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affordability

Wednesday February 26, 2025

February 26, 2025 by Graeme MacKay
Doug Ford's focus on tariffs over tangible housing solutions leaves Ontario in a growing affordability and homelessness crisis.

February 26, 2025

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 26, 2025

Tariffs and Tumbles: Ford’s Housing Crisis Unresolved

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.

October 18, 2024

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

Political blame games and distractions from leaders like Justin Trudeau and Doug Ford are stalling any real progress on Canada's housing crisis, which requires bold government intervention rather than market-driven tweaks.

September 27, 2024

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

As homelessness continues to rise in Ontario, especially highlighted during the AMO conference, it is imperative for politicians at all levels and across party lines to unite and implement effective strategies to eliminate encampments and ensure that every citizen has a safe place to call home.

August 21, 2024

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.


It’s frustrating to watch a government that has utterly mishandled the housing issue in Ontario escape proper scrutiny in a sneaky snap election campaign. The evidence is all around us: from the rising number of encampments to the staggering statistics that show a lack of affordable housing options, it’s clear that the Ford government has failed to address this critical issue. Rental prices have skyrocketed, and homelessness continues to grow, reflecting a dire need for immediate action.

While there are other elements at play, like the aftermath of the pandemic and federal immigration policies adding pressure, the Ford government’s focus on Trump tariffs during the election seems misplaced. They’ve dropped the ball, particularly with the Greenbelt fiasco and the absence of a viable alternative plan. It’s evident that any hope for a well-thought-out strategy for what’s to come has been squandered.

How they’re still leading so far ahead in the polls is beyond me. With the election nearly here, it’s disheartening to see leadership that prioritizes distractions over solid action on housing issues. Many are left wondering if they’ve seen enough real action or just a lot of hot air. My job isn’t to suggest a better party to vote for, but to point out the weaknesses of a party given its record—and this government has performed poorly. This is my final opportunity to vent before Ontario heads to the polls on Thursday. If you’re aware of current events, be sure to vote — apathy may lead to the worst outcome, and what a shame that would be.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for February 26, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2025-04, affordability, bouncy castle, construction, crisis, density, Doug Ford, election, Ford, homelessness, housing, Ontario, OntElection2025, prices, Solutions, strategy, Substack, tariffs, voters, zoning

Tuesday February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Trump's latest steel tariffs divert attention from Ontario's pressing provincial issues, urging voters and leaders to refocus on local priorities like healthcare, education, and affordability.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday February 11, 2025 (Also, The Toronto Star.)

Trump’s Steel Tariffs: A Distraction from Ontario’s Real Issues

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.

News: Provincial party leaders say they’ll stand up for Ontarians as Trump set to announce new steel/aluminum tariffs

The Ontario snap election should focus on Doug Ford's track record and governance rather than external distractions like Donald Trump.

February 8, 2025

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

Doug Ford's early election call in Ontario is likely driven by domestic political and economic challenges rather than the threat of tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump.

January 29, 2025

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.


For Tuesday February 11 – Ford Focus

It’s easy to get swept up in the endless headlines about Trump—he thrives on keeping us distracted with his antics, like these steel tariffs. Sure, they’re bad, but honestly, are we really surprised by anything he does anymore?

All last week, and the weeks before, I was caught in the whirlwind of Trump’s latest shockers. But this week, I’m determined to shift my focus to Doug Ford and the upcoming Ontario election. With just 16 days left until we head to the polls, it’s crucial we pay attention to the regional issues that truly matter.

Not to worry loyal subscribers from beyond the borders of Ontario. I’m working on a showcase of my work that’s focused on Donald Trump’s nightmarish environmental policies for my February 15th newsletter.

But back to Ontario, the current party in power doesn’t deserve a free pass to a third term. Yet, with the high polling numbers the PCs are enjoying, it feels like many voters are tuned out, much like in 2022. Let’s fix our attention where it counts and make informed decisions that shape Ontario’s future.

Stay focused, folks!

Please enjoy the February 11, 2024 making-of animated editorial cartoon below.  Posts come out every Saturday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. If you like my editorial cartoons and animations, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. A lot of work goes into these cartoons and commentary — Best of all, it’s free!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Posted in: Ontario, USA Tagged: 2025-03, affordability, art of the deal, distraction, Donald Trump, Doug Ford, education, election, healthcare, leadership, leverage, Ontario, OntElection2025, provincial, Substack, tariffs

Friday January 10, 2025

January 10, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Pierre Poilievre faces a pivotal moment as he must transition from populist rhetoric to substantive policy discussions to address the challenges posed by Justin Trudeau's resignation and Donald Trump's presidency.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 10, 2025

Pierre Poilievre’s Path in Canadian Politics

As Justin Trudeau exits Canadian politics, the nation faces a critical period marked by leadership transition, economic uncertainty, diplomatic challenges, and a governance void exacerbated by prorogation, necessitating decisive action to protect national interests.

January 8, 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.

February 13, 2017

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

Pierre Poilievre is meticulously preparing his populist platform as a diplomatic performance, positioning himself as Canada’s ideal emissary to align with Trump’s second reign while competing with Trudeau’s own courtly overtures.

December 5, 2024

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.

Canada's fragmented political leadership, from a weak federal government to self-serving provincial premiers, leaves the nation vulnerable amid escalating crises such as Trump’s erratic return to power and his punitive tariff threats.

December 3, 2024

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

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.

October 17, 2024

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.


It’s hard to ignore the impact Pierre Poilievre’s slogan “Axe the Tax” has had on his rise in the polls. For months now, this mantra has resonated with Canadians feeling the squeeze from rising interest rates, inflation, and grocery prices. It’s a powerful message that taps into the frustrations of many, convincing them that the government’s carbon pricing scheme is the root cause of their struggles. However, the real question is: what comes next?

Poilievre has yet to outline any concrete plans once he “axes the tax.” His stance on climate change is particularly concerning; he seems to downplay the crisis and lacks a comprehensive climate policy. In a recent press conference, he dismissed potential leadership rivals as “just another Justin Trudeau,” but when it comes to climate issues, he resembles Stephen Harper more than he might care to admit.

With the political landscape shifting—especially with Justin Trudeau’s resignation and Donald Trump’s looming presidency—Poilievre finds himself at a crucial juncture. He must evolve his approach beyond populist rhetoric and engage in meaningful policy discussions. With new Liberal figures like Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney ready to appeal to centrist voters, the challenge for Poilievre will be to protect Canadian interests while navigating external pressures, particularly from the U.S.

As we watch this unfold, it’s essential for all of us to stay informed and engaged. The future of Canadian politics may hinge on how leaders like Poilievre adapt to these complex challenges.

Enjoy the January 10, 2024 making-of animated editorial cartoon below. Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday or Saturday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons.

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Posted in: Canada, Uncategorized Tagged: 2025-01, affordability, boxing, carbon tax, conflict, Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau, Kamala Harris, leadership, Pierre Poilievre, policy, populism, punching, rhetoric, sovereignty, Substack, U.S. relations

The Cost of Living Crisis as we’ve known it

December 28, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

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.

Hello, friends!
As 2024 winds down, I’m excited to share my editorial cartoons through The Graeme Gallery, my Substack newsletter inspired by a cherished Hamilton Spectator tradition. For 28 years, I’ve used cartoons to recap the year’s big stories—locally and globally—with humour and insight.
These annual retrospectives are the inspiration for what I now offer weekly on Substack: newsletters delivered every Saturday, summarizing the week’s events through my cartoons. Subscriptions are free while I remain a staff cartoonist with legacy media.
This year-end series kicks off December 26 with four special posts:
* Dec. 26: Ontario’s key moments.
* Dec. 27: Canada’s ups and downs.
* Dec. 28: The cost-of-living crisis.
* Dec. 29: Donald Trump’s 2024 antics.
Thank you to the 100+ subscribers who’ve already joined—your support keeps this art form alive. Please spread the word, and let’s celebrate satire together.
Happy holidays and here’s to a bright 2025! —Graeme

Please Subscribe. It’s free!

Posted in: Business, Canada, International Tagged: 2024-23, affordability, affordability crisis, cost of living, cost of living crisis, inflation

Wednesday December 11, 2024

December 11, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

The Liberal government’s GST holiday and $250 rebate expose fiscal recklessness, political desperation, and internal discord while failing to address Canada’s systemic economic challenges.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday December 11, 2024

Temporary Measures and Long-Term Recklessness

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.

October 12, 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

Children's direct appeals to Santa Claus have shifted from traditional toy requests to desperate pleas for essentials like food and housing, reflecting growing anxiety influenced by climate change and global conflicts, as highlighted in a recent report from the American Psychological Association and ecoAmerica.

December 8, 2023

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

December 10, 2015

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

The staggered rollout of the federal dental care plan, akin to waiting for the Easter Bunny, with a complex tale of eligibility, income thresholds, co-pay percentages, and fulfilling a Liberal edge to the NDP crutch.

December 13, 2023

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.


With the holidays around the corner, I’ve been getting into the festive spirit, which for me always includes a rewatch of Elf. It’s one of my absolute favourite Christmas movies—right up there with the 1951 A Christmas Carol starring Alistair Sim. That scene in Elf where Buddy calls out the department store Santa with “You sit on a throne of lies” cracks me up every single time – even more so given at this time of the year I actually often do smell like beef and cheese… but I digress. If you caught the December 12 editorial cartoon I shared, now you know where the lines came from!

Speaking of thrones of lies… let’s talk about this GST/HST holiday and $250 rebate the government’s been hyping. On the surface, it might sound like a thoughtful gesture, and a little relief with the cost of living crisis, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that it’s more about scoring political points than actually helping people. Sure, a little extra cash is nice, but these measures don’t address the bigger issues Canadians are dealing with. And then there’s the bickering between the Prime Minister’s Office and Finance Minister Freeland—while they argue about budgets and optics, it’s regular folks who are left wondering how this helps in the long run.

It’s frustrating to see these temporary “fixes” instead of real solutions. It’s like handing out candy canes when what we need is a solid plan for the future. But much like Buddy in Elf, when something doesn’t add up, it’s okay to call it out.

The Liberal government’s GST/HST holiday and $250 rebate, promoted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office despite objections from Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, reveal troubling fiscal irresponsibility and internal tensions. These measures, amounting to over $6 billion in spending, provide minimal relief to Canadians while ignoring root economic issues like housing affordability and stagnant wages. Internal disputes between the PMO and Finance mirror previous rifts, suggesting a government in decline. As political desperation drives short-term fixes, trust in the Liberals’ economic leadership erodes, leaving Canada’s affordability crisis unaddressed and the party’s political future in jeopardy.

Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks.

Here’s the making-of clip for the December 11, 2024 editorial cartoon. Enjoy! Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-22, affordability, Canada, christmas, Chrystia Freeland, cost of living, Elf, GST holiday, Jagmeet Singh, Justin Trudeau, Pierre Poilievre, rebate, Santa Claus, Substack
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