David Cameron

Thursday June 25, 2026

As Alberta nears its referendum, the Brexit experience warns of the economic and social costs of separation, urging unity through acknowledgment and action.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 25, 2026

Also published in The Toronto Star.

Alberta’s Separation: Lessons from Brexit’s Decade of Discontent

June 22, 2016

As Alberta approaches its referendum on independence, the echoes of Brexit’s tumultuous journey remind us of the profound implications such decisions can have. Ten years after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, we stand at a crossroads that demands careful consideration of both history and the present context.

Brexit has shown us that promises of swift and utopian change are often misleading. The economic disruptions, trade complications, and social divides that followed the UK’s departure from the EU serve as a cautionary tale for Alberta. While some Albertans feel alienated from Ottawa, the practical realities of separation could lead to prolonged economic uncertainty and legal complexities. The recent article by Marieke Walsh underscores Prime Minister Mark Carney’s view that separatist promises are a “dangerous bluff.” This sentiment is echoed by the broader Canadian public, with a recent Abacus poll revealing that 76% of Canadians outside Alberta want the province to remain in Canada.

News: Carney taps new adviser to lead response to Alberta separatism

Fringe elements in Alberta’s separatist movement threaten to overshadow legitimate grievances, risking economic stability and political unity.

May 21, 2026

Addressing the root causes of this separatist sentiment is crucial. Carney’s appointment of Morgan Breitkreutz as a senior special adviser reflects a strategic move to acknowledge Alberta’s grievances while promoting unity. It’s a recognition that Alberta’s concerns are legitimate and deserve a robust response that goes beyond rhetoric. The sentiment among Albertans, highlighted by Janet Brown’s polling, indicates that while separatist support is significant, a majority still prefer to remain within Canada. 

Analysis: How Brexit broke British politics

The Alberta separatist movement's credibility is crumbling due to partisan extremism and illegal tactics, overshadowing legitimate grievances with Ottawa.

May 8, 2026

To bridge the divide, tangible actions are required. The federal government’s memorandum of understanding with Alberta aims to unlock fossil fuel resources and spur economic growth. These initiatives must yield visible results to reassure Albertans that their voices are heard and their contributions valued.

The Brexit experience teaches us that decisions of such magnitude should not be driven by emotions or temporary discontent. Instead, they require a nuanced understanding of potential consequences. Reader comments from the Globe and Mail article remind us of the complexity involved, highlighting both practical concerns about resource management and the dangers of oversimplifying deep-rooted issues.

Video: 10 years after Brexit and nobody’s happy. (Take notes Alberta)

Canada's loss of measles elimination status highlights the dangers of political pandering to anti-vaccine sentiments and underscores the urgent need for robust public health measures.

November 12, 2025

As Alberta considers its future, the lessons from Brexit are clear. Separation is not a panacea for discontent. By acknowledging grievances and fostering unity through concrete actions, Canada can move forward together, ensuring that its provinces remain strong and interconnected. The path to unity lies in understanding and addressing the real issues, not in promises of an elusive utopia.

Friday February 16, 2026

Canada's hesitant response to the Gaza-Israel conflict signals diminishing influence, urging a need for principled leadership and meaningful diplomacy to regain its historical role in promoting peace.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 16, 2026

Canada’s Fading Diplomacy: A Call for Principled Leadership in the Middle East

Trudeau's government is failing to prioritize military commitments, evident in the protracted delay of the NASAMS defence system to Ukraine, raising concerns about national security preparedness.

January 11, 2024

In the ever-intertwined complexities of the Middle East, Canada’s once-prominent role as a mediator and advocate for peace seems to be fading into the shadows. Recent events surrounding the Gaza-Israel conflict highlight not only our government’s indecision but also its waning influence on the international stage. As other nations, notably the USA, UK, and the EU, engage in meaningful shuttle diplomacy to address the horrific toll on innocent lives, Canada appears to be stuck in a quagmire of symbolic gestures and theatrical statements.

The current Trudeau government’s response to the conflict, as highlighted by Robyn Urback in The Globe & Mail, reflects a pattern of indecisiveness and inconsistency. From the redundant and belated sanctions on Hamas leaders to the half-hearted support for a UN resolution lacking a call for Hamas to surrender, Canada’s actions appear more as domestic theatre than a meaningful contribution to resolving the crisis. The prime minister’s seemingly strategic yet vacillating approach raises questions about Canada’s ability to navigate the complexities of the Middle East with credibility and efficacy.

Septemebr 30, 2023

Septemebr 30, 2023

In the face of Canada’s diplomatic shortcomings, the contrasting reactions from leaders like UK Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscore the need for a more principled stance. Cameron’s expressed concern over the next phase of Israel’s military operation in Gaza and Blinken’s persistent efforts to broker a ceasefire highlight a commitment to addressing the immediate humanitarian crisis and working towards lasting peace. In comparison, Canada’s seemingly symbolic sanctions and equivocal statements project an image of diplomatic ambiguity.

Opinion: ‘Shrinking’ political, practical capacity stunts Canada’s engagement in the Middle East, say experts

The erosion of Canada’s influence in the Middle East is a far cry from the days of Lester Pearson and the pivotal role played during the 1957 Suez Crisis. Today, as the Gaza-Israel conflict unfolds, we find ourselves relegated to the sidelines, with limited sway over the course of events. The lack of a clear and assertive stance diminishes our capacity to contribute meaningfully to diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further bloodshed and fostering a sustainable resolution.

February 17, 2023

It is time for Canada to reassess its role in the Middle East and revive the spirit of principled leadership that once defined our diplomatic endeavours. Our government must move beyond symbolic gestures and engage in substantive diplomacy that addresses the root causes of the conflict. This requires a commitment to both immediate humanitarian relief and a steadfast pursuit of long-term peace, even if it means taking a principled position that might face domestic opposition.

Canada’s historical commitment to a two-state solution should not be relegated to mere rhetoric. We must actively work towards this goal and leverage our diplomatic relationships to play a constructive role in the region. It is essential to rebuild our credibility as a serious player on the international stage by engaging with all relevant parties, including those with whom we may disagree.

April 11, 2002

As the Middle East stands on the precipice of a humanitarian catastrophe, Canada must rise above the limitations of past indecision. The time is now for principled leadership and a renewed commitment to our historical legacy of fostering peace and stability in the face of adversity. (AI)

Tuesday July 13, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay - Tuesday July 13, 2016 Theresa MayÕs first job? Tackling the damning legacy of David Cameron The unexpectedly fast selection of Home Secretary Theresa May as the incoming new British prime minister means that she will now move into Downing Street on Wednesday, with David Cameron formally resigning to the Queen earlier that same day. The speedier-than-anticipated transition gives very little time for her to prepare for a massive agenda which, first and foremost, comprises tackling the damning legacy of Mr. Cameron Ð not just the British exit from the European Union, but also the United Kingdom itself unravelling. This is a huge political task for Ms. May and the tragedy is that this troubled political inheritance was by no means inevitable, and stems in large part from Mr. CameronÕs own unwise decisions in office. The EU referendum Mr. Cameron called was one of personal choice, not necessity, and reflected in large part his concerns in 2014 Ð before the last British general election Ð that the U.K. Independence Party posed a significant electoral threat to the ruling Conservatives. Calling a referendum in these circumstances has proven to be a reckless gamble that has destroyed his premiership. Ms. May must now pick up the pieces and try to negotiate a Brexit on the best possible terms with Brussels and the other 27 member states in very difficult circumstances. The referendum vote will have potentially massive implications for the longer-term future not just of the EU, but also the U.K. On the latter front, for instance, the U.K.Õs current constitutional settlement has now become further destabilized with a significantly increased likelihood of a second Scottish independence referendum vote, and also the possibility of greater political uncertainty in Northern Ireland. Unlike England and Wales, both Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU last month. This is a point that has already been strongly emphasized b

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay – Tuesday July 13, 2016

Theresa May’s first job? Tackling the damning legacy of David Cameron

The unexpectedly fast selection of Home Secretary Theresa May as the incoming new British prime minister means that she will now move into Downing Street on Wednesday, with David Cameron formally resigning to the Queen earlier that same day. The speedier-than-anticipated transition gives very little time for her to prepare for a massive agenda which, first and foremost, comprises tackling the damning legacy of Mr. Cameron – not just the British exit from the European Union, but also the United Kingdom itself unravelling.

This is a huge political task for Ms. May and the tragedy is that this troubled political inheritance was by no means inevitable, and stems in large part from Mr. Cameron’s own unwise decisions in office.

The EU referendum Mr. Cameron called was one of personal choice, not necessity, and reflected in large part his concerns in 2014 – before the last British general election – that the U.K. Independence Party posed a significant electoral threat to the ruling Conservatives.

Calling a referendum in these circumstances has proven to be a reckless gamble that has destroyed his premiership. Ms. May must now pick up the pieces and try to negotiate a Brexit on the best possible terms with Brussels and the other 27 member states in very difficult circumstances.

The referendum vote will have potentially massive implications for the longer-term future not just of the EU, but also the U.K. On the latter front, for instance, the U.K.’s current constitutional settlement has now become further destabilized with a significantly increased likelihood of a second Scottish independence referendum vote, and also the possibility of greater political uncertainty in Northern Ireland.

Unlike England and Wales, both Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU last month. This is a point that has already been strongly emphasized by parties such as Sinn Fein and the Scottish Nationalist Party which favour the further fragmentation of the United Kingdom. (Continued: Globe & Mail)

2016-07-12tearsheet

 

Friday June 24, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Friday June 24, 2016 British PM David Cameron to step down this year in wake of EU vote Prime Minister David Cameron says he will resign by the fall and insists the British people's will must be respected after voters chose to leave the 28-nation European Union. "I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," Cameron told reporters outside 10 Downing Street just before 8:30 a.m. in London. Cameron, in power for six years, said he will resign by the time of the Conservative party conference in the fall. He turns 50 on Oct. 9. "I held nothing back," he said. "I was absolutely clear in my belief that Britain was stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union É but the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path.Ó Cameron said he had spoken to Queen Elizabeth II about the steps he was undertaking to prepare the government for new leadership. British stocks are plunging as the market opens as investors scramble to react to the news. The pound has hit a 31-year low. Cameron sought to reassure investors and markets that "Britain's economy is fundamentally strong.Ó When he promised the referendum, in 2013, Cameron said it would "settle this European question in British politics" once and for all. He told voters he would forge a new deal between Britain and the EU that would make remaining an attractive prospect. At a Brussels summit in February, he won changes to welfare benefits that he said would reduce immigration and an exemption for Britain from the EU's commitment to "ever-closer union" Ñ a phrase that stirs images of a European super-state in some patriotic British hearts. (Source: CBC News) UK, Great Britain, England, David Cameron, EU, Brexit, boxing, European Union, referendum

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 24, 2016

British PM David Cameron to step down this year in wake of EU vote

Prime Minister David Cameron says he will resign by the fall and insists the British people’s will must be respected after voters chose to leave the 28-nation European Union.

“I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination,” Cameron told reporters outside 10 Downing Street just before 8:30 a.m. in London.

Cameron, in power for six years, said he will resign by the time of the Conservative party conference in the fall. He turns 50 on Oct. 9.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Wednesday June 22, 2016 ÔBrexitÕ Vote Will Change Europe, No Matter the Outcome If the U.K. decides in ThursdayÕs referendum to leave the European Union, it would shake the continent to its political foundations. Even if it stays, the bloc may never be the same. A decision to leave, which would be a first by a member nation, would deepen the crisis facing a continent already struggling with economic weakness, debt problems, large-scale migration and growing geopolitical instability to its south and east. At a minimum, politicians and officials say, a British exit would transform the blocÕs balance of power. Negotiations over a new relationship would consume the EUÕs energy at a time when European institutions are struggling to respond to the other problems. A U.K. exit also could disrupt financial markets and fire up anti-EU forces in other countries. Whether or not the U.K. leaves, change is coming. In February, U.K. Prime Minister David CameronÊstruck a deal with the rest of the EU to restrict migrant benefits and detach Britain from the blocÕs push for an Òever closer union.Ó Mr. CameronÕs effort to claw back power from Brussels, coupled with the referendum at home, is an approach that other European politicians are promising to follow, potentially fragmenting the bloc further. The referendum, at a minimum, has delivered a shock to EuropeÕs political classes, calling into question what some had once regarded as an inevitable march toward a federal EU. ÒObsessed with the idea of instant and total integration, we failed to notice that ordinary people, the citizens of Europe, do not share our Euro-enthusiasm,Ó European Council President Donald Tusk observed in a speech in late May. ÒThe specter of a breakup is haunting Europe, and a vision of a federation doesnÕt seem to me like the best answer to it.Ó (Continued: Wall Street Journal)Êhttp://www.wsj.com/articles/brexit-vote-will-change-europe-no-mat

Wednesday June 22, 2016

“I held nothing back,” he said. “I was absolutely clear in my belief that Britain was stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union … but the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path.”

Cameron said he had spoken to Queen Elizabeth II about the steps he was undertaking to prepare the government for new leadership.

British stocks are plunging as the market opens as investors scramble to react to the news. The pound has hit a 31-year low.

Cameron sought to reassure investors and markets that “Britain’s economy is fundamentally strong.”

When he promised the referendum, in 2013, Cameron said it would “settle this European question in British politics” once and for all.

He told voters he would forge a new deal between Britain and the EU that would make remaining an attractive prospect. At a Brussels summit in February, he won changes to welfare benefits that he said would reduce immigration and an exemption for Britain from the EU’s commitment to “ever-closer union” — a phrase that stirs images of a European super-state in some patriotic British hearts. (Source: CBC News)


 

Wednesday June 22, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Wednesday June 22, 2016 ÔBrexitÕ Vote Will Change Europe, No Matter the Outcome If the U.K. decides in ThursdayÕs referendum to leave the European Union, it would shake the continent to its political foundations. Even if it stays, the bloc may never be the same. A decision to leave, which would be a first by a member nation, would deepen the crisis facing a continent already struggling with economic weakness, debt problems, large-scale migration and growing geopolitical instability to its south and east. At a minimum, politicians and officials say, a British exit would transform the blocÕs balance of power. Negotiations over a new relationship would consume the EUÕs energy at a time when European institutions are struggling to respond to the other problems. A U.K. exit also could disrupt financial markets and fire up anti-EU forces in other countries. Whether or not the U.K. leaves, change is coming. In February, U.K. Prime Minister David CameronÊstruck a deal with the rest of the EU to restrict migrant benefits and detach Britain from the blocÕs push for an Òever closer union.Ó Mr. CameronÕs effort to claw back power from Brussels, coupled with the referendum at home, is an approach that other European politicians are promising to follow, potentially fragmenting the bloc further. The referendum, at a minimum, has delivered a shock to EuropeÕs political classes, calling into question what some had once regarded as an inevitable march toward a federal EU. ÒObsessed with the idea of instant and total integration, we failed to notice that ordinary people, the citizens of Europe, do not share our Euro-enthusiasm,Ó European Council President Donald Tusk observed in a speech in late May. ÒThe specter of a breakup is haunting Europe, and a vision of a federation doesnÕt seem to me like the best answer to it.Ó (Continued: Wall Street Journal)Êhttp://www.wsj.com/articles/brexit-vote-will-change-europe-no-mat

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 22, 2016

‘Brexit’ Vote Will Change Europe, No Matter the Outcome

If the U.K. decides in Thursday’s referendum to leave the European Union, it would shake the continent to its political foundations. Even if it stays, the bloc may never be the same.

A decision to leave, which would be a first by a member nation, would deepen the crisis facing a continent already struggling with economic weakness, debt problems, large-scale migration and growing geopolitical instability to its south and east.

At a minimum, politicians and officials say, a British exit would transform the bloc’s balance of power. Negotiations over a new relationship would consume the EU’s energy at a time when European institutions are struggling to respond to the other problems. A U.K. exit also could disrupt financial markets and fire up anti-EU forces in other countries.

Whether or not the U.K. leaves, change is coming. In February, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron struck a deal with the rest of the EU to restrict migrant benefits and detach Britain from the bloc’s push for an “ever closer union.” Mr. Cameron’s effort to claw back power from Brussels, coupled with the referendum at home, is an approach that other European politicians are promising to follow, potentially fragmenting the bloc further.

The referendum, at a minimum, has delivered a shock to Europe’s political classes, calling into question what some had once regarded as an inevitable march toward a federal EU.

“Obsessed with the idea of instant and total integration, we failed to notice that ordinary people, the citizens of Europe, do not share our Euro-enthusiasm,” European Council President Donald Tusk observed in a speech in late May. “The specter of a breakup is haunting Europe, and a vision of a federation doesn’t seem to me like the best answer to it.” (Continued: Wall Street Journal)