meddling – mackaycartoons

Thursday January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

January 30, 2025

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday January 30, 2025, and The Toronto Star

The Foreign Interference Inquiry – A Missed Opportunity for Action

January 28, 2025

As Canadians approach another federal election, concerns about foreign interference still hang over us, yet we lack clear answers. Despite the efforts put into the foreign interference inquiry and Justice Marie-Josée Hogue’s extensive report, we’re left asking the same questions since the 2021 election: What did the government know about foreign interference? When did they know it? And what actions were taken?

This inquiry, meant to protect our democracy, seems to have missed the mark in providing the answers and actions Canadians need. The report highlights some worrying attempts to influence politics, but it also criticizes the government for not taking the issue seriously enough or acting swiftly.

News: Five takeaways from the foreign-interference inquiry

August 2, 2024

The recommendations—such as changing laws and improving how we handle misinformation—are good on paper but seem unlikely to be put into action before the election. With Parliament on hold until March and the ruling party caught up in a leadership race, there’s little momentum for making these changes.

The opposition parties, while outspoken, haven’t pushed hard enough to make these reforms happen quickly. This leaves us vulnerable to further interference as we head into the election.

June 13, 2023

Rather than sparking real change, the inquiry risks becoming just another exercise in going through the motions. The lack of straightforward answers and immediate actions from this report disappoints Canadians who expect real protection against foreign meddling in elections.

Without clear steps forward, we might face the next election with the same weaknesses as before. It’s crucial for both the government and opposition to make Justice Hogue’s recommendations a priority. Only then can we start to restore faith in our democratic processes and ensure foreign interference is dealt with effectively. Until that happens, Canadians are left shortchanged by an inquiry that promised more than it has delivered.

In my latest editorial drawing, I illustrate the frustratingly slow political response to foreign interference in Canada, a concern that has persisted for years. A prime example is the inquiry led by former Governor General David Johnston, who was tasked with addressing this issue but ultimately saw his reputation sullied when his efforts were dismissed. That seems like dog ages ago, doesn’t it?

In the drawing, a race unfolds between a snail, embodying Justice Hogue, who hands over a report titled “Recommendations,” and a turtle resembling Trudeau, who dismissively says, “Great, I’ll pass it to my successor.” Meanwhile, a hare, representing Pierre Poilievre, races ahead exclaiming, “Time for a carbon tax election!” This scene highlights the government’s aloofness and the opposition’s feigned outrage, while critical questions about foreign interference remain unanswered. The finish line, ominously marked “FINISH of Prorogation,” leads into a threatening mouth and forked tongue labelled “2025 Election” underscoring the risks of inaction as we approach the next federal campaign for Canadians’ votes.

Please enjoy the January 30, 2025 making-of animated editorial cartoon below. Posts come out every Saturday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. If you like my editorial cartoons and animations, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. A lot of work goes into these cartoons and commentary — Best of all, it’s free!

– The Graeme Gallery

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Wednesday January 8, 2025

January 8, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 8, 2025

Beyond Trudeau: Charting Canada’s Future in Uncertain Times

January 7, 2025

Justin Trudeau leaves Canadian politics and becomes Canadian history. As he steps down, the nation stands at a crossroads, confronting significant challenges that will define its future. Though Trudeau remains in the role of Prime Minister during a period of prorogation, his influence is waning, and Canada must now navigate a complex landscape of economic, political, and international issues.

The Liberal Party, once rejuvenated under Trudeau’s leadership, is now tasked with finding a new leader amidst internal divisions and dwindling public support. This leadership transition is not merely about choosing a successor but about redefining the party’s vision and restoring confidence among Canadians. The next leader must bridge the gap between Trudeau’s legacy and the electorate’s desire for change, offering a fresh perspective that resonates with a diverse and increasingly skeptical populace.

News: Liberals say no changes coming for leadership race, despite risk of foreign interference

November 21, 2023

Economically, Canada faces a precarious situation. Key policies are stalled, and the potential for a trade war with the United States under President-elect Donald Trump looms large. The uncertainty surrounding future tax policies and the economic impact of halted legislative progress only adds to the anxiety. Canada needs a coherent and robust economic strategy that addresses these challenges, supports growth, and ensures stability for businesses and citizens alike.

On the international stage, Canada’s diplomatic relations are being tested. The nation must assert its position and negotiate effectively to safeguard its interests, particularly in trade agreements and border security. With Trudeau’s departure, there is an opportunity to recalibrate these relationships and engage with global partners in a way that reflects Canada’s values and priorities.

News: Trudeau’s resignation compounds economic uncertainty ahead of possible trade war

June 12, 2024

The issue of electoral integrity also demands attention. The halt of investigations into foreign interference due to prorogation raises questions about the transparency and security of Canada’s democratic processes. Ensuring that future elections and leadership contests are free from undue influence is essential for maintaining public trust and the integrity of Canadian democracy.

The governance void created by prorogation presents an additional challenge, as many cabinet members may shift focus from their crucial governmental duties to pursue leadership ambitions. This distraction occurs at a pivotal time, with the Trump administration’s arrival on January 20 bringing potential shifts in U.S. policy that require a strong and stable Canadian presence. The current political uncertainty and weakened minority government exacerbate the situation, creating a precarious environment where Canada’s national interests could be compromised.

Opinion: A beaten down Trudeau leaves behind a mess that could have been avoided

May 13, 2011

Ultimately, Canada’s path forward requires decisive leadership and a commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing the nation. The moment calls for a leader who can unite the country, implement effective policies, and navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world. As Canada moves beyond the Trudeau era, it must seize the opportunity to redefine its identity, strengthen its institutions, and chart a course toward a resilient and prosperous future.

The challenges are significant, but so too are the opportunities for renewal and growth. Canada’s next chapter is waiting to be written, and it will take bold vision and collective effort to ensure it is one of progress and success.

It’s a week since 2025 begun and Canada’s political landscape feels like a… you guessed it, a scene from a cartoon—a rickety bus, stalled at the curb, tires flat, with anxious eyes peering out, waiting for a new driver. This isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a vivid illustration of the Liberal Party’s current predicament.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (who still has the job for at least a couple more months) finds himself at a critical juncture, with his approval ratings at an all-time low and the party’s support waning. The recent departure of key figures like Chrystia Freeland has only intensified the pressure, sparking calls for Trudeau to step down. The whispers of prorogation or a leadership contest are no longer just political gossip—they’re realities.

Meanwhile, the opposition is sharpening its knives. Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives are ready to pounce, echoing a familiar global refrain: “Everything seems broken.” It’s a mantra that has proven effective elsewhere, notably with Keir Starmer’s Labour triumph in the UK. This rhetoric resonates particularly strongly post-pandemic, as governments worldwide grapple with economic challenges.

Canada isn’t immune. Our national debt continues to climb, productivity lags, and per capita GDP growth isn’t keeping pace. It’s a sobering reality, even if our debt isn’t quite as dire as some G7 counterparts. The prorogation, then, isn’t just a political manoeuvre—it’s a signal that repair is needed.

Adding to this tense atmosphere is the constant chirping from south of the border. President-elect Donald Trump’s comments about Canadian cars and the hypothetical “51st state” status have grown tiresome, casting an unwanted shadow over our period of political renewal.

As the Liberal Party scrambles to recalibrate and potentially select a new leader, Canada waits. The bus may be stopped, but the journey is far from over. The choices made now will shape our nation’s path forward, and like any good cartoon, it’s a story filled with uncertainty, humour, and the hope for a better destination.

Enjoy the January 8, 2024 making-of animated editorial cartoon below. Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday or Saturday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons.

– The Graeme Gallery

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Thursday November 21, 2024

November 21, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 21, 2024

Iran’s Meddling, Trump’s Rise and The Irwin Cotler Case

April 6, 2024

Irwin Cotler, a former Justice Minister and a globally respected champion for human rights, has spent decades challenging authoritarian regimes, particularly Iran. His relentless advocacy has made him a target of harassment, exemplifying Tehran’s disturbing ability to extend its oppressive reach beyond its borders. Cotler’s experience highlights a glaring vulnerability in Canada’s approach to foreign interference—a vulnerability that must be addressed as Iran escalates its meddling internationally.

News: MPs unanimously condemn alleged Iranian plot to kill Irwin Cotler

Donald Trump’s return to power and his administration’s renewed focus on Iran present a moment of paradox for Canada. While Trump’s policies often draw progressive ire, his aggressive stance on Tehran could inadvertently create a reprieve from Iran’s interference, including its targeting of Canadian critics like Cotler. Yet, this should not lead to complacency. Trump’s erraticism cannot substitute for a coherent Canadian strategy to protect its sovereignty. Cotler’s case illustrates that Tehran’s interference threatens individuals and the fabric of Canada’s democracy. Canada cannot continue to rely on reactionary policies; it must develop proactive measures to shield human rights defenders, counter disinformation, and expose foreign influence operations.

Opinion: Get ready for “Maximum Pressure 2.0” on Iran

December 18, 2020

The stakes are high. Tehran has demonstrated its ability to manipulate democratic spaces while silencing dissent and undermining international norms. For Canada, this is a moment to step up—not merely to protect individuals like Cotler but to safeguard the principles he has fought for throughout his career. Trump’s policies may pressure Iran, but Canada must seize the opportunity to define its own path in standing against Tehran’s destabilizing activities. In doing so, it can honour Cotler’s legacy and reaffirm its commitment to defending democracy and human rights at home and abroad.

Canadians love to tell the world how polite we are. Peacekeepers, they say. Travellers with a maple leaf proudly stitched on our backpacks, the “nice ones” of the English-speaking world. Maybe that was true once, back when our actions matched the stereotype—when we stood tall in WWII, fighting for freedom on the world stage. But today? The world’s shifting, and that image feels more like nostalgia.

We’re under attack from foreign meddlers. Think of the Two Michaels—Spavor and Kovrig—held hostage in China for years as pawns in a geopolitical chess match. Or Michael Chong, the MP who discovered his family was targeted by Beijing in retaliation for his criticism of China’s human rights abuses. Let’s not forget the meddling in Canada’s Parliament, where China sought to influence elections, or Russia’s efforts to spread disinformation online to divide us and undermine democracy. And now, the case of Irwin Cotler—one of Canada’s most celebrated human rights advocates—threatened for standing up to the Iranian regime.

Sure, Trump’s got a missile in his hand and is ready to give Tehran a good scare. But can we really count on the U.S. to save us? The Irwin Cotler case is a loud reminder: Canada can’t afford to just lean on politeness and the hope of external protection. The threats to Canadian sovereignty are real, and they’re growing. It’s time we step up, protect our own, and defend the values we claim to champion. Cotler’s fight is our fight, and it’s about time we acted like it.

Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks.

– The Graeme Gallery

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Friday August 2, 2024

August 2, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday August 2, 2024

A Midsummer Night’s Snooze: A Tale of Political Slumber on Foreign Interference

Act I: The Enchanted Woods of Ottawa

In the enchanted woods of Ottawa, where political dreams and realities intertwine, our tale unfolds. The Canadian political leaders, akin to Shakespearean characters, find themselves in a midsummer night’s reverie, oblivious to the machinations of foreign entities.

August 1, 2023

Scene I: The Court of King Trudeau

King Justin Trudeau, the noble but distracted ruler, holds court with his advisors. His recent efforts to establish the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force are met with mild applause, but his mind is elsewhere, captivated by visions of climate summits and grand speeches.

Trudeau: “We have established SITE, my lords, to guard our elections from foreign sprites. But let us not fret too much; the fair summer calls us to lighter endeavors!”

Scene II: The Mischief of Puck Poilievre

Enter Puck Poilievre, the mischievous Conservative sprite, who delights in stirring trouble and pointing fingers, but prefers the comforts of ideological battles over addressing the ethereal threats of foreign interference.

Poilievre: “King Trudeau, why fret over these unseen shadows? ‘Tis better to joust with taxes and pipelines, leaving these foreign phantoms to their devices!”

February 29, 2024

Scene III: The Dream of Duke Singh

Duke Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic fairies, drifts into a dreamy state. While his heart is noble and his intentions pure, he too finds solace in the magical woods of social policies and justice, rather than the murky depths of election integrity.

Singh: “Let us dream of fairer wages and homes for all, for the meddling of foreign lands seems but a distant whisper in these enchanted woods.”

NYT: A Critical Gap in Democracy? ‘Yawn,’ Say Canadian Politicians

Scene IV: The Counsel of Titania May

Queen Elizabeth May, the wise and green Titania of this tale, alone speaks of the perils of ignoring the foreign sprites that dance around their democratic bower. Yet, her warnings are but the whispers of the wind in the ears of the slumbering leaders.

May: “Beware the whispers of foreign realms, for they seek to twine their tendrils into our sacred boughs. Our democracy is no playground for these tricksters.”

June 13, 2024

Act II: The Spell of Complacency

In a moonlit glade, the political leaders gather, lulled by the soothing summer breeze and the harmonious chirping of crickets. Oberon, the spirit of Complacency, casts his spell, and one by one, they fall into a deep slumber, their dreams filled with visions of grandeur and domestic triumphs.

Oberon: “Sleep, dear leaders, in this midsummer’s embrace. Let foreign meddling fade into the mist, for what harm can whispers do to those who dream so soundly?”

June 12, 2024

Act III: The Awakening

As the first light of dawn pierces the canopy, the spell begins to lift. The leaders stir, groggy but blissfully unaware of the night’s machinations. Yet, the woods whisper truths they choose not to hear, for the comfort of dreams is a powerful balm.

Trudeau: “Awake, my friends! Let us return to our courtly duties, assured that all is well in our realm.”

Poilievre: “Indeed, let us joust anew, for the day is bright and full of promise.”

Singh: “Let us champion the cause of the common folk, for in their dreams lies our strength.”

May: “Beware, though, the lingering whispers of the night, for they may return when least expected.”

Epilogue: The Bard’s Reflection

And so, the tale of political slumber continues, with leaders more enchanted by the dreams of summer than the pressing whispers of foreign interference. The enchanted woods of Ottawa remain a place where reality and dreams blur, and the threats of foreign lands are but distant murmurs in the midsummer night’s snooze.

Thus, the fair democracy of Canada lies, a midsummer dream, beneath the watchful yet weary eyes of its leaders, ever hopeful that their slumber will not be their undoing. (AI)

Wednesday June 12, 2024

June 12, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 12, 2024

* Turn up the volume and find an animated making-of version of this cartoon through this link!

Secrecy and Lack of Accountability Threaten Public Trust in Canadian Politics

June 7, 2024

In recent weeks, Canada has been shaken by revelations of foreign interference in its electoral and political processes. Reports from reputable sources have alleged that some elected representatives may have been collaborating with foreign governments, jeopardizing the very foundations of our democracy. As these allegations come to light, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the lack of transparency and accountability in addressing these serious concerns risks eroding public trust in our political institutions.

A recent article from the National Observer sheds light on the concerning silence of Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, on the issue of foreign interference. Despite his reputation for outspokenness, Poilievre has remained conspicuously quiet, raising questions about his party’s stance on this critical issue. The article highlights how Poilievre’s refusal to seek security clearance to access vital information underscores a broader culture of secrecy within Canadian politics. This lack of transparency only serves to deepen public skepticism and fuel distrust in the political process.

News: These two party leaders say they’ll consider naming the MPs accused of aiding foreign governments

May 27, 2023

Moreover, the Toronto Star’s report on the willingness of Jagmeet Singh and Elizabeth May to consider naming MPs implicated in foreign interference allegations further emphasizes the importance of transparency in restoring public trust. Singh’s commitment to ejecting any NDP member found to have engaged in foreign interference demonstrates a principled stance on accountability, while May’s openness to disclosure reflects a genuine commitment to transparency. Their willingness to confront these allegations head-on contrasts starkly with Poilievre’s silence and underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in Canadian politics.

News: Party leaders have the ability to step up and clean house of alleged colluders

May 9, 2023

However, the spectre of partisanship looms large in this discussion. Dominic LeBlanc, a member of the Liberal Party and Minister of Public Safety, rightly asserts that reputations are at risk if suspects are fully investigated. Yet, his reluctance to push for thorough investigations into allegations implicating certain Liberal MPs raises eyebrows. While it is essential to uphold the presumption of innocence and protect individuals’ reputations, the perceived hesitancy in addressing allegations against members of one’s own party only serves to fuel suspicions of political favouritism and undermines the credibility of efforts to combat foreign interference.

June 2, 2023

The consequences of failing to address these allegations transparently are grave. As the National Observer article warns, “a cloud hangs over the House of Commons” as secrecy and lack of accountability cast doubt on the integrity of our democratic process. Canadians deserve to know if their elected representatives are serving the interests of foreign powers rather than the interests of the Canadian people. Anything short of full transparency only serves to undermine public confidence in our political institutions and erode the very foundation of our democracy.

April 6, 2024

The warning is clear: if we continue to witness secrecy and a lack of accountability in dealing with elected agents who may be working for hostile nations, public trust in politicians will inevitably erode. Canadians rightfully expect their elected representatives to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. It is incumbent upon our political leaders to demonstrate transparency and take decisive action to address these allegations swiftly and effectively.

The stakes could not be higher. The integrity of our democratic process hangs in the balance, and the trust of the Canadian people is at risk. It is time for our political leaders to heed the warning signs and prioritize transparency and accountability in confronting foreign interference. Only by doing so can we safeguard the integrity of our democracy and restore public trust in our political institutions. Anything less is a betrayal of the Canadian people and the principles upon which our democracy stands. (AI)