minister – mackaycartoons

Wednesday May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 1, 2024

Beyond the Classroom: Addressing the Broader Problem of Smartphone Addiction

September 3, 2013

The recent decision by the Ontario government to ban cell phones in classrooms has reignited the debate over the role of smartphones in education. While this move has sparked discussions about distractions and academic performance, it also brings to light a broader issue: smartphone addiction among adults.

Smartphones have become ubiquitous in our society, seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our daily lives. From morning alarms to late-night scrolling sessions, these devices are constant companions, offering a gateway to endless information and entertainment. However, the convenience and connectivity they provide come at a cost.

The addictive nature of smartphones is undeniable. Research has shown that excessive smartphone use can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including decreased productivity, impaired social interactions, and heightened levels of stress and anxiety. Despite these consequences, many adults find themselves unable to break free from the grip of their devices.

Editorial: “Out of sight, out of mind.” There are many good reasons to curb cellphones in class

September 17, 2010

The Ontario government’s decision to ban cell phones in classrooms is a step in the right direction, but it only scratches the surface of a much larger problem. Smartphone addiction extends far beyond the confines of the classroom, affecting individuals in all aspects of their lives – from the workplace to social settings and even in the privacy of their own homes.

In the workplace, smartphones blur the boundaries between professional and personal life, leading to a constant state of connectivity and an expectation of immediate responsiveness. This can result in burnout and decreased job satisfaction, as individuals struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

November 2, 2017

In social settings, smartphones have replaced face-to-face interactions, leading to a decline in meaningful connections and a rise in feelings of loneliness and isolation. Instead of engaging with those around us, we often find ourselves glued to our screens, missing out on the richness of human connection.

Even in our downtime, smartphones continue to hold sway over our lives. The temptation to check email, scroll through social media, or binge-watch videos can be irresistible, leaving us feeling drained and unfulfilled.

Addressing smartphone addiction requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond classroom bans. It requires a cultural shift in how we view and interact with technology, as well as policies and interventions aimed at promoting digital well-being.

May 20, 2017

Tech companies must take responsibility for their role in perpetuating addictive behaviours, by designing products and services that prioritize user well-being over engagement metrics. Governments can play a role by implementing regulations that curb the most harmful aspects of smartphone use, such as excessive screen time and targeted advertising.

But ultimately, the onus is on us as individuals to take control of our technology use and establish healthier habits. This means setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support when needed.

The Ontario government’s ban on cell phones in classrooms is a wake-up call, highlighting the need for a broader conversation about smartphone addiction in our society. It’s time to recognize the true extent of the problem and take meaningful steps to address it, both in the classroom and beyond. (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:

Thursday October 28, 2021

October 28, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday October 28, 2021

New environment minister faces questions about past activism

Canada’s new environment minister says his past as an activist should not raise alarms in the energy industry or the office of Alberta’s premier.

April 20, 2019

“I don’t have a secret agenda as environment minister,” Steven Guilbeault said today after the first meeting in Ottawa of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s new cabinet. “It’s a government effort to tackle … what many consider one of humanity’s greatest challenges, which is climate change.”

Guilbeault said the government’s plan to fight climate change is “very clear” and most of it — such as carbon pricing and the push for more public transit and cleaner energy sources — is “already known.”

January 26, 2021

The Trudeau government has committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

Before entering electoral politics in 2019, the Quebec MP co-founded Équiterre, a Quebec-based environmental organization, and was the director of a provincial chapter of Greenpeace. He spoke out against pipeline projects, including the Trans Mountain expansion.

May 14, 2019

Guilbeault also took part in stunts to draw attention to environmental causes.

In 2001, Guilbeault was arrested after scaling Toronto’s CN Tower to raise awareness of climate change. In 2002, he was involved in a Greenpeace stunt that saw activists climb onto the roof of then Alberta premier Ralph Klein’s house to install solar panels.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said Tuesday that Guilbeault’s appointment to the environment portfolio sends a “very problematic message” to the province.

April 11, 2018

“I certainly hope that [Guilbeault] … will quickly demonstrate to Alberta, and other resource-producing provinces, a desire to work together constructively on practical solutions that don’t end up killing hundreds of thousands of jobs,” Kenney said.

Asked about Kenney’s comments, Guilbeault said oil companies already recognize that more needs to be done to tackle climate change and that many already have agreed to hit net-zero emissions by 2050. He also noted that the new mayor of Calgary, Jyoti Gondek, wants the city to declare a climate emergency.

Canadians made it clear in the recent federal election campaign that they want “not just the federal government but all governments to do more” to address climate change, he said. (CBC)

Tuesday May 2, 2017

May 1, 2017 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 2, 2017

‘Stolen valour’: Sajjan faces calls to resign in wake of Afghanistan battle claim

February 9, 2016

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Harjit Sajjan has his “full confidence” amid a growing controversy over the defence minister’s exaggerated claim he was the “architect” of a major assault on the Taliban in 2006.

Interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose accused Sajjan of “stolen valour” for taking credit for the actions of another, and called on Trudeau to fire him for dishonouring himself and the military.

“What he did was wrong, and now he has lost the confidence of our men and women in uniform, and they need to have confidence in their leaders, especially when they’re putting their lives on the line,” she said. “So will the prime minister remove the minister of defence?”

January 19, 2016

But Trudeau said Sajjan has served his country in a number of ways, as a police officer, a soldier and now as a cabinet minister. He made a mistake, apologized and took responsibility for it, the prime minister said.

“When we make a mistake, Canadians expect us to apologize and to acknowledge that mistake. That’s what we did and that’s why the minister of defence continues to have my full confidence,” Trudeau told the House.

Sajjan briefly met with reporters before entering the House of Commons, again apologizing and saying he was “not here to make excuses.”

February 10, 2017

“I’m owning it. I’m learning from it and I’ll be a better person for it,” he said.

He reiterated his apology in the House.

But NDP Leader Tom Mulcair accused Sajjan of telling “a whopper” and said that simply saying sorry isn’t enough.

“That is not something you apologize for, it’s something that you have to step down for,” he said.

MPs are back in Ottawa after a two-week break, and the controversy over Sajjan overstating his role in Operation Medusa during an April 18 address in New Delhi dominated the daily question period, with some MPs hollering “shame!” and “disgusting!”

The Conservatives said it is not an isolated incident, but part of a pattern of misleading the public (Source: CBC News)

Thursday February 2, 2017

February 1, 2017 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 2, 2017

Trudeau drops pledge to reform Canada’s electoral system

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has abandoned his longstanding promise to overhaul Canada’s voting system.

December 9, 2016

Trudeau made the dramatic reversal of a key platform plank in a new mandate letter for Karina Gould, his newly named minister of democratic institutions.

“Changing the electoral system will not be in your mandate,” reads the letter.

“There has been tremendous work by the House of Commons Special Committee on Electoral Reform, outreach by Members of Parliament by all parties, and engagement of 360,000 individuals in Canada through mydemocracy.ca,” Trudeau wrote.

“A clear preference for a new electoral system, let alone a consensus, has not emerged. Furthermore, without a clear preference or a clear question, a referendum would not be in Canada’s interest.”

December 2, 2016

That clearly contradicts a report submitted by a parliamentary committee to the government last fall.

Trudeau had long said the Liberals would ensure the 2015 election was the last one held under the current first-past-the-post system, under which the party that wins a plurality of votes gets to form government, even if it doesn’t win a 50-per-cent-plus-one-vote majority of the popular vote.

In a town hall in Belleville three weeks ago, Trudeau admitted he was “on record” as personally in favour of a ranked ballot system. But he insisted at that time he would not back away from its plan to change the way Canadians vote and elect their governments.

Instead, Trudeau set out a broader goal — with some new marching orders — for Gould.

October 21, 2016

“As Minister of Democratic Institutions, your overarching goal will be to strengthen the openness and fairness of Canada’s public institutions. You will lead on improving our democratic institutions and Senate reform to restore Canadians’ trust and participation in our democratic processes,” he wrote.

Gould told reporters her priorities will be to legislate changes to boost transparency for cash-for-access political fundraisers, and getting the government’s key electronic signals spy agency (CSE or Communications Security Establishment) to assess the risk posed by hackers to Canadian political and electoral activities.

On the defensive in her first major news conference, Gould said that the government undertook major consultations and listened to Canadians on electoral reform but “we realized there was no consensus to move forward with electoral reform.” (Source: Toronto Star)

Tuesday June 23, 2015

June 22, 2015 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday June 23, 2015

Industry Minister James Moore leaving federal politics

Stephen Harper’s Conservative government is grappling with another looming high-profile departure as Industry Minister James Moore, a well-liked politician and moderate voice in the party, announced Friday he won’t be running in the October election.

Moore, the MP for Port Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam, caught Conservative insiders and fellow MPs off guard with his announcement that he would be leaving politics, citing family and the health of his young son as the reason.

“Balancing family responsibilities while in public life is always a challenge,” Moore said in a statement.

“This is particularly true when you have a child with special needs. Recently my wife and I received some difficult news about the health of our beautiful son Spencer,” said Moore, who did not go into specifics.

In his statement, Moore said he would finish out his term and return to B.C. to “pursue new opportunities and be closer to my young family.”

He is the latest in a string of cabinet ministers who have either quit or signalled they won’t be running again this fall — Justice Minister Peter MacKay, John Baird, who left as foreign affairs minister, Heritage Minister Shelly Glover and International Development Minister Christian Paradis, in addition to the more than two dozen backbench Tories who won’t return to Ottawa. (Source: Toronto Star)

Published in the Thunder Bay Chronicle Herald, NUPGE, The Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, The Woodstock Sentinel Review and iPolitics.ca