identity – mackaycartoons

Wednesday August 5, 2026

August 5, 2026 by Graeme MacKay Leave a Comment

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday August 5, 2026

Spellbound: Canada’s Identity Written in British English

July 24, 2026

A seemingly minor issue, such as spelling preferences, has recently sparked significant debate in Canada. The federal government’s adoption of British spelling in official documents has become a focal point for discussions about national identity and cultural independence, especially amidst changing relations with the United States.

For many Canadians, the preference for British spelling—using “utilisation” instead of “utilization” and “globalisation” instead of “globalization”—represents more than just a linguistic choice. It’s a subtle but powerful assertion of cultural independence. As noted in the Canadian Press article, some Canadians view this shift as a way to counteract U.S. cultural dominance and reinforce national identity. The use of British spelling, in this context, is a nod to Canada’s historical ties with the British Commonwealth and a rejection of complete linguistic assimilation with its neighbour to the south.

News: Some Canadians tell Carney Ottawa’s spelling protocol should lean British

July 15, 2026

The debate over Canadian versus British versus American spelling is not new. Historically, Canadian English has been a hybrid, reflecting both British and American influences. However, as Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated in his speeches, the traditional close relationship with the U.S. is changing. This geopolitical shift makes cultural symbols such as spelling more significant. It is not merely about linguistic correctness but about defining what it means to be Canadian in a rapidly changing global context.

The public’s reaction to the government’s spelling preferences has been mixed. Some applaud it as a patriotic move, while others express confusion or opposition. This divergence reflects broader societal debates about identity and globalisation. As seen in the correspondence released through Access to Information, many Canadians are grappling with the implications of these changes, questioning whether they align with a uniquely Canadian identity or simply mimic British norms.

January 27, 2026

The discussion also ties into broader economic and cultural tensions with the U.S., exacerbated by President Trump’s rhetoric and policies. Trump’s derogatory remarks about Canada have prompted some Canadians to reconsider their relationship with the U.S., leading to potential actions like travel boycotts and a preference for non-American products. In this context, maintaining distinct spelling conventions is a way for Canadians to assert their identity and resist perceived cultural encroachment.

News: Trump’s constant Canada-bashing may be changing Republican views

March 13, 2026

While it may seem trivial, the debate over spelling is indicative of a larger conversation about national identity and cultural autonomy. For Canada, choosing how to spell words is intertwined with choosing how to define itself on the world stage. As the political landscape evolves, such cultural markers will continue to play a critical role in shaping national discourse and identity.

This reflection on spelling preferences serves as a reminder that even the smallest details can carry significant meaning in the complex tapestry of international relations and cultural self-definition.

Friday June 19, 2026

June 19, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 19, 2026

Printed in The Toronto Star.

From Pucks to Goals: Canada’s Sporting Evolution

October 12, 2011

The end of CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada (HNIC) marks the passage of an iconic Canadian tradition. For decades, HNIC was more than a broadcast; it was a national ritual. Yet, as we bid farewell to this staple, we find ourselves at a crossroads between nostalgia and progress, witnessing the unfolding of a more pluralistic sporting culture.

News: CBC to stop airing NHL games after 74 years, marking end of free hockey on Canadian TV

June 7, 2008

For many Canadians, HNIC was a Saturday night staple, a time to gather with family and friends. The program’s end evokes a sense of loss akin to other fading traditions like daily mail delivery and the Hudson’s Bay Company. Yet, times change. The Rogers takeover and the shift to streaming services illustrate broader economic realities: public broadcasters cannot compete with private giants for expensive sports rights. While the nostalgia is palpable, embracing change presents new opportunities. Hockey itself is evolving, with the PWHL offering a more inclusive vision that aligns with contemporary values.

The emotional reactions to HNIC’s end highlight a generational divide. Older Canadians mourn the loss of a shared ritual, a comforting constant in a rapidly changing world. For younger fans, however, the landscape is different. They are digital natives, accustomed to diverse sports offerings and on-demand content. Soccer’s rise, particularly with the World Cup on the continent, captures their imagination. This shift reflects not just a change in sports but a shift in identity — one that embraces multiculturalism and global connections.

November 27, 2013

The growing enthusiasm for soccer underscores this cultural transformation. With major events like the World Cup in Toronto and Vancouver, soccer is becoming a central part of Canada’s sporting identity. This rise is fueled by Canada’s increasingly diverse population, where soccer resonates as a global sport. The World Cup acts as a catalyst, drawing in fans, boosting local economies, and creating new communal experiences, such as watch parties and multicultural celebrations.

Opinion: CBC should have killed ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ years ago

June 4, 2024

As we deal with these changes, it’s essential to bridge the cultural gap between generations. While honouring the legacy of HNIC, we can also celebrate the new traditions taking shape. Encouraging dialogue and shared experiences across generations can foster understanding and appreciation for the evolving landscape. Supporting women’s hockey, engaging with local soccer leagues, and participating in community sports events can unify diverse groups.

Hockey Night in Canada’s end is not just a loss; it’s an opportunity to redefine what it means to be a sports fan in Canada. By embracing a more inclusive and diverse sporting culture, we honour the past while looking forward to a vibrant future. As Canada’s sporting commons expand, so do the possibilities for connection and community — a testament to a nation that values both its history and its evolving identity.

Thursday February 26, 2026

February 26, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 26, 2026

Also published in The Toronto Star.

The Complex Legacy of Wayne Gretzky and New Challenges for U.S. Athletes in Canada

July 25, 2025

In the world of hockey, few names carry the weight of Wayne Gretzky and Auston Matthews. Yet, as politics increasingly intertwine with sports, their legacies reveal the complexities athletes face regarding national identity and public perception.

Wayne Gretzky, once the embodiment of Canadian hockey pride, finds himself at the centre of a political storm. By aligning with figures like Donald Trump, Gretzky’s image as “The Great One” has been overshadowed by questions of allegiance. Trading his Canadian citizenship and embracing life in the U.S. might have provided personal benefits, but it came at the cost of alienating a loyal Canadian fan base. His involvement with MAGA politics has further strained his connection with Canada, a country pivotal to his storied career.

Opinion: The State of the Union was a zoo – and Team USA the monkey https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-state-of-the-union-nhl-mens-team-usa-hockey-players/

April 25, 2023

The criticism Gretzky faces isn’t merely about his personal choices but reflects a broader societal expectation for public figures to embody the values of their origins. He must reconcile his past decisions with their impacts on his legacy.

Auston Matthews, captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, finds himself in a similarly precarious situation. As an American with a Mexican heritage, Matthews is caught between the pressures of representing a Canadian team and the political expectations of his home country. Although he attended a regrettable Oval Office visit with his teammates, the decision was likely made to avoid provoking a hotheaded President. It reflects the difficult balance he must maintain in a highly politicized environment.

December 3, 2024

For Matthews, the challenge lies in focusing on hockey while being mindful of the political undercurrents affecting his career and public image. His heritage and leadership role place him in a delicate balancing act, where the repercussions of political associations must be carefully considered.

Opinion: In saying he’s a ‘true Canadian,’ Gretzky shows he’s still a wonderful deflector https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-winter-olympics-wayne-gretzky-canada/

June 4, 2024

These situations highlight the reality that hockey, despite its reputation as Canada’s game, is not immune to political influence. Athletes, whether Canadian or American, must approach these issues with awareness and thoughtfulness. Gretzky’s experience serves as a cautionary tale of the potential fallout from political entanglements, while Matthews exemplifies the new generation of athletes striving to balance sport and identity.

In a time when the lines between sports and politics blur, athletes must remember that their actions off the ice are as impactful as their performance on it. The legacy of hockey in Canada is rich and storied, and for those who benefit from it, there is an implicit responsibility to honour its roots. As Gretzky and Matthews illustrate, addressing this complex terrain requires more than just skill on the ice—it demands an understanding of the broader societal context and a commitment to the values that define their sport and their nations.

Friday December 19, 2025

December 19, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday December 19, 2025

The NDP at a Crossroads

April 24, 2025

In 2025, the New Democratic Party (NDP) found itself at a pivotal crossroads, grappling with leadership challenges and strategic uncertainties. The leadership race, marked by a lack of high-profile candidates, underscores the party’s struggle to capture public imagination and mobilize its base. As the NDP looks towards the 2026 elections, its ability to rejuvenate and redefine itself is critical.

Opinion: It’s turning-point time for the Conservatives and NDP – but don’t expect much

The current leadership race highlights a significant vacuum. Key contenders like Heather McPherson, Avi Lewis, and Rob Ashton, while competent, lack the national recognition needed to energize the party and attract new supporters. The absence of a charismatic, transformative figure akin to a “Canadian Bernie Sanders” has left the race feeling lacklustre. Additionally, candidates’ limited French proficiency poses a barrier to engaging effectively with Quebec’s electorate, a crucial demographic for national success.

March 27, 2025

The Liberals’ shift to the centre presents a strategic opening for the NDP to solidify its position on the left. However, capitalizing on this requires clear policy direction and a strong, unified message. The party must reconcile its traditional focus on labour and working-class issues with emerging priorities like climate change and social justice.

The NDP’s identity crisis is further compounded by diminished focus on environmental issues, which have historically been central to its platform. Balancing core values with broader appeal remains a delicate challenge.

Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, the NDP’s prospects hinge on its ability to revitalize its base and articulate a compelling vision for Canada’s future. Success requires not only effective leadership but also strategic outreach to diverse voter segments, including urban progressives, rural workers, and young environmentalists.

Analysis: The NDP’s leadership candidates aren’t fluent in French. Will that hurt the party’s future?

February 29, 2024

The party’s potential lies in its capacity to fill the leftward gap left by the Liberals, but this demands bold leadership and innovative policy solutions. The NDP must present itself as a viable alternative, capable of addressing contemporary challenges while staying true to its core principles.

The NDP’s journey in 2025 reflects broader questions about its role and relevance in Canadian politics. As the party navigates its leadership race and prepares for the next electoral cycle, it must confront its internal challenges with renewed vigour and clarity. The path forward requires not just introspection but decisive action to ensure the NDP remains a vital force on the national stage.

Lost in Translation: The NDP’s Leadership Dilemma

We’re on the Island of Misfit NDP Hopes, where none of the aspiring leaders speak French. In 2025, the debate over whether a unilingual leader can head a federal party is long settled. The slate of five candidates may suit a provincial race, but their collective lack of bilingualism makes them ill-suited for national leadership.

As Quebec prepares for an election and reflects on its role in Confederation, the NDP’s inability to present a French-speaking leader signals a lack of seriousness about engaging with Quebec and French-speaking Canadians. Without a leader who can communicate in both official languages, how can the NDP position itself as a viable contender to govern the country?

Wednesday September 10, 2025

September 10, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday September 10, 2025

From Woke to Joke

In recent years, the so-called “war on woke” has escalated to a level of absurdity that threatens to undermine serious discourse and progress on both sides of the political spectrum. What began as a critique of perceived excesses in social justice movements has morphed into a sprawling cultural battle, with each side entrenching itself in increasingly ridiculous and counterproductive positions.

April 24, 2025

On the progressive side, we see parties like Canada’s NDP getting bogged down in identity politics to the point of self-parody. The party’s insistence on requiring leadership candidates to secure signatures from “members who do not identify as a cis man” is a prime example. While well-intentioned in its aim to promote inclusivity, such measures often play into the hands of critics who claim progressives are more concerned with virtue signalling than addressing the pressing economic and social issues that affect the majority of voters. This type of focus risks alienating the very working-class base that the NDP purports to represent, diverting attention away from policies that could genuinely improve lives.

Opinion: The NDP remains an unserious party for a serious time

January 21, 2025

Meanwhile, the right has indulged in its own brand of performative absurdity. The decision to cancel a ceremony honouring Tom Hanks, a widely respected figure, due to his supposed “woke” views, borders on farcical. Similarly, the renaming of the Department of Defense to the Department of War serves no practical purpose beyond scoring cheap political points. These actions do little to address the real challenges facing society and instead contribute to an environment of division and distraction.

News: Trump Goes After Beloved Actor Tom Hanks, Calling Him ‘Destructive’ And ‘WOKE’

Even corporate branding has not been spared, with Cracker Barrel’s logo redesign being labeled as “woke,” illustrating the extent to which the term has become a catch-all for anything some find objectionable. This trivialization extends into crucial areas of science and policy, where climate change and vaccines are at times dismissed as “woke” fabrications, despite overwhelming evidence of their reality and importance.

News: Pentagon changes ‘Secretary of Defense’ signage to ‘Secretary of War’

December 9, 2023

The “war on woke” has reached a point where virtually every aspect of society risks being labeled as woke or not. In the current crusade, anything that doesn’t align with the Trump MAGA ideology might be blacklisted. From vegetarianism to certain kinds of AI, statues, museum exhibits, and even genres of music and art, nothing is spared. This reckless expansion hinders constructive dialogue and meaningful action.

News: More proof woke is dead: Plant-based NYC restaurant ditches costly vegan menu

By fixating on these cultural skirmishes, we risk neglecting the substantive issues that require urgent attention and collaboration. It’s time to recognize the depths of this nonsense and refocus on fostering a society where diverse ideas can coexist and contribute to genuine progress, rather than being stifled by the noise of ideological extremism. We must move beyond this divisive rhetoric and embrace a more nuanced understanding of the complexities that shape our world, allowing for a focus on the genuine issues that matter.

Woke to Joke

The evolution of the “war on woke” has indeed veered into a realm of absurdity, transforming serious discussions into a circus of petty grievances and policies that often lack substance. Tom Hanks, once a beloved figure, found himself in the crosshairs of this cultural skirmish, where even honouring his achievements from the West Point Military Academy became contentious due to his perceived “woke” stance. Similarly, Cracker Barrel’s logo change sparked outrage, showcasing how even minor adjustments can be weaponized in this ongoing battle.

The U.S. Department of Defense’s rebranding to emphasize a more aggressive (Hegsethian alpha male inspired) stance seems to reflect a broader trend of associating masculinity with militarism. This shift raises questions about priorities and whether it truly addresses the pressing issues facing our world today. So much for Donald Trump’s rhetoric about being about peace and “ending all wars”. This is yet another example of his contradictory Presidency.

Moreover, the term “woke” has been co-opted by various factions, particularly within MAGA circles, reducing a nuanced concept to a mere tool for political division. This oversimplification and so-call “War of Woke” diverts attention from critical global crises, such as the real wars in Ukraine and Gaza, where real human suffering unfolds.

As we look to the future, this era may be remembered as a modern-day McCarthyism, where fear and censorship (and eye roll inspired stupidity) stifle genuine discourse. Or perhaps it will be viewed with humour, akin to the historical absurdity of Popes draping fig leaves over the private parts of statues. Progress is relentless, and while attempts to halt it may be made, they are often fleeting.

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Editorial cartoon published in today’s Hamilton Spectator.