carnival – mackaycartoons

Tuesday July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday July 29, 2025

Also published at The Toronto Star. Posted to Politico Europe. Posted to The Week.

Carney’s Delicate Dance with U.S. Trade Policies

July 22, 2025

In an era of heightened global tensions and shifting alliances, Canada finds itself at a critical juncture, faced with the daunting task of renegotiating its trade relationship with a United States led by a President whose approach to international commerce has been nothing short of combative. The Carney government stands on the precipice of a decision that could redefine Canada’s economic landscape, with every path fraught with complexities and potential pitfalls.

Opinion: The world is caving to Trump’s one-sided trade ‘deals.’ Canada should show him the door

The opinion landscape, as articulated by David Olive in the Toronto Star, starkly portrays U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies as a modern-day protection racket, where tariffs are wielded not as tools of negotiation but as instruments of economic coercion. The underlying sentiment is clear: these so-called “deals” are less about mutual benefit and more about extracting concessions at the expense of foreign partners. For Canada, the implications are profound.

July 17, 2025

Prime Minister Mark Carney faces a conundrum that offers no easy solutions. On one hand, capitulating to Trump’s demands might provide short-term economic stability, safeguarding key industries and preserving jobs. On the other, such a move could be perceived as a surrender of sovereignty, compromising Canada’s ability to chart its own economic course. The potential backlash from a public that values independence and fairness could be politically devastating.

The reader comments accompanying Olive’s piece reflect a gamut of emotions, from frustration to defiance. Many Canadians advocate for a firm stance, urging their government to resist the pressure and align with other nations like the EU, which are working to counteract U.S. protectionism. This strategy, however, is not without risk. Aligning with Europe might offer a united front, but it also commits Canada to a path that could exacerbate tensions with its largest trading partner, leading to economic repercussions that would be felt across the nation.

Time is a critical factor. With the U.S. midterm elections looming, Carney might see an opportunity to delay negotiations, hoping for a shift in the American political landscape that could yield a more favourable negotiating environment. However, this strategy hinges on uncertainties that are beyond Canada’s control.

News: Europe Accepts a Trump Trade Deal With Other Worries in Mind

June 18, 2025

In this high-stakes game, Carney’s options are limited, and the path forward is fraught with challenges. Accepting a deal that mirrors Europe’s approach might seem pragmatic, yet it comes with the realization that such a compromise could alienate domestic supporters who view it as capitulation. Conversely, resisting U.S. demands could rally nationalist sentiment but at the cost of economic hardship.

Ultimately, Mark Carney’s response will not satisfy all critics. The political risks are substantial, with every decision subject to scrutiny from both domestic and international audiences. As Canada navigates this complex terrain, the Carney government must balance assertiveness with diplomacy, seeking a solution that, while imperfect, preserves Canada’s core values and long-term interests.

History will judge the Carney administration’s actions during this tumultuous period, but for now, the Prime Minister must make choices that reflect both the will of the Canadian people and the realities of an interconnected global economy. Whatever path he chooses, it will undoubtedly shape Canada’s future on the world stage.

A Delicate Dance of Leadership

The whole trade deal situation between Canada and the U.S., and it’s a real tightrope for Prime Minister Mark Carney. It would be incredibly satisfying for Canada to metaphorically give Trump a swift kick and say “no thanks” to any deal, just like Brazil did. The impression that other countries have bent over backwards for Trump with deals that seem to favour the U.S. is something Canada would love to avoid.

What’s really interesting is the effort to pacify Trump by pointing out that the real pain from tariffs will hit Americans already struggling with rising prices. Sure, Trump might hand out tax breaks to the wealthy, which is a win for them, but for the average Joe, it means paying more. This could backfire on Trump if he wants to expand his support in Congress.

As for Carney, he’s got a tough act to balance. Leading a strong minority government, he has to tread carefully if he hopes to stay on as Prime Minister. His government isn’t as solid as Trump’s term, so he’s got to be strategic about his moves. It’s a tricky time for both leaders as they navigate these choppy waters.

Wednesday June 5, 2024

June 5, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 5, 2024

A Fresh Face for Canada’s Tired Government

April 6, 2021

As Justin Trudeau’s popularity wanes and his polling numbers hit new lows, the Liberal Party of Canada finds itself in need of a leader who can reinvigorate the party and restore public confidence. While the current hopefuls for the leadership position, including Chrystia Freeland, Melanie Jolie, Dominic LeBlanc, and François-Philippe Champagne, are all experienced cabinet ministers, their close association with Trudeau may hinder their chances of winning over disillusioned voters. It seems increasingly more apparent that Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, could be the heir apparent for the Liberal Party, offering a fresh face and a break from the past.

Trudeau’s declining popularity has been evident in recent polls as public trust erodes due to controversies surrounding the WE Charity scandal, the mishandling of the SNC-Lavalin affair, and the perception of broken promises. With an election on the horizon, the Liberal Party needs a leader who can effectively address these concerns and restore faith in the government.

Opinion: ‘Maybe the knives come out’: If the Liberals lose this Toronto byelection, Justin Trudeau could be in big trouble

September 10, 2022

The current potential successors, have all served as cabinet ministers in Trudeau’s government. While they may possess valuable experience and expertise, their close association with Trudeau and his administration could be seen as a liability by voters seeking a fresh start. It is crucial for the Liberal Party to present a leader who can distance themselves from the controversies and missteps of the past.

Mark Carney’s impressive resume and international reputation make him a compelling choice as the heir apparent for the Liberal Party. As the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, Carney has demonstrated his ability to navigate complex economic challenges and provide stable leadership. His experience in the financial sector could be a valuable asset as Canada recovers from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Carney’s lack of direct involvement in Trudeau’s government offers a unique advantage. He can position himself as a fresh face, untarnished by the controversies that have plagued the current administration. Carney’s international standing and reputation for competence could help rebuild trust and confidence in the Liberal Party, both domestically and on the global stage.

Analysis: Some Liberals think Mark Carney could succeed Justin Trudeau. We talked to those who think he’d be a great leader — and others who roll their eyes

February 11, 2009

In considering Carney as a potential successor, there is inspiration to be drawn from the above article which explores Carney’s qualifications, reputation, and the potential benefits of his leadership for the Liberal Party of Canada.

It’s always dangerous to put hope into any kind of messiah to revive a party. Trudeau’s leadership was born out of such circumstances when prospects for the party were at an all-time low some 12 years ago. The party, still clinging to power, seems destined to hit an electoral new low if it remains on the current course. Some may argue that if Trudeau goes, the effect will be a repeat of the disaster that the PC Party endured under Kim Campbell following the departure of Brian Mulroney. Others will point to the turnaround when Dalton McGuinty stepped down, averting electoral humiliation for the Liberals when Kathleen Wynne took over (at least for 5 years).

September 28, 2012

As the Liberal Party of Canada searches for a leader who can reinvigorate the party and restore public confidence, Mark Carney emerges as a strong contender. With Trudeau’s declining popularity and the potential drawbacks of the current hopefuls’ close association with the current government, Carney offers a fresh face and a break from the past. His impressive track record, international reputation, and ability to navigate complex economic challenges position him as a compelling choice for the heir apparent. The Liberal Party should seriously consider Carney as a leader who can revitalize the party and lead Canada into a brighter future. (AI)

Tuesday October 2, 2018

October 1, 2018 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday October 2, 2018

President Trump creates crises, then claims credit for solving them

September 5, 2018

President Trump’s specialty is to create crises and then claim credit for solving them. Last year, for example, he ratcheted up the rhetoric against Kim Jong Un — a.k.a. “Little Rocket Man” — threatening to rain “fire and fury” on North Korea. Trump now claims he and Kim “fell in love” after Kim sent him “beautiful letters,” and that, were it not for this bromance, “you’d be in a war” and “millions of people would have been killed.” In reality, no one thought a second Korean War was likely before Trump took office. That only became a serious risk because of his unhinged rhetoric.

Trump has applied this same template to the North

August 28, 2018

American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which he spent years lambasting as “the worst trade deal ever approved.” According to Bob Woodward’s book “Fear: Trump in the White House,” Trump was on the verge of pulling out of NAFTA in April 2017, and had to be talked back from the brink by senior aides. He grudgingly remained in the deal while launching high-pressure negotiations to rework it.

Lo and behold, just ahead of a U.S.-imposed deadline on Sunday night, the United States, Mexico and Canada agreed on a revamped NAFTA. Trump triumphantly proclaimed on Twitter that this was a “wonderful new Trade Deal,” “historic,” and “a great deal for all three countries.” “NAFTA is dead,” said White House trade adviser Peter Navarro. Long live the new United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA).

June 13, 2018

In fact, the biggest change is the name of the trade deal, and it is not an improvement. Just try saying “USMCA.” It does not roll off the tongue the way “NAFTA” did. As for the substance, my Council on Foreign Relations colleague Benn Steil rightly describes the new agreement as “little more than margin edits.”

Trump’s biggest victory was in opening up slightly more of the Canadian dairy market for U.S. exports. This has long been an obsession for him. He complained in June: “Canada charges the U.S. a 270% tariff on Dairy Products! They didn’t tell you that, did they? Not fair to our farmers.” Trump was right about the Canadian tariffs. What he didn’t mention is that the United States still ran a $474 million dairy surplus last year, with U.S. farmers selling five times more dairy goods to Canada than U.S. consumers bought from Canada. In any case, milk products represent just 0.06 percent of U.S.-Canada trade, 99 percent of which was already tariff-free. (Source: Washington Post)

Tuesday April 30, 2013

April 30, 2013 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 30, 2013

Tories launching ‘non-confidence’ vote in bid to topple Liberals

Raising pressure on the NDP to help defeat the minority Liberals over the power plant scandal, the Progressive Conservatives charge the government “bought the last election.”

Tory Leader Tim Hudak launched a long-shot bid to topple Premier Kathleen Wynne’s administration on Monday with a non-confidence motion over the cancelled plants in Oakville and Mississauga.

“If this isn’t corruption then tell me what is?” Hudak said, referring to critics’ estimates that the cost to taxpayers could reach $1 billion for axing both plants to save Liberal seats in the 2011 election.

But it’s unlikely the non-confidence motion — first mentioned by the Tories a week ago — will amount to much because it needs approval from all three parties to go to a vote in the legislature.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath branded it a “political game” and Government House leader John Milloy told reporters “the theatrics are getting a little silly.”

Wynne, who will testify Tuesday before a legislative committee investigating the scrapped power plants, said the opposition will have a chance to vote the government down within weeks.

“There is a big confidence opportunity with the budget and we will be bringing the budget down on Thursday. The opposition can express their confidence or not.”

An auditor’s report found the cost to cancel the Mississauga plant was $275 million — 45 per cent more than the $190 million the Liberals claimed. They have put the cost of cancelling Oakville at just $40 million. (Source: Toronto Star)
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Wednesday November 28, 2012

November 28, 2012 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Wednesday November 28, 2012

A British Take on Mark Carney

Mark Carney, the new Governor of the Bank of England, is a remarkable man. He studied economics at Harvard, racked up a Master’s and a doctorate at Oxford, and, for the past four years, he’s been governor of his national bank – all before the age of 50. Carney is married to a glamorous British economist and has four lovely daughters. According to Time magazine, he’s one of the 25 most influential people in the world.

But – wait for it – there’s something even more remarkable about England’s new top banker. He’s a Canadian! Carney, he of the snappy suits and slicked-back hair, hails from the nation affectionately known as “America’s attic”. What’s more, he’s proud of it. He’s a maple syrup-drinking, poutine-loving, moose-spotting, beer-swilling ice-hockey fan, who once dreamed of playing for his local team, the Edmonton Oilers.

A couple of decades on, his selection for the coveted BoE job has raised a few eyebrows – not least because of his nationality. “Canadians have a reputation for being the boring good guys,” says Oxford academic (and bona fide Canadian) Margaret MacMillan. “If you want to say something is really tedious, you say ‘as dull as a Sunday in Canada’. We’ve never been loudly patriotic, probably because we live next to the US. As a result, people think we’re dull and quiet all the time.”

You see, even Canadians admit it: their country has an image problem. It has long been subjected to stereotypes – perpetuated by South Park and Due South – and rather than deny them, Canadians have simply got used to being the butt of bad jokes. “A Canadian,” goes the gag by the author Pierre Berton, “is someone who knows how to make love in a canoe.” (Source: The Telegraph)