monopoly – mackaycartoons

Thursday September 19, 2024

September 19, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 19, 2024

Rogers’ Acquisition Will Cement Its Control—But What About the Fans?

Rogers Communications’ push to consolidate its control over Toronto’s sports scene has many fans questioning the implications. If this deal goes through, Rogers will control a significant chunk of the city’s sports and entertainment landscape, with wide-ranging impacts that extend far beyond the stadiums. The move raises concerns about whether the company’s priorities lie with building winning teams or simply maximizing profits.

July 12, 2022

Rogers already owns 37.5% of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which gives it partial control over the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), and Toronto FC (MLS). However, with this acquisition, Rogers is poised to increase its stake, potentially taking more ownership or influencing decisions over these teams and the venues they play in. MLSE alone is a massive conglomerate, responsible for the Leafs, Raptors, and Toronto FC, as well as the operations of Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, and the OVO Athletic Centre, to name just a few.

Add to that Rogers’ full ownership of the Toronto Blue Jays and their home, the Rogers Centre, and you have a near-monopoly over the city’s professional sports franchises. Rogers’ influence on both the Blue Jays and MLSE effectively grants them a stranglehold over Toronto’s biggest sports markets. This means control over ticket prices, broadcasting rights, and merchandising—further commercializing what many fans already feel is an overly corporate sports scene.

News: Rogers buys BCE’s stake in MLSE for $4.7-billion

November 27, 2013

If the deal is approved, Rogers will join the ranks of the world’s largest sports and entertainment conglomerates. Globally, it will be positioned alongside other corporate giants like Comcast (which owns NBCUniversal, the Philadelphia Flyers, and part of the Philadelphia 76ers), Liberty Media (owner of Formula 1 and the Atlanta Braves), and Madison Square Garden Sports Corp (owners of the New York Knicks and Rangers). Rogers would become one of the most powerful sports owners on the planet, with reach into all major North American sports leagues except the NFL.

May 2, 2023

But what does this mean for fans? Many already feel that ticket prices, parking fees, and concessions are becoming prohibitive. Reader comments from a Toronto Star piece on the city’s sports scene highlight the frustration: “Paid $140 for a mediocre seat at a Jay’s game… with parking and minimal food and drink purchases, we still managed to spend close to a hundred bucks.” With Rogers now poised to gain even more control, fans fear that prices will continue to rise while the on-field product stagnates.

Toronto fans, already paying top dollar to watch teams that rarely deliver championships, worry that Rogers’ acquisition will push sports further into elitist territory. As one commenter put it, “The franchises become ever more elitist cashboxes.” It’s hard to shake the feeling that Rogers sees these teams as vehicles for profit rather than sources of pride for a city that craves a championship legacy.

Analysis: Playoff failures, rising ticket prices, frustrated fans. How did we get here? An inside look at Toronto’s miserable sports scene

March 19, 2021

Rogers’ track record with the Blue Jays is far from reassuring. As one Star reader pointed out, the Blue Jays are seen as a “marketing circus” rather than a serious baseball contender. Despite having one of the top payrolls in Major League Baseball, the Jays remain a middling team, unable to capitalize on their resources and fan support. Similar concerns loom over the Raptors and Leafs, who, despite their market size and wealth, have consistently fallen short of their potential.

This acquisition cements Rogers as one of the most powerful forces in sports. The question now is whether this dominance will be used to deliver championships or simply to maximize profits. Toronto fans, who have been let down time and time again, have every reason to be cynical. Until the focus shifts from corporate gain to winning on the field, the city’s sports scene will remain a frustrating landscape of high costs and low returns. For a city that deserves better, this acquisition feels like more of the same. (AI)

Saturday September 7, 2024

September 7, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday September 7, 2024

Ford’s $225 Million Boondoggle is a Reckless Waste of Ontario’s Money

News: More than 300 Toronto corner stores can now sell alcohol

November 29, 2023

While the change to allow alcohol sales in convenience stores may appeal to those tired of Ontario’s restrictive liquor laws, the question remains: at what cost? Ford’s government has pushed through this plan with alarming haste, paying out $225 million in public money to escape a contract that could have expired naturally. The timeline of the decision, just ahead of a potential early election, raises concerns that this is less about delivering a long-promised reform and more about securing votes. The payout not only compensates The Beer Store’s multinational owners, but it also raises the ire of a public that would rather see these funds allocated toward essential services, such as health care and infrastructure.

In addition to the wasteful payout, the plan has led to considerable unrest. Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) workers went on strike in response to the changes, public health experts have warned of increased risks of alcohol-related harm, and the compensation deal for The Beer Store has triggered public outrage. With Ontario already the most indebted sub-sovereign entity in the world, the province simply cannot afford such reckless financial maneuvers.

May 18, 2023

Ford’s history of wasteful spending stretches back to his earliest days as premier. One of his first acts in 2018 was the cancellation of over 750 renewable energy projects, costing Ontario $231 million. The justification for these cancellations was to save money by halting projects that, according to Ford, Ontario did not need. However, in 2023, his government found itself reversing course, announcing a new expansion of renewable energy to meet rising demand and shifting corporate priorities toward emissions-free electricity. These contradictory policies not only reflect poor planning but also saddle Ontario with massive financial burdens.

News: Doug Ford shifts direction on wind power in Ontario

December 15, 2023

The $225 million payout for The Beer Store debacle is simply the latest in a pattern of costly decisions made by the Ford government. Ontarians should be outraged at how casually their tax dollars are being spent to satisfy short-term political goals. What could this $225 million have achieved if spent on health care, education, or infrastructure? In a time when the province is grappling with significant challenges—whether it be the crisis in health care, long ER wait times, or underfunded public services—this money could have gone a long way in addressing these needs.

In truth, this alcohol sales policy may represent a form of deregulation that many Ontarians find appealing. After all, increased convenience and the end of outdated “nanny state” rules around alcohol sales seem like progress. But if that progress comes at such an exorbitant cost, it’s fair to ask whether the Ford government’s priorities are truly in the public’s best interest.

July 26, 2012

The decision to liberalize alcohol sales could have been implemented without this massive payout if only the government had waited. The rash decision to buy out The Beer Store’s contract just to meet an election timetable is as unnecessary as it is expensive. Worse, it highlights the ongoing problem with Ford’s leadership—a willingness to spend hundreds of millions with little thought to long-term consequences or the taxpayer’s pocketbook.

Ontario deserves better governance, one that balances popular reforms with responsible stewardship of public funds. This $225 million boondoggle is yet another example of how far the Ford government is from achieving that balance. (AI)

Wednesday November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday November 29, 2023

Ontario’s Beer Store Faces Uncertain Future: A Nostalgic Look at the Possible Demise

July 26, 2012

In the not-so-distant future, one of Ontario’s iconic institutions, the Beer Store, finds itself on shaky ground. As whispers of its potential demise circulate, reminiscent of other Ontario mainstays like the Pop Shoppe and Consumers Distributing, citizens contemplate a future without the familiar sight of this beer retail giant.

Picture this: a Brewer’s Retail Museum emerges, a nostalgic shrine dedicated to memorializing the bygone days of The Beer Store. In a province that has seen the revival of Zellers and a brief reappearance of the Pop Shoppe before it was permanently relegated to the dustbin of history, this museum stands as a testament to an era when department stores were the heartbeat of Ontario.

News: Billions at stake as Doug Ford government prepares to change booze retailing in Ontario

May 30, 2019

Amidst the nostalgia, Premier Doug Ford’s ongoing efforts to expand alcohol sales beyond the Beer Store are met with mixed emotions. Though beer and wine in convenience stores seem inevitable, the fate of the Beer Store remains uncertain. Speculations arise as insiders suggest that the Master Framework Agreement, governing beer sales in Ontario, may not be renewed, opening the floodgates for increased competition.

The Beer Store, predominantly owned by major breweries like Molson, Labatt, and Sleeman, faces a shifting landscape. The agreement, set to expire in 2025, has spurred the Beer Store to downsize and sell off properties, reducing its footprint by four percent in recent years.

Editorial: Changing how we buy beer in Ontario

December 22, 2014

While rumors of the Beer Store’s potential closure swirl, public sentiment is divided. Many celebrate the end of what they perceive as a problematic monopoly, anticipating greater convenience, variety, and lower prices with increased competition. However, concerns linger about the potential loss of jobs, the disruption of the deposit-return program, and the impact on beer prices.

As the province awaits a decision on the Master Framework Agreement’s renewal, citizens grapple with the possible end of an era. Whether the Beer Store survives the winds of change or succumbs to the evolving landscape, Ontario’s collective sentiment reflects a desire for a more open and competitive market, where choices abound, prices are reasonable, and nostalgia meets progress. (AI)

Tuesday September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 19, 2023

Trudeau’s Desperate Bid to Salvage Sinking Polls and Soaring Food Prices

August 2, 2023

As Trudeau’s government grapples with plummeting poll numbers, the decision to summon CEOs from Canada’s grocery giants — Loblaw, Sobeys, Metro, Costco, and Walmart — to a meeting in Ottawa has become a high-stakes gamble in the quest to address the pressing issue of rising living costs. With housing and grocery prices skyrocketing, Trudeau is under immense pressure to demonstrate effective leadership, as recent polls show his government facing its worst ratings since 2015.

Trudeau’s announcement to hold the grocery CEOs accountable comes after weeks of relentless criticism from the opposition, particularly the Conservatives, on the handling of affordability issues. In a bold move, Trudeau warns these corporate leaders that they have until Thanksgiving to present a plan to stabilize food prices, with the threat of potential tax measures looming if they fail to deliver.

News: Grocer summit to ‘take the heat off’ Ottawa, not tackle food inflation: experts

March 8, 2023

This shift in stance reflects a newfound urgency, given that Trudeau had previously dismissed the idea of a windfall tax on grocery chains as “simplistic.” However, mounting public frustration and political survival seem to have swayed his perspective.

The parliamentary committee’s concerns about grocery giants profiting excessively from food inflation and the Competition Bureau’s call for increased competition have further fueled the government’s resolve to take action. Amendments to the Competition Act are in the pipeline to bolster the bureau’s authority to address market issues, fostering competition that could benefit consumers.

Led by Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, discussions with grocery CEOs will focus on solutions, particularly with the top five grocers that dominate 80 percent of the market. Critics, including NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, argue that Trudeau’s plan lacks specificity and accountability, raising the challenge of translating discussions into meaningful actions for Canadians.

News: Minister says Canada’s largest grocery chains have agreed to ‘work’ on stabilizing food prices

December 8, 2016

Ultimately, the outcome of this meeting holds both immediate and long-term implications — not only for grocery prices but also as a litmus test for Trudeau’s leadership. The nation watches closely to see if this initiative will be a turning point or merely a desperate attempt to regain popularity amid a sea of sinking poll numbers. One thing is clear: Canadians are expecting tangible results that reflect positively on their household budgets. (AI)

Wednesday August 2, 2023

August 2, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday August 2, 2023

Cry baby in the shopping cart

July 18, 2023

Inflation has been a significant concern for the Canadian economy, impacting all aspects of daily life, with grocery prices being hit the hardest. In recent months, the cost of living has surged by almost six percent, while grocery prices have soared nearly double that pace, leaving consumers feeling the pinch. As prices rise, the profits of big grocery chains have reached record highs, further exacerbating the disparity between their financial success and the plight of their low-wage workers.

Front-line grocery store workers at Metro, represented by Unifor Local 414, have taken a bold stance by going on strike, demanding fair treatment and wages that align with the company’s impressive profits. Over 3,000 workers across 27 Metro locations in the Greater Toronto Area are united in their fight for better pay and improved working conditions. Workers, like Tammy Laporte, a dedicated produce and fruit clerk with 25 years of service, want their contributions to be acknowledged through fair compensation.

Analysis: High stakes in Metro strike

June 20, 2023

The issue of low wages is prevalent among grocery store employees, forcing many to live in debt and struggle to make ends meet. Workers like Austin Coyle, a meat manager, are among the highest paid but still find it challenging to afford basic living expenses in the high-priced city of Toronto. The situation is so dire that some employees are forced to turn to food banks because they cannot afford to buy groceries from the very stores they work in.

The grievances of the workers are not without cause. During the pandemic, grocery chains, including Metro, earned praise for their “hero pay” bonuses for front-line workers. However, these bonuses were swiftly cut once the companies saw an opportunity to boost their profits. This move, which came amidst record earnings for the grocery barons, further highlights their prioritization of financial gains over the well-being of their employees.

March 8, 2023

Despite recent negotiations, which saw a tentative deal between Metro and the union, Unifor, the proposed wage increases fall short of meeting the workers’ immediate needs. The workers’ demands for a $2-per-hour wage increase in the first year were not met, leading to the rejection of the deal. While the grocery chains claim that they are offering wages above inflation rates, it fails to address the workers’ struggles in affording basic expenses amidst soaring CEO compensations.

While big grocery chains assert that they are not profiting from inflation, experts argue that the current economic climate provides them with cover to raise retail prices. As prices increase, the profits of these companies surge, despite their claims of maintaining slim profit margins. Such practices further widen the gap between the grocery barons’ financial success and the difficulties faced by their employees.

December 8, 2016

The actions of big grocery barons during the inflation crisis have brought their priorities into question. Their record profits and reluctance to address the immediate needs of their low-wage workers highlight a significant disparity in wealth distribution. The brave stand taken by front-line grocery store workers at Metro illustrates the urgent need for fair wages and improved working conditions. As consumers, it is essential to support these workers in their fight for fairness and advocate for greater accountability from the grocery industry to ensure that profits are not amassed at the expense of hardworking employees. (AI) | Also printed in the Toronto Star.

Reposted to The Louisville Political Review: The Grocery Oligopoly: Are You In Good Hands?