cost of living – mackaycartoons

Friday April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 24, 2026

Also printed in The Toronto Star. Published in The Week.

Arch of Discord: Trump’s Legacy Overshadows Priorities

October 23 2025

As the world grapples with pressing issues like the Ukraine conflict, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and a global cost-of-living surge, President Donald Trump remains fixated on his legacy. His latest endeavour—a triumphal arch in Washington, D.C.—has drawn widespread criticism for its scale and symbolism.

News: Donnyland’? Ukraine Proposes Naming Part of the Donbas in Trump’s Honor.

The proposed arch, intended to surpass Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, has faced backlash from preservationists and the public. Critics argue that it disrupts the visual harmony of the capital’s historic landscape, overshadowing monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The project, perceived as a personal monument to Trump’s ego, raises questions about its appropriateness and alignment with American values.

Despite nearly unanimous public opposition, the Commission of Fine Arts, filled with Trump loyalists, seems poised to approve the project. This highlights a troubling trend of sidelining public discourse in favour of personal agendas. Trump’s focus on grandiose projects like this arch and a new White House ballroom reflects a prioritization of personal legacy over pressing national and international challenges.

Analysis: A Landscape Architect Reviews Trump’s Proposed Triumphal Arch

In a time when leadership should be focused on diplomacy and resolving crises, this arch stands as a testament to misplaced priorities. It risks setting a precedent where monumental decisions are driven by vanity rather than the collective values and needs of the nation. As Trump pushes forward, the question remains: Is this the legacy future generations should inherit?

Source: Wikipedia.

Dare to Ignore the Past…

All this talk of Donald Trump and his arch that has stirred laughter and mockery had me thinking of another arch from a bygone era that provoked controversy, one I doubt the incurious President or his ill informed yes men would know about. Designed by Decimus Burton as a triumphal gateway commemorating Britain’s Napoleonic victories and as a grand ceremonial entrance to the royal parks, it was built between 1826 and 1830 at Hyde Park Corner and was known simply as the triumphal arch. The name shifted to the Duke of Wellington’s Arch as public and press association with Wellington’s Napoleonic leadership attached his name and political symbolism to it.

Despite some of his faults, including a notorious temper, political obstinacy and an autocratic manner, a glorious archway bearing the Duke’s name seemed warranted. In 1846, however, Matthew Cotes Wyatt’s gigantic equestrian statue of Wellington was perched atop the arch and that excess exposed how glorification can go too far: critics attacked its scale and poor fit with Burton’s design, Queen Victoria complained it blocked the view of Buckingham Palace and cartoonists mocked it in Punch.

The Duke died in 1852, and despite criticism it remained on the arch until 1882 because of public attachment, political sensitivity about slighting the duke, bureaucratic delays, and the cost and difficulty of removal. The unpopular Wyatt statue was removed from Hyde Park Corner and re‑erected at Aldershot in 1885. The move defused royal and public complaints, found an Army sponsor, and eased disposal costs. The Prince of Wales, the future Edward VII, backed and helped secure the relocation. After the move to Aldershot the bronze suffered neglect, weathering and some vandal damage. It was later cleaned, repaired and treated by specialists to stabilize and protect it.

Photo Credit: Tripadvisor; Friends of Aldershot; Equestrian Statues

Wellington’s Arch caused quite a stir back in the day, and it’s a good lesson for us now. The new arch planned for the 250th anniversary looks more like a monument to Donald Trump’s ego than a celebration of independence. While he might see himself as a great leader like Wellington or Napoleon, his actions, especially ignoring environmental issues and stirring up global tensions, don’t really deserve a hero’s welcome. Just like the fuss over Wellington’s statue, this new plan should be checked out carefully to make sure it brings people together instead of just pumping up one person’s image.

Thursday November 13, 2025

November 13, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 13, 2025

Ontario’s Energy Crossroads: Balancing Costs and Sustainability

November 22, 2019

The challenge of high electricity costs in Ontario is a complex issue that can’t be resolved easily. While it’s tempting to blame past governments, like the Liberals under Dalton McGuinty, the current Ford government needs to focus on solutions rather than pointing fingers. McGuinty left office over a decade ago, so the responsibility now lies with today’s leaders.

Rising electricity costs are not just an Ontario problem; they’re happening elsewhere, including in the U.S., partly due to the shift towards green energy. This transition is essential for combating climate change, but it does bring short-term financial challenges as new technologies are adopted.

News: Average U.S. electricity bill jumps — The hidden cost slipping into 41 states

March 2, 2017

In Ontario, recent electricity rate hikes have led the Ford government to increase the Ontario Electricity Rebate, which costs taxpayers billions. While this helps in the short term, it takes away funds from essential areas like healthcare and education.

The current blanket subsidy approach is not sustainable. More targeted strategies are needed. Investing in energy efficiency can lower consumption, reducing pressure on the grid and lowering costs. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar offer cheaper alternatives to traditional ones like nuclear.

A promising development is the investment in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), supported by the Ford government and others. SMRs are a flexible and potentially cheaper nuclear option, helping to stabilize costs. This investment shows a commitment to innovative solutions for future energy needs.

News: Critics call on Ford government to address rising hydro rates

February 24, 2017

To truly address the issue, means-tested subsidies should be implemented to focus aid on those who need it most. Modernizing energy infrastructure and reconsidering existing energy contracts for potential savings is also crucial.

In essence, Ontario needs a balanced strategy that provides immediate relief while fostering long-term solutions. The Ford government should lead with policies that reduce dependency on costly subsidies, freeing up funds for critical services and ensuring a stable energy future. This approach not only benefits Ontario but also supports global efforts to combat climate change.

Hydro Headache

August 19, 2022

For as long as I can remember, the colossal beast known as Hydro in Ontario has been riddled with issues. Over my nearly 30-year career, no government has been a stellar steward of this energy giant. Each administration has contributed its share of headaches for the next party in control. There’s certainly no shortage of complaints about the last Liberal government under Kathleen Wynne and Dalton McGuinty, especially regarding the state they left Hydro in for their successors. As an editorial cartoonist, I used a lot of ink during those years criticizing their terrible handling of Ontario Hydro. But that was eight years ago, and eventually, criticism needs to pivot to those currently in control.

The Ford government’s current approach is to subsidize the rising costs for ratepayers without seriously addressing long-term solutions. Now that the PCs have been in power for eight years, the partisan refrain on comment boards that the current problems are all Kathleen and Dalton’s fault is growing very weak indeed. Sooner or later, this lack of a comprehensive strategy will backfire because maintaining the status quo, if you can even call it a strategy, is simply unacceptable.

Thursday November 6, 2025

November 6, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 6, 2025

Balancing Budgets, Politics, and Global Tensions

July 24, 2025

In the complex political landscape of 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first budget stands as a testament to the art of balancing competing priorities and pressures. Steering a minority government through turbulent economic times, Carney’s fiscal plan reveals a cautious pragmatism, aiming to address immediate challenges while setting the stage for future stability.

Analysis: This budget is a Trump survival plan. Here are the highlights

At the heart of Carney’s budget is a pragmatic and cautious approach. Faced with the dual pressures of a cost-of-living crisis and economic uncertainty, the government’s fiscal strategy leans towards modest, incremental changes. As noted in columns by political analysts like Susan Delacourt and Andrew Coyne, the budget falls short of the transformational overhaul some anticipated. Instead, it opts for strategic reallocations, shifting resources towards infrastructure and defence without the fanfare of new, sweeping initiatives.

Operating within the constraints of a slim minority government, Carney has crafted a budget that seeks broad parliamentary support. This political necessity dictates a centrist approach, designed to navigate the intricacies of coalition-building. As Campbell Clark observed, this budget reflects a shift from previous Liberal strategies, focusing on incremental changes rather than bold moves. Such a strategy, while perhaps disappointing to some, underscores the need for political pragmatism in a divided House of Commons.

October 24, 2025

Adding a dramatic twist to the political narrative, Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont’s recent defection from the Conservative Party to join Carney’s Liberal caucus highlights potential fractures within Conservative ranks. This move not only strengthens Carney’s minority government but also casts a spotlight on Pierre Poilievre’s tenuous hold on Conservative leadership. Should d’Entremont’s decision inspire others, it could signal deeper issues within the party, challenging Poilievre’s ability to maintain unity and discipline.

Externally, Carney faces the hostility of a protectionist U.S. administration under Donald Trump, with tariffs posing significant threats to Canadian exports. In response, the budget emphasizes the need for trade diversification, seeking to expand Canada’s economic partnerships beyond traditional North American ties. Justin Ling highlights this strategic pivot as essential for securing Canada’s economic future amidst global uncertainties.

Global instability and rising defence demands further complicate the fiscal landscape. The budget’s allocation towards defence, noted by both Ling and Shannon Proudfoot, reflects a response to these geopolitical tensions. Yet, this shift must be carefully balanced against domestic needs, ensuring that increased defence spending does not overshadow critical investments in social infrastructure.

May 13 2025

Amid these challenges, Canadians continue to grapple with economic pressures and a cost-of-living crisis. Carney’s budget attempts to address these issues through targeted investments in housing and social programs. However, as Andrew Coyne critiques, the measures may not be sufficient to deliver significant relief or boost productivity in the short term.

Mark Carney’s 2025 budget is a reflection of the complex, multifaceted pressures facing Canada today. It’s a careful dance of political necessity, economic pragmatism, and strategic foresight. While it may not deliver the bold transformations some hoped for, it lays a foundation for stability and resilience in uncertain times. With Chris d’Entremont’s defection underscoring potential shifts in political allegiances, Carney’s leadership may further consolidate if Conservative unity continues to waver. By navigating these challenges with a steady hand, Carney aims to steer Canada through its current crises towards a more secure and prosperous future.

Thank Goodness For Budget Drama

As I dive into the labyrinth that is the federal budget, I’m reminded why I happily sidestep the world of economic analysis—my high school math grades can attest to that. But where my numerical skills fall short, my eye for political drama kicks in.

While columnists are busy unraveling Carney’s approach to fiscal management and productivity, I’m fixated on the real theatre of the moment: Chris d’Entremont’s defection. I’ll be honest—I hadn’t heard of him until he made headlines by crossing the floor. And I’m sure I’m not alone in this. Yet, his move has turned into a pivotal moment, offering Carney’s government a much-needed early victory.

In the midst of armchair critics flooding comment sections with hyperbolic takes on the budget, d’Entremont’s shift stands out as a tangible smackdown for Poilievre. It’s a political shake-up that hints at possible cracks in the Conservative facade, while giving the Liberals a narrative win they can capitalize on.

So as experts debate the finer points of fiscal policies, I’ll be here capturing the real story—the unexpected plot twists and the shifting political landscape that could define the next chapter in Canadian politics.

The Cost of Living Crisis as we’ve known it

December 28, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

The Cost of Living Crisis As We Knew it in 2024 | December 28, 2024 | Substack Newsletter

Posted to the Hamilton Spectator, December 28, 2024

These editorial cartoons over the past few years highlight the tough times many Canadians have and are currently facing with rising living costs, especially when it comes to food. They point out how prices for everyday items, like groceries and butter, have skyrocketed, making it harder for families to make ends meet. The increase in food bank use shows the growing need for support as government action seems slow.

While some retailers are trying to improve practices, there’s a sense that more needs to be done to tackle the bigger problems affecting people’s wallets. Short-term solutions, like HST holidays and rebates, might provide temporary relief, but they don’t address the root issues. What’s truly needed are long-term remedies that ensure sustainable affordability and economic stability for all Canadians. Overall, it’s a call for better solutions to help everyone cope with these financial challenges in a meaningful way.

Friday December 10, 2021: We’ll all be paying a lot more for food next year, says Canada’s Food Price Report. Sky-high food prices were one of many negative impacts that Canadians felt during the pandemic-plagued year of 2021. And a new report suggests that problem is only going to get worse next year.

Thursday September 29, 2022: Butter is our lifeblood, our saving grace. When all else fails, butter is there for us to spread on toast, toss into mashed potatoes, shower on our movie popcorn, or use to whip up a cake. But this essential ingredient is starting to cost a pretty penny, and right before its biggest time to shine, the holiday baking season.

Thursday April 13, 2023: Move over, Tiffany’s! The hottest place to shop for precious commodities is now your local supermarket. With prices soaring to new heights, Canadians are flocking to grocery chains with the same excitement and anticipation as shopping for gold, diamonds, and expensive gems in a jewelry store.

Wednesday August 2, 2023: Inflation has been a significant concern for the Canadian economy, impacting all aspects of daily life, with grocery prices being hit the hardest. In recent months, the cost of living has surged by almost six percent, while grocery prices have soared nearly double that pace, leaving consumers feeling the pinch. As prices rise, the profits of big grocery chains have reached record highs, further exacerbating the disparity between their financial success and the plight of their low-wage workers.

Thursday October 26, 2023: Yesterday’s announcements highlight the challenges of high inflation and housing costs in Canada. The report on food banks shows the growing need for affordable options, while the Bank of Canada’s focus on managing inflation could lead to rate hikes. It’s clear that addressing affordability, inflation, and social support is crucial.

Tuesday March 5, 2024: Despite falling inflation, the Bank of Canada is likely to keep interest rates steady, raising questions about an immediate drop in borrowing costs.

Tuesday March 11, 2024: Loud budgeting emerges as a powerful societal roar against corporate exploitation, stagnant wages, and governmental financial burdens, empowering individuals to reclaim control over their finances and challenge systemic inequities.

Tuesday April 9, 2024: Today’s youth face a profound struggle with financial insecurity and societal pressures, hindering their ability to engage amid a pervasive cost of living crisis.

Thursday April 11, 2024: The decision by the Bank of Canada to maintain interest rates at 5% underscores the economic struggles faced by middle-income families, who play a vital role in driving economic activity but bear the brunt of stagnant wages, rising costs of living, and financial pressures exacerbated by high borrowing costs.

Saturday May 18, 2024: The recent announcement that Loblaw Companies Ltd. and other major retailers are ready to sign on to Canada’s grocery code of conduct is being presented as a significant step toward fairer practices within the grocery supply chain. However, this development is unlikely to bring about the substantial changes needed to address the deeper issues affecting the industry and consumers.

Friday May 31, 2024: Innovative leadership is essential to address Canada’s inflation crisis, bridging the gap between optimistic official statistics and the harsh financial realities many Canadians face.

Thursday June 6, 2024: Amidst the Bank of Canada’s rate cuts offering borrowers a glimmer of hope, the rollercoaster journey of economic recovery is shadowed by the relentless challenge of rising living costs.

Friday September 13, 2024: The rise in food bank usage highlights government inaction on poverty, housing, and social services, and food banks cannot continue to serve as a substitute for systemic reform

Saturday October 12, 2024: Despite rising grocery prices, Thanksgiving 2024 offers an opportunity to reflect on the privileges many Canadians still enjoy, like access to affordable food and relative safety, even as global challenges intensify.

Wednesday December 11, 2024

December 11, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday December 11, 2024

Temporary Measures and Long-Term Recklessness

October 12, 2024

The Liberal government’s latest attempts at economic relief—a GST holiday on select goods and a proposed $250 rebate for middle-income Canadians—highlight not just the policy’s shortcomings but a deeper malaise within Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership and his administration’s fiscal discipline. The measures have exposed widening cracks between Trudeau’s office and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, underscoring a government increasingly at odds with itself and struggling to manage mounting political and economic crises.

Analysis: Trudeau’s office at odds with Finance Minister Freeland over GST holiday, $250 cheques, sources say

December 8, 2023

Sources reveal that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), not Freeland’s Finance Department, pushed for the tax holiday and rebate despite internal resistance. Finance officials reportedly deemed the GST holiday fiscally unsound, and experts agree that the rebate—capped at incomes as high as $150,000—lacks precision, failing to adequately target Canada’s most vulnerable. These initiatives represent over $6 billion in spending at a time when the deficit already exceeds Freeland’s public commitment of $40.1 billion. Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux projects the deficit will reach $46.4 billion, calling into question the government’s claims of fiscal restraint.

The political motivations behind these measures are transparent. Trudeau, facing flagging poll numbers and an emboldened Conservative opposition, appears to be grasping at short-term fixes that deliver minimal relief to Canadians while ignoring structural economic challenges. The GST holiday will likely benefit retailers and wealthier consumers more than struggling households, who spend little on discretionary goods. Meanwhile, the $250 rebate’s exclusion of seniors and people with disabilities has drawn sharp criticism.

News: Liberal government survives third Conservative non-confidence vote

December 10, 2015

The dysfunction within the government only amplifies these policy failures. Tensions between Freeland and the PMO mirror the dynamics that led to former finance minister Bill Morneau’s departure in 2020. Freeland, who once embodied Trudeau’s economic strategy, now appears caught between loyalty to her boss and mounting frustrations within her own department. Despite public denials, insiders note that the PMO has increasingly sidelined Freeland, relying on senior staff with little financial expertise to advance spending plans that prioritize political expediency over sound governance.

This internal discord comes as Canadians lose confidence in the Liberals’ ability to manage the economy. Reader comments in major publications reflect growing exasperation, with criticisms ranging from accusations of incompetence to allegations of a government disconnected from the realities of working households. Trudeau’s leadership style—often characterized by bold announcements lacking substantive follow-through—is wearing thin, leaving even long-time supporters questioning the administration’s direction.

News: The GST/HST holiday tax break kicks in this week. Here is what is covered

December 13, 2023

As the government lurches from one short-term fix to the next, the broader economic picture grows bleaker. Canadians continue to struggle with housing costs, stagnant wages, and inflation-driven erosion of purchasing power, while government spending balloons without addressing these root causes. The current measures, far from reassuring voters, may hasten the government’s political decline as trust in its economic stewardship erodes.

What Canada needs is not politically motivated giveaways but serious, structural reforms. Targeted relief for low-income households, investments in housing and childcare, and policies to boost productivity and wages are essential. If Trudeau’s Liberals remain unwilling or unable to chart a coherent path forward, their time in power will likely end in defeat and disillusionment.

With the holidays around the corner, I’ve been getting into the festive spirit, which for me always includes a rewatch of Elf. It’s one of my absolute favourite Christmas movies—right up there with the 1951 A Christmas Carol starring Alistair Sim. That scene in Elf where Buddy calls out the department store Santa with “You sit on a throne of lies” cracks me up every single time – even more so given at this time of the year I actually often do smell like beef and cheese… but I digress. If you caught the December 12 editorial cartoon I shared, now you know where the lines came from!

Speaking of thrones of lies… let’s talk about this GST/HST holiday and $250 rebate the government’s been hyping. On the surface, it might sound like a thoughtful gesture, and a little relief with the cost of living crisis, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that it’s more about scoring political points than actually helping people. Sure, a little extra cash is nice, but these measures don’t address the bigger issues Canadians are dealing with. And then there’s the bickering between the Prime Minister’s Office and Finance Minister Freeland—while they argue about budgets and optics, it’s regular folks who are left wondering how this helps in the long run.

It’s frustrating to see these temporary “fixes” instead of real solutions. It’s like handing out candy canes when what we need is a solid plan for the future. But much like Buddy in Elf, when something doesn’t add up, it’s okay to call it out.

The Liberal government’s GST/HST holiday and $250 rebate, promoted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office despite objections from Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, reveal troubling fiscal irresponsibility and internal tensions. These measures, amounting to over $6 billion in spending, provide minimal relief to Canadians while ignoring root economic issues like housing affordability and stagnant wages. Internal disputes between the PMO and Finance mirror previous rifts, suggesting a government in decline. As political desperation drives short-term fixes, trust in the Liberals’ economic leadership erodes, leaving Canada’s affordability crisis unaddressed and the party’s political future in jeopardy.

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Here’s the making-of clip for the December 11, 2024 editorial cartoon. Enjoy! Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

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