misinformation – mackaycartoons

Wednesday July 15, 2026

July 15, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday July 15, 2026

The Gordie Howe Bridge Deal: A Tale of Shakedowns and Misinformation

June 11, 2026

The Gordie Howe Bridge, linking Windsor and Detroit, stands as a testament to Canada’s commitment to enhancing trade relationships. However, the recent renegotiation of its opening terms has exposed the challenges of dealing with a U.S. administration led by Donald Trump, whose tactics can best be described as a “shakedown.”

The original agreement, a creative solution balancing Canadian investment with shared prosperity, was upended by Trump’s last-minute demands. This maneuvering reflects a broader pattern of transactional politics, prioritizing perceived wins over established agreements. Such actions undermine trust and paint a concerning picture of U.S. reliability on the global stage.

News: Business leaders applaud Gordie Howe bridge opening — despite concerns over profit-sharing deal

May 12, 2026

While Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, worked diligently to ensure the bridge’s completion, the altered terms mean Canada will take longer to recoup its $6.4 billion investment. However, this is not a major defeat for Canada. The project ensures that toll revenues will cover operating costs and debt service, securing Canada’s financial interests in the long run.

Moreover, the bridge opens vital new trade routes, easing congestion and facilitating billions in trade. Both Ontario and Michigan stand to gain from improved logistics and economic growth. By getting the bridge open, Canadian businesses can avoid higher logistics costs, ensuring competitiveness and growth.

In this landscape, misinformation has clouded public perception. Howard Lutnick’s assertion that the original deal would lead to an influx of Chinese EVs through Canada is misleading. The bridge facilitates trade, but it doesn’t change import regulations or national trade policies. Similarly, Mike Rogers’ confusion over revenues and profits misses key distinctions. Revenues are the gross tolls collected, while profits account for operating costs and debt service. The agreement ensures Canada’s costs are covered before profit-sharing begins.

Opinion: The Gordie Howe Bridge deal isn’t simply politics as usual. It’s about Trump’s distorted vision of power

February 11, 2026

Despite these distortions, the reality remains: the bridge’s opening is crucial for trade, benefiting both Ontario and Michigan. In the end, the bridge will open, and commerce will flow, but the incident leaves a mark. It underscores the risks of engaging with an administration that wields power through coercion. As Canadians, we can take solace in the bridge’s completion and hope that Trump’s meddling is a chapter soon closed, allowing both nations to move forward collaboratively.

Wednesday June 17, 2026

June 17, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 17, 2026

Also published in The Week, in Politico, in The Toronto Star, and The Santa Maria Times, and The Sentinel Colorado, and The Daily Cartoonist.

Reining in Social Media: Protecting Youth and Society

June 26, 2019

In recent years, the call for regulating social media has grown from a murmur to a resounding chorus. This sentiment, echoed across Canada and beyond, stems from the undeniable harms these platforms pose, particularly to children and youth. Recent legislative actions, such as Canada’s Safe Social Media Act, alongside similar efforts worldwide, underscore the urgency of this issue.

The introduction of a social media ban for those under 16, as seen in Bill C-34, is a significant step toward safeguarding young people. As detailed in the CBC and Toronto Star articles, parents express hope that such measures will mitigate risks associated with online content, addictive algorithms, and exposure to harmful interactions. However, the challenge remains in effectively implementing these bans without falling prey to easy circumvention.

News: Carney government makes long-awaited move to restrict social media access for children

March 21, 2018

While protecting youth is crucial, we must also acknowledge the broader societal issue: adult addiction to smartphones and social media. This widespread dependency not only impacts mental health but also detracts from real-world interactions. The anonymity afforded by these platforms, while protecting privacy, also enables misinformation and harmful discourse to flourish unchecked.

Opposition from tech giants like Meta and Google highlights a deeper issue: the monetization of anonymity and engagement. These companies thrive on user data and interactions, making them resistant to regulations that threaten their business models. However, as reflected in the reader comments and expert opinions, regulations opposed by social media companies often align with societal interests. The resistance from these platforms can indicate the effectiveness of proposed measures.

Effective legislation must balance privacy concerns with the need for accountability. As discussed, age verification methods must protect user data while ensuring compliance. The establishment of a Digital Safety Commission is essential, providing oversight and standards to ensure platforms prioritize user safety over profit.

News: Canada vows to restrict social media for kids under 16. Teens say they’ll ‘always find a way’

May 20, 2017

The path to a safer digital landscape is complex, requiring cooperation between governments, tech companies, and society. As we move forward, it’s crucial to maintain vigilance, adapt to evolving challenges, and prioritize the well-being of all users. By implementing thoughtful regulations and fostering digital literacy, we can harness the benefits of social media while mitigating its risks.

Ultimately, any legislation that challenges the status quo and faces pushback from social media giants is a step in the right direction. It’s a sign that we are prioritizing human welfare over corporate interests—a necessary shift for a healthier, more connected society.

Wednesday November 12, 2025

November 12, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday November 12, 2025

Losing Measles Elimination Status is a Humiliating Wake-Up Call for Canada

March 6, 2024

Canada’s recent loss of its measles elimination status is not just a public health setback; it’s a national embarrassment that underscores the urgent need to address the pervasive influence of misinformation and the political coddling of anti-vaccine sentiments. For nearly three decades, Canada stood as a model for controlling vaccine-preventable diseases. Today, however, we face a stark reality: the resurgence of measles, a disease we had once conquered, due to declining vaccination rates and the unchecked spread of misinformation.

This humiliating development should serve as a wake-up call for public health authorities and politicians alike. The outbreak, which has now persisted for over a year and spread across multiple provinces, is a direct consequence of allowing personal beliefs, fuelled by misinformation, to override scientific consensus and public health imperatives. The fact that Canada is the only country in the Americas to lose its measles-free status highlights the severity of our failure.

NYT: Canada Is About to Lose Its Status as Having Eliminated Measles

August 28, 2021

A major part of this problem is the dangerous libertarian streak espoused by political leaders like Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith. By prioritizing personal choice and framing the unvaccinated as a “discriminated-against group,” Smith has enabled anti-vaxxers, undermining public health efforts. This approach not only jeopardizes individual health but also threatens community safety, as it places individual freedoms above collective well-being, leading to preventable illnesses and deaths.

Public health authorities must confront this issue head-on, starting with a robust response to misinformation. This includes launching nationwide educational campaigns that clearly communicate the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Authorities must engage with communities directly, particularly those with historically low vaccination rates, to rebuild trust and dispel myths perpetuated by anti-vaccine movements.

News: Canada has lost its measles elimination status. Public health officials say it should be a wake-up call

September 6, 2025

Moreover, there needs to be a concerted effort to implement consistent vaccination policies across all provinces, removing non-medical exemptions that allow personal beliefs to endanger public health. While personal choice is a valued principle, it cannot come at the cost of public safety. The resurgence of measles is a stark reminder that when vaccination rates fall, preventable diseases return, with devastating consequences.

Canada’s loss of measles elimination status is a call to action. We must recommit to public health principles, prioritize science over politics, and ensure that the hard-won victories of the past are not undone by complacency and misinformation. The health of our nation depends on it.

Wanted: a Vaccine Against Antivaxx Misinformation

July 8, 2025

Growing up surrounded by healthcare professionals, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of preventative medicine. My family—comprised of nurses, physicians, and a dentist—has dedicated decades to treating patients and advocating for preventative measures like vaccines and fluoride. These aren’t schemes by big pharma; they’re proven methods that have saved millions of lives.
It’s frustrating to see leaders pandering to conspiracy theorists and so-called specialists who undermine decades of medical advancement. My grandfather, a dedicated family physician, would be rolling in his grave if he knew how far we’ve strayed from trusting science and expertise.

What baffles me is the willingness of otherwise rational people to buy into misinformation. It’s like a virus itself, infecting minds that should know better. Sadly, there’s no vaccine for this kind of ignorance. It’s up to us to speak out, educate, and uphold the integrity of science-based medicine. We owe it to the generations before us and to the health of future generations.

Saturday October 25, 2025

October 25, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday October 25, 2025

Reagan’s Legacy Sparks Cross-Border Trade Tempest

October 22 2025

In an era where political rhetoric often overshadows facts, President Trump’s recent decision to terminate trade negotiations with Canada stands out as an over-the-top reaction, deeply mired in misconceptions about Ronald Reagan’s trade policies. This move is not just a blow to diplomatic relations but also a stark misrepresentation of historical truths.

Ronald Reagan, revered in Republican circles, was a staunch advocate for free trade, cautioning against the perils of protectionism. His words, now at the centre of controversy due to an Ontario ad campaign, were used to highlight the dangers of tariffs, a tool Trump has wielded broadly and recklessly. The notion that the ad was misleading is unfounded; it faithfully reproduces Reagan’s sentiments, albeit not verbatim, to underscore a legitimate critique of Trump’s approach.

News: U.S. President Donald Trump cancels trade talks with Canada over Ontario ad that uses Ronald Reagan speech to attack tariffs

October 15, 2025

This isn’t the first time Trump has resorted to misinformation concerning Canada. His baseless claims about fentanyl crossing the northern border and misleading statements about Canadian dairy tariffs have previously strained relations. Yet, in reality, Reagan’s stance on tariffs was diametrically opposed to Trump’s, favouring selective, temporary measures over broad, economy-stifling policies.

The Ford government’s strategic use of Reagan’s archival footage is not only clever but necessary. With the U.S. aggressively luring manufacturing jobs away from Canada, the ad campaign aims to remind both nations of the long-term economic dangers of protectionism. The timing couldn’t be more poignant, coinciding with the World Series featuring the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, when cross-border attention is at its peak.

NYT: Trump Called a Canadian Ad Fake. It Faithfully Reproduces Reagan’s Words

October 22, 2024

It’s regrettable that the Reagan Foundation has been drawn into this fray, pushed into a role beyond its educational mission, seemingly to serve the political narratives of the Trump administration. This situation underscores the deepening divide between traditional Reagan Republicans and the fervent supporters of Trump, whose policies and narratives often diverge sharply from historical Republican ideals.

As Canada faces this declared trade war, leveraging Reagan’s legacy to drive a wedge between these factions is a sound strategy. It not only highlights the inconsistencies in Trump’s policies but also appeals to a broader base that respects Reagan’s vision for a prosperous, interconnected global economy.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Institue & Foundation vs…Me

President Trump’s recent Twitter tirade, alleging that Ontario’s ad campaign is trying to sway a U.S. Supreme Court decision on tariffs, is a far-fetched distraction from the real issue: how tariffs are harming Ontario’s economy. The ad uses Reagan’s pro-free trade clips to remind us of the benefits of open markets. It’s no wonder it irked Trump, as it airs during the World Series, aiming to create a divide between Reagan Republicans and Trump’s base.

Meanwhile, I’ve had my own encounter with the Reagan Foundation. They ordered the removal of my Reagan caricature from Redbubble, despite its innocent nature and presence in a long-standing Presidential series. While infringing content remains online, my design was singled out. I’ve asked the Foundation to reconsider, but no response yet. With the ad’s controversy, the timing feels oddly significant, highlighting how Reagan’s legacy is caught in today’s political crossfire.

Thursday September 25, 2025

September 25, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 25, 2025

Also published in The Toronto Star. Also Your West Central Voice and The Oyen Echo.

Trump’s Climate Denial: A Blast from the Past

September 20, 2025

In an era where the impacts of climate change are increasingly visible and scientifically undeniable, President Trump’s recent speech at the UN General Assembly represents a troubling return to outdated and debunked rhetoric. His dismissal of climate change as a “con job” and the promotion of fossil fuels over renewable energy ignore decades of scientific research and the urgent realities we face today.

Report: Canada won’t meet its 2030 climate target. Now what?

The effects of climate change are not mere predictions; they are happening now. Extreme weather events, wildfires, and floods are displacing communities and threatening biodiversity, while rising temperatures contribute to global instability. Yet, Trump’s rhetoric amplifies ignorance at a time when informed, science-based leadership is crucial.

September 6, 2025

Trump’s dismissal of the scientific consensus on climate change as being “made by stupid people” is not only offensive but also profoundly misinformed. The overwhelming majority of climate scientists agree that climate change is real and primarily driven by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels. This consensus is based on rigorous research and extensive data analysis conducted over many years. Organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and national scientific bodies worldwide have consistently presented evidence supporting these conclusions. Dismissing this well-established science undermines the credibility of experts who have dedicated their careers to understanding and addressing climate-related challenges. By ignoring these findings, Trump disregards the critical role of science in informing policy and protecting the planet for future generations.

News: Trump’s allies still waiting for him to land his hardest climate blow

August 24, 2025

Furthermore, Trump’s statement that “if you don’t get away from this green scam, your country is going to fail,” reflects a dangerous misunderstanding of economic and environmental realities. Far from being a “scam,” the transition to green energy presents opportunities for innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. Countries investing in renewable technologies are positioning themselves as leaders in the emerging global economy. To frame these advancements as detrimental is to ignore the potential benefits of a green transition, both environmentally and economically.

However, the resilience of other nations and local actors offers hope. Countries like Canada, despite facing their own climate challenges, can continue to push forward with strong policies and collaborations that defy this regressive stance. They must resist misinformation and uphold commitments to climate action, setting examples through innovation and international cooperation.

News: ‘Your Countries Are Going to Hell’: Trump Airs His Grievances at the U.N.

November 12, 2024

The global community must not capitulate to the influence of climate skepticism. Instead, it should focus on advancing sustainable practices, supporting scientific research, and fostering international partnerships that prioritize the planet’s health over outdated ideologies. While the current U.S. administration may be a roadblock, the collective effort of informed, proactive nations and local leaders can ensure that progress in combating climate change continues unabated.

This period will pass, and with it, hopefully, a reinvigoration of environmental stewardship at all levels of governance. The critical task now is to maintain momentum, resist regressive narratives, and ensure that climate action remains a priority on the global stage.