Olivia Chow – mackaycartoons

Saturday May 24, 2024

May 25, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 24, 2024

Ford’s War on Drugs: Personal Past vs. Political Present

Young Doug Ford: The Series

Six years after Doug Ford first pledged to help those struggling with addictions, his opposition to drug decriminalization remains steadfast, echoing a rhetoric of law and order. Yet, as the Premier of Ontario, his stance on drug policy is riddled with irony and contradiction. The recent rejection of Toronto’s bid to decriminalize drugs by the federal government, coupled with Ford’s history of involvement in illicit activities and his brother Rob’s well-documented struggles with substance abuse, raises questions about the authenticity of his opposition and the underlying motivations behind it.

In the eyes of many, Ford’s vocal opposition to drug decriminalization stands in stark contrast to his own experiences and those of his family. The Toronto Star’s editorial rightly points out the irony of Ford’s stance, highlighting his brother Rob’s public battles with addiction, including his infamous admission of using crack cocaine while serving as Toronto’s mayor. It begs the question: how can Ford, with a personal history intertwined with drugs, justify his opposition to policies aimed at mitigating the harms of addiction?

Editorial: We’ll all lose if Doug Ford wages a war on drugs

February 18, 2021

Ford’s opposition to drug decriminalization can be seen as a calculated move to appeal to his conservative base. As the editorial notes, his bellicose rhetoric against decriminalization resonates with constituents who prioritize public safety and order. By positioning himself as tough on crime, Ford solidifies his support among conservatives, even if it means perpetuating policies that contradict his own experiences and the evidence supporting harm reduction strategies.

Despite his vocal opposition to decriminalization, Ford has expressed support for addiction treatment and selective harm reduction measures, such as supervised consumption sites. This selective endorsement, as highlighted by the Toronto Star, indicates a nuanced understanding of the issue. However, it also raises questions about the sincerity of Ford’s opposition to broader decriminalization efforts and whether his support for certain harm reduction measures is merely lip service to appease critics.

January 23, 2014

In light of Ford’s history and his family’s struggles with addiction, there is a pressing need for accountability. As the Toronto Star editorial rightly argues, politicians like Ford, who espouse tough drug policies while having personal connections to drug-related activities, must be held accountable for their actions and beliefs. Transparency and consistency in political leadership are essential, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like drug policy that directly impact public health and safety.

March 14, 2024

In the complex landscape of drug policy, Doug Ford’s stance on decriminalization raises significant questions about authenticity, consistency, and accountability. His opposition, while playing to his conservative base, stands in stark contrast to his personal history and the evidence supporting harm reduction strategies. As Ontario’s Premier, Ford must reconcile his political posturing with the realities of addiction and the need for compassionate, evidence-based solutions. Failure to do so undermines not only his credibility but also the well-being of those struggling with addiction across the province. (AI)

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, a CapCut app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give illustration a try:

Saturday February 24, 2024

February 24, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday February 24, 2024

Doug Ford’s “Get It Done” Act: A Gimmick in Environmental Clothing

Series: Young Doug Ford

Premier Doug Ford’s introduction of the Get It Done Act has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from various quarters, and for good reason. While the government’s intent to expedite infrastructure projects is commendable, the bill appears to be more of a political gimmick than a comprehensive solution. The legislation, echoing the campaign slogan of “Get It Done,” seeks to streamline environmental assessments for highways and hasten expropriation processes, but its broader implications are cause for concern.

The bill’s primary focus on fast-tracking major infrastructure projects, especially highways, raises questions about its alignment with Ontario’s environmental priorities. The decision to categorize highways as “low risk” for rapid environmental approvals seems shortsighted, potentially sacrificing thorough assessments for expediency. Critics argue that the emphasis on projects like Highway 413 distracts from pressing issues such as healthcare, affordable housing, and education.

News: Ontario omnibus bill ‘Get It Done Act’ to contain urban boundary changes

February 22, 2024

Environmentalists and opposition leaders, including Green Party leader Mike Schreiner and NDP leader Marit Stiles, have voiced reservations about the bill. Schreiner labels it the “Get It Done Wrong Act,” emphasizing the government’s misplaced priorities. Stiles expresses concerns about the government “tinkering around” with vital processes and questions its ability to listen to the needs of the people.

The claim that the bill aims to make life more affordable for families and businesses by streamlining processes seems disconnected from its actual provisions. Freezing the fee for renewing a driving license, a seemingly unrelated measure, is thrown into the mix, further diluting the bill’s focus and raising questions about its coherence.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge instances where Premier Ford has demonstrated collaboration and effectiveness in governance. Recently, the City of Toronto received over $100 million from the Ford government as a reward for surpassing housing targets. Premier Ford and Mayor Olivia Chow jointly announced the funding, highlighting Toronto’s accomplishment in breaking ground on 50% more houses than required.

News: Ontario gives Toronto $114M for exceeding its 2023 housing targets

June 28, 2023

This collaborative approach in addressing housing challenges is commendable, showcasing a positive aspect of Premier Ford’s administration. Encouraging other municipalities to emulate Toronto’s success in meeting housing targets is a step in the right direction, fostering a sense of shared responsibility among local leaders.

While Premier Doug Ford’s “Get It Done” Act may be seen as a politically charged move to fulfill campaign promises, its focus on expediting environmental assessments for highways raises concerns about environmental stewardship. On the flip side, the collaborative efforts with Mayor Olivia Chow on housing initiatives demonstrate the potential for constructive governance. Striking a balance between expediency and environmental responsibility is crucial for Ontario’s future, and the government must carefully consider the long-term implications of its legislative actions. (AI)

Saturday June 17, 2023

June 17, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Illustration by Graeme MacKay, The Toronto Star – Saturday June 17, 2023

Toronto Mayoral By-Election Puts Housing Issue in the Spotlight

June 7, 2023

With less than a week remaining until Toronto’s mayoral by-election, the city is buzzing with anticipation as front-runners Olivia Chow, Josh Matlow, Brad Bradford, Ana Bailão, Mitzie Hunter, and Mark Saunders vie for the top position. Housing, a key issue that dominated the previous election in October, continues to take centre stage, with candidates wasting no time in presenting fresh solutions to address Toronto’s chronic housing problems.

In her campaign launched in mid-April, Olivia Chow, a former city councillor, member of parliament, and school board trustee, has maintained a solid lead in early polling. Chow champions a renter-centric platform, emphasizing the importance of providing every citizen with a roof over their heads. She proposes raising the Vacant Home Tax to 3% and using the funds collected to construct affordable and subsidized units alongside condominiums throughout the city. Additionally, Chow aims to expand Toronto’s rent bank to assist 5,500 people annually and significantly enhance the Eviction Prevention in the Community program.

Analysis: Toronto election reality check: What the top candidates would do about the housing crisis — and what the experts say

May 12, 2023

Chow’s initiatives also include establishing a Toronto Renters Action Committee to advocate for antirenoviction bylaws, real rent control, and the evaluation of existing renter-related policies and programs. She plans to build 25,000 rent-controlled homes, including 7,500 affordable units and 2,500 rent-geared-to-income units, over the next eight years on City-owned land. Moreover, Chow expresses support for increased density along main streets and transit corridors.

Josh Matlow, the current City Councillor for Ward 12, Toronto-St. Paul, launched his campaign in March with a controversial proposal to raise property taxes by 2%. He intends to allocate these additional funds to a new City Works Fund, which will keep warming centres open and address infrastructure maintenance. Matlow also suggests the creation of Public Build Toronto to generate 8,250 rent-controlled market apartments and 6,750 affordable apartments, including 750 deeply affordable units for low-income individuals. He supports adding up to three rental units to existing homes and approving nine-storey buildings as-of-right on designated avenues, accompanied by a dedicated team to expedite applications and prioritize affordable housing.

Printed on the cover of The Toronto Star

Brad Bradford, the current City Councillor for Ward 19, Beaches-East York, and Chair of the Planning and Housing Committee, aims to streamline approvals, reduce red tape, and tap into “missing middle” housing to increase affordable housing stock. He proposes ramping up adaptive reuse and implementing as-of-right approvals for office conversions to expedite the rezoning process. Bradford pledges to accelerate the Housing Now initiative, constructing housing on City-owned land with one-third dedicated to affordability. He commits to keeping property taxes at or below the rate of inflation, recognizing the financial challenges faced by families in the current cost-of-living crisis.

Ana Bailão, a long-time affordable housing advocate and former Deputy Mayor, unveiled her candidacy in March with a plan to improve city services, build housing, and enhance affordability. Her $48.5M housing plan includes constructing 285,000 homes by 2031, with 20% dedicated to purpose-built rentals. Bailão proposes modular supportive homes for the homeless, rental assistance for individuals escaping domestic violence, and a freeze on new development proposals threatening rental apartment buildings. She emphasizes the need for planning regulation and zoning reforms to accommodate “missing middle” housing.

News: Toronto mayoral candidates spar in chaotic debate less than two weeks before by-election

May 28, 2022

Mitzie Hunter, formerly the Chief Administrative Officer of Toronto Housing and Head of CivicAction, presents a five-point plan focused on delivering new affordable housing quickly. Her proposals involve unlocking public lands for affordable housing, encouraging multiplex housing, adding rental apartments near campuses, expediting building approvals and construction, and implementing renter protection programs. Hunter plans to establish the City Affordable Housing Corporation, aiming to deliver nearly 22,700 units, two-thirds of which will be rented at below-market rates. She also supports building “missing middle” housing in various neighbourhoods.

Mark Saunders, the former Chief of Police, pledges to expedite residential construction approval processes, aiming to reduce approval times to one year. He suggests introducing a project tracking system to enhance accountability and digitizing the planning and approvals system. Saunders emphasizes the need to overcome barriers at City Hall to achieve the 10-year goal of 40,000 new affordable housing units. He supports the Toronto Community Housing model and incentivizing the conversion of underused commercial buildings into shelters or supportive housing. Saunders also proposes a federal grant program to cover the costs of building purpose-built rental projects.

October 25, 2022

In a recent survey conducted by The Forum Poll™ among 1,047 Toronto residents, Olivia Chow leads the race with 35% support, although her lead slipped by 3% over the past week. Mark Saunders follows with 14%, while Anthony Furey (11%) and Ana Bailao (10%) have overtaken Josh Matlow (9%). The poll highlights housing affordability as the most crucial issue in the mayoral election, resonating with 27% of respondents, closely followed by concerns about the cost of living and inflation at 21%.

As the election date draws near, the race remains dynamic, with Furey and Bailao potentially shaking up the standings. With just a few days remaining, the outcome of the election holds the potential for a surprise upset. (AI)

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give illustration a try:

Tuesday September 30, 2014

September 29, 2014 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 30, 2014

Voters stingy with support in mayoral race

It looks like Hamilton voters are still waiting to be wowed.

A survey of Hamilton voters shows 34 per cent of respondents have yet to park their vote with any mayoral candidate — and another 11 per cent have discounted the perceived frontrunners.

The random phone survey of 839 residents Sept. 25 showed the highest-polling candidate with only 26 per cent support.

“No one wins a mayoral race with 26 per cent of the vote,” said Lorne Bozinoff, president for polling firm Forum Research. “I’m surprised no one is doing better at this stage … It suggests no one has really caught the imagination of voters yet.”

By comparison, outgoing Mayor Bob Bratina won a three-way race in 2010 with about 37 per cent of the vote. Former mayor Fred Eisenberger, leading in the latest poll, won a squeaker in 2006 with 43 per cent of the vote — only a percentage point ahead of Larry Di Ianni.

The latest poll data suggests the race is still open. It also shows interesting trends associated with each of the leading candidates.

Stoney Creek Coun. Brad Clark, who polled 17 per cent support overall, had the highest candidate support in his current ward. The former Tory cabinet minister also received the most support, 29 per cent, among provincial PC voters.

About 65 per cent of his poll supporters said rapid transit is not needed in the city and 29 per cent were aged 65 or older. One in four had previously voted for the outgoing mayor, Bob Bratina.

Ward 1 Coun. Brian McHattie found his best support, 14 per cent, among residents aged 18 to 34. The LRT booster also boasted the highest percentage of supporters who believe rapid transit is necessary, 62 per cent, and polled best in the downtown and Dundas. He is currently in third place with 12 per cent support overall.

Eisenberger polled especially well among young voters, males and renters. Interestingly, the former federal Conservative candidate also scored the most support among provincial NDP voters, at 39 per cent. Bozinoff suggested he had translated past experience and a “centrist” campaign into the early election race lead at 26 per cent.

While respondents were stingy with support, Eisenberger still managed 64 per cent “approval” in the poll. Clark earned 53 per cent approval. McHattie’s rating was split 50-50. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

Friday September 12, 2014

September 12, 2014 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday September 12, 2014

NDP may not be able to stop tide turning against it

There is a tide in Ontario political affairs that does not bode well for Thomas Mulcair’s New Democrats in next year’s federal election. And they may be powerless to reverse it to their advantage.

That tide was instrumental in propelling Premier Kathleen Wynne to the safe ground of a majority government last spring. By all indications, it is again at play in Toronto’s municipal campaign.

It should come as no surprise that a Forum Research poll that suggested Mayor Rob Ford (Open Rob Ford’s policard) was still in the running for re-election — with Olivia Chow running third — was followed by a Nanos poll that showed that John Tory had consolidated his lead on his main rivals.

For scores of Toronto voters, ousting Ford from office this fall comes before loyalty to a political brand.

For obvious reasons, the anybody-but-Ford movement is in a class of its own, as is the incumbent mayor who has inspired it. But last spring’s Ontario election demonstrated that it is not necessary for a politician to make it on the international tabloid circuit to induce voters into coalescing behind the strongest available alternative.

In the provincial campaign, the platform put forward by Tory leader Tim Hudak went a long way to convince many progressive voters to stick with the Liberals rather than risk facilitating a Conservative victory by giving their vote to the third-place NDP.

Transpose those dynamics to the federal level and you will find more than a few progressive voters willing to hold their nose next year if that is what it takes to end Stephen Harper’s reign in power.

To many, the first-place Liberals come across as a safer haven than the third-place NDP, regardless of the comparative skills of their leaders or even their respective policies.

This is a problem that may ultimately be beyond Mulcair’s fixing. (Continued: Toronto Star)