crime – mackaycartoons

Wednesday April 24, 2024

April 24, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday April 24, 2024

Doug Ford’s Rush to Judgment: Lessons from the Umar Zameer Case

May 18, 2023

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent call to reverse the ban on the traditional Keffiyeh scarf within the Ontario legislature intersects with broader concerns about his rush to judgment, as demonstrated in the Umar Zameer case. These instances reveal a need for greater nuance and restraint in navigating complex cultural and legal issues.

News: Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls on Speaker to reverse keffiyeh scarf ban

April 28, 2023

Ford’s swift condemnation of the Keffiyeh ban highlights a tendency to oversimplify nuanced matters. While he frames his stance as a rejection of divisiveness, his approach risks overlooking the deep cultural and religious significance of the scarf for many individuals. This oversimplification mirrors Ford’s handling of the Umar Zameer case, where he prematurely condemned Zameer before all evidence was presented in court, contributing to public outrage and hostility towards Zameer.

Ford’s rhetoric in the Umar Zameer case exemplifies a rush to judgment without full knowledge of the facts. This hasty response undermines the presumption of innocence and due process, underscoring the importance of political leaders exercising restraint and respecting legal processes.

Opinion: Doug Ford, John Tory and Patrick Brown all owe Umar Zameer their ‘deepest apologies’ as well

June 3, 2023

Moreover, Ford’s advocacy for electric vehicles (EVs) in the context of the Keffiyeh debate raises questions about his consistency in embracing innovation while navigating cultural sensitivities. As the EV industry faces challenges and uncertainties, Ford’s approach to complex issues should reflect a commitment to informed dialogue and inclusivity.

News: Honda expected to announce multi-billion dollar deal to assemble EVs in Ontario: sources

The intersection of these issues highlights the need for political leaders to engage thoughtfully with cultural diversity and legal processes. By reflecting on the lessons from the Umar Zameer case and demonstrating a willingness to embrace complexity, Ford can contribute to a more respectful and inclusive public discourse. Moving forward, a nuanced approach to governance is essential to bridge divides and promote unity in Ontario’s diverse society. (IT)

Thursday February 1, 2024

February 1, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 1, 2024

Government Action on Rising Car Thefts

August 7, 2019

The recent announcement of a $121 million investment by the federal government to combat auto theft in Ontario is a commendable move that signifies a strong commitment to addressing the surge in carjackings and vehicle thefts. The funding, part of a larger federal fund of $390 million designated for the national Initiative to take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, aims to target gun and gang violence, with a particular focus on the escalating auto theft crisis in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

The severity of the issue is underscored by the alarming statistics reported by Toronto police, revealing a 24.4% increase in stolen vehicles in 2023 compared to the previous year, following a 45% jump in 2022. These incidents are not merely property crimes; they also involve violent carjackings and break-and-enters, instilling fear in residents and violating their sense of safety within their homes.

News: Doug Ford, Justin Trudeau governments announces $121M in federal funding to fight auto theft, gun crimes

The holistic approach advocated by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc, and Minister of Justice Arif Virani is crucial in addressing the multifaceted nature of this problem. Recognizing the national and international organized crime links to auto theft, they emphasize the need for cooperation between local law enforcement, the auto and insurance industries, and the Canada Border Services Agency.

Furthermore, the commitment to potentially revising the Criminal Code to include stiffer penalties for auto theft-related offences, as suggested by Minister Virani, aligns with the gravity of the situation. Premier Ford’s explicit call for changes to the Criminal Code, including mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of violent offences related to home invasions, resonates with the public’s demand for swift and decisive action.

The upcoming national summit on combating auto theft, convened by Minister LeBlanc, demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling this issue at a broader level. Bringing together political leaders, law enforcement, border agents, and auto industry executives will foster collaboration and exchange of strategies to effectively curb the organized theft rings.

Investigation: This car was stolen from a driveway in Canada. We found it in West Africa

Additionally, the efforts by the Ontario government, earmarking $51 million over three years for prevention initiatives and establishing a joint police task force, showcase a commitment to disrupting the networks responsible for high-risk auto thefts. The task force’s achievements, including 89 arrests, 554 charges, and the recovery of over 100 vehicles, highlight the effectiveness of targeted interventions.

The government’s swift response to the rising tide of car thefts is a positive step forward. By allocating substantial funds, proposing legislative changes, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, they are demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding communities and curbing the activities of organized crime groups involved in auto theft. These measures are not only necessary but also essential to restoring a sense of security and peace of mind for residents across the affected regions. (AI)

Friday January 15, 2021

January 22, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 15, 2021

Can President Trump issue pardons while impeached? Experts at odds

With just days left before the end of U.S. President Donald Trump’s presidency, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump for a historic second time Wednesday, citing “incitement of insurrection” after a mob of supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol one week ago.

January 12, 2021

At the same time, the FBI has been making arrests across the country relating to the riots, prompting some to wonder whether Trump would try to squeeze in more pardons before his term is up, including pardoning his supporters, his family, and even himself.

Trump’s presidency has raised legal questions around pardons previously never tested in federal courts: the constitutionality of a self-pardon, for example, remains unclear since no president had ever attempted it before, with legal scholars divided on how to interpret the law.

Does Trump’s impeachment change anything when it comes to issuing pardons?

January 8, 2021

In Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, it states that the president “shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.”

But legal experts appear divided in what the clause “except in cases of impeachment” means.

December 3, 2020

“The conventional wisdom and centuries of treatises and textbooks tell us that when the Constitution says that the president can pardon ‘except in cases of impeachment’ means that the criminal process and the impeachment process are separate, and the president can only pardon crimes,” Brian Kalt, an expert on constitutional law and presidential history, and a law professor at Michigan State University, told CTVNews.ca in an email.

“He can’t stop an impeachment or undo an impeachment conviction, but he can still pardon any related crimes.”

With the House voting 232-197 to impeach the president, a two-thirds majority is still needed in the Senate in order to convict and remove Trump, the only U.S. president ever to be impeached twice. But the earliest a Senate trial would begin is next Tuesday, right before president-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Kalt explains that Trump retains all of his powers until he is convicted or his term ends, meaning, “he can still issue pardons — whether related to his impeachment or not — while he is impeached.”

August 8, 1998

Kalt noted that former president Bill Clinton pardoned 34 people between his impeachment on Dec 19, 1998 and his acquittal on Feb 12, 1999.

“Nobody batted an eye at that because, again, the standard reading of the impeachment exception to the pardon power … is uniformly understood and accepted.”

Based on Clinton’s example, Trump could still issue pardons during his final week in office. Prior to his impeachment, he had already discussed issuing pardons for himself and his children, according to a CNN report this week, citing multiple sources. The report noted Trump, his allies and family members who partipated in the rally at the Capitol could potentially face legal exposure following the riots.

2020 Gallery – Trump

Trump could, in theory, issue a blanket pardon that covers himself and his children up until the time he leaves office, according to CNN’s source. Another source indicated that Trump may extend it to others outside the family as well, including Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.

Already Trump’s previous pardons — which have included four American men convicted of killing Iraqi civilians, his former campaign manager Paul Manafort, ex-adviser Roger Stone, and his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner — have generated enormous outrage. (CTV)

Tuesday August 23, 2016

August 22, 2016 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday August 23, 2016

Police chiefs want new law that would compel people to reveal passwords

Canada’s police chiefs want a new law that would force people to hand over their electronic passwords with a judge’s consent.

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police has passed a resolution calling for the legal measure to unlock digital evidence, saying criminals increasingly use encryption to hide illicit activities.

There is nothing currently in Canadian law that would compel someone to provide a password to police during an investigation, RCMP Assistant Commissioner Joe Oliver told a news conference Tuesday.

Oliver said criminals — from child abusers to mobsters — are operating online in almost complete anonymity with the help of tools that mask identities and messages, a phenomenon police call “going dark.”

“The victims in the digital space are real,” Oliver said. “Canada’s law and policing capabilities must keep pace with the evolution of technology.”

The chiefs’ proposed password scheme is “wildly disproportionate,” because in the case of a laptop computer it would mean handing over the “key to your whole personal life,” said David Christopher, a spokesman for OpenMedia, a group that works to keep the Internet surveillance-free.

“On the face of it, this seems like it’s clearly unconstitutional.”

The police chiefs’ resolution comes as the federal government begins a consultation on cybersecurity that will look at issues including the best way to balance online freedoms with the needs of police. The consultation runs until Oct. 15. (Source: CBC)

Wednesday January 13, 2016

January 12, 2016 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 13, 2016

The Blair roach project has won a powerful supporter.

Premier Kathleen Wynne said she is pleased Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has asked former Toronto police chief Bill Blair, now Scarborough Southwest MP, to lead the marijuana legalization efforts.

“I have a lot of respect for Bill Blair. I think that he’ll do a great job and his taking on of that role is the beginning of that national conversation that I said we have to have,” Wynne told reporters Monday at Queen’s Park.

The premier added that she was heartened that Blair is embracing her proposal to have cannabis sold through government-owned Liquor Control Board of Ontario outlets.

“I’m encouraged that he had, as a preliminary approach, that he thinks that it might make sense to use a distribution network that’s in place, . . . (although that’s) not a foregone conclusion,” she said.

“He’s got a lot of people to talk to and he’s got a lot of questions to ask and a lot of decisions to make over the coming months, so I look forward to that conversation.”

Blair, a rookie MP who is parliamentary secretary to Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, will work with a three-member cabinet team and a soon-to-be-named federal-provincial-territorial task force to develop the policy for legalizing marijuana.

On Friday, Blair said Ottawa will look to Colorado and other jurisdictions that have legalized marijuana sales.

“We have pretty robust systems of regulation for other intoxicants in this country, mostly overseen by the provinces, and so we’ve already got a model, a framework we can build on here,” he said.

“I think there are certain modifications or adjustments that we may have to make for cannabis as opposed to alcohol, but I think there is already a strong system in place for the control and regulation” of marijuana sales here.

The police veteran, who himself has never smoked marijuana, pointed out that it is “very difficult” for under-aged Ontarians to buy booze at the LCBO.

“You’re going to come up against a government employee who’s got regulations to enforce and is going to ask for identification and if a person’s under age, they’re not going to be able to buy that,” said Blair. (Source: Toronto Star)