misogyny

Saturday August 8, 2026

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Trump's rhetoric targets powerful women and foreign leaders, complicating diplomacy and highlighting gender biases.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday August 8, 2026

Published in The West Central Voice (Saskatchewan), and The Sentinel (Colorado) 

Trump’s Verbal Barrage Against Women and Allies

Canadian retaliation against Trump's tariffs gains traction as Hoekstra labels the nation "mean and nasty."

July 23, 2025

In the realm of political discourse, words wield power. Donald Trump’s penchant for labeling women as “nasty” is a troubling pattern that reverberates through his interactions with both journalists and international leaders. This rhetoric, often targeted at formidable women, underscores a broader narrative of undermining those who dare to challenge him.

Kaitlan Collins, a respected journalist, recently joined the ranks of women labeled “nasty” by Trump. Her commitment to rigorous journalism and fearless questioning stands in stark contrast to the compliant figures surrounding the President. This dynamic—where women who assert their agency face derogation—mirrors a persistent struggle for respect and equality.

Transcript: President Trump Addresses The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, July 24, 2026

November 21, 2019

Trump’s language isn’t confined to the domestic arena. His recent remarks in Las Vegas, branding Canada’s leadership as “nasty,” add to a repertoire of public insults. Canadians, familiar with his bluster, may dismiss this as part of a tiresome routine. Yet, these words carry weight in diplomatic circles, complicating the intricate dance of international relations.

NYT: After Trump Calls Canadians ‘Nasty,’ Mark Carney Says the Word Fits Trade Talks

This approach to diplomacy draws uncomfortable comparisons to past presidents. Lyndon Johnson’s infamous physical confrontation with Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson occurred behind closed doors. Today, Trump’s public disparagements threaten to eclipse such historical anecdotes, leaving a legacy of open hostility.

Despite these challenges, Canada remains steadfast in its dealings with the U.S. The strategy appears to be one of endurance—waiting out the storm until the political landscape shifts. This calculated patience underscores the resilience required to navigate a relationship fraught with public affronts.

News: Donald Trump calls Canada’s leaders ‘nasty.’ Mark Carney says trade talks are, too 

As Donald Trump’s campaign falters under the weight of his stubborn and predictable insults, the Democrats, led by Kamala Harris, gain momentum by uniting around a vision of stability and progress.

August 17, 2024

As we inch toward the November midterms, the stakes are high. The hope is that discerning voters will recognize the dissonance between leadership and rhetoric. Ultimately, the true test lies in whether we allow such language to define our political landscape, or whether we demand a discourse marked by respect and integrity.

In this complex interplay of power and words, the challenge remains: to rise above the noise and hold fast to the values that bind us as a society.

Friday July 25, 2025

A recent legal case involving young hockey players in Canada has sparked a call for cultural change within the sport to address toxic masculinity and ensure accountability.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 25, 2025

Published in The Spokesman Review (No. 2 of 4). 

Transforming Hockey’s Culture

April 20, 2023

The recent legal case involving young hockey players has brought significant attention to the culture within the sport. It centred around allegations of sexual assault, which the complainant brought against several members of a Canadian junior hockey team. While the verdict found the players not guilty, the case has left a lasting impact on public perception and has prompted discussions about the broader implications for Hockey Canada and the sport as a whole.

This case has shone a spotlight on the aspects of hockey culture that can sometimes overshadow the fundamental principles of respect and ethical behaviour. The emphasis on toughness and aggression, often associated with toxic masculinity, can lead to environments where inappropriate behaviour is overlooked or excused. This not only affects those directly involved but also tarnishes the reputation of the sport.

Opinion: The Hockey Canada verdict shouldn’t distract from this important truth

October 7, 2022

While phrases like “A Call to Action” are often used to address these issues, they can become repetitive and lose their impact when not followed by real change. To truly address the problems within hockey culture, it’s essential to move beyond rhetoric and focus on concrete steps. Establishing and strictly enforcing policies that address misconduct and promote respect is crucial. This means not only having clear rules but also ensuring they are followed and that violations are met with appropriate consequences.

Regular, mandatory training on topics like consent, respect, and inclusivity should be a standard part of every team’s program. This helps reinforce positive behaviours and challenges toxic norms. Coaches, team leaders, and organizations must play an active role in fostering a respectful culture. This includes modelling appropriate behavior and holding everyone accountable, regardless of their status or talent.

News: All five former players in sexual assault case found not guilty of all charges

November 28, 2007

Partnering with organizations and experts who specialize in cultural change and education can bring fresh perspectives and effective strategies that are tailored to the unique challenges of sports environments. Regularly reporting on the progress of initiatives aimed at cultural change can build trust and demonstrate commitment to the cause. Transparency in how issues are handled encourages accountability and shows that actions are being taken seriously.

Hockey Canada and other governing bodies must take decisive action to challenge and dismantle the toxic elements of the sport’s culture. By focusing on these actionable steps, the phrase “A Call to Action” can become more than just a familiar refrain. It can signify a genuine commitment to addressing the issues at hand and lead to meaningful, lasting change. Everyone involved in hockey must work together to create a safe and respectful environment, ensuring that the values of respect and integrity guide every aspect of the game.

Thursday April 20, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday April 20, 2023

Slap Shot or Slap in the Face?

October 7, 2022

The recent decision by the Trudeau government to release Hockey Canada from the penalty box and restore its funding after it was frozen in June 2022 by Sport Minister Pascale St-Onge has raised eyebrows and doubts about its wisdom. While Hockey Canada did enough to provisionally regain its funding, the challenges it now faces in rebuilding trust with major sponsors may be insurmountable, according to marketing expert Dr. Joanne McNeish from Toronto Metropolitan University.

The loss of sponsorship dollars, which was reported to be $23.5 million last year, and the loss of funding was a direct result of the revelation that a woman alleged she was sexually assaulted by eight players, including members of the 2018 world junior team, following a foundation gala in London, Ont. in June 2018. Hockey Canada and the woman quietly settled a $3.55 million lawsuit out of court. Subsequently, members of the 2003 men’s world junior roster were also being investigated for a group sexual assault.

Despite bringing in new leadership and meeting the conditions to have its funding restored, Hockey Canada’s reputation has been severely tarnished. The decision to restore funding has been met with disagreement by some members of Parliament, and it has raised questions about the organization’s leverage in negotiations with potential or past sponsors.

Opinion: The funding is back but can public trust in Hockey Canada be restored? 

November 28, 2007

Dr. McNeish argues that rebuilding trust, once broken, is a monumental challenge. Sponsors will be cautious and may impose additional legal and contractual obligations, which could be costly for a non-profit organization like Hockey Canada. This means that the organization will have less freedom in how it uses the funding provided and may have to accept less favorable terms from sponsors, leaving them in a position of almost begging for sponsorship.

Furthermore, the public perception of Hockey Canada may be negatively impacted, with sponsors opting for more targeted and specific funding at the grassroots level, rather than a visible public link with the organization. Companies like Tim Hortons have already pulled out of men’s hockey programming for the 2022-2023 season, including the men’s world junior championships, while continuing to fund women’s and para hockey teams, as well as youth hockey.

Dr. McNeish argues that while some sponsors may return, others may not find it worth the risk to associate themselves with an organization that has faced serious allegations of sexual assault and has had its funding frozen. The damage to Hockey Canada’s reputation may result in a weaker negotiating position and less favorable sponsorship terms, which could have long-term repercussions for the organization’s financial stability and ability to support grassroots hockey.

News: Rebuilding trust with sponsors will be next challenge for Hockey Canada  

February 22, 2014

The Trudeau government’s decision to restore funding to Hockey Canada may not have been a wise one. While the organization has met the conditions to regain its funding, the challenges of rebuilding trust with major sponsors and the potential loss of leverage in negotiations may have long-term negative consequences. The damage to Hockey Canada’s reputation may result in less favorable sponsorship terms and a weakened financial position, which could impact its ability to support grassroots hockey in Canada. It remains to be seen how sponsors will respond, but the decision to restore funding may have been made too hastily, without fully considering the potential consequences for the organization’s future. (AI)

 

Friday October 7, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday October 7, 2022

Hockey Canada cannot dodge accountability

When it comes to wilful blindness and delusional self-importance, it’s no small accomplishment to leave a committee of politicians — themselves masters in the craft — slack-jawed and speechless.

But Andrea Skinner pulled it off.

The interim chair of Hockey Canada, testifying before a Commons committee on Tuesday, put on a master class of denial, deflection, whataboutism and arrogance.

Skinner suggested the problem of sexual assault was societal, rather than particularly prevalent in hockey.

“Toxic behaviour exists throughout society,” she told MPs via video link, and to crack down on hockey would be “counterproductive.”

She went on to say that the hockey world in this country could not possibly cope with a wholesale housecleaning at Hockey Canada.

February 18, 2022

“I think that will be very impactful in a negative way to our boys and girls who are playing hockey. Will the lights stay on in the rink? I don’t know. We can’t predict that. And to me, that’s not a risk worth taking.”

The defiant performance amounted to chutzpah on stilts, so out of touch with the reality of proceedings that MPs wanted to know if Skinner was perhaps being coached by someone off screen working from a script.

The last year at Hockey Canada has produced enough appalling news that most entities under similar duress would have cleaned house and agreed to whatever terms citizens, stakeholders and government demanded by way of renewal.

First came media reports of an alleged sexual assault following a 2018 gala in London, Ont., involving eight unidentified players — including members of that year’s world junior championship team.

A police investigation resulted in no charges, but a woman — 18 and intoxicated at the time of the alleged assault — later sued Hockey Canada, the Canadian Hockey League and unnamed players for more than $3.5 million and reached an out-of-court settlement. None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Then came news that Hockey Canada maintained a so-called National Equity Fund to pay for uninsured liabilities, including sexual-abuse claims.

Then, further allegations of sexual assault against players on Canada’s national junior team from 2003 in Halifax.

The federal government has frozen funding and corporate sponsors put a hold on their support, turning this summer’s World Junior Hockey championship in Alberta into the sporting equivalent of a tree falling in a forest with no one there to hear it.

This week, just days before the scheduled committee appearance, more news broke that Hockey Canada actually had a second fund to handle sexual assault claims.

While police continue to investigate the sexual assault allegations, federal Sport Minister Pascale St-Onge quite properly commissioned a full audit of Hockey Canada dating to 2016.

This week, the minister said on CBC News: “We’re witnessing an organization that seems to be more interested in protecting themselves and their jobs than protecting the public, the women and the players in their own organization.”

It goes without saying there must be accountability and consequences for any perpetrators of sexual assault.

There must also be accountability for the governance group that — whether Skinner recognizes it or not — contributed to the toxic culture of entitlement by helping make complaints disappear while allowing transgressors to skate merrily on with their charmed lives.

On Wednesday, Hockey Quebec declared that it had lost confidence in Hockey Canada and will not transfer funds to the national organization. And Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke for many, saying, “I think it boggles the mind that Hockey Canada is continuing to dig in its heels … Parents across the country are losing faith or have lost faith in Hockey Canada. Certainly, politicians here in Ottawa have lost faith in Hockey Canada.”

Skinner need have no fear that the lights will stay on in rinks across Canada. Just as the spotlight on Hockey Canada will keep shining until accountability is delivered. (Hamilton Spectator Editorial) 

 

Tuesday August 30, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday August 30, 2022

Neanderthals and Strong Women

May 26, 2021

From a makeshift studio and with a news anchor’s measured tones, one of Canada’s most familiar faces shocked viewers, created a PR disaster at a national broadcaster and set off intense conversations about how employers treat women as they age.

She did it with a polite, unexpected farewell.

“I guess this is my sign-off from CTV,” the news anchor, Lisa LaFlamme said in a video that announced the abrupt end of her 35-year career at the network.

The dismissal of Ms. LaFlamme, who was most likely one of the newsroom’s highest-paid employees, followed a torrent of layoffs and budget cuts at CTV’s network and local news operations over the past seven years, which were made despite government assistance to news organizations. As in the United States, the internet and years of collapsing advertising revenue have left many Canadian news organizations in dire financial straits. The executive put on leave, Michael Melling, had overseen recent layoffs and cuts at CTV.