2026-05

Friday February 13, 2026

The Trump administration's rollback of climate protections threatens environmental progress, with significant implications for Canada.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 13, 2026

Also published on Counterpoint, and Sing Tao USA.

Turning Back Time: Climate Progress in Peril

As wildfires rage and smoke fills the skies, the consequences of sidelining climate change in policy become starkly evident.

August 6, 2025

In the midst of political chaos and media distractions, a critical issue is slipping under the radar: the Trump administration’s planned withdrawal of the EPA’s endangerment finding. This move represents a significant rollback of climate progress, grounded in ideological denial of science and driven by fossil fuel interests.

While headlines are dominated by sensational stories—from ballroom scandals and Epstein files to undiplomatic rhetoric and erratic tariff policies—the dismantling of environmental protections deserves urgent attention. The endangerment finding, established in 2009, is not just a bureaucratic detail; it is a cornerstone of U.S. climate policy. It legally mandates the regulation of greenhouse gases, recognizing their threat to public health and welfare. By dismantling it, the Trump administration undermines years of environmental protection, enabling increased emissions from power plants and vehicles.

News: Trump Allies Near ‘Total Victory’ in Wiping Out U.S. Climate Regulation

Despite the increasing devastation caused by climate-fuelled hurricanes, backed by data proving dramatic temperature increases in the Gulf of Mexico, political denialism, lack of media attention in the United States, and a lack of courageous leadership continue to obstruct meaningful action on the climate crisis.

October 10, 2024

For Canada, the implications are profound. Historically aligned with U.S. vehicle and emissions standards, Canada now faces a potential divergence. As the U.S. steps back, Canada must forge its own path in climate policy. This is not just an environmental imperative but an economic one. As other nations embrace renewable energy, Canada risks falling behind in the global transition to clean technologies.

Globally, while North America regresses, countries like China and India surge ahead, investing in renewables and electric vehicles. These market-driven changes are not just environmentally sound but economically savvy. The shift to clean energy is becoming the cheapest, most reliable option, leaving fossil fuel-dependent nations at a competitive disadvantage.

The Trump administration’s actions are a stark reminder of the power of ideology over science. It is a regressive move that sacrifices environmental stewardship for the benefit of wealthy fossil fuel tycoons. This is not just a U.S. issue; it is a global one, with Canada directly in its path.

Opinion: Don’t let Donald Trump distract you. The rest of the world is finally making real progress on climate change

The Trump administration's proposed cuts and potential withdrawal from international agreements put the Great Lakes' ecological and economic future at risk.

July 12, 2025

We must redirect our focus and energy to counteract this rollback. Advocacy, legal challenges, and a commitment to sustainable practices are essential. Canada has an opportunity to lead by example, integrating into global clean energy supply chains and setting robust standards that prioritize the planet over profits.

In this critical moment, it is imperative to rise above the noise and acknowledge the reality of climate change. The stakes are too high to ignore. Environmental progress should not be a casualty of political agendas. It’s time to refocus and forge a future where environmental responsibility and economic resilience go hand in hand.

 

Thursday February 12, 2026

A devastating shooting in Tumbler Ridge, BC, has united the nation and beyond with a community in grief, emphasizing the need for compassion and support.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 12, 2026

Also published in Your West Central Voice and Chronicle, and The Winnipeg Sun, and The Las Vegas Review-Journal 

Tumbler Ridge’s Heartfelt Response

March 17, 2021

In the wake of the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, BC, where a devastating shooting claimed ten lives and injured many more, our hearts are with the community. This is a time to come together, offering love, support, and strength to those affected. While Canada is not immune to such horrors, the immediate focus must be on compassion and healing, setting aside other concerns.

News: Ten killed, including suspect, in mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

The swift response by the RCMP and the outpouring of empathy from across the nation and beyond reflect our collective resilience. Leaders and citizens alike have expressed their grief and solidarity, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of such unimaginable loss.

July 25, 2018

As we grieve with Tumbler Ridge, let us remember the importance of connection and support, rallying around those in need. In time, there will be space to explore the causes and prevention of such tragedies, but now, our focus must be on holding this community gently in our thoughts and actions.

As more information emerges, it’s crucial to focus on compassion and constructive dialogue. Encouraging respectful conversations and promoting understanding can help counteract divisive narratives and support healing and unity in the community and beyond.

Wednesday February 11, 2026

The Gordie Howe International Bridge becomes a battleground for U.S.-Canada relations, with Trump's demands met by Carney's diplomatic finesse.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 11, 2026

Published in The Toronto Star. 

Canada’s Measured Response to Trump’s Bridge Demands

Canada and Mexico seek to repair strained ties and strengthen bilateral relations amidst uncertainties with the USMCA, focusing on trade, energy, and cultural exchange.

September 18, 2025

The once steadfast relationship between Canada and the United States faces turbulence as President Donald Trump’s grievances disrupt a longstanding partnership. The latest flashpoint is the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a symbol of cooperation now overshadowed by demands for U.S. ownership and compensation.

News: Trump threatens to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge

Trump’s approach, marked by threats and unilateral demands, has left Canadians frustrated. The bridge, entirely funded by Canadian taxpayers, was intended to bolster trade and connectivity. Instead, it has become a pawn in a game of brinkmanship, emblematic of the broader tensions in U.S.-Canada relations.

July 22, 2021

In this climate, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emerges as a voice of reason. Engaging directly with Trump, Carney clarifies Canada’s contributions and emphasizes the use of U.S. steel and labour in the project. His diplomatic engagement, devoid of escalation, reflects a commitment to preserving dignity and dialogue. Carney’s optimism that the issue will be resolved underscores a belief in diplomacy over discord.

Globally, officials watch with concern as Trump’s actions test alliances and norms. The international community sees leaders like Carney navigating these challenges with composure, reinforcing the importance of measured responses in turbulent times.

Analysis: Mark Carney’s Invisible Weapon

The Canadian Liberal leadership race, featuring candidates like Mark Carney, seeks to address economic challenges posed by Donald Trump's tariffs and define the nation's future direction.

March 7, 2025

In a world where diplomacy often battles against divisive rhetoric, Canada’s approach serves as a reminder of the power of patience and dialogue. As Trump’s presidency continues to unsettle traditional alliances, it is leaders like Carney who demonstrate the enduring value of diplomacy and reason.

© 2026 Graeme MacKay. All rights reserved. Reproduction requires permission. MacKaycartoons.net

Tuesday February 10, 2026

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance celebrated the diversity of the Americas, challenging narrow views of America as solely the United States.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday February 10, 2026

Lessons From A Super Bowl Performance

Marvelous Maps

The Super Bowl halftime show, often the centrepiece of American pop culture, took on a deeper significance this year with Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny’s historic performance. This wasn’t just entertainment; it was a statement—a reminder that America is more than just the United States. It is a vast tapestry of cultures stretching from Canada to Argentina, rich with diversity and history.

Bad Bunny’s performance was a celebration of Latino culture, filled with poignant symbols of Puerto Rican life, from sugar cane fields to traditional dances. It was a tribute to the resilience and beauty of a culture often marginalized in mainstream American narratives. By performing primarily in Spanish, Bad Bunny challenged the monolithic view of America as solely English-speaking and white.

News: Super Bowl 2026 halftime features Canada shoutout and a waving flag: ‘Bad Bunny is Canada down,’ viewers say 

Mark Carney advocates for middle-power coalitions to counter hegemonic dominance, critiquing Trump's tariff tactics for short-sighted gains.

January 27, 2026

His shoutout to Canada and the display of flags from across the Americas were not mere nods but a powerful message of unity. It was a reminder that America is a continent, not a country, and its people are as diverse as its landscapes. In a political climate where division is often sown by those in power, this performance was a call for togetherness and recognition of shared humanity.

The presence of ICE protest symbols and the critique of current U.S. immigration policies highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by many in the Latino community. It was a brave stance against the backdrop of a government that has, at times, fostered division and fear. By using the platform of one of America’s greatest sporting events, Bad Bunny brought these issues to the forefront, making his message inescapable to millions.

The reaction in Canada, where viewers felt pride in being included, underscores the broader appeal of Bad Bunny’s message. It resonated with those who see the United States’ current political path as a temporary detour from the values of inclusion and diversity that should define America.

News: Decoding the nods to Latino culture in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance

Trump’s intervention in Venezuela, driven by oil interests, risks regional instability and global geopolitical shifts.

January 6, 2026

This performance wasn’t anti-American; it was a call to remember what America truly is—a mosaic of cultures and histories, far richer and more complex than any single narrative. It was a reminder that the current political climate is transient, while the cultural and human connections across the Americas endure.

Bad Bunny’s halftime show was a masterclass in using art to foster understanding and unity. It challenged viewers to reconsider what it means to be American and celebrated the vibrant cultures that make up our shared continent. In doing so, it delivered an unforgettable lesson: America is more than a country; it is a community, diverse and beautiful in its complexity.