Halloween – mackaycartoons

Thursday October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme’s MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday October 31, 2024

Zombie Trudeau: The Leader Who Refuses to Die

October 28, 2023

It’s Halloween season, and on Parliament Hill, the Liberals are living a nightmare. Their leader, Justin Trudeau, staggers forward like a political zombie—undead, unelected, and unwilling to depart. He lurches from caucus meeting to caucus meeting, dragging behind him the decaying remains of a once-powerful party. His followers, terrified but unable to escape, shuffle along in his wake, too paralyzed by fear to put him down.

Opinion: Liberal dissenters need to show some backbone

October 31, 2019

A letter demanding his resignation from 24 Liberal MPs was nothing more than a whimper in the wind. Trudeau let it pass, only to rise again the next day, grinning that ghastly, un-killable grin, proclaiming unity where none exists. Craig Wallace’s critique in The Hamilton Spectator slammed the MPs for their lack of courage, comparing them to bootlickers unwilling to lift the hammer of the Reform Act. Meanwhile, Campbell Clark in The Globe and Mail explained why Trudeau’s most feared foe is not Pierre Poilievre but a secret-ballot vote—where MPs, safely hidden in anonymity, might drive a stake through his leadership at last.

Opinion: Trudeau seeks to dodge the verdict of his own party

October 16, 2019

But this horror show lingers. Trudeau’s refusal to step aside leaves the Liberal caucus in a state of paralysis, wandering aimlessly, dragged toward electoral doom. Ministers insist the rebellion is over, but their words ring hollow, like survivors trying to convince themselves the monster won’t rise again. Every day that Trudeau clings to power, the Liberals rot from within, feeding the ravenous momentum of the Conservatives, waiting gleefully to feast on the remains. If MPs can’t muster the courage to take him down, they’ll shamble along beside him—another pack of the walking dead—until they all fall together, consumed by the inevitable.

Posted to SUBSTACK. It’s at the early experimental stage (at the time of it’s posting,) and presented in the form of notes as I figure out how to integrate it into my daily routine. I’m not a fan of it’s presentation limits. Anyway, find out what’s swirling in my head as I come up with my ideas. It’s free and will continue to be, as will this carefully curated WordPress website which I’ve maintained obediently since 2012… until the traditional structure that has sustained me a livelihood collapses on top of me as it has for so many of my peers. Please take a look, and if you want to continue following/subscribe to my work, please subscribe, and thank you! – Graeme MacKay

The Halloween Gag

On Tuesday, I received two letters to the editor from readers who were offended by my recent editorial cartoon. It depicted 24 MPs seated in the back rows of the House of Commons, all wearing “F*ck Trudeau” t-shirts. This sentiment, which gained traction during the Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa, has become a common refrain, visible on bumper stickers, flags fluttering on pickup trucks, and even hanging from front porches in neighbourhoods. Is it jarring? Yes. Is it offensive? Absolutely. Has it crystallized into a widespread sentiment against Justin Trudeau’s leadership? Without a doubt. Whether you love it or hate it, that’s the reality.

Interestingly, I can’t help but wonder: would those same readers voice their concerns about standards in a family newspaper if I depicted Donald Trump standing next to a toilet with a sign reading, “Flush twice if necessary”?

That was yesterday’s editorial cartoon.

It’s easy to deduce what I’m comparing Trump to.

The satire is clear, yet that piece generated no letters of protest.

As we approach Halloween, I anticipate that my upcoming portrayal of Justin Trudeau as a walking dead man will stir even more controversy. But let’s be honest—the editorial cartoon practically writes itself in this context. This isn’t the first time I’ve drawn zombies to represent politicians who have overstayed their welcome. I did it with Dalton McGuinty, and the depiction proved prophetic shortly thereafter. After Stephen Harper’s departure, I applied the zombie motif to a graveyard of Conservative candidates, all vying for leadership while clinging to outdated policies that contributed to Harper’s political demise. Here’s a graveyard version of note I drew in 2021.

This is the essence of what we editorial cartoonists do. Sometimes we have to lean on familiar gags when the opportunity arises, irrespective of which party holds power. Halloween, combined with a political crisis, equals satire. As the stars align, this Halloween 2024, it’s monster Justin Trudeau and his hesitant followers in the spotlight. And for those who find this distasteful, rest assured that when the pendulum swings, the ridicule will shift to your political adversaries.

In many ways, Justin Trudeau has become a political zombie, staggering through Parliament Hill, clinging to power, and dragging his party toward inevitable collapse. His MPs seem paralyzed, too afraid to leverage tools like the Reform Act or a secret-ballot vote that could finally end his leadership. Despite the growing dissent among his ranks, Trudeau brushes off their timid attempts to oust him, all while maintaining a facade of unity among his ministers. With each passing day that he clings to power, the Liberals sink further into decay, inadvertently strengthening the Conservatives. If these MPs can’t muster the courage to confront him, they may soon find themselves as doomed as the leader they fear to challenge.

This is the reality of our political landscape, and it is ripe for satire. Let’s embrace the humour and the critique—it’s what keeps our democracy vibrant.

– Graeme MacKay

Read on Substack

Friday October 18, 2024

October 18, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday October 18, 2024

Doug Ford’s Vote-Buying Cheques: More Teflon Politics from the Master of Populism

November 1, 2019

It’s no surprise that Doug Ford, Ontario’s most Teflon-coated politician, is back with another crowd-pleasing move—rebate cheques for everyone! This latest gambit promises at least $200 for each Ontarian, totalling a whopping $3.2 billion. And what’s the timing? Just when rumours of an early election are swirling, giving Ford the perfect opportunity to play Santa Claus in January or February.

Ford’s strategy is simple but brilliant: send cash to voters, bask in their gratitude, and hope they forget all about the lingering scandals, underfunded hospitals, and crumbling schools. It’s textbook Doug—stay loved, stay ahead. And honestly, you’ve got to admire the man’s ability to wriggle out of controversy like a politician coated in non-stick spray. Scandal after scandal? No problem. Approval still high? Absolutely.

News: Doug Ford poised to send out pre-election cheques to 16 million Ontarians

February 19, 2020

This isn’t Ford’s first time at the “gimmick” rodeo. Before the 2022 election, he scrapped license plate renewal fees, burning through over a billion dollars annually just to keep drivers happy. Now, he’s doubling down on this strategy with rebate cheques, drawing comparisons to Mike Harris’s infamous $200 “dividends” back in 2000. It worked for Harris, and Ford knows it will work for him—because, let’s face it, people love free money.

But behind the generosity lies a political calculation. Ford knows these cheques won’t solve Ontario’s big problems—healthcare, housing, and education. Yet, he’s banking on the fact that voters will focus on the short-term relief and forget the bigger picture. His opponents call it out for what it is: a blatant attempt to buy votes with taxpayers’ money. Even Green Party leader Mike Schreiner quipped about wealthy elites like Galen Weston receiving cheques, reinforcing the absurdity of the plan.

May 21, 2022

Ford isn’t just a politician; he’s a populist performer. His persona—part “man of the people,” part “never raise a tax” crusader—makes him hard to pin down. No matter how much opposition parties or pundits criticize him, he somehow escapes unscathed. In fact, recent Abacus polling shows his Progressive Conservative Party enjoying a 44% approval rating, a comfortable lead over the Liberals and NDP. Ontarians may shake their heads at Ford’s antics, but many still trust him to keep their wallets full and taxes low.

It’s not that people don’t see through his tactics—many do. Reader comments across platforms are filled with frustrations: “Put the money into healthcare!” and “This is reckless!” Yet, Ford knows exactly what he’s doing. For every person angry at this move, there are many more quietly pleased that they’ll have some extra cash to cover holiday bills in January.

April 1, 2021

The real issue is that $200 rebates don’t build hospitals, reduce class sizes, or fix the housing crisis. Ontario’s healthcare system remains overburdened, with emergency departments closing and healthcare workers struggling to keep up. Yet instead of directing funds where they are needed, Ford is throwing money at the masses, knowing full well it will temporarily boost his popularity.

Still, you can’t help but chuckle at the sheer audacity. Ford operates with the confidence of a politician who knows he can get away with it—and, so far, he has. Whether it’s pushing controversial policies or rolling back unpopular taxes, he emerges unscathed, Teflon intact. If there were a political equivalent of Canada’s Wonderland, Ford would be the roller coaster: wild, unpredictable, but somehow still standing at the end of every ride.

At the end of the day, Ford’s rebate scheme may be nothing more than a temporary distraction—a sugar high that fades fast. But for a politician who thrives on short-term gains and public adoration, it’s a winning formula. Love him or hate him, Doug Ford knows how to play the game better than most. And if this plan helps him sail through another election? Well, that’s just classic Doug.

So, Ontarians, enjoy your $200 rebate—and remember, no matter how slippery the political landscape gets, Doug Ford will always be one step ahead, smiling, waving, and handing out cheques like candy on Halloween. (AI)

Thursday November 2, 2023

November 2, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 2, 2023

Haunted by High-Interest: The Looming Spector of Canadian Mortgage Renewals

In the eerie aftermath of Halloween, a haunting spector looms over Canadian mortgage holders, threatening a grim future of financial distress. The dread doesn’t come from ghouls or ghosts but from the imminent renewal of mortgages, unleashing a chilling cascade of increased interest rates set to torment thousands.

August 29, 2023

Recent analyses by RBC reveal a daunting reality: more than $900 billion in mortgages within Canadian banks are slated for renewal over the next three years. This impending wave of renewals, as pointed out by RBC researchers led by analyst Darko Mihelic, spells potential financial peril for many homeowners. An alarming 60 per cent of mortgages in Canadian chartered banks are anticipated to undergo renewal by 2026. As fixed-rate mortgage terms established prior to the Bank of Canada’s interest rate hike in October undergo renewal, borrowers are slated to face staggering increases in their monthly payments, a significant burden detailed in the report titled “Canadian Banks: A Review of Mortgage Payment Shock.”

The report forewarns that unless interest rates experience substantial declines, credit losses are bound to surge, potentially peaking in 2025 and beyond. These credit losses are estimated as outstanding payments owed to companies, including mortgage defaults. Alarming as it is, this prediction aligns with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions’ directive to major banks to bolster reserves for potential debt defaults, nearly tripling the amount set aside for bad loans compared to the previous year.

News: About 60% of outstanding mortgages facing payment shock in next 3 years: RBC

July 18, 2023

While some industry experts like Carl De Souza, senior vice-president at DBRS Morningstar, express confidence in the resilience of major Canadian banks against mortgage defaults, the forthcoming surge in renewals poses a significant threat to banks’ profitability and homeowners’ financial stability. However, the report suggests that the impact of mortgage losses might be mitigated to some extent due to Canada’s relatively low unemployment rate, which remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Nevertheless, the impending renewals paint a stark picture for homeowners. Banks are exploring options to alleviate the impending financial shocks, including renegotiating mortgage terms from variable to fixed rates. Currently, more than half of Canadians opt for a three-year fixed-term mortgage, but the stark difference in interest rates from previous years is ominous. Rates for a three-year fixed-term mortgage have climbed substantially, with estimates indicating a potential surge from the comparatively lower rates of 2019 to an alarming 6 to 8 percent at renewal, spelling financial distress for borrowers.

The report predicts a staggering increase in payments at each milestone year. In 2024, more than $186 billion in mortgages will renew, signifying a 32 percent payment shock. By 2025 and 2026, the looming numbers continue to surge, with estimated renewals of $315 billion and $400 billion, respectively. Payments are expected to soar by 33 percent and a staggering 48 percent, respectively, on a weighted average basis.

News: As inflationary pressures grow, Canadians increasingly struggle to make monthly mortgage & credit card payments

May 13, 2010

Even if there’s a hopeful return of the Bank of Canada’s key interest rate to 0.25 percent by 2026, the projected increase in payments still stands at a significant 20 percent. RBC’s estimations suggest a potential return to a lower interest rate in the future, yet the haunting reality of surging payments remains a foreboding certainty.

The post-Halloween season brings no respite as the grim spector of mortgage renewals hangs ominously over Canadian homeowners. The alarming forecasts and stark statistics paint a chilling picture of financial turmoil, urging caution and preparedness to weather the impending storm of high-interest renewals. (AI)

Tuesday October 31, 2023

October 31, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday October 31, 2023

The Lingering Spector of Corruption and the Ghastly Haunt of the Greenbelt Scandal on Ontario’s Government

December 10, 2020

As Halloween casts its eerie shadows, the spector of corruption looms ever closer for Premier Doug Ford and his government, showcasing a pattern of questionable Minister’s zoning orders (MZOs) that intensify the ghostly presence of the Greenbelt scandal. The recent scrutiny sheds light on how the Ford administration expedited approvals for rezoning, particularly benefiting developers linked to the controversial Greenbelt land swaps.

The surge in MZOs, an astounding 110 since 2019 compared to the mere 18 issued by previous governments, raises deep concerns. These orders, executed by the stroke of a pen, circumvent public consultation and alter local planning rules, potentially increasing the value of select properties. The opposition’s concerns have validity: a disproportionately high number of MZOs seem to favour a select few, including individuals linked to the Ford family.

News: 18 MZOs given to developers who were guests at Premier Ford’s family wedding: NDP

October 22, 2022

The optics of MZOs benefiting guests from a Ford family wedding reception, especially when compared to the entire tenure of the previous Liberal government, indicate a troublesome trend. The association between certain developers, their relationships with the government, and the number of MZOs they’ve received present a disconcerting pattern. This intertwining web raises serious questions about conflicts of interest and the fair distribution of these orders.

February 16, 2023

The opacity and lack of transparency surrounding the MZOs amplify suspicions of unfairness and favouritism. The alarming findings by the auditor general highlight that nearly 40% of the MZOs benefited a handful of development companies, evoking criticisms of conflict of interest.

Moreover, the cozy connections between the Ford family and individuals receiving these MZOs paint a worrying picture. The associations and benefits granted to friends and close allies of the Premier imply an inappropriate confluence of personal relationships and public governance. The convergence of interests between the government’s actions and the well-being of specific individuals or groups exacerbates concerns of impropriety.

News: RCMP to start interviews in Doug Ford’s Greenbelt scandal this week: Sources

October 31, 2012

The government’s defensive stance, justifying MZOs as tools to expedite housing and alleviate bureaucratic hurdles, seems increasingly feeble in the face of mounting evidence suggesting a different narrative—one of favouritism and expedited benefits for a select few.

As the haunted tale of the Greenbelt scandal refuses to fade, and revelations continue to surface, Ontario’s government needs to address the widening shadows of suspicion. The clamour for transparency, fairness, and ethical governance in the use of MZOs grows louder and demands an immediate and thorough review. The ghostly echoes of past scandals must not be allowed to haunt Ontario’s governance any longer, and a definitive course correction is imperative to restore public trust and integrity. (AI)

Saturday October 28, 2023

October 28, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday October 28, 2023

Trudeau’s Climate Policy Reversal: A Veiled Political Move

June 9, 2023

In recent announcements, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has presented significant changes to his government’s climate policy, with a particular focus on Atlantic Canada. While these changes are framed as responses to the cost of living crisis and environmental concerns, they raise questions about Trudeau’s underlying motives and political strategy.

Trudeau’s decision to increase rural rebates on carbon pricing and exempt home heating oil from the carbon levy, while also piloting a new rebate program for lower-income households to switch to heat pumps, has been met with both support and skepticism. While the Prime Minister portrays these changes as “enhancing” climate policy, many observers see a different narrative unfolding.

News: Ottawa exempting home heating oil from carbon tax for 3 years, Trudeau says

These policy reversals come just a year after the government voted against a Conservative motion to remove carbon pricing on home heating fuel. The sudden shift is undoubtedly influenced by the significant backlash against the carbon levy in Atlantic Canada, where opinion polls show the Conservatives gaining a double-digit lead over the Liberals. The timing of these changes, only after the next election, raises suspicions about their true motivation.

April 21, 2021

While the exemption on home heating oil may provide relief to Atlantic Canadians, it is hard to overlook the underlying political calculations. Critics, including Western premiers and the NDP, accuse the government of regional favoritism, with the Atlantic Premiers stating that these changes fall short of addressing their concerns adequately. Trudeau’s emphasis on “low-hanging fruits” and the argument that home heating oil is worse for the environment raise questions about whether these decisions are primarily a political maneuver.

The lack of transparency in the government’s release of cost breakdowns for these changes only adds to the skepticism surrounding their motives. While Trudeau assures that the rural rebate increase falls within the “existing envelope” of revenues, concerns linger about the impact on businesses and the overall effectiveness of these policies in reducing emissions.

News: Poilievre pans Trudeau’s carbon pricing pivot, Liberals pitch pause as ‘great news’

August 24, 2022

It’s also worth noting that the government’s decision to exempt home heating oil and not other heating fuels like natural gas creates an imbalance in how these policies affect different households. Trudeau’s explanation that they are focusing on the transition from oil to heat pumps does little to quell concerns about regional bias.

The timing of these changes, just before the Conservative Leader’s “axe the tax rally,” adds another layer to the political intrigue. Critics argue that Trudeau’s motive is to secure voter support, especially in Atlantic Canada, rather than genuinely addressing climate issues or the cost of living crisis.

In conclusion, while the government’s policy changes may bring some relief to Atlantic Canada, they also raise questions about the true motives behind these decisions. The lack of transparency, regional inconsistencies, and their political timing cast doubt on whether they genuinely serve the interests of Canadians or are primarily a strategic move to regain support in a region where it has been slipping away. (AI)

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give illustration a try: