desert

Tuesday April 22, 2024

In the aftermath of last week's budget, Canadians are left concerned as Trudeau and Freeland's spending plan fails to address key economic challenges and raises doubts about fiscal responsibility and long-term growth.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 22, 2024

Trudeau and Freeland: Lost in the Political Desert

Inspired by Arizona

Reflecting on my recent trip to Arizona, where I explored the breathtaking South Mountain and wandered through the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, I couldn’t allow the fresh memories from the desert to fade without using my experience to create something useful—a cartoon that sheds light on the economic challenges facing Canada under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

As I hiked up South Mountain, surrounded by saguaro cacti and vibrant desert blooms, I was struck by the resilience of the desert ecosystem—a stark contrast to the fiscal uncertainty plaguing our nation. The metaphor of Trudeau and Freeland wandering aimlessly in a political desert, devoid of clear economic direction, began to take shape in my strange cartoonist mind.

December 30, 2021

The recent federal budget presented by Freeland left many Canadians questioning the government’s ability to navigate our economic challenges. Trudeau and Freeland’s approach to fiscal policy resembles a desperate search for water in the desert—marked by reckless spending increases and tax hikes on private investment, sending troubling signals to entrepreneurs and businesses.

Inspired by this juxtaposition, I sketched an editorial cartoon that combines my desert experience and the economic realities at home. In my cartoon, Trudeau and Freeland are depicted as lost in the political desert, surrounded by symbols of economic decline—an array of withering cacti representing declining GDP, menacing snakes embodying tax increases, and a fading mirage of a prosperous city in the distance symbolizing hollow promises of growth.

As Black Friday sales week coincides with the Trudeau government's economic struggles, the unveiling of a carbon tax pause and questionable economic decisions leave the Prime Minister facing a significant political blowout, with polls shifting toward the Conservative Party and skepticism growing about the Liberals' ability to manage both the economy and climate change.

November 21, 2023

The cartoon serves as a visual metaphor for the challenges facing our economy, urging Trudeau and Freeland to acknowledge the severity of our economic predicament and adopt a more prudent approach to fiscal policy. Just as the desert ecosystem requires adaptation and resilience to thrive, our economic framework demands innovation, investment, and long-term strategic planning.

As the political landscape evolves and Canadians seek leadership that embraces change and progress, the cartoon serves as a reminder of the urgent need for effective economic stewardship. It doesn’t seem Trudeau and Freeland are the best to navigate the economic challenges with purpose and clarity, steering our nation towards a brighter future built on resilience and prosperity. They’re handcuffed by support from the NDP, and staring down the barrel of a Conservative Party cannon. These are end days for the Justin Trudeau Liberal Government.

The political desert beckons. 

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 illustration a try:

Tuesday November 21, 2023

As Black Friday sales week coincides with the Trudeau government's economic struggles, the unveiling of a carbon tax pause and questionable economic decisions leave the Prime Minister facing a significant political blowout, with polls shifting toward the Conservative Party and skepticism growing about the Liberals' ability to manage both the economy and climate change.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 21, 2023

Trudeau’s Economic Winter: As Black Friday Discounts Soar, Liberals Face a Chilling Blowout in Polls

September 19, 2023

As Black Friday sales week unfolds, Justin Trudeau faces a political clearance event of his own, with the latest polls revealing the Conservative Party leading by a whopping 14 points nationally. The only bustling storefront in Trudeau’s political mall seems to be his remaining bastion of support – women over 54. But with the unveiling of the economic statement, the Prime Minister might find it harder to convince Canadians that his government is still on the right track.

News: Freeland to deliver $15-billion in rental housing loans in slimmed-down fiscal update  

Canada's Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, faces internal conflict within the Liberal government due to a sudden policy reversal on climate change, particularly the exemption for home-heating oil in Atlantic Canada, sparking criticism and raising concerns about the coherence and consistency of the government's climate policies.

November 4, 2023

In a bizarre twist, Trudeau, known for championing a national carbon tax to combat climate change, recently hit pause on the carbon levy for home heating oil. This decision, framed as a temporary relief for lower-income Canadians, has ignited a storm of criticism and exposed the fragility of his government’s climate policies.

Attempting to capitalize on the situation, federal Conservatives swiftly introduced a motion to extend the home heating oil pause to all forms of home heating. Even the left-wing NDP joined the chorus, criticizing the Liberal policy as unfair to Canadians outside the Atlantic region.

The federal government, led by Justin Trudeau, is making changes to its climate policy, which primarily benefit Atlantic Canada. These changes include increased rural rebates and exemptions for home heating oil from the carbon tax. This has generated mixed reactions and debates.

October 28, 2023

As Trudeau resists further carve-outs to the carbon price, experts suggest that this seemingly minor amendment could jeopardize the government’s signature climate legislation. The narrative around the carbon tax, once a cornerstone of Trudeau’s environmental agenda, now seems to be melting faster than an ice cap in a heatwave.

Amid sagging poll numbers and growing skepticism about the Liberals’ ability to manage the economy, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to unveil the “fall economic statement.” As the Liberals grapple with a slump, the statement is anticipated with both curiosity and doubt, especially considering the cost-of-living concerns Canadians face.

While Trudeau claims fiscal responsibility, critics argue that his government’s spending spree has inflated annual budgets well beyond their initial plans. As Canadians grapple with an affordability crisis, rising prices, and a lackluster economic outlook, the fall economic statement is poised to be a tough sell for a government that seems increasingly out of touch.

News: Poll suggests widespread dissatisfaction with Trudeau government  

December 30, 2021

As the Trudeau government attempts to convince Canadians of its economic prowess, the data tell a different story. With a decade of lackluster growth, a public sector rising in cost and inefficiency, and a slew of regulatory initiatives impacting businesses and consumers, the economic reality clashes with the Liberal narrative.

While the fall economic statement may promise efficacious fiscal management, many Canadians remain unconvinced. As the government walks the tightrope between necessary investments and fiscal responsibility, it seems the Trudeau administration has a tough sell ahead, and the Black Friday blowout might just extend into the political arena. (AI)

 

Thursday December 30, 2021

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday December 30, 2021

Ottawa’s New Pastime: Leadership Speculation

No wonder there is a sense of déjà vu on Parliament Hill. The minority Parliament elected in September met for just two-and-a-half weeks before taking its holiday break.

September 1, 2021

Perhaps that business-as-usual post-election vibe in the House is why one of the favourite political discussions among insiders is speculation as to who will lead the two main political parties into the next election. Some may think this a waste of time. With a second consecutive minority government no one knows when the next election might be. And neither of the major party leaders, Justin Trudeau or Erin O’Toole, plans to step down. Quite the contrary. Both have said they are determined to lead their parties when voters next go to the polls.

Friday January 12, 2018

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 12, 2018

Canada preparing for possibility Trump will pull out of NAFTA: sources

The Canadian government is actively preparing for the possibility U.S. President Donald Trump could soon signal his intent to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement, Liberal government sources told CBC News.

Despite those preparations for a possible pullout, Canada will stay at the negotiation table even if Trump makes that call, those sources said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Canada is still optimistic there could still be some sort of positive resolution to these fractious trade talks, the sources said, and will continue to pursue its aggressive outreach plans in the U.S., which include meetings with U.S. state governors and lawmakers in Washington.

The next round of NAFTA talks — the sixth so far — will be held in Montreal from Jan. 23 to 28.

Reuters reported earlier Wednesday that Canada is “increasingly convinced” Trump will abandon renegotiation talks and announce he is initiating the withdrawal process. A party’s withdrawal takes effect six months after it provides written notice to the other member countries.

In response to the Reuters story, the White House said “there has been no change in the President’s position on NAFTA,” which offered little clarity as Trump has routinely threatened to walk away if he cannot extract concessions from the other two trade partners. (Source: CBC) 

 

Thursday August 25, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Thursday August 25, 2016 New permit for Nestle water-taking at low rate 'inappropriate': Wynne Bottled water companies in Ontario may soon have to pay more and take less water as public outcry over revelations that the province charges them just $3.71 for every million litres triggered a government review. There is a difference between taking water for agricultural or industrial use and taking it to sell bottled water, Premier Kathleen Wynne said Wednesday. Some of the conditions of the permits for bottled water use are outdated, she said. "There's the issue of the quantity of water that's taken, there's the issue of the cost of that water," Wynne said. "Also, there's an issue around the timing. As we all know, it's been a dry summer and so I think we need to look at what are the right triggers in place in terms of quantities that are allowable given the conditions.Ó Wynne has asked Environment Minister Glen Murray to review permit conditions for bottled water companies. It will look at whether there is a sufficient price on removing water, he said. "I think for some of the folks that are removing it and taking it away, that they got a really sweet deal," he said. "Maybe too sweet a deal.Ó Environmental group Wellington Water Watchers is urging Ontario not to renew a permit for Nestle Waters in Aberfoyle, Ont., that expired on July 31. It's upset that the company has been allowed to keep extracting water from a local well in the midst of a severe drought in the province. A water-taking permit remains in force if a renewal application is made at least 90 days before it expires. "Quite frankly, that window gives us an opportunity to look at what should change, rather than issuing a new permit under the same parameters as the former permit, which I think would not be appropriate," Wynne said. Times have changed, she said. "Thirty years ago, we wouldn't have envisioned an industry that took water a

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 25, 2016

New permit for Nestle water-taking at low rate ‘inappropriate’: Wynne

Bottled water companies in Ontario may soon have to pay more and take less water as public outcry over revelations that the province charges them just $3.71 for every million litres triggered a government review.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Thursday June 23, 2016 Waukesha, Wis., plan to tap into Lake Michigan called 'wrong decision' Leamington, Ont., Mayor John Paterson is irate after a group of eight U.S. governors voted Tuesday to allow a small Wisconsin town to draw its drinking water from Lake Michigan. A panel representing governors of the eight states adjoining the Great Lakes unanimously approved a proposal from Waukesha, Wis., which is under a court order to find a solution to radium contamination of its groundwater wells. The city says the project will cost $265 million Cdn for engineering studies, pipelines and other infrastructure.Waukesha is only 27 kilometres from the lake but just outside the Great Lakes watershed. That required the city of about 72,000 to get special permission under the compact, which prohibits most diversions of water across the watershed boundary. Paterson immediately took to Twitter to denounce the decision. His peninsula town, the self-proclaimed Tomato Capital of Canada and home to hundreds of greenhouses, is surrounded by Lake Erie. "This should not be allowed," Paterson told CBC News. "I'm really disappointed it happened. That was unexpected. I actually thought the governor of Michigan was going to side with us. He even bailed.Ó The Michigan Senate adopted a resolution last month opposing Waukesha's request. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder went against that and voted in favour of Waukesha's plan Tuesday. A 2008 pact established a potential exception for communities within counties that straddle the line. Waukesha is the first to request water under that provision. "There are a lot of emotions and politics surrounding this issue, but voting yes Ñ in co-operation with our Great Lakes neighbours Ñ is the best way to conserve one of our greatest natural resources," Snyder said. Snyder also took to social media, to defend his decision.(Source: CBC News) Canada, USA, United States, Great Lakes, water, di

June 23, 2016

There is a difference between taking water for agricultural or industrial use and taking it to sell bottled water, Premier Kathleen Wynne said Wednesday. Some of the conditions of the permits for bottled water use are outdated, she said.

“There’s the issue of the quantity of water that’s taken, there’s the issue of the cost of that water,” Wynne said.

“Also, there’s an issue around the timing. As we all know, it’s been a dry summer and so I think we need to look at what are the right triggers in place in terms of quantities that are allowable given the conditions.”

Wynne has asked Environment Minister Glen Murray to review permit conditions for bottled water companies. It will look at whether there is a sufficient price on removing water, he said.

“I think for some of the folks that are removing it and taking it away, that they got a really sweet deal,” he said. “Maybe too sweet a deal.”

Environmental group Wellington Water Watchers is urging Ontario not to renew a permit for Nestle Waters in Aberfoyle, Ont., that expired on July 31. It’s upset that the company has been allowed to keep extracting water from a local well in the midst of a severe drought in the province.

A water-taking permit remains in force if a renewal application is made at least 90 days before it expires.

“Quite frankly, that window gives us an opportunity to look at what should change, rather than issuing a new permit under the same parameters as the former permit, which I think would not be appropriate,” Wynne said.

Times have changed, she said.

“Thirty years ago, we wouldn’t have envisioned an industry that took water and put it in plastic bottles so that people could carry it around,” Wynne said.

“I mean, we didn’t drink water from plastic bottles 30 years ago. We turned on the tap and the fact is our tap water in Ontario is among the best in the world.”

Nestle Canada has two permits to take up to 4.7 million litres of water every day for bottling. Other bottled water companies with large water-taking permits in Ontario include Gold Mountain Springs, Gott Enterprises and St. Joseph Natural Spring Water. (Source: CTV News)

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