24 Sussex – mackaycartoons

Saturday June 27, 2026

June 27, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday June 27, 2026

Published in The Toronto Star. Posted to Reddit.

From Past to Future: Revitalizing 24 Sussex Drive

April 21, 2026

In a nation as diverse and forward-thinking as Canada, the debate surrounding 24 Sussex Drive, the official residence of the Prime Minister, is more than just a matter of bricks and mortar. It represents a deeper dialogue about heritage, functionality, and national identity. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s initiative to address this issue through a national design competition and fundraising campaign is both timely and commendable.

News: Ottawa launching competition to find firm to rebuild 24 Sussex

September 1, 2023

For a G7 country, the absence of a functional and symbolic residence for its democratically-elected leader is indeed an anomaly. Critics argue about the necessity and funding of such a project; however, it’s important to note the contrast with the residence provided for the Leader of the Official Opposition. Pierre Poilievre, who currently enjoys this privilege, often criticizes the need for a prime ministerial residence, highlighting a certain hypocrisy in his stance.

Carney’s approach is not unprecedented. Historical examples demonstrate that private and public fundraising efforts for official residences are common and not indicative of a failed state:

White House, USA: The White House Historical Association has long engaged in fundraising to conserve and furnish this iconic residence, ensuring it remains both a functional home and a symbol of national history.
Windsor Castle, UK: After the 1992 fire, restoration was funded through insurance, public funds, and private donations. This mixed funding model allowed for a successful restoration without burdening taxpayers excessively.
Prince’s Palace of Monaco: The princely household and affiliated foundations regularly support restorations via private philanthropy and foundation grants, indicating a successful blend of public and private funding.

April 8, 2023

Carney’s fundraising approach ensures that 24 Sussex will become more than just a residence. By involving Canadians in the process, it transforms into a collective national endeavour, promising to be both a private home for the leader and a public space celebrating Canada’s executive branch, akin to the ongoing restoration of the legislative buildings on Parliament Hill.

News: Here’s what the run-down 24 Sussex looks like inside

February 6, 2018

The national design competition opens up possibilities for innovation, allowing architects and citizens alike to weigh in on whether renovation or a rebuild is the best path forward. This exploration reflects our national values of inclusivity and creativity, ensuring that the final decision resonates with the public.

Mark Carney’s commitment to resolving the future of 24 Sussex Drive is a step towards preserving history while embracing a future that reflects Canada’s values and aspirations. It’s an opportunity to create a space that honours our past while inspiring future generations, making it truly a residence of the people.

Tuesday April 21, 2026

April 21, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 21, 2026

Jet-Setting Mishap: Ford’s High-Flying Folly

April 18, 2026

In recent headlines, the Ontario government’s hasty decision to purchase a $28.9 million private jet for Premier Doug Ford has sparked controversy and rapid reversal. This quick flip-flop stands in stark contrast to the prolonged debate over renovating the Prime Minister’s residence at 24 Sussex Drive—a decision mired in public scrutiny and indecision despite being necessary and arguably more fiscally prudent.

As reported by CBC and the Toronto Star, the Ontario government bought a Bombardier Challenger 650 for Ford’s travel needs, justifying it as essential for economic missions and countering U.S. tariffs. However, this decision was made with little to no public consultation or debate. Public backlash was immediate, with critics labeling it a “gravy plane” and highlighting its tone-deafness amidst rising living costs and fiscal constraints.

News: Doug Ford flip-flops, plans to sell recently purchased $28.9-million jet amid public fury

September 1, 2023

Opposition leaders and commentators rightly questioned the transparency and rationale behind such an expense. The rapid decision to sell the jet underscores the lack of foresight and critical evaluation—a knee-jerk purchase based on the assumption that Ontarians would quietly acquiesce.

Contrast this with the torturous debate over 24 Sussex Drive. The residence of Canada’s Prime Minister has long required repairs, but discussions have dragged on due to fears of public criticism over costs. This hesitation persists despite clear necessity; investing in the residence is not only about preserving a historic building but also ensuring the functionality and security of the Prime Minister’s home.

Here lies the irony: a prudent investment in national heritage and operational necessity is stalled by anticipated outrage, while a frivolous jet purchase proceeded swiftly, only to be undone by actual public fury.

Opinion: Memo to the PM: Fix 24 Sussex now

April 8, 2023

The juxtaposition of these two scenarios reveals much about political decision-making. It highlights a reactive rather than proactive approach—acting hastily on a luxury while dithering over a necessity. The Ontario jet saga illustrates the pitfalls of misjudging public priorities and the importance of transparency and public engagement.

Had the jet purchase been subject to the same rigorous debate as 24 Sussex, perhaps taxpayer money would have been better allocated. As noted by readers and critics, transparency in government spending is crucial, and decisions should reflect public interest, not personal luxury.

Investments in public assets, whether a prime minister’s residence or provincial travel capabilities, require thoughtful deliberation and public input. The public deserves transparency and accountability in how their money is spent. As governments navigate these decisions, the lessons from the jet and the residence should guide a more balanced, transparent, and prudent approach to governance.

In the end, it’s about making decisions that serve the public good, not just the whims of those in power.

Friday September 1, 2023

September 1, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday September 1, 2023

Building a New Official Residence for Canada’s Prime Minister

April 8, 2023

The current state of the prime minister’s official residence, 24 Sussex Drive, leaves much to be desired. It is no secret that the house is in desperate need of repairs and renovations, making it uninhabitable. However, while plans are being considered for a new official residence, there is an interesting twist to this story.

Recent polls have shown a surge in support for the Conservative party, with Pierre Poilievre emerging as a potential future occupant of the prime minister’s residence. It is quite ironic that Poilievre, who has expressed little interest in the refurbishment or replacement of the official residence, could find himself residing in a place that requires a gatekeeper.

News: Security concerns might finally solve the 24 Sussex conundrum

February 6, 2018

Poilievre has made it clear that his priorities lie elsewhere, and he envisions a more basic and secure residence for the prime minister. He emphasizes the need for practicality and the ability to receive dignitaries while ensuring the utmost security. Little did he know that a gatekeeper might be necessary for a residence that requires such extensive renovations and repairs.

As the discussions about the future of the prime minister’s residence continue, it is essential to consider the aspirations of potential future occupants like Poilievre. While he may not prioritize the refurbishment, his design input could greatly influence the architecture and functionality of the new residence, from the living quarters to formal reception areas and, ironically, the gatekeeper’s role in ensuring security.

News: 24 Sussex wasn’t always a rat-infested death trap

August 9, 2023

It is intriguing to think about the prospect of Poilievre residing in a residence that he initially deemed unimportant. Perhaps this would provide him with a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the prime minister and their need for a suitable and secure place to live and work.

As the government explores options for the future of the prime minister’s residence, including potential new locations or a complete rebuild, it is crucial to take into account the desires and input of potential occupants like Poilievre. After all, a residence worthy of Canada’s prime minister should accommodate the needs and preferences of its future residents, including the ironic necessity of a gatekeeper. (AI)

Saturday April 8, 2023

April 7, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday April 8, 2023

Demolition by Neglect

The state of 24 Sussex Drive, the official residence of the Canadian prime minister, is a fitting metaphor for Canada’s declining international reputation. The building has been unoccupied since 2015 due to its severe state of disrepair, just as Canada’s influence and standing on the global stage has been steadily eroding in recent years.

News: ‘An embarrassment to the nation’: Former PM Chretien on state of 24 Sussex Drive

May 8, 2008

Canada’s traditional allies, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, have been preoccupied with their own domestic issues, leaving Canada to fend for itself. Its once-sterling reputation on the world stage has taken a hit in recent years, with the country being accused of being a laggard on climate change, Indigenous reconciliation, and global security. Furthermore, Canada has been slow to respond to China’s human rights abuses and has been hesitant to take a more assertive stance on the world stage, unlike France, which has been pushing for a more assertive European Union.

February 6, 2018

France’s ambassador to Canada, Michel Miraillet, recently highlighted Canada’s weak military engagement and urged the country to choose between broadening its links with Europe or tying itself entirely to the United States. Miraillet argued that the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia was the culmination of a decade of Moscow and Beijing working to weaken democracies.

News: French envoy: Canada should link with Europe, surpass ‘weak’ military engagement

Miraillet’s warning that all elected leaders are subject to short-term mandates while autocrats remain in power, and his suggestion that Canada needs to demonstrate a commitment to global security, echoes concerns raised by other countries about Canada’s declining influence.

January 12, 2022

As the world organizes itself along new axes of power, with the China-Russia pact on one side and democracies on the other, Canada cannot continue to align itself only with American interests. The democratic world needs to act together and have close friends to navigate the transition to a more multipolar logic. Canada must deepen its partnership with countries such as France to strengthen its position on the world stage.

The dilapidated state of 24 Sussex Drive is a physical representation of Canada’s current state of disrepair. It is time for Canada to invest in itself, to strengthen its military and its commitment to global security, and to broaden its links with Europe. If Canada fails to act, it risks being left behind in a world where autocrats are gaining power and democracies are losing ground. (AI)

Thursday August 26, 2021

September 2, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 26, 2021

Trudeau promises new incentives worth billions and a tax on ‘flipping’ to help Canadians buy a home

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau today promised a suite of new measures to help Canadians buy a home at a time when a red-hot housing market has made owning property seem like a distant dream for many young people.

April 7, 2017

Speaking to reporters in Hamilton, Trudeau said the real estate market is afflicted by “instability” and “uncertainty” and a COVID-fuelled spike has led to soaring prices, bidding wars, rampant speculation and too many vacant properties. He said the situation demands government intervention to help more people acquire their own homes.

The aggressive plan — billions of dollars in new funding, measures to curb the practice of “flipping” homes, efforts to block foreign nationals from buying homes for two years and new regulatory measures to police exploitative real estate agents — comes at a time when Canadians are telling pollsters that housing is one of the issues they care about most.

September 12, 2019

The three-point program includes commitments to “unlock home ownership” through new government funding, a plan to build more homes to address supply constraints and measures to establish and protect new rights for buyers.

“If you work hard, if you save, that dream of having your own place should be in reach. But for too many people, it just isn’t — and that’s not right,” Trudeau said.

“You shouldn’t have to move far away from your job or school or family to afford your rent. You shouldn’t lose a bidding war on your home to speculators. It’s time for things to change.”

If the Liberals are re-elected on Sept. 20, Trudeau said, he would introduce a first home savings account which would allow Canadians up to age 40 to save $40,000 toward their first home and withdraw it tax-free when it comes time to buy. Money added to the account would go in tax-free and could be withdrawn without any taxes owing on possible investment gains.

May 7, 2014

He said a Liberal government would double the first-time home buyers tax credit from $5,000 to $10,000 — an incentive that would help with the many closing costs that come with buying property.

“Let’s remember, in 2017, as we launched that national housing strategy, we were starting from a standing start because for the previous ten years a Conservative government decided the federal government had no role to play in housing. That’s wrong,” Trudeau said. “But absolutely, there is more to do — much more to do.”

Trudeau took a swipe at Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole’s housing plan, which commits to building one million new homes over three years while easing mortgage requirements and making more federal land available for development.

May 8, 2008

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, O’Toole said he won’t take lessons from Trudeau on housing.

“Mr. Trudeau’s had six years and he’s failed. The housing crisis has exploded in the last three, four years under his leadership,” O’Toole said. “After six years of inaction, more hollow words today is not what Canadians deserve. They deserve a plan.”

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh was equally critical, saying the situation has only gotten worse in the last six years under Trudeau.

Federal Election 2021

“Housing has become more expensive. Renting has become more expensive. We can’t handle another four years of this,” Singh said at a campaign stop in Mississauga, Ont., where he announced a plan to nationalize Revera, the country’s largest for-profit long-term care home operator.(CBC)