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Thursday October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Justin Trudeau, like a political zombie, refuses to depart, dragging his frightened followers toward electoral ruin as they lack the courage to put him down.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme’s MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday October 31, 2024

Zombie Trudeau: The Leader Who Refuses to Die

The federal government, led by Justin Trudeau, is making changes to its climate policy, which primarily benefit Atlantic Canada. These changes include increased rural rebates and exemptions for home heating oil from the carbon tax. This has generated mixed reactions and debates.

October 28, 2023

It’s Halloween season, and on Parliament Hill, the Liberals are living a nightmare. Their leader, Justin Trudeau, staggers forward like a political zombie—undead, unelected, and unwilling to depart. He lurches from caucus meeting to caucus meeting, dragging behind him the decaying remains of a once-powerful party. His followers, terrified but unable to escape, shuffle along in his wake, too paralyzed by fear to put him down.

Opinion: Liberal dissenters need to show some backbone

October 31, 2019

A letter demanding his resignation from 24 Liberal MPs was nothing more than a whimper in the wind. Trudeau let it pass, only to rise again the next day, grinning that ghastly, un-killable grin, proclaiming unity where none exists. Craig Wallace’s critique in The Hamilton Spectator slammed the MPs for their lack of courage, comparing them to bootlickers unwilling to lift the hammer of the Reform Act. Meanwhile, Campbell Clark in The Globe and Mail explained why Trudeau’s most feared foe is not Pierre Poilievre but a secret-ballot vote—where MPs, safely hidden in anonymity, might drive a stake through his leadership at last.

Opinion: Trudeau seeks to dodge the verdict of his own party

October 16, 2019

But this horror show lingers. Trudeau’s refusal to step aside leaves the Liberal caucus in a state of paralysis, wandering aimlessly, dragged toward electoral doom. Ministers insist the rebellion is over, but their words ring hollow, like survivors trying to convince themselves the monster won’t rise again. Every day that Trudeau clings to power, the Liberals rot from within, feeding the ravenous momentum of the Conservatives, waiting gleefully to feast on the remains. If MPs can’t muster the courage to take him down, they’ll shamble along beside him—another pack of the walking dead—until they all fall together, consumed by the inevitable.

Posted to SUBSTACK.  It’s at the early experimental stage (at the time of it’s posting,) and presented in the form of notes as I figure out how to integrate it into my daily routine. I’m not a fan of it’s presentation limits. Anyway, find out what’s swirling in my head as I come up with my ideas.  It’s free and will continue to be, as will this carefully curated WordPress website which I’ve maintained obediently since 2012… until the traditional structure that has sustained me a livelihood collapses on top of me as it has for so many of my peers. Please take a look, and if you want to continue following/subscribe to my work, please subscribe, and thank you! – Graeme MacKay


The Halloween Gag

On Tuesday, I received two letters to the editor from readers who were offended by my recent editorial cartoon. It depicted 24 MPs seated in the back rows of the House of Commons, all wearing “F*ck Trudeau” t-shirts. This sentiment, which gained traction during the Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa, has become a common refrain, visible on bumper stickers, flags fluttering on pickup trucks, and even hanging from front porches in neighbourhoods. Is it jarring? Yes. Is it offensive? Absolutely. Has it crystallized into a widespread sentiment against Justin Trudeau’s leadership? Without a doubt. Whether you love it or hate it, that’s the reality.

Interestingly, I can’t help but wonder: would those same readers voice their concerns about standards in a family newspaper if I depicted Donald Trump standing next to a toilet with a sign reading, “Flush twice if necessary”?

That was yesterday’s editorial cartoon.

It’s easy to deduce what I’m comparing Trump to.

The satire is clear, yet that piece generated no letters of protest.

As we approach Halloween, I anticipate that my upcoming portrayal of Justin Trudeau as a walking dead man will stir even more controversy. But let’s be honest—the editorial cartoon practically writes itself in this context. This isn’t the first time I’ve drawn zombies to represent politicians who have overstayed their welcome. I did it with Dalton McGuinty, and the depiction proved prophetic shortly thereafter. After Stephen Harper’s departure, I applied the zombie motif to a graveyard of Conservative candidates, all vying for leadership while clinging to outdated policies that contributed to Harper’s political demise. Here’s a graveyard version of note I drew in 2021.

This is the essence of what we editorial cartoonists do. Sometimes we have to lean on familiar gags when the opportunity arises, irrespective of which party holds power. Halloween, combined with a political crisis, equals satire. As the stars align, this Halloween 2024, it’s monster Justin Trudeau and his hesitant followers in the spotlight. And for those who find this distasteful, rest assured that when the pendulum swings, the ridicule will shift to your political adversaries.

In many ways, Justin Trudeau has become a political zombie, staggering through Parliament Hill, clinging to power, and dragging his party toward inevitable collapse. His MPs seem paralyzed, too afraid to leverage tools like the Reform Act or a secret-ballot vote that could finally end his leadership. Despite the growing dissent among his ranks, Trudeau brushes off their timid attempts to oust him, all while maintaining a facade of unity among his ministers. With each passing day that he clings to power, the Liberals sink further into decay, inadvertently strengthening the Conservatives. If these MPs can’t muster the courage to confront him, they may soon find themselves as doomed as the leader they fear to challenge.

This is the reality of our political landscape, and it is ripe for satire. Let’s embrace the humour and the critique—it’s what keeps our democracy vibrant.

– Graeme MacKay

Read on Substack

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-19, Canada, graveyard, Halloween, Justin Trudeau, MP, Parliament, Pierre Poilievre, rebellion, revolt, Substack, zombie

Friday June 7, 2024

June 7, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Canadians have the right to know the identities of the MPs allegedly collaborating with foreign governments to ensure accountability and protect the integrity of our democracy.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 7, 2024

*Animated making-of clip here!

Canadians Deserve to Know the Identities of Compromised MPs

The urgent need for reform in Canada's local electoral processes is underscored by recent revelations of unethical practices and potential foreign interference, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities that threaten the integrity of democracy and the interests of voters.

May 11, 2024

The recent revelations from the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) are deeply troubling. They suggest that some of our elected officials may have been collaborating with foreign governments. Despite the shocking nature of these allegations, the response from the government has been characterized by secrecy and inaction. 

Canadians have a right to know who these mystery MPs are so that this behaviour is made an example of and deemed unequivocally unacceptable.

News: Conservative leader calls on Liberal government to release names of MPs accused of helping foreign states

Andrew Coyne, in his recent piece for The Globe and Mail, eloquently argues that without public disclosure, the implicated MPs will continue their roles without consequence. This lack of accountability erodes public trust in our democratic institutions. The idea that MPs, who have been elected to serve the people of Canada, might be working with foreign powers is not just a breach of trust; it is a direct threat to our national security and sovereignty.

March 24, 2023

The allegations are grave. According to the NSICOP report, some MPs have provided confidential information to foreign intelligence officers, influenced parliamentary colleagues at the behest of foreign states, and received support and funds from these entities. This goes beyond mere interference; it points to active collaboration. In any other democratic nation, such actions would result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. Yet, in Canada, we seem poised to let these individuals continue their work unchecked.

This complacency is not new. The government’s handling of foreign interference has been consistently inadequate. Reports and intelligence indicating foreign meddling have been met with denial, delay, and deflection. Even after the publication of three significant reports confirming these activities, the Prime Minister and senior officials have refused to act decisively. This inaction is a disservice to the Canadian people and to the integrity of our political system.

Coyne rightly points out that the opposition has also been reluctant to pursue this matter vigorously. There is a fear that some members of their own parties may be implicated, which has led to a bipartisan conspiracy of silence. Furthermore, the media, wary of legal repercussions and past interference, may not pursue the story with the vigour it deserves. This creates a perfect storm of inaction where the truth remains hidden, and the public remains in the dark.

News:RCMP ‘aware’ of intelligence related to foreign interference and parliamentarians

September 13, 2023

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc’s recent refusal to release the names of the implicated MPs, citing concerns over the reliability of the intelligence and the potential harm to Canada’s democratic and judicial processes, is problematic. While it is crucial to ensure that intelligence is corroborated and verified, the gravity of these allegations warrants a more transparent approach. Keeping these names secret only fuels speculation, undermines public trust, and allows potentially compromised individuals to continue operating within our political system.

Canadians deserve better. The secrecy surrounding the identities of these MPs must be lifted. Only through transparency can we ensure accountability. Naming the implicated MPs will serve as a powerful deterrent to others who might consider such treacherous behaviour. It will signal that Canada will not tolerate its elected officials serving foreign interests over those of their constituents.

Moreover, public disclosure is essential for the health of our democracy. Trust in political institutions is at an all-time low, and the perception that some MPs are compromised only deepens this mistrust. By revealing the names, we can begin to rebuild this trust and demonstrate that no one is above the law, regardless of their position.

Canadians have a right to know who these mystery MPs are, and it is time for transparency and accountability to prevail. (AI)

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-11, animation, Canada, Dominic LeBlanc, foreign interference, Justin Trudeau, meddling, MP, Parliament, politics

Saturday November 20, 2021

November 20, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday November 20, 2021

Vaccine for kids and mandates for MPs kick in 

September 14, 2021

Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole emerged onto an Ottawa street Thursday after spending two days behind closed doors with his elected members, plotting out their priorities ahead of Parliament’s return.

One thing he still insists on keeping a mystery, however, is whether all 119 Conservative MPs will be allowed to enter on Monday, when a vaccine mandate kicks into effect for the House of Commons precinct.

“As I’ve said, you’ll see us in the House on Monday, and we’re looking forward to, as we always have, following the rules of the House of Commons, making sure we’re holding the government to account,” he said while speaking to reporters briefly.

That day, MPs must appear in person if they want to vote for Speaker, a position for which some Conservatives plan on running.

October 21, 2021

O’Toole remains the only federal party leader with seats in the House who has so far refused to confirm how many of his members are fully immunized against COVID-19.

As Opposition leader, he has previously said any MP he’s tapped to take on a critic role will be ready to appear there.

But on Thursday, when asked directly whether his entire Conservative team will be able to assume their seats, he said: “We’re going to be ready to go Monday. You’ll have to stay tuned.”

Several other MPs said they will wait and see what happens. (CTV) 

October 28, 2021

Meanwhile, the first doses of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine for children aged five to 11 will start to arrive in Canada on Sunday, Public Services and Procurement Minister Filomena Tassi said today.

Tassi said the government and Pfizer-BioNTech had agreed already to an accelerated delivery schedule and more than 2.9 million doses will be shipped by the end of the week — enough to provide a first dose to every eligible Canadian child.

Earlier today, Health Canada approved Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine for children aged five to 11, promising what could be a very different new year for hundreds of thousands of families. (CBC) 

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2021-39, Canada, children, clinic, Conservative, covid-19, mandate, MP, pandemic, Parliament, vaccination, Vaccine

Saturday May 12, 2018

May 11, 2018 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 12, 2018

NDP suspends Quebec MP Christine Moore in wake of inappropriate conduct allegations

November 6, 2014

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has temporarily suspended Quebec MP Christine Moore from her duties with the party and ordered an investigation after a veteran of the war in Afghanistan accused her of inappropriate sexual behaviour.

The allegations against Moore are the latest to rock the third-place party. Singh expelled another MP from caucus last week following a three-month investigation that was sparked by a complaint from Moore.

In an interview, retired corporal Glen Kirkland said Moore first approached him after he testified before a parliamentary committee in June 2013, where he had been asked to speak on the treatment of ill and injured soldiers.

January 31, 2018

Kirkland was wounded in an ambush in Afghanistan in 2008 while driving a light-armoured vehicle that was hit by recoilless rifle fire. The shot killed three other soldiers and left Kirkland with severe injuries, including a damaged pancreas and right eye, crushed vertebrae, bleeding in the brain and PTSD.

Kirkland did not want to get into specifics Tuesday. But he did tell the CBC that Moore followed him back to his hotel and continued to send explicit messages, even turning up unannounced at his Manitoba home before he forcibly told her to stop.

January 26, 2018

“I’m not claiming rape or anything,” Kirkland, who is now a real estate agent in Brandon, Man., told CP. But, he said, “she was inappropriate. She used her position of power and authority to get what she wanted.”

In a statement released Tuesday, Singh said Moore will remain a member of caucus pending the results of an investigation, but that she is being temporarily relieved of her duties on committees and other party matters.

“I take these allegations very seriously and I will be appointing an independent investigator to conduct a fair and full examination,” Singh said. (Source: Edmonton Journal) 

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: #meToo, bear, book, Canada, Christine Moore, cougar, fox, gender, harassment, MP, notebook, power, predator, sex

Saturday March 4, 2017

March 3, 2017 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 4, 2017

Angry Hamilton steelworkers demand answers from Bratina at rally

Frustrated Hamilton steelworkers and pensioners scorched local Liberal MP Bob Bratina’s ears on a bitterly cold day as they demanded results from a federal government they say has ignored their pleas of help.

About 100 protesters attended a late-afternoon rally Thursday outside Bratina’s Centennial Parkway constituency office accusing the Liberals of ignoring steelworkers and pensioners.

“You have been there a year and nothing has been introduced, ” Vince Van Schyndel, a member of Local 1005, told Bratina after he waded into the decidedly hostile crowd to hear steelworkers’ complaints. Van Schyndel said the federal Companies Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) legislation is preventing the provincial government from providing benefits and pensions to pensioners.

On Dec. 15, 2016 a judge agreed to allow U.S. Steel Canada to negotiate a purchase agreement with the American-based Bedrock Industries Group. In addition, the judge dismissed objections from United Steelworkers Union Local 1005, the City of Hamilton and salaried workers, arguing their issues can be resolved in the future.

The steelworkers believe any restructuring plan will hurt them and the pensioners because pensions and benefits are being ignored in the complicated bankruptcy process. Union officials have stated company pension funds need more than $1 billion to top up underfunded pension and health care benefits plans.

Gary Howe, president of Local 1005, said the CCAA “has been used to take things away from the people that worked many, many years to earn them.”

Bratina, who represents Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, apologized to the gathering and acknowledged it is difficult to introduce legislation as one MP.

He said once the company emerges from the CCAA process, the federal government could help its successor become sustainable.

“I’m sorry that we are in the situation we are in, ” said Bratina, a member of the federal government’s steel caucus. “I don’t blame you guys for being upset. But we will be working hard to make sure the right thing is done.”

He said Ottawa will change the Canadian Pension Plan to increase benefits to $20,000 from $13,000 for those who don’t have a company pension. (Source: Hamilton Spectator) 

 

Posted in: Hamilton Tagged: blast furnace, Bob Bratina, Hamilton, labour, MP, Ottawa, Pensions, retired, Stelco
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This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

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