
The Cost of Living Crisis As We Knew it in 2024 | December 28, 2024 | Substack Newsletter
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 26, 2025
As Ontarians get ready to vote, the housing crisis remains a major issue that Premier Doug Ford’s government hasn’t properly tackled. Instead of focusing on affordable housing solutions, Ford has turned attention to upcoming tariffs from the Trump administration, which are likely to raise the costs of building materials. This distraction comes at a time when many can’t afford homes and homelessness is increasing.
News: How Ontario’s housing crisis got so bad
Ford’s decision to call an election 18 months early was partly based on these tariffs, yet his government hasn’t offered a clear plan to deal with the resulting cost hikes. Critics note that spending on affordable housing and homelessness has barely changed over the past decade. Meanwhile, homelessness has jumped by 25% since 2022, affecting 81,000 people in 2024. The government’s response has been weak, focusing on clearing homeless encampments instead of finding long-term solutions.
Since Ford took office, the average home price in Ontario has shot up by 42%, exceeding national rates. Housing construction is lagging, and the goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2031 seems far off, with a shortfall of 740,000 units. Ford’s approach has been more reactive than proactive, failing to tackle the root causes of the crisis. The reluctance to support family-friendly housing and co-op models, along with zoning and bureaucratic delays, has hindered progress. Even the Housing Affordability Task Force’s recommendations have largely been ignored.
Opinion: Doug Ford is failing to deliver on housing. Here’s what needs to change after Thursday’s election
Despite these challenges, voters seem ready to give Ford another majority. This is puzzling, given that the opposition parties have proposed more robust plans. The NDP and Greens want to increase housing density and legalize four-plexes, while the Liberals aim to lower homeownership costs by reducing development charges.
Ford’s lack of a clear strategy amid upcoming tariffs and his poor handling of the housing crisis are missed opportunities to build trust and secure Ontario’s future. Housing is not just an economic issue; it’s about providing everyone with a decent place to live. As Ontarians vote, they should demand leadership that addresses housing affordability with real solutions, not just talk. The province’s future depends on it.
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday February 11, 2025 (Also, The Toronto Star.)
In the latest international spotlight, President Donald Trump has once again captured attention with his announcement of a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports. While such a move fits Trump’s pattern of disruption, it also highlights a troubling diversion from the pressing provincial issues here in Ontario.
The truth is, these tariffs fall squarely within federal jurisdiction. Negotiating trade agreements and handling international relations are tasks for the federal government. Yet, the overwhelming focus on Trump’s tariffs effectively steals the spotlight from vital provincial concerns that demand our immediate attention.
Healthcare in Ontario is in dire need of reform. Endless wait times in emergency rooms, a shortage of family doctors, and strained mental health services require urgent action. Ontarians deserve a healthcare system that meets their needs promptly and efficiently, not one overshadowed by international trade theatrics.
Education, too, is suffering. Underfunded schools, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated curriculums directly impact our youth’s future. Addressing these challenges demands thoughtful policy-making and investment, not distractions from political drama on the international stage.
Affordability remains a critical concern for many Ontarians. From soaring housing prices to the rising cost of living, these hardships hit home and require immediate action. Solutions won’t be found in Washington; they must be crafted and implemented right here in Ontario.
Analysis: Trump’s steel and aluminum tariff plan shows uncertainty is his modus operandi
Moreover, provincial scandals and governance issues need transparency and accountability. The electorate deserves leaders focused on resolving internal challenges and maintaining integrity, rather than getting embroiled in international posturing.
While the focus on Trump’s tariffs provides a convenient narrative for leaders like Doug Ford to rally around external threats, it does a disservice to Ontarians who expect their leaders to prioritize and address the issues impacting their daily lives. This strategy might temporarily shift the narrative, but it also presents an opportunity for opposition parties to emphasize the importance of addressing provincial issues that directly affect voters.
Voters in Ontario also need to maintain perspective. These tariffs are nothing new from Trump. While they may cause short-term pain and hardship, history shows they are often part of a negotiation process that eventually leads to their removal. Keeping calm and focusing on long-term provincial issues will ensure that our leaders remain dedicated to priorities that truly impact our lives.
Ultimately, leadership is about balancing multiple priorities and maintaining a steadfast commitment to constituents’ needs. Let’s ensure Ontario’s real issues aren’t lost in the noise of international rhetoric, but are given the attention and action they so desperately require.
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 10, 2025
As Canada stands on the brink of a significant political transition, Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, finds himself at a pivotal moment. The resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the ensuing Liberal leadership race, and the impending return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency have created a complex landscape that demands nuanced navigation. Poilievre’s approach, characterized by populist rhetoric and a focus on critiquing Liberal policies, must evolve to address the multifaceted challenges that lie ahead.
Poilievre’s political strategy has largely revolved around painting a picture of a “broken” Canada under Trudeau’s leadership. His catchy slogans, such as “Axe the Tax,” resonate with voters frustrated by economic and environmental policies they perceive as burdensome. However, as the political dynamics shift with Trudeau’s departure, Poilievre’s reliance on populist rhetoric may prove insufficient. The challenge now is to pivot from slogans to substantive policy discussions that address the real concerns of Canadians.
Opinion: Poilievre’s dissing of Canada plays into Trump’s hands
The return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office presents a unique challenge for Canada-U.S. relations. Trump’s provocative statements about Canada becoming the 51st state, though implausible, underscore the power imbalance between the two nations. Poilievre’s shared populist tendencies with Trump may not translate into better relations. As Debra Thompson points out, Trump’s focus is not on ideology but on loyalty, rendering him largely unmanageable by either Canadian leader.
Trudeau’s resignation has opened the door for a new Liberal leader—potentially Chrystia Freeland or Mark Carney—who could appeal to centrist voters and challenge Poilievre’s populist appeal. As Konrad Yakabuski highlights, Poilievre’s strategy, centered on attacking Trudeau, must now adapt to confront a potentially revitalized Liberal Party. This shift presents an opportunity for Poilievre to engage in a battle of ideas rather than relying solely on criticism and slogans.
In this era of political and economic uncertainty, the key challenge for any Canadian leader is to protect the nation’s interests without succumbing to external pressures. Poilievre’s task is to navigate a political culture that values stability, compromise, and sovereignty. As Canada faces potential volatility from American policies, Poilievre must prioritize safeguarding Canada’s hard-won independence and focus on domestic strengths.
Opinion: Poilievre will need a new playbook as the Liberals pull their quarterback
Public opinion on Poilievre is divided. Some view him as a necessary change from the Trudeau era, while others criticize his populist tactics and lack of substantive policy proposals. Concerns about his qualifications and experience echo in reader comments, alongside skepticism about his ability to lead Canada through complex international relations.
Pierre Poilievre stands at a critical juncture in Canadian politics. As the nation prepares for an election that could redefine its leadership, Poilievre’s ability to adapt his strategy and engage in meaningful policy debates will be crucial. The path forward requires balancing populist appeal with pragmatic solutions that address the diverse needs of Canadians. In navigating these challenges, Poilievre has the opportunity to redefine his leadership and shape Canada’s future in a rapidly changing world.
The Cost of Living Crisis As We Knew it in 2024 | December 28, 2024 | Substack Newsletter
Posted to the Hamilton Spectator, December 28, 2024
These editorial cartoons over the past few years highlight the tough times many Canadians have and are currently facing with rising living costs, especially when it comes to food. They point out how prices for everyday items, like groceries and butter, have skyrocketed, making it harder for families to make ends meet. The increase in food bank use shows the growing need for support as government action seems slow.
While some retailers are trying to improve practices, there’s a sense that more needs to be done to tackle the bigger problems affecting people’s wallets. Short-term solutions, like HST holidays and rebates, might provide temporary relief, but they don’t address the root issues. What’s truly needed are long-term remedies that ensure sustainable affordability and economic stability for all Canadians. Overall, it’s a call for better solutions to help everyone cope with these financial challenges in a meaningful way.
Friday December 10, 2021: We’ll all be paying a lot more for food next year, says Canada’s Food Price Report. Sky-high food prices were one of many negative impacts that Canadians felt during the pandemic-plagued year of 2021. And a new report suggests that problem is only going to get worse next year.
Thursday September 29, 2022: Butter is our lifeblood, our saving grace. When all else fails, butter is there for us to spread on toast, toss into mashed potatoes, shower on our movie popcorn, or use to whip up a cake. But this essential ingredient is starting to cost a pretty penny, and right before its biggest time to shine, the holiday baking season.
Thursday April 13, 2023: Move over, Tiffany’s! The hottest place to shop for precious commodities is now your local supermarket. With prices soaring to new heights, Canadians are flocking to grocery chains with the same excitement and anticipation as shopping for gold, diamonds, and expensive gems in a jewelry store.
Wednesday August 2, 2023: Inflation has been a significant concern for the Canadian economy, impacting all aspects of daily life, with grocery prices being hit the hardest. In recent months, the cost of living has surged by almost six percent, while grocery prices have soared nearly double that pace, leaving consumers feeling the pinch. As prices rise, the profits of big grocery chains have reached record highs, further exacerbating the disparity between their financial success and the plight of their low-wage workers.
Thursday October 26, 2023: Yesterday’s announcements highlight the challenges of high inflation and housing costs in Canada. The report on food banks shows the growing need for affordable options, while the Bank of Canada’s focus on managing inflation could lead to rate hikes. It’s clear that addressing affordability, inflation, and social support is crucial.
Tuesday March 5, 2024: Despite falling inflation, the Bank of Canada is likely to keep interest rates steady, raising questions about an immediate drop in borrowing costs.
Tuesday March 11, 2024: Loud budgeting emerges as a powerful societal roar against corporate exploitation, stagnant wages, and governmental financial burdens, empowering individuals to reclaim control over their finances and challenge systemic inequities.
Tuesday April 9, 2024: Today’s youth face a profound struggle with financial insecurity and societal pressures, hindering their ability to engage amid a pervasive cost of living crisis.
Thursday April 11, 2024: The decision by the Bank of Canada to maintain interest rates at 5% underscores the economic struggles faced by middle-income families, who play a vital role in driving economic activity but bear the brunt of stagnant wages, rising costs of living, and financial pressures exacerbated by high borrowing costs.
Saturday May 18, 2024: The recent announcement that Loblaw Companies Ltd. and other major retailers are ready to sign on to Canada’s grocery code of conduct is being presented as a significant step toward fairer practices within the grocery supply chain. However, this development is unlikely to bring about the substantial changes needed to address the deeper issues affecting the industry and consumers.
Friday May 31, 2024: Innovative leadership is essential to address Canada’s inflation crisis, bridging the gap between optimistic official statistics and the harsh financial realities many Canadians face.
Thursday June 6, 2024: Amidst the Bank of Canada’s rate cuts offering borrowers a glimmer of hope, the rollercoaster journey of economic recovery is shadowed by the relentless challenge of rising living costs.
Friday September 13, 2024: The rise in food bank usage highlights government inaction on poverty, housing, and social services, and food banks cannot continue to serve as a substitute for systemic reform
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 – Wednesday December 11, 2024
The Liberal government’s latest attempts at economic relief—a GST holiday on select goods and a proposed $250 rebate for middle-income Canadians—highlight not just the policy’s shortcomings but a deeper malaise within Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership and his administration’s fiscal discipline. The measures have exposed widening cracks between Trudeau’s office and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, underscoring a government increasingly at odds with itself and struggling to manage mounting political and economic crises.
Analysis: Trudeau’s office at odds with Finance Minister Freeland over GST holiday, $250 cheques, sources say
Sources reveal that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), not Freeland’s Finance Department, pushed for the tax holiday and rebate despite internal resistance. Finance officials reportedly deemed the GST holiday fiscally unsound, and experts agree that the rebate—capped at incomes as high as $150,000—lacks precision, failing to adequately target Canada’s most vulnerable. These initiatives represent over $6 billion in spending at a time when the deficit already exceeds Freeland’s public commitment of $40.1 billion. Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux projects the deficit will reach $46.4 billion, calling into question the government’s claims of fiscal restraint.
The political motivations behind these measures are transparent. Trudeau, facing flagging poll numbers and an emboldened Conservative opposition, appears to be grasping at short-term fixes that deliver minimal relief to Canadians while ignoring structural economic challenges. The GST holiday will likely benefit retailers and wealthier consumers more than struggling households, who spend little on discretionary goods. Meanwhile, the $250 rebate’s exclusion of seniors and people with disabilities has drawn sharp criticism.
News: Liberal government survives third Conservative non-confidence vote
The dysfunction within the government only amplifies these policy failures. Tensions between Freeland and the PMO mirror the dynamics that led to former finance minister Bill Morneau’s departure in 2020. Freeland, who once embodied Trudeau’s economic strategy, now appears caught between loyalty to her boss and mounting frustrations within her own department. Despite public denials, insiders note that the PMO has increasingly sidelined Freeland, relying on senior staff with little financial expertise to advance spending plans that prioritize political expediency over sound governance.
This internal discord comes as Canadians lose confidence in the Liberals’ ability to manage the economy. Reader comments in major publications reflect growing exasperation, with criticisms ranging from accusations of incompetence to allegations of a government disconnected from the realities of working households. Trudeau’s leadership style—often characterized by bold announcements lacking substantive follow-through—is wearing thin, leaving even long-time supporters questioning the administration’s direction.
News: The GST/HST holiday tax break kicks in this week. Here is what is covered
As the government lurches from one short-term fix to the next, the broader economic picture grows bleaker. Canadians continue to struggle with housing costs, stagnant wages, and inflation-driven erosion of purchasing power, while government spending balloons without addressing these root causes. The current measures, far from reassuring voters, may hasten the government’s political decline as trust in its economic stewardship erodes.
What Canada needs is not politically motivated giveaways but serious, structural reforms. Targeted relief for low-income households, investments in housing and childcare, and policies to boost productivity and wages are essential. If Trudeau’s Liberals remain unwilling or unable to chart a coherent path forward, their time in power will likely end in defeat and disillusionment.