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Thursday December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Canada must confront U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s provocative meddling, including sovereignty-eroding rhetoric, damaging trade policies, and misogynistic attacks, with a coordinated and decisive response to reaffirm its independence and global standing.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday December 19, 2024

Canada Must Stand Firm Against Trump’s Meddling Ways

Trump's outlandish proposal to redirect Canadian water to California, though absurd, serves as a reminder of the risks posed by American political influence seeping into Canadian discourse, especially when conservative politicians flirt with populist rhetoric.

September 20, 2024

Canada, a proud G7 nation with a history of strong global leadership and cooperation, finds itself in an embarrassing and humiliating position—the subject of repeated provocations from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. His reckless and inflammatory rhetoric, coupled with aggressive policy proposals, has not only strained Canada-U.S. relations but also raised profound questions about sovereignty, national resilience, and the nature of modern foreign interference.

Trump’s antics have been nothing short of disruptive. His comments about Canada becoming the “51st state” and labelling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor of the Great State of Canada” are not only undignified but deeply undermining. Such statements blur the line between joking and serious political discourse, forcing Canadian leaders to address what should be laughable claims in earnest.

As the U.S. wrestles with the divisive and destabilizing effects of MAGA, Canada risks developing a version of its neighbour’s political and social illness, amplified by its smaller size and growing internal vulnerabilities.

November 18, 2024

This is not a matter of harmless banter. Trump’s provocative rhetoric carries weight, as demonstrated by the $1 billion Canadian border security plan unveiled in response to his criticisms of “ridiculous open borders” and alleged drug trafficking. His proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports threaten to destabilize industries and livelihoods on both sides of the border, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford describing it as akin to “a family member stabbing you, right in the heart.” Canada is being forced to react and realign its policies to counteract the whims of a U.S. president-elect who wields his influence like a wrecking ball.

Unlike covert foreign interference—such as the disinformation campaigns and clandestine efforts linked to Russia, India, and Iran—Trump’s meddling is loud, public, and unapologetic. It’s a form of influence that weaponizes social media to provoke, disrupt, and destabilize, all in plain sight. On Truth Social, Trump’s repeated posts about annexation and false claims of the U.S. subsidizing Canada by “over $100,000,000” are designed to stir division and force Canada into a defensive posture.

News: Trump repeats ‘51st State’ jab and false trade-deficit claims

Chrystia Freeland’s assurances that Canada will be “absolutely fine” under a Trump presidency lack specificity, leaving Canadians skeptical and searching for real solutions amid mounting challenges.

November 8, 2024

As one reader comment noted, “This is how he weasels his ideas into the national conversation, by saying something inappropriate in a joking sort of manner. But we know there is often something serious behind it.” Indeed, Trump’s comments are not just the ramblings of a provocateur but calculated moves to inject his agenda into public discourse and undermine Canada’s standing as a sovereign nation.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this situation is the damage it does to Canada’s sovereignty and international image. Canada is a nation that values its distinct identity, from its universal healthcare system and robust social programs to its commitment to bilingualism and multiculturalism. Trump’s “51st state” rhetoric trivializes these defining elements and reduces Canada to a subsidiary of U.S. interests.

Reader feedback underscores the real danger of such rhetoric. “Calling Canada a ‘state’… could be the beginning of the end of our sovereignty. Lots of water and minerals up here to plunder. We are in danger if this type of rhetoric continues,” one commenter warned. Another drew parallels to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, suggesting that what starts as a joke can evolve into a serious threat.

November 12, 2018

Trump’s meddling extends beyond Canada’s sovereignty to include his vile and misogynistic comments about Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Referring to her as “totally toxic” and claiming she was not conducive to making deals, Trump’s remarks echo his long-standing pattern of disparaging strong women in politics, including Kamala Harris, Liz Cheney, and Nancy Pelosi. This behaviour is not only disrespectful but also emblematic of the broader undermining of women’s leadership roles, which should have no place in international diplomacy or politics.

While some Canadian leaders, like Premier Ford, have risen to the occasion with strong rebukes of Trump’s behaviour, others appear less decisive. Trudeau’s “surprise” trip to Mar-a-Lago yielded little more than vague optimism, and his government’s response has yet to fully address the broader implications of Trump’s interference. Meanwhile, political figures like Pierre Poilievre have faced criticism for failing to robustly defend Canada against these affronts.

April 13, 2018

This lack of unity and clarity only emboldens Trump’s meddling. Canada must adopt a coordinated approach that combines assertive diplomacy with tangible measures to protect its interests. This includes strengthening economic resilience against tariff threats, ensuring robust border policies, and unequivocally rejecting any narrative that undermines Canadian sovereignty.

Canadians must also recognize the broader stakes. Trump’s actions are not just an affront to Canada but a symptom of a world where strong nations increasingly exploit weaker ones through overt and covert means. As a G7 country, Canada has a responsibility—to itself and the global community—to stand firm against such tactics and reaffirm the principles of sovereignty, respect, and mutual cooperation.

The humiliation of responding to Trump’s antics is real, but it is not insurmountable. By taking decisive action and refusing to be drawn into his games, Canada can turn this challenge into an opportunity to showcase its strength, unity, and resolve on the world stage. (AI)

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-22, Brazil, Canada, diplomacy, Donald Trump, foreign interference, Germany, Japan, justice, Sweden, toddler, toy, UK, Ukraine, USA, world

Thursday June 13, 2024

June 13, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

The upcoming G7 summit in Italy, amidst discussions on pressing global issues, highlights the challenges posed by the rise of far-right regimes, prompting urgent calls for progressive solutions and international cooperation.

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 13, 2024

Global Summit Amidst Rising Far-Right Tide

June 15, 2021

The upcoming G7 summit in Italy, amidst discussions on pressing global issues, highlights the challenges posed by the rise of far-right regimes, prompting urgent calls for progressive solutions and international cooperation.

As Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prepares to attend the annual G7 leaders’ summit in Italy, the international community faces pressing geopolitical conflicts and complex challenges. Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, as well as discussions on the energy transition, artificial intelligence, migration, and collaboration with Africa, the summit holds unprecedented significance.

News: Trudeau heads to Italy as shadows of war in Ukraine, Gaza loom over G7 summit

The heightened rhetoric against undocumented immigrants by global leaders, including Canada's Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, underscores concerns about the potential impact on compassionate immigration policies, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach that prioritizes both economic interests and humanitarian considerations.

Tuesday December 19, 2023

However, amidst these critical discussions, the rise of far-right regimes globally demands attention. The recent European parliamentary elections have strengthened far-right leaders, amplifying concerns about their impact on fundamental issues such as human rights, climate action, migration, and the escalating authoritarian tide.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party’s ascendance in Italy underscores the shifting political landscape within the European Union. Meloni’s stability contrasts sharply with the challenges faced by counterparts like Germany’s Olaf Scholz and France’s Emmanuel Macron, who have seen declining support in recent elections. The electorate’s turn towards more extreme alternatives reflects broader dissatisfaction with centrist and progressive policies.

May 24, 2017

Beyond Europe, the influence of figures like Donald Trump in the United States, Nigel Farage in the UK, and Pierre Poilievre in Canada signals a global trend towards right-wing populism. Characterized by nationalist and anti-immigration rhetoric, these leaders contribute to a troubling wave of right-wing extremism.

The implications of the rise of far-right regimes extend beyond domestic politics. They pose a direct threat to global human rights, often enacting policies that erode democratic institutions, curtail freedoms, and target minority groups. Furthermore, their reluctance to engage in international cooperation weakens responses to authoritarian aggressions, such as Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine.

News: Trump’s potential return hangs over gathering of Western leaders

June 6, 2007

On critical issues like the climate crisis, far-right leaders often prioritize national interests over global environmental goals, hindering collective efforts to combat climate change. Similarly, their restrictive immigration policies exacerbate social division and undermine principles of compassion and inclusivity essential for global harmony.

As Trudeau joins fellow world leaders at the G7 Summit, the stark contrast between progressive values and the rise of far-right populism underscores the urgency of the moment. It is imperative for leaders to address these challenges head-on, advocating for progressive solutions and building resilient alliances to counter the threats posed by rising authoritarianism and right-wing extremism.

August 24, 2019

The G7 Summit presents a crucial opportunity to reaffirm commitments to a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. In the face of growing geopolitical tensions and the resurgence of far-right ideologies, the world must stand united in upholding democratic values and promoting global cooperation for the betterment of all. (AI)

Posted in: Canada, International Tagged: 2024-11, Canada, Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, far right, France, Fumio Kishida, G7, Germany, Giorgia Maroni, International, Italy, Japan, Joe Biden, Justin Trudeau, Marine Le Pen, Maxime Bernier, Nigel Farage, Olaf Scholz, Pierre Poilievre, Rishi Sunak, summit, UK, USA

Wednesday March 24, 2020

April 1, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

March 16, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday March 24, 2020

Tokyo Olympics officially postponed to 2021

Coronavirus cartoons

The International Olympic Committee announced a first-of-its-kind postponement of the Summer Olympics on Tuesday, bowing to the realities of a coronavirus pandemic that is shutting down daily life around the globe and making planning for a massive worldwide gathering in July a virtual impossibility.

The IOC said the Tokyo Games “must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020, but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.”

It was an announcement seen as all but a certainty as pressure mounted from nervous athletes, sports organizations and national Olympic committees — all confronting the reality that training and qualifying schedules, to say nothing of international anti-doping protocols, had been ruptured beyond repair.

The IOC also said the Games will still be called the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee announced a first-of-its-kind postponement of the Summer Olympics on Tuesday, bowing to the realities of a coronavirus pandemic that is shutting down daily life around the globe and making planning for a massive worldwide gathering in July a virtual impossibility.

The IOC said the Tokyo Games “must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020, but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.”

It was an announcement seen as all but a certainty as pressure mounted from nervous athletes, sports organizations and national Olympic committees — all confronting the reality that training and qualifying schedules, to say nothing of international anti-doping protocols, had been ruptured beyond repair.

The IOC also said the Games will still be called the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. (CBC) 

 

Posted in: International Tagged: 2020-10, Coronavirus, cover-19, Games, International, Japan, Olympic, pandemic, ScienceExpo, Summer, Tokyo, virus, world

Wednesday May 25, 2016

May 24, 2016 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Wednesday May 25, 2016 Trudeau to take day off during Japan trip to celebrate weddingÊanniversary Justin Trudeau's trip to Japan for bilateral talks and the Group of Seven summit will be about more than just business. The prime minister isn't planning to hold any meetings or events Wednesday, so he can celebrate his 11th wedding anniversary with his wife Sophie GrŽgoire Trudeau. The couple will spend the night at a traditional Japanese inn Ñ or ryokan Ñ before Trudeau heads to the G7 summit on Thursday in the country's Ise-Shima region. "The fact of the matter is we've been working extremely hard today and will be at the G7 meetings on Thursday and Friday, and in the middle of all this, I'm taking a moment to celebrate Ñ on personal funds Ñ my wedding anniversary with myÊwife," Trudeau said of the down time when asked during a news conference whether it would cost taxpayers anything, including the potential financial burden of idle staffers. "This is the kind of work-life balance that I've often talked about as being essential in order to be able to be in service of the country with all one's very best and that's certainly something I'm going to continue to make sure we do." GrŽgoire Trudeau accompanied the prime minister Tuesday in Tokyo during visits to the Meiji Shrine and with the Japanese emperor and empress at the Imperial Palace. She also joined him Tuesday evening for dinner with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Trudeau held working meetings earlier in the day with Abe andÊexecutives from the Japanese auto sector. (Source: CBC News)Êhttp://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-japan-sophie-gregoire-wedding-anniversary-1.3597363 Canada, summit, G7, Justin Trudeau, Japan, David Cameron, Angela Merkel, Barack Obama, Honeymoon

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 25, 2016

Trudeau to take day off during Japan trip to celebrate wedding anniversary

Justin Trudeau’s trip to Japan for bilateral talks and the Group of Seven summit will be about more than just business.

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator - Wednesday December 3, 2015 Trudeau children's nannies being paid for by taxpayers Canadian taxpayers are paying the wages of two nannies hired to care for the children of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie GrŽgoire-Trudeau, according to cabinet orders posted online. The hirings were approved late last week, with cabinet authorizing the appointment of the two women under the Official Residences Act as "special assistants at the prime minister's residence." They will be paid between $15 and $20 an hour during the day and $11 to $13 an hour for night shifts effective Nov. 4 Ñ the day Trudeau and his cabinet were sworn in. The disclosure comes after an election campaign where Trudeau repeatedly attacked the Conservatives' enhanced universal child care benefit, or UCCB, and income splitting for families, arguing rich families like his and former prime minister Stephen Harper's didn't need taxpayers' help. "In these times, Mr. Harper's top priority is to give wealthy families like his and mine $2,000," Trudeau said in reference to the Conservatives' income-splitting tax credit. "Let me tell you something: We don't need it. And Canada can't afford it." Trudeau is also entitled to collect annual UCCB payments of about $3,400 for his three children. He promised to give the money to charity. One of the women hired was with the Trudeaus this past week on the prime minister's foreign trip that wrapped up Monday at the UN climate change conference in Paris. She posted photos online of the couple's two children who came on the trip. There were also shots of her with the Trudeaus' youngest child on Facebook visiting museums and at the hotel where they stayed in Paris. The prime minister's director of communications, Kate Purchase, said in an email that the two women who have been hired are doing more than childcare. "Like all families of prime ministers, a small number of staff provide assi

December 3, 2015

The prime minister isn’t planning to hold any meetings or events Wednesday, so he can celebrate his 11th wedding anniversary with his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau.

The couple will spend the night at a traditional Japanese inn — or ryokan — before Trudeau heads to the G7 summit on Thursday in the country’s Ise-Shima region.

“The fact of the matter is we’ve been working extremely hard today and will be at the G7 meetings on Thursday and Friday, and in the middle of all this, I’m taking a moment to celebrate — on personal funds — my wedding anniversary with my wife,” Trudeau said of the down time when asked during a news conference whether it would cost taxpayers anything, including the potential financial burden of idle staffers.

Monday November 17, 2014“This is the kind of work-life balance that I’ve often talked about as being essential in order to be able to be in service of the country with all one’s very best and that’s certainly something I’m going to continue to make sure we do.”

Grégoire Trudeau accompanied the prime minister Tuesday in Tokyo during visits to the Meiji Shrine and with the Japanese emperor and empress at the Imperial Palace.

She also joined him Tuesday evening for dinner with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Trudeau held working meetings earlier in the day with Abe and executives from the Japanese auto sector. (Source: CBC News)

 

Posted in: Hamilton, International Tagged: Angela Merkel, Barack Obama, Canada, David Cameron, diplomacy, G7, Honeymoon, Japan, Justin Trudeau, summit

Monday January 27, 1997

January 27, 1997 by Graeme MacKay

Monday January 27, 1997 – By Graeme MacKay

Team Canada versus the Rest of the World

Canadians have once again witnessed the passing of another “Team Canada” Asian trade mission.  It’s an event that was initiated a couple of years ago by Prime Minister Jean Chretien in an effort to get out of the dismal city of Ottawa and appear as though some sort of concerted effort was being made to drum up business for Canada.  It was also an obvious attempt by Chretien to draw attention to other parts of the world rather than relying solely on the benefits of a young and wide reaching trade agreement with a friendly and rather powerful neighbour to our south.  While the intentions are good in these non-NAFTA nations, the amusement in the whole event is knowing that the delegation of provincial premiers and Jean Chretien is officially called “Team Canada.”  This has to be one of the most divided periods of federal-provincial relations.  The idea of Canadian politicians getting together like a united hockey team is a joke.  Having Premiers from three different political persuasions is difficult, but not unusual, however having a committed separatist premier accompanying the delegation is nothing short of bizarre, (but indeed, uniquely Canadian.)

This recent trade mission included stops to South Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand.  Lucien Bouchard surprisingly accepted the invitation to join the other provincial premiers and we all waited for the Quebec Separatist leader to blurt something out that would piss everyone off except for a collection of Canada-bashers in a much anticipated republic of Quebec.  But, after two weeks of hanging around a bunch of notorious guys like Ralph Klein, Mike Harris, and Brian Tobin, nothing rude was uttered, no feet were stepped on, in fact, the whole lot of these politicians looked like they were having a great time together, and even Lucien Bouchard was cracking smiles.

If any feet were stepped on it was brought about by Chretien, who, while in Manila waded into a constitutional debate concerning the length of time a Philippine President is allowed to keep.  Chretien, a veteran career politician himself for some 30 odd years, questioned the injustice that Fidel Ramos can only serve 2 terms.  By now our PM should well understand that it is not a good idea to mess with any country’s constitutional affairs, judging by his own sloppiness in past dealings with our own.

Frank McKenna, the long serving Premier of New Brunswick stepped on toes by pawning off provincially produced peanut butter.  He was being anything but a team player when tried to compete against other provinces to get contracts of course this isn’t the first time McKenna has treated other provinces like business foes.  His excuses for his actions resemble closely with those of a particular fictional character out of Sherwood Forest.

These trade missions are great for photo opportunities as well.  We’ve seen the leaders walking along the Great Wall of China, stand and gawk in front of the Taj Mahal, and mill about stern faced soldiers carrying machine guns in Korean no mans land.  Jean Chretien wobbles along on a bicycle in Beijing, and goofs around with the architect of the Tiannamen Square massacre following a treaty signing.  We’ve all become used to these sort of things, and in all honesty, it allows us news buffs to escape the regular on-goings in the legislatures, and committee rooms where these people usually hang out.  Maybe Mr. Chretien is on to something when it comes to national unity…because here in Canada, Canadians are its biggest critics.  When we step outside and see just how messed up other countries are we tend to pay a little more respect for our own land.  I’m sure the premiers get this sense.

As for Craig Keilburger, the 13 year old child rights activist who goes on about child labour injustices in these trade nations, someone ought to put him over their knee for good hard spanking. (Posted to thinkfastech.com)

Asia Pacific Trade Mission. Graphite rendering by Graeme MacKay (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada). Illustrated in 1997. 

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: Asia, Asia Pacific Trade Mission, caricature, China, Frank McKenna, Japan, Jean Chretien, Lucien Bouchard, Ralph Klein, Team Canada, Trade

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