mental health – mackaycartoons

Wednesday April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday April 16, 2025

Ontario’s Balancing Act and Tariffs and Turmoil

March 26, 2025

Ontario’s government has delivered the Speech from the Throne, marking a pivotal moment in the province’s journey through complex domestic and international challenges. Premier Doug Ford’s administration has laid out its agenda, highlighting efforts to counter U.S. tariffs and address pressing internal issues.

In the speech, the government pledged to remove barriers to interprovincial trade and expedite approvals for new mines in the Northern Ring of Fire region, emphasizing its strategic importance to Ontario’s economy and security. This move reflects a commitment to economic resilience and a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies, underscoring that “Canada will never be the 51st state.”

The Throne Speech also reaffirmed Ontario’s dedication to the electric vehicle and battery industry, securing significant investments and maintaining a leadership role in North America. Despite critiques of substantial subsidies from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, the province remains committed to supporting this vital sector.

News: Trump and Ontario’s tariff response likely to dominate Ford’s throne speech

March 12, 2025

Domestically, the speech addressed the need for immediate action in healthcare, housing, and social services. Ford’s administration recognizes the urgency of reducing wait times, improving housing affordability, and tackling social issues such as homelessness, poverty, mental health, and drug addiction.

The ambitious infrastructure plan, including a new tunnel expressway under Highway 401, is part of a broader $200-billion initiative to enhance transit and economic efficiency in Ontario, despite potential high costs.
The Ontario government’s resolve to navigate both international pressures and domestic challenges is evident. The Speech from the Throne serves as a comprehensive blueprint for strengthening the social fabric of the province, ensuring economic stability, and improving the quality of life for Ontarians.

As the government implements these plans, Premier Ford’s leadership will be measured by his ability to protect Ontario’s interests on the global stage while delivering tangible improvements to the lives of its citizens. The path forward requires a careful balance of diplomacy, innovation, and investment, with Ontarians keenly observing the government’s actions in this critical period.

Shopping for Thrones

Donald Trump seems to have quite the royal flair, doesn’t he? His foray into politics comes complete with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from a would-be king. From turning rallies into theatrical spectacles to ceremonies that have you wondering if a crown might appear, he’s certainly not shy about projecting a larger-than-life image.

His leadership style, marked by attempts to expand his power and tweak the rules, draws cheers from his fans who love the break from tradition. Meanwhile, critics are left clutching their pearls, worried about the potential for a royal takeover.

Trump’s fascination with all things regal seems like both a play for power and a personal love affair with the grandeur of monarchy. As his influence lingers, his royal tendencies keep everyone talking.

In my editorial cartoon for Wednesday, I poke a bit of fun at this ongoing dialogue about Trump’s king-like ambitions—a theme I can’t help but revisit. Today’s Speech From The Throne in Ontario consumed by the threat of Trump tariffs seemed like an apt occasion to put him in the scene.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for April 16, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

April 16, 2025 | Shopping For Thrones https://youtu.be/N3Jjxg8R21g

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Thursday September 26, 2024

September 26, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 26, 2024

‘Get off your a-s-s,’ Doug Ford—Lead, Don’t Blame

September 7, 2024

Premier Doug Ford’s recent comments telling homeless individuals to “get off your ass and start working” have sparked widespread outrage, and rightly so. While the Premier’s tough rhetoric might resonate with some who see homelessness as a matter of personal failure, his words ignore the complex reality facing those struggling with homelessness, addiction, and poverty in Ontario.

Yes, there may be a small minority of people who could work their way out of homelessness if given the chance. But reducing the entire crisis to individual responsibility is not only an oversimplification, it’s a failure of leadership. Ford was elected to lead—to solve problems, not to scold those who have been left behind. His comments aren’t just misplaced, they’re a distraction from the real issues at hand.

Homelessness is not a simple problem. Many people living on the streets struggle with mental illness, addiction, or trauma. Others are trapped in a cycle of poverty where even low-wage jobs don’t provide enough to cover rent in a province where housing costs have skyrocketed. Simply telling people to “get off their asses” and work ignores these deeply embedded social issues.

News: ‘Get off your a-s-s:’ Doug Ford scolded for telling homeless people to get jobs

August 9, 2018

If the Premier wants to be the champion of “the little guy,” as he so often claims, he needs to take responsibility for addressing the structural issues that contribute to homelessness and poverty. The tools to create meaningful change are at his disposal, and his failure to use them constructively is leaving far too many people behind.

First and foremost, Ford needs to acknowledge that Ontario is in the midst of a housing crisis. It’s becoming impossible for even middle-income earners to afford a home, let alone those who are living paycheque to paycheque or without stable employment. Housing affordability is a key issue, and yet, instead of proposing meaningful solutions, Ford resorts to victim-blaming.

Rather than telling people to find a job, Ford should focus on building affordable housing and reforming rent controls to ensure that housing is within reach for everyone. Housing is not a luxury, it’s a basic human need. Instead of dismissing this fact, Ford could champion policies that make it possible for low-income Ontarians to live with dignity. Expanding affordable housing isn’t just a policy choice—it’s a moral imperative.

January 12, 2019

The Premier’s comments also fail to account for the complex relationship between homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. Many people living in encampments struggle with these issues, making it nearly impossible for them to secure and maintain employment without proper support. Telling them to “get a job” is not just callous, it’s ignorant of the realities they face every day.

Instead of deriding “safe supply” programs or framing addiction as a personal failure, Ford could expand mental health and addiction services across the province. Comprehensive treatment centres, integrated with housing and job support services, could make a real difference. Ford has made some moves toward creating treatment hubs, but these efforts need serious funding and expansion to have a lasting impact. Homelessness, mental health, and addiction are intertwined issues that require holistic solutions, not finger-pointing.

Ford’s claim that people just need to apply for jobs and everything will get better also misses the mark. It ignores the systemic barriers that many homeless people face when trying to enter the workforce. Without a stable address, reliable transportation, or access to hygiene facilities, even the most qualified individuals can struggle to find and maintain employment. For those battling addiction or mental illness, the challenges are even greater.

May 21, 2022

Ford could introduce job training programs specifically tailored to help homeless individuals reintegrate into the workforce. Providing support in the form of resume-building workshops, interview preparation, and access to basic necessities would be a far more constructive approach. Telling people to “work harder” doesn’t solve the problem—it just shifts the blame onto those who are already struggling.

Even for those lucky enough to have a job, work doesn’t always provide a path out of poverty anymore. Wages in Ontario have not kept up with the cost of living, and many low-income workers are one emergency away from losing their homes. Ford could focus on strengthening labour protections, ensuring a living wage, and advocating for job security measures that allow workers to plan for the future.

It’s also essential to acknowledge that economic insecurity is a growing problem, especially for young people entering the job market. A commenter responding to Ford’s remarks raised the issue of youth unemployment, noting that many are struggling to find stable work, even as they compete for low-wage jobs. Ford could use his platform to address this, instead of simply blaming individuals for not working hard enough.

May 12, 2023

Doug Ford was elected to lead Ontario, to be the voice of “the little guy,” and to address the issues that matter most to everyday people. But leadership is about more than just rhetoric—it’s about action. Telling people to “get off their asses” doesn’t fix the housing crisis, it doesn’t solve addiction, and it doesn’t create jobs. It’s a distraction from the hard work that needs to be done.

If Ford wants to be remembered as a leader who truly stood up for Ontarians, he needs to stop blaming the victims of these complex crises and start offering real solutions. That means investing in affordable housing, expanding mental health and addiction services, and providing meaningful job supports. Ford has the tools to create lasting change—it’s time for him to use them.

Ultimately, if anyone needs to get off their ass right now, it’s Doug Ford. His comments show a troubling disconnect from the realities faced by Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens. But instead of offering solutions, he resorts to the politics of blame and division.

Ford has the mandate to make a difference. Instead of scolding those who are struggling, he should be using his position to help lift them up. Leadership is about empathy, understanding, and action—not shaming those who are already down. It’s time for Doug Ford to get off his ass and start leading.

Tuesday January 16, 2024

January 16, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday January 16, 2024

Expanding MAID to Mental Health Patients: A Costly Shortcut Amidst Healthcare Failures

February 6, 2015

In recent discussions surrounding the expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) to include patients with mental illnesses as their sole underlying condition, there is a pressing need to reassess the implications of such a move. While proponents argue for inclusivity and compassion, it is crucial to acknowledge the severe drawbacks and potential consequences associated with this proposed expansion.

The first glaring issue lies in the nature of mental illnesses themselves. Unlike physical ailments, mental disorders lack a clear and definitive prognosis of irredeemability. Studies reveal that psychiatrists, tasked with determining the course of a patient’s mental health, are wrong in their predictions nearly half the time. This unpredictability, coupled with the dynamic nature of mental health, makes it impossible to accurately identify individuals who won’t experience improvement over time. The very essence of MAID eligibility, requiring a grievous and irremediable medical condition, clashes with the inherently uncertain trajectory of mental disorders.

News: Decision to proceed with expansion of medically assisted dying law looms

February 25, 2015

Moreover, the push for psychiatric euthanasia overlooks the complexity of differentiating between genuine suffering and suicidal tendencies. The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention explicitly states that seeking death due to a non-terminal condition, such as mental illness alone, is inherently suicidal. This is a critical distinction that cannot be ignored. Proponents argue that this is a matter of discrimination, but ensuring equal access to proper mental health care should be the priority, not resorting to MAID as a questionable remedy.

A recent parliamentary committee report has rightly emphasized the importance of improving access to palliative care, enhancing financial support for people with disabilities, and addressing the concerns of Indigenous communities and persons with disabilities. The link between the lack of financial and social support and the potential for viewing MAID as an escape from suffering is a glaring issue. It is essential to recognize that prolonging wait times for mental health therapy, general healthcare, and social housing is inadvertently creating an environment where MAID becomes a convenient, albeit misguided, solution.

March 1, 2023

The current state of mental health care in Canada is dire, with extensive waiting periods for counselling and more intensive treatments. The expansion of MAID becomes particularly problematic when individuals facing prolonged waits for mental health support are presented with an expedited option for assisted death. This perverse incentive not only contradicts the principles of compassionate care but also raises serious ethical concerns.

Advocates of MAID for mental illness often point to legislative safeguards, but history has shown us the inadequacy of such measures. The risk of incentivizing death over proper care, as highlighted by mental health professionals, is a clear indication that the state should not be complicit in presenting a morally and ethically questionable choice to its citizens.

The rush to expand MAID to mental health patients is a misguided attempt to address systemic failures in mental health care, general healthcare, and social support. Rather than offering a respectful and compassionate response to suffering, it threatens to normalize a distressing choice between prolonged suffering and premature death. The federal government must reconsider its priorities, focusing on comprehensive mental health reforms and ensuring timely access to quality care before entertaining the expansion of MAID to mental health patients. (AI)

Friday December 22, 2023

December 22, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday December 22, 2023

Changing Tides in Canadian Attitudes Towards Pharmacare

June 13, 2019

In recent years, Canadians appear to be reassessing the urgency of implementing a national pharmacare plan, particularly in light of the profound challenges posed by the pandemic. According to a 2023 survey conducted by Leger, only 18 percent of respondents consider a universal single-payer drug plan a top health-care priority. The focus has shifted towards addressing more immediate concerns such as surgical wait times, long-term care expansion, and mental health services, garnering 36 percent, 32 percent, and 30 percent support, respectively.

This shift in sentiment is underscored by the limited awareness of the government’s pharmacare plans, with 53 percent of those polled being unfamiliar with the proposed legislation. Negotiations between the Liberals and New Democrats, who pledged support for pharmacare in exchange for prioritizing NDP concerns, have encountered obstacles, primarily due to disagreements over the structure of the system.

News: Pharmacare not the top health priority for most Canadians: survey

September 3, 2021

While 44 percent of respondents support a drug plan covering those without existing coverage, seniors, and individuals earning less than $90,000 annually, only 22 percent believe the plan should replace basic employer-provided drug coverage. Despite the lack of overwhelming support for pharmacare, opposition remains relatively weak, with only 17 percent stating that it should not be a government priority.

Even within the Conservative voter base, only 23 percent express outright opposition to pharmacare, suggesting potential acceptance among the majority. The political landscape is crucial, with the Liberals relying on pharmacare legislation to secure NDP support and avoid an early election amid a dip in Conservative support.

April 22, 2021

In stark contrast, just four years ago, Canadians overwhelmingly supported the idea of pharmacare. In a 2019 poll conducted by Environics Research, 93 percent of respondents believed it was crucial for everyone in Canada to have equal access to prescription drugs. A resounding 88 percent felt that the federal government should take responsibility for ensuring such access.

The high cost of prescription drugs was a significant concern, leading 24 percent of households to make compromises, such as not filling or renewing prescriptions, to cope with expenses. The poll highlighted the widespread support for a universal national pharmacare program, with almost 90 percent of Canadians endorsing the initiative.

News: Pharmacare bill to be tabled by March 2024, Liberals and NDP confirm

March 6, 2018

The stress of prescription drug costs on household budgets was reported by 35 percent of Canadians, while 21 percent of those with coverage still found the out-of-pocket expenses challenging. Disparities in access were evident, with certain groups facing greater barriers, including women, Indigenous people, those aged 18 to 44, individuals with lower incomes, and those in poorer health.

The Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions advocated for federal leadership and an equitable drug strategy, emphasizing the urgent need for a national universal pharmacare program. The poll results indicated that pharmacare was a critical concern for Canadians, urging political parties to prioritize it in the federal election discussions.

April 8, 2022

This divergence in public opinion over a relatively short period underscores the dynamic nature of Canadian attitudes towards pharmacare, with recent challenges and economic uncertainties prompting a reconsideration of priorities. The contrast with the overwhelming support just four years ago highlights the evolving nature of public sentiment in the face of changing circumstances. (AI)

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give illustration a try:

Friday December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday December 8, 2023

The Silent Pleas: Children’s Direct Appeals to Santa Reflect Growing Anxiety

December 15, 2022

As the festive season draws near, the typical scene of children sitting on Santa’s lap to share their Christmas wishes takes a profound turn. The customary requests for the latest toys are replaced by heartfelt pleas for something far more basic – food, proper housing, and a world free from the shadows of climate change and global conflicts.

A recent report from the American Psychological Association, in collaboration with ecoAmerica, sheds light on the profound impact of climate change on the mental health of children and adolescents. It paints a distressing picture where environmental events linked to climate change, such as extreme weather, heatwaves, and poor air quality, act as triggers for mental health issues, ranging from anxiety and depression to cognitive impairment and aggression.

News: Social anxiety and grief means Christmas is tough for me

December 10, 2020

The stressors don’t end with the direct impacts on children. Parents, struggling with the hardships associated with environmental events like extreme heat or wildfires, find their own mental health compromised. This, in turn, influences the well-being of their children, creating a ripple effect of trauma that extends beyond generations.

The report underscores the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the psychological harms are unfolding right now for children and youth. It’s not a concern that can be shelved for future resolutions; society must act immediately.

December 4, 2018

The anxieties begin even before birth, with prenatal exposure to weather disasters, high temperatures, and pollution increasing the risk of a range of behavioural and developmental issues. These consequences, affecting the development of the nervous system, are often irreversible, setting the stage for a lifetime of challenges.

For infants and young children, exposure to climate change-related events and the news reports about them can lead to anxiety, sleep troubles, PTSD, disrupted cognitive development, and major depressive disorder. Adolescents, already grappling with the complexities of adolescence, face additional mental health risks as climate change disrupts their lives, potentially canceling classes, damaging their homes, or leading to food insecurity.

December 10, 2015

What makes the situation more poignant is the anxiety young people harbour about the future. They are keenly aware of the impending consequences of climate change and express deep concern about the perceived inaction of governments and authority figures. This anxiety, according to the report, is linked to heightened risks of anxiety, depression, strained social relationships, and even suicide.

As we approach the holiday season, the traditional scene of children sharing their Christmas wishes with Santa takes on a new gravity. The requests go beyond the realm of toys and gadgets; children are now directly appealing to Santa for a solution to the cost of living crisis, action against climate change, and an end to global conflicts in places like Ukraine and the Middle East.

News: Pushy children’s hilarious letters to Father Christmas

June 17, 2023

The report highlights that not all young people experience the mental health impacts of climate change equally. Those from marginalized or low-income backgrounds are disproportionately affected, lacking the resources to cope with extreme weather events. The solution, the report suggests, lies in collective action. School systems must play a more active role by designing protective facilities and incorporating climate change education into the curriculum. Health care professionals should screen for climate-related distress among youth, recognizing the urgency of addressing this pressing issue.

The responsibility, however, does not rest solely on professionals. As a society, we must recognize that children are the future, and their mental well-being is intertwined with the world we create for them. This holiday season should serve as a reminder not only to fulfill material wishes but to address the deeper concerns expressed in these direct appeals – a plea for a world where children can grow up without the looming shadows of climate change and global conflicts. It’s a call to action that cannot be ignored, for the sake of the children and the future they envision. (AI)