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Budget

Thursday September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 28, 2023

Municipal Budget Woes: The Balancing Act Amid Rising Costs

March 24, 2007

In Ontario, municipalities are currently navigating treacherous financial waters, trying to maintain essential services while grappling with budget shortfalls. The pressures to raise property taxes loom large, but it’s a precarious path to tread, especially at a time when citizens are already stretched thin by rising inflation, borrowing costs, and a cost of living crisis. The recent budget discussions in Hamilton serve as a stark reminder of the anxieties that homeowners face.

News: City says 14.2 per cent tax increase looming for Hamilton next year  

August 22, 2012

Coun. Tom Jackson’s recent question in Hamilton hit a nerve: with skyrocketing property values since the last assessment in 2016, many homeowners feared their taxes would double or worse. The reality, as explained by Carmelo Lipsi, the vice-president and COO of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), is far less dire. Reassessment doesn’t automatically double your taxes; it just redistributes the tax burden.

The reassessment process is based on a complex set of factors, including real estate activity, property size, location, and construction quality. When the reassessment occurs, it compares the change in your property’s assessed value to the average change for similar properties in your municipality. If your property’s increase exceeds the average, you may expect to pay more taxes; if it’s below, you might see a reduction.

August 14, 2014

In areas with rapidly rising property values, homeowners may face tax increases, while those in more stable areas could see a reduction. Additionally, area rating in Hamilton, where different parts of town pay varying amounts for different services, further complicates the tax calculation.

It’s crucial to note that reassessment isn’t the only factor affecting taxes. Council-approved tax increases also contribute to changes in property tax bills. However, the idea that reassessment alone could double or triple taxes is a misconception.

The situation isn’t unique to Hamilton. Brockville is also facing budgetary challenges, with inflation, rising costs, and unforeseen expenses impacting the 2023 budget. A reliance on fiscal policy reserves and the need to find sustainable revenue sources loom large.

Analysis: As Ontario rolls in tax dollars, why are its cities so cash-strapped?

July 21, 2023

Oshawa, on the other hand, is exercising Strong Mayor powers to expedite budget decisions as part of a broader commitment to building 1.5 million homes by 2031. While these powers grant mayors greater control over budgets, the impact on housing remains uncertain.

In Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow’s proposal for a city sales tax was met with mixed reactions. The city faces a substantial budget shortfall, and while the sales tax idea seems off the table for now, it highlights the challenging choices municipalities must make to bridge budget gaps.

Ultimately, municipalities in Ontario are navigating a complex financial landscape, and their perennial default is often to seek support from other levels of government. Raising property taxes, while often necessary to fund essential services, must be done judiciously, considering the economic pressures on residents. The reassessment process may not be the doomsday scenario some fear, but it’s a reminder of the delicate balance that local governments must strike when managing budgets in trying times. The key is transparency, communication, and a commitment to ensuring the burden of taxation remains fair for all residents. (AI)

 

Posted in: Hamilton, Ontario Tagged: Budget, cost of living, dominoes, federalism, Hamilton, inflation, Municipality, Ontario, property tax, tax

Saturday June 10, 2023

June 10, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday June 10, 2023

Pierre Poilievre’s Theatrical Filibuster Fails to Deliver Solutions

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s recent four-hour-long filibuster in the House of Commons may have garnered attention, but it was ultimately an empty display of theatrics. Poilievre’s bombastic speech touched on various topics, including historical references and monetary policy, but it lacked substance and failed to provide any tangible solutions. It became clear that his primary goal was to draw attention to himself rather than address the pressing issues facing Canadians.

March 1, 2003

Poilievre’s filibuster came at a time when wildfires were ravaging vast regions of Canada and blanketing much of the U.S. northeast in thick smoke and acrid orange skies. These devastating fires are not isolated incidents but rather a direct consequence of climate change. Scientific research has established a clear link between rising global temperatures, prolonged droughts, and the increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires. It is disheartening that Poilievre chose to focus solely on budget-related matters and ignored the pressing issue of climate change that was affecting the lives of countless Canadians.

Opinion: I listened to all four hours of Pierre Poilievre’s fake filibuster. Here are 7 things I learned  

June 10, 2021

The urgency to address climate change and its catastrophic consequences cannot be overstated. Governments, policymakers, and individuals must acknowledge the reality of this crisis and take immediate action to mitigate its effects. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and implementing sustainable practices. Denial and skepticism have no place in the face of overwhelming scientific evidence.

Poilievre’s attempt to exploit the wildfires for political gain during his debate with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was nothing short of opportunistic. Instead of engaging in meaningful discourse about the Bank of Canada’s interest rate hike and the budget, he resorted to personal attacks and distractions. It is evident that Poilievre’s priority lies in winning the next election rather than addressing the concerns of Canadians in a substantive and constructive manner.

May 13, 2015

While Poilievre claims to champion the issue of the cost of living, it is worth noting that climate change is of greater concern to a wider audience. The impact of climate change on the environment, public health, and the economy cannot be ignored. Poilievre’s dismissal of the carbon tax and clean fuel regulations as “Trudeau taxes” undermines the importance of market-based methods for reducing consumer emissions. His proposed solution of axing these measures without providing viable alternatives is short-sighted and misguided.

Opinion: Mr. Poilievre’s Hollywood filibuster  

March 3, 2022

Moreover, Poilievre’s reliance on selective facts and dubious claims further undermines his credibility. His speech was filled with unsubstantiated statements that crumble under scrutiny. Canadians deserve leaders who are honest, transparent, and accountable, rather than individuals who manipulate facts for political gain.

Pierre Poilievre’s filibuster was a spectacle designed to capture attention rather than offer meaningful solutions. While he may have garnered temporary media coverage, his theatrics did not hold up to scrutiny or contribute to productive debate. It is imperative that Canadian politicians prioritize addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change and work towards viable solutions rather than indulging in empty rhetoric and political posturing. (AI) | Editorial cartoon also printed in the Toronto Star.


Editorial, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday June 10, 2023

Where There’s Smoke…

Record wildfires and the resulting smoke pollution were on every Canadian tongue this week. But not in our seats of government.

Oh, it came up at Queen’s Park. The Opposition NDP raised the crisis and asked the government to officially link the growing wildfire threat to climate change. Ford declined, accusing the NDP of politicizing the crisis and arguing that the fires were started by humans, not climate change.

And in Ottawa, Pierre Poilievre was filibustering the federal budget, which he had no chance of stopping or even slowing down. Wildfires and smoke weren’t even on his radar.

Climate change isn’t starting wildfires. It is making the season longer, making them bigger and more frequent. You would think even hard-core partisans like Ford and Poilievre could get their heads around that, but you’d be wrong.
 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2023-11, Budget, Canada, cost of living, Economy, filibuster, leadership, Pierre Poilievre, recession, showboat, wildfire

Tuesday March 28, 2023

March 27, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday March 28, 2023

Freeland Promises Affordable Life for Canadians with Budget 2023, But Taxes and Spending Raise Doubts

January 24, 2023

Oh joy, it’s that time of year again: Budget season. On March 28, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to release the government’s plan to make life more affordable. But don’t get too excited, middle-class Canadians, because just four days later, taxes will be hiked. And it’s not just one tax increase – it’s several. Federal alcohol taxes are going up by 6.3%, adding to the already exorbitant taxes Canadians pay for their brews. Carbon taxes are also increasing, with the average household facing a bill of between $402 and $847 after rebates. And that’s not all. Payroll taxes will cost those making $66,600 or more an extra $305 this year. Feeling more affordable yet?

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may tout his government’s $10-a-day childcare, GST rebate, dental care, and housing benefit, but let’s not forget that it’s all being paid for with borrowed money. And with the debt reaching $1.2 trillion and interest charges totaling $35 billion annually, Trudeau’s borrowing is only delaying the bill to taxpayers. So much for making life more affordable.

November 3, 2022

The government could show some spending restraint and make life more affordable for Canadians, but don’t hold your breath. Freeland already overspent by $20 billion in just seven months last year. And while there will be some measures aimed at helping Canadians, like an extended GST tax credit and a higher ceiling for withdrawing money from education savings plans, it’s not enough to outweigh the tax increases and borrowing.

News: Chrystia Freeland’s federal budget will tackle high cost of living: sources 

Perhaps if the government took a more balanced approach to spending and taxation, Canadians could actually feel some relief from the pressure on their wallets. But until then, it seems like we’ll just have to get used to being overtaxed and overburdened. Cheers to that! (AI)

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give editorial cartooning a try.

https://mackaycartoons.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-0328-NAT.mp4

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2023-06, affordability, Budget, Canada, Chrystia Freeland, cost of living, middle class, poor, procreate, rich, robin hood

Saturday March 25, 2023

March 25, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 25, 2023

When the Rain Cloud of Affordability Strikes

March 23, 2023

The cost of living is a complex issue that affects people from all walks of life. It’s not just about the price of goods and services, but also about the availability of affordable housing, healthcare, and education, among other things. Unfortunately, for many families, the cost of living has become a dark cloud that hangs over their heads, threatening to rain down financial ruin.

To illustrate this point, let’s imagine a satirical scenario where a family is out for a leisurely walk on a sunny day, only to be suddenly caught in a downpour. As the rain pours down around them, they realize that they’re completely soaked through and shivering. Looking up, they see a dark cloud hovering over their heads, representing the affordability crisis that has made their lives so difficult.

The family looks at each other in dismay. They know that they can’t afford to go home and change their clothes, let alone buy a new set of rain gear to protect themselves from future storms. They’re stuck, cold and wet, with no way out.

As they trudge through the rain, they notice other families in the same predicament. Some are huddled under awnings, trying to stay dry. Others are frantically trying to find a way to get home without getting even more soaked. But there’s no escape from the rain, and no relief from the financial pressure that is bearing down on them.

January 31, 2023

In this scenario, the rain represents the constant financial stress that families face in the face of rising costs and stagnant wages. The dark cloud symbolizes the looming sense of uncertainty that hangs over their heads, making it difficult to plan for the future or feel secure in their present circumstances.

As the family finally makes it home, they realize that they’ve been lucky to make it through the rain without any major mishaps. But they also know that they can’t keep living like this forever. They need real solutions to the affordability crisis, not just band-aid fixes that will only delay the inevitable.

LINK: Ontario unveils biggest-ever $204B budget, but one with little to ease daily affordability issues (CBC) 

It’s time for society as a whole to take a serious look at the cost of living and work together to find solutions that will benefit everyone. Whether it’s through policy changes, community initiatives, or individual actions, we can all play a role in helping families weather the storm of financial hardship and find a path towards a brighter, more secure future. (AI)

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2023-06, affordability, Budget, cost of living, Doug Ford, Family, gas tax, health care, Ontario, Printed in the Toronto Star, rain cloud

Thursday March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 23, 2023

Greenbelt Paper 

Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives will table a provincial budget Thursday that is expected to eclipse the $200-billion mark for first time in Ontario history.

April 29, 2022

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, who will unveil his fiscal blueprint at 4 p.m. in the Ontario legislature, said it would be “a plan that will support families, support workers, support businesses today while laying a strong fiscal foundation for future generations.”

It is expected to include new investments in health care — thanks to the recent federal infusion of additional transfer payments — as well for training and education programs.

On Wednesday, Bethlenfalvy said the budget would include some $780 million in tax breaks for manufacturers over the next three years to encourage companies to invest in new buildings, machinery and equipment. (The Toronto Star)

Meanwhile, Doug Ford says an environmental study the federal government is reportedly planning on launching shouldn’t slow down work to develop housing on lands the province recently removed from the Greenbelt.

Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault has previously voiced concerns about Ford removing about 7,400 acres from 15 different areas in the protected Greenbelt lands, while adding more parcels elsewhere, in order to build 50,000 homes.

February 16, 2023

The Toronto Star reports today that Guilbeault is set to announce he is launching a study to assess the biodiversity, ecological connectivity and other natural features in Rouge National Urban Park, which is next to part of the Greenbelt lands earmarked for housing.

Ford says he was not given a head’s up on the announcement by Guilbeault’s office, but he is “not too concerned about it” because the park is adjacent to land set to be developed, not part of it.

Ontario’s auditor general is conducting a value-for-money audit of the financial and environmental implications of the Greenbelt development plans, which are part of the government’s efforts to get 1.5 million homes built in 10 years.

The province’s integrity commissioner is also investigating a complaint from the incoming NDP leader into what she calls the “curious timing of recent purchases of Greenbelt land by powerful landowners with donor and political ties to the Ontario PC Party.” (CTV) 

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro …

https://mackaycartoons.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-0323-ONTshort.mp4
Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2023-06, Budget, David Piccini, Doug Ford, environment, greenbelt, Legislature, Ontario, Peter Bethlenfalvy, Printed in the Toronto Star, procreate, wood chipper
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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.

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