drone

Thursday July 25, 2024

Canada's women's soccer team has marred the start of Paris 2024 with a scandal involving espionage through a drone, casting a shadow over their Olympic reputation and joining the ranks of infamous state-sponsored cheating scandals.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday July 25, 2024

Link to the animated version of this editorial cartoon.

Canada’s Soccer Scandal: A Humiliating Start to Paris 2024

December 3, 2022

In a misstep that has overshadowed their gold-medal glory, the Canadian women’s soccer team has managed to kick off the Paris 2024 Olympics with a scandal that’s less “sportsmanship” and more “spy game.” Yes, Canada’s latest Olympic entry is not a record-breaking performance but a full-blown scandal involving espionage with a drone.

Let’s put this into perspective. When we talk about state-sponsored doping, countries like Russia, China, and North Korea come to mind. Russia’s doping scandal, exposed in 2015, involved a sprawling state-supported program so elaborate it could have been scripted by a spy novelist. This wasn’t just about athletes taking banned substances; it was a coordinated effort involving falsified tests and a state-run cover-up. The fallout? Russian athletes were banned from competing under their flag, and the country faced severe sanctions from international sports organizations.

News: Canadian Women’s Soccer Team Caught Spying on Opponent With Drone Ahead of Olympics

August 1, 2012

China, too, has had its fair share of doping controversies. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Chinese government’s doping programs were so widespread that they seemed to be operating with the sole purpose of winning medals at any cost. This systematic abuse led to stripped medals and a long-term black mark on their sports programs, with many athletes suffering lasting health consequences.

North Korea, while less documented, has not escaped suspicion. Allegations of state-sponsored doping have hovered over the country, with rumours suggesting a pattern of using performance-enhancing drugs to elevate its athletes on the world stage. Despite the murkiness of the evidence, the association with such practices damages their reputation.

Fast forward to Canada’s present-day debacle: our women’s soccer team, in a bid for an edge over New Zealand, turned to spying—using a drone to capture training sessions. French authorities caught Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst, and assistant coach Jasmine Mander in the act. They were promptly sent home, and head coach Bev Priestman offered to step down from the opening match, a gesture accepted in an attempt to salvage some semblance of integrity. Yet, the damage was done.

Opinion: Canada’s soccer spying scandal is a humiliating way to kick off Paris 2024

February 27, 2018

The Canadian Olympic Committee’s decision to mandate ethics training for staff following these Games underscores a glaring issue: if we need to be reminded that cheating is wrong, we have a bigger problem. This scandal, involving the unauthorized drone and espionage, not only casts a long shadow over the team’s achievements but also puts Canada in an uncomfortable spotlight, alongside those infamous states known for their ethical breaches.

So, ask yourself, is this the legacy Canada wants to build at Paris 2024? Are we aiming to join the ranks of Russia, China, and North Korea in the annals of disgrace? This isn’t just a minor lapse; it’s a significant blemish on a nation that once prided itself on fairness and sportsmanship.

March 3, 2010

As the Olympic Games unfold, will Canada be remembered for its athletic prowess or for this sordid episode? The hope is that this scandal will be seen as an isolated incident in an otherwise illustrious sporting tradition. However, if this is the new face of Canadian sportsmanship, perhaps our Olympic motto needs a rethink—“Own the Podium by Any Means Necessary” might be closer to the truth than we’d like to admit. (AI)

Reader Comments

Meta Al – What people are saying

The comments react to a controversy involving Team Canada and spying at the Olympics, with many expressing embarrassment, shame, and disappointment. One comment notes that while the behaviour was not ethical, it is a common practice in sports. (Click on the image below to read reactions)


 

 

Thursday June 1, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 1, 2023

Putin’s Hypocrisy: Denouncing Ukraine While Engaging in Immoral Invasion

Vladimir Putin’s recent denouncement of Ukraine’s attempt to “intimidate Russia” is nothing short of audacious. As his own forces continue an immoral invasion of Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Ukrainians, including innocent civilians, Putin’s hypocrisy knows no bounds.

February 24, 2023

In his statement, Putin portrayed Ukraine’s biggest-ever drone strike on Moscow as a terrorist response to Russia’s previous strike on Ukraine’s military intelligence headquarters. He claimed that Ukraine had chosen the path of intimidation and attacks on residential buildings. However, the truth is glaringly obvious – Putin’s regime has been the aggressor in this conflict, relentlessly pursuing its expansionist agenda.

While Putin attempts to paint Ukraine as the villain, it is his own forces that have brought the 15-month war to the heart of Russia. Drone attacks, strikes on oil pipelines, and even an attack on the Kremlin itself have intensified in recent weeks. Despite Ukraine’s denial of involvement in the Moscow attack, U.S. intelligence believes otherwise. The New York Times reported that Kiev was responsible, further undermining Putin’s narrative.

News: Moscow drone attack: Putin says Ukraine trying to frighten Russians  

January 26, 2023

The Moscow attack struck prestigious areas of the city, including those where the Russian elite, including Putin, reside. Yet, despite this breach of security, many Muscovites carried on with their lives, displaying their famous fatalism. Putin’s propaganda machine ensured calm coverage, downplaying the severity of the situation.

Putin has consistently framed the conflict in Ukraine as a struggle against an arrogant and aggressive West, accusing them of risking a global war by supporting Ukraine. However, the reality is that Putin’s actions have caused one of the deadliest wars in Europe since World War Two. Russia’s relentless supply of weaponry to Ukraine and its expansionist ambitions have escalated the conflict, disregarding the lives of Ukrainians caught in the crossfire.

Furthermore, Putin’s claims of the West escalating the war by supporting Ukraine ring hollow. It is Russia that continues to violate international norms, ignoring the sovereignty of a neighbouring country and causing immense suffering. The United States, among others, has expressed a desire to avoid war with Russia and has urged Ukraine not to attack inside Russian territory.

Analysis: The Moscow drone attacks bring Russia’s war to its doorstep – and put Putin’s alternative reality at risk  

February 26, 2022

The audacity of Putin’s denouncement of Ukraine’s actions while his own forces perpetrate violence and invasion cannot be understated. His regime’s disregard for human life and blatant hypocrisy should be condemned by the international community. It is imperative that the world holds Putin accountable for his actions and supports Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty and peace.

As the war in Ukraine rages on, the deaths of innocent Ukrainians and the destruction of their homeland cannot be forgotten. The international community must stand united against Putin’s aggression and support Ukraine in its quest for justice and freedom. Only by holding Putin accountable can we hope to prevent further loss of life and preserve the principles of peace and sovereignty that underpin global stability. (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 editorial cartooning a try.

Tuesday September 26, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 26, 2022

Border vaccine rules, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, mask mandates on planes and trains to end on Oct. 1

The federal government says it’s dropping all COVID-19 measures at borders on Saturday, meaning travellers will no longer need to provide proof of vaccination when entering Canada or wear masks on planes and trains.

As of Oct. 1, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:

•Submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;

•Provide proof of vaccination;

•Undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;

•Carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;

•Monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada;

•Undergo health checks for travel on air and rail;

•Or wear masks on planes and trains.

Thursday August 19, 2021

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said Monday’s decision is not a sign Canada is out of the pandemic, but said the government’s data showed the importation of new variants was no longer having an effect on the evolution of the virus in country.

The measures also apply to cruise ships so passengers will no longer be required to take pre-board tests, be vaccinated or use ArriveCAN. The government said guidelines will remain in place to protect passengers and crew, keeping in step with the United States.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was quick to claim the decision as a victory.

“After constant pressure from Conservatives [and] people across Canada, Trudeau Liberals finally back down on the disastrous ArriveCAN app, unscientific vaccine mandates and forced mask-wearing,” he tweeted Monday.

“None of the science changes October 1 but because of you, Trudeau has to. Let’s keep it up.” (CBC) 

 

Friday June 23, 2017

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 23, 2017

Sears Canada to close 59 stores, lay off 2,900 in restructuring

Sears Canada plans to close 59 stores and eliminate 2,900 jobs across the country as part of a court-supervised restructuring process.

Shares in Sears Canada were halted Thursday morning after the retailer applied for and was granted protection from its creditors under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act — the law that covers insolvency proceedings.

The move gives the retailer 30 days to restructure itself, which includes $450 million in debtor-in-possession financing to fund the company while it restructures, a process that will include closing dozens of locations and laying off thousands of workers.

The chain will axe 20 full Sears stores, 15 Sears Home Stores, all 10 outlet stores and 14 Sears Hometown stores — roughly one-third of its current retail footprint.

All other Sears locations will remain open, the chain said, and the company “plans to continue to operate a large number of stores, continue to maintain significant employment, and to service its customers across Canada,” Sears said in a court filing.

About 500 office positions at the company were to be eliminated immediately. The remainder of the job losses will come as Sears closes stores. As of May 30, the company employed approximately 17,000 people, with 10,500 in part-time positions and the rest working full-time.

Trading in the shares was halted before the Toronto Stock Exchange opened on Thursday, pending news. Minutes later, Sears Canada announced its plan in a press release. (Source: CBC) 

 

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Friday December 14, 2012

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Friday December 14, 2012

Watch out: Police have an eye in the sky

It almost looks like a toy. But in the hands of trained Halton Regional police officers it’s an increasingly useful tool.

The four arms of the mini helicopter buzz like a really big house fly as they spin and the Aeryon Scout takes off outside police headquarters in Oakville. Soon it is high above the parking lot, “watching” Detective Dave Banks and Constable Andy Olesen, two of the four Halton officers trained to operate it from a tablet on the ground.

The unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly called a drone, has been a tool for Halton police on more than 30 missions ranging from photographing crime scenes to using a thermal imaging camera to search for missing persons.

It was used in September to seize 744 marijuana plants growing in a farmer’s field in northeast Milton. It was also used to photograph Burlington’s deadly Via derailment and the fatal Oakville police shooting of Kyle Newman, a short time after he stabbed his estranged wife.

Police are starting use the vehicle to photograph serious crash scenes, including an ongoing research project to see if they can take measurements from the sky to speed up investigations. They also want to begin using the drone in “tactical” situations, for instance if a suspect is on roof or balcony.

In August, Ontario’s privacy commissioner Ann Cavoukian issued a 27-page paper on privacy and drones in which she warned that without careful consideration they “may be extremely invasive.” (Source: Hamilton Spectator)