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Thursday March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 27, 2025

Jagmeet Singh’s Leadership and the Fight for Relevance

February 29, 2024

As the 2025 federal election approaches, the New Democratic Party (NDP) finds itself at a critical juncture, reminiscent of its influential role in the 1960s under Lester Pearson’s government. Back then, the NDP, originally the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), championed transformative policies like universal healthcare and the Canada Pension Plan, leaving an indelible mark on Canada’s social fabric. Fast forward to today, the NDP under Jagmeet Singh has played a pivotal role in supporting the Liberal government, contributing to significant policy achievements such as expanded dental care, pharmacare, and child care. Yet, unlike the past, these legislative victories have not translated into increased voter support, leaving the party teetering on the edge of irrelevance.

October 17, 2023

Jagmeet Singh, a charismatic and seasoned leader, has steered the NDP through turbulent political waters since 2017. His staunch advocacy for ordinary Canadians, backed by endorsements from major unions, underscores his dedication to progressive values. However, Singh’s alignment with the Liberal government, while strategic, has blurred the NDP’s distinct identity. In the eyes of many voters, the party’s role as a key influencer has been overshadowed by the Liberals’ spotlight, leading to a perception that the NDP is merely a supporting player in a broader political drama.

News: Singh says NDP faces ‘massive challenges’ as voters look to Liberals, Conservatives to battle Trump

March 23, 2022

The current political climate, dominated by concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and sovereignty threats, has shifted voter priorities. Canadians are looking for strong leaders who can navigate these international challenges, resulting in a two-way race between the Liberals and Conservatives. Singh’s commitment to social justice and economic equality, though unwavering, must now contend with the reality of strategic voting and a media landscape that often sidelines smaller parties.

Critics argue that Singh’s leadership, marked by broken promises and perceived ineffectiveness, has led the NDP down a path of diminishing returns. Former leader Thomas Mulcair’s comments, suggesting that the NDP is an afterthought in this high-stakes election, echo a broader sentiment of skepticism. The party’s polling numbers, hovering near single digits, paint a grim picture of its electoral prospects and raise questions about its future viability.

News: Behind in the polls, NDP’s Singh says he’s not going to back down

October 23, 2019

Singh’s challenge is to reinvigorate the NDP’s narrative and demonstrate its relevance in today’s complex political arena. He must effectively communicate how the party’s policies address the pressing issues facing Canadians, from affordability to labor rights, while distinguishing the NDP from its Liberal counterparts. This task is crucial not only for the party’s survival but also for Singh’s leadership, which hangs in the balance as election day looms.

November 7, 2019

As the NDP stands at this crossroads, it must draw on its legacy of progressive change, including its past contributions to the Canada Pension Plan, and adapt to the evolving needs of its constituents. Whether Jagmeet Singh can lead this charge and secure a meaningful place for the NDP in Canada’s political future remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that without a compelling vision and renewed voter engagement, the NDP risks fading into irrelevance, leaving Singh’s leadership in jeopardy after April 28.

Conjoined leaders part and present

As we caravan through the current political landscape, it’s clear that both the NDP and the Conservative Party face significant challenges in addressing the pressing issues of our time, rendering them unelectable in the eyes of many. Despite the NDP’s role in influencing policy during the Trudeau years, historical patterns reveal a persistent struggle to convert this influence into electoral success. The party’s adherence to outdated pacifist views from the 1970s, especially at a time when rapid military reinforcement is crucial, leaves much to be desired.

On the other hand, the Conservative Party’s reluctance to fully embrace climate change initiatives and uphold Canada’s commitments to the Paris Accord is equally concerning. As a huge nation with vast natural resources and significant international responsibilities, Canada cannot afford to lag in either environmental stewardship or national security.

The inability of these major parties to adapt to the evolving realities of national and global priorities highlights a need for fresh voices and innovative ideas in the political arena. This situation presents an opportunity for emerging parties or independent candidates willing to address these gaps with pragmatic solutions. It also calls on voters and advocates to push for transformative changes within existing party structures, demanding policies that reflect the needs and values of Canadians today.

In the end, true leadership will come from those who can effectively balance the demands of security, environmental responsibility, and international collaboration, showing a readiness to lead Canada into a sustainable and secure future.

– The Graeme Gallery

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Saturday August 31, 2024

August 31, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Saturday August 31, 2024

Poilievre asks Singh to pull support for Liberal government to prompt fall election

Pierre Poilievre’s impatience and lack of a clear policy agenda risk undermining his party’s chances of capitalizing on current Liberal unpopularity, while Jagmeet Singh and the NDP are unlikely to abandon a coalition that has allowed them to achieve significant policy wins.

News: Pierre Poilievre’s Impatience Risks Derailing Conservative Hopes

April 13, 2024

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, finds himself in a powerful but precarious position. His party’s poll numbers are soaring, bolstered by widespread dissatisfaction with the governing Liberals. Canadians are feeling the pinch of high interest rates, inflation, and a general fatigue with a Prime Minister who, after nearly a decade in power, appears to have lost his political spark. The conditions seem ripe for a change in government, but Poilievre’s recent actions and rhetoric suggest a leader growing impatient—and that impatience could prove costly.

June 28, 2024

Poilievre’s repeated calls for NDP leader Jagmeet Singh to pull his party’s support from the Liberal government and trigger an early election are increasingly sounding like the pleas of a politician more concerned with capitalizing on current discontent than with presenting a comprehensive vision for the country’s future. His demand for an immediate “carbon tax election” is rooted in the Conservatives’ popular “Ax the Tax” campaign, which taps into the frustration of cash-strapped Canadians. However, beyond this single-issue focus, Poilievre’s broader platform remains vague, leaving many Canadians wondering what the Conservatives actually stand for beyond opposition to the status quo.

The irony in Poilievre’s rhetoric is palpable. His criticism of Singh’s potential pension entitlement comes across as hollow, given that Poilievre himself qualified for a parliamentary pension at an exceptionally young age. This inconsistency does little to bolster his credibility and instead opens him up to charges of hypocrisy, undermining his attempts to position himself as a champion of fiscal responsibility and integrity.

December 22, 2023

Furthermore, Poilievre’s urgency for an election may be premature. While the Liberals are undoubtedly struggling—hampered by high spending, borrowed NDP policies, and a Prime Minister who seems past his best before date—there are signs that the economic situation might improve. Interest rates could come down, easing the affordability crisis that has plagued Trudeau’s government and offering a potential lifeline to the Liberals. If affordability improves, so too could the Liberals’ standing with voters, making Poilievre’s current window of opportunity narrower than he anticipates.

Rick Mercer: Pierre Poilievre’s Pension

The NDP, meanwhile, has little incentive to abandon its agreement with the Liberals. By securing significant policy wins like dental care, pharmacare, and child care, Singh has demonstrated his party’s ability to influence government policy, fulfilling the NDP’s traditional role as the driver of progressive social programs. These achievements are tangible and meaningful, and they align with the NDP’s long-standing priorities. Why would Singh risk these gains by pulling the plug on the agreement and potentially ushering in a Conservative government that is likely to dismantle them?

February 29, 2024

Indeed, Poilievre’s petulant rhetoric and lack of a clear alternative policy agenda could backfire. Canadians may be discontent with the current government, but they are unlikely to vote for change without knowing what that change would look like. Voters need to hear more from Poilievre than just critiques of the Liberals—they need to understand his vision for the country, how he plans to achieve it, and who will benefit (or suffer) under his leadership. Without this, his calls for an early election may come across as little more than political opportunism, lacking the substance needed to convince Canadians that the Conservatives are ready to govern.

In politics, timing is everything. Poilievre’s impatience, coupled with his reliance on rhetoric over concrete policy proposals, risks alienating voters who might otherwise be open to supporting the Conservatives. If the Liberals manage to stabilize their position, and if the NDP continues to extract meaningful concessions from the government, Poilievre could find that his window of opportunity closes just as quickly as it opened. The pendulum of Canadian politics may indeed be swinging towards change, but unless Poilievre can present a compelling, detailed alternative to the current government, he may find himself watching from the sidelines when the time comes. (AI)

Thursday July 18, 2024

July 18, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday July 18, 2024

Provincial Grievances Highlight the Growing Tension in Canadian Federalism

February 7, 2023

It comes as no surprise that the recent Council of the Federation meeting in Halifax saw Canada’s premiers united in their grievances against the federal government. This annual summer gathering has become something of a tradition, a platform for provincial leaders to air their frustrations with Ottawa. The provinces, though not spoken of in the same way as municipalities, are often seen as creatures of the federal government, a status that exacerbates the tension between different levels of government in Canada’s federal system.

The bickering between levels of government tends to amplify as one ascends the confederation ladder. Municipalities complain about provincial overreach, while provinces direct their ire at the federal government. This year, the premiers’ complaints were particularly focused on what they perceive as federal overreach into provincial jurisdictions. Premier after premier took to the podium to criticize the federal government for imposing policies that they argue should be under provincial control.

News: Premiers push federal government to accelerate NATO defence spending

August 24, 2022

The Justin Trudeau government has indeed used its federal clout more aggressively than its predecessors to impose policies on lower levels of government. Initiatives such as dental care, pharmacare, carbon pricing, and most recently Trudeau’s school lunch program are prime examples. While these programs aim to address national issues, they have sparked significant pushback from provincial leaders who argue that such policies infringe on their jurisdiction and autonomy.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s criticism of federal funding for municipal housing projects highlights a common concern among the premiers: the bypassing of provincial governments in favour of direct federal-municipal relationships. Smith’s “stay out of my backyard bill,” which would require provincial oversight of housing deals between the federal government and municipalities, underscores the desire for provincial control over these matters.

October 28, 2023

The carbon pricing policy has been another flashpoint. Premiers have united in calling for a pause on carbon pricing for home heating, criticizing the federal government’s exemption for Atlantic Canada as unfair. This selective application of federal policy has led to calls for a more consistent and equitable approach across all provinces.

Discussions around equalization payments further highlight the ongoing tension. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s call for a reform of the equalization formula reflects a broader sentiment among the premiers that the current system is outdated and unfair to certain provinces. The push for a new formula that redistributes funds on a per capita basis in addition to the existing criteria aims to address these perceived inequities.

At the heart of these grievances is a call for a more cooperative federalism. The premiers are not merely seeking to push back against federal policies; they are advocating for a true partnership with Ottawa. This means engaging in meaningful consultations and collaborative decision-making processes that respect provincial autonomy while addressing national challenges.

News: ‘Buy North America’ is Doug Ford’s new mantra as U.S. trade talk worries Canadian premiers

July 21, 2023

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, requesting better engagement and a refraining from unilateral actions in areas of provincial jurisdiction, encapsulates this desire for a renewed federal-provincial relationship. The call for a First Ministers’ meeting to discuss these issues in person further emphasizes the need for direct and cooperative dialogue.

The annual Council of the Federation meeting serves as a reminder of the inherent tensions within Canadian federalism. While the premiers’ complaints about federal overreach are not new, they underscore the ongoing challenges of balancing national objectives with provincial autonomy. As the Trudeau government continues to push forward with its policy agenda, it must also heed the calls for a more collaborative and respectful approach to federal-provincial relations. Only through such cooperation can the diverse needs and priorities of all Canadians be effectively addressed. (AI)

Thursday February 29, 2024

February 29, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 29, 2024

Trudeau’s Napkin Governance: A Costly Sketch of Social Policy

February 14, 2024

In this take capturing the essence of Trudeau’s governance, we see the Prime Minister extending another hastily drawn plan on a serviette (Canadian translation for napkin,) this time outlining the delivery of expensive pharmaceuticals to bolster universal healthcare. The irony lies in the sketchiness of the proposal, mirroring the questionable efficiency of previous policies, such as the ArriveCan app debacle, as revealed by the recent Auditor General’s report.

Trudeau, depicted in the cartoon, hands over this napkin to NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, fulfilling a demand crucial for the Liberal government’s survival. However, Singh holds another napkin symbolizing the Dental Care program – another hastily crafted, expensive social initiative that has birthed more problems than solutions.

News: The Liberals and NDP say they have a pharmacare deal — so what’s left on their to-do list?

February 21, 2024

The recent Auditor General’s report sheds light on the financial chaos surrounding the ArriveCan app, a $59.5 million mismanagement that unveils a pattern of questionable decision-making within Trudeau’s government. This financial maze serves as a cautionary tale of hastily executed projects during the early days of the pandemic.

The ArriveCan fiasco is not an isolated incident but a reflection of a broader issue – a government seemingly hellbent on governing on the fly. From the sloppy accounting of CERB subsidy payments during the pandemic to the implications of wide-open borders managing a significant influx of migrants over the past five years, the Trudeau-led Liberals appear more focused on creating half-baked social policies than ensuring effective governance.

December 22, 2023

Trudeau’s recent Pharmacare deal with the NDP, showcased in the cartoon, is another example. Tasha Kheiriddin, a conservative columnist, questions the plan’s necessity, citing concerns about lack of consultation with provinces and the potential for jeopardizing coverage for millions. The choice of initial drugs, contraception and diabetes medication, is criticized as a political move to appeal to key demographics rather than a strategic healthcare decision.

Tom Mulcair, a former NDP leader, adds his voice to the discussion, commending Singh for securing the Pharmacare deal but jabbing at the hastiness of the agreement. Mulcair emphasizes the need for clear and tangible benefits while cautioning against the pitfalls of relying on technocrats for such critical policies. This underscores the importance of thorough consideration in crafting comprehensive and effective social programs.

April 22, 2021

The urgency created by the pandemic is not an excuse for overlooking fundamental management practices, as seen in the ArriveCan debacle. The mismanagement of the app, along with other questionable policy decisions, suggests a government more interested in short-term political gains than effective, transparent governance.

As Canadians, we must scrutinize these napkin-drawn policies, demanding accountability and transparency. The ArriveCan scandal and the questionable Pharmacare plan should serve as wake-up calls for citizens who expect more than hastily crafted sketches on napkins from their elected leaders. The need for reform is evident, and it’s time to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, not hastily.

Tuesday January 31, 2023

January 31, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday January 31, 2023

Parliament resumes

Members of Parliament are making their way back to Ottawa ahead of resuming sitting on Monday, as the city prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of the arrival of “Freedom Convoy” protesters.

September 23, 2022

Liberal and Conservative MPs gathered on Parliament Hill Friday for respective caucus meetings, plotting out their priorities for the 2023 sitting of the House of Commons, which kicks off on Jan. 30.

Among the top issues facing federal politicians this winter are the ongoing cost-of-living crunch and risk of a recession; the state of Canada’s health-care systems and the prospect of massive new funding deals with the provinces; as well as the government’s ability to deliver services amid the recent increased reliance on private consultants.

In widely differing but similarly-rousing speeches to their caucuses, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre previewed the lines of attack that are sure to be repeated in question period, both centred around an ongoing debate the two leaders are having over whether Canada is “broken.”

April 8, 2022

“Everything feels broken,” Poilievre said in a speech that questioned what is happening in this country, from the rates of drug overdoses to violent crime.”[Trudeau] gets very angry when I talk about these problems. He thinks that if we don’t speak about them out loud that Canadians will forget that they exist.”

“You told us that better was always possible, and yet everything is worse, and you blame everyone else,” he said.

Responding to the claims from his Official Opposition counterpart, Trudeau shot back that Poilievre has “chosen to amplify people’s real anger, and instead of offering them solutions, to offer them more anger.”

June 14, 2022

In his caucus address, Trudeau spoke about how the Liberal “positive vision” for the future “could not be more different than Mr. Poilievre’s version.”

The New Democrats gathered on Parliament Hill last week for their pre-House strategy session. In a statement on Friday, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said that his caucus plans to leverage its supply-and-confidence deal with the minority Liberals to “to fight for relief from the crushing cost of living, and rebuilding and protecting public universal free health care.” (CTV)