education – mackaycartoons

Friday July 11, 2025

July 10, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 11, 2025

Colleges on the Brink: How Ontario’s Tuition Gamble Crumbled

August 30, 2023

The news of mass layoffs, cancelled programs, and campus closures across Ontario’s colleges is deeply unsettling — not just for those directly affected, but for anyone who believes in the value of accessible, community-rooted post-secondary education.

Nearly 10,000 staff across the province’s public colleges have lost their jobs. Over 600 programs have been suspended or cancelled. Four campuses are closing. The reason is well known by now: a dramatic collapse in international student enrolment, triggered by last year’s federal cap on study permits.

News: Ontario colleges face massive layoffs after ‘alarming’ enrolment decline

That cap was introduced to help address housing and health care pressures. But it also exposed a fragile financial model — one that colleges and successive governments had come to rely on. International tuition had quietly grown to cover roughly a third of college revenues. When it disappeared, the system cracked.

March 9, 2024

In online comment boards, frustration is palpable. Some argue colleges forgot their purpose, turning into immigration gateways instead of community institutions. Others say bloated administrations and low admission standards let things spiral. There’s no shortage of blame — some of it fair, some of it misdirected.

Let’s be clear: international students are not the problem. They pursued education here in good faith, often at great cost, and contributed enormously to our communities, classrooms, and economy. The issue lies in how government policy and college strategy built a system dependent on their presence — without safeguards for a sudden change.

For years, Ontario colleges were stuck between two immovable forces: frozen domestic tuition and the lowest per-student public funding in the country. Instead of addressing that imbalance, provincial policy left colleges to “solve” the problem through revenue from abroad. This wasn’t a sustainable strategy — it was a deferral of responsibility.

Auditor generals, faculty, and student advocates warned about this years ago. Now, with federal caps in place and no backstop from Queen’s Park, the collapse is here. And the people paying the price are instructors, support staff, students, and communities — especially those in smaller towns that rely on colleges as local anchors.

September 7, 2018

What’s needed now isn’t scapegoating or finger-pointing. It’s leadership. That includes:

* Provincial reinvestment in core funding, not just targeted STEM spending or one-time bailouts
* Transparency and accountability from college administrations about how cuts are being made
* A broader public conversation about what our college system is for — and who it serves
This moment could be a turning point — a reset toward a more focused, mission-driven, and financially resilient model of post-secondary education. Or it could become another case study in political deflection and institutional retreat.

We should choose the first path. That will take honesty, investment, and coordination between all levels of government. But above all, it will take a renewed commitment to the idea that college education is a public good — not a business model, and not a stopgap for broken policies elsewhere.

The system is in crisis. But the response doesn’t have to be.

Community Colleges Catastrophe

What’s happening in Ontario’s colleges is heartbreaking. I know instructors who’ve lost long-held jobs, and students now face shrinking opportunities as programs disappear. None of this is their fault — and it’s not the fault of international students either, who came here in good faith.

The real issue is years of chronic underfunding, made worse by an over-reliance on international tuition and a government now using this crisis to score political points. And with AI already eliminating jobs — and threatening many more — this couldn’t be happening at a worse time. We should be expanding access to future-ready education, not cutting it to the bone.

Blame-shifting won’t fix this. We need leadership, investment, and a reset that rebuilds colleges as strong, inclusive, community-focused institutions. Because a thriving college system isn’t just about jobs — it’s about our shared future.

Animated version of the editorial cartoon printed in the July 11, 2025 edition of the Hamilton Spectator:

– The Graeme Gallery

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Friday May 16 2025

May 16, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday May 16 2025

Also published in The Toronto Star. Also on Reddit.

Ontario’s Budget Crossroads: Investing in Uncertain Times

April 16, 2025

As Ontario gets ready to roll out its provincial budget, it’s clear that we’re dealing with some serious challenges. The Trump tariffs have hit our manufacturing and auto parts sectors hard, creating uncertainty not just here, but worldwide. In these times, it’s crucial to focus on smart investments rather than cutbacks to keep our economy stable and growing.

The tariffs are a major blow to Ontario’s economy, affecting key industries that drive our prosperity. This budget needs to show a commitment to helping these sectors through targeted investments that can make a real difference.

News: Ford pledges Ontario budget with infrastructure spending, not cuts, to battle U.S. tariffs

One area that stands out is infrastructure. Investing in things like better transportation, modern public facilities, and clean energy projects can create jobs now and set us up for success down the road. These projects boost productivity and competitiveness, and they can spark broader economic growth.

January 29, 2025

However, we’ve seen mistakes in the past with spending, like the expensive cancellations of renewable energy projects, the dubious Highway 401 tunnel idea, and the controversial decision to open up parts of the Greenbelt for development. These moves have raised concerns about wasteful spending and environmental impacts. Going forward, the government needs to make sure that money is spent wisely, with clear benefits and a focus on transparency.

It’s also essential to protect services like healthcare and education from budget cuts. These are crucial for everyone’s well-being and future potential.

News: Ten things you should know about Ontario’s budget

March 27, 2024

As we look to this new budget, there’s a chance to make choices that support both fiscal responsibility and smart investment. By prioritizing infrastructure and protecting our natural spaces like the Greenbelt, Ontario can tackle the current economic challenges and build a stronger future. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also aligns with long-term goals, ensuring stability and growth. In these uncertain times, especially with the far-reaching effects of the Trump tariffs, thoughtful investment will be key to overcoming global economic challenges and securing a sustainable path forward for Ontario.

No Substack posting today. It’s Spring and duties to mow the lawn come before substack postings. Instead, enjoying the toiling I did today on the boring subject of provincial budget time. See the static version in tomorrow’s Hamilton Spectator. Don’t forget to like, if you like what you see here, it encourages me to post.

– The Graeme Gallery

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Tuesday April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 22, 2025

Austerity on the Horizon

April 18, 2025

As Canada approaches its 45th general election, a familiar narrative unfolds: political parties promising tax cuts while remaining vague about the inevitable spending cuts required to balance the books. With platforms that hint at financial prudence but fail to provide detailed roadmaps, both the Liberal and Conservative parties leave voters facing an uncertain fiscal future.

Historically, election platforms have served as a blueprint for governance, offering voters insight into a party’s priorities and fiscal strategies. However, recent campaigns have witnessed a shift towards platforms filled with undefined savings and broad commitments rather than specific financial plans. The Conservatives, for example, have been open about reducing foreign aid and defunding the CBC as part of their cost-cutting measures. Yet, these areas alone cannot compensate for the extensive tax cuts promised, leaving a substantial gap that must be filled by other, undisclosed means.

News: Poilievre pledges platform ‘soon’ after Liberals, NDP release costed campaign plans

April 12, 2025

Similarly, the Liberals tout fiscal prudence, suggesting efficiency improvements in government spending. However, the absence of specifics raises questions about which programs or services might face the axe. Both parties are accused of strategic obfuscation, delaying the release of fully costed platforms to minimize scrutiny and maximize voter support during early voting periods.

With Canada’s economy already grappling with significant debt and high deficits, the promise of tax cuts seems at odds with fiscal sustainability. The looming threat of trade tariffs from the Trump administration adds another layer of complexity, demanding financial commitments to bolster the economy against external shocks. In this context, austerity measures—whether acknowledged or not—appear inevitable.

April 9, 2012

Austerity often translates into spending cuts in essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. While these are rarely highlighted in campaign rhetoric, history shows that governments frequently turn to these areas when seeking to balance budgets. The lack of transparency in detailing these potential cuts leaves voters in the dark, reminiscent of past political strategies where campaign promises diverged significantly from post-election actions.

The current election cycle’s lack of detailed financial planning risks voter disillusionment. As seen in the UK, where the Labour Party’s campaign promises did not align with subsequent austerity measures, Canadian voters may find themselves facing unexpected fiscal policies once the dust of the election settles. This disconnect underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in political platforms.

March 15, 2025

It is essential for parties to provide clear, realistic financial plans that outline how tax cuts will be funded and what spending adjustments are anticipated. Without such transparency, platforms become mere wish lists rather than actionable blueprints for governance.

As Canadians head to the polls, they do so with a sense of uncertainty about the fiscal path ahead. Whether led by the Liberals or the Conservatives, the next government will likely face the challenge of implementing austerity measures to reconcile campaign promises with economic realities. Voters deserve more than vague assurances; they need concrete plans that address both the opportunities and sacrifices required to achieve fiscal stability. Only then can they make informed decisions about the future direction of their country.

Austerity is Coming La La La, not listening!

In the current political climate, spending cuts are often whispered in hushed tones, especially when addressing crowds outside partisan strongholds. Politicians tend to focus on tax cuts, painting them as the ultimate relief for voters. However, those in partisan circles, like Pierre Poilievre, openly discuss defunding initiatives that irk their base, such as the CBC and foreign aid. The Liberals, on the other hand, remain vague about their intentions, hiding behind terms like “Spending Reviews” and “Program Adjustments” without revealing what might face the chopping block.

The truth is, Canadians should brace themselves for significant cuts in the near future, a reality that’s becoming increasingly apparent on the global stage. In the United States, Trump, through Elon Musk, is aggressively slashing spending across federal departments. Meanwhile, in the UK, even the left-leaning Labour Party under Keir Starmer is undertaking deep cuts, surpassing anything the Conservatives dared to implement during their long tenure.

Austerity is looming over Canada, and now is the time to demand transparency from our leaders. While Conservatives are relatively candid about the fiscal austerity they plan to introduce, the Liberals are more elusive. Yet, if the polls are accurate and they secure another term, the mystery will quickly unravel.

It’s crucial for Canadians to seek clarity and accountability from their political leaders. Austerity is on the horizon, and understanding its implications is vital to navigate the challenges ahead.

– The Graeme Gallery

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Tuesday February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday February 11, 2025 (Also, The Toronto Star.)

Trump’s Steel Tariffs: A Distraction from Ontario’s Real Issues

In the latest international spotlight, President Donald Trump has once again captured attention with his announcement of a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports. While such a move fits Trump’s pattern of disruption, it also highlights a troubling diversion from the pressing provincial issues here in Ontario.

The truth is, these tariffs fall squarely within federal jurisdiction. Negotiating trade agreements and handling international relations are tasks for the federal government. Yet, the overwhelming focus on Trump’s tariffs effectively steals the spotlight from vital provincial concerns that demand our immediate attention.

News: Provincial party leaders say they’ll stand up for Ontarians as Trump set to announce new steel/aluminum tariffs

February 8, 2025

Healthcare in Ontario is in dire need of reform. Endless wait times in emergency rooms, a shortage of family doctors, and strained mental health services require urgent action. Ontarians deserve a healthcare system that meets their needs promptly and efficiently, not one overshadowed by international trade theatrics.

Education, too, is suffering. Underfunded schools, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated curriculums directly impact our youth’s future. Addressing these challenges demands thoughtful policy-making and investment, not distractions from political drama on the international stage.

Affordability remains a critical concern for many Ontarians. From soaring housing prices to the rising cost of living, these hardships hit home and require immediate action. Solutions won’t be found in Washington; they must be crafted and implemented right here in Ontario.

Analysis: Trump’s steel and aluminum tariff plan shows uncertainty is his modus operandi

January 29, 2025

Moreover, provincial scandals and governance issues need transparency and accountability. The electorate deserves leaders focused on resolving internal challenges and maintaining integrity, rather than getting embroiled in international posturing.

While the focus on Trump’s tariffs provides a convenient narrative for leaders like Doug Ford to rally around external threats, it does a disservice to Ontarians who expect their leaders to prioritize and address the issues impacting their daily lives. This strategy might temporarily shift the narrative, but it also presents an opportunity for opposition parties to emphasize the importance of addressing provincial issues that directly affect voters.

Voters in Ontario also need to maintain perspective. These tariffs are nothing new from Trump. While they may cause short-term pain and hardship, history shows they are often part of a negotiation process that eventually leads to their removal. Keeping calm and focusing on long-term provincial issues will ensure that our leaders remain dedicated to priorities that truly impact our lives.

Ultimately, leadership is about balancing multiple priorities and maintaining a steadfast commitment to constituents’ needs. Let’s ensure Ontario’s real issues aren’t lost in the noise of international rhetoric, but are given the attention and action they so desperately require.

For Tuesday February 11 – Ford Focus

It’s easy to get swept up in the endless headlines about Trump—he thrives on keeping us distracted with his antics, like these steel tariffs. Sure, they’re bad, but honestly, are we really surprised by anything he does anymore?

All last week, and the weeks before, I was caught in the whirlwind of Trump’s latest shockers. But this week, I’m determined to shift my focus to Doug Ford and the upcoming Ontario election. With just 16 days left until we head to the polls, it’s crucial we pay attention to the regional issues that truly matter.

Not to worry loyal subscribers from beyond the borders of Ontario. I’m working on a showcase of my work that’s focused on Donald Trump’s nightmarish environmental policies for my February 15th newsletter.

But back to Ontario, the current party in power doesn’t deserve a free pass to a third term. Yet, with the high polling numbers the PCs are enjoying, it feels like many voters are tuned out, much like in 2022. Let’s fix our attention where it counts and make informed decisions that shape Ontario’s future.

Stay focused, folks!

Please enjoy the February 11, 2024 making-of animated editorial cartoon below. Posts come out every Saturday 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 cartoons. If you like my editorial cartoons and animations, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. A lot of work goes into these cartoons and commentary — Best of all, it’s free!

– The Graeme Gallery

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Friday August 30, 2024

August 30, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, Published in The Hamilton Spectator and The Toronto Star, Friday August 30, 2024

The Urgency of Tackling Smartphone Addiction Beyond the Classroom

May 1, 2024

In today’s world, smartphones have become an omnipresent force, reshaping how we communicate, learn, and engage with the world around us. However, the increasing dependency on these devices has led to a troubling societal shift, where distraction and disconnection are becoming the norm. This issue is particularly pronounced among young people, whose formative years are now dominated by screen time rather than face-to-face interaction. While Ontario’s recent move to ban cellphones in classrooms is a step in the right direction, it only addresses a fraction of a much larger problem that extends far beyond the school day.

The Ontario government’s decision, as outlined by Education Minister Jill Dunlop, is based on the premise that reducing distractions in the classroom will enhance learning outcomes. The logic is sound—students can hardly be expected to focus on their studies when their attention is constantly diverted by notifications, social media, and the allure of the digital world. By enforcing a ban during school hours, the government aims to create an environment more conducive to learning, free from the incessant pull of smartphones.

News: Doug Ford’s new education minister tells the Star why next week’s school cellphone ban is so important

November 2, 2017

However, while the ban may succeed in reducing distractions during school hours, it does little to address the root of the problem: society’s pervasive addiction to smartphones. School occupies only a fraction of a student’s waking hours, leaving the rest of the day unregulated and largely at the mercy of personal habits and parental oversight. The reality is that without broader societal change, the benefits of the classroom ban may be short-lived, with students reverting to their phones the moment the bell rings.

This issue is not confined to young people. Adults, too, are increasingly tethered to their devices, often at the expense of meaningful, face-to-face interactions. Minister Dunlop herself acknowledged this, noting how even in professional settings like boardrooms, people are often more engaged with their phones than with the discussion at hand. This is a telling sign that smartphone addiction is not just a youth problem, but a societal one.

The addictive nature of smartphones is well-documented, with research showing that excessive use can have detrimental effects on mental health, social skills, and overall well-being. The constant bombardment of information, notifications, and social media updates creates a state of perpetual distraction, making it difficult for individuals to focus on tasks or engage in meaningful conversations. This is particularly concerning for young people, whose brains are still developing and are therefore more susceptible to the negative effects of constant screen time.

Analysis: Why Schools Are Racing to Ban Student Phones

October 10, 2018

The global trend of cellphone bans in schools reflects growing concerns about this issue. Countries like France, for instance, implemented a nationwide ban on smartphones in schools back in 2018, covering students up to age 15. The French government emphasized that the ban was necessary to curb distractions, reduce cyberbullying, and encourage students to engage more with their surroundings and peers. Similarly, Australia has seen several states, including Victoria and New South Wales, enforce school-wide bans on mobile phones, with similar motivations of improving focus and reducing screen time among students.

Even in the United States, where educational policies are often more decentralized, there is a growing movement towards restricting cellphone use in schools. For example, California’s legislature passed a bill in 2019 allowing schools to limit or prohibit the use of smartphones, citing concerns over their impact on student well-being and academic performance. The UK has also seen discussions around banning smartphones in schools, with former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson advocating for such measures as part of efforts to improve classroom behaviour and academic outcomes.

Addressing this issue requires more than just a classroom ban—it demands a cultural shift in how we view and use smartphones. Parents, guardians, and society at large must play a role in setting boundaries and encouraging healthier habits. This could include designated screen-free times or zones at home, promoting outdoor activities and face-to-face interactions, and educating young people about the importance of balance and moderation. Schools can also extend their efforts beyond the classroom by involving parents in the conversation and providing resources to help families manage smartphone use at home.

Analysis: There are cellphone bans in schools around the world. Do any of them work?

September 3, 2013

Moreover, there needs to be a broader societal recognition of the problem and a collective effort to change our relationship with technology. This could involve public awareness campaigns, similar to those used to combat smoking or promote healthy eating, which emphasize the importance of disconnecting and being present in the moment. Workplaces could also adopt policies that encourage employees to unplug during meetings and breaks, helping to set a precedent for responsible smartphone use.

The Ontario government’s classroom cellphone ban is a commendable first step, but it is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. To truly combat the issue of smartphone addiction, we must take a holistic approach that involves all facets of society—schools, families, workplaces, and communities. Only by working together can we create an environment where smartphones enhance our lives rather than detract from them. The challenge is significant, but the potential benefits—greater focus, improved mental health, and stronger social connections—are well worth the effort. (AI)