heritage – mackaycartoons

Tuesday May 27 2025

May 27, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 27 2025

King Charles III’s visit to Canada underscores the country’s sovereignty and distinct identity amid geopolitical tensions with the U.S.

Canada’s Sovereign Stand Against U.S. Pressure

May 6, 2023

As King Charles III arrives in Canada for his first visit as monarch, the event is rich with meaning and strategic foresight. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s invitation for the King to deliver the Speech from the Throne is more than a ceremonial gesture; it’s a powerful assertion of Canada’s independence and distinct identity. This move comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has been making dismissive remarks about Canada’s status, and it serves as a clear message that Canada stands proudly on its own.

When Carney was sworn in as Prime Minister, he described Canada as a country “built on the bedrock of three peoples: Indigenous, French, and British.” This statement captures the essence of Canada’s diverse heritage, highlighting a nation that neither leans towards American influence nor forgets its roots. By inviting King Charles III to read the Throne Speech, Carney underscores this foundation, setting a tone that is both inclusive and assertive.

Opinion: King Charles’s visit to Canada: A Commonwealth flex with an audience of one

May 17, 2025

Carney’s use of this royal visit as a diplomatic tool showcases his government’s approach to international relations. His first official trip to Paris, London, and Iqaluit mirrored this blend, reinforcing ties with France and the UK while acknowledging the crucial role of Indigenous communities within Canada. During his time in London, Carney extended the invitation to the King, who was eager to accept. This isn’t just about tradition; it’s about strengthening the bonds that link Canada to the Commonwealth and its constitutional monarchy.

The visit takes place at a critical time when Canada’s relationship with its southern neighbour is being tested. Trump’s repeated comments about Canada potentially becoming the 51st U.S. state have been met with widespread concern. In this context, the royal visit is a clear message to Trump—and the world—that Canada’s sovereignty is firm. It’s a symbolic gesture, reminding Trump that Canada’s path is its own.

BBC: King’s invitation to Canada sends a message to Trump – and the world

June 10, 2022

While the visit includes traditional ceremonies, like military honours and a ceremonial tree planting, it serves a deeper purpose. It highlights the ongoing role of the monarchy in Canada’s governance and its relevance today. Including Indigenous leaders and cultural elements reflects Canada’s commitment to reconciliation and acknowledging its diverse heritage.

Public opinion on the monarchy might be mixed, but the significance of this visit goes beyond individual views. It reaffirms Canada’s heritage and declares its future on the world stage. The monarchy, often seen as a relic, finds new relevance as a diplomatic tool in modern times. Carney’s actions show a keen understanding of the power of symbolism in global politics and the importance of defining a nation’s identity through its history and constitution.

News: Why King Charles’s upcoming visit to Canada is unprecedented in many ways

King Charles III’s visit to Canada is more than a ceremonial occasion; it’s a defining moment in Prime Minister Carney’s diplomatic strategy. It’s a bold statement of independence and a celebration of the diverse peoples that form Canada. As Trump watches, this royal visit serves as a reminder of Canada’s steadfast independence and commitment to its principles. This historic moment isn’t just about the past; it’s about a clear vision for the future, where Canada’s identity is proudly asserted on its own terms.

The Crown Reconsidered by The Graeme Gallery

Tuesday May 27 2025

Read on Substack

Monday March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Monday March 17, 2025

Also published in the Toronto Star.

The End of an Era: Farewell to Hudson’s Bay, a Canadian Icon

As we bid farewell to Hudson’s Bay Company, we are not just witnessing the closure of a retail chain but the end of an era that has woven itself into the very fabric of Canadian history and identity. For over three centuries, Hudson’s Bay has been more than a shopping destination; it has been a symbol of exploration, innovation, and resilience.

Founded in 1670, Hudson’s Bay was at the forefront of the fur trade, playing a pivotal role in the exploration and mapping of vast stretches of North America. Its iconic trading posts served as the foundation for many Canadian communities, marking the beginning of settlements that would grow into thriving cities. The company’s history is a testament to the spirit of adventure and enterprise that has shaped our nation.

News: Hudson’s Bay returns to court to seek approval to begin liquidating its business

However, the trajectory of Hudson’s Bay took a significant turn in 2008, when it was acquired by NRDC Equity Partners, a U.S. equity group. This acquisition marked a new chapter for the company, reflecting the broader realities of globalization. We’ve become accustomed to seeing long-established Canadian institutions pass into foreign hands—from donuts to beer, and from steel companies to department stores. Many things Canadians have embraced as their own are now under the control of foreign corporations.

To Canadian nationalists, this trend can feel like an affront. The idea that the fate of a Tim Horton’s maple glazed donut rests with a board in Ohio or that a Molson Canadian beer is influenced by decisions made in Denver can be unsettling. Similarly, the sale of Hudson’s Bay to an American investment corporation might be dismissed with a yawn by some, but it’s emblematic of a larger shift.

What many, including myself, find intriguing and lamentable is how the story of the once mighty Hudson’s Bay Company ends like this. A company that ruled over vast, undeveloped lands in North America for centuries is now just another token of commerce, passed between owners with little regard for its historical significance. Chartered in 1670 by King Charles II, Hudson’s Bay built relationships with Indigenous peoples, mapped rivers and coastlines, and laid the groundwork for Canada as we know it today. It’s difficult to dismiss this as just another corporate transaction.

News: The fall of Hudson’s Bay Co., a Canadian retail icon

In the present day, the rub against Canadians is compounded by the rhetoric from the current President, who openly discusses the idea of annexation and making Canada the 51st state. This adds another layer of complexity and tension, as Canadians grapple with the loss of iconic brands and the broader implications of such political discourse.

Yet, amidst this change, there is a silver lining. The original documents, photos, drawings, and records of the Hudson’s Bay Company will remain in Canada, preserved in the HBC Archives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This ensures that the legacy of Hudson’s Bay, its contributions to Canadian history, and its influence on the development of the nation will not be forgotten.

July 18, 2008

As we move forward, let us honour the legacy of Hudson’s Bay by supporting local businesses, fostering community connections, and celebrating the rich tapestry of Canadian history that it helped to create. The end of Hudson’s Bay is a loss, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Canadian and how we can carry forward the values that have defined this iconic institution for centuries.

This editorial cartoon was adapted from one which was originally published July 18, 2008

As I think about the closure of Hudson’s Bay, I find myself reflecting on its significance in shaping Canada’s history. While I can’t recall the last time I visited one of their stores, my connection to Hudson’s Bay is symbolized by the iconic striped blanket that keeps me warm every night—a fun fact being that these blankets are actually made in the UK.

Today, I’m in Toronto for an event tonight, and plan to make a nostalgic stop this afternoon at the flagship store at Yonge and Bay. If its doors are still open, I’ll take a moment to appreciate the memories and legacy of this storied institution.

The transition of Hudson’s Bay into American ownership in 2008 was a moment I captured in a cartoon, and now, with the rise of e-commerce, it faces new challenges. Although the retail landscape has changed, the history and impact of Hudson’s Bay continue to resonate, reminding us of its enduring role in our national narrative.

This editorial cartoon was adapted from one which was originally published July 18, 2008 https://mackaycartoons.net/2008/07/18/july-18-2008/

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Friday June 16, 2017

June 15, 2017 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 16, 2017

Netflix tax? Trudeau says no to MPs’ proposed broadband internet levy

February 11, 2016

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has flatly rejected a controversial recommendation from a parliamentary committee calling for a five per cent tax on broadband internet services.

The new levy, included in a majority report of the Canadian Heritage committee released Thursday, was intended to boost a media sector struggling to adapt to technological changes and evolving consumer habits.

“We respect the independence of committees and Parliament and the work and the studies they do, but allow me to be clear: We’re not raising taxes on the middle class, we’re lowering them,” he said during an event in Montreal. “We’re not going to be raising taxes on the middle class through an internet broadband tax. That is not an idea we are taking on.”

September 24, 2014

Trudeau said his Liberal government was elected on a promise to lower taxes for the middle class and raise them on the wealthiest one per cent.

The committee’s report suggested the proposal would add hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues to the Canadian Media Fund, which already receives a levy on cable bills to finance the production of Canadian content.

The tax, levied on broadband internet providers, would apply to high-speed internet services that allow for the streaming of music, movies and TV shows, but not to slower and less costly services.

Revenue generated by the current cable levy is no longer seen as sufficient in an age of cord cutting and “over-the-top” services that stream content over the internet.

The Heritage committee has spent more than a year studying the industry, which has been steadily losing advertising revenue and market shares to online giants such as Facebook, Netflix and Google. (Source: CBC News)

SaveSave

Friday April 8, 2016

April 7, 2016 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 8, 2016

Gore developers back with plan to save some historical features

Developers of a site with historic buildings facing Gore Park are back with an amended proposal to save some and incorporate some heritage features before demolishing the current structures and rebuilding.

The redevelopment project screeched to a halt in 2013 when city council slapped a last-minute heritage designation on a small strip of buildings addressed 18 to 28 King St. E. just before they were to be torn down. They are on the southside of the park.

Proponents for redeveloping the site made an unscheduled appearance before city council’s general issues committee Wednesday with a new plan to save the façade of 18 to 22 King and demolish the rest.

A new five-storey, 20,000-square-foot building is planned that will also encompass a small adjacent vacant property where a building was demolished in 2011.

The building will have retail stores on the first floor and 14 apartments above, all with balconies overlooking Gore Park, said Tim Bullock, a lawyer representing the consortium that owns the properties.

The preserved façade will form half of the new building’s front.

“This is a compromise,” Bullock told councillors.

He said the façade to be preserved has Escarpment stone in its design and has the most heritage features worthy of preservation.

The other façade or building front, on addresses 24 to 28, has fewer heritage features, different stonework, and has deteriorated beyond reasonable repair, he said.

“Restoring all the facades would make it economically unfeasible … The engineering report says 28 (King St. E.) is very unsafe and 24 King has had its heritage features stripped.”

The two addresses also have small retail fronts not suitable to today’s retail industry, he added.

The new plan is “very respectful of the Gore,” he suggested. “It’s a win-win for the city.”

Architect David Premi, who worked on the downtown library and farmers’ market project, told councillors the building, with the original façade for half of its front and a complementing front for the other half is “an attempt to be respectful” to the original design. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

Saturday November 21, 2015

November 20, 2015 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday November 21, 2015

Confusion surrounds push to preserve Desjardins Canal bridge

The fate of one of the city’s busiest old bridges is up in the air.

And it’s entirely possible that not one of the 5,180 drivers-per-hour who use it at peak times could name or even locate the bridge on a map.

Beaten to death by the stadium

Don’t feel bad — neither could Hamilton councillors Wednesday, despite their decision to talk to the province about preserving parts of the 84-year-old span.

The Ministry of Transportation calls the structure one-half of the Desjardins Canal bridges — basically, the east and west traffic lanes of Highway 403 that cross the old watercourse connecting the harbour to Cootes Paradise.

But in a previous life, the eastbound span was called the Longwood low-level bridge, carrying that road across the canal from 1931 until the 1960s, when it was incorporated into the highway. (The westbound span was built in the ’60s.)

The dreams which never die

The city has to act fast if it wants to influence a looming provincial plan to replace the historical bridge, said Coun. Aidan Johnson, who moved a motion Wednesday directing staff to talk to the province.

“All heritage architecture and infrastructure in the city should be protected to the best of our ability precisely because it is our heritage,” he said. “Especially if the province is going to pay for it.”

Johnson said city cultural staff alerted him to the impending bridge replacement — and an opportunity, through the environmental assessment, to lobby to retain “heritage aspects” of the concrete bridge, such as distinctive abutments.

The bridge doesn’t meet the criteria to be a provincial heritage bridge, according to the project website. But MTO spokesperson Astrid Poei said via email it’s possible the existing bridge piers could be “cut off” and preserved to “reflect the width and materials of the old bridge” with the cost of the work covered by the province.

A replacement bridge would still be built, she noted, but the remnant piers would remain as city property. Construction is slated to start next year and won’t finish until 2018.

Neverending Lister

The project website says the preferred fix for the aging canal span is to completely replace and widen the old Longwood bridge while rehabilitating the younger westbound highway structure.

Johnson argued the city has nothing to lose for arguing to preserve part of the “beautiful” bridge — even as he acknowledged being initially confused about exactly what bridge is under threat.

Councillors bemusedly searched the Internet and unsuccessfully tossed out guesses about exactly which bridge was under discussion during the meeting.

The confusion was understandable — the canal is criss-crossed by several historic spans, including the McQuesten high-level bridge and rail bridges used by CP and CN.

But unless you paddle the canal or walk the adjacent trail, you’d never realize the stretch of Highway 403 is a bridge at all.

Coun. Lloyd Ferguson, a former construction industry boss, expressed doubt about the idea of a partial preservation.

“In my experience, it’s not easy to save parts of a bridge,” he said. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)