dance where finding common ground may prove elusive, especially considering the apparent disparity between the goals of the Prairie premiers and the broader global agenda for sustainability.

In this complex diplomatic ballet at COP28, Guilbeault represents the struggle to reconcile conflicting interests for the greater environmental good, a task that becomes even more challenging in the face of the unabashed promotion of fossil fuels under the guise of environmental responsibility by Prairie premiers.

The challenges at COP28 are not just about the global fight against climate change but also the nuanced struggles within the delegation halls. Steven Guilbeault finds himself at the heart of this intricate dance, striving to balance conflicting interests while championing the broader environmental agenda. (AI)

Wednesday November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday November 29, 2023

Ontario’s Beer Store Faces Uncertain Future: A Nostalgic Look at the Possible Demise

July 26, 2012

In the not-so-distant future, one of Ontario’s iconic institutions, the Beer Store, finds itself on shaky ground. As whispers of its potential demise circulate, reminiscent of other Ontario mainstays like the Pop Shoppe and Consumers Distributing, citizens contemplate a future without the familiar sight of this beer retail giant.

Picture this: a Brewer’s Retail Museum emerges, a nostalgic shrine dedicated to memorializing the bygone days of The Beer Store. In a province that has seen the revival of Zellers and a brief reappearance of the Pop Shoppe before it was permanently relegated to the dustbin of history, this museum stands as a testament to an era when department stores were the heartbeat of Ontario.

News: Billions at stake as Doug Ford government prepares to change booze retailing in Ontario

May 30, 2019

Amidst the nostalgia, Premier Doug Ford’s ongoing efforts to expand alcohol sales beyond the Beer Store are met with mixed emotions. Though beer and wine in convenience stores seem inevitable, the fate of the Beer Store remains uncertain. Speculations arise as insiders suggest that the Master Framework Agreement, governing beer sales in Ontario, may not be renewed, opening the floodgates for increased competition.

The Beer Store, predominantly owned by major breweries like Molson, Labatt, and Sleeman, faces a shifting landscape. The agreement, set to expire in 2025, has spurred the Beer Store to downsize and sell off properties, reducing its footprint by four percent in recent years.

Editorial: Changing how we buy beer in Ontario

December 22, 2014

While rumors of the Beer Store’s potential closure swirl, public sentiment is divided. Many celebrate the end of what they perceive as a problematic monopoly, anticipating greater convenience, variety, and lower prices with increased competition. However, concerns linger about the potential loss of jobs, the disruption of the deposit-return program, and the impact on beer prices.

As the province awaits a decision on the Master Framework Agreement’s renewal, citizens grapple with the possible end of an era. Whether the Beer Store survives the winds of change or succumbs to the evolving landscape, Ontario’s collective sentiment reflects a desire for a more open and competitive market, where choices abound, prices are reasonable, and nostalgia meets progress. (AI)

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: