mackaycartoons

Graeme MacKay's Editorial Cartoon Archive

  • Archives
  • DOWNLOADS
  • Kings & Queens
  • MacKaycartoons Inc.
  • Prime Ministers
  • Special Features
  • The Boutique
  • Who?
  • Young Doug Ford
  • Presidents

Bonnie Crombie

Thursday February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Canada's leaders at all levels must seize the opportunity to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers, strengthening the economy and ensuring resilience against global trade uncertainties.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 6, 2025 (Also, The Toronto Star)

Breaking Down Barriers: A Call to Action for Canada’s Internal Trade

A distracted and weakened federal government has created a leadership vacuum, forcing the provinces to step up in addressing the existential challenges posed by a potential second Trump presidency.

December 18, 2024

With U.S. tariffs looming large on the horizon, Canada stands at a critical juncture. The temporary reprieve from these trade threats offers a golden opportunity to strengthen our domestic economy by dismantling the interprovincial trade barriers that have long hindered our growth. Now, more than ever, all levels of Canadian government must turn political rhetoric into tangible action.

Transport and Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre both recognize the crucial need to boost internal trade. Anand is making strides by promoting mutual recognition of regulations and enhancing labor mobility across provinces. Meanwhile, Poilievre has proposed a “free trade bonus” to incentivize provinces to eliminate trade barriers, promising financial rewards based on the economic benefits of deregulation.
The potential rewards are significant. Studies suggest that removing these barriers could add up to $200 billion annually to Canada’s GDP, translating into substantial savings for Canadian families and a stronger, more resilient economy. Deloitte’s report even estimates that families could save over $6,000 each year by reducing these barriers.

News: Interprovincial trade barriers: what they are, why they exist and how to cut them

Alberta must balance its oil interests with national unity, aligning with other provinces to strengthen Canada's position against potential U.S. tariffs.

January 17, 2025

However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. The Canadian Free Trade Agreement remains bogged down with exceptions that prevent the free flow of goods like alcohol and cannabis. Furthermore, some provinces and industries benefit from these barriers and may resist change. Public comments often highlight skepticism about provinces like Quebec and Ontario, which have been slow to embrace free trade ideals.

To overcome these obstacles, a unified, bipartisan effort is essential. Provinces must put aside regional protectionism and collaborate with the federal government to standardize regulations and enhance labor mobility. This includes addressing professional licensing standards, as suggested by Poilievre’s proposed “Blue Seal” certification, and ensuring that procurement and transportation rules are consistent across the country.

Beyond economic benefits, breaking down these barriers will make Canada more resilient against global market changes and reduce costs for consumers. By fostering a more integrated national market, we can enhance our competitiveness and create a more dynamic business environment.

News: Canada can do ‘substantial’ work fast on internal trade, minister says

Doug Ford's call for a mandate to address potential U.S. tariffs distracts from his government's pressing domestic issues and highlights the necessity for Canada to diversify trade relations and reduce interprovincial barriers.

January 24, 2025

As we approach provincial elections, it’s crucial for candidates to prioritize these issues. For too long, interprovincial trade barriers have been a topic of discussion without meaningful action. Voters should demand more than just promises; they should insist on concrete plans and timelines for change. Provincial leaders need to commit to working collaboratively with the federal government to streamline regulations and improve trade and labor mobility across the country.

Voters must hold candidates accountable, challenging them to pledge specific measures and deadlines for reducing these barriers. By prioritizing action over rhetoric, we can transform longstanding challenges into opportunities for economic growth and stability.

Comment: We’ll believe Ontario is ‘Team Canada’ on interprovincial trade when we see it

Now is the time for decisive action. The passion and urgency generated by external threats should fuel our commitment to dismantle internal barriers. By doing so, we can turn a moment of uncertainty into an opportunity for lasting growth and stability. Canada must seize this chance to fortify its economy from within, ensuring that we not only weather global market shifts but thrive in their wake. It’s time for provinces to step up and deliver real progress, ensuring that Canada is not only prepared for global market shifts but also thriving from within.


I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the talk of removing interprovincial trade barriers may seem dull, but it’s crucial for the provinces to work on this for the benefit of consumers and the strength of our country. For too long, provincial premiers have maintained bureaucratic and protectionist barriers that offer no benefit to consumers, making it easier for Canadian businesses to trade with foreign countries than within their own nation. It’s absurd, and it demands hard work, time, negotiation, and a commitment to cutting through the red tape. In Ontario, there’s even a minister of red tape reduction, and this issue should be at the top of their agenda. With the current economic tensions, including a 30 day “ceasefire,” mere tears, booing national anthems and other theatrics simply won’t suffice. We need real action, and especially in the midst of a provincial elections, politicians should focus on eliminating these barriers when they aren’t kissing babies. All provincial leaders must prioritize this issue—it’s the one thing they can truly address. It may not be a sexy issue, and it won’t grab headlines when a small business gains more economic freedom, but dismantling interprovincial trade barriers is essential. It requires hard work, and this is precisely what we expect from our politicians, especially in times of crisis. Voters need to demand this every day of the election campaign, and it must become a pledged commitment by all leaders. Let’s push for meaningful change where it counts!

Please check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for February 6, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I release my post every Saturday morning summarizing the week through my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading here is a “note,” designed to help craft my weekly posts and display the animated versions of my daily cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2025-03, barriers, Bonnie Crombie, Canada, collaboration, Doug Ford, Economy, elections, growth, Marit Stiles, Ontario, OntElection2025, provinces, regulation, resilience, Substack, Trade, walls

Saturday February 1, 2025

February 1, 2025 by Graeme MacKay
Ontario's provincial leaders are strategically distancing themselves from their federal counterparts, reflecting broader political disunity and redefining party dynamics ahead of the upcoming election.

February 1, 2025

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday February 1, 2025

Ontario’s Leaders Break Free from Federal Ties

In week one of Ontario’s provincial election campaign, a curious phenomenon is taking shape: the leaders of the three main parties are deliberately distancing themselves from their federal counterparts. This strategic divergence mirrors a reciprocal distancing at the federal level, creating an unusual landscape of political disunity across Canada.

Progressive Conservatives: Doug Ford vs. Pierre Poilievre

Doug Ford's evolution from a controversial provincial leader to a national unifier fills a leadership void left not just by Justin Trudeau, but also Pierre Poilievre, as Canada faces economic challenges similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, while dealing with his lingering past controversies.

January 15, 2025

Doug Ford, the Progressive Conservative leader in Ontario, has taken a noticeable step back from federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Ford’s campaign is heavily centred on protecting Ontario’s vital auto industry, a stance that conflicts with Poilievre’s skepticism about corporate subsidies. This divergence highlights a significant policy gap between the provincial and federal wings of the party. Ford’s focus on economic security and job protection resonates with Ontario’s centrist voters, contrasting with Poilievre’s more fiscally conservative approach. The lack of response from Poilievre’s camp to Ford’s implied criticisms suggests a reciprocation of this distance, as Poilievre navigates his own political landscape without entangling with provincial issues.

News: Doug Ford warns Pierre Poilievre that Ontario’s auto industry must be protected

Liberal Party: Bonnie Crombie vs. Justin Trudeau

Bonnie Crombie faces the daunting challenge of revitalizing the Ontario Liberal Party after a tepid leadership victory, navigating issues of party identity, fiscal clarity, grassroots rebuilding, and strategic seat selection amid a backdrop of historical decline and strong PC competition.

December 5, 2023

Bonnie Crombie’s strategic distancing from Justin Trudeau is both a response to and a reflection of the federal party’s challenges. Crombie has positioned herself as a centrist, opposing Trudeau’s carbon tax and emphasizing practical solutions to provincial issues like healthcare and affordability. Her approach is designed to appeal to Ontario voters who may be wary of federal Liberal policies. Trudeau’s resignation and the leadership vacuum at the federal level further accentuate this separation, allowing Crombie to craft a distinct identity for the Ontario Liberals. The federal party, in turn, seems content to let provincial leaders navigate their own paths, reflecting the broader uncertainty in national Liberal politics.

News: Bonnie Crombie pitches her vision for Ontario, while distancing herself from Trudeau

New Democratic Party: Marit Stiles vs. Jagmeet Singh

Ontario legislator Sarah Jama has been removed from the New Democratic caucus following controversial comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to a motion limiting her participation in debates.

October 24, 2023

Marit Stiles’s handling of the Sarah Jama controversy has exposed internal rifts within the Ontario NDP, and her silence from federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh adds another layer to this complex relationship. Stiles’s decision to expel Jama from the caucus has led to calls for a leadership review, highlighting ideological divides within the party. Singh’s decision not to intervene might be a strategy to maintain federal unity, but it underscores a lack of cohesion between the provincial and federal wings. This distancing reflects broader challenges for the NDP as they attempt to balance diverse viewpoints within their ranks while presenting a united front to voters.

An Unusual Landscape of Disunity
The reciprocal distancing between provincial and federal counterparts across all three major parties is symptomatic of a larger political realignment in Canada. Leaders are focusing on provincial priorities, crafting distinct identities that resonate with local electorates, and steering clear of federal controversies. This disunity, while strategic, presents challenges for party cohesion and electoral success. Voters are left to navigate a complex political landscape where traditional party affiliations and platforms no longer align seamlessly across provincial and federal lines.

News: How Ontario’s party leaders defined themselves and their opponents on day 1 of campaign

As Ontario’s election unfolds, this unique scenario of political disunity may serve as a precursor to broader shifts in Canadian politics, where localized issues and leadership styles take precedence over national unity within party ranks. The outcome will not only shape the future of Ontario but could also signal new directions for political strategy and alignment across the country.


As an editorial cartoonist, election seasons have always been a great source of inspiration, but this time things feel a bit scattered. Take Marit Stiles, for example. I don’t know much about her, and I suspect many voters don’t either. Her campaign might as well use the punchline, “I’m not them, either,” as she tries to stand apart from the federal NDP without a clear narrative of her own.

Doug Ford and Pierre Poilievre are both popular in the polls, yet their approaches differ. Ford focuses on provincial issues like the auto industry, while Poilievre takes a more conservative fiscal stance. For the Liberals, both in Ontario and nationally, there seems to be a fresh start. With Justin Trudeau stepping back, Bonnie Crombie is positioning herself in the middle, appealing to a wide range of voters.

What’s missing, though, is the excitement that usually comes with elections. The NDP, both federally and provincially, seems to be lacking energy and direction.

For me, the absence of editorial board meetings is particularly noticeable. I used to enjoy sketching political leaders as they answered questions from our writers and reporters, capturing their essence in real-time. These sessions offered a glimpse into their personalities and policies, allowing me to add a personal touch to my cartoons. Over the years, I’ve drawn everyone from Kathleen Wynne to Dalton McGuinty, and even going back to Premier Ernie Eves. I’ve sketched faces like Jack Layton, Ralph Goodale, Marc Garneau, and Stephen Harper before he became Prime Minister.

These gatherings were more than just drawing sessions; they were about engaging with the political process and seeing leadership in action. It’s a loss that these face-to-face encounters have dwindled—first with Doug Ford’s absence, then the pandemic, and now a reluctance from leaders to participate.

As we go through the motions of these times, I find myself looking back on those interactions and the insights they provided. Whether it was small talk with Dalton McGuinty or a sketch of Ken Dryden, these moments were invaluable in shaping my view of our political landscape. Now, as we face new challenges, I hope for a return to that spirit of engagement and dialogue that once brought our political leaders to life through the strokes of my pencil.

Enjoy the latest making-of clip:

https://youtu.be/kzQvzxeK4FII’m

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Posted in: Canada, Ontario Tagged: 2025-03, alignment, Bonnie Crombie, disunity, Doug Ford, election, Jagmeet Singh, Justin Trudeau, Leaders, Marit Stiles, Ontario, OntElection2025, Pierre Poilievre, politics, Substack

Saturday September 14, 2024

September 14, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Many political leaders, once champions of carbon pricing, are now abandoning their principles and pandering to populist pressures for electoral gain, sacrificing crucial climate action in the process.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday September 14, 2024

Here is an animated version of this editorial cartoon

Carbon Pricing Abandonment – Politics Over Principle, and a Failure of Leadership

Both Bonnie Crombie and Pierre Poilievre's opposition to the carbon tax raises questions about their alternative plans for addressing climate change, leaving voters to wonder: if not a carbon tax, then what specific measures do they propose to tackle this urgent issue, if any at all?

March 22, 2024

Carbon pricing has long been hailed as a critical tool in the global fight against climate change, a market-based solution designed to reduce carbon emissions and incentivize cleaner energy alternatives. For years, progressive leaders in Canada like Bonnie Crombie, David Eby, and Jagmeet Singh stood firm on the value of carbon pricing. But now, faced with political pressures and the looming threat of populist rhetoric from Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s “Axe the Tax” campaign, these same politicians are backtracking on their once resolute stances. This shift reflects a larger, troubling pattern of political pandering that prioritizes short-term electoral gain over long-term environmental responsibility.

David Eby, for instance, once a steadfast advocate for carbon pricing in British Columbia, is now promising to eliminate the provincial carbon tax for everyday British Columbians—provided the federal government drops its own requirements. This reversal is deeply disappointing for a province that was once a trailblazer in implementing a carbon tax. As B.C. Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau aptly pointed out, Eby’s pledge is nothing more than a “carbon tax flip-flop,” exposing a lack of coherent climate policy and a willingness to sacrifice principle for political expediency.

News: B.C. will scrap consumer carbon tax if Ottawa drops requirement

Fossil fuel industries receive $5 billion annually in federal subsidies, while funds circulate through taxes and rebates in a carbon pricing scheme—a stark yet realistic facet of the green transition.

Tuesday April 2, 2024

The same holds true for Jagmeet Singh, who has recently begun distancing himself from carbon pricing, despite its prominence in the NDP’s platform as recently as 2021. In a move that reeks of political posturing, Singh’s comments criticizing both the Liberal and Conservative approaches to climate policy hint at an NDP retreat on this critical issue. As one reader comment from The National Observer suggests, this shift reveals a leader more concerned with not alienating potential voters than standing up for what is right. Rather than defending carbon pricing as an essential measure to combat climate change, Singh seems more inclined to let the Conservatives set the agenda, leaving progressives scrambling to salvage credibility on the environment.

Even the Biden-Harris administration in the U.S., once a beacon of environmental ambition with its backing of the Green New Deal, has shown troubling signs of retreat, particularly around fracking and carbon policies. While they have avoided outright carbon pricing initiatives, their recent stance on energy policies reflects the same political dilemma faced by their Canadian counterparts: how to balance the urgency of climate action with the fear of losing voters beholden to fossil fuel interests. Kamala Harris, for instance, has softened her previously strong stance on fracking, a clear indication that political survival is beginning to outweigh environmental conviction.

April 21, 2021

At the heart of this issue lies a glaring failure of leadership. Politicians like Eby, Crombie, and Singh have been swayed by Pierre Poilievre’s populist rhetoric, which frames the carbon tax as an economic burden rather than a climate solution. His ability to simplify a complex policy into an easy-to-chant slogan like “Axe the Tax” has resonated with a population grappling with inflation and rising living costs. But this is where true leadership should shine: not by succumbing to the winds of populism but by standing firm in the face of it. Instead, these former champions of carbon pricing have chosen to follow the crowd, leaving a leadership vacuum at a time when bold action is needed most.

News: Carbon tax’s future uncertain as Parliament returns

As one commenter in The Toronto Star notes, the Liberals’ communication on carbon pricing has been abysmal. They’ve failed to effectively articulate how the tax-and-rebate system benefits most Canadians, particularly those in lower-income brackets. Mark Carney, a seasoned economist, has criticized the lack of consistent environmental policy and pushed for a stronger approach, yet even his advice seems to be falling on deaf ears as the Liberals falter in the polls. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault’s recent defence of carbon pricing, while admirable, underscores the Liberals’ struggle to convey the policy’s long-term value. Guilbeault rightly challenges Poilievre’s lack of a meaningful climate plan, but without stronger messaging, the Liberals risk losing not only the policy debate but also the political battle.

The federal government, led by Justin Trudeau, is making changes to its climate policy, which primarily benefit Atlantic Canada. These changes include increased rural rebates and exemptions for home heating oil from the carbon tax. This has generated mixed reactions and debates.

October 28, 2023

It’s not just about carbon pricing—this is about the abandonment of principles in favour of pandering to the lowest common denominator. We’ve seen this before: when the political stakes are high, some leaders would rather compromise their core values than risk losing power. But the climate crisis demands more. As one frustrated citizen remarked, “I lament the day when there was a solid middle that was willing to make tough choices based on real principles in the name of a better future.” This is the tough reality that politicians like Eby, Crombie, and Singh need to face: leadership is not about appeasing critics, it’s about guiding people to make difficult but necessary decisions for the greater good.

News: Carney interested in ‘doing something, not being something,’ he says of adviser role

Trudeau's unwavering support for carbon pricing in the face of opposition underscores its essential role in Canada's climate action, contrasting with Pierre Poilievre's lack of a credible alternative, emphasizing the imperative for pragmatic solutions in confronting the urgent threat of climate change.

March 14, 2024

It’s clear that Poilievre and his allies have tapped into a vein of discontent that resonates with Canadians struggling to make ends meet. But the solution to rising costs is not to dismantle the very policies that aim to mitigate one of the greatest threats to humanity. As Carney said, the carbon tax has served a purpose up until now, but the time may come for a more effective plan. The answer, however, is not to abandon carbon pricing altogether but to find a way to make it work better—for the economy, for the climate, and for Canadians.

If progressive leaders in Canada and beyond continue to abandon the climate cause for political expediency, they will have missed a crucial opportunity to lead. The climate crisis will not wait for the next election cycle, and neither should our leaders. It’s time for them to stop following populists and start leading with vision, integrity, and courage. If they fail to do so, the consequences will be far greater than the loss of a few votes. They will have sacrificed our future on the altar of political convenience. (AI)

 

Posted in: Canada, Ontario Tagged: 2024-16, animated, axe the tax, Bonnie Crombie, British Columbia, Canada, carbon pricing, climate change, climate crisis. carbon tax, David Eby, Jagmeet Singh, NDP, Ontario, Pierre Poilievre, principle

Friday June 28, 2024

June 28, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Recent byelection results reveal the fragility of the Liberal-NDP coalition as provincial leaders like Bonnie Crombie and Naheed Nenshi distance themselves, exposing the risks of political alliances.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 28, 2024

*The animated making-of clip is here!

The Unraveling of Political Coalitions: Lessons from St. Paul’s Byelection

Raising concern about Trudeau's governance due to issues like ArriveCAN mismanagement, CERB problems, and potential pitfalls of rushed decisions for political support, such as quick deals on Pharmacare and Dental care.

February 29, 2024

The recent byelection results in St. Paul’s have thrust the federal Liberals and NDP into a harsh reality: their confidence-and-supply agreement, once a strategic maneuver to maintain power, is now unraveling with significant repercussions. Provincial leaders like Ontario’s Bonnie Crombie and Alberta’s Naheed Nenshi are increasingly distancing themselves from their federal counterparts, signalling a pivotal shift in the political landscape and underscoring the inherent perils of such coalitions.

Opinion: The St. Paul’s by-election was bad for the Liberals, but even worse for the NDP

September 23, 2021

Initially born out of necessity, the Liberal-NDP confidence-and-supply agreement allowed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to govern with NDP support in exchange for advancing progressive policies. This arrangement, aimed at providing stability and a platform for reforms, now faces scrutiny amidst electoral defeats and internal dissensions, revealing the fragility of this political marriage.

Bonnie Crombie, Ontario’s Liberal leader, has notably distanced herself from Trudeau, particularly on contentious issues like the federal carbon levy. Emphasizing her limited interactions with Trudeau and her policy distinctions, Crombie strategically aims to rebuild the Ontario Liberal brand independently. Her recent comments highlighting Premier Doug Ford’s closer ties to Trudeau underscore a tactical pivot to avoid fallout from federal controversies affecting provincial dynamics.

Video: Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie on the Trudeau effect

October 24 2014

In Alberta, newly elected NDP leader Naheed Nenshi has gone a step further by advocating for severing ties with Jagmeet Singh’s federal NDP. Nenshi’s campaign stressed the need for provincial autonomy, free from federal policies that do not resonate with Alberta’s electorate. This move reflects longstanding frustrations within provincial branches over federal control and policy misalignments, notably on issues like the Trans Mountain pipeline.

News: New Divorce Party? Naheed Nenshi’s to-do list as Alberta’s new NDP leader includes breaking up with Jagmeet Singh’s federal party  

Both Bonnie Crombie and Pierre Poilievre's opposition to the carbon tax raises questions about their alternative plans for addressing climate change, leaving voters to wonder: if not a carbon tax, then what specific measures do they propose to tackle this urgent issue, if any at all?

March 22, 2024

These actions by Crombie and Nenshi are not isolated incidents but symptomatic of a broader political shift. They serve as cautionary tales about the limitations and risks of political coalitions. While such alliances can offer short-term stability and legislative success, they often prove unstable and lead to long-term repercussions.

Coalitions necessitate ongoing negotiation and compromise, which can dilute party identities and alienate core supporters. Criticisms of the Liberal-NDP agreement highlight concerns that the NDP may have sacrificed its distinctiveness for limited policy gains. Singh’s alignment with the Liberals has not shielded him from electoral setbacks and has prompted internal debates about the party’s direction and effectiveness.

The Liberal-NDP coalition in Canada is teetering due to their growing dispute over pharmacare, highlighting the inherent instability of coalition governments shaped by the parties' distinct priorities.

October 17, 2023

Fundamentally, coalitions like the Liberal-NDP agreement face the temptation to cling to power at the expense of political integrity and responsiveness to voter concerns. Over time, such arrangements become untenable as internal and external pressures mount. Voters often view these coalitions as cynical power grabs, leading to disillusionment and declining support. The recent electoral setbacks for both parties reflect growing voter dissatisfaction.

As political times evolve, the maneuvers by Crombie and Nenshi underscore the need for political renewal and authenticity. Provincial leaders distancing themselves from beleaguered federal counterparts signal that clinging to power through tenuous coalitions is not a sustainable strategy. Political parties must prioritize rebuilding trust, clarifying their identities, and addressing the evolving needs of constituents.

July 24, 2015

The unraveling of the Liberal-NDP alliance serves as a stark reminder of the perils inherent in political coalitions. As the political landscape shifts, leaders must adapt, engage genuinely with voters, and approach governance with integrity and clarity. Crombie and Nenshi’s cautionary tales highlight the urgent need for parties to reevaluate strategies and reaffirm their core values. (AI)

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-12, animation, Bonnie Crombie, byelection, Canada, carbon pricing, carbon tax, dinghy, foreign interference, inflation, Jagmeet Singh, Justin Trudeau, Naheed Nenshi, shipwreck

Friday May 10, 2024

May 10, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

In the fabric of Ontario's legislature, the ban on kaffiyehs is a threadbare excuse for suppressing cultural expression and selective enforcement of political neutrality.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 10, 2024

Unraveling Bias: Why Ontario’s Kaffiyeh Ban is a Stitch in Time

Doug Ford's rush to judgment in condemning the Keffiyeh ban and prematurely condemning Umar Zameer underscores the need for greater nuance and respect for due process in navigating complex cultural and legal issues.

April 24, 2024

In a legislative arena often fraught with partisan wrangling and grandstanding, one would expect clarity and consistency in the application of rules. However, the recent uproar over the ban on wearing kaffiyehs in the Ontario Legislature has exposed a glaring double standard, begging for a rational reconsideration.

At the heart of the matter lies the fundamental right to express one’s identity and beliefs, a cornerstone of democratic societies. Garments, whether adorned with political symbols or cultural significance, serve as tangible expressions of these beliefs. Just as a maple leaf pin proudly worn by a Canadian parliamentarian signifies patriotism, so too does a kaffiyeh worn by a member of the Palestinian diaspora represent solidarity with a cause.

Toronto Star: Kaffiyeh ban at Queen’s Park has been a needless distraction. It should be reversed

July 12, 2019

It’s worth noting the longstanding precedent within the Ontario Legislature itself. Political parties have historically displayed their colours through attire without censure. Liberal premiers sporting red ties, Progressive Conservative MPPs donning blue, or NDP members proudly wearing orange—these are accepted as manifestations of political affiliation. To arbitrarily single out the kaffiyeh as “overtly political” while allowing other forms of expression is not justifiable, but rather smacks of bias.

Moreover, this ban undermines the rich tapestry of cultural diversity that defines Ontario. The kaffiyeh, with its centuries-old tradition among Palestinians, holds profound cultural significance beyond its political connotations. It’s akin to denying the Scottish parliamentarian his kilt or the Sikh legislator his turban—a suppression of cultural identity under the guise of maintaining decorum.

Opinion: Of course the keffiyeh is political. But it still shouldn’t be banned from Ontario’s legislature

July 19, 2019

Speaker Ted Arnott’s decree, while perhaps well-intentioned, reflects a myopic view of what constitutes political expression. In a world where symbols evolve and context matters, clinging rigidly to outdated notions of neutrality risks stifling meaningful dialogue and understanding.

In light of these considerations, it’s imperative for Speaker Arnott to reassess his stance. A reversal of the ban on kaffiyehs would not only uphold the principles of free expression and cultural diversity but also signal a commitment to fairness and inclusivity within the legislative chamber. After all, in the mosaic of Ontario’s democracy, every thread—be it red, blue, orange, or patterned with the iconic black-and-white of the kaffiyeh—contributes to the vibrant tapestry of our shared identity. (AI)

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2024-09, Bonnie Crombie, Doug Ford, dress code, Kaffiyeh, Legislature, Marit Stiles, Mike Schreiner, Ontario, Queen's Park, Sarah Jama, Ted Arnott, tolerance
1 2 Next »

Please note…

This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

  • The Hamilton Spectator
  • The Toronto Star
  • The Globe & Mail
  • The National Post
  • Graeme on T̶w̶i̶t̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶(̶X̶)̶
  • Graeme on F̶a̶c̶e̶b̶o̶o̶k̶
  • Graeme on T̶h̶r̶e̶a̶d̶s̶
  • Graeme on Instagram
  • Graeme on Substack
  • Graeme on Bluesky
  • Graeme on Pinterest
  • Graeme on YouTube
New and updated for 2025
  • HOME
  • MacKaycartoons Inc.
  • The Boutique
  • The Hamilton Spectator
  • The Association of Canadian Cartoonists
  • The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists
  • You Might be From Hamilton if…
  • Young Doug Ford
  • MacKay’s Most Viral Cartoon
  • Intellectual Property Thief Donkeys
  • Wes Tyrell
  • Martin Rowson
  • Guy Bado’s Blog
  • National Newswatch
...Check it out and please subscribe!

Your one-stop-MacKay-shop…

T-shirts, hoodies, clocks, duvet covers, mugs, stickers, notebooks, smart phone cases and scarfs

2023 Coronation Design

Brand New Designs!

Follow Graeme's board My Own Cartoon Favourites on Pinterest.

MacKay’s Virtual Gallery

Archives

Copyright © 2016 mackaycartoons.net

Powered by Wordpess and Alpha.

Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial
 

Loading Comments...