federalism – mackaycartoons

Wednesday June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 4, 2025

From Santa Carney to the Provinces: Canada’s New Unity

December 18, 2024

The recent premiers’ meeting in Saskatoon has ushered in a refreshing wave of optimism and collaboration that Canada hasn’t experienced in over a decade. With the transition from Justin Trudeau to Mark Carney as Prime Minister, there’s been a noticeable shift in the dynamics between federal and provincial leaders. Ontario Premier Doug Ford captured the positive spirit of the gathering by likening Carney to Santa Claus, with a sled full of possibilities, ready to consider options that could benefit the entire nation.

News: Premiers express optimism after pitching major projects to Carney

May 13 2025

Under Trudeau, the relationship between the federal government and provincial leaders, especially those from the Western provinces, was often fraught with tension. The interim period following his resignation only added to the uncertainty and lack of direction. However, Carney’s approach seems to have brought a new sense of unity and hope, with a focus on “nation-building projects” that aim to foster economic growth and national cohesion.

The meeting was marked by a commitment from Carney to fast-track approvals for projects deemed in the national interest, while keeping the door open for new ideas and initiatives. Key discussions covered areas such as trade, energy infrastructure, and critical minerals, laying the groundwork for potential progress.

News: ’Love is in the air’: Cautious optimism as premiers pitch major projects to Carney

September 28, 2019

Yet, challenges remain on the horizon. The proposal to build a pipeline through northern B.C. remains a contentious issue, as regional priorities differ. Alberta is pushing for new pipelines as part of its energy strategy, while B.C. emphasizes shovel-ready projects that are immediately actionable. Additionally, First Nations have expressed concerns about potential rights violations in the forthcoming “one Canadian economy” legislation, highlighting the need for meaningful engagement and dialogue.

Ford’s analogy serves as a reminder that while Carney can guide and support these initiatives, the real work lies with the premiers. They must collaborate and address the regulatory and infrastructure barriers that currently impede progress. Removing interprovincial trade barriers and boosting the economy will require technical expertise, political will, and cooperation across all levels of government.

Opinion: It’s easy to announce the end of internal trade barriers. Eliminating them is harder

May 13 2025

This meeting in Saskatoon marks a hopeful shift in the relationship between the federal and provincial governments. While the federal government under Carney provides a vision and framework, it’s evident that the provinces will play a crucial role in executing these plans. The path forward will involve navigating challenges and differences, but the foundation for future cooperation seems more promising than it has in years. Both federal and provincial leaders have an opportunity to work together towards meaningful progress, making the potential for a stronger and more cohesive Canada more attainable than it has been in a long time.

Premiers in Portrait

Wednesday June 4, 2025 – The recent premiers’ meeting in Saskatoon marks a hopeful shift in federal-provincial relations, with renewed collaboration and shared goals under Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The premiers’ gathering in Saskatoon has brought a fresh sense of hope and teamwork to Canadian politics, a welcome change from the tensions of the Trudeau era. With Mark Carney leading, federal and provincial leaders talked about big projects to boost the economy and unite the country. While challenges like pipeline disagreements and Indigenous rights remain, the meeting set a positive tone for cooperation. With everyone on board, real progress finally seems possible.

Let’s hope this isn’t just the usual burst of optimism that comes with a new government. We’ve been here before, where initial excitement fades and things return to normal. The real test will be whether Carney and his team can turn this positive energy into real actions and lasting change. Fingers crossed that this time, the momentum leads to real progress.

There’s some talk of the Premiers building up Carney as a kind of folk hero, ready to work wonders. Doug Ford’s comparison of the PM to Santa Claus plays into this idea and is the focus of today’s editorial cartoon.

Speaking of editorial cartoons, here’s how I approach drawing the Premiers. When I started as a cartoonist, I learned quickly that respect in this field means getting good at drawing group caricatures. As a kid, I drew funny classroom portraits, which made me popular and even helped me stand up to bullies. Drawing caricatures gave me a unique advantage.

As I got older and became interested in the news, I naturally gravitated toward satire. The patience I learned from those classroom scenes paid off when I saw professional cartoonists create group caricatures. These weren’t the usual amusement park portraits; they captured powerful people from all angles. I studied these cartoons closely and kept clippings in a journal. One of my favourites is by Tony Jenkins from the Globe & Mail, who cleverly mixed the 20th anniversary of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” with a meeting of Canadian Premiers. Jenkins turned unrelated news into a timeless classic, and he’s still a great cartoonist and friend.

Jenkins and others taught me early on that to succeed in editorial cartooning here, you must be able to draw the Premiers. I see it as a personal challenge to sketch a group shot of them occasionally, keeping my skills sharp. Here’s a look back at some of my past Premier group portraits:

Sketch studies of premiers (c1995) Pat Binns, Russell MacLellen, Frank McKenna, Glen Clark, Brian Tobin, Lucien Bouchard, Mike Harris, Ralph Klein.

Fathers of Confederation – illustrated in 1995. I’ve drawn various renditions of the premiers cast in this classic portrait, here in 2006, and here in 2014.

Friday October 14, 2005 – The Alberta government announced a $10 million plan to distribute $400 cheques to residents as part of a $1.4-billion “resource rebate” initiative, funded by the province’s surplus from oil and natural-gas royalties.

Sunday June 17, 2007 – On occasion of Father’s Day, Prime Minister Harper’s aggressive tactics in the past federal-provincial dispute over the Atlantic Accord and equalization payments overshadowed the facts, with Nova Scotia’s demands to remove the fiscal capacity cap being seen as unreasonable and unfair.

Thursday November 22, 2012 – Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and other premiers criticized Prime Minister Stephen Harper for not attending a meeting to collaborate on a national economic strategy, viewing it as a missed opportunity to build on past federal-provincial cooperation during economic challenges. McGuinty had recently announced his departure from public life.

Wednesday October 12, 2016 – the federal government under Justin Trudeau announced a carbon pricing plan starting at $10 per tonne in 2018, rising to $50 by 2022, to reduce emissions and meet climate commitments, which provoked backlash from several provinces.

Thursday, July 25, 2013 – Kathleen Wynne chaired a historic Council of the Federation conference in July 2013, where women led the majority of Canada’s largest provinces, marking a shift from the traditional male-dominated leadership and focusing on collaborative discussions on national issues. In this cartoon I simply had to imagine what a carriage load of first husbands looked like.

Tuesday November 24, 2015 – Ahead of the Paris climate talks, Justin Trudeau and premiers aim to unify Canada’s climate message, balancing existing provincial leadership and economic growth with national climate commitments.

Tuesday February 7, 2023 – Justin Trudeau’s Liberals were struggling to regain momentum and hoped a health care deal would help them reset their agenda and address Canadians’ concerns.

This has been posted to Substack, which you can subscribe to. Substack is a great platform for me as a cartoonist. I’m mindful of the layoffs hitting many talented people, but I’m keeping a positive outlook. Take a look at the animation of my June 4, 2025, cartoon, and thanks for your support!

Tuesday May 12 2025

May 13, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 12 2025

Also published to The Toronto Star. Also to Reddit.

Mark Carney’s Rodeo: Can He Tame the Bull of Western Alienation and the Beast Across the Border?

April 9, 2025

Mark Carney’s entry into the political arena as Canada’s Prime Minister is akin to stepping into a rodeo ring, preparing to ride the proverbial angry bull of Western alienation. With a mandate from the recent election, Carney finds himself in a unique position to distinguish his leadership from the fraught relations that characterized his predecessor Justin Trudeau’s tenure, particularly with Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The political landscape Carney inherits is fraught with tension. Alberta and Saskatchewan’s grievances are deeply rooted in economic and political realities that have been exacerbated by federal policies perceived as dismissive of their contributions. The historical parallels with the 1930s, as highlighted in John Turley-Ewart’s article, show that ignoring these economic roots risks deepening the rift. Premier Danielle Smith’s openness to a referendum on Alberta’s independence underscores the urgency of addressing these concerns.

News: Alberta’s separatist angst has bone-deep economic roots. Ottawa cannot ignore it

October 22, 2019

Carney’s recent election victory provides him with the leverage to reset relations with the West. Unlike Trudeau, whose relationship with Alberta was often marked by conflict over environmental policies and energy sector restrictions, Carney has the opportunity to approach the provinces with a fresh perspective. His background as a central banker and advocate for green energy positions him uniquely to balance the need for economic stability with environmental commitments.

The advice from Marcus Gee suggests that Carney should focus on the strengths of Canadian federalism, emphasizing cooperation and decentralization. By showcasing how federalism can effectively address regional concerns, Carney can work towards mitigating separatist sentiments. His challenge will be to implement pragmatic policies that support a transition to renewable energy while recognizing the economic significance of the oil and gas industry.

Opinion: Carney rode a wave of national pride into office. Now he’s tasked with quelling rising separatism

January 17, 2025

Complicating Carney’s rodeo ride is the situation in the United States under Donald Trump, which poses its own set of challenges. The strained U.S.-Canada relations impact economic stability and require strategic diplomacy. Carney must balance Canada’s environmental goals with economic realities, leveraging Canada’s natural resources to strengthen economic ties amidst U.S. tariffs and protectionist policies. The unity required to address internal grievances must extend to a coherent national strategy for navigating the complexities of international relations.

Colby Cosh’s perspective that Alberta’s separatist movement is weak offers Carney some breathing room. However, the underlying support for separation cannot be ignored. Carney must navigate these sentiments carefully, ensuring that his government’s actions speak louder than words. His engagement with provincial leaders, as noted in reader comments, is a promising start, but it must translate into tangible outcomes that address both economic and political grievances.

Opinion: Colby Cosh: Alberta’s feeble separatist movement

May 7, 2025

Carney’s rodeo ride is not just about taming the bull of Western alienation but also managing the beast across the border. The stakes are high, and the challenge is multifaceted. Can he temper these forces? Only time will tell. What is clear is that Carney must harness the leverage of his fresh mandate to build bridges, promote dialogue, and demonstrate that Canadian federalism is not just a theoretical success but a practical one that can adapt to the needs of all its provinces while navigating complex international landscapes.

In this rodeo, Carney must hold on tight, navigate with skill, and ultimately steer Canada towards a future where regional grievances are heard, addressed, and resolved, and international relations are managed with finesse. His success or failure in this endeavour will define his legacy and the future of Canadian unity.

Western Separatism is as Canadian as Maple Syrup by The Graeme Gallery

Monday May 12, 2025

Read on Substack

Tuesday December 3, 2024

December 3, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday December 3, 2024

A Nation Adrift – Canada’s Political Disarray in a Time of Crisis

November 22, 2024

Canada finds itself at a precarious moment, politically adrift and dangerously exposed to external pressures. The federal Liberal government, led by an increasingly unpopular Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, struggles to project strength as it grapples with Donald Trump’s return to power and his threats of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. Although Trudeau wisely acted quickly by engaging directly with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, this move highlights the reactive posture Canada has adopted rather than one of proactive leadership.

The Trudeau government’s minority status, coupled with its eroding popularity, has emboldened opposition leaders like Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh, who seem more interested in exploiting the prime minister’s vulnerabilities than contributing meaningfully to a unified strategy.

News: Rattled by Trump’s tariff threat, Canada’s leaders point fingers at each other

October 17, 2024

While partisan sniping weakens the federal response, the provinces further undermine national cohesion with self-serving actions. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, for instance, launched a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign in the U.S., ostensibly to highlight Ontario’s economic ties to America. On the surface, the campaign is a smart move, but it underscores the troubling lack of coordination between federal and provincial governments. Ford’s strategy, while beneficial for Ontario, raises questions about whether provincial leaders are more interested in positioning themselves for political gain than supporting a unified national approach. Despite public statements endorsing a “Team Canada” effort, the premiers’ actions suggest that intergovernmental communication is faltering.

This disarray leaves Canada alarmingly vulnerable to Trump’s erratic policymaking. Beyond the tariff threats, Trump’s rhetoric about NATO spending will likely bring Canada’s underwhelming defence contributions under scrutiny, further straining the bilateral relationship. With provinces acting independently and federal leadership appearing reactive and fractured, Canada’s bargaining position with the U.S. grows increasingly weak.

Analysis: The takeaway from Trudeau’s trip to Mar-a-Lago: For Trump, fentanyl is priority No. 1

June 13, 2018

This moment is a test of Canada’s political maturity, but the country’s leaders appear to be failing. Partisan squabbles, short-term thinking, and provincial self-interest are overshadowing the greater need for national unity and strategic vision. Canada’s political class must recognize the stakes and rise above narrow allegiances to defend the country’s interests. Otherwise, Canada risks being outmaneuvered on the global stage, with the consequences borne by its citizens. This is not Canada’s finest hour, and it shows.

I’m back from a week off that was filled with all the hallmarks of an American Thanksgiving: football, Black Friday consumerism, and family debates over pumpkin pie recipes. This year, my Thanksgiving with the in-laws included a front-row seat (or at least a couch seat) to the local media’s coverage of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s trip to Mar-a-Lago. Let’s just say, when the U.S. media tries to distill Canadian politics into a 30-second soundbite, it’s a fascinating spectacle.

Despite my best attempts to offer insights, no one was interested in dissecting Trudeau’s maneuvering or the chaos within Canadian political unity. Instead, they were too busy licking their wounds after Ohio State’s heartbreaking loss to Michigan in the Big Game. Chaos, however, seemed to be the unifying theme—on the football field and in politics.

The lack of coordination within Canada’s so-called “Team Canada” approach to Trump’s 25% tariff threats is painfully evident. Federal and provincial leaders appear more focused on serving their partisan interests than presenting a united front. This discord, ironically, aligns well with the anticipated turbulence of Trump 2.0.

As I play catch-up with the news, I’m struck by how Canada is skating on thin ice—politically and economically. Like a clumsy hockey game colliding with an over-the-top figure-skating routine, the chaos is both absurd and deeply concerning.

Stay tuned for more thoughts as I sift through the news backlog.

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 cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks.

Please enjoy this making-of clip:

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Friday September 27, 2024

September 27, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday September 27, 2024

Political blame games and distractions from leaders like Justin Trudeau and Doug Ford are stalling any real progress on Canada’s housing crisis, which requires bold government intervention rather than market-driven tweaks.

Canada’s Federalism Is Stalling Housing Solutions, and Canadians Are Paying the Price

September 18, 2024

The political circus in Canada, from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s survival battle in Parliament to Premier Doug Ford’s distracting antics, is only worsening the housing crisis. Canadians are struggling, and instead of real solutions, they get half-baked policy tweaks, partisan sniping, and absurd diversions. Trudeau is clinging to power, navigating one confidence vote after another, all while the housing crisis festers. Meanwhile, Doug Ford, rather than proposing concrete housing solutions, diverts attention by bizarrely announcing a 401 highway tunnel project and bashing homeless people, telling them to “get off their a-s-s-e-s and get jobs.” This political theatre does nothing to address the urgent need for affordable housing across the country.

As Canadians face rising rents, homelessness, and crippling mortgage debt, the bickering between political parties only makes matters worse. The constant jurisdictional blame game—whether it’s Ford deflecting housing responsibility onto Ottawa or Trudeau promising yet another hollow federal measure—is killing any real progress. The recent proposal for 30-year mortgages to “ease” the burden of homebuyers is just another market-driven, debt-fuelled policy that ignores the actual supply problem. And Ford’s approach, far from fixing Ontario’s housing mess, seems more focused on enriching developers through questionable Greenbelt sales.

November 23, 2022

As Tyler Firth argued in his Hamilton Spectator article, the solution to Canada’s housing crisis won’t come from market tweaks or false hopes that extending mortgage terms will solve the problem. What’s needed is a public housing initiative, led by government, that builds affordable homes for Canadians who are languishing in precarious living situations. Firth suggests creating an Ontario Housing Acquisition Authority (OHAA) to purchase existing rental properties and incorporate them into the public housing stock, ensuring long-term affordable housing for the people who need it most.

Opinion: The private sector has failed us on housing

Carolyn Whitzman’s critique of the federal government is equally damning. The Liberals’ continued focus on propping up homeownership by increasing debt loads only pushes prices higher, without addressing the core issue of supply. It’s a glaring example of federalism gone wrong. Canada used to invest heavily in public housing, creating affordable homes for low- and middle-income Canadians. Yet, since the 1990s, public investment has dried up, leaving the private market to determine housing outcomes. The result? Housing is now an investment opportunity for the wealthy, rather than a basic right for all.

Opinion: Canadians need more homes, not longer mortgages and more debt

August 21, 2024

Ford’s rhetoric blaming the homeless for their situation, combined with nonsensical distractions like his tunnel plan, only exacerbates the public’s frustration. His disregard for housing solutions is evident, as his government continues to prioritize profit-driven development over expanding affordable public housing. Meanwhile, Trudeau’s preoccupation with staying in power means little political will is left to push for radical housing reforms.

Both Firth and Whitzman understand the simple truth: the market has failed us. Canadians don’t need more opportunities to accumulate debt, they need a robust supply of affordable homes. Yet, the blame game between the federal and provincial governments has stalled any meaningful action. And as political leaders continue to distract and deflect, it’s ordinary Canadians who pay the price.

In an era where political leaders are more interested in scoring points and securing re-election than solving the problems facing their citizens, it’s time to demand better. The housing crisis requires bold, cooperative government action—building and acquiring homes, not diverting attention with politically motivated distractions. Trudeau and Ford need to stop using federalism as a shield for inaction. Canadians can’t afford to wait any longer. (AI)

Wednesday August 21, 2024

August 21, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday August 21, 2024

Published in The Hamilton Spectator and The Toronto Star.

Link to the animated version of this editorial cartoon.

It is Long Past Time to Make Encampments History

July 21, 2023

As the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) convenes this week to address pressing issues, including the rising tide of homelessness in our cities, the sight of encampments has become an increasingly common and alarming reality. From Toronto to Hamilton, tents are lining parks, sidewalks, and public spaces, starkly highlighting a growing crisis that our governments are failing to tackle effectively. Despite various initiatives and funding announcements from federal, provincial, and municipal levels, the homelessness crisis is worsening, and it’s evident that the current approach is not working. It is time for politicians at all levels and across party lines to stop the bickering and come together to make the encampment trend a thing of the past.

The situation has reached alarming levels. In Hamilton alone, approximately 1,600 people are homeless, with more than 200 living in outdoor encampments. Emergency shelters are overcrowded, affordable housing is in short supply, and social assistance rates have stagnated. Compounding these issues are mental health and addiction crises, creating a complex web of challenges that no single government level can solve alone.

News: Hamilton can’t ‘continue to shoulder’ homelessness crisis: Mayor Andrea Horwath

August 29, 2023

Federal initiatives like the National Housing Strategy and the Reaching Home program have provided some relief but haven’t been enough to stem the tide of homelessness. Despite substantial commitments, the impact has been insufficient in addressing the growing need. Provincial efforts, including funding for supportive housing, have also been criticized for falling short, leaving municipalities to shoulder a disproportionate share of the burden. Mayor Andrea Horwath of Hamilton has rightly pointed out that taxpayers cannot continue to bear these costs without more significant support from both the province and the federal government.

The political landscape has been marred by finger-pointing rather than collaboration. Municipal leaders blame provincial inaction, while provincial leaders criticize federal programs. This blame game does nothing to help the people living in tents or the communities affected by encampments. The AMO meeting represents an opportunity for a coordinated response that is sorely lacking in our current approach. The call by Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward for a dedicated provincial minister to take charge of homelessness underscores the need for unified leadership.

June 7, 2023

While homelessness continues to grow in Ontario, other parts of the world have successfully addressed similar crises. Countries like Finland, which have adopted the “Housing First” model, have seen significant reductions in homelessness. This approach prioritizes providing permanent housing to homeless individuals without preconditions, coupled with support services to address issues such as mental health and addiction. The success of such models highlights the importance of political will to treat housing as a fundamental right.

It is time for politicians of every level and political stripe to put aside their differences and work together to solve this crisis. The homelessness crisis is not just a political issue; it is a human rights issue. The people living in tents are our fellow citizens, deserving of dignity, safety, and a place to call home.

News: Opposition parties join calls for Ontario to recalibrate approach to homelessness

August 3, 2024

To make encampments a thing of the past, we need a comprehensive, coordinated strategy that includes unified leadership at the provincial level, significant and sustainable funding across all government tiers, and rapid implementation of housing solutions. Governments must also engage community voices, particularly those directly affected by homelessness, to inform policy and service delivery.

The growing number of tents in our cities is a visible reminder of the failure of our current approach to homelessness. But it is not too late to change course. With unified leadership, adequate funding, rapid action, and cross-party collaboration, we can make encampments history. This is not just a policy challenge; it is a moral imperative. We must act now to ensure that every Ontarian has a safe, secure place to call home. The time for talk and finger-pointing is over; the time for decisive, compassionate action is now. (AI)

Letter to the editor – August 21, 2024, The Hamilton Spectator

This letter from an aggrieved couple of readers printed alongside the above cartoon illustrates the haughty level of political inaction on a municipal level in the city of Hamilton.

Frustration grows with encampment

If you live near an unsheltered encampment on Hamilton, you’ve likely played some version of “guess what, or even who, is under the tarp.” It could be a mound of belongings, or a group of two more tents, or something else entirely.

We and our neighbours residing along the east side of Gage Park have been guessing since the end of July when the first tents arrived near Maple and Rothsay Avenues. One of the tents is big enough to accommodate at least 10 people. It has a large awning, tied to a tree. The edge of this large tent is 10.5 metres from our yard. We’ve taken to referring to it as “the fortress.”

What else is hidden by tarps?

A large flat-screen TV was carried to the tents last week and we could plainly see a small safe among the collection of bicycles — both whole and in part — shopping carts, baby buggies, empty bottles, garbage mounds and open bags of pet food. For the first time in 32 years, we have rats in our yard.

We’ve all had to invest in cameras, security lighting and stronger locks on our sheds and garages.

Our property taxes increased by 20 per cent this year. Yet we can’t open our windows or use our yard without enduring the smell of drug use.

Our councillor, Nrinder Nann, admonishes us for complaining in her newsletter emailed on Aug. 16.

“It would be easy to just jump on the bandwagon of expressed fear and anger,” she wrote. “However, I remain committed to balanced, evidence-based decision-making and helping inform our community why this is not a scenario for retail politics.”

It reads as a slap in the face for us and our neighbours. There are men urinating behind our homes, open drug use and a dog that is staked to a tent and barks at everything that moves. Sadly, this does not appear to be “evidence.”

Alison Rogers and Doug Sykes, Hamilton