David Johnston

Tuesday June 13, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday June 13, 2023

Trudeau and Poilievre’s Actions Undermine Democracy and Reputation

May 25, 2023

The resignation of David Johnston, Justin Trudeau’s special rapporteur on foreign interference in Canadian elections, is a testament to the erosion of trust in our democratic institutions. Rather than addressing the issue of foreign interference head-on, Trudeau’s decision to delegate the responsibility to Johnston and his subsequent shielding of himself from the decision-making process is a clear evasion of accountability.

It is disheartening to witness Pierre Poilievre, the Official Opposition Leader, launch unfounded and relentless attacks on Johnston’s credibility. Poilievre, who himself was appointed as a cabinet minister by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is now attempting to discredit a man who was deemed impartial enough to serve as governor general and swear Poilievre into his own cabinet. The hypocrisy is glaring, and these attacks have not only derailed the investigation but have also distracted us from more pressing matters at hand.

Opinion: Trudeau’s government wants opposition parties to create their own public inquiry? Good luck with that  

December 5, 2015

Let us consider the political affiliations of Johnston’s predecessors. Ray Hnatyshyn, who served as governor general, took orders from Prime Minister Brian Mulroney while serving in his Progressive Conservative government. Romeo Leblanc, another former governor general, engaged in the blood sport of politics as a minister for Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau before rising above politics when recruited for the role. Yet, we question the credibility of Johnston, who has remained detached from partisan politics throughout his career. The facts are clear, but they seem to hold little weight in the face of baseless accusations.

Critics have defenestrated the report prepared by Johnston and Block, while the media, unfortunately, have largely defiled their work. The currency of impartiality, which is essential for a thriving democracy, has been debased by these unwarranted attacks. Instead of engaging in a constructive dialogue on foreign interference, the opposition and media have chosen to make a meal of our elders, tarnishing the reputation of distinguished individuals who have dedicated their lives to public service.

March 19, 2015

Johnston’s resignation highlights the highly partisan atmosphere surrounding his appointment and work. It is a somber reflection of how divisive politics can hinder the objective of building trust in our democratic institutions. Rather than embracing his expertise and recommendations, the opposition parties accused him of bias due to his personal ties to Trudeau. The focus should have been on addressing the issue of foreign interference, but instead, it became a platform for political mudslinging.

Trudeau’s association with Johnston and their personal ties have become the source of intense scrutiny. While it is crucial to ensure transparency and accountability in governance, it is unfair to taint the reputations of distinguished individuals based on mere associations. Members and directors of the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation, a respected institution, have also faced undeserved negative attention due to their affiliation with Trudeau. This pattern extends to various other individuals who have been touched by their association with the Prime Minister, leading to unwarranted controversy and reputational damage.

Opinion: The David Johnston mess is Justin Trudeau’s responsibility  

March 17, 2023

In the case of Johnston’s resignation, it is regrettable that a capable and esteemed Canadian made the decision to accept a role that ultimately became embroiled in controversy. However, it is essential to recognize that the responsibility for this outcome lies with Trudeau and Poilievre, whose actions and attacks have undermined the credibility of our democratic institutions.

As Canadians, we must demand better. We must hold our leaders accountable for their actions and ensure that our democratic processes remain robust and untainted by political gamesmanship. It is only by upholding the principles of integrity, transparency, and impartiality that we can safeguard the trust and confidence of the people in our democracy. (AI)

 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 editorial cartooning a try:

 

Thursday May 25, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday May 25, 2023

Opposition Parties Reject Access to Classified Information in Inquiry Decision

May 5, 2023

On Wednesday, the Bloc Québécois and the Conservatives aligned in their refusal to examine classified information that had led to a watchdog’s recommendation against a public inquiry into allegations of foreign interference. Both party leaders expressed their reluctance to be bound by the obligation of secrecy.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, however, urged his colleagues to prioritize facts over partisan interests, specifically calling out Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. During an event in Winnipeg, Trudeau criticized Poilievre, stating, “Pierre Poilievre is deliberately choosing to remain uninformed.”

David Johnston, appointed by Trudeau as a special rapporteur in March to investigate the foreign interference allegations, presented his initial report on Tuesday. The report advised against initiating a public inquiry into the allegations of foreign interference during the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. These allegations had been a contentious issue for the government following reports by Global News and the Globe and Mail, which referred to leaked national security documents and anonymous sources.

News: Poilievre calls on Singh to force a foreign interference inquiry  

March 24, 2023

In his report, Johnston also recommended that the government grant the necessary security clearances to other party leaders, allowing them access to the complete report, including a confidential annex of materials used to reach his conclusions. Despite calls from the NDP, Conservatives, and Bloc Québécois for a public inquiry, Johnston explained that due to national security concerns, the reviewed intelligence must remain classified. Consequently, a formal inquiry would largely be conducted behind closed doors. Instead, Johnston pledged to hold public hearings to discuss the broader issue of foreign interference, without delving into the specific allegations.

Johnston acknowledged the challenge of not being able to publicly disclose the reviewed information and emphasized the importance of future potential leaders of the country intentionally remaining unaware. He also recognized the opposition leaders’ desire not to be constrained by security laws that prohibit the sharing of such material.

March 9, 2023

Trudeau accepted Johnston’s findings and sent letters to Opposition leaders, inviting them to begin the process of obtaining the required security clearances. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh expressed his intention to do so. However, Poilievre rejected the offer, vowing to call for a public inquiry if the Conservatives formed the next government. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet also supported him, describing the opportunity as “a misguided trap.”

Trudeau urged opposition leaders, including Poilievre, to review the substance of Johnston’s report, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He singled out Poilievre, stating, “He is more interested in political arguments and personal attacks than in confronting the facts. Can we consider him a serious leader?”

Poilievre, speaking to reporters in Toronto on Wednesday, criticized Johnston as a “Trudeau insider,” highlighting the former governor general’s friendship with Prime Minister Trudeau’s father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, and his involvement in the foundation named after the former prime minister. In response, Johnston defended his work and his relationship with the current prime minister, stating that their families had gone skiing together decades ago.

Erin O’Toole: I met with David Johnston for his report – here’s what happened  

March 17, 2023

Poilievre suggested that an experienced judge in handling national security cases should be responsible for determining which information should remain classified and what could be made public if an inquiry were to be called. He asserted, “Justin Trudeau is concealing something.”

Although Poilievre declined the opportunity to closely examine the report himself, he stated that he would not hinder the review by Conservative MPs serving on the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians. Johnston confirmed that these committee members would receive additional information and could challenge his conclusions if necessary.

On Wednesday, MPs from the NDP, Conservatives, and Bloc Québécois on the House of Commons procedure committee jointly signed a letter requesting Johnston’s presence before them to answer questions about his decision not to recommend a public inquiry. The letter, shared on social media by Conservative MP Michael Cooper, characterized Johnston’s decision as “a disregard for diaspora groups who face abuse and intimidation from hostile foreign governments.” (AI)

 

Friday March 24, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 24, 2023

Trudeau’s China Scandal Turns Liberals Into Circus Act

March 3, 2023

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the circus of Canadian politics! Under the big top, we have quite the spectacle with Justin Trudeau trying to tame the wild accusations of Chinese interference in the federal elections. Katie Telford is high-wiring her way out of questioning, while Jagmeet Singh is performing impressive feats on his unicycle. Watch Han Dong as he’s blown out of a cannon, stepping down from the governing Liberal Party over allegations of involvement in Chinese political interference. 

Trudeau, however, seems to have forgotten the age-old advice of stopping digging when in a hole. The uproar over Chinese interference allegations in the federal elections in 2019 and 2021 is taking centre stage. Trudeau’s attempts to dismiss or lash out at his critics have not gone unnoticed, and his government’s refusal to allow a public inquiry is only adding fuel to the fire.

March 9, 2023

David Johnston, the appointed ringmaster, is not calming the chaos either, as he’s been panned by many for his close relationship to Trudeau. The NDP, the Bloc Québécois, and the Conservatives all want an inquiry, and polls this week show the gap between Liberals and Conservatives is negligible.

But wait, who’s that entering the tent? It’s none other than the President of the United States, Joe Biden, who’s come to see the show! With a message for Canada to ramp up air defence and a goal of charting a path forward in the response to Haiti, he’s brought some surprise to the circus.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the Biggest Show on…er… for China. (AI)

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 editorial cartooning a try.

 

Friday March 17, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 17, 2023

Trudeau calls David Johnston ‘unimpeachable’ as Conservatives attack his impartiality

March 9, 2023

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended his choice of former governor general David Johnston as special election rapporteur Friday, arguing that Conservative attacks on him show the party is more interested in creating chaos than tackling foreign election interference.

“David Johnston has served this country in many, many different ways through a long and unimpeachable career,” Trudeau said in Guelph, Ont. of the man he appointed to investigate reports of foreign election interference.

“When we are looking to someone who will put the country first, and put the interest of Canadians at the core of everything he does, there is no better name than David Johnston.”

Citing classified Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) sources, multiple media reports have alleged that China tried to ensure the Liberals won a minority government in the last general election. Those reports also said Beijing worked to defeat Conservative candidates who were critical of China by interfering in the last two federal elections.

March 2, 2023

A panel of top civil servants concluded that attempts to interfere with the 2021 federal election did not affect the results. Trudeau has announced multiple investigations into foreign election interference and appointed Johnston as special rapporteur earlier this week.

Among other things, Johnston has been tasked with advising the prime minister on whether to call a public inquiry — something all of the opposition parties have demanded.

Trudeau has said he will abide by Johnston’s recommendations. The Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois pushed back against Johnston’s appointment Thursday, arguing that he is too closely linked with the prime minister.

March 19, 2015

“Trudeau has named a family friend, old neighbour from the cottage and member of the Beijing-funded Trudeau foundation to be the independent rapporteur on Beijing’s interference,” Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said in a media statement.

“Get real. Trudeau must end his cover up. Call a public inquiry.”

Trudeau said Poilievre is “hoping that if he attacks our institutions with a flamethrower, maybe he’s going to be able to win. That sounds like a really great way of ensuring that all Canadians lose.”

The prime minister said the Conservatives under Poilievre are only concerned with turning the election interference issue into a partisan circus.

“We need to stand up for our institutions, we need to reassure Canadians that everything has been done and will be done to make sure that they are focused on serving Canadians, and keeping people safe. (CBC) 

 

Saturday December 5, 2015

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator - Saturday December 5, 2015 Throne speech: New tone, tax cut and a turning point for First Nations The Liberal government has promised a new tone for Parliament and set out an "ambitious" agenda that includes delivering tax cuts for the middle class, a renewed commitment to peacekeeping and a new health agreement with the provinces. Today's 15-minute speech from the throne, titled "Making Real Change Happen," was delivered in the Senate chamber by Gov. Gen. David Johnston. It presented in broad strokes the government's plans and priorities for the 42nd Parliament. As an "immediate priority," the government will deliver a tax cut "for the middle class." "This is the fair thing to do, and the smart thing to do for Canada's economy," Johnston read from the speech. The address also promised a better future for Canada by being "smart and caring on a scale as never before." "The times we live in demand nothing less," Johnston read. The government is also promising to renew, nation-to-nation, the relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples, based on "recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership." To that end, the throne speech committed to improve education for First Nations children, to launch an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, and to implement recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The throne speech also promised to usher in a new tone for Parliament, which has been characterized by partisan bickering in recent years. "In this Parliament, all members will be honoured, respected and heard, wherever they sit," Johnston said. "For here, in these chambers, the voices of all Canadians matter." (Source: CBC News) http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/throne-speech-liberal-trudeau-1.3350618?cmp=rss Canada, Parliament, Senate, Governor General, David Johnston, throne, speech, Justin Trudeau, Stephen Harper, conservative, Liberal

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday December 5, 2015

Throne speech: New tone, tax cut and a turning point for First Nations

The Liberal government has promised a new tone for Parliament and set out an “ambitious” agenda that includes delivering tax cuts for the middle class, a renewed commitment to peacekeeping and a new health agreement with the provinces.

Today’s 15-minute speech from the throne, titled “Making Real Change Happen,” was delivered in the Senate chamber by Gov. Gen. David Johnston. It presented in broad strokes the government’s plans and priorities for the 42nd Parliament.

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator - Wednesday October 21, 2015 Justin Trudeau's turn to face the weight of expectations Stephen Harper is a goner, and humiliated, too, to the near-erotic ecstasy of Canada's chattering classes, who loathed him with such intensity it's hard to think of a comparison in modern politics. Well, maybe Dick Cheney, George W. Bush's Darth Vader. Suddenly, in Justin Trudeau we have a prime minister-designate who's banging on about hope and trust and inclusiveness and believing in yourself and being better and listening to everyone and diversity and all sorts of other happy thoughts. He even threw in tolerance for hijabs. Last week, Harper tried to say this wasn't about him, but it was. All those Conservative candidates he muzzled and controlled are probably wishing they'd grown some spine and stood up to those PMO staffers who've been ordering them around for years. The smile that spread across the lips of the Canadian elites during the last week of this election, when Harper was reduced to posing with Rob Ford and his brother in an attempt to shore up what amounts to the Canadian Tea Party vote, was almost wolfish. It won't be hard for Trudeau to keep his most prominent promise Ñ to run a deficit for a few years. Spending more than you earn is always easy. He may already be inheriting a deficit. But he's taking power at a time of tremendous transformation. A housing correction may be coming. Younger generations are struggling with debt. At the same time, entire cohorts of baby boomers are retiring. Try to trim their entitlements, which will almost certainly be necessary, and see what happens. Or try to force some competition into the Canadian banking sector. Or the almost closed-shop telecommunications sector. Or try to cut red tape at the border, and encourage true free trade with the Americans. Trudeau will need revenue to fulfill his agenda, but even Liberals won't be keen on restoring the taxes Ste

Wednesday October 21, 2015

As an “immediate priority,” the government will deliver a tax cut “for the middle class.”

“This is the fair thing to do, and the smart thing to do for Canada’s economy,” Johnston read from the speech.

The address also promised a better future for Canada by being “smart and caring on a scale as never before.”

“The times we live in demand nothing less,” Johnston read.

The government is also promising to renew, nation-to-nation, the relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples, based on “recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.”

To that end, the throne speech committed to improve education for First Nations children, to launch an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, and to implement recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The throne speech also promised to usher in a new tone for Parliament, which has been characterized by partisan bickering in recent years.

“In this Parliament, all members will be honoured, respected and heard, wherever they sit,” Johnston said. “For here, in these chambers, the voices of all Canadians matter.” (Source: CBC News)

Today's cartoon from the Hamilton Spectator. #BBR

Posted by Engaged Democracy on Saturday, December 5, 2015