Dominic LeBlanc – mackaycartoons

Wednesday May 13 2025

May 14, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 13 2025

Continuity and Change in Mark Carney’s Cabinet

March 14, 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of Canadian politics, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent cabinet reshuffle marks a pivotal moment of transition. With a mix of new faces and seasoned veterans, Carney’s cabinet reflects both a commitment to innovation and a nod to the stability that experience brings. As with any political transition, finding the right balance is a complex endeavour, fraught with challenges and opportunities.

Carney’s decision to retain key figures from the Trudeau era, such as Chrystia Freeland and Steven Guilbeault, underscores the importance of experience and continuity. Freeland’s role in managing Canada’s economic and trade policies has been crucial, especially in navigating the intricacies of international relations. Guilbeault’s steadfast commitment to environmental policies aligns with Canada’s ongoing focus on climate change. Their continued presence in the cabinet ensures that Carney’s administration benefits from their expertise and maintains a semblance of stability in critical areas.

News: Prime Minister Carney unveils major cabinet overhaul with two dozen new faces

October 26, 2021

However, the reshuffle also signifies an era of change, with the introduction of new ministers like Tim Hodgson and Gregor Robertson, who bring fresh perspectives to energy, natural resources, and housing. This infusion of new talent is essential for addressing Canada’s evolving challenges, from economic diversification to housing affordability. Carney’s strategic appointments reflect a forward-looking approach that seeks to marry innovative solutions with tested strategies.

The exclusion of notable figures like Nate Erskine-Smith illustrates the delicate balance Carney must maintain. While such moves may alienate certain factions within the party, they also underscore the Prime Minister’s commitment to revitalizing his team with new ideas. Party unity is a cornerstone of effective governance, and Carney’s selections appear to be a calculated effort to blend unity with the momentum for change.

Opinion: Mark Carney’s bulky and performative cabinet

November 5, 2015

In this transition, Carney faces the perennial challenge of any leader: balancing regional representation, gender diversity, and political alliances. By crafting a cabinet that reflects Canada’s diverse demographics and regional interests, Carney demonstrates an awareness of the broader political landscape. Each appointment carries implications for party dynamics and future electoral prospects, making political acumen as crucial as policy expertise.

Ultimately, Carney’s cabinet reshuffle is a testament to the intricate dance of governance, where continuity and change must coexist. Experience is invaluable, providing a foundation upon which new ideas can flourish. As Carney charts a course for Canada’s future, his administration’s success will hinge on its ability to harness the strengths of both veteran leaders and emerging voices. In this delicate balance, Carney’s government represents a country in transition, poised to address the challenges of today while preparing for the uncertainties of tomorrow.

Fading Prime Ministers by The Graeme Gallery

Tuesday May 14, 2025

Read on Substack

Friday December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday December 20, 2024

Justin Trudeau’s increasingly apparent political vulnerabilities, underscored by missteps with Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland, and Dominic LeBlanc, suggest his leadership tenure is on shaky ground as party dissent grows and alternatives emerge.

Justin Trudeau’s Days Are Numbered: A Weakening Grip on Power

December 17, 2024

The sudden resignation of Chrystia Freeland as Finance Minister, Mark Carney’s reluctance to enter the political arena, and Dominic LeBlanc’s rapid ascent to power all underscore one undeniable truth: Justin Trudeau’s hold on Canada’s Liberal Party and his premiership is hanging by a thread. Whether Trudeau chooses to face an election or not, it seems everyone—except Trudeau himself—has come to recognize his diminishing authority and the fractures within his government.

Opinion: Carney and LeBlanc are the ones to watch in a Liberal leadership race

For months, speculation swirled about Trudeau’s secret weapon: Mark Carney, the globally respected former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England. Trudeau’s rumoured plan was to bring Carney into the fold, appoint him as finance minister, and use his economic gravitas to shore up a government floundering under mounting fiscal and geopolitical pressures.

April 6, 2021

et, the gambit failed before it began. Reports suggest that Carney balked at the opportunity, wary of tying his reputation to a government increasingly viewed as out of touch and ineffective. Carney’s refusal to join Trudeau’s team was not just a personal decision; it was a stark commentary on the Liberal government’s waning credibility. Carney saw the writing on the wall, even if Trudeau did not.

Chrystia Freeland’s resignation marked a seismic shift. As Matt Gurney argued in The Toronto Star, Freeland had long been a rare voice of realism in a cabinet characterized by performative politics and a lack of substantive action. Her departure—accompanied by a pointed critique of the government’s failures—left Trudeau politically exposed and without his most credible lieutenant.

Freeland’s tenure revealed a fundamental disconnect between rhetoric and reality in Trudeau’s government. While she championed policies aimed at hardening Canada against global instability, she was ultimately complicit in a government that did little to advance those goals. Her exit signals not only disillusionment but also a vacuum in leadership that Trudeau seems unable to fill.

Opinion: Chrystia Freeland is not a hero

June 7, 2024

Enter Dominic LeBlanc, Trudeau’s most trusted ally and now the newly appointed finance minister. LeBlanc’s political pedigree, pragmatic approach, and unwavering loyalty make him a stabilizing force in a government plagued by crises. Being four years older than the Prime Minster, he once played the role as babysitter to Justin and his brothers in their younger days. Yet, his rise also underscores the increasingly insular nature of Trudeau’s inner circle. LeBlanc’s appointment is not a bold move for renewal but a defensive play to maintain control amidst growing uncertainty.

LeBlanc’s dual portfolios—finance and intergovernmental affairs—position him as Trudeau’s de facto deputy. However, his ascent also raises questions about the party’s future. Is LeBlanc merely a caretaker, or is he positioning himself as the heir apparent in a post-Trudeau era?

As Trudeau’s government stumbles, attention is turning to the next generation of Liberal leaders. In addition to LeBlanc, several figures are emerging as potential contenders:

Francois-Philippe Champagne brings energy and a focus on international trade but lacks widespread support.
Melanie Joly offers a polished public image and a focus on foreign affairs but may struggle to overcome perceptions of being lightweight.
Anita Anand is a rising star known for her competence and crisis management during the pandemic, yet her relative inexperience in national politics could be a hurdle.
Sean Fraser, newly departed from cabinet, has shown promise but is untested at the highest levels of leadership.
Dominic LeBlanc’s star shines brightest among them, with his deep ties to the Liberal establishment and Trudeau’s trust bolstering his credentials.

July 26, 2023

The dynamics playing out within the Liberal Party point to a central reality: Justin Trudeau’s leadership is increasingly seen as a liability. Freeland’s critique, Carney’s rejection, and LeBlanc’s calculated loyalty all reflect a government running on borrowed time.

The situation is further complicated by Trudeau’s apparent blind spot regarding his own vulnerabilities. Despite mounting evidence of dissatisfaction within his cabinet, his party, and the electorate, Trudeau continues to project confidence. But confidence is not a substitute for vision, and his inability to adapt to a changing political landscape could prove fatal.

News: From Trudeau’s babysitter to loyal soldier, what we know about the new finance minister, Dominic LeBlanc

October 25, 2024

Should Trudeau choose to call an election, he risks exposing the full extent of his unpopularity. His government’s perceived failures on issues ranging from foreign interference to economic management provide ample ammunition for opposition parties. Even within the Liberal Party, murmurs of dissent suggest that Trudeau may face a leadership challenge before Canadians go to the polls.

If Trudeau delays an election, he risks further eroding his authority and alienating potential allies. Either way, his options are narrowing, and his days as prime minister seem numbered.

As Trudeau’s tenure appears to wind down, the Liberal Party faces a critical juncture. Will it embrace a leader like LeBlanc, who represents continuity and stability, or will it turn to a figure like Freeland or Anand, who might push for bolder reforms? Alternatively, could Mark Carney—despite his earlier hesitation—be persuaded to step into the fray?

What is clear is that the Trudeau era is nearing its conclusion. Whether he recognizes it or not, Justin Trudeau’s legacy will soon be in the hands of his successors. The choices they make will determine not only the future of the Liberal Party but also Canada’s place in an increasingly uncertain world.

The departure of a long-serving prime minister often ushers in a fascinating period in Canadian politics: the leadership race. For political nerds like me, it’s a time of intrigue, rivalries, and the jostling of ambition. Leadership races today lack the theatrical drama of the old political conventions, with their live floor fights and multiple ballots, but they still hold plenty of intrigue.

My first taste of this drama was the 1984 Liberal leadership convention following Pierre Trudeau’s exit. It was a contest of personalities, much like the one brewing today. Back then, it boiled down to a clash between two camps. On one side was John Turner, the outsider who’d broken with Trudeau years earlier, akin to the role of Chrystia Freeland, combined with the unknown economic whiz that Mark Carney might play today. Turner faced off against Pierre Trudeau’s loyal insider, Jean Chrétien—trusted and tested, much like Dominic LeBlanc appears to be now in Justin Trudeau’s cabinet.

The irony of history repeating itself doesn’t stop there. Jean Chrétien, Trudeau Senior’s getaway driver in the 1970s, rose to become the standard-bearer of continuity for the Liberals. Dominic LeBlanc, who actually drove for Chrétien as a young man, now seems poised to fill that same role for Justin Trudeau. Political life in Canada is full of these poetic repetitions.

The current rumblings in Ottawa suggest Justin Trudeau’s time at the helm may be winding down, whether by electoral defeat or a leadership transition. If that’s true, the cast vying to succeed him promises a riveting spectacle. There’s Freeland, the globally connected and sharp-tongued former deputy PM, whose tensions with Trudeau over substance versus style have finally boiled over. Then there’s LeBlanc, the steady, loyal soldier who has been Trudeau’s go-to problem solver. Francois-Philippe Champagne, Melanie Joly, and Anita Anand also hover in the wings, each with their own ambitions and strategies.

And, of course, there’s Mark Carney. Unburdened by years of cabinet service under Trudeau, he stands apart, calculating his odds like a cautious investor eyeing a volatile stock. Picture Carney with a Geiger counter, measuring the radioactive fallout from Trudeau’s tenure, keeping his distance while others, like Freeland and LeBlanc, show clear signs of exposure. “As a numbers guy, I can report the situation isn’t good,” he might quip in an editorial cartoon.

The parallels to 1984 are striking, but the stakes feel higher. The Liberal Party isn’t just deciding on a leader; it’s grappling with what kind of party it wants to be in a world that demands harder power and clearer vision. Trudeau’s brand of progressive optimism has hit a wall, leaving his successors to wrestle with a much harsher geopolitical and domestic reality.

For political nerds, it’s the best show in town. And while the leadership race won’t be decided on a dramatic convention floor, the behind-the-scenes manoeuvring will be just as compelling. Keep an eye on the contenders—Canada’s next chapter is being written in their ambitions and alliances.

Justin Trudeau’s tenure as Prime Minister appears increasingly precarious, with his recent handling of key figures like Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland, and Dominic LeBlanc highlighting both his diminished political capital and his inability to manage growing discontent within his own ranks. The failed bid to recruit Carney as a stabilizing force in government backfired, alienating Freeland, his former ally, and elevating LeBlanc as a more likely successor. Meanwhile, grassroots frustration and high-profile defections within the Liberal Party reflect a growing consensus that Trudeau’s leadership, once an asset, has become a liability in the face of a resurgent Conservative opposition and mounting internal strife.

Enjoy the December 2, 2024 making-of animated editorial cartoon below. 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. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cart

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Friday October 25, 2024

October 25, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

$As the Trudeau government declines, personal grievances and internal fractures are surfacing among sidelined Liberal MPs, revealing a party consumed by its own infighting and struggling to survive a looming electoral defeat.$

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator (animated version, too) – Friday October 25, 2024

Trudeau’s Liberals Face the Inevitable Reckoning as the Party’s Inner Tensions Spill Out

October 19, 2024

As the Trudeau government wanes, what we are witnessing within the Liberal Party is a familiar phenomenon: the surfacing of personal grievances, power struggles, and a desperate jostling for relevance among those who have long operated as little more than “bums in seats” or “trained seals.” These MPs, tasked primarily with voting as directed by the leadership and handling the mundane affairs of constituents, now see the grim reality of their political future unfolding. With Justin Trudeau’s popularity slipping and no longer able to carry the caucus on the strength of his coattails, many backbenchers—formerly comfortable in their irrelevance—are finding themselves at the mercy of a crumbling party machine.

News: Trudeau touts united party after MPs push for change in caucus meeting

November 9, 2021

Trudeau, who once vowed to change the culture of factionalism within the Liberal Party, now faces dissent not just from the opposition but from within his own caucus. The frustrations expressed by MPs like Sean Casey and Alexandra Mendes—who bluntly declared that the public is simply “tired of his face”—are only a sliver of the discontent festering inside a party that increasingly appears more focused on its own survival than on governing effectively. The recent ultimatum from 24 MPs for Trudeau to step down only underscores this point: with elections approaching, they’re ready to jump ship unless the captain changes course.

October 26, 2021

What exacerbates the situation is the centralization of power around the PMO, a trend that has alienated many MPs. Pierre Trudeau’s famous dismissal of MPs as “nobodies” the moment they leave Parliament Hill has never felt more true—not only for backbenchers but even for junior ministers who lack real influence within the cabinet. In a government increasingly run by Katie Telford and a tight circle of senior ministers like Chrystia Freeland, Melanie Joly, and Dominic LeBlanc, those on the periphery have become politically invisible. For the MPs left out of the club, the future is bleak—riding Trudeau’s leadership into the ground means facing the electorate with no credibility or public profile to stand on.

Analysis: Trudeau and the Liberals are burning time on themselves that they can’t afford to waste

June 22, 2024

This disillusionment mirrors the last days of Brian Mulroney’s tenure, when MPs realized the futility of loyalty to a leader sinking under the weight of his own decisions. Mulroney’s mantra—“Ya gotta dance with the one that brung ya”—no longer resonates with today’s Liberals, as the cracks within Trudeau’s team widen. In its place, we hear the refrain “F*ck Trudeau,” a slogan borrowed from the Freedom Convoy movement, reflecting the growing public exhaustion and the frustration felt within caucus ranks.

January 5, 2024

In a system where MPs have been reduced to little more than tools of the executive—pushed to vote on command, promote party-approved causes, and remain silent unless called upon—it’s no wonder that many are now openly or privately questioning their future under Trudeau’s leadership. If the Liberal Party’s survival depends on focusing its energy on preventing Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives from taking power, the infighting and bitterness now on display could doom them to the same fate they faced in 2011: a party lost in its own squabbles, out of touch with Canadians, and destined for defeat. As Immigration Minister Marc Miller warned, every minute spent on “this garbage” is a minute not spent fighting the real political battles ahead. (AI)

Posted to SUBSTACK. It’s at the early experimental stage (at the time of it’s posting,) and presented in the form of notes as I figure out how to integrate it into my daily routine. Find out what’s swirling in my head as I come up with my ideas. It’s free and will continue to be, as will this carefully curated WordPress website which I’ve maintained obediently since 2012… until the traditional structure that has sustained me a livelihood collapses on top of me as it has for so many of my peers. Please take a look, and if you want to continue following/subscribe to my work, please subscribe, and thank you! – Graeme MacKay

Being a backbench MP during what seems to be the twilight of a government is hardly an enjoyable position.

It has to really suck.

These individuals chose public service, becoming dedicated foot soldiers for their party. They attended countless rubber chicken dinners, canvassed door to door, and passionately promoted their party and its leader to secure their seats. They arrived in Parliament eager to make a difference and be effective voices for their constituents. Perhaps they envisioned a chance to shine, to strut a little, maybe catch the attention of the mandarins, and to be appointed as committee chairs, Parliamentary Secretaries, or even to join the cabinet.

However, the more likely reality is that they find themselves in the role of trained seals, addressing constituent issues, showing up in Parliament, and performing one key task: voting with the party line while keeping their opinions to themselves.

As Justin Trudeau’s leadership wavers and power becomes increasingly concentrated within the Prime Minister’s Office, many Liberal MPs — now stuck on the backbenches — are expressing their frustrations and reevaluating their political futures. Echoing the discontent seen during the waning days of Mulroney and Chretien, these MPs are confronted with a stark truth: without the support of Trudeau’s influence, they risk going down with a sinking ship. With public fatigue regarding Trudeau and a rise in internal dissent, the party’s focus on its internal struggles is weakening its capacity to address the genuine threat posed by the Conservatives, evoking fears of a potential electoral collapse reminiscent of 2011.

In the end, the anticipated revolt from the backbenches against Justin Trudeau appears to have fizzled out with little fanfare. An ultimatum from certain MPs for him to resign by October 28 was swiftly dismissed by Trudeau, who asserted his intention to remain in power. While some may argue that this entire situation was merely a media fabrication, a “nothing burger” born from partisan fantasies, they are only fooling themselves. The reality is that a handful of disgruntled government MPs remain unhappy with the current trajectory, and their discontent signals a significant issue that cannot be overlooked. This simmering dissatisfaction could very well spell trouble for the party as it navigates its future amidst growing uncertainty.

Letters to the editor

Letters to the Editor, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday October 29, 2024

Cartoon disappointing, disgusting
Re: Oct. 25 editorial cartoon

I generally enjoy Graeme MacKay’s political cartoons, however, I found this one disappointing and, frankly, disgusting. I have seen the slogan depicted on the back benchers’ shirts far too often and really wish that the supposed adults who insist on displaying it would grow some brains and decency.

Bill Millar, Stoney Creek

Wrong call on choice of imagery
Many of us are completely exhausted by Justin Trudeau’s presence and he needs to go on the fastest rocket out, however, that was a disgusting attempt at humour by Graeme MacKay. Highlighting this perceived profanity comment is just so wrong and offensive!

The vulgarity doesn’t need to be displayed to make a point of what Liberal backbenchers might think. Paper bags on the heads, sitting with backs turned would have been just as effective.

Gordon Franklin, Clinton

Friday June 7, 2024

June 7, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 7, 2024

*Animated making-of clip here!

Canadians Deserve to Know the Identities of Compromised MPs

May 11, 2024

The recent revelations from the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) are deeply troubling. They suggest that some of our elected officials may have been collaborating with foreign governments. Despite the shocking nature of these allegations, the response from the government has been characterized by secrecy and inaction.

Canadians have a right to know who these mystery MPs are so that this behaviour is made an example of and deemed unequivocally unacceptable.

News: Conservative leader calls on Liberal government to release names of MPs accused of helping foreign states

Andrew Coyne, in his recent piece for The Globe and Mail, eloquently argues that without public disclosure, the implicated MPs will continue their roles without consequence. This lack of accountability erodes public trust in our democratic institutions. The idea that MPs, who have been elected to serve the people of Canada, might be working with foreign powers is not just a breach of trust; it is a direct threat to our national security and sovereignty.

March 24, 2023

The allegations are grave. According to the NSICOP report, some MPs have provided confidential information to foreign intelligence officers, influenced parliamentary colleagues at the behest of foreign states, and received support and funds from these entities. This goes beyond mere interference; it points to active collaboration. In any other democratic nation, such actions would result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. Yet, in Canada, we seem poised to let these individuals continue their work unchecked.

This complacency is not new. The government’s handling of foreign interference has been consistently inadequate. Reports and intelligence indicating foreign meddling have been met with denial, delay, and deflection. Even after the publication of three significant reports confirming these activities, the Prime Minister and senior officials have refused to act decisively. This inaction is a disservice to the Canadian people and to the integrity of our political system.

Coyne rightly points out that the opposition has also been reluctant to pursue this matter vigorously. There is a fear that some members of their own parties may be implicated, which has led to a bipartisan conspiracy of silence. Furthermore, the media, wary of legal repercussions and past interference, may not pursue the story with the vigour it deserves. This creates a perfect storm of inaction where the truth remains hidden, and the public remains in the dark.

News:RCMP ‘aware’ of intelligence related to foreign interference and parliamentarians

September 13, 2023

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc’s recent refusal to release the names of the implicated MPs, citing concerns over the reliability of the intelligence and the potential harm to Canada’s democratic and judicial processes, is problematic. While it is crucial to ensure that intelligence is corroborated and verified, the gravity of these allegations warrants a more transparent approach. Keeping these names secret only fuels speculation, undermines public trust, and allows potentially compromised individuals to continue operating within our political system.

Canadians deserve better. The secrecy surrounding the identities of these MPs must be lifted. Only through transparency can we ensure accountability. Naming the implicated MPs will serve as a powerful deterrent to others who might consider such treacherous behaviour. It will signal that Canada will not tolerate its elected officials serving foreign interests over those of their constituents.

Moreover, public disclosure is essential for the health of our democracy. Trust in political institutions is at an all-time low, and the perception that some MPs are compromised only deepens this mistrust. By revealing the names, we can begin to rebuild this trust and demonstrate that no one is above the law, regardless of their position.

Canadians have a right to know who these mystery MPs are, and it is time for transparency and accountability to prevail. (AI)

Thursday February 1, 2024

February 1, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 1, 2024

Government Action on Rising Car Thefts

August 7, 2019

The recent announcement of a $121 million investment by the federal government to combat auto theft in Ontario is a commendable move that signifies a strong commitment to addressing the surge in carjackings and vehicle thefts. The funding, part of a larger federal fund of $390 million designated for the national Initiative to take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, aims to target gun and gang violence, with a particular focus on the escalating auto theft crisis in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

The severity of the issue is underscored by the alarming statistics reported by Toronto police, revealing a 24.4% increase in stolen vehicles in 2023 compared to the previous year, following a 45% jump in 2022. These incidents are not merely property crimes; they also involve violent carjackings and break-and-enters, instilling fear in residents and violating their sense of safety within their homes.

News: Doug Ford, Justin Trudeau governments announces $121M in federal funding to fight auto theft, gun crimes

The holistic approach advocated by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc, and Minister of Justice Arif Virani is crucial in addressing the multifaceted nature of this problem. Recognizing the national and international organized crime links to auto theft, they emphasize the need for cooperation between local law enforcement, the auto and insurance industries, and the Canada Border Services Agency.

Furthermore, the commitment to potentially revising the Criminal Code to include stiffer penalties for auto theft-related offences, as suggested by Minister Virani, aligns with the gravity of the situation. Premier Ford’s explicit call for changes to the Criminal Code, including mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of violent offences related to home invasions, resonates with the public’s demand for swift and decisive action.

The upcoming national summit on combating auto theft, convened by Minister LeBlanc, demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling this issue at a broader level. Bringing together political leaders, law enforcement, border agents, and auto industry executives will foster collaboration and exchange of strategies to effectively curb the organized theft rings.

Investigation: This car was stolen from a driveway in Canada. We found it in West Africa

Additionally, the efforts by the Ontario government, earmarking $51 million over three years for prevention initiatives and establishing a joint police task force, showcase a commitment to disrupting the networks responsible for high-risk auto thefts. The task force’s achievements, including 89 arrests, 554 charges, and the recovery of over 100 vehicles, highlight the effectiveness of targeted interventions.

The government’s swift response to the rising tide of car thefts is a positive step forward. By allocating substantial funds, proposing legislative changes, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, they are demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding communities and curbing the activities of organized crime groups involved in auto theft. These measures are not only necessary but also essential to restoring a sense of security and peace of mind for residents across the affected regions. (AI)