industry

Thursday June 5, 2025

Canada's steel industry faces turmoil as Trump's tariffs and unresolved steel dumping issues challenge North American trade relations.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 5, 2025

Printed in The Toronto Star. Also, Your West Central Voice.  Also, The Albuquerque Journal. And, published on Reddit.

A Steel Trap for North America

The recent hike in steel and aluminum tariffs by President Trump has sparked a heated debate, with the move likely to cause significant economic pain on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border. While there’s no denying that steel dumping is a problem that needs addressing, the root of the issue doesn’t lie in Canada. Instead, it’s countries like China and South Korea that have been flooding the markets with cheap steel, creating unfair competition.

Canada has tried to tackle this, imposing tariffs on Chinese steel, but the response has been slow and insufficient. Ottawa must act more decisively to protect its industries and work in concert with the U.S. to address these challenges. However, the way forward should not involve undermining free trade agreements like the USMCA, which have long supported economic cooperation between the two nations.

News: Trump hikes steel and aluminum tariffs to 50%

For Canada, the increased tariffs threaten to cripple industries and lead to job losses, particularly in steel-dependent regions. Meanwhile, American consumers are likely to face higher prices as manufacturers pass on the increased costs. This could have a ripple effect on various sectors, from automotive to construction.

Politically, these tariffs could serve as a means for President Trump to generate revenue to fund tax cuts that largely benefit the wealthy. In this scenario, the rich gain while everyday consumers and workers bear the brunt of the economic fallout.

The solution lies in a collaborative approach that targets the real culprits of steel dumping without resorting to damaging protectionist measures. Both Canada and the U.S. need to engage in meaningful dialogue and develop strategies that uphold fair trade and economic stability for all involved.

Tariff Turmoil Goes on…

Thursday June 5, 2025

Living in Hamilton, Canada’s steel heartland, I’ve seen firsthand how one leader’s motivations can ripple through an industry, affecting countless lives. President Trump’s decision to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports feels like déjà vu for us here. We’ve been through this before, and it’s unsettling to witness such a strategy unfold again.

May 11, 2019

Saturday May 11, 2019 – The above cartoon, originally drawn in 2018, remains as relevant in 2025 as it was then. It captures the enduring nature of trade tensions between the U.S. and China, highlighting the ongoing impact of tariffs and political strategies that continue to affect global economies and everyday consumers. This visual commentary underscores how little the fundamental issues have shifted over the years, despite numerous negotiations and changes in leadership.

The world watches as Trump pursues what many see as an ill-conceived plan, one that history has shown may not lead to the prosperity promised. The notion of ‘making America great again’ seems ironic when the very policies meant to protect could, in fact, harm industries both at home and in allied nations like ours. It’s a stark reminder of how interconnected our economies are and how critical it is to find solutions that uplift rather than undermine. Is this what winning looks like? For those of us in Hamilton, it feels more like a step back than a leap towards any so-called golden age.

Substack is a great platform for me as a cartoonist. I’m mindful of the layoffs hitting many talented people, but I’m keeping a positive outlook. Take a look at the animation of my June 5, 2025, cartoon, and thanks for your support!

Saturday May 21, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 21, 2022

Doug Ford nets another union endorsement, positions Ontario PCs as labour friendly

October 20, 2021

Doug Ford touted his union ties and tried to position his Progressive Conservatives as the labour-friendly option for voters on Tuesday, as his political rivals accused him of simply paying lip service to workers.

The Tories gained the endorsement of another construction workers’ union on the campaign trail, while the more traditionally union-friendly NDP secured the backing of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents 180,000 workers.

But Mr. Ford downplayed his tiffs with public sector workers, whose ire he’s drawn over a bill that capped wage increases at 1 per cent for three years, as he highlighted the endorsement from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).

“These are the people that are going to build Ontario, build Toronto, build the whole province. They’re out there slugging it out, day in and day out, no matter what type of weather it is. And we couldn’t run the province without ‘em,” Mr. Ford said at a morning press conference. “… I’ll always have their backs, always.”

February 28, 1996

He was speaking at IUPAT’s headquarters in Toronto’s north end, where he used a stencil and sprayer to paint his campaign slogan, “Get It Done” on a Progressive Conservative blue wall.

Mr. Ford, who’s seeking re-election in next month’s vote, kyboshed attempts to compare his Tories to a previous PC government in Ontario.

In the seven years Mike Harris led the province, he earned a reputation for being anti-union.

Mr. Ford said that’s not his position, nor was it the position of his late father, who served as a Progressive Conservative MPP under Mr. Harris for several years.

“I’m not gonna judge any other any other party. I’ll tell you, our families, be it my dad or my brother Rob or [nephew] Michael, we’ve supported the hard working women and men in this province, the union members,” Mr. Ford said. “We always have. I love ‘em.”

But Mr. Ford hasn’t always had a friendly relationship with unions.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath noted Mr. Ford has been at loggerheads with unions representing public employees over legislation passed in 2019 that caps pay raises in the public sector at 1 per cent or less.

August 29, 2019

He declined Tuesday to commit to repealing the bill – something several unions have been requesting since the legislation passed – saying instead that he’d “treat them fairly” when the three-year raise freeze is over.

Mr. Ford has also feuded with teachers’ unions, first during lengthy contract negotiations and later over his policies for reopening schools during the pandemic.

Ms. Horwath, whose New Democrats have historically been the party most closely aligned with unions, said workers should pay attention to the changes in Mr. Ford’s tune.

“I don’t change my mind about my support for unions and working people,” Ms. Horwath said at a campaign stop on Tuesday. “We’ve seen Mr. Ford attack unions, we’ve seen him attack working people, many, many times. The Conservatives always do that. (The Globe & Mail) 

 

Wednesday January 23, 2019

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 23, 2019

New food guide set to challenge prominence of meat, dairy industries

Health Canada unveiled a radically new food guide Tuesday that eliminates food groups, encourages plant-based foods over meat and dairy products, and is likely to force changes across the country’s agricultural industry.

December 13, 2018

“I see the food guide as a challenge for many industries,” said Simon Somogyi, a University of Guelph professor studying the business of food. “How they adapt will be of interest.”

Meat enjoyed a dominant position in the previous food guide, with a meat-and-alternatives category and a recommended two to three servings daily for adults depending on their sex and age. It now features much less prominently. The new guide encourages people to “eat protein foods,” but choose those that come from plants more often.

March 18, 2016

It’s a win for plant-protein farmers, like those growing beans, chickpeas and lentils, but a potential threat to meat producers.

Somogyi believes consumers will favour high-quality beef when they choose to consume red meat, and farmers will likely want to shift to producing niche products.

If Canadians eat less meat, there may be opportunities to export to Asian markets, where a middle-class consumer wants safe, high-quality cuts.

“If the Canadian beef sector can provide that then their future looks bright,” Somogyi said.

The industry may also want to collaborate with plant-protein producers, said Sylvain Charlebois, a Dalhousie University professor who researches food. (Source: CBC) 

 

Thursday March 15, 2018

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 15, 2018

PM Trudeau talks steel and doughnuts in Hamilton

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to do more to fight foreign steel dumping on a whirlwind Hamilton tour aimed at reassuring industry leaders and local workers worried about threatened U.S. Tariffs.

The Liberal PM managed to sandwich a steel industry roundtable and a visit to infamously vandalized Donut Monster on Locke Street in between tours of both Stelco and ArcelorMittal Dofasco Tuesday.

 

Canada dodged an economic bullet last week after U.S. President Donald Trump exempted its northern neighbour — at least for now — from a threatened 25-per-cent tariff on steel. Business leaders had estimated such a tariff could affect up to 40,000 local jobs in the industry.

September 18, 2014

But Trump has also insisted on stronger measures to stop countries trying to sneak cheap steel into the U.S. by shipping through Canada.

“That is a concern we share with the Americans,” said Trudeau following a tour of ArcelorMittal Dofasco, later vowing to “keep ensuring that Canadian steel is Canadian steel.”

He said Canada has already taken steps to crack down on steel dumping from countries like China — including adding customs inspectors — but emphasized the government is willing to do more. “We have a whole suite of tariff and countervailing duties that are at our disposal to move forward and ensure that we are not accepting unfairly produced or sold steel,” he said.

August 24, 2016

The PM also fielded questions from steelworkers on a tour of Stelco early Tuesday morning — even if he didn’t necessarily answer with the level of detail they sought.

United Steelworkers local union leader Gary Howe said his members asked if the Liberals will overhaul the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA), the legislative rules through which U.S. Steel Canada entered into bankruptcy protection and was ultimately sold and reborn as Stelco.

Frustrated local steelworkers have called the CCAA “legalized theft” and lobbied to enshrine more rights for workers during bankruptcy protection. “We want to know if the law will be changed,” Howe said.

Howe said Trudeau did not commit to specific changes, but agreed “there needs to be a conversation.” (Continued: Hamilton Spectator) 

 

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Saturday October 14, 2017

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday October 14, 2017

The Next Big Thing in the Cannabis Industry

 
Canada has a pot problem, as Quartz Media recently warned us, but it’s a lucrative problem to have. One thing holding back this $8-billion market Forbes Magazine, April 13, 2017) is supply, and one little-known company plans to be the steward of it in a big way.  
 
When Canada legalizes recreational marijuana in less than a year, in line with a bill pushed through by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, legal supply is likely to be limited. There may not even be enough even if we are only considering medical marijuana usage. Keeping an eye on Insys Therapeutics (NASDAQ:INSY), Scotts Miracle-Gro Co (NYSE:SMG), Zynerba Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ZYNE), Innovative Industrial Properties (NYSE: IIRP), Teva Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: TEVA).
 
The supply picture is so fantastically tight that Health Canada has had to streamline the approval process for growers because medical marijuana users have tripled in number since last year alone, according to Quartz. When it becomes legal recreationally, a Deloitte report estimates the economic  impact will be worth $22.6 billion annually in other words, more than the combined sales of beer, wine and spirits.
 
Meet Cannabis Wheaton the world’s first cannabis streaming company, backed by a powerhouse team, with the biggest industry trailblazer leading the way.
 
Not only is Cannabis Wheaton jumping into a huge potential market where supply is forecast to struggle to reach demand, but it’s offering a lifeline to new and existing growers who need financing to get off the ground fast.
 
Producers need a miracle grow strategy, and Cannabis Wheaton is stepping in to fill the gap with a ‘royalty’ business model that is new to this market.
 
And for investors, the major upside is that this model removes the risks associated with putting all your money into a single-crop producer.
 
Cannabis Wheaton is intending to ‘stream’ pot, and 15 partners have already been lined up, along with 1.4 million square feet of growing acreage. (Source: Markets Insider) 

 

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