energy – mackaycartoons

Tuesday July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday July 8, 2025

Pipelines Over Prairie Fires: Ford and Smith’s Climate Dodge

June 26, 2025

Canada aims to protect its economy from renewed trade hostility under President Trump, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have moved quickly to present themselves as defenders of Canadian jobs and interprovincial trade. Today in Calgary, they signed two MoUs centred on energy infrastructure and cross‑province cooperation. But let’s be clear: this is climate dodge, not leadership.

News: Danielle Smith and Doug Ford to sign agreements on energy, trade in Calgary today

The premiers framed their agendas around tariffs and trade barriers. Ford told Ford that “the best way to protect Canadian workers from tariffs and economic uncertainty…is to build infrastructure to get our resources to new markets.” Smith echoed this by criticizing net‑zero rules in a conversation with Prime Minister Mark Carney. All talk of pipelines, rails, and deregulation. All with zero mention of Canada’s environment or climate.

May 31 2025

That omission is not just tone‑deaf—it’s dangerous. Alberta isn’t a hypothetical victim of climate change. It’s in crisis. The province is experiencing an eight‑year drought that has drained pastures, ravaged farms, and deepened competition for water resources. Its neighbour, Saskatchewan, is declaring states of emergency in multiple rural municipalities—Maple Creek, Fox Valley, Enterprise and Waverley—because nothing is growing, ranchers are hauling cattle hundreds of kilometres for feed, and crop yields are collapsing.

News: ‘Nothing grew’: 4 southwest Sask. municipalities declare states of emergency due to drought

Meanwhile, widespread wildfires across the Prairies have scorched millions of hectares. Saskatchewan alone has burned over 1.4 million hectares as of early July 2025, while Alberta is approaching 700,000 hectares . These “zombie fires”—wildfires carried through winter into spring—are a hallmark of a climate system gone off-kilter. And yet, Smith and Ford pitch more pipelines.

January 17, 2025

The public knows this is a sham. Readers have rightly labeled the MoUs a “nothing‑burger,” designed for cameras at the Stampede—not for solving climate or economic threats. Others described Ford and Smith as caring “nothing about the environment” while championing fossil-fuel projects.

Yet the premiers persist, framing climate action as a threat to autonomy and jobs. But this is a false choice. Environmental stewardship is economic stewardship. Building climate resilience creates jobs, stabilizes rural livelihoods, and gets our exports through ports and over borders with a clean‑energy brand.

Canada’s path forward demands far more than photo ops. We need enforceable emissions targets, transition strategies for workers, and water‑secure agriculture. We need to treat canals and pipelines not as relics of a fossil past, but as conduits for renewables, EVs and critical minerals. We need provinces that don’t just say “no” to Ottawa—but say “yes” to the future.

Because if our leaders can ignore a drought that’s breaking farms, wildfires that are burning millions of hectares, and water conflicts that threaten communities…they’re not solving a problem. They are part of it.

Jurassic Premiers

Lately, it feels like politicians of all stripes are tripping over themselves to not talk about the climate crisis—especially with the most climate-denying administration now back in the White House. Even progressive leaders seem afraid to say “climate change” out loud, as if it’s a banned phrase. And the media? You can almost feel the fatigue—eight-year droughts in the Prairies, towns wiped out by wildfires, catastrophic floods that kill dozens… and still, the silence is deafening. Don’t say “atmospheric river” unless you want to be accused of wokeness.

That’s what makes this meeting between Premiers Smith and Ford in Calgary feel like a summit of Canada’s top climate laggards. No real plans, just photo ops and fossil fuel fanfare while the country literally burns and dries out around them.

If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for July 8, 2025, below!

Wednesday August 28, 2024

August 28, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator and The Toronto Star, Wednesday August 28, 2024

An animated version of this editorial cartoon has been posted to Pinterest.

The EV Trade War: Resisting China’s Economic and Geopolitical Expansion

Marvelous Maps

China’s aggressive expansion into the electric vehicle (EV) market highlights the complex intersection between economic competition and broader geopolitical concerns. While China’s affordable EVs offer a potential solution to global carbon emissions, this comes with significant trade-offs. Western nations have already ceded much of their manufacturing power to China, resulting in a dependency that now extends to the EV industry. However, China’s disregard for Western labour, safety, and environmental standards, combined with its authoritarian ambitions and environmental contradictions, such as expanding coal-fired plants, raises significant alarms.

News: Trudeau says Canada will slap big tariffs on Chinese-made EVs

November 16, 2022

Canada’s decision to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs, effective October 2024, mirrors similar actions by the United States and reflects a growing resistance to China’s influence. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized that this move is necessary to protect Canadian industries from unfair competition driven by Chinese state subsidies. While these tariffs are aimed at levelling the playing field, they also spark concerns about affordability and the pace of EV adoption, crucial for addressing climate change.

Critics argue that while Chinese EVs are more accessible due to subsidies, relying on them undermines efforts to maintain labor and environmental standards. Moreover, China’s environmental contradictions, such as the simultaneous expansion of coal-fired plants to support EV manufacturing, complicate the narrative of their green agenda. The irony of promoting EVs while increasing coal use further exposes the ethical inconsistencies in China’s policies.

Opinion: Here’s how Canada can square tariffs on Chinese EVs with the WTO

December 12, 2019

However, the implications of China’s actions extend far beyond the economic sphere. China’s efforts to exert influence in Western democracies, including allegations of interference in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 federal elections, highlight the broader geopolitical stakes. These actions have raised concerns about China’s ambitions to undermine democratic institutions while expanding its economic reach. Canada’s tariffs on Chinese EVs are thus part of a broader strategy to resist China’s growing influence.

The New York Times: Canada Will Impose 100% Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles

Animated!

The West’s response to China’s might in the EV sector should focus on reinvigorating its own innovation and manufacturing capabilities. To preserve the principles of a free and democratic society, the West must rise to meet the challenge posed by China’s dominance. This means investing in domestic industries, enforcing trade policies that demand respect for environmental and labor standards, and fostering innovation that ensures the West can compete in the global EV market without compromising its values.

While resisting China’s influence might seem like a losing battle in the long run, it is crucial for the preservation of democratic principles and the promotion of a fair, competitive global market. If humanity is to delay the spread of authoritarianism, the West must assert its strength, innovate aggressively, and ensure that the transition to a greener future does not come at the cost of the freedoms and standards that define its societies. The imposition of tariffs on Chinese EVs is not just about economics; it’s a stand against a broader geopolitical challenge that the West cannot afford to ignore. (AI)

Wednesday October 18, 2023

October 18, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 18, 2023

Is Doug Ford’s Ploy a Real Greenbelt Reset or Just Smoke and Mirrors?

September 26, 2023

The recent moves by Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives to protect the Greenbelt in Ontario might seem like a step in the right direction. However, it’s essential to take a closer look at their motivations and track record. The Ford government’s attempt to curtail the Greenbelt development and regain public trust is nothing more than a cynical ploy to distract from their questionable actions and their approach to renewable energy.

The $8.28-billion land swap scandal, currently under investigation by the RCMP, has left the Tories scrambling to rebuild their tarnished reputation. They’ve introduced a law that promises to restore the Greenbelt properties they previously sought to remove and enhance protections for this ecologically sensitive area. While this might appear as a positive move, it is essential to scrutinize their true intentions.

News: Ontario government tables bill to return lands it removed back to Greenbelt

July 11, 2018

The Ford government has a track record that contradicts their newfound commitment to environmental preservation. They’ve consistently undermined efforts to transition to renewable energy sources while increasing reliance on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas. A recent investigation has revealed that gas plants in Ontario, once promised to operate only during peak electricity demand, are running 12 or more hours a day, contributing to dirtier power and worsening climate change. This not only contradicts their alleged commitment to environmental protection but also raises serious concerns about their energy policy choices.

The government’s decision to scrap over 700 green energy projects as “unnecessary and expensive” is another example of their disregard for clean energy initiatives. Rather than investing in renewable sources, they are opting to build more gas plants, further perpetuating the reliance on fossil fuels. This is a stark departure from the previous government’s approach, which aimed to replace coal-fired pollution machines with gas-fired plants while transitioning to a cleaner energy mix.

Investigation: Ontario gas plants were supposed to run only during peak periods. Instead they’re running most of the time, polluting the air you breathe

October 16, 2020

The solution is clear: Ontario should be investing in renewable energy sources, like wind and solar power, to reduce reliance on gas “peaker plants.” The expansion of renewables, as seen in California and the Midwest, offers a blueprint for a more sustainable energy future. In contrast, Ontario lags behind, with only eight percent of peak demand being met by renewable sources in 2022.

Premier Doug Ford’s current approach to energy and the environment raises concerns similar to the gas plant scandal that marred former Premier Dalton McGuinty’s legacy. Like McGuinty, Ford may come to regret his government’s hasty dismissal of clean energy initiatives that are crucial for Ontario’s future. Instead of using the Greenbelt issue as a smokescreen to divert attention from their actions, the Ford government should prioritize the expansion of renewable energy sources and the reduction of their dependence on fossil fuels. It is only through meaningful actions, not political posturing, that they can be trusted as stewards of the environment. (AI)

Wednesday May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 31, 2023

Danielle Smith vs. Trudeau – Oil, Populism, and Federal Friction!

December 2, 2022

Alberta’s recent election witnessed the remarkable comeback of Premier Danielle Smith and her United Conservative Party (UCP). However, as Smith solidifies her position as premier, concerns arise about the potential tensions that may emerge between Alberta and the federal government, particularly under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Smith’s return to politics reintroduces a populist playbook that resonated with Albertans frustrated with COVID-19 restrictions and those seeking fundamental changes to Alberta’s role within Canada. This article explores the implications of Smith’s victory and the heightened conflict that may unfold in Canadian politics.

Smith’s campaign hinged on her promise to pass the Alberta Sovereignty Act, granting the provincial government the ability to opt out of enforcing federal legislation it deemed contrary to Alberta’s interests. While she tempered her stance on COVID-19 restrictions, the desire for increased provincial autonomy remained prevalent. The act was modified to become the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act, aiming to ease concerns about secession while asserting Alberta’s constitutional toughness. By aligning with Saskatchewan’s similar efforts, Smith seeks to protect Alberta’s oil and gas industry and safeguard the province’s prosperity.

Opinion: The lessons for Pierre Poilievre from the Alberta election

October 28, 2021

This election outcome sets the stage for potential clashes with the federal government. Smith’s victory, driven by support from oil and gas advocates, gives her a mandate to prioritize and defend the industry. As Alberta and Saskatchewan unite, they aim to push the federal government back within its designated boundaries, asserting provincial jurisdiction and potentially limiting federal actions. Such conflicts have the potential to strain federal-provincial relations, posing a significant challenge for Prime Minister Trudeau’s government.

Smith’s political challenges lie in reconciling competing pressures. To secure her victory, she had to appeal to centrist voters by advocating for well-funded public services and lower taxes. However, her populist base may exert pressure for more confrontational positions. Conflict with the federal government in support of oil and gas becomes a unifying stance, satisfying those who desire Alberta’s affluence and low tax rates while resonating with populists who share Smith’s resentment toward Ottawa.

Smith’s triumph holds lessons for Canadian conservatives. It demonstrates that centrist voters may overlook a leader’s controversial associations if presented with a strong economic proposition. However, it is important to recognize that Alberta’s unique circumstances as an oil-rich province contribute to the viability of such an offer. Other Canadian jurisdictions may not possess the same capacity.

News: United Conservatives’ narrow Alberta win sets up conflict with Trudeau

October 14, 2022

Danielle Smith’s extraordinary political comeback as Alberta’s premier promises to have a profound impact on Canadian politics. As she assumes her role, tensions are likely to rise between Alberta and the federal government due to conflicting interests in resource development and environmental policies. Failure to resolve these conflicts in favor of Alberta may result in proposals for greater provincial autonomy, including the establishment of a provincial police force, pension plan, or revenue collection agency. Smith’s emergence as a prominent national figure raises questions about the future of Canadian politics and the delicate balance between federal and provincial powers. (AI)

Thursday August 25, 2022

August 25, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 25, 2022

Canada signs non-binding agreement with Germany to export hydrogen to Europe by 2025

The Canadian and German governments have signed a deal to co-operate on exporting hydrogen fuel to Europe, setting an ambitious target of 2025 to begin shipments from Eastern Canada – where a single hydrogen production plant has yet to be built.

April 13, 2022

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz signed the agreement in the western Newfoundland town of Stephenville, near the site of a proposed wind farm project that would power the production of hydrogen from electrolysis.

The joint declaration of intent makes clear the agreement is not legally binding and stipulates it will be up to Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Germany’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action to keep track of whether it’s making progress on its goals.

Canada currently produces about three million tonnes of hydrogen from natural gas a year, according to the federal government’s 2020 Hydrogen Strategy, which puts this country among the top 10 producers of the fuel in the world today. The Germans, however, want hydrogen made from renewable power and a raft of projects are under way in Canada to meet this demand.

The Canadian-German agreement sets no targets for volumes of hydrogen produced and contains no commitments of new money to help commence exports to Europe by 2025.