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Friday September 6, 2024

September 6, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday September 6, 2024

The NDP-Liberal Agreement: A Temporary Fix for a Looming Conservative Tide

August 31, 2024

In the complex landscape of Canadian politics, the recent end of the NDP-Liberal confidence and supply agreement has sparked intense debate. While Jagmeet Singh and the NDP should be credited for pushing long-held policies and finally getting significant measures enacted—such as dental care, pharmacare, childcare, and school breakfast/lunch programs—the reality is that this cooperation may have merely been an elaborate time-buying measure, delaying the inevitable swing of the political pendulum toward a Conservative government under Pierre Poilievre.

News: The NDP is ending its governance agreement with the Liberals

March 23, 2022

The confidence and supply agreement, designed to stabilize a precarious minority government, allowed the Liberals to govern without the fear of immediate electoral repercussions. As Althia Raj pointed out in The Toronto Star, Singh signed on with the hope of extracting concessions from the Liberals in exchange for continued support. However, as time passed, it became evident that the agreement served more as a safety net for the Liberals than a vehicle for progressive change. The NDP’s attempts to define itself as a separate entity from the Liberals faced challenges, particularly as the Conservatives framed the party as part of an “NDP-Liberal coalition,” ultimately undermining Singh’s leadership and electoral prospects.

Althia Raj: Jagmeet Singh had a good reason to tear up his deal with Justin Trudeau

Recent byelection results reveal the fragility of the Liberal-NDP coalition as provincial leaders like Bonnie Crombie and Naheed Nenshi distance themselves, exposing the risks of political alliances.

June 28, 2024

Max Fawcett, writing for The National Observer, argues that this moment should have been the NDP’s time to shine, especially given the Liberal government’s increasing error-proneness. Yet, instead of capitalizing on the political climate, the NDP’s identity became increasingly blurred, leaving them vulnerable to the criticisms of being ineffective in the face of a rising Conservative threat. With the Conservatives currently leading by a substantial margin in the polls, the NDP’s future seems precarious, as does the fate of the policies they fought hard to implement.

The National Observer: Jagmeet Singh just played himself

The measures enacted during the NDP-Liberal partnership—though commendable—raise questions about their sustainability in the face of potential austerity. If the Conservatives assume power, the very programs designed to support vulnerable Canadians may face drastic cuts or eliminations. The consequences of this would not only be felt by those who rely on these services but could also lead to significant political backlash against the Conservatives, should they decide to implement such austerity measures without regard for the hardships imposed on citizens.

May 27, 2023

Additionally, as noted in the Globe and Mail, the arrangement has ultimately done little to boost the popularity of either party, with both struggling in the polls as they face an uphill battle against a Conservative party that has gained considerable traction. The editorial rightly critiques the long-term effectiveness of the NDP-Liberal agreement, suggesting that it has set the stage for a decisive Conservative majority. This sentiment is echoed by readers who express frustration with the notion that such an alliance should have been the answer to Canadian governance in a minority situation. The reality remains that Canadians expect their elected representatives to navigate complexities without relying on potentially ineffective alliances.

The Globe & Mail: An overdue end to a bad deal for voters

April 8, 2022

Ultimately, while Singh and the NDP deserve credit for advancing progressive policies during their partnership with the Liberals, the arrangement may have simply delayed the inevitable shift toward a Conservative government. As we move closer to the next election, the fate of the measures enacted since 2022 hangs in the balance. Canadians must grapple with the question of whether these policies will withstand the coming storm of austerity or whether they will become casualties of a political landscape reshaped by the ambitions of a Conservative government eager to undo the progress made during the NDP-Liberal era.

In a democratic system that requires accountability and responsiveness, the need for clear vision and bold leadership is more crucial than ever. The NDP and Liberals must now regroup and reconsider their strategies, or risk losing even more ground to a Conservative party ready to capitalize on their shortcomings. (AI)

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-16, Canada, confidence, Conservative, Jagmeet Singh, Justin Trudeau, Liberal, marionette, NDP, Pierre Poilievre, puppet

Wednesday February 28, 2024

February 28, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Doug Ford's plan to appoint "like-minded" judges, criticized for its partisanship, raises concerns of compromising the independence of the Canadian judiciary, paralleling trends observed during the Trump administration in the U.S.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 28, 2024

Preserving Judicial Independence in Canada

July 20, 2023

As a concerned citizen watching the political landscape in Canada, it’s disheartening to witness the recent developments surrounding Premier Doug Ford’s approach to judicial appointments. Ford’s candid admission of his intention to appoint “like-minded” judges raises troubling questions about the impartiality and independence of our judiciary, mirroring trends observed south of the border during the Trump administration.

In a recent editorial by the Toronto Star, the Premier’s decision to appoint former senior staffers to the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee is rightfully criticized as a move that threatens the non-partisan model for judicial appointments. The editorial rightly points out that the appointment process should be based on merit rather than political alliances, and Ford’s justification for his decisions reflects a dangerous politicization of a crucial aspect of our justice system.

Editorial: Why Doug Ford’s plan for “like-minded” judges is a terrible move

May 6, 2022

Ford’s assertion that he was elected to appoint “like-minded” individuals to the judiciary is a direct departure from the principles that underpin our justice system — a system built on fairness, evidence, and the rule of law. The Federation of Ontario Law Associations rightly condemns these remarks as reflecting a “juvenile understanding of the role of an independent judiciary.”

While I am generally wary of drawing parallels between Canadian politicians and their American counterparts, it’s challenging to ignore the echoes of partisanship in judicial appointments reminiscent of the U.S. Supreme Court under the Trump administration. Ford’s approach, aiming to stack the courts with judges who align with his ideology, poses a clear threat to the independence of our judiciary.

April 14, 2018

The editorial mentions former Premier Kathleen Wynne’s dismissal of Ford’s claim that he was elected to appoint “like-minded” people. Her assertion that intentionally tainting the judicial process is reprehensible is a sentiment shared by many who value the integrity of our legal system. Ford’s actions, coupled with his track record of invoking the notwithstanding clause and under-resourcing courts, contribute to a concerning pattern that jeopardizes the foundations of our justice system.

The danger of a “like-minded” judiciary is not exclusive to Canada. In an opinion piece from The Washington Post, Ruth Marcus discusses the importance of identifying the president who appointed federal judges in the U.S. as a predictor of outcomes. A study by Harvard Law School Professor Alma Cohen reinforces the notion that party affiliation can significantly influence judicial outcomes, a finding that should give us pause.

Opinion: Does it matter which party nominated a judge? Here’s why it does

February 11, 2022

As we navigate the complexities of our legal system, it becomes crucial for citizens to remain vigilant about the composition of our courts. Party affiliations should not overshadow the merit-based selection of judges, and we must resist any attempts to compromise the independence of our judiciary. The lessons from the United States serve as a stark reminder that the path Ford is treading is a perilous one, with potential repercussions for the credibility and fairness of our legal system.

In the upcoming elections, it is incumbent upon us to consider not only the policies but also the values and principles that candidates uphold, especially when it comes to judicial appointments. Our justice system deserves leaders who prioritize the rule of law and safeguard the independence of our judiciary, ensuring that justice remains blind to political affiliations.

 

Posted in: Canada, Ontario Tagged: 2024-05, appointment, courts, Donald Trump, Doug Ford, judge, Judicial, justice, marionette, Ontario, puppet, USA

Friday February 11, 2022

February 11, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 11, 2022

Trump backers seize on GoFundMe controversy as truckers linger in U.S. headline

July 23, 2020

An outsized American display of financial largesse, political support and right-wing media sympathy for ongoing trucker protests in Canada have observers in both countries accusing some in the U.S. of fanning the flames for their own partisan gain.

For more than a week, viewers of Trump-friendly platforms like Fox News, Newsmax and One America News have been getting something exceedingly rare in the U.S. media landscape: regular doses of Canadian coverage.

And prominent Republican lawmakers like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz spent the weekend seizing on last week’s controversy over the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe to keep the story alive.

DeSantis and Cruz both want GoFundMe investigated after it froze roughly $9 million in donations earmarked for the ongoing Ottawa protest, then announced Friday it would issue refunds upon request or distribute the money to charities chosen by the protest organizers.

The company reversed course within hours “due to donor feedback,” promising automatic refunds. But attorneys general in Florida, Texas, West Virginia and Louisiana – Republicans all – nonetheless urged donors to come forward in the name of launching investigations.

For Bruce Heyman, a former U.S. ambassador to Canada under Barack Obama, it all smacks of foreign interference, and he believes Trump is at its centre.

“I do not believe that Americans should fund disruptive activities in Canada. Ever. Full stop,” Heyman said in an interview Monday.

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2022-06, Canada, Donald Trump, Feedback, foreign, freedom convoy, interference, marionette, meddling, puppet, USA, Vladimir Putin

Tuesday October 26, 2021

October 25, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday October 26, 2021

Freeland positioning herself to take over as Liberal leader

August 24, 2021

A breathless account of Chrystia Freeland’s heroics in Ukraine published over the weekend must’ve put a smile on the face of our Deputy Prime Minister.

According to the American university professor who wrote the glowing article, she was so darn good at what she did that she had the grudging admiration of the KGB, that couldn’t keep up with her! The stuff of real-life Marvel heroes…

Let’s face it, Chrystia Freeland is positioning herself to take over as Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and this type of publicity is tailor-made to help her achieve that ambition.

April 21, 2021

Much like Michael Ignatieff, Chrystia Freeland became almost famous south of the border with her writings and media savvy.

Unlike Ignatieff, she’s actually got some experience in government having ably run key ministries and, most admirably, outfoxed Donald Trump during the renegotiation of NAFTA.

If she succeeds, she’ll be taking over from one of the world’s major media figures, Justin Trudeau. A little bit of profile doesn’t hurt.

November 3, 2015

Trudeau’s inexplicable decision to disappear for a vacation on the very day he’d set aside to commemorate truth and reconciliation was more than just a heartless move. It was so hurtful to his brand that many are wondering if it isn’t also a sign that he’s had the biscuit.

We’ll no doubt have an avalanche of “progressive” promises as Trudeau swears in his new Cabinet and hands out mandate letters to the chosen few. It won’t really matter. Canadians have seen and heard enough.

From purchasing a pipeline, to continuing to subsidize oil and gas companies, to skipping out of town on a new national holiday, to complacency with sexual misconduct in the military, the lecturing and moralizing tone of Trudeau simply doesn’t carry much weight anymore. Key progressive issues such as climate change, reconciliation and women’s rights will need a new champion, one without the credibility issues that Trudeau now drags with him.

July 7, 2021

In fact, it’s Freeland’s presence during the worst of Trudeau, like the sacking of Jody Wilson-Raybould, that risks holding her back. She wasn’t content to just back Trudeau. When Wilson-Raybould resisted PMO interference in the prosecution of SNC Lavalin, Freeland attacked her for not being a team player

Freeland won’t get the top job without an examination of her role as Trudeau’s proxy and without a fight. There will be other contenders. (CTV) 

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2021-35, cabinet, Canada, Chrystia Freeland, government, Justin Trudeau, marionette, Mary Simon, ministers, puppet, Rideau Hall, swearing-in

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