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Thursday March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 27, 2025

Jagmeet Singh’s Leadership and the Fight for Relevance

February 29, 2024

As the 2025 federal election approaches, the New Democratic Party (NDP) finds itself at a critical juncture, reminiscent of its influential role in the 1960s under Lester Pearson’s government. Back then, the NDP, originally the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), championed transformative policies like universal healthcare and the Canada Pension Plan, leaving an indelible mark on Canada’s social fabric. Fast forward to today, the NDP under Jagmeet Singh has played a pivotal role in supporting the Liberal government, contributing to significant policy achievements such as expanded dental care, pharmacare, and child care. Yet, unlike the past, these legislative victories have not translated into increased voter support, leaving the party teetering on the edge of irrelevance.

October 17, 2023

Jagmeet Singh, a charismatic and seasoned leader, has steered the NDP through turbulent political waters since 2017. His staunch advocacy for ordinary Canadians, backed by endorsements from major unions, underscores his dedication to progressive values. However, Singh’s alignment with the Liberal government, while strategic, has blurred the NDP’s distinct identity. In the eyes of many voters, the party’s role as a key influencer has been overshadowed by the Liberals’ spotlight, leading to a perception that the NDP is merely a supporting player in a broader political drama.

News: Singh says NDP faces ‘massive challenges’ as voters look to Liberals, Conservatives to battle Trump

March 23, 2022

The current political climate, dominated by concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and sovereignty threats, has shifted voter priorities. Canadians are looking for strong leaders who can navigate these international challenges, resulting in a two-way race between the Liberals and Conservatives. Singh’s commitment to social justice and economic equality, though unwavering, must now contend with the reality of strategic voting and a media landscape that often sidelines smaller parties.

Critics argue that Singh’s leadership, marked by broken promises and perceived ineffectiveness, has led the NDP down a path of diminishing returns. Former leader Thomas Mulcair’s comments, suggesting that the NDP is an afterthought in this high-stakes election, echo a broader sentiment of skepticism. The party’s polling numbers, hovering near single digits, paint a grim picture of its electoral prospects and raise questions about its future viability.

News: Behind in the polls, NDP’s Singh says he’s not going to back down

October 23, 2019

Singh’s challenge is to reinvigorate the NDP’s narrative and demonstrate its relevance in today’s complex political arena. He must effectively communicate how the party’s policies address the pressing issues facing Canadians, from affordability to labor rights, while distinguishing the NDP from its Liberal counterparts. This task is crucial not only for the party’s survival but also for Singh’s leadership, which hangs in the balance as election day looms.

November 7, 2019

As the NDP stands at this crossroads, it must draw on its legacy of progressive change, including its past contributions to the Canada Pension Plan, and adapt to the evolving needs of its constituents. Whether Jagmeet Singh can lead this charge and secure a meaningful place for the NDP in Canada’s political future remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that without a compelling vision and renewed voter engagement, the NDP risks fading into irrelevance, leaving Singh’s leadership in jeopardy after April 28.

Conjoined leaders part and present

As we caravan through the current political landscape, it’s clear that both the NDP and the Conservative Party face significant challenges in addressing the pressing issues of our time, rendering them unelectable in the eyes of many. Despite the NDP’s role in influencing policy during the Trudeau years, historical patterns reveal a persistent struggle to convert this influence into electoral success. The party’s adherence to outdated pacifist views from the 1970s, especially at a time when rapid military reinforcement is crucial, leaves much to be desired.

On the other hand, the Conservative Party’s reluctance to fully embrace climate change initiatives and uphold Canada’s commitments to the Paris Accord is equally concerning. As a huge nation with vast natural resources and significant international responsibilities, Canada cannot afford to lag in either environmental stewardship or national security.

The inability of these major parties to adapt to the evolving realities of national and global priorities highlights a need for fresh voices and innovative ideas in the political arena. This situation presents an opportunity for emerging parties or independent candidates willing to address these gaps with pragmatic solutions. It also calls on voters and advocates to push for transformative changes within existing party structures, demanding policies that reflect the needs and values of Canadians today.

In the end, true leadership will come from those who can effectively balance the demands of security, environmental responsibility, and international collaboration, showing a readiness to lead Canada into a sustainable and secure future.

– The Graeme Gallery

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

Saturday October 26, 2024

October 26, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday October 26, 2024

A readapted version of this cartoon was posted to Politico.

The Troubling Influence of Elon Musk in America’s Political and Geopolitical Crossroads

Plum-Pudding in Danger by James Gillray

The revelations about Elon Musk’s secret contacts with Vladimir Putin and his increasing entanglement with Donald Trump’s campaign signal an alarming convergence of private influence, political ambition, and global power struggles. The Wall Street Journal’s report suggests that Musk—now a key player in space technology, military communications, and social media—has gone far beyond his role as an entrepreneur. His willingness to engage with adversaries like Putin while becoming an essential financial backer and advisor for Trump raises serious questions about how much influence one individual should wield over U.S. national security and the outcome of the next election.

Analysis: Elon Musk’s Secret Conversations With Vladimir Putin

November 12, 2022

Musk’s access to the U.S. government’s most sensitive programs—including a security clearance and privileged contracts with the Pentagon—places him in a precarious position. His company, SpaceX, operates Starlink, the satellite internet service critical to military operations in Ukraine and beyond. Yet Musk’s private decisions have directly affected the course of conflict, such as restricting Starlink’s availability during key Ukrainian operations in Crimea, reportedly out of concern that it could provoke a nuclear response from Russia. The Journal further reveals that Musk continues to maintain regular contact with high-level Russian officials, even after the war in Ukraine escalated—a relationship that, according to sources, extends into personal, business, and geopolitical matters.

September 28, 2024

This blurring of lines between diplomacy and personal business is especially concerning given Musk’s increasingly active role in U.S. politics. After initially framing himself as politically neutral, Musk has fully aligned himself with Trump’s 2024 campaign, committing significant financial resources to ensure Trump’s return to power. The billionaire’s X platform—formerly Twitter—has become a key channel for Trump’s messaging and political maneuvering, while Musk reportedly pledged $45 million per month to support Trump’s election efforts. Trump, in turn, has promised Musk a leadership role in a future administration.

Musk’s involvement raises complex challenges for the U.S. government. The White House is faced with a troubling dilemma: Musk’s technologies are too deeply embedded in national security operations for him to be easily sidelined, yet his private dealings with hostile actors like Putin make him a potential liability. The Pentagon relies on SpaceX to launch national security satellites, and NASA depends on Musk’s rockets to ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station. Even as officials acknowledge discomfort with Musk’s geopolitical freelancing, the government seems reluctant to challenge him directly.

June 13, 2024

The most troubling dimension of this narrative is Musk’s increasing overlap with authoritarian leaders. While he initially backed Ukraine’s resistance, his changing stance on the conflict mirrors Kremlin talking points, including proposals for Ukraine’s neutrality and territorial concessions. Reports also suggest that Russian forces have obtained Starlink terminals through intermediaries, potentially undermining Ukraine’s military advantage. Musk’s interactions with Putin raise legitimate concerns about whether his private motivations align with America’s interests—or whether they serve a broader agenda of his own making.

News: After news of DOJ warning, Elon Musk’s super PAC didn’t announce ‘daily’ lottery winner on Wednesday

November 17, 2022

As Trump reemerges as a viable candidate, Musk’s growing political influence adds yet another layer of uncertainty. His ability to sway public opinion through X and provide financial backing to Trump’s campaign makes him a powerful, if unelected, player in American politics. The alignment between Musk, Trump, and Putin—three figures with varying but overlapping ambitions—raises difficult questions about whether democratic systems can withstand the influence of billionaires who operate beyond the reach of public accountability. The lack of transparency around Musk’s dealings with Putin, combined with his access to classified government programs, underscores how precarious U.S. national security has become in the hands of private actors.

The U.S. government’s dependence on Musk’s technologies, his collaboration with authoritarian regimes, and his full-throated support for Trump’s campaign are red flags that cannot be ignored. No single individual should wield this much power—over military operations, the flow of information, and political outcomes—and the implications of his actions will reverberate far beyond the 2024 election. As democracy itself hangs in the balance, it is essential that the public and government officials recognize the danger of allowing billionaires to shape national policy in ways that serve their private interests over the common good.

Posted to my all New experimental SUBSTACK page… it’s at an 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 routine. Find out what’s swirling in my head as I come up with my ideas. It’s free and will continue to be… 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 what to continue following/subscribe to my work, please subscribe, and thank you!

I’ve always admired the great tradition of editorial cartoonists and illustrators who have parodied James Gillray’s 1805 masterpiece, “The Plumb-pudding in Danger”. Over the years, countless artists have drawn from that iconic image of two powerful leaders carving up the world to comment on the greed, ambition, and geopolitics of their times. It’s fascinating to see how history keeps giving us new contexts that fit so perfectly with Gillray’s original satire—and now, I’ve finally added my own version to that long list.

This is the first time I’ve drawn a parody of Plumb-pudding in Danger, and honestly, I’m glad I waited this long. The global stakes have never felt more immediate or alarming. Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin sitting around a table, carving up the globe while Musk grins in his lair—it’s not just satire, it’s a warning. The unsettling truth is that this parody aligns a little too well with our reality. The world is teetering on the edge, and with only days left before the U.S. election, it seems increasingly—and bewilderingly—likely that American voters may actually re-elect Trump.

There is an existential threat that comes with this possibility—one where authoritarianism, greed, and unchecked power collide on a global scale. I can’t think of a more fitting time to use Gillray’s imagery, and I hope this piece resonates with readers. The clock is ticking, and the world really does feel like it’s in the hands of villains playing out their own power games. Let’s hope sanity prevails before it’s too late.

Are you starting to bite your nails as we get closer to November 5th? I am!

Tuesday October 22, 2024

October 22, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday October 22, 2024

See the animated making-of version here!

Why Americans Tolerating Trump’s Incivility Is a Dangerous Gamble

January 24, 2017

Consider this: A group of children recently asked former President Donald Trump some simple questions on “Fox & Friends.” When asked by a 10-year-old boy from Tennessee to name his favourite president as a child, Trump at first awkwardly offered Ronald Reagan—who was elected when Trump was already 34. But instead of reflecting on Reagan’s legacy or discussing any childhood admiration, Trump veered off into his own trade policies, claiming credit for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). As the conversation rambled, he dropped bizarre musings about the Civil War, claiming it “doesn’t make sense we had a civil war,” and somehow linked this to his belief that conflicts like Ukraine or Israel’s war with Hamas would never have happened under his watch.

January 9, 2019

This strange exchange underscores a larger truth about Trump: He exhibits no genuine respect for the office he once held, nor any real grasp of the legacy of his presidential predecessors. If a former president cannot engage thoughtfully with a child’s question about presidential history, it’s no wonder his campaign today offers nothing but spectacle, insults, and grievance politics. Trump’s inability to answer a child’s question without bragging about his trade deals reflects the same indifference that has shaped his chaotic campaign strategy—one focused on division and personal survival rather than governance or public service.

As Election Day looms, Americans face a stark decision: whether to indulge Trump’s theatrics once more, or demand more from their leaders. Trump’s recent rallies look more like circus acts than political discourse. At a Pennsylvania rally, he speculated about Arnold Palmer’s anatomy, attacked Kamala Harris as a “terrible” vice president, and complained that “woke” military officers wouldn’t help him incarcerate his political opponents. His campaign offers no serious policy vision, only grievances and attacks—a test of just how far Americans are willing to go in tolerating this behaviour.

March 26, 2019

Disturbingly, many Americans seem comfortable waiting for some “October surprise”—a twist that will suddenly make sense of Trump’s chaotic campaign. As Bill Maher recently pointed out, this obsession with surprises has become a coping mechanism, allowing voters to avoid confronting the reality of Trump’s behaviour. But the truth is, Trump has shown exactly who he is. There is no new twist coming—just the same divisive rhetoric, insults, and contempt for democratic norms. Waiting for a dramatic shift is like re-watching a bad movie, hoping for a different ending.

What’s truly troubling is how numb Americans have become to the erosion of political standards. As Timothy O’Brien argues, the Republican Party under Trump has abandoned its former values—fiscal conservatism, respect for the Constitution, and civility—in favour of authoritarianism, conspiracies, and macho posturing. What would have been disqualifying behaviour just a decade ago—mocking military officers or delivering vulgar rants on stage—has become disturbingly routine. Americans appear fatigued, overwhelmed by years of scandals and outrage, struggling to muster accountability.

Opinion: Trump Goes All In on Fear and Loathing. Will Voters?

May 11, 2023

While Democrats focus on traditional campaigning—door-knocking, opening field offices, and organizing grassroots volunteers—Trump’s campaign relies on stunts and gimmicks, including the financial backing of billionaires like Elon Musk. Reports suggest that Musk’s PAC, tasked with running ground operations, may have mismanaged canvassing efforts. Meanwhile, Musk’s desperate offer of million-dollar prizes to voters raises both ethical and legal questions. This slapdash approach reflects the deeper truth about Trump: he values power not for public service, but for the protection it offers from legal consequences.

At the heart of Trump’s campaign lies a cynical formula: harness anger and grievance without offering solutions. This fuels division, but it offers no path forward. And yet, many Americans appear willing to tolerate his incivility, dishonesty, and chaos—a dangerous gamble that risks normalizing behaviour unworthy of the presidency. Trump’s political success is not rooted in ideas but in performance art, a show of insults and fear-mongering designed to inflame rather than inspire.

News: Bill Maher On Likelihood Of October Surprise Knocking Trump Out Of Election: “Better Odds Of Another ‘Joker’ Musical”

May 5, 2020

The real danger lies not just in Trump’s rhetoric but in what it represents: a lowering of the standards Americans expect from their leaders. As Arnold Palmer’s daughter once noted, her father had no patience for public dishonesty or rudeness—qualities Trump has elevated into virtues. This election is about more than policy differences; it is a referendum on what Americans will accept in their leaders.

There is no “October surprise” that will absolve Americans of their responsibility. The choice before them is clear: continue down a path of spectacle, fear, and incivility, or reject it in favour of accountability, decency, and truth. The outcome of this election will define not only the future of American democracy but the standards to which all future leaders will be held.

Posted to my new *experimental* SUBSTACK page. 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. 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!

Donald Trump’s inability to answer even a child’s simple question about his favourite president reflects a deeper problem: his lack of respect for the office he once held and his reliance on performance over substance. How can we be sure that this individual has ventured beyond the shallow depths provided by his speechwriters to engage with the broader context of Presidential and American history? Oh, but that’s his appeal, isn’t it, talking on the same level of the average Joe, broad mindedness entails book smarts, and trivialities best left to pointy headed liberal elites. Leave that soaring Presidentese language to the voice overs of PBS documentaries. As his rallies devolve into vulgar spectacles and personal attacks, Trump’s campaign offers no vision for governance, only grievance and division. While Americans seem resigned to waiting for an “October surprise,” as Bill Maher reminded viewers on his weekend show, the real danger lies in normalizing behaviour that would have been disqualifying in the past. This election presents a critical choice: whether to indulge Trump’s incivility once more or demand accountability, decency, and truth in leadership.

I’ve gotten into the habit of making use of the technology made available when drawing digitally. I’ve been doing these for a few months. Apps make it faster to create and way more easy to add sound effects and music while showing the process I follow when drawing a cartoon. It adds another level to satire that I think takes editorial cartooning to a new level and makes it more interesting, entertaining, and exciting. I probably went overboard with the voiceovers in this clip, but it’s all experimentation, and you are my willing audience…

Saturday March 2, 2024

March 2, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 2, 2024

R.I.P. Brian Mulroney

Mocking the mocker, me, as depicted by fellow cartoonist Michael de Adder from 2002.

In the day following the death of a past Prime Minister I came of age to, I’d like to acknowledge the personal connection and admiration I have for him, a sentiment tinged with a sense of atonement as an editorial cartoonist who has spent decades skewering politicians, with Mulroney being one of my enduring satirical targets. While some editorial cartoonists relentlessly skewer politicians, even in the wake of their death, the humanist in me requires the occasion to be drawn in the form of a tribute for public service.

January 13, 2024

Pearly gates cartoons, often deemed clichéd, present an irresistible temptation for editorial cartoonists, who, despite mockingly acknowledging the trope, find it difficult to resist utilizing this well-worn comedic device when commemorating the passing of famous individuals. In my recent editorial cartoon, I navigated this trope by revisiting Canada’s pivotal federal election of 1984 within a celestial backdrop. I incorporated the infamous “I have no option” phrase uttered by Liberal leader John Turner during the heated great leaders debate, responding to Brian Mulroney’s inquiry about Turner’s approval of numerous patronage appointments made by his predecessor, Pierre Trudeau, just before Trudeau’s exit after 16 years in office. In my cartoon, this historical dialogue becomes a comical punchline in the afterlife, where the reunited leaders—Turner, Mulroney, and the recently deceased Ed Broadbent—share a jovial moment under the head caption “Disagreeing without being disagreeable.”

The Globe & Mail: Brian Mulroney, the last great prime minister

September 23, 2022

This celestial scene intentionally contrasts with a contemporary earthly tableau, depicting the present federal party leaders engaged in an uncivilized punch-up, spewing insults, vulgarities, and accusations. The dust ball featuring the heads of current leaders serves as a stark visual representation of the disagreeable nature of contemporary political discourse, creating which I hope might be a thought-provoking commentary on the evolution of political dialogue over time.

Returning to my personal connection with Mulroney, despite the polarizing opinions surrounding his name, I’ve always held a soft spot for him. My interest in politics began around the same time Mulroney was running for the leadership of the PC party. Growing up with Pierre Trudeau as the leader, there was a sense of fatigue and a hope for a fresh face in Canadian politics. Mulroney’s youth, charisma, and optimism appealed to me and millions of other Canadians, leading to his party’s historic majority government in 1984.

The Toronto Star: ‘Mr. Mulroney never stopped working for Canadians’: Former prime minister’s death prompts outpouring of reflection

July 16, 1998

Throughout Mulroney’s tenure, I closely followed his successes and failures, viewing it as a case study during my years of interest in political science. I vividly remember the smaller scandal stories involving his problem cabinet ministers like Bob Coates, in change Canada’s Defence who had a penchant for visiting strip joints on foreign missions; John Fraser in charge of Fisheries and forced to quit over the infamous ‘Tunagate”; Suzanne Blais-Grenier, a low level minister whose spendy ways led to her removal; and Sinclair Stevens worn down and disgraced by a scandal over business holdings that lead to charges of a conflict of interest that he was years later cleared of. Mulroney’s team spawned many personalities who went on to greater fame, in particular, a NL Lieutenant-Governor in John Crosbie, and Premiers of Quebec, Lucien Bouchard, and Jean Charest. There were several other heavyweights in Mulroney’s cabinet who already had honed executive skills, like former PC leader Joe Clark, and brighter members from his team like Flora MacDonald (Canada’s first female Foreign Minister), Perrin Beatty (later head of the CBC), Michael Wilson (later ambassador to the USA), Ray Hnatyshyn (later Governor-General), Erik Neisen (the crusty brother of comedian Leslie – how cool I thought that was), former Toronto mayor David Crombie, and even an old Diefenbaker Minister George Hees. Check the list below to see how it’s all turned out for Mulroney’s first cabinet (…and for the really nerdy politics buffs, check up on Pierre Trudeau’s cabinet where are they now feature.)

It became evident that regardless of cabinet or his own actions, Brian Mulroney would always be despised by a certain sector of the population. Some criticize him for issues like the GST, selling out Canada to free trade, or the Airbus affair. I distinctly recall the ire he raised for daring to wear Gucci shoes, a bit of ostentation that pales by comparison to that which is on display by politicians of the present. That, and paper bags full of cash will be the only defining tokens of Mulroney’s legacy. However, others, including myself, recognize his early understanding of and actions against climate change, as well as his influential relationships with Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, which played a crucial role in pressuring the apartheid regime in South Africa.

December 10, 2013

In retrospect, considering the Prime Ministers who followed him, Mulroney’s achievements stand out, and his dedication to the betterment of the country is evident in his legacy. It’s difficult for many Canadians to let go of their allegiances to one Prime Minister while despising the other. However, both Mulroney and Pierre Trudeau left significant legacies for the country. Trudeau gave Canada the Charter of Rights, and Mulroney brought forth free trade. Both had their successes and failures on the economic front and impacted national unity. Decades before Justin Trudeau proclaimed himself the “feminist Prime Minister” and prioritized elevating women to his cabinet, Brian Mulroney quietly and significantly surpassed his predecessor Trudeau by shattering the glass ceiling, achieving a notable increase in female representation well beyond the initial two appointed by Pierre Trudeau.

15yr old me on the right

I met Mulroney a couple of times. My first encounter was at a rally in 1984 when I was just a nerdy 15 years old. Myself a few friends rode our bicycles across Hamilton to catch a glimpse of him. He exuded the same charm and charisma that I had seen in newspapers and on TV. I shook his hand, had a group photo taken, and listened to his speech about unemployment and the deficit. It was an inspiration to witness firsthand.

The New York Times: Brian Mulroney, Prime Minister Who Led Canada Into NAFTA, Dies at 84

Years later, in 2007, I attended a talk and book signing session by Mulroney. He looked good and spoke about his life with his familiar self-deprecating humour and blarney. These experiences further solidified my respect for him.

During my post-secondary school years in Ottawa, I studied political science and had a front-row seat to the theatre of politics, with the Peace Tower visible from my residence window. It was during this time that Brian Mulroney was in charge, and I often observed the behind-the-scenes dynamics during question period from the visitors’ gallery. Before fading from memory, there stood a determined lone protester who, for years, positioned himself daily near the limo drop-off area at the western corner of the Centre Block on Parliament Hill during Question Period, passionately shouting phrases such as “Lyin’ Brian” and “impeach Mulroney” at the top of his lungs. I know there’s a recorded name and back story to that persistent fellow, but from what I can’t see, it seems to elude the Internet.

The very first Alas & Alack, Sept 1989

In those years, I also drew a cartoon strip called Alas & Alack, which featured Mulroney and his cabinet in a medieval monarchical system. It was a lighthearted way to satirize and comment on the political landscape at the time.

As I grew older and worked as an editorial cartoonist, I saw Mulroney stumble with the Airbus affair but also witnessed his efforts to repair his legacy. He continued to advise and inspire politicians, including his own daughter Caroline, who sits in the cabinet in Ontario.

Looking back on Brian Mulroney’s legacy, it is clear that he was a giant in Canadian history. While opinions may differ on his achievements and shortcomings, there is no denying the impact he had on the country. It may be a long time before we see leaders like Mulroney and Trudeau again, and their legacies will continue to shape Canada for generations to come.

Chronology of my Mulroney cartoons

May 18, 2022 – Battle of the Conservatives: Jean Charest leads the Mulroney forces while Poilievre leads the Harper forces

September 14, 2018 – Brian Mulroney blames Justin’s dad for Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership hopeful behaviour

February 3, 2018 – Caroline Mulroney is overshadowed by dad’s legacy preservation efforts

December 3, 2015 – Rona Ambrose receives advice on how to attract progressives

August 25, 2015 – Crowned Canadian Prime Ministers features insulated Stephen Harper

December 10, 2013 – Stephen Harper and former Prime Ministers unite for Nelson Mandela memorial

July 15, 2009* – Jean Chretien sweeps Queen Elizabeth off her feet to much head scratching from the Prime Ministers club

May 22, 2009* – Brian Mulroney leaves public life a la Richard Nixon

May 14, 2009* – Ruby Dhalla’s testimony is more popular than Brian Mulroney’s

May 12, 2009* – Brian Mulroney and Karlheinz Schreiber do battle…again

April 10, 2009* – Ignatieff Easter Bunny has treats for Mulroney, but not Harper

April 7, 2009 – Stephen Harper is pinned by Mulroney statue after reform attempt

December 14, 2007* – Jean Chretien and Brian Mulroney have inverted statues

December 12, 2007* – House Ethics Committee ready for Brian Mulroney

December 5, 2007* – Karlheinz Schreiber celebrated as much as Brian Mulroney hated

November 29, 2007* – Karlheinz Schreiber to give hard-hitting testimony

November 15, 2007* – Brian Mulroney on bottom of investigation pile-on

November 14, 2007* – The Brian Mulroney $300,000 bank note

November 12, 2007* – Brian Mulroney is considered a bio-hazard

November 6, 2007* – Brian Mulroney, King Tut, and crumbling legacies

November 12, 2007* – Stephen Harper unzips mouth to announce review of Mulroney allegations

September 7, 2007 – Not So Great Debates: Brian Mulroney vs. Pierre E. Trudeau

March 18, 2006* – Where Former Prime Ministers go to retire

April 22, 2005 – Prime Ministerial addresses and their own ‘National Circus’

August 11, 2003* – Brian Mulroney considers crossing burnt bridge to USA for BSE talks

December 11, 2002 – NAFTA at 10 years old

June 13, 2000 – Mulroney drives through Joe Clark’s effort to rebuild the old Progressive Conservative Party

July 10, 1998 – Alan Eagleson awarding Mulroney the Order of Canada

June 16, 1998 – The appointment of Brian Mulroney as a Companion of the Order of Canada

November 19, 1997 – The RCMP terrorizing Mulroney

(* link to old website)

24th Canadian Ministry – Who’s still kicking around, and who’s not…As of March 2, 2024

Brian Mulroney (1938-2024): Prime Minister

George Hees (1910-1996): Veterans affairs; MP, 1950-88; Diefenbaker cabinet minister

Duff Roblin (1917-2010): Senate Government Leader, Manitoba Premier 1958-67

Joe Clark (b.1939): External Affairs; fmr. PM ; fmr. PC leader 1998-2003

Flora MacDonald (1926-2015): Employment & Immigration

Erik Nielsen (1924-2008): Deputy PM, Privy Council President; MP, 1957-87; brother of comedian Leslie Nielsen

John Crosbie (1931-2020): Justice, Attorney-General; NL Lieu. Gov. 2008-13

Roch LaSalle (1928-2007): Public Works

Don Mazankowski (1935-2020): Transport

Elmer MacKay (b.1936): Solicitor General; Father to Peter MacKay; fmr. PC leader

Jake Epp (b.1939): Health & Welfare

John Fraser (b.1931): Fisheries & Oceans

Sinclair Stevens (1927-2016): Regional Industrial Expansion

John Wise (1935-2013): Agriculture

Ray Hnatyshyn (1934-2002): Government House Leader; Governor-General

David Crombie (b.1936): Indian Affairs, Northern Development

Robert René de Cotret (1944-1999): Treasury Board

Perrin Beatty (b.1950): Revenue; Pres. CEO CBC

Michael Wilson (1937-2019): Finance; Cdn Ambassador to USA 2006-09

Robert Coates (1928-2016): Defence; MP 1957-88

Jack Murta (b.1943): Multiculturalism

Harvie Andre (1940-2012): Supply & Services

Otto Jelinek (b.1940): Fitness & Amateur Sport

Tom Siddon (b.1941): Science & Technology

Charles Mayer (b.1936): Wheat Board

Bill McKnight (1940-2019): Labour

Walter McLean (b.1936): Secretary of State

Tom McMillan (b.1945): Tourism

Pat Carney (1935-2023): Energy; Senator 1990-2008

André Bissonnette (b.1945): Small Business

Suzanne Blais-Grenier (1936-2017): Environment

Benoit Bouchard (b.1940): Minister of State for Transport

Andrée Champagne (1939-2020): Youth

Michel Côté (b.1942): Consumer & Corporate Affairs

James Kelleher (1930-2013): International Trade

Bob Layton (1925-2002): Mines; Father to fmr NDP leader Jack Layton

Marcel Masse (1936-2014): Communications

Barbara McDougall (b.1937): Minister of State for Finance

Gerald Merrithew (1931-2004): Forestry

Monique Vézina (b.1935): External Relations