NAFTA – mackaycartoons

Tuesday February 4, 2025

February 4, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay – Tuesday February 4, 2025

Free trade with the U.S. is effectively dead

January 28, 2025

The 30-day reprieve that Trump is granting isn’t intended to benefit Canada; rather, it’s a lifeline for bourbon distilleries and potash-dependent states, buying them time to adjust to the harsh reality of Trump tariffs. The future of the auto sector remains uncertain, with Trump and his oligarchs seemingly oblivious to the potential devastation ahead. He needs to fund significant tax cuts for his wealthy supporters, which means imposing higher consumer taxes on Americans. This approach also involves dismantling federal bureaucracy, as Elon Musk has been tasked with finding “efficiencies” that could wipe out countless livelihoods—all to make America “great” for those demanding tax cuts. Meanwhile, Trump and his allies continue to tout their notion of “winning.”

Regarding tariffs, Trump will persist in using threats as a bargaining tool, falsely claiming that foreign countries bear the cost, rather than U.S. importers and consumers. He claims to care about lives destroyed by the fentanyl crisis – sure- believe that lie, as much as he claims the problem is due to it coming in from Canada. Soon, he’ll demand that Canada relax its banking regulations, then turn his attention to Canadian water resources. Ultimately, quips for Canada to cede its sovereignty and become the 51st state goes from delusion to conquest.

June 30, 2021

What Trump has inadvertently done is unite a nation. Canada’s patriotism, which had waned over the years, has revived. We recognize that we can no longer afford to be complacent; we must stand strong against this playground bully. We are building our own defences.

Canadians are rallying together to support local businesses, explore the beauty of our country, urge politicians to eliminate domestic trade barriers, foster connections with friendly partners, and promote unity within our communities.

Sadly, it took a bully from a foreign land to motivate us to take these steps. The reality is that the relationship between the U.S. and Canada is diverging, a trend that may soon resonate globally as America risks isolating itself, joining the ranks of hermit kingdoms like North Korea.

As for tariffs, it seems Lil’ Donald never grasped the moral of the famous fable. Originally published on Friday June 1, 2018.

Wednesday November 27, 2024

November 27, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

November 10, 2016

Originally published Thursday November 10, 2016

When Donald Trump first became president in 2016, Canada found itself in an awkward spot. Justin Trudeau’s reaction was about as polite as you’d expect—lots of talk about shared values, working together, and keeping the relationship strong. Meanwhile, the rest of us watched nervously, wondering what Trump’s “America First” meant for Canada. At the time, I drew a cartoon that pretty much summed it up: Trump as a blazing sun, Trudeau melting under the heat, holding a beaver, with a bunch of dynamite and gas tanks around them labeled NAFTA, NATO, and the Paris Climate Accord. The punchline? Trump smirking and asking, “Aren’t you the one big on ‘Sunny Ways?’”

September 16, 2023

Fast forward to 2024, and here we are again. Trump’s back in the White House, and Trudeau’s still hanging on as Prime Minister. The same tensions from 2016 are back, and honestly, they feel even more intense now. Last time, there was a bit of a learning curve—no one quite knew what a Trump presidency would look like. Now we know, and it’s not exactly comforting.

Back then, Canada had to scramble to renegotiate NAFTA under Trump’s intense pressure, which ended up with us getting the USMCA—a deal that kept trade going but came with a few bruises. Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord while Trudeau leaned hard into climate commitments, putting us on very different paths. And every time Trump talked about NATO or trade tariffs, you could almost feel Canada holding its breath.

Sound familiar? It should, because it’s all happening again. Trump’s second term is shaping up to bring more tariffs, more trade drama, and the same “America First” vibes. On the climate front, Trudeau’s government is trying to go full steam ahead on green policies, but Trump’s likely to double down on fossil fuels and shrug off global climate goals. And don’t even get me started on NATO—it’s probably only a matter of time before Trump starts questioning why the U.S. should bother at all.

August 5, 2022

The big difference this time is how much more divided everything feels. In 2016, there was at least a sense that the global order could hold up under the weight of Trump’s unpredictability. Now? The world feels shakier, and Canada’s position feels more vulnerable. Trudeau’s also been in power a long time, and whether or not he’s got the energy to take on another four years of Trump-style curveballs is a big question.

The other big curve ball is the reality that we are in all likelihood watching the end days of Justin Trudeau’s political career. How the relationship goes with a new captain at the helm in Pierre Poilievre is a huge unknown.

In 2016, Canadians were blindsided by Trump. In 2024, we know what’s coming, but that doesn’t make it any easier. The sunny ways Trudeau used to talk about seem like a distant memory, but if Canada got through the first round, maybe we can do it again. At the very least, we’ve had some practice melting under the heat.

Friday November 15, 2024

November 15, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday November 15, 2024

Doug Ford’s Trump Imitation Is a Risky Gamble

April 14, 2018

Doug Ford is making a bold but dangerous bet. By accusing Mexico of acting as a “backdoor” for cheap Chinese goods and floating the idea of booting it from the USMCA, the Ontario Premier has aligned himself with Donald Trump’s protectionist rhetoric. The move is as strategic as it is risky—Ford clearly hopes to avoid Ontario becoming collateral damage in Trump’s sweeping tariff policies. Yet in doing so, he risks undermining key trade relationships, alienating allies, and leaving Ontario’s economy at the mercy of an unpredictable U.S. president.

The timing of Ford’s comments is no coincidence. Just days after Trump’s historic election victory, Ford’s rhetoric mirrors the talking points Trump hammered home on the campaign trail. Trump’s grievances with Mexico—ranging from trade to border security—are well-documented, and Ford’s remarks seem calibrated to place Ontario in the incoming administration’s good graces. By parroting Trump’s complaint that Mexico is facilitating China’s infiltration of North American markets, Ford appears to be playing the long game, angling for Ontario to benefit from any renegotiation of the USMCA in 2026.

June 29, 2016

However, this calculated mimicry comes with significant risks. Mexico is Canada’s fifth-largest trade partner, and Ford’s aggressive stance could jeopardize the stability of this relationship. As Kenneth Smith Ramos, Mexico’s chief negotiator for the USMCA, has pointed out, Canada has mechanisms within the trade agreement to address concerns about unfair practices. Yet Ottawa has not taken such steps, suggesting Ford’s rhetoric is more about political posturing than substance. By undermining Mexico, Ford risks alienating a key ally and disrupting supply chains that are critical to Ontario’s auto industry.

Opinion: Doug Ford’s diplomatic foray has all the tact of a wrecking ball

December 8, 2020

Ford’s approach also overlooks the complex realities of trade and industry. While he focuses on cheap Chinese imports, he ignores the deeper challenges facing Ontario’s manufacturing sector, including automation and the lack of domestic innovation. As David Moscrop noted in the National Observer, the global push for cheaper goods and faster production has already led to job losses, and protectionism alone will not shield Ontario workers from these trends. Ford’s comments may appeal to those anxious about job security, but they offer little in the way of meaningful solutions.

Moreover, Ford’s Trumpian rhetoric could backfire spectacularly. Trump’s protectionist worldview treats trade as a zero-sum game, and his administration has been known to turn on allies. Ford’s overtures to Trump might shield Ontario in the short term, but they offer no guarantees. Trump’s promise of across-the-board tariffs of up to 20 percent would be disastrous for Canada, and Ford’s antagonistic stance toward Mexico could leave Ontario more isolated, not less.

News: Ontario Premier calls Mexico a ‘backdoor’ for cheap Chinese imports

November 18, 2021

Even within Canada, Ford’s comments have raised eyebrows. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has taken a more cautious approach, emphasizing collaboration with both the U.S. and Mexico to address trade concerns. While Trudeau has not directly criticized Ford, his government’s silence suggests a lack of enthusiasm for the Premier’s inflammatory remarks. Critics have also questioned whether Ford’s focus on international trade distracts from pressing domestic issues, such as housing and healthcare.

Ford’s strategy might make sense as a short-term political maneuver, but it is a risky gamble for Ontario’s economy. Mexico has been a cooperative partner under the USMCA, and Ford’s combative rhetoric risks upsetting the balance of the agreement. His Trump-like bluster may win him points with certain voters, but it offers little in the way of practical solutions for the challenges facing Ontario’s industries.

Ultimately, Ford’s decision to mimic Trump could leave Ontario exposed to economic instability and at the mercy of an unpredictable ally. Instead of thoughtful diplomacy, Ford has chosen the path of bombast and brinkmanship. It’s a risky move that could do more harm than good—not just for Ontario, but for Canada’s place in the North American trade partnership. If Ford truly wants to protect Ontario’s workers and industries, he must find a way to navigate the complexities of trade with caution and diplomacy, not reckless imitation.

Friday November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday November 8, 2024

Chrystia Freeland’s Assurance on Canada-U.S. Relations Rings Hollow Amid Trump’s Second Term

November 12, 2016

Canada will be “absolutely fine” under a Trump presidency, according to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. But with a federal election likely looming and Donald Trump’s familiar, no-holds-barred approach to trade, defence, and immigration back in the White House, this reassurance from Freeland seems more wishful thinking than grounded in reality.

August 28, 2018

Certainly, experience matters. Freeland, who was foreign affairs minister during the last round of NAFTA negotiations, has a track record of navigating turbulent waters with the Trump administration. However, the notion that Canada is prepared for what’s coming lacks specifics. If the 2016 election taught Canada anything, it’s that Trump’s promises to “get tough” on trade and protect “American jobs” are more than rhetoric. Trump has now proposed a 10% tariff on all imports, a move the Canadian Chamber of Commerce warns could cut Canadians’ real income by 1.5%, alongside productivity losses on both sides of the border. And yet, Freeland offers few details about her government’s “plan” to defend Canada’s national interest beyond vague commitments to “keep talking” with former Trump officials like Robert Lighthizer.

Video: ‘Canada will be absolutely fine,’ says Freeland following Trump U.S. election win

October 20, 2016

While Freeland points to Canada’s robust economic ties with the U.S. as “leverage,” this optimistic view underestimates Trump’s protectionist mindset. Yes, nearly $3.6 billion in trade crosses the Canada-U.S. border daily, but Trump’s “America First” policies historically prioritize American industries, not bilateral partnerships. If there’s one lesson from Trump’s first term, it’s that he doesn’t hesitate to use tariffs as a blunt instrument, even against close allies. Canada’s critical manufacturing, steel, and aluminum industries were hit with tariffs in 2018, and a fresh round of import restrictions could be catastrophic.

News: A decade on, the ‘This is fine’ creator wants to put the famous dog to rest

January 11, 2016

Beyond trade, the Deputy Prime Minister’s optimism seems unfounded on the immigration front. Trump’s renewed promises of mass deportations of undocumented immigrants will likely lead to a surge of asylum-seekers heading north. Canada’s border agencies are under-resourced for such an influx, and recent pressures on immigration and refugee systems indicate that handling a potential spike could overwhelm Canada’s ability to process claims. Freeland’s remarks sidestepped this, despite its likely impact on Canadian cities, social services, and resources.

July 12, 2018

Then there’s the potential impact on defence and foreign policy. Trump’s insistence that NATO allies, including Canada, “pay their fair share” could reignite tensions within the alliance. With the U.S. pouring billions into defence, Trump has historically expected Canada to increase its contributions. A major defence expenditure would strain Canada’s budget, especially with high inflation and deficits already stretching public resources. Freeland’s assurances may sound good on paper, but funding an increase in military spending without cutting essential services is a tall order, and Canadians should question whether this is a realistic path forward.

News: We have a plan’ for Trump’s second presidency, Chrystia Freeland says

April 22, 2024

The timing of Freeland’s comments raises even more questions. With a federal election expected within the year, and polls favouring a Conservative government, her reassurances could be more about optics than actionable policy. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, has yet to articulate a clear approach to dealing with Trump’s “America First” policies, and Canadians don’t yet know if a Poilievre government would chart a collaborative or confrontational course. As voters head to the polls, they deserve a choice: a clear stance from both parties on how each would approach the challenge of a volatile American partner. Freeland’s plan is on the table, but it’s crucial for the Conservatives to offer their own vision, ensuring Canadians have a democratic choice on the future of Canada-U.S. relations.

November 17, 2016

As it stands, Canadians are left with more questions than answers. Freeland’s “plan” lacks the specifics needed to reassure the public. Canada should be taking proactive measures now—strengthening trade alliances outside the U.S., investing in border security, and preparing resources for a potential refugee surge. Without clear, decisive actions from either side of the political aisle, Freeland’s assurances feel hollow, and Canadians have every right to feel concerned about what lies ahead under Trump’s second term.

In case you’re scratching your head over the reference in my latest cartoon, I’ve borrowed from KC Green’s classic webcomic meme, “This is fine.” You’ve probably seen it— a cartoon dog sits with a smile, coffee in hand, as the room blazes around him. This image has become a shorthand for coping with disaster, or at least pretending to. Given Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland’s recent assurances that we have little to worry about with Trump’s return to power, I found this to be a fitting way to convey the gap between reassuring words and the high-stakes reality at our doorstep.

Green created “This is fine” back in 2013 as part of his Gunshow series, and it quickly went viral for its humour and relatability. The dog, later named Question Hound, became a symbol for anyone quietly facing chaos, making it one of the most enduring internet memes of the past decade. Green has mentioned that the comic was a way to channel his own mental health struggles at the time, and while it’s taken on a life of its own, he’s embraced how others relate to it.

As someone who’s had my own work recycled and repurposed—my “4 Waves”cartoon, for example—I get the complications of seeing your creation take on new lives and meanings. So, in the tradition of tipping my hat to the original creators I draw from, I’ve credited Green with “apologies to KC Green” at the bottom of my piece. This is the first time I’ve done a parody of his work, but as with my previous adaptations of classic art like Gillray’s “Plumb-pudding in Danger,” it’s a nod to a timeless image that speaks volumes. In this case, it’s about capturing the surreal feeling of being told, “We’re fine,” while the flames say otherwise. (Sound up for the animated version)

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

(Post Cartoon) Opinion: Justin Trudeau is already getting it wrong on Trump

Wednesday December 11, 2019

December 18, 2019 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday December 11, 2019

NAFTA, Impeachment: A Donald Trump doubleheader

“I want you to do us a favour,” said Donald Trump, and Nancy Pelosi complied on Tuesday, finally releasing the parking brake from a revised North American Free Trade Agreement and giving the president a glut of gloat-able, quotable material to use on the re-election trail about what an Artful Dealer he is.

July 27, 2018

Announcement of the replacement for what Trump often has called “the worst trade deal in the history of the world” came on the same morning of the same day that the same Madame Speaker – using the word “solemn” twice in her first sentence – announced the two specific, alleged “high crimes” for which the president will be tried and quickly acquitted by his cowed Republican allies in the U.S. Senate next month.

During any other presidency, such a contradiction would be considered dizzily discombobulating, but this is Trump. Adding to the vertigo, the president capped this bestest awfulest day by gaggling in the Oval Office with Sergei Victorovich Lavrov, the amiable foreign minister of Russia, which got America into this mess in the first place.

November 19, 2019

Known to the White House as the “US-Mexico-Canada Agreement” and the most significant legislative achievement of Trump’s presidency since his trillion-dollar tax cuts of Christmas, 2017, the tri-national treaty will impact the continent’s factories and farms long after Trump has passed from the scene, be it by a hostile Senate vote or defeat at the totally-rigged ballot boxes. Most of its last-second amendments relate to the enforcement of labour standards in Mexican factories.

“It could be perishable,” Pelosi told reporters at the Capitol Tuesday morning, explaining why she chose to move USMCA at the same hour that she has been labelling the president “a clear and present danger” to the survival of the republic.

November 16, 2019

That it was the “deranged Democrats” who actually forged the final rewrite of the new-NAFTA, colluding with union groups to get the Mexican government to agree to a quid pro quo of freer trade in exchange for higher wages and tighter environmental and enforcement causes, is unlikely to be a feature of Trump’s stump speech between now and November. The only clause that he is likely to invoke is himself as Santa, once again squeezing his bulk down the national chimney with jobs, jobs, jobs.

Meanwhile, the president blithely romped along the rim of constitutional death Tuesday, tweeting that his life-long nemesis, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler “just said that I ‘pressured Ukraine to interfere in our 2020 Election.’ Ridiculous, and he knows that is not true. Both the President & Foreign Minister of Ukraine said, many times, that there ‘WAS NO PRESSURE.’ Nadler and the Dems know this, but refuse to acknowledge!”

Trump then flew to swing-state Pennsylvania for a rally with the deplored. (MacLean’s)