developer – mackaycartoons

Friday June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 6, 2025

Also printed in the Toronto Star. Published on Reddit.

Doug Ford’s Bill 17 – Yet Another Step Backwards for Ontario’s Future

May 29 2025

Doug Ford is at it again, pushing through Bill 17, the “Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act,” with the same disregard for environmental protections that characterized his earlier attempts to dismantle the Greenbelt. Ford seems unfazed by previous voter backlash, perhaps feeling invincible with a third majority government—never mind that it was supported by less than half of the voting populace. It seems apathy has its price, and in this case, it’s a mediocre government that prioritizes quick wins over genuine progress.

Bill 17 epitomizes Ford’s governance style: quick fixes, shortcuts, and a focus on appeasing developers and well-connected allies at the expense of everyday Ontarians. By overriding local green building standards, this bill undermines cities like Toronto and Hamilton, which have been proactive in setting their own climate benchmarks. This disregard for local needs could lead to higher emissions and weaker climate defences in new developments.

Analysis: Ford government moves to override cities on green building standards

November 13, 2020

Adding insult to injury, Bill 5 complements this approach by cutting Indigenous communities out of the consultation process. Ford’s administration seems to have little interest in meaningful engagement, opting instead for expediency over respecting Indigenous rights and fostering true reconciliation.

This isn’t Ford’s first run-in with environmental neglect. His track record includes cancelling the Green Energy Act and the cap-and-trade program, decisions that not only forfeited potential revenue but also missed opportunities for sustainable job creation. Ford’s approach mirrors a wider trend where governments, both in Canada and the U.S., are rolling back environmental protections. Ottawa’s recent rollback of the carbon tax/rebate program is yet another example of this troubling regression.

October 31, 2023

In Ontario, Ford’s frequent use of Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZOs) to fast-track development without public debate only further underscores his disdain for democratic processes. This tactic creates a shadowy parallel bureaucracy that lacks transparency and accountability.

The path Ford has chosen is one that turns back the clock on conservation and trivializes the impacts of climate change. It disenfranchises communities striving for sustainable growth. As Ontarians, we must demand better from our leaders. We deserve a government that values comprehensive reforms, respects environmental protections, and champions a sustainable future. Doug Ford’s Bill 17 and Bill 5 are steps in the wrong direction, and it’s crucial for the people of Ontario to demand more thoughtful and planet-focused policies.

Ford’s Familiar Tune

Here I am again, feeling like a broken record, lamenting yet another one of Doug Ford’s government’s anti-environmental moves. It seems like this is what we signed up for when less than half of the voting public handed him a third majority government. Sure, Ford played the Captain Canada role brilliantly, taking a strong stand against Trump earlier this year, and his dramatic flair continues to win him applause. But beneath that performative exterior, we’re stuck with the reality of what the next few years are likely to look like.

Ironically, Ford’s approach mirrors a “Trumpy” disregard for genuine consultation and environmental responsibility. It’s full steam ahead for his developer pals and provincial power brokers, with little concern for the impact on our planet. It’s almost amusing—almost—how he can be hailed as a brave critic of the U.S. President while simultaneously mirroring that same President’s approach when it comes to ignoring the climate crisis. It’s a frustrating echo, and one that I fear we’ll be hearing more of in the years to come.

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Wednesday December 4, 2024

December 4, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

December 4, 2024

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday December 4, 2024

The Ford Government’s Corruption Normalized

January 12, 2019

The Ontario Auditor General’s latest report on the Ford government’s handling of the Ontario Place redevelopment reads like a case study in how political power can corrode accountability. Over the past few years, this administration has been implicated in scandal after scandal, from the Greenbelt land swap to the runaway costs of Ontario Place. Yet, what stands out most is not the depth of the corruption itself, but the alarming normalization of it.

The numbers are staggering. Costs for Ontario Place have soared from initial estimates of $400 million to a jaw-dropping $2.237 billion. The bidding process for redevelopment was riddled with irregularities: undisclosed evaluation criteria, preferential treatment for some bidders, and the absence of basic accountability measures like record-keeping. Meanwhile, Minister’s Zoning Orders, once rare tools for exceptional circumstances, have been wielded liberally, bypassing local oversight and further enriching well-connected developers.

News: Ontario Place redevelopment now estimated at $2.2-billion as Auditor-General notes ‘irregular’ bid process

April 18, 2023

None of this is new. The Greenbelt scandal, currently under RCMP investigation, exposed similar patterns of favouritism and mismanagement. But these repeated offences seem to provoke less outrage each time. It’s as though Ontarians have resigned themselves to the belief that this is simply how power operates—that corruption is inevitable. This complacency poses a grave threat to democracy. When impropriety becomes expected, accountability dies.

The costs of this indifference are not just financial but moral. Take the closure of supervised drug consumption sites, another decision excoriated in the Auditor General’s report. Made without consultation or planning, the closures ignore the proven benefits of these facilities in saving lives and alleviating pressure on overcrowded emergency rooms. This is governance devoid of empathy and foresight, where taxpayer dollars are wasted on vanity projects while essential public health measures are neglected.

Opinion: How the auditor’s report perfectly sums up The Doug Ford Way of running the province

November 22, 2023

This is not simply a failure of one government; it’s a failure of political culture. Corruption thrives on apathy, and when citizens accept mismanagement as inevitable, they enable it. Ontarians must demand better—not just through the ballot box but through sustained pressure on their leaders to act transparently and in the public interest.

The Ford government’s repeated scandals are a warning sign, not just of their failures but of what happens when accountability becomes a hollow concept. The people of Ontario deserve more than cynicism masquerading as governance. The question is whether they still believe it’s possible.

Since November 5, when Donald Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States, my editorial cartoons have been consumed by the transformational storm he’s unleashed. Every sketch, every punchline, and every biting observation has focused on the cascading implications of his return—not just for the U.S., but for Canada and, more specifically, Ontario. The Trump effect is not theoretical; it’s a tidal wave we’re bracing for, one that will undoubtedly redefine trade, climate policy, immigration, and the political tenor of our time.

I’ve acknowledged my TDSaffliction in previous post on this platform. And yet, today, I took a detour. Yay!

The Ontario Auditor General’s scathing report on Doug Ford’s mishandling of Ontario Place and his government’s broader pattern of cronyism demanded attention. For one brief moment, Ford managed to wrestle my pen away from Trump and centre it squarely on his mismanagement of Ontario’s public resources—a regional debacle with implications too urgent to ignore.

In my latest cartoon, the discarded Ontario Place sign lies in a dumpster, a visual metaphor for the abandonment of public trust. The iconic Cinesphere looms behind it, a silent witness to the installation of a garish new sign reading Crony Island. The Auditor General sits in a crane bucket, directing the transformation, while Doug Ford watches, nonchalantly musing, “Well, it’s got a nice ring to it.”

Do these reports even register with the average Ontario voter?

This cartoon emerged from a rare moment of clarity: regional corruption like Ford’s is not immune from Trump’s shadow. In fact, it thrives in environments where public trust is already eroded, where accountability feels distant, and where citizens are desensitized to scandals. The Ford government’s antics are not a distraction from Trump—they’re part of the same troubling pattern.

Tomorrow, or perhaps even later today, I’ll likely find my focus returning to the implications of Trump’s victory and how they’ll ripple through our province. But for now, Ontario Place and Ford’s audacious disregard for public accountability deserve their own moment. After all, if we don’t hold our local leaders accountable, how can we expect to withstand the seismic shocks to come from our neighbours to the south?

Stay tuned. Trump will inevitably be back on my drawing board. But today, Doug Ford and his Crony Island had to take centre stage.

Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. They come out of “notes” posted daily to Substack which are used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks.

Please enjoy this making-of clip. Remember to turn up the volume!

– The Graeme Gallery

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Thursday August 15, 2024

August 15, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 15, 2024

Doug Ford’s Government: For the People or For the Developers?

June 25, 2024

The Ontario Greenbelt scandal has cast a long shadow over the Ford government’s claims of transparency and public interest. While the premier and his ministers insist they are “an open book,” recent actions suggest a different narrative—one where the voices of developers ring louder than those of everyday citizens.

The Greenbelt was created to protect our environment and curb urban sprawl, yet the Ford government attempted to remove 7,400 acres for housing development. The Auditor General’s report revealed that developers with close ties to Ford’s party were favoured, potentially inflating property values by billions. This has led many to question whether the government’s actions were truly in the public’s interest or driven by a desire to benefit political friends.

News: As RCMP investigates Greenbelt scandal, finance minister says Ford government is ‘an open book’

January 23, 2024

Adding to the controversy is the “Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act,” which eliminated third-party appeals in planning processes. This move has effectively silenced the public’s voice, removing a critical check on municipal planning and zoning decisions. The language of “cutting red tape” and “building more homes faster” masks a more troubling reality: the reduction of democratic participation in favour of expediency and the interests of developers.

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy’s assertion that the government is transparent does little to alleviate concerns. The secrecy surrounding mandate letters and the unwillingness to fully disclose communications adds to the perception of a government more interested in protecting its own than in serving its constituents.

Opinion: Doug Ford has to make it clear: Is he for the people or for the developers?

February 16, 2023

The RCMP’s investigation into the Greenbelt scandal is a step towards accountability, but it is ultimately up to the people of Ontario to pass judgment on their leaders. In a province where voter turnout is often low, there is a real risk that such dubious behaviour might go unchecked. Apathy and disengagement could allow the Ford government to continue down a path that prioritizes developer interests over those of the people it was elected to serve.

October 22, 2022

The housing crisis in Ontario is a pressing issue, but it cannot be solved by sidelining public input and eroding trust in government. True leadership requires listening to constituents, balancing diverse needs, and fostering inclusive growth. The Ford government must decide whether it wants to be remembered as a champion for the people or as a facilitator for the few. The choice should be clear, but recent actions have cast a long shadow of doubt. As the investigation unfolds and elections loom, it is up to informed voters to make their voices heard and demand better from their leaders. (AI)

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

June 25, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday, June 25, 2024

* Find an animated version of this cartoon through this link!

The Science Centre is the latest casualty of Doug Ford’s policy of neglect

December 7, 2023

The abrupt closure of the Ontario Science Centre is a glaring reflection of Premier Doug Ford’s administration’s approach to public infrastructure and governance. This situation, marked by strategic neglect and controversial redevelopment plans, echoes the handling of other public assets like the Greenbelt, raising significant concerns about transparency, priorities, and potential cronyism.

The Ontario Science Centre, opened in 1969, has been an integral part of the province’s cultural and educational landscape. However, years of deferred maintenance and underfunding have left the facility in a state of disrepair. An engineering report revealed that the centre’s roof was at risk of collapsing, necessitating immediate closure to ensure public safety.

News: Ontario Science Centre to close immediately: province

November 8, 2022

Despite the obvious need for regular maintenance and timely repairs, successive Ontario governments, including Ford’s administration, have repeatedly deferred necessary projects. Since 2017, 42 maintenance projects were deferred, highlighting a pattern of neglect that ultimately led to the current crisis. This neglect aligns with a broader trend seen in the handling of other public assets, where lack of investment is used as a pretext for drastic measures.

The decision to relocate the Science Centre to Ontario Place is part of a larger redevelopment plan that includes a privately owned Therme spa. This move has been highly controversial, with accusations of arbitrary decision-making and lack of public consultation. Critics argue that this relocation is a thinly veiled attempt to justify the closure of the current facility, allowing private developers to benefit from prime real estate.

May 30, 2023

Opposition politicians and community leaders have expressed skepticism about the government’s intentions, suggesting that the move is more about benefiting Ford’s allies than about genuinely improving public services. The timing and nature of the closure have further fuelled these suspicions, with many viewing it as a premeditated strategy to pave the way for private development.

The handling of the Science Centre’s closure bears striking similarities to the Ford government’s approach to the Greenbelt development. In both cases, there have been allegations of backroom deals and favouritism towards developers with close ties to the Progressive Conservative party. The Greenbelt controversy involved plans to open up protected lands for development, benefiting a select group of developers, many of whom were significant donors to the PC party.

January 17, 2023

This pattern of governance raises serious concerns about the integrity and motivations behind such decisions. It suggests a governance style that prioritizes the interests of a few well-connected individuals over the broader public good.

The closure of the Ontario Science Centre is not just a loss of a physical space but a significant blow to the community, particularly in neighbourhoods like Thorncliffe Park. The Centre has been a vital resource for education and cultural enrichment, and its loss will leave a void that virtual programs and pop-up experiences cannot fully replace.

Editorial: The Science Centre is the latest casualty of Doug Ford’s policy of neglect

August 5, 2023

Furthermore, the lack of transparency and perceived cronyism erode public trust in the government’s stewardship of public assets. The secrecy surrounding the financial details of the redevelopment deal, including the terms of the lease with Therme and the long-term plans for Ontario Place, exacerbates this distrust.

The closure of the Ontario Science Centre under Doug Ford’s government is a stark example of “demolition by neglect,” where strategic underfunding and deferred maintenance are used to justify controversial redevelopment plans. This approach not only undermines the preservation of public heritage but also raises significant ethical concerns about governance and accountability. As taxpayers and citizens, it is crucial to demand greater transparency, prioritize the maintenance and enhancement of public assets, and resist policies that disproportionately benefit a select few at the expense of the many.

In the end, the Ontario Science Centre’s fate should serve as a wake-up call to scrutinize and challenge the decisions made by those in power, ensuring that public resources are managed with integrity and foresight for the benefit of all Ontarians. (AI)

Thursday December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

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

Doug Ford’s Ontario Science Centre Move: A Skeptical Look at Taxpayers’ Interests

November 22, 2023

The recent decision by the Ontario government to relocate the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place has raised eyebrows and skepticism among taxpayers. Premier Doug Ford’s claim that the move will save over $250 million appears to be a complex equation that doesn’t add up when closely examined.

Firstly, the province’s acting Auditor-General, Nick Stavropoulos, highlights significant flaws in the government’s cost analysis. Stavropoulos points out that the business-case report failed to include essential elements such as the price tag for legal assistance, financing, and other transaction costs for the new facility. Moreover, the estimated cost of repairing and rehabilitating the existing building, pegged at $370 million, was conveniently left out of the equation.

News: Ford government’s decision to move Ontario Science Centre based on ‘incomplete’ info, AG finds

March 10, 2022

The government’s assertion that the move will benefit the struggling science centre financially is met with skepticism, given the omission of crucial costs. It raises questions about whether Doug Ford has the best interests of Ontario taxpayers in mind or if there are ulterior motives at play.

Furthermore, the lack of proper consultations with the city, school boards, and other relevant authorities is a cause for concern. The Auditor-General’s report emphasizes the absence of discussions with the Toronto area’s school boards and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Such a significant decision impacting public resources warrants thorough consultation and transparency, which, in this case, appears to be lacking.

October 15, 2021

The suspicions surrounding the motivations behind the move gain traction when considering the potential financial gains for developers. The plans to allow a private Austrian-based company to build a large spa and waterpark complex on the Ontario Place redevelopment site could enrich connected cronies of the government. The absence of clear details about the fate of the existing science centre building and the potential for condo development raises red flags about the true intentions behind this decision.

The released business case, after multiple delays, does little to alleviate concerns. Liberal MPP Adil Shamji points out that the math only works because the science centre’s footprint is being “slashed in half,” despite the province claiming there will be more exhibition space. The opposition, including NDP Leader Marit Stiles, criticizes the government’s justification, describing it as relying on “shaky 50-year guesstimates” without accounting for crucial expenses.

News: Moving Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place would save $257-million, report says

August 10, 2023

The move, planned for 2028, also seems to lack consideration for the potential decline in attendance from suburban families and schools, as noted by the Auditor-General. The government’s focus on job creation and operational savings, while valid considerations, should not overshadow the broader implications and potential costs hidden in the fine print.

Premier Doug Ford’s decision to move the Ontario Science Centre prompts skepticism about its true motives. With financial calculations that appear incomplete and a lack of transparent consultations, there are concerns that the interests of Ontario taxpayers might not be at the forefront. The potential for enriched developers and the absence of a comprehensive, well-reasoned plan contribute to the prevailing skepticism surrounding this controversial move. (AI)