Canada has long struggled with its reputation as a “climate laggard,” a label earned through years of tepid action and political waffling on environmental issues. Despite the Trudeau government’s efforts to implement a carbon pricing regime during the first Trump term, Canada’s climate policies remain highly susceptible to the shifting winds of U.S. politics.
In the early 2000s, Stephen Harper’s government aligned closely with George W. Bush’s skeptical stance on climate change, opting for a “do-nothing” approach that stalled meaningful progress. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves once again influenced by U.S. political dynamics. The resurgence of Republican influence, reminiscent of Trump’s tenure, has nudged Canada back into a corner of inaction and regulatory rollback.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent pivot away from stringent climate regulations toward a more growth-centric agenda echoes past tendencies to prioritize economic interests over environmental commitments. His administration has proposed streamlining project approvals and delegating environmental assessments to provincial agencies, raising alarms about weakened national standards and endangered species protections.
This shift has not gone unnoticed. Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault’s strong critique of Carney’s proposals highlights the growing discord within the Liberal Party. Public opinion is similarly fractured. While some Canadians prioritize economic development, many remain committed to protecting the environment, creating a challenging landscape for any government seeking consensus.
The grim fatalism setting in among the public points to a deeper issue—Canada’s perceived helplessness in unilaterally addressing climate change. The persistent influence of U.S. politics exacerbates this sentiment, as our policies often reflect a reactive stance rather than proactive leadership.
To break free from this cycle, Canada must forge a path that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship. This requires transparent, enforceable national standards and genuine Indigenous consultation, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of ecological integrity.
Moreover, Canada must redefine its climate strategy to be resilient against external political pressures. By investing in clean energy technologies, enhancing carbon capture capabilities, and strengthening international climate alliances, Canada can lead by example and inspire global action.
The challenges are formidable, but they are not insurmountable. Canada’s climate future depends on our ability to prioritize long-term environmental health alongside economic viability. By doing so, we can shake off the label of “climate laggard” and become a leader in the global fight against climate change.
September 13, 2025 Mark Carney’s fast-tracking of infrastructure projects aims to boost Canada’s economy while respecting Indigenous and environmental concerns.
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday September 13, 2025
Canada’s Fast Track to Progress
August 29, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent announcement to fast-track five major nation-building projects has sparked a wave of optimism. This initiative, part of the Building Canada Act, is designed to speed up infrastructure development, a move that has been widely welcomed by provincial leaders and various groups across the country.
In the past, Canada’s infrastructure projects have faced delays due to slow bureaucratic processes, causing missed opportunities and slowing economic growth. Carney’s plan is aimed at cutting through this red tape to jumpstart economic activity, create jobs, and enhance Canada’s global competitiveness. The strong support from provincial premiers highlights the shared belief in the importance of quick action to meet regional needs and boost local economies.
Importantly, this strategy does not overlook the need for Indigenous and environmental consultations. An Indigenous Advisory Council is being established to ensure that these projects respect Indigenous rights and perspectives. Environmental considerations are also a key part of the planning, ensuring that development is sustainable.
While some critics, like opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, have dismissed the announcement as political showmanship, they may be missing the broader picture. These projects represent a significant investment in Canada’s future, addressing critical infrastructure needs like transportation and energy.
By focusing on faster project approvals while ensuring Indigenous and environmental concerns are addressed, Carney’s plan offers a balanced path forward. It aims to overcome past obstacles, paving the way for a more responsive and inclusive approach to development. This comprehensive effort not only promises economic growth but also ensures that progress aligns with the values and needs of all Canadians.
In a time of economic uncertainty, this initiative provides hope and a clear direction for Canada’s future. The widespread positivity around these projects highlights a collective desire to move beyond partisan politics and work together for a better, more inclusive future.
Carney Builds, Poilievre Whines
August 21, 2025
Pierre Poilievre recently slammed Carney’s major projects announcement as “pathetic,” but let’s look at what’s really happening. The federal government isn’t just throwing money at these projects; they’re also helping navigate complex regulations and facilitating negotiations with Indigenous and environmental groups. These are responsible, thoughtful measures that have gained support from leaders across the political spectrum. Meanwhile, the Conservatives, true to form, aren’t offering collaborative solutions but are instead focused on dismantling regulations. It’s quite something to hear Poilievre, who has spent the summer trying to rebuild his own political image, criticize a plan that has received widespread approval. His opposition seems more about taking a contrary stance than offering constructive alternatives.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Ford’s Fast Track: Mining Progress or Consultation Overlook?
October 22, 2022
Back in 2019, Premier Doug Ford’s government tried to push through Bill 66, which threatened the Greenbelt and ignored environmental protections. Public outrage forced them to backtrack. Fast forward to 2025, and it seems the government hasn’t learned its lesson with Bill 5.
Bill 5 aims to speed up mining in the Ring of Fire region by creating “special economic zones.” This move is supposed to boost the economy, but it has angered Indigenous leaders and the public. Critics argue it’s like a repeat of Bill 66, ignoring the need for proper consultation with those affected.
To Ford’s credit, he has skillfully tackled the challenges posed by the Trump administration’s trade actions, which threatens Ontario’s manufacturing base. By focusing on developing the mining of critical minerals, he has aligned with voter support for economic resilience and growth. However, what’s lost in this expectation granted by citizens is the crucial need for proper consultation with Indigenous communities.
Despite offering amendments to allow Indigenous-led economic zones, the government’s promise to consult with First Nations after the fact seems insincere. Indigenous communities should be involved from the start, not as an afterthought.
Reader comments highlight the need for genuine engagement and respect for Indigenous rights. The government’s approach of rushing development without proper input feels like a misstep, echoing past mistakes.
Consultation isn’t just a formality; it’s essential for fair and democratic decision-making. By not learning from the past, the Ford government risks repeating history with Bill 5. It’s time for a more inclusive approach that values the input of all Ontarians and respects the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Only then can we ensure a future that’s fair and sustainable for everyone.
A Test for Doug – Editorial Cartoon for Thursday May 29, 2025
After all these years since Canada kicked off its reconciliation efforts with Indigenous Peoples, you’d think we’d have the basics down by now. One of the most fundamental practices is meaningful consultation, especially when it comes to economic development that impacts our environment—whether it’s the sea, air, or land. And when it comes to something like mining, this should be a no-brainer.
December 11, 2018 – Environmentalists and critics accused Premier Doug Ford of breaking his promise to protect the Greenbelt, claiming that the changes introduced in Bill 66 undermined environmental protections and opened the area to development.
Yet, here comes Doug Ford, ready to defy common sense and try to limit consultation once again. This isn’t the first time he’s taken this approach, and it seems like another case of lessons not learned. It’s as if he’s trying to sneak this by, testing the waters to see how far he can push things.
Considering that less than half of Ontario’s voters bothered to cast a ballot, it might seem like Ford reads the 55% who didn’t vote as a kind of silent approval. But relying on voter apathy or disengagement is risky business. Silence doesn’t equal consent, especially when it comes to respecting the rights and voices of Indigenous communities.
Tuesday November 28, 2023– The Ontario Liberal Party is set to announce its new leader, facing the challenge of overcoming voter apathy and past election setbacks to compete against Doug Ford in future elections.
In today’s animated editorial cartoon, which Substack subscribers get to preview before it hits the Hamilton Spectator, I’m being upfront about a new technique I’ve started using: AI for adding voice to the characters.
According to YouTube’s policy, it’s essential to disclose when content is altered or synthetic, especially if it seems real. This includes realistic sounds or visuals created with AI. With today’s technology, the line between real and fake is increasingly blurred, and AI-generated voices are impressively accurate.
One of my critiques of animated satire has always been the voiceovers for political figures. While some might be as skilled as David Levine at caricaturing, they often fall short of Rich Little when it comes to voice impressions. Now, with AI, replicating political voices is not only easy but also a bit unsettling.
In the animated clip below, I’ve used software to mimic the voice of Doug Ford. I believe it’s clear that it’s not really him, but for those who might be too convinced, there’s a disclaimer in place.
This is uncharted territory, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you have any feedback or want to start a conversation, now’s your chance.
Substack is an invaluable platform for me, especially given the uncertainties that come with being a staff editorial cartoonist. While I remain optimistic about my future, I am acutely aware of the unfortunate layoffs and newspaper closures that have impacted many talented colleagues in our field. Please Enjoy the animated making of my May 29, 2025 editorial cartoon below and thank you for your continued support!
Breaking Down Barriers: A Call to Action for Canada’s Internal Trade
December 18, 2024
With U.S. tariffs looming large on the horizon, Canada stands at a critical juncture. The temporary reprieve from these trade threats offers a golden opportunity to strengthen our domestic economy by dismantling the interprovincial trade barriers that have long hindered our growth. Now, more than ever, all levels of Canadian government must turn political rhetoric into tangible action.
Transport and Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre both recognize the crucial need to boost internal trade. Anand is making strides by promoting mutual recognition of regulations and enhancing labor mobility across provinces. Meanwhile, Poilievre has proposed a “free trade bonus” to incentivize provinces to eliminate trade barriers, promising financial rewards based on the economic benefits of deregulation.
The potential rewards are significant. Studies suggest that removing these barriers could add up to $200 billion annually to Canada’s GDP, translating into substantial savings for Canadian families and a stronger, more resilient economy. Deloitte’s report even estimates that families could save over $6,000 each year by reducing these barriers.
However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. The Canadian Free Trade Agreement remains bogged down with exceptions that prevent the free flow of goods like alcohol and cannabis. Furthermore, some provinces and industries benefit from these barriers and may resist change. Public comments often highlight skepticism about provinces like Quebec and Ontario, which have been slow to embrace free trade ideals.
To overcome these obstacles, a unified, bipartisan effort is essential. Provinces must put aside regional protectionism and collaborate with the federal government to standardize regulations and enhance labor mobility. This includes addressing professional licensing standards, as suggested by Poilievre’s proposed “Blue Seal” certification, and ensuring that procurement and transportation rules are consistent across the country.
Beyond economic benefits, breaking down these barriers will make Canada more resilient against global market changes and reduce costs for consumers. By fostering a more integrated national market, we can enhance our competitiveness and create a more dynamic business environment.
As we approach provincial elections, it’s crucial for candidates to prioritize these issues. For too long, interprovincial trade barriers have been a topic of discussion without meaningful action. Voters should demand more than just promises; they should insist on concrete plans and timelines for change. Provincial leaders need to commit to working collaboratively with the federal government to streamline regulations and improve trade and labor mobility across the country.
Voters must hold candidates accountable, challenging them to pledge specific measures and deadlines for reducing these barriers. By prioritizing action over rhetoric, we can transform longstanding challenges into opportunities for economic growth and stability.
Now is the time for decisive action. The passion and urgency generated by external threats should fuel our commitment to dismantle internal barriers. By doing so, we can turn a moment of uncertainty into an opportunity for lasting growth and stability. Canada must seize this chance to fortify its economy from within, ensuring that we not only weather global market shifts but thrive in their wake. It’s time for provinces to step up and deliver real progress, ensuring that Canada is not only prepared for global market shifts but also thriving from within.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the talk of removing interprovincial trade barriers may seem dull, but it’s crucial for the provinces to work on this for the benefit of consumers and the strength of our country. For too long, provincial premiers have maintained bureaucratic and protectionist barriers that offer no benefit to consumers, making it easier for Canadian businesses to trade with foreign countries than within their own nation. It’s absurd, and it demands hard work, time, negotiation, and a commitment to cutting through the red tape. In Ontario, there’s even a minister of red tape reduction, and this issue should be at the top of their agenda. With the current economic tensions, including a 30 day “ceasefire,” mere tears, booing national anthems and other theatrics simply won’t suffice. We need real action, and especially in the midst of a provincial elections, politicians should focus on eliminating these barriers when they aren’t kissing babies. All provincial leaders must prioritize this issue—it’s the one thing they can truly address. It may not be a sexy issue, and it won’t grab headlines when a small business gains more economic freedom, but dismantling interprovincial trade barriers is essential. It requires hard work, and this is precisely what we expect from our politicians, especially in times of crisis. Voters need to demand this every day of the election campaign, and it must become a pledged commitment by all leaders. Let’s push for meaningful change where it counts!
Please check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for February 6, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I release my post every Saturday morning summarizing the week through my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading here is a “note,” designed to help craft my weekly posts and display the animated versions of my daily cartoons. Enjoy!
