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Friday September 22, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday September 22, 2023

Doug Ford’s Greenbelt Reversal and the Trust of Voters

May 30, 2023

In politics, trust is a commodity as valuable as gold. It can take years to build, yet mere moments to shatter. In the realm of Ontario politics, Premier Doug Ford recently experienced the weight of this truth firsthand. After months of relentless protests, public outrage, and the resignation of key cabinet ministers and staff, he has made the extraordinary move of reversing his decision to open Greenbelt lands for housing development. This U-turn has left many wondering if, in the grand theatre of politics, it is possible to regain the trust of voters after such a dramatic reversal.

Ford’s about-face on the Greenbelt issue is a remarkable example of the power of public protest and collective action. For nearly a year, concerned citizens, environmental activists, and community groups rallied against the government’s plan to carve out a significant chunk of the protected Greenbelt for housing development. Their relentless efforts, which included peaceful demonstrations, lobbying, and raising awareness, played a pivotal role in pushing the Premier to reconsider his stance.

During a caucus retreat in Niagara Falls, Ford admitted that he had made a grave mistake in ignoring the voices of his constituents and breaking his promise to protect the Greenbelt. This rare display of humility, combined with a pledge not to make any changes to the Greenbelt in the future, demonstrates the impact that public outcry can have on even the most entrenched political leaders.

News: Doug Ford cancels controversial $8.28-billion Greenbelt land swap: ‘It was a mistake’  

November 9, 2022

The decision to backtrack on the Greenbelt issue is not only an acknowledgment of public sentiment but also an admission of a flawed process. Reports from the auditor general and integrity commissioner highlighted the rushed and biased selection of lands for development, favouring certain developers. It was a process that left many wondering if political connections played a more significant role than the needs of the people.

The magnitude of the Greenbelt reversal is further underscored by the potential financial ramifications. Property owners whose land was removed from the Greenbelt stood to see their land values rise significantly. The Premier’s acknowledgment that Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra is working through the details of potential compensation for these developers is a significant concession and one that may not sit well with all Ontarians.

The fallout from this reversal has also claimed the careers of several high-ranking officials, including two cabinet ministers, Steve Clark and Kaleed Rasheed, and other staff members. The integrity commissioner’s reports shed light on questionable connections and actions, including a trip to Las Vegas that has raised questions about ethical conduct.

Kaleed Rasheed, Ford’s principal secretary at the time Amin Massoudi, and Jae Truesdell – at the time in the private sector but who served as Ford’s director of housing policy starting in January 2022 – told the integrity commissioner they went to Las Vegas in December 2019. Rasheed and Massoudi “briefly encountered” developer Shakir Rehmatullah there, they said.

While Ford has expressed confidence that nothing criminal took place regarding the Greenbelt land swap, the RCMP is now reviewing information to determine whether an investigation is warranted. The Las Vegas trip adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing scrutiny of the government’s actions.

News: Doug Ford won’t be investigated over developers at family wedding events, integrity commissioner says  

February 16, 2023

In the aftermath of this reversal, the Ontario government faces a critical test: the restoration of trust. Can voters forgive a leader who has admitted to a mistake of this magnitude, particularly in light of the Las Vegas trip and other questionable connections? It is not an easy feat, but history has shown that genuine contrition and concrete actions can pave the path to redemption.

The power of protest and collective action should not be underestimated. It is a reminder that in a democracy, the voices of the people can shape policy and hold leaders accountable. As Ontarians reflect on this remarkable turn of events, they should remember that the strength of their collective voice played a pivotal role in preserving the Greenbelt. It is a testament to the enduring power of democracy and the potential for positive change when citizens come together for a common cause.

Ultimately, Premier Doug Ford’s Greenbelt reversal, coupled with the Las Vegas trip and other revelations, serves as a poignant reminder that political leaders must never lose sight of the trust placed in them by the people. Trust can be elusive, but it can also be rebuilt through humility, transparency, and a commitment to the well-being of all citizens. In the end, it is the voters who will decide if the Premier’s actions have earned back their trust, and the legacy of this episode will undoubtedly shape the future of Ontario politics. (AI)

 

Thursday September 7, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 7, 2023

Ford’s Irresponsible Greenbelt Stance Threatens Ontario’s Future

August 31, 2023

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent announcement that his government will continue development on Greenbelt lands while under review is not only misguided but deeply troubling for the province’s future. Despite mounting evidence of rushed and flawed decision-making processes, Ford remains steadfast in his commitment to forging ahead with development, seemingly undeterred by the ethical and practical implications.

At a recent news conference, Ford indicated that his administration would undertake a review of all Greenbelt lands and development applications, effectively moving up the timeline by about two years, in defiance of the previous government’s mandate for a ten-year review cycle. While a review is certainly warranted, it is Ford’s insistence that development will proceed for any sites deemed to “stand on their own merit” that raises serious concerns.

News: Greenbelt review could see recommendation for more land removals, new minister says  

August 23, 2023

Ford has tasked Housing Minister Paul Calandra, who recently took over after Steve Clark’s resignation, with defining the parameters of this review alongside a non-partisan provincial adjudicator. The Premier has promised a comprehensive top-to-bottom examination, but the catch is that the lands already earmarked for removal and development late last year will remain in play.

In the meantime, the adjudicator will continue working with current landowners, some of whom are major developers in the province, to discuss their plans for these lands. Ford’s commitment to publicly releasing finalized agreements between landowners and the province does little to alleviate concerns about the potential for undue influence in the process.

What’s most alarming is that Ford has not ruled out the possibility of opening even more Greenbelt land for housing development. This stance seems to defy all logic, especially in the face of damning reports from the province’s integrity commissioner and the auditor general. Both reports revealed that the process was heavily influenced by politically connected developers, with Steve Clark’s chief of staff, Ryan Amato, playing a central role in selecting the lands to be removed from the Greenbelt.

July 20, 2023

Amato resigned in August, but both Clark and Ford insisted for weeks that Clark would remain in his ministerial role. The Premier had even instructed Clark to devise a process to open up the Greenbelt by the fall of 2022. The integrity commissioner’s findings were unequivocal, pointing to a deeply flawed process that favoured a select few developers.

Furthermore, the auditor general’s report underscored the questionable circumstances surrounding the land selections, with Amato’s direct involvement with developers or their lawyers raising serious ethical concerns. The potential windfall profits for the owners of the 15 selected sites, amounting to $8.3 billion, only add to the cloud of suspicion surrounding this entire affair.

Opinion: Doug Ford’s fatally flawed Greenbelt plan must be stopped in its tracks  

December 11, 2018

The fact that the RCMP is considering a potential police investigation into the land swaps should give Ford serious pause. Yet, he seems more intent on forging ahead with a review that many view as inadequate.

Ford’s insistence that the Greenbelt review is merely a matter of correcting the process rings hollow. It is not enough to “correct” a process that has already demonstrated its vulnerability to influence and manipulation. What’s truly important is protecting the Greenbelt, preserving vital farmland, and ensuring responsible, sustainable development that benefits all Ontarians.

The Premier’s rush to build homes cannot come at the expense of our natural environment and long-term well-being. While Ford may see the Greenbelt as a mere obstacle to development, it is, in fact, a crucial asset that should be safeguarded for future generations. His disregard for this fundamental responsibility is a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people of Ontario, and it undermines the very essence of good governance. (AI.) Editorial cartoon printed in the Hamilton Spectator and the Toronto Star.

 

Thursday August 31, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 31, 2023

Doug’s Dough: A Bitter Batch of Broken Promises

February 16, 2023

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has carved out a reputation for himself that can only be described as doughy – soft on consistency and prone to swelling with contradictions. His latest move involving the Greenbelt land removal debacle perfectly encapsulates his propensity for doughy decision-making, leaving many citizens with a sour taste in their mouths.

The situation in Ajax, where Ford’s government is now threatening to revert portions of the Greenbelt land back to its original state, is akin to a bakery that’s run by the titular Doug, who’s finding himself in quite a knead of trouble. Imagine a landscape that was supposed to be shaped into a thriving community, much like dough rolled out to create a delectable pastry, yet Doug Ford’s grand vision remains a half-baked concoction.

News: Developers tried to sell Greenbelt properties amid ongoing government discussions, Ford says  

December 1, 2021

Ford’s claim that the landowners lacked “development experience” to meet the province’s housing objectives is baffling, to say the least. It’s reminiscent of a baker blaming their ingredients for failing to rise in the oven. The Premier’s Office alleges that the property was listed for sale despite promises to address the housing shortage. The analogy comes to life when one envisions Doug Ford, livid and frustrated, staring at a lump of unrolled dough, waiting for a developer baker who seems to have vanished like a puff of flour.

The story becomes even more convoluted when we delve into the background of the land purchase. Ford’s own history of promises and backtracking, much like a dough that refuses to cooperate, comes to light. The parcels of land were snapped up just days after his electoral victory, raising eyebrows about potential conflicts of interest. Ford had initially promised not to touch the Greenbelt, only to dance around that pledge later on.

November 30, 2022

The revelation that the property owners are foreign investors with no development experience further highlights the shoddy kneading job Ford’s government has done. It’s as if Doug’s Dough is being operated by novices who thought they could whip up a bakery without understanding the intricacies of baking. The reliance on external partners to navigate the process and the inconsistent explanations about the intent behind listing the property for sale speak to a lack of clear direction and planning – characteristics that are synonymous with the Premier’s governance style.

The vision of a frustrated Doug Ford grappling with an unbaked lump of dough while the developer baker remains conspicuously absent perfectly encapsulates the absurdity of the situation. It’s a poignant reminder that Ford’s leadership often resembles a chaotic kitchen more than a well-orchestrated bakery.

News: Doug Ford says this land could be returned to Greenbelt after learning it’s listed for sale. But the owner says it’s all a misunderstanding  

June 7, 2016

As the controversy unravels and the Premier’s Office threatens to return the lands to the Greenbelt, it’s a stark reminder that promises are like the rising agents in dough – they can fall flat if not handled properly. Ford’s tough talk about exploring every option, including reversing the land removal, smacks of desperation to salvage a situation that he could have managed more competently from the beginning.

In the end, the saga of “Doug’s Dough” serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of hasty decisions, inconsistent promises, and a lack of genuine understanding about the issues at hand. Just as no baker can produce a perfect pastry without the right ingredients and proper technique, a leader cannot expect to achieve success without a clear vision and the skill to execute it. As Ontario residents watch this doughy disaster unfold, one can only hope that future leadership will be marked by a more disciplined approach and a commitment to transparency – a recipe for a better Ontario. (AI)

 

Thursday August 24, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 24, 2023

Doug Ford’s Moves and the Integrity Knight’s Check”

August 10, 2023

In the intricate game of politics, every move is calculated, and every player seeks to secure their position on the board. The ongoing Greenbelt land swap controversy in Ontario can be seen as a high-stakes chess game, with Premier Doug Ford at the helm, making strategic decisions that impact the people of the province.

In this metaphorical chess match, the pieces have been set in motion. Premier Ford assumes the role of the King, commanding authority and influence. He’s joined by his “Queen,” Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark, working in tandem to advance their agenda. Together, they represent the government’s power structure.

As the game unfolds, various government members take their positions. Cabinet ministers function as “Bishops,” offering advice and shaping policies that align with the leadership’s strategy. The Progressive Conservative caucus stands as the “Knights,” ready to gallop into action to support their leaders’ directives. The “Rooks” symbolize the PC Party, steadfastly backing their King’s moves with political strength and unity.

News: Ontario housing minister’s chief of staff resigns amid Greenbelt controversy  

August 6, 2022

However, no chess game is complete without unforeseen twists. The Integrity Commissioner plays the role of the “Integrity Knight,” serving as the embodiment of accountability and oversight. With a vigilant eye, the Integrity Knight scans the board for any unethical moves or breaches of public trust. Their primary goal is to ensure that the game is played fairly and that the rules are upheld.

Recently, a significant move occurred. Premier Ford orchestrated the departure of his “Pawn,” Ryan Amato, who had become a liability in the Greenbelt controversy. Amato’s resignation was akin to sacrificing a pawn to protect the King’s position. But the game is far from over; the “Integrity Knight” has stepped forward, ready to confront those who may have strayed from the path of transparency and ethical conduct.

The controversy itself can be likened to a crucial battleground on the chessboard. Protected lands were targeted, and “prominent developers” reaped substantial gains. As the pieces shift, questions arise: Who knew about the moves made on the board? Did the government’s actions align with the interests of the people they serve?

The calls for accountability have grown louder. Opposition leaders, such as Interim Liberal leader John Fraser and NDP Leader Marit Stiles, argue that more than a mere pawn was at play in this multimillion-dollar scheme. They contend that the actions taken were not those of an isolated individual but part of a broader strategy orchestrated by the government’s top ranks.

Opinion: Doug Ford’s Greenbelt scandal demands a bigger resignation than the one we got  

August 18, 2021

The unfolding scandal resembles a chess game where each move reverberates across the board. As the “Integrity Knight” investigates, the check on the King’s position becomes more apparent. The dominos are falling, and the pieces are being repositioned. The players anxiously await the outcome of the “Integrity Knight’s” investigation, uncertain of which pieces may be sacrificed next in this high-stakes political chess match.

August 24, 2023 *Revised to include Steve Clark

In this battle between strategic maneuvers and ethical obligations, the people of Ontario watch closely as the Greenbelt controversy unfolds. They demand transparency, accountability, and fair play from their government leaders. The question remains: Who will emerge victorious in this complex chess game? Will the “Integrity Knight” be the one to deliver the checkmate that holds power accountable? Only time will reveal the final moves and outcomes of this intricate political match on the chessboard of the Greenbelt controversy. (AI) Cartoon published in the Hamilton Spectator, and the Toronto Star.

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:

 

Thursday August 10, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 10, 2023

Doug Ford’s Greenbelt Scandal: A Breach of Trust and Environmental Stewardship

August 5, 2023

In a revelatory exposé, Doug Ford’s alleged corruption is exposed in a damning 93-page report by the auditor general, Bonnie Lysyk. This report vividly depicts Ford’s apparent disregard for transparency, accountability, and environmental concerns. Last fall, Ford’s government unlocked 7,400 acres of ecologically protected land, shrouding the entire process in impropriety that cannot be ignored.

Lysyk’s report raises questions about Ford’s motives. The argument that this land was essential to address housing needs is undermined by Lysyk’s finding that such vast acreage was unnecessary to fulfill the promise of constructing 1.5 million homes. This calls Ford’s credibility into question and raises suspicions of ulterior motives.

The most alarming aspect is the lack of transparency in site selection. Lysyk’s report reveals opaque and biased criteria. Ford’s administration favoured well-connected developers, notably demonstrated by Ryan Amato’s role, chief of staff to Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark. The report uncovers a direct link between Amato and influential developers, indicating preferential treatment.

News: Ontario Greenbelt plans were ‘biased’ towards select developers: AG report

December 5, 2019

The report goes beyond revealing government dealings; it exposes an ethical void. Amato’s attendance at a private event with landowners and developers, where confidential information was shared, showcases the cozy relationship between Ford’s government and industry influencers. Amato’s delay in opening developers’ requests, only to later provide the information to the Greenbelt project team, suggests orchestrated manipulation.

Ford’s defensive stance is equally troubling. Despite compelling evidence of favouritism and ethical breaches, he insists “there’s nothing to hide.” This dismissive approach undermines Ontarians’ demand for transparency and integrity from their leaders.

The environmental consequences are deeply concerning. The report outlines potential damage to prime agricultural land, wetlands, woodlands, and endangered species. Ford’s disregard for environmental protection is alarming, particularly in a climate-conscious era. Removing these protected areas jeopardizes wildlife, heightens flood risks, and compromises water quality.

January 12, 2023

Ford’s administration appears to have overlooked long-term impacts, prioritizing developers’ interests over public and environmental welfare. The suggestion that the value of these removed lands could surge by billions underscores suspicions of favouritism.

Ongoing investigation by the Integrity Commissioner underscores the severity of the situation. Public demand for truth remains paramount, and Ford must be held accountable for his administration’s actions. His tendency to deflect responsibility or feign ignorance about a biased selection process is a disservice to Ontarians.

This scandal signifies more than an isolated incident; it exposes a deeper problem corroding our democracy and eroding public trust. Ontario deserves leaders upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. Doug Ford’s actions, as detailed in the report, cast serious doubt on his fitness as one such leader. (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 illustration a try: