2024-18

Friday October 18, 2024

Doug Ford’s $200 rebate cheques for every Ontarian are a classic pre-election gimmick—offering short-term gain while ignoring the province’s deeper crises in healthcare, housing, and education.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday October 18, 2024

Doug Ford’s Vote-Buying Cheques: More Teflon Politics from the Master of Populism

November 1, 2019

It’s no surprise that Doug Ford, Ontario’s most Teflon-coated politician, is back with another crowd-pleasing move—rebate cheques for everyone! This latest gambit promises at least $200 for each Ontarian, totalling a whopping $3.2 billion. And what’s the timing? Just when rumours of an early election are swirling, giving Ford the perfect opportunity to play Santa Claus in January or February.

Ford’s strategy is simple but brilliant: send cash to voters, bask in their gratitude, and hope they forget all about the lingering scandals, underfunded hospitals, and crumbling schools. It’s textbook Doug—stay loved, stay ahead. And honestly, you’ve got to admire the man’s ability to wriggle out of controversy like a politician coated in non-stick spray. Scandal after scandal? No problem. Approval still high? Absolutely.

News: Doug Ford poised to send out pre-election cheques to 16 million Ontarians

February 19, 2020

This isn’t Ford’s first time at the “gimmick” rodeo. Before the 2022 election, he scrapped license plate renewal fees, burning through over a billion dollars annually just to keep drivers happy. Now, he’s doubling down on this strategy with rebate cheques, drawing comparisons to Mike Harris’s infamous $200 “dividends” back in 2000. It worked for Harris, and Ford knows it will work for him—because, let’s face it, people love free money.

But behind the generosity lies a political calculation. Ford knows these cheques won’t solve Ontario’s big problems—healthcare, housing, and education. Yet, he’s banking on the fact that voters will focus on the short-term relief and forget the bigger picture. His opponents call it out for what it is: a blatant attempt to buy votes with taxpayers’ money. Even Green Party leader Mike Schreiner quipped about wealthy elites like Galen Weston receiving cheques, reinforcing the absurdity of the plan.

May 21, 2022

Ford isn’t just a politician; he’s a populist performer. His persona—part “man of the people,” part “never raise a tax” crusader—makes him hard to pin down. No matter how much opposition parties or pundits criticize him, he somehow escapes unscathed. In fact, recent Abacus polling shows his Progressive Conservative Party enjoying a 44% approval rating, a comfortable lead over the Liberals and NDP. Ontarians may shake their heads at Ford’s antics, but many still trust him to keep their wallets full and taxes low.

It’s not that people don’t see through his tactics—many do. Reader comments across platforms are filled with frustrations: “Put the money into healthcare!” and “This is reckless!” Yet, Ford knows exactly what he’s doing. For every person angry at this move, there are many more quietly pleased that they’ll have some extra cash to cover holiday bills in January.

April 1, 2021

The real issue is that $200 rebates don’t build hospitals, reduce class sizes, or fix the housing crisis. Ontario’s healthcare system remains overburdened, with emergency departments closing and healthcare workers struggling to keep up. Yet instead of directing funds where they are needed, Ford is throwing money at the masses, knowing full well it will temporarily boost his popularity.

Still, you can’t help but chuckle at the sheer audacity. Ford operates with the confidence of a politician who knows he can get away with it—and, so far, he has. Whether it’s pushing controversial policies or rolling back unpopular taxes, he emerges unscathed, Teflon intact. If there were a political equivalent of Canada’s Wonderland, Ford would be the roller coaster: wild, unpredictable, but somehow still standing at the end of every ride.

At the end of the day, Ford’s rebate scheme may be nothing more than a temporary distraction—a sugar high that fades fast. But for a politician who thrives on short-term gains and public adoration, it’s a winning formula. Love him or hate him, Doug Ford knows how to play the game better than most. And if this plan helps him sail through another election? Well, that’s just classic Doug.

So, Ontarians, enjoy your $200 rebate—and remember, no matter how slippery the political landscape gets, Doug Ford will always be one step ahead, smiling, waving, and handing out cheques like candy on Halloween. (AI)

Thursday October 17, 2024

Donald Trump’s obsession with tariffs, if implemented in a second term, would severely damage the Canadian economy, risking job losses, trade uncertainty, and further straining relations with Canada’s largest trading partner.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday October 17, 2024

Link to the animated clip.

A Trump Tariff Surge Would Be Devastating for Canada

June 1, 2018

With Americans heading to the polls in under three weeks, the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House has Canadians justifiably on edge. His record on tariffs, coupled with renewed threats of sweeping trade barriers, points to an economic catastrophe waiting to unfold for Canada. Trump’s love affair with tariffs—declaring it his “favourite word” and promising levies of up to 20%, with some as high as 200%—signals a dangerous path for Canada’s industries and its broader economic relationship with the U.S.

During Trump’s first term, Canadians felt the impact of his trade policies. Steel and aluminum tariffs imposed under dubious national security pretences strained bilateral relations and cost Canadian exporters dearly. Trump’s obsession with tariffs, despite repeated warnings from economists about inflation and job losses, demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of how global trade works.

News: Trump vows to impose tariffs as experts warn of price hikes and angry allies

June 22, 2019

His latest proposals are even more extreme. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has warned that blanket tariffs could spark a global trade war, with Canadian oil, gas, and auto sectors bearing the brunt of the fallout. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce projects a $45 billion hit to Canada’s economy if Trump’s tariff plan materializes—equivalent to a loss of more than $1,100 for every Canadian. Entire industries could be thrown into chaos, with auto exports expected to drop 20% and energy exports shrinking by over 40%

Meanwhile, Trump’s rhetoric dismisses these economic realities, instead clinging to the notion that tariffs will magically bring factories back to U.S. soil. But his record tells a different story. In Springfield, Ohio, factories opened but struggled to find American workers, requiring legal immigrants to fill the gaps. Similarly, higher consumer prices resulted from his tariffs on household goods during his first presidency without spurring the domestic production boom he envisioned.

June 13, 2018

The situation grows even more perilous with the USMCA trade pact—renegotiated by Trump in 2018—up for review in 2026. Trump’s statements suggest he’s gearing up to demand tougher terms, adding more restrictions that could suffocate Canadian industries. Auto manufacturers may continue to pay tariffs to import parts from Mexico rather than adjust to the expensive North American content rules Trump imposed under the USMCA, undermining its intended benefits. Trump’s proposals also show no intention of sparing allies, lumping Canada in with the “enemies” of American industry and threatening tariffs across the board.

If Trump follows through, Canada faces severe challenges. The dairy industry could come under pressure as Trump revisits supply management policies, while Canada’s Digital Services Tax targeting U.S. tech giants may trigger retaliatory action. A reopened USMCA negotiation could unravel key provisions or, worse, lead to its collapse—plunging North American trade into uncertainty and dragging down economies across the continent.

Analysis: Tariffs, trade and tax credits: What the U.S. election could mean for Canada’s economy

November 18, 2021

To be sure, Kamala Harris’s platform isn’t entirely reassuring. Her continuation of Biden’s subsidy-heavy policies would require Canada to compete in funding industries like electric vehicles—a burden Ottawa is struggling to bear. However, Trump’s return would not just pit Canada against the U.S. financially—it could obliterate the framework of cooperation altogether. Trump’s chaotic, unpredictable style, marked by impulsive tariffs and disregard for allies, means Canada would constantly be in damage-control mode, scrambling to react to unilateral decisions that undercut trust and economic stability.

While some Canadians hold out hope that a potential change in Canada’s leadership might soften Trump’s stance, that is a dangerous gamble. His campaign and allies are already preparing policies that could be enforced without congressional oversight, using obscure legal mechanisms like Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Even if Trump’s actions are eventually struck down in court, the uncertainty and disruption would cause long-term harm to industries on both sides of the border.

News:  Canadian support for Donald Trump higher than in last U.S. presidential election, poll finds

Donald Trump's recent remarks, cheering on aggression against NATO countries, and Canada's position as a buffer between Russia and potential U.S. instability, highlight the urgent need for a rethink on global security.

February 13, 2024

Ultimately, a second Trump presidency would mark a dangerous regression in North American trade. The promised tariffs would harm Canadian exporters, drive up consumer prices in the U.S., and undermine years of economic cooperation. Canada must prepare for the worst—but it’s in the hands of American voters to avoid this path altogether. A vote for Trump is a vote for higher prices, economic isolation, and shattered alliances, with Canada caught in the crossfire. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Canadians need to brace for the impact—but we also hope our neighbours to the south make the right decision. A tariff war would leave both nations poorer, angrier, and less connected. And Canada, despite its strong economic ties, might not be able to withstand the full brunt of a reckless Trump trade policy this time around.

 

Wednesday October 16, 2024

The diplomatic clash with India has ignited at a politically opportune moment for Justin Trudeau, drawing attention away from the domestic infernos of inflation, affordability, and housing crises burning behind him.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 16, 2024

Animated making-of clip here!

India-Canada Tensions Expose Fault Lines in Trudeau’s Troubled Leadership and the Limits of Multiculturalism

February 22, 2018

The current diplomatic standoff between Canada and India—sparked by allegations of India’s involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar—has come at a difficult time for Justin Trudeau’s government. While the controversy rightly raises concerns about foreign interference and Canada’s sovereignty, the timing of the revelations is feeding speculation about political expediency. This incident also lays bare the less noble challenges of multiculturalism, exposing the tensions that arise when Canada’s embrace of diverse communities intersects with the political and ideological conflicts from abroad.

It is hard to ignore how the timing of this crisis aligns with domestic turmoil within Trudeau’s government. With the Prime Minister facing internal party rebellion, sinking approval ratings, and questions over foreign interference by China, the sudden escalation of tensions with India strikes some as politically convenient. Trudeau’s critics argue that the Khalistan issue is being used as a way to galvanize support among Sikh voters, who are a significant bloc in key Liberal ridings in British Columbia and Ontario. These theories echo broader concerns about Trudeau’s tendency to rely on identity politics to secure electoral advantages.

News: Some Liberal MPs are mounting a new effort to oust Justin Trudeau

February 22, 2018

The messy history between Trudeau and India doesn’t help. His disastrous 2018 visit to India, when a convicted Sikh extremist attended official events, strained relations. His support for India’s protesting farmers in 2020, perceived by New Delhi as meddling in domestic affairs, further soured diplomacy. India’s rejection of the current allegations as politically motivated reflects long-standing suspicions that Trudeau’s government is more focused on domestic gains than fostering strong international relationships.

Beyond the political theatre, this crisis exposes the underlying tensions in Canada’s multicultural framework. Canada prides itself on being a multicultural society that celebrates diversity. However, transnational conflicts—like the Khalistan movement—pose serious challenges to this ideal. When diaspora communities bring their political grievances from home countries to Canada, it complicates domestic governance and tests the limits of peaceful coexistence.

September 20, 2023

The Khalistan separatist movement is a prime example. While many Sikhs in Canada peacefully advocate for their cultural identity, the movement’s more extreme elements have long been a point of contention. The 1985 Air India bombing, orchestrated by pro-Khalistan extremists based in Canada, remains the deadliest act of terrorism in Canadian history. Today, the Indian government’s increasing frustration with the Khalistani diaspora reflects a fear that Canada is becoming a safe haven for separatists. This accusation—whether fair or not—illustrates the complex interplay between free speech and national security in Canada’s multicultural experiment.

News: Trudeau accuses India of supporting violent crimes in Canada

At the heart of this dilemma is the question: How should Canada respond when foreign governments accuse diaspora groups of supporting violence or secession? While it is Canada’s responsibility to ensure that all its citizens are safe from external threats, it must also guard against being used as a battleground for international political disputes. Balancing these competing imperatives is a difficult but necessary task for a government committed to diversity.

Canadian inquiries into foreign interference highlight the challenge of maintaining transparency without aiding adversaries, emphasizing the importance of careful oversight and accountability in protecting democratic processes.

April 6, 2024

Canada’s domestic challenges only add to the complexity. At a time when housing affordability, inflation, health care, and foreign interference by China dominate public discourse, Trudeau’s focus on the India-Khalistan issue seems to many Canadians like a distraction from more urgent priorities. Critics argue that the government is spending too much time managing foreign conflicts while neglecting domestic concerns that directly impact Canadians.

This frustration is reflected in the growing chorus of voices saying that Canada should not be entangled in conflicts like Khalistan. Some Canadians express concern that the country is being used as a staging ground for separatist activism, and they resent the idea that Canada’s political landscape might be shaped by grievances imported from abroad. These sentiments highlight an important point: Canada cannot afford to lose focus on its internal problems because of external disputes.

News: India calls expulsions of diplomats from Canada ‘preposterous imputations’ driven by Trudeau’s agenda

The diplomatic fallout with India provides an important opportunity for Trudeau’s government to reassess its approach to both foreign policy and multiculturalism. Canada must make clear that it will not tolerate foreign interference—whether from India, China, or any other country—on its soil. At the same time, Trudeau must avoid playing identity politics to the detriment of national unity. The government should focus on strengthening social cohesion and ensuring that diaspora communities feel they belong as Canadians first without being drawn into the conflicts of their homelands.

In the end, multiculturalism is a noble ideal, but it requires careful management. Canada’s commitment to diversity must be coupled with strong domestic governance and clear boundaries around foreign influence. The India-Canada dispute is a reminder that while we celebrate diversity, we must also recognize its complexities. Trudeau’s government must navigate this crisis with caution—not only for the sake of diplomatic relations but also to maintain public trust in the Canadian multicultural project.

If the Trudeau government is to survive these turbulent times, it must address these challenges with transparency and resolve. Only then can Canada emerge from this moment not just as a multicultural nation but as a united one.

 

Saturday October 12, 2024

Despite rising grocery prices, Thanksgiving 2024 offers an opportunity to reflect on the privileges many Canadians still enjoy, like access to affordable food and relative safety, even as global challenges intensify.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday October 12, 2024

Animated making-of clip here!

Gratitude, Complaints, and Context: A Reflection on Thanksgiving 2024

September 29, 2022

As we approach Thanksgiving 2024, a holiday traditionally celebrated with gratitude and the bounty of the harvest, Canadians find themselves caught in a peculiar tension between appreciation and dissatisfaction. The rising cost of living, particularly food prices, has led many to focus on economic struggles rather than the holiday’s central theme of thankfulness. While these concerns are valid, especially for those facing real financial strain, this shift toward complaints risks overshadowing the privilege many of us still enjoy in Canada.

In recent years, grocery prices have indeed risen, as pointed out in Toronto.com, where food inflation saw a 2.4% increase over the past year.

Thanksgiving dinner flyer deals: Here’s how much you might spend on turkey, potatoes, bread rolls, pies and more for the family feast

October 10, 2020

Many shoppers are feeling the squeeze, and it’s tempting to rail against the major supermarket chains—like Loblaws Inc.—that have posted record profits. However, some voices, like columnist Maynard van der Galien’s in The Ottawa Citizen, urge us to step back and reconsider our perspective. He highlights the fact that grocery stores remain well-stocked and clean, offering deals for the strategic shopper. For instance, he found 10 pounds of potatoes for just $1—an astonishingly low price even amidst inflation .

Van der Galien’s point is not that the cost of living hasn’t increased, but that many Canadians still have access to an abundance of food at reasonable prices, provided they take advantage of sales, loyalty programs, and other budgeting tactics. In his view, rather than complaining, Thanksgiving should remind us to appreciate the privileges we enjoy: the convenience of supermarkets, the availability of food from around the world, and the stability of our supply chains.

Opinion: It’s Thanksgiving weekend. Stop complaining about grocery prices

Pandemic Thanksgiving

This argument, however, must be weighed against the realities faced by many who find themselves in tougher economic circumstances. Food banks across the country are reporting record demand, and for some, no amount of flyer-scanning or coupon-clipping will make their Thanksgiving dinner affordable. Yet, as a reader of van der Galien’s column pointed out, it’s all about perspective: even with rising prices, a Thanksgiving meal can still be prepared for less than $50, which per person is cheaper than many fast-food meals. This echoes the long-standing economic principle that inflation is inevitable, not something unique to our current moment.

Yet, there’s a bigger context to consider. While many Canadians worry about grocery costs, others around the world are grappling with much more severe hardships. War-torn regions like Ukraine and the Middle East are facing food insecurity on a much more urgent level. Climate change-fuelled disasters, like the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton, are wreaking havoc on communities to the south of us. Here in Canada, we have been spared the worst of these crises. Our supermarkets are full, our infrastructure remains intact, and most of us are safe. This, too, should factor into our reflections during Thanksgiving.

Opinion: It’s Thanksgiving weekend. Stop complaining about grocery prices

October 10, 2015

Perhaps the growing tendency to complain about rising prices during Thanksgiving reflects a shift in societal expectations. We expect stability, affordability, and abundance, and when these are threatened—even slightly—it can feel unsettling. However, it’s important to remember that the holiday is not just about food, but about gratitude for what we do have, which remains significant when compared to global challenges.

This Thanksgiving, rather than focusing on what’s changed, maybe we can focus on what hasn’t. We are still fortunate to live in a country where clean, well-stocked grocery stores operate every day of the week, where we can find food deals with a bit of effort, and where safety and peace remain constants in our lives. It’s a time to recognize our relative stability in an unstable world. While it’s natural to feel the pinch of inflation, it might be equally natural to let gratitude take precedence over grievances—if only for one weekend.

As we sit down to our Thanksgiving meals this year, whether frugal or extravagant, let’s remind ourselves that being grateful doesn’t mean ignoring hardship—it means acknowledging both our challenges and our privileges. (AI)

* * * * *

Letter to the Editor, The Hamilton Spectator, October 17, 2024

Letter to the Editor

Feeling thankful for what we have

Re: Oct. 12 editorial cartoon

Graeme MacKay is spot on in terms of what countries around the world are thankful for, compared to the North American “first world problems.” I am not implying the majority of Canadians are self-absorbed in their perceived problems of high grocery prices, home costs, etc., but we are indeed lucky to be far removed from political strife that engulfs so many world nations.

So be sure to give some pause around the dinner table on Thanksgiving and think of those less fortunate and under threat of death. Even those in our own communities struggle during these festive holidays. I am very thankful for where I live and will not complain of our lifestyle or country where we live

Steve Warrick, Ancaster