chess game

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 24, 2023

Doug Ford’s Moves and the Integrity Knight’s Check”

In the intricate game of politics, every move is calculated, and every player seeks to secure their position on the board. The ongoing Greenbelt land swap controversy in Ontario can be seen as a high-stakes chess game, with Premier Doug Ford at the helm, making strategic decisions that impact the people of the province.

In this metaphorical chess match, the pieces have been set in motion. Premier Ford assumes the role of the King, commanding authority and influence. He’s joined by his “Queen,” Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark, working in tandem to advance their agenda. Together, they represent the government’s power structure.

As the game unfolds, various government members take their positions. Cabinet ministers function as “Bishops,” offering advice and shaping policies that align with the leadership’s strategy. The Progressive Conservative caucus stands as the “Knights,” ready to gallop into action to support their leaders’ directives. The “Rooks” symbolize the PC Party, steadfastly backing their King’s moves with political strength and unity.

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However, no chess game is complete without unforeseen twists. The Integrity Commissioner plays the role of the “Integrity Knight,” serving as the embodiment of accountability and oversight. With a vigilant eye, the Integrity Knight scans the board for any unethical moves or breaches of public trust. Their primary goal is to ensure that the game is played fairly and that the rules are upheld.

Recently, a significant move occurred. Premier Ford orchestrated the departure of his “Pawn,” Ryan Amato, who had become a liability in the Greenbelt controversy. Amato’s resignation was akin to sacrificing a pawn to protect the King’s position. But the game is far from over; the “Integrity Knight” has stepped forward, ready to confront those who may have strayed from the path of transparency and ethical conduct.

The controversy itself can be likened to a crucial battleground on the chessboard. Protected lands were targeted, and “prominent developers” reaped substantial gains. As the pieces shift, questions arise: Who knew about the moves made on the board? Did the government’s actions align with the interests of the people they serve?

The calls for accountability have grown louder. Opposition leaders, such as Interim Liberal leader John Fraser and NDP Leader Marit Stiles, argue that more than a mere pawn was at play in this multimillion-dollar scheme. They contend that the actions taken were not those of an isolated individual but part of a broader strategy orchestrated by the government’s top ranks.

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The unfolding scandal resembles a chess game where each move reverberates across the board. As the “Integrity Knight” investigates, the check on the King’s position becomes more apparent. The dominos are falling, and the pieces are being repositioned. The players anxiously await the outcome of the “Integrity Knight’s” investigation, uncertain of which pieces may be sacrificed next in this high-stakes political chess match.

In this battle between strategic maneuvers and ethical obligations, the people of Ontario watch closely as the Greenbelt controversy unfolds. They demand transparency, accountability, and fair play from their government leaders. The question remains: Who will emerge victorious in this complex chess game? Will the “Integrity Knight” be the one to deliver the checkmate that holds power accountable? Only time will reveal the final moves and outcomes of this intricate political match on the chessboard of the Greenbelt controversy. (AI) Cartoon published in the Hamilton Spectator, and the Toronto Star.

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 illustration a try: