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Tuesday April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 1, 2025

Poilievre’s Dilemma: Navigating Tariffs, Allegations, and ‘Maple MAGA

March 25, 2025

In the turbulent waters of Canadian politics, Pierre Poilievre finds himself at a crossroads. As U.S. President Donald Trump escalates trade tensions with his planned “Liberation Day” tariffs, the question looms large: Will Poilievre pivot his campaign to address the pressing economic threats posed by Trump, even at the risk of alienating his own supporters who admire the U.S. President?

The stakes are high. Canada’s auto industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, stands on the precipice of significant disruption. Trump’s tariffs are not just economic measures; they are a direct challenge to Canada’s sovereignty and economic stability. Yet, while other political leaders have adjusted their focus to confront this threat, Poilievre’s campaign appears to remain steadfast on domestic issues, often characterized by attacks on the Liberal government and a notable reluctance to confront Trump head-on.

Analysis: Pressure mounts on Poilievre to refocus Conservative campaign on Donald Trump

March 15, 2025

This strategic choice raises critical questions about Poilievre’s leadership and vision for Canada. Is it enough to tell Trump to “knock it off,” when the very fabric of Canada’s economic future is at stake? Such a phrase, reminiscent of a reprimand to a misbehaving pet, falls short of addressing the gravity of the situation.

To his supporters, Poilievre is a champion of conservative values, a voice against high taxes and government overreach. Within his base are the “maple MAGA” supporters—those Canadian conservatives who find resonance with Trump’s policies and style. However, the current geopolitical landscape demands more than partisan rhetoric. It requires a leader who can transcend party lines, someone who can unify Canadians against an external threat that transcends political affiliations.

February 20, 2025

Yet, pivoting to confront Trump poses its own risks. By taking a firm stance against Trump, Poilievre risks alienating the “maple MAGA” segment of his supporters, potentially fracturing the party’s unity. This delicate balancing act is a test of Poilievre’s political acumen and courage.

News: Doug Ford’s internal polling paints grim election prospects for Pierre Poilievre in Ontario

January 9, 2025

Criticism from within conservative ranks adds another layer of complexity. Kory Teneycke, a key advisor to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, has been outspoken in his critique of Poilievre’s approach. Teneycke’s insights highlight the internal tensions within the conservative movement, where strategic focus and leadership direction are hotly contested. In a display of apparent desperation, the Conservative Party has resorted to mudslinging tactics, including promoting unfounded allegations linking Liberal leader Mark Carney to Ghislaine Maxwell and questioning the integrity of his doctoral thesis. These moves may underscore the pressures Poilievre faces as he navigates this challenging political landscape.

Analysis: Don’t fall for AI-generated image showing Canada’s PM Mark Carney, Ghislaine Maxwell and Tom Hanks

November 9 2024

Moreover, the strategic pivot required is not just about rhetoric. It involves presenting a clear, actionable plan to protect Canadian industries, to reassure workers whose livelihoods are at stake, and to articulate a vision of Canada that is resilient, independent, and forward-looking.

Poilievre’s challenge is to move beyond the negative strategies of attacking domestic political foes and to address the existential threat that Trump presents to Canadians. It is a moment for leadership that transcends the usual political playbook, demanding a response that is as bold and decisive as the challenges Canada faces.

As the election approaches, the choice for Poilievre is clear: Continue on the current path, or pivot with purpose and resolve. The latter could define his legacy as a leader capable of navigating Canada through one of its most significant economic and political challenges. Whether Poilievre will seize this moment remains to be seen, but with critical voices like Kory Teneycke urging a reevaluation, the opportunity for transformative leadership is undeniable.

Fiery Conservatives

Just wrapped up the editorial cartoon, and wow, it didn’t take long for the conspiracy theories to start swirling around Mark Carney during the first week of the election campaign! The mudslinging is in full swing, with the Conservatives trying to tie Carney to Ghislaine Maxwell through an AI-generated image. Even though it’s been debunked, and real photos show no real connection, some folks just can’t resist a juicy story, right?

And then there’s the plagiarism drama with Carney’s doctoral thesis. The National Post is pointing fingers, but Carney’s old Oxford supervisor has his back, calling the claims a big misunderstanding. It’s wild how these stories pop up so fast, almost like a sign of desperation. Guess when a campaign’s in trouble, the far-fetched stories and evil thoughts start to fly, and before you know it, enough gullible people are spreading the nonsense.

The crazy part is, these stories do stick around. Whether it’s Hillary Clinton supposedly running a pedophile ring or Justin Trudeau being the love child of Fidel Castro, they take on a life of their own, infecting soft-brained voters. Once these tales get going, it’s like trying to stop a runaway train.

But maybe, just maybe, voters are becoming more aware of the misinformation that’s becoming more pervasive with every election. Hopefully, over time, they’ve accumulated some street smarts to separate the real from the fake. Fingers crossed!

Enjoy the making of clip of my editorial cartoon for April 1, 2025, and if you haven’t, please subscribe:

YouTube animation: https://youtu.be/R31qSCSRMjg

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Saturday March 2, 2019

March 9, 2019 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 2, 2019

SNC-Lavalin and Preferential Treatment

Just when it seems that the scandal currently plaguing the federal government could not get much worse, the federal government may have another trick up its sleeve.

March 1, 2019

First, some background. The federal government’s procurement website states that “in 2015, we introduced a regime to ensure the government does business only with ethical suppliers….”

Federal procurement policies include an Integrity Regime to “help foster ethical business practices, ensure due process and uphold the public trust. It is transparent and rigorous and is consistent with best practices in Canada and abroad.”

As if attempts to secure a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) for SNC-Lavalin weren’t enough, it has been reported that the government now wants to change the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy under the Integrity Regime.

February 23, 2019

That policy sets out the circumstances in which a criminal conviction will result in an organization becoming ineligible to bid on federal contracts. The list of offences that result in ineligibility include bribery, lobbying offences, fraud, false or deceptive statements, and money laundering. The ineligibility period is five or 10 years, depending on the crime.

The proposed changes would give the government more flexibility to decide whether a ban should apply, and if so, for how long.

The federal government is determined to ensure that SCN Lavalin remains eligible to bid on federal government contracts.

The stated reason is to protect jobs. Quebec jobs, to be specific.

The unstated reason may be to protect votes in Quebec.

Why the steely determination to protect this company?

February 18, 2016

Even considering possible political motives, it still seems to defy logic.

After all, it is possible that a corporation’s unsavory conduct may contribute to its growth and stifle competition. Would it be so successful without it?

If SNC-Lavalin goes under, surely someone else will fill the void, and employees will find work elsewhere. Albeit, this may not all happen before election day.

It is perhaps finally obvious to the federal government that it will be difficult to invite SNC-Lavalin to enter a DPA.

So instead, it plans to change the criteria for awarding federal contracts.

This could prove problematic. And possibly rather expensive. (Continued: Kelowna Capital News)

Reference made to this cartoon on CBC Radio One show “The Current”, Tuesday March 4, 2019 by Jason Markusoff, Alberta correspondent for Maclean’s magazine. 7:35minute mark.

Tuesday November 27, 2018

December 4, 2018 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 27, 2018

USMCA not to blame for GM plant closures, but it’s killing all hope of exporting from North America

U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies were likely just one factor among many that contributed to General Motors’ decision to shutter multiple plants in the U.S. and one in Oshawa in Ontario, analysts say.

April 29, 2009

But the closures will undoubtedly sharpen scrutiny of the White House’s “America First” trade agenda — a strategy aimed at preserving jobs in traditional industries through controversial measures including steel and aluminum tariffs that have ultimately squeezed automakers, analysts say.

“Only a few months ago GM said that the Trump tariffs were costing a billion dollars but they were going to wait until after the mid-term elections to take action,” said Dennis DesRosiers, president of DesRosiersAutomotive Consultants. “It is now past the elections and they are taking action. Partial blame for this goes to Trump and his isolationist policies. It is much bigger than U.S. politics, but it certainly is part of the issue.”

January 13, 2009

GM will shutter its factory in Oshawa as part of a global restructuring as the company shifts to manufacturing electric and autonomous vehicles. The move will see 2,973 jobs cut by the end of 2019 at the Oshawa plant, which has been in operation since 1953. The Detroit firm will also slash a total of 6,705 jobs at plants located in Warren, Ohio; White Marsh, Md; and two facilities in Michigan.

Other Canadian manufacturing facilities in St. Catharines and Ingersoll, Ont. will not be affected.

“Trade headwinds” and, in particular, Trump’s tariffs of 25 per cent on imported steel and 10 per cent on aluminum, have also been identified as a key business challenge by more than one automaker as they attempt to make difficult transitions in their product lines and operations. In September, executives at Ford Motor Co. blamed the tariffs for taking US$1 billion out of company profits. (Source: Financial Post)

“I honestly don’t think Trump devotees will mind that autoworkers are losing their jobs.”

March 17, 2001

March 17, 2001 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – March 17, 2001

Crackdown on Agressive Walking

More than 40 pedestrians have died in traffic accidents in Hamilton in the past six years.

Last year alone, 470 people were hit by cars. Of the eight who died, three were to blame for the accident.

Police are now gearing up to catch law-breaking pedestrians and aggressive drivers in May as part of the annual road safety blitz.

“People walk out whenever they feel like it,” said Hamilton Constable John Rusnak. “It only takes about 40 seconds for the light to change. It’s certainly worth life and limb to wait.”

About six Hamilton pedestrians die in traffic accidents every year — a total of 43 since 1995. The May jaywalking blitz will focus on three of Hamilton’s worst intersections: King Street East and Wellington Street, Barton Street East and Kenora Avenue, and Ogilvie Street and Governor’s Road.

Anyone caught disobeying the signals or failing to use the crosswalk could face a fine of up to $40.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, a person can be charged with failing to use the designated crosswalk if they are within 100 metres of the crosswalk.

“We’re just saying: ‘Listen –cross the proper way,'” Rusnak said. “We want to reduce the number of people struck on our streets.” (Source: Hamilton Spectator)