candidates

Wednesday February 19, 2025

The increasing control over political candidates' public engagements in Ontario raises concerns about transparency and democracy, reflecting a shift towards meticulous message management at the cost of open debate.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 19, 2025

The Training of the Seals

Doug Ford, "Captain Canada," charms Ontario voters despite pressing provincial issues, leading to strong poll numbers ahead of the election.

February 14, 2025

In our democracy, debates and open conversations are vital. They help ensure that politicians are accountable and transparent. However, in Ontario, there’s a worrying trend: Progressive Conservative (PC) candidates, including their leader Doug Ford, are avoiding public debates and media interactions. This behaviour raises concerns about the health of our democratic process.

Recently, it’s been noted that PC candidates in areas like London are skipping public forums, choosing instead to campaign door-to-door. This strategy denies voters the chance to hear from those who aim to represent them, effectively stifling the democratic process that thrives on public exchange and scrutiny.

Even Doug Ford himself has been absent from media engagements after debates, despite participating in media sessions during a trip to Washington, D.C. This absence is particularly troubling in an election where crucial issues like healthcare and climate policy are at the forefront.

News: Ontario election: PC Party candidates face heat for skipping London debates

November 9, 2021

The party’s decision to limit exposure and tightly control messaging may be an attempt to avoid missteps. However, it also suggests a lack of confidence in their candidates’ ability to speak freely and defend their positions. This control creates the impression that candidates are more like puppets, directed by unseen handlers rather than their own beliefs.

This approach is unfair to voters, who deserve representatives willing to engage openly and honestly. It undermines the core of democracy, which relies on diverse viewpoints and rigorous debate for informed decision-making.

News: Niagara Conservative Candidates on Mute

Without open engagement, voters are left with a watered-down version of political discourse, lacking the depth needed to address complex issues. This not only limits voters’ ability to make informed choices but also erodes trust in the political system.

As voters, we need to demand more from those who wish to lead. Politicians who avoid scrutiny and debate should face consequences at the polls. Our democratic process isn’t served by candidates who operate behind the scenes, guided by hidden forces.

It’s time for a change. We must insist on transparency, engagement, and accountability from our political leaders. Only then can democracy thrive, providing the insight and debate we need to tackle today’s challenges. As the election approaches, let’s remember the power of our voices and the importance of demanding a political arena where free thought and genuine engagement are the norm.

Will your vote go to the local candidate who doesn’t show up for anything?

It’s pretty disheartening to see so many local candidates skipping out on the all-candidates debates; it’s a clear indicator that the standards in our democratic process are slipping. What’s even more frustrating is that most of these candidates are from the ruling Progressive Conservative party. Ask yourselves: Do you really want someone who’s just toeing the party line representing your interests? It seems like candidates don’t even get the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities to the local voters anymore. Add to that the lack of political flyers, no door-knocking from candidates or even volunteers, hidden election signs, and minimal media engagement, and it feels like we’re witnessing one of the most invisible election campaigns in Ontario’s history. Maybe this is part of Premier Doug Ford’s plan for the PCs, but it still doesn’t explain why the other parties are so quiet in the 2025 election. Honestly, from where I’m drawing, I haven’t seen much of anything.

Anyway, enjoy my making-of video for February 19, 2025. The Ontario election is just 9 days away…

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Tuesday September 30, 2014

Tuesday September 30, 2014By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 30, 2014

Voters stingy with support in mayoral race

It looks like Hamilton voters are still waiting to be wowed.

A survey of Hamilton voters shows 34 per cent of respondents have yet to park their vote with any mayoral candidate — and another 11 per cent have discounted the perceived frontrunners.

The random phone survey of 839 residents Sept. 25 showed the highest-polling candidate with only 26 per cent support.

Friday September 26, 2014“No one wins a mayoral race with 26 per cent of the vote,” said Lorne Bozinoff, president for polling firm Forum Research. “I’m surprised no one is doing better at this stage … It suggests no one has really caught the imagination of voters yet.”

Thursday September 5, 2014By comparison, outgoing Mayor Bob Bratina won a three-way race in 2010 with about 37 per cent of the vote. Former mayor Fred Eisenberger, leading in the latest poll, won a squeaker in 2006 with 43 per cent of the vote — only a percentage point ahead of Larry Di Ianni.

The latest poll data suggests the race is still open. It also shows interesting trends associated with each of the leading candidates.

Stoney Creek Coun. Brad Clark, who polled 17 per cent support overall, had the highest candidate support in his current ward. The former Tory cabinet minister also received the most support, 29 per cent, among provincial PC voters.

Tuesday September 16, 2014About 65 per cent of his poll supporters said rapid transit is not needed in the city and 29 per cent were aged 65 or older. One in four had previously voted for the outgoing mayor, Bob Bratina.

Ward 1 Coun. Brian McHattie found his best support, 14 per cent, among residents aged 18 to 34. The LRT booster also boasted the highest percentage of supporters who believe rapid transit is necessary, 62 per cent, and polled best in the downtown and Dundas. He is currently in third place with 12 per cent support overall.

Friday September 12, 2014Eisenberger polled especially well among young voters, males and renters. Interestingly, the former federal Conservative candidate also scored the most support among provincial NDP voters, at 39 per cent. Bozinoff suggested he had translated past experience and a “centrist” campaign into the early election race lead at 26 per cent.

While respondents were stingy with support, Eisenberger still managed 64 per cent “approval” in the poll. Clark earned 53 per cent approval. McHattie’s rating was split 50-50. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)