Groundhog Day

Friday January 31, 2025

Canada faces unprecedented challenges as it deals with U.S. tariff threats, prompting a reevaluation of its economic and diplomatic strategies in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 31, 2025

Canada’s Struggle in the Shadow of Trump’s Tariff Tactics

As Canada approaches pivotal political and economic events, the ticking countdown clocks symbolize both hopeful transitions and looming challenges, with Pierre Poilievre's anticipated rise adding to the suspense.

January 23, 2025

In the turbulent wake of Donald Trump’s economic strategies, Canada finds itself confronting an unprecedented challenge: the potential integration into what could be termed an “External Revenue Service,” a mechanism designed to enforce America First policies through economic leverage. This strategy was starkly highlighted by Trump’s recent address in Davos and his swift tariff threats against Colombia, signalling a broader intent to reshape global economic ties without regard for traditional alliances or past camaraderie.

Trump’s approach, focused singularly on U.S. interests, leaves no room for nostalgia over historical partnerships. The longstanding image of Canada as a friendly neighbour and close ally now seems irrelevant in the face of a policy that prioritizes American economic supremacy above all. As evidenced by Trump’s dealings, whether through threats of tariffs or dismissive rhetoric, he is unconcerned with preserving the cozy relationships of the past.

News: Trump team details two phases of tariff threats on Canada

Jimmy Carter's legacy of integrity, diplomacy, and humanitarian service stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump's era of divisive rhetoric and personality-driven politics, highlighting a significant shift in American values over the past fifty years.

January 9, 2025

Canada, perceived as weak in this new paradigm, must confront the uncomfortable truth: it has no choice but to find ways to work with the current U.S. administration. The diplomatic norms and alliances that once offered security and support have shifted, with allies now hesitant to challenge the economic might of the U.S. for fear of becoming the next target. The silence from international friends, as Canada stands alone in its protest, underscores this new reality where each nation is left to fend for itself.

This situation is further complicated by Canada’s struggles with internal issues, such as meeting NATO defence commitments and diversifying its economy. The reader comments from The Globe and Mail highlight frustrations with Canada’s historical reliance on the U.S. market and the inadequacy of its defence spending. These systemic weaknesses make Canada more susceptible to external pressures and less able to assert its sovereignty.

In this transformed landscape, Canada must adapt swiftly and decisively. This means embracing a multifaceted strategy that reduces dependency on the U.S. and fosters resilience. Strengthening economic ties with other global partners and investing in national defence are imperative steps. Canada must also advocate for fair trade practices in international forums, leveraging its reputation for diplomacy and cooperation to navigate these choppy waters.

Opinion: Where are our friends in Canada’s fight against Trump’s tariffs?

Chrystia Freeland’s assurances that Canada will be “absolutely fine” under a Trump presidency lack specificity, leaving Canadians skeptical and searching for real solutions amid mounting challenges.

November 8, 2024

Furthermore, Canada must recognize that the norms of the past have changed. The path forward involves cooperation where necessary, but also innovation and independence. By diversifying its economic base and reinforcing its national capabilities, Canada can position itself not just to survive, but to thrive in this new world order.

Ultimately, the challenge posed by Trump’s policies is a call to action for Canada to redefine its place on the global stage. By adapting to these new realities, Canada can ensure its sovereignty, strengthen its economy, and secure a future that is less reliant on the whims of its powerful neighbour. The journey will be challenging, but it is a necessary evolution for a resilient and self-reliant Canada.

Today’s editorial cartoon comes with a sense of resignation. I drew it as the day unfolded with the President’s appalling press conference associated DEI hiring of air traffic controllers for Wednesday night’s horrific midair collision over the Potomac River. Are we really surprised he blamed disabled people to rile up his base?

It’s just another day in the ‘Golden Age’, and he’s barely even started.

Over to the issue closer to home…

In “Groundhog Day 2025,” the cartoon captures a familiar scene—one we’ve been through repeatedly since Donald Trump’s initial rise to power and his first term in office. Just like the endless loop in the movie “Groundhog Day,” Canada finds itself facing the same challenges over and over with Trump’s relentless push for “America First.”

Depicted as a beaver, our national symbol humorously acknowledges the routine, knowing all too well that we’ve seen this play before. Trump’s aggressive stance now, perhaps amplified in his second coming as Trump 2.0, is a stark reminder of his disregard for past friendships and cozy alliances. His focus is on strengthening U.S. interests, treating even close allies like Canada as mere pawns.

With an aloof Uncle Sam wrapped in Trump’s “America First” tie and a worried globe watching, the cartoon reflects the global unease with Trump’s tactics and their broader implications. This repeat rhetoric, now more assertive, underscores the harsh reality Canada faces as an example in Trump’s playbook.

Despite being seen as one of the U.S.’s closest allies, Canada’s situation highlights that past partnerships hold little weight in this new era. As our allies stand aside, dealing with similar pressures, Canada must adapt, finding ways to work with Trump while also seeking independence from our heavy reliance on the U.S.

This cartoon isn’t just a funny take on a serious issue; it’s a call for Canada to recognize the changed norms and embrace a strategy of cooperation and diversification. It reminds us that while we might be stuck in a seemingly perpetual loop, there’s always a chance to change the outcome by adapting and learning from the past.

Please enjoy the January 31, 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

Read on Substack

Groundhog Day

From the vault, Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Three groundhogs see their shadows, the other three don’t.

It’s Groundhog Day, and the long-range forecast is in from Canada’s woodchuck “weathermen.”

Ontario’s Wiarton Willie emerged from his cozy den this morning and immediately spotted his shadow, which according to groundhog folklore means Canadians can expect six more weeks of what has already been a long, cold, snowy winter.

A little earlier Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam waddled out into the morning light, but unlike Willie, he did not see his shadow — indicating warmer days are just ahead.

Fred la Marmotte in Val d’Espoir, a town in Quebec Gaspésie region, wasn’t deterred by falling snow. He rendered his early-spring verdict around 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.

As for America’s rodent royalty, Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil — the most famous groundhog of them all — he did see his shadow this morning, heralding another month and a half of Old Man winter.

However, regardless of what the groundhogs may be trying to tell us, Environment Canada is predicting the frigid temperatures that have gripped much of the country for the past two months will likely persist right through February. (source: CBC News)

February 2, 2007

Yesterday morning as my 5 year old daughter and I were getting ready for our walk to her junior kindergarden she asked me whether or not the groundhog had seen its shadow. Groundhog Day? Is it that time of the year already? How did my 5 year old learn about Groundhog Day? Didn’t matter, she reminded me that it was that time of the year to draw a cartoon on the issue. It’s a day that comes and goes and is easy to miss for cartoonists. The day combined with famous rodents lends itself well to politics and politicians in general. So, I quickly drew up this cartoon to celebrate the occasion. It doesn’t appear in the Spec, but it was available to newspapers through my syndicate at 9:30 am the day before.