crisis – mackaycartoons

Tuesday April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 15, 2025

Climate Change Takes a Backseat in Canada’s 2025 Election

March 19, 2025

As Canadians head to the polls in 2025, the pressing issue of climate change seems to have been relegated to a whisper amidst the cacophony of economic concerns, tariffs, and geopolitical tensions. The two major parties, the Poilievre Conservatives and the Carney Liberals, have conspicuously sidestepped the climate crisis in their campaigns, raising critical questions about their commitment to addressing what remains one of the most urgent challenges of our time.

Analysis: Election 2025: a voter’s guide to carbon taxes, natural resources and other key environment issues in Canada

In recent elections, climate change was at the forefront, with parties vying to present credible plans to reduce emissions and transition to a sustainable future. However, today, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. According to Vote Compass data, environmental issues have plummeted in voter priority, eclipsed by immediate economic pressures and Canada-U.S. relations. Yet, the urgency of the climate crisis has not diminished; it is merely overshadowed.

September 25, 2024

The Conservatives’ Concerning Silence: Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives have adopted a strategy that sidesteps comprehensive climate policy. By framing climate change as a “global problem” and proposing Canadian LNG exports as a solution to reduce global coal usage, Poilievre avoids committing to domestic emissions targets. This absence of a solid, actionable plan is concerning and unacceptable. While economic growth and job creation are vital, they cannot come at the expense of ignoring a crisis that demands immediate and sustained action.

News: Climate change fades as a campaign issue as tariffs dominate federal election

October 10, 2024

The Liberals’ Temporary Retreat: On the other side, Mark Carney’s Liberals have made a strategic retreat by eliminating the consumer carbon price. This move, influenced by public dissatisfaction and economic pressures, might be seen as a temporary concession—a pragmatic pause rather than a permanent shift. For those concerned about climate change, this decision is a double-edged sword: it alleviates immediate economic burdens but risks undermining long-term climate goals.

The hope remains that this pause is just that—temporary. The Liberals must return to the table with a robust communications strategy, one that clearly articulates the benefits of carbon pricing and other climate policies. The Trudeau Liberals’ rollout of the carbon tax was fraught with challenges, allowing the Poilievre Conservatives to hijack the narrative and cast it as a burden rather than a necessary step towards sustainability.

Analysis: In 2021, there was nearly a consensus on climate change. In 2025, Carney and Poilievre are far apart

March 14, 2024

A Call for Courage and Clarity: The reluctance of both parties to address climate change head-on is a disservice to Canadians and future generations. While other issues understandably demand attention, the climate crisis cannot be perpetually postponed. It requires bold leadership and a commitment to transparent, effective policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.

The 2025 election should have been an opportunity to strengthen Canada’s resolve in fighting climate change, not a retreat into the shadows of political convenience. As voters, we must demand more from our leaders—a clear, unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. The time for silence is over; the climate cannot wait.

The Illusion that Climate Change is a Non-Issue – This cartoon is bound to ruffle feathers among both Liberal and Conservative partisans. Yet, as I’ve stated before and will reiterate, my allegiance is to truth, not to any political party. Editorial cartoonists should be impartial, challenging all sides equally. Our purpose is to provoke thought, which naturally may offend those with entrenched political loyalties.

Supporters of Pierre Poilievre might argue against the depiction of him as a climate denier, while Liberals may question why their leader is depicted alongside him. However, both leaders share a stance against the carbon tax. The previous government under Justin Trudeau introduced a well-intentioned tax and rebate scheme aimed at taxing the largest consumer polluters—those with multiple cars, properties, and frequent travel habits—while benefiting the environmentally conscious and less affluent citizens. Unfortunately, Trudeau failed to effectively communicate the policy’s benefits, allowing Poilievre to exploit this communication gap and rally against it.

The consumer carbon pricing scheme, a key tool for meeting Canada’s Paris Agreement commitments, now teeters on the brink of extinction. Mark Carney, in an unexpected move, completed Poilievre’s “Axe the Tax” campaign, dismantling a program that had potential for significant environmental impact.

If Poilievre assumes office, the illusion of his environmental concern will dissipate, aligning with climate-denying regimes. Conversely, if Carney takes the helm, there’s a glimmer of hope for reintroducing consumer carbon taxes, though he remains reticent about his plans, and his supporters remain uncurious.

We find ourselves in a precarious position, seemingly ignoring the gravity of climate change, influenced by misinformation and rhetoric from a conservative leader who dismisses the climate crisis. Drill baby drill, is the mantra of Conservatives, a familiar refrain to was is heard in the south – yes the fossil fuel sector is important especially in light of tariff turmoil, but it is imperative that we remain vigilant, demanding transparency and action to safeguard our planet’s future.

Master illusionists of Environmental Policies – April 15, 2025: https://youtu.be/4wuAP1x6RMY

– The Graeme Gallery

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Wednesday February 26, 2025

February 26, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

February 26, 2025

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 26, 2025

Tariffs and Tumbles: Ford’s Housing Crisis Unresolved

October 18, 2024

As Ontarians get ready to vote, the housing crisis remains a major issue that Premier Doug Ford’s government hasn’t properly tackled. Instead of focusing on affordable housing solutions, Ford has turned attention to upcoming tariffs from the Trump administration, which are likely to raise the costs of building materials. This distraction comes at a time when many can’t afford homes and homelessness is increasing.

News: How Ontario’s housing crisis got so bad

September 27, 2024

Ford’s decision to call an election 18 months early was partly based on these tariffs, yet his government hasn’t offered a clear plan to deal with the resulting cost hikes. Critics note that spending on affordable housing and homelessness has barely changed over the past decade. Meanwhile, homelessness has jumped by 25% since 2022, affecting 81,000 people in 2024. The government’s response has been weak, focusing on clearing homeless encampments instead of finding long-term solutions.

Since Ford took office, the average home price in Ontario has shot up by 42%, exceeding national rates. Housing construction is lagging, and the goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2031 seems far off, with a shortfall of 740,000 units. Ford’s approach has been more reactive than proactive, failing to tackle the root causes of the crisis. The reluctance to support family-friendly housing and co-op models, along with zoning and bureaucratic delays, has hindered progress. Even the Housing Affordability Task Force’s recommendations have largely been ignored.

Opinion: Doug Ford is failing to deliver on housing. Here’s what needs to change after Thursday’s election

August 21, 2024

Despite these challenges, voters seem ready to give Ford another majority. This is puzzling, given that the opposition parties have proposed more robust plans. The NDP and Greens want to increase housing density and legalize four-plexes, while the Liberals aim to lower homeownership costs by reducing development charges.

Ford’s lack of a clear strategy amid upcoming tariffs and his poor handling of the housing crisis are missed opportunities to build trust and secure Ontario’s future. Housing is not just an economic issue; it’s about providing everyone with a decent place to live. As Ontarians vote, they should demand leadership that addresses housing affordability with real solutions, not just talk. The province’s future depends on it.

It’s frustrating to watch a government that has utterly mishandled the housing issue in Ontario escape proper scrutiny in a sneaky snap election campaign. The evidence is all around us: from the rising number of encampments to the staggering statistics that show a lack of affordable housing options, it’s clear that the Ford government has failed to address this critical issue. Rental prices have skyrocketed, and homelessness continues to grow, reflecting a dire need for immediate action.

While there are other elements at play, like the aftermath of the pandemic and federal immigration policies adding pressure, the Ford government’s focus on Trump tariffs during the election seems misplaced. They’ve dropped the ball, particularly with the Greenbelt fiasco and the absence of a viable alternative plan. It’s evident that any hope for a well-thought-out strategy for what’s to come has been squandered.

How they’re still leading so far ahead in the polls is beyond me. With the election nearly here, it’s disheartening to see leadership that prioritizes distractions over solid action on housing issues. Many are left wondering if they’ve seen enough real action or just a lot of hot air. My job isn’t to suggest a better party to vote for, but to point out the weaknesses of a party given its record—and this government has performed poorly. This is my final opportunity to vent before Ontario heads to the polls on Thursday. If you’re aware of current events, be sure to vote — apathy may lead to the worst outcome, and what a shame that would be.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for February 26, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

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Wednesday December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday December 18, 2024

A Leadership Vacuum in Ottawa Leaves the Provinces Scrambling to Confront the Trump Threat

May 7, 2012

Canada is staring down a serious challenge: the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House. Trump’s first presidency disrupted trade, shook alliances, and forced Canada into a defensive position. If he returns, Canada will again face tough questions on trade, defence, and energy—issues that demand clear leadership.

But instead of steady guidance from Ottawa, we’re seeing a federal government distracted by political drama and caught up in policies better left to the provinces. This leadership vacuum is creating a national crisis. The provinces, led by premiers in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, are stepping up to fill the gap—but the patchwork approach risks leaving Canada divided and unprepared for the storm ahead.

News: Premiers express alarm at political ‘chaos’ in Ottawa amid looming Trump trade threat

December 3, 2024

The federal government under Justin Trudeau has spent years focusing on policies like child care, dental care, and housing—areas that traditionally fall under provincial jurisdiction. While these programs are valuable, they reflect a deeper problem: Ottawa is distracted from its core responsibilities.

Canada’s Constitution clearly assigns key duties to the federal government, like national defence, trade, and foreign policy. Yet, on these fronts, Ottawa’s leadership has been lacking. Recent crises have laid this bare. The COVID-19 pandemic showed major breakdowns in coordination between levels of government. Immigration backlogs, housing shortages, and rising defence concerns all point to systemic failures that require federal action.

Instead, the Trudeau government leans heavily on spending its way into provincial affairs, tying funds to conditions that often ignore local priorities. This “federal overreach” creates resentment among premiers and leaves Ottawa spread too thin to address issues that only it can handle.

February 7, 2023

The absence of federal leadership has forced premiers to act, particularly as Canada faces a second Trump presidency. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has fiercely defended the province’s energy industry, pushing back against federal emissions caps and warning of American protectionism. While her approach sparks debate, it underlines a key point: provinces are increasingly forced to act as economic and political leaders when Ottawa fails to step up.

Similarly, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has taken proactive steps to safeguard the auto industry as global supply chains shift. Trump’s “America First” policies pose a major threat to Canadian manufacturing, but Ford’s focus on competitiveness offers a strategy where Ottawa remains silent.

In Quebec, Premier François Legault has pushed back against federal overreach while advancing policies that protect the province’s interests, such as energy projects and language laws.

October 5, 2022

These premiers aren’t stepping up because they want to—they’re doing so because they have to. Ottawa’s leadership vacuum leaves them no choice.

The provinces’ efforts to fill the federal gap come with risks. Canada cannot respond to global threats like Trump’s protectionism or NATO uncertainty as a collection of competing provincial interests. We need a national strategy, a unified voice that can protect the country’s economic and geopolitical stability.

Yet the cracks are showing. Alberta’s push for more autonomy through the Sovereignty Act and Quebec’s demands for greater control reflect growing frustration with Ottawa. These conflicts further divide the country at a time when unity is crucial. A fractured Canada weakens our position on the world stage, leaving us unprepared to face Trump’s return or any other major challenge.

May 26, 2006

Canada needs the federal government to refocus on its core responsibilities. Ottawa must take the lead on national defence, trade, and economic stability—issues that only it can manage. This means taking Trump’s threats seriously by crafting a plan to safeguard trade, strengthen our commitments to NATO, and protect Canadian industries from American tariffs.

At the same time, the provinces must resist falling into regional squabbles that undermine national unity. While premiers have proven they can lead, they need to work together with Ottawa as part of a broader “Team Canada” approach. A divided house cannot stand, especially when faced with external threats.

Photo by Carlos Osorio. Even the most partisan critics of Doug Ford can’t deny this photo putting him front and the centre of events during Monday’s Ottawa turmoil is almost akin to a renaissance painting.

Canada is at a critical moment. A second Trump presidency could reshape our economy and security in unpredictable ways. To face this challenge, we need strong leadership, a clear national strategy, and a united front.

The provinces cannot carry this weight alone. Ottawa must step up and take its constitutional role seriously. If it doesn’t, Canada risks drifting further into division and dysfunction—unprepared for the challenges to come.

The time for leadership is now. Canada cannot afford to wait. (AI)

Yesterday was one of those days in Canadian politics that felt like a split screen. On one side, the nation’s Premiers gathered in Toronto, united and even optimistic, presenting a rare tableau of cooperation. On the other, Ottawa was engulfed in chaos. The expected release of the Fall Economic Statement was completely overshadowed by Chrystia Freeland’s surprise resignation as Finance Minister—a shocking development that sent the federal government into a tailspin.

The contrast couldn’t have been starker. There was Doug Ford, hosting the country’s Premiers on his home turf, playing the role of a congenial statesman. Leaders of wildly different political stripes—progressives, conservatives, and even a few sovereigntists—came together to show the country what functional governance could look like. Meanwhile, in Ottawa, the Trudeau government appeared to be coming apart at the seams, its leadership mired in distraction and dysfunction.

The oddest and most telling moment of the day? Freeland, in the middle of her federal upheaval, joined a conference call with the Premiers. It was Doug Ford himself who confirmed that his “good friend Chrystia” had dialled in to provide an update—right in the middle of this gathering of provincial leaders. For a moment, it seemed as though the stability of the country depended not on the federal government, but on this ragtag assembly of Premiers, who were managing to work together and deliver a message of unity.

The image called to mind an old Saturday morning cartoon that some of us might remember: The Super Friends. The Premiers—this diverse, sometimes dysfunctional group of leaders—suddenly looked like the last line of defence, stepping up to protect Canada while Ottawa crumbled. There was Ford as the de facto leader, Danielle Smith as the vocal (and occasionally rebellious) wildcard, François Legault as the Quebecois mastermind, and a host of other characters each playing their part. Together, they projected an air of steady cooperation that Ottawa, for all its lofty rhetoric, simply couldn’t muster.

Of course, the Premiers’ cooperation won’t last forever—political realities and regional grievances will eventually resurface. But for a fleeting moment, as Freeland’s bombshell resignation sent Ottawa into a spiral, the provinces looked like Canada’s grown-ups in the room. In a time of uncertainty and dysfunction at the federal level, that’s worth reflecting on.

It’s not every day you see provincial leaders cast as national heroes, but these are strange times. Maybe the real Super Friends weren’t just fighting cartoon villains—they were wrangling supply chains, housing crises, and existential threats from south of the border. And maybe, just maybe, we could use a little more of that cooperative energy as we face the challenges ahead.

Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks.

Please enjoy my making-of clip of the December 18, 2024 editorial cartoon:

– The Graeme Gallery

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Wednesday October 16, 2024

October 16, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 16, 2024

Animated making-of clip here!

India-Canada Tensions Expose Fault Lines in Trudeau’s Troubled Leadership and the Limits of Multiculturalism

February 22, 2018

The current diplomatic standoff between Canada and India—sparked by allegations of India’s involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar—has come at a difficult time for Justin Trudeau’s government. While the controversy rightly raises concerns about foreign interference and Canada’s sovereignty, the timing of the revelations is feeding speculation about political expediency. This incident also lays bare the less noble challenges of multiculturalism, exposing the tensions that arise when Canada’s embrace of diverse communities intersects with the political and ideological conflicts from abroad.

It is hard to ignore how the timing of this crisis aligns with domestic turmoil within Trudeau’s government. With the Prime Minister facing internal party rebellion, sinking approval ratings, and questions over foreign interference by China, the sudden escalation of tensions with India strikes some as politically convenient. Trudeau’s critics argue that the Khalistan issue is being used as a way to galvanize support among Sikh voters, who are a significant bloc in key Liberal ridings in British Columbia and Ontario. These theories echo broader concerns about Trudeau’s tendency to rely on identity politics to secure electoral advantages.

News: Some Liberal MPs are mounting a new effort to oust Justin Trudeau

February 22, 2018

The messy history between Trudeau and India doesn’t help. His disastrous 2018 visit to India, when a convicted Sikh extremist attended official events, strained relations. His support for India’s protesting farmers in 2020, perceived by New Delhi as meddling in domestic affairs, further soured diplomacy. India’s rejection of the current allegations as politically motivated reflects long-standing suspicions that Trudeau’s government is more focused on domestic gains than fostering strong international relationships.

Beyond the political theatre, this crisis exposes the underlying tensions in Canada’s multicultural framework. Canada prides itself on being a multicultural society that celebrates diversity. However, transnational conflicts—like the Khalistan movement—pose serious challenges to this ideal. When diaspora communities bring their political grievances from home countries to Canada, it complicates domestic governance and tests the limits of peaceful coexistence.

September 20, 2023

The Khalistan separatist movement is a prime example. While many Sikhs in Canada peacefully advocate for their cultural identity, the movement’s more extreme elements have long been a point of contention. The 1985 Air India bombing, orchestrated by pro-Khalistan extremists based in Canada, remains the deadliest act of terrorism in Canadian history. Today, the Indian government’s increasing frustration with the Khalistani diaspora reflects a fear that Canada is becoming a safe haven for separatists. This accusation—whether fair or not—illustrates the complex interplay between free speech and national security in Canada’s multicultural experiment.

News: Trudeau accuses India of supporting violent crimes in Canada

At the heart of this dilemma is the question: How should Canada respond when foreign governments accuse diaspora groups of supporting violence or secession? While it is Canada’s responsibility to ensure that all its citizens are safe from external threats, it must also guard against being used as a battleground for international political disputes. Balancing these competing imperatives is a difficult but necessary task for a government committed to diversity.

April 6, 2024

Canada’s domestic challenges only add to the complexity. At a time when housing affordability, inflation, health care, and foreign interference by China dominate public discourse, Trudeau’s focus on the India-Khalistan issue seems to many Canadians like a distraction from more urgent priorities. Critics argue that the government is spending too much time managing foreign conflicts while neglecting domestic concerns that directly impact Canadians.

This frustration is reflected in the growing chorus of voices saying that Canada should not be entangled in conflicts like Khalistan. Some Canadians express concern that the country is being used as a staging ground for separatist activism, and they resent the idea that Canada’s political landscape might be shaped by grievances imported from abroad. These sentiments highlight an important point: Canada cannot afford to lose focus on its internal problems because of external disputes.

News: India calls expulsions of diplomats from Canada ‘preposterous imputations’ driven by Trudeau’s agenda

The diplomatic fallout with India provides an important opportunity for Trudeau’s government to reassess its approach to both foreign policy and multiculturalism. Canada must make clear that it will not tolerate foreign interference—whether from India, China, or any other country—on its soil. At the same time, Trudeau must avoid playing identity politics to the detriment of national unity. The government should focus on strengthening social cohesion and ensuring that diaspora communities feel they belong as Canadians first without being drawn into the conflicts of their homelands.

In the end, multiculturalism is a noble ideal, but it requires careful management. Canada’s commitment to diversity must be coupled with strong domestic governance and clear boundaries around foreign influence. The India-Canada dispute is a reminder that while we celebrate diversity, we must also recognize its complexities. Trudeau’s government must navigate this crisis with caution—not only for the sake of diplomatic relations but also to maintain public trust in the Canadian multicultural project.

If the Trudeau government is to survive these turbulent times, it must address these challenges with transparency and resolve. Only then can Canada emerge from this moment not just as a multicultural nation but as a united one.

Tuesday April 9, 2024

April 9, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 9, 2024

The Heavy Toll on Youth in a Living Crisis

March 11, 2024

In the poignant juxtaposition of everyday struggles, from longing for a night out with friends to the desperate plea for essentials like toothpaste and diapers, a stark reality emerges for today’s young adults. We find ourselves at the precipice of adulthood, navigating a landscape where financial precarity has become the norm rather than the exception.

As a generation, we stand at a crossroads defined by a myriad of challenges—housing costs skyrocketing beyond our means, wages stagnant against an inflating cost of living, and an unyielding burden of personal and planetary anxieties. This isn’t the coming-of-age narrative our parents reminisce about, where buying a home in your twenties was an attainable dream rather than an elusive fantasy.

News: Housing, Mental Health & Cost of Living Crises Pulling Youth From Climate Movement, Activists Say

October 26, 2023

Recent surveys underscore the harsh reality faced by Canadian youth, with a staggering 53 percent of those aged 18 to 35 living paycheck to paycheck. The compounding effects of financial strain extend far beyond mere monetary concerns, infiltrating every aspect of our lives—our aspirations, our relationships, and our mental well-being.

Amid this whirlwind of economic pressure, the ability to engage meaningfully in societal issues, such as climate activism, often takes a backseat. The passion that ignited climate strikes and grassroots movements in 2019 has waned, replaced by a sobering realization that survival itself demands our undivided attention.

The allure of volunteerism and advocacy, once within reach for many, now feels like a luxury reserved for the few untouched by the relentless grind of making ends meet. Miranda Baksh, a leading voice in environmental engagement, encapsulates this sentiment, noting that the sheer weight of day-to-day existence eclipses the urgency of addressing broader global challenges.

April 13, 2023

Indeed, the discourse around climate action cannot be divorced from the broader socio-economic context in which it unfolds. How can we be expected to champion environmental justice when securing basic necessities like housing and food is an uphill battle? The burdens of today—financial instability, mental health strains, and a looming climate crisis—threaten to erode our capacity for collective action.

Yet, in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, there remains a glimmer of hope. Baksh’s call for community engagement and education underscores the transformative power of collective awareness. By nurturing grassroots initiatives and advocating for systemic change, we can transcend the limitations imposed by circumstance.

News: It’s nearly impossible to find a place to rent. But retirement homes have room to spare

June 22, 2021

To the disillusioned and disheartened youth yearning for a path forward, there is solace in recognizing that our struggles are not borne in isolation. Each small act of defiance against apathy and inertia contributes to a broader movement for change—a movement that demands inclusivity, resilience, and unwavering resolve.

Let us rally not only for ourselves but for future generations who deserve a world unburdened by the weight of our present crises. In reclaiming agency amidst adversity, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the planet and reclaiming the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

This is our clarion call—to confront the living crisis with unwavering courage, to foster solidarity in the face of adversity, and to reclaim our rightful place as architects of a more just and sustainable future. (AI)