#onpoli

Unity Over Superhero Politics

Notice to My Loyal Subscribers Outside Ontario: In case you missed it, I put together a presentation this week that may be more interesting and useful for your attention than the following content, which focuses on more regional interests: “The Dirtiest U.S. President Ever.”

From Captain Canada to Team Canada: Unity Over Superhero Politics
Saturday February 15, 2025 | Newsletter 16

Folks, let’s face it: Doug Ford is likely to win the Ontario election. That’s just the reality, and the polls back it up—not just one or two, but several. While the only poll that really matters is on election day, Ford has called this election a full 15 months early, clearly preparing for the challenges ahead. Although he claims to be fighting for jobs, it seems like his main focus is on securing his own position. As an editorial cartoonist, my job is to challenge those in power. In all his time as Premier, Doug Ford has never been this powerful.

Editorial cartoonists shouldn’t take sides; we don’t endorse any particular party. However, we can offer insights through satire when power gets out of hand. As Ontario approaches the election on February 27, 2025, Premier Ford is at the centre of a political storm. Known as “Captain Canada,” he uses strong words against external issues like Donald Trump’s tariffs, but many argue this distracts from local problems such as healthcare, housing, his scandals, his reckless use of taxpayer dollars. My cartoons aim to highlight this contrast between Ford’s superhero image and the real challenges facing Ontario. The “Team Canada” approach, which focuses on unity and collaboration, is a better model than celebrating one person in a costume. Below are summaries of each cartoon, reflecting the current political landscape.

Trump's latest steel tariffs divert attention from Ontario's pressing provincial issues, urging voters and leaders to refocus on local priorities like healthcare, education, and affordability.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025: “A Tariff Distraction”

The week began with a call to refocus on pressing Ontario issues, overshadowed by Trump’s antics regarding steel tariffs. My cartoon contrasts a smug Trump, revelling in his tariff decisions, with a shocked Doug Ford, emphasizing how such federal distractions detract from vital regional matters like healthcare and education. The message is clear: as the election looms, Ontario voters must remain engaged with the problems at home, rather than getting sidetracked by the chaos in Washington. Voters shouldn’t be fooled, Ford has a very mixed relationship to Donald Trump.

Ontario's healthcare faces significant challenges under Doug Ford's leadership, with election promises from all parties aiming to address systemic issues but requiring long-term commitment rather than quick fixes.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025: “Crumbling Healthcare”

In response to ongoing healthcare challenges, my cartoon depicts a crumbling marble temple labelled “Universal Health Care,” supported by columns that are cracking under pressure. Here, “Captain Canada” stands confidently, toolbox in in frame, ready for an election-time fix—highlighting the temporary nature of political promises in the form of… duct tape, how Canadian, eh? This illustration critiques the state of Ontario’s healthcare system, urging voters to see beyond Ford’s campaign rhetoric and demand real solutions to the systemic decline.

Canadian premiers unite in Washington against U.S. tariffs, showcasing provincial leadership amidst federal absence, while Doug Ford's political motives face scrutiny.

Thursday, February 13, 2025: “Performative Politics”

As the Canadian premiers gathered in Washington to address the tariffs, the cartoon captures the moment in two panels: formal premiers making their case against tariffs, while Doug Ford, portrayed as “Captain Canada,” humorously revealing, I hope, his true agenda—fighting an election. This satirical take underscores the tension between provincial leadership and individual political motivations, reminding viewers that while collaboration is crucial, electoral ambitions can overshadow national unity. If it hasn’t become clear in this series, Doug’s casting of the role may have had it’s glory day or two, but the shine is wearing off.

Doug Ford, "Captain Canada," charms Ontario voters despite pressing provincial issues, leading to strong poll numbers ahead of the election.

Friday, February 14, 2025: “Love at First Election”

On Valentine’s Day, Ford’s charm offensive is on full display. My cartoon features him again as “Captain Canada,” pouring wine for an anthropomorphized map of Ontario, who appears tipsy and enamoured. Surrounded by heart-shaped boxes and poll documents, this playful depiction highlights Ford’s strategic timing and his attempts to win voters with promises, all while serious issues linger. The humour serves to critique the superficiality of political gestures in the face of real challenges.

Former Canadian prime ministers urge citizens to fly the flag with pride, fostering unity amid external challenges and internal reflections.

Saturday, February 15, 2025: “Flag Day — Reclaiming Unity“

Finally, the week wrapped up with a reflection on the Canadian flag and its significance. My cartoon illustrates former Prime Ministers uniting to restore the true meaning of the flag, overshadowed by its appropriation by various political factions. There’s an added dig at another powerful PM wannabe: Pierre Poilievre. In this final cartoon, I wanted to give my readers a break from the consecutive satire that some might see as glorification of Doug Ford as Captain Canada.

The term “Team Canada” has also entered Canadian lexicon, “Hockeyfying” politics, and like Captain Canadas‘, Team Canadas come and go, usually in trade delegations. The premiers’ recent trip to Washington was dubbed “Team Canada,” but their effort was tepid, managing only the attention of a couple of King Trump’s White House courtiers. In a significant gesture, ex-Prime Ministers united to fly the flag, emphasizing that we can reflect on our past and continue along the path of reconciliation without denigrating our patriotism. They might even consider restoring the statues of Sir John A. Macdonald, whose legacy faces scrutiny while other Prime Ministers with checkered pasts remain standing.

The Moral of this Story

In these editorial cartoons, I aim to highlight the realities of Doug Ford’s leadership as Ontario approaches its important election. While he may be called “Captain Canada,” the issues of healthcare, housing, and the economy are serious concerns that voters need to consider. As the election date gets closer, it’s crucial for Ontarians to focus on these local challenges instead of getting distracted by the noise around them. This series reminds us that real leadership means tackling the core issues rather than just playing the political game. Ultimately, the “Team Canada” approach serves as a better model for unity and collaboration, moving us away from the glorification of individuals in costumes.

Thank you to everyone who continues to subscribe to this weekly newsletter! Typically, posts are released every Saturday morning, summarizing the week through my editorial cartoons. I aim to avoid overwhelming subscribers with constant post notifications. Throughout the week, I share daily ‘notes’ on my Substack, which contribute to my weekly newsletters and feature animated versions of my daily cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free as long as I remain a staff editorial cartoonist. Thank you for your support!

Did you know for every editorial cartoon I draw there’s an animated version? As far as I know I’m the only editorial cartoonist doing this. For this past week you can view the following for added entertainment. Let me know what you think in the comments:

The Trump Distraction in the 2025 Ontario Election – February 11, 2025

Captain Canada’s quick fix solutions to save Ontario’s Health Care – February 12, 2025

Dougie Ford takes his election cosplay performance to DC – February 13, 2025

Captain Canada Seduces Ontario Voters – February 14, 2025

Take Back the Flag – February 15, 2025

Tuesday September 15, 2015

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator - Tuesday September 15, 2015 Patrick Brown is headed for his biggest face-off away from the rink. When MPPs return from their summer break Monday, the hockey-playing politico takes a seat in the legislature across from Premier Kathleen Wynne for the first time since being elected Progressive Conservative leader May 9. BrownÕs performance will be carefully scrutinized and the more experienced Wynne will get a flurry of questions on the $9 billion sell-off of Hydro One, her Ontario Retirement Pension Plan and the economy. With the issues spilling over to the Oct. 19 federal campaign trail, rival party leaders are as eager to score points as Wynne is to stand her ground, with polls suggesting the Hydro One sale is not as popular as she would like. ÒWe will very clearly point out how we should take a different approach,Ó Brown said, dubbing the hydro deal a Òfire saleÓ and the pension premiums that employees and employers would have to pay a Òjob killer.Ó He also pledged to set a different tone by not being Òblindly partisan.Ó New Democrats said Hydro One, in which Wynne plans to sell a 60 per cent stake to raise money for transit and debt reduction, is their Òbig pushÓ because they fear it will lead to higher electricity prices. ÒHydro bills are through the roof,Ó said NDP House Leader Gilles Bisson. In an interview Friday in Quebec City, where she was attending a joint cabinet meeting with Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, Wynne said she is will not Òback downÓ on Hydro One. She defended eventual proceeds from the sale as crucial to improving public transit and reducing gridlock that is costing the economy billions in lost productivity. ÒThe building of infrastructure is a high priority for us...and so I am going to be talking to the people of Ontario through the legislature about the work that we're doing on that front,Ó said Wynne. While the government plans to sell off 60 per cent of Hydro

by Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 15, 2015

Patrick Brown is headed for his biggest face-off away from the rink.

When MPPs return from their summer break Monday, the hockey-playing politico takes a seat in the legislature across from Premier Kathleen Wynne for the first time since being elected Progressive Conservative leader May 9.

Editorial cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator - Wednesday May 13, 2015 Meet Patrick Who, OntarioÕs new Progressive Conservative leader The only thing that is absolutely certain about Patrick Brown, the new Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, is that he loves the political process. He has attended an enormous number of community events, everywhere from his federal riding in Barrie, Ont., to the state of Gujarat in India Ð where he made a particularly rewarding connection with the future prime minister of India, Narendra Modi. Long-time MPP and relatively moderate Christine Elliott was expected to easily win the leadership when the campaign began, but Mr. BrownÕs relentless contact-making, politicking and membership-selling put him far ahead in the end. Mr. Brown was rather a silent MP in Ottawa, so itÕs hard to make out what he stands for. There is evidence of his being a social conservative, but on becoming leader, he was quick to say he would not revisit divisive social issues. He now calls himself a pragmatic conservative, and he points out that he has attended Gay Pride events in Barrie. His surprising campaign has drawn attention to the fact that there are no limits to campaign contributions from any single person or corporation in Ontario party leadership races Ð a situation that needs to change. His larger donors range from the proprietor of Canada Cannabis Corp. to the owner of the Barrie Colts hockey team, to an onion-farming corporation and the owner of a chain of hotels across Canada. The Ontario Liberals have been in power ever since 2003. In the past two provincial elections, the Conservatives, led by Tim Hudak, offered a platform and a tone modelled on what got them Mike Harris elected in the mid-1990s. It might as well have been called Common Sense Revolution II. They are still in opposition. Mr. Brown needs to win a seat in the Legislature before long, but more importantly, he needs to articulate a substantial

Brown’s performance will be carefully scrutinized and the more experienced Wynne will get a flurry of questions on the $9 billion sell-off of Hydro One, her Ontario Retirement Pension Plan and the economy.

With the issues spilling over to the Oct. 19 federal campaign trail, rival party leaders are as eager to score points as Wynne is to stand her ground, with polls suggesting the Hydro One sale is not as popular as she would like.

“We will very clearly point out how we should take a different approach,” Brown said, dubbing the hydro deal a “fire sale” and the pension premiums that employees and employers would have to pay a “job killer.”

He also pledged to set a different tone by not being “blindly partisan.”

New Democrats said Hydro One, in which Wynne plans to sell a 60 per cent stake to raise money for transit and debt reduction, is their “big push” because they fear it will lead to higher electricity prices.

Tuesday March 10, 2015“Hydro bills are through the roof,” said NDP House Leader Gilles Bisson.

In an interview Friday in Quebec City, where she was attending a joint cabinet meeting with Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, Wynne said she is will not “back down” on Hydro One.

She defended eventual proceeds from the sale as crucial to improving public transit and reducing gridlock that is costing the economy billions in lost productivity.

“The building of infrastructure is a high priority for us…and so I am going to be talking to the people of Ontario through the legislature about the work that we’re doing on that front,” said Wynne.

While the government plans to sell off 60 per cent of Hydro One – recently the subject of scathing attacks from ombudsman André Marin over billing snafus — Wynne said the province will retain control because no single shareholder will be able to own more than 10 per cent.

Thursday, February 26, 2015She expressed surprised that Brown will serve as his own education critic, ‎suggesting the new sex-education curriculum will remain a hot topic in the house.

“I was interested in that,” the premier said, adding she will continue to highlight Brown’s social conservative voting record as an MP under Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, where he opposed same-sex marriage and abortion — stances he has since changed. (Source: Toronto Star)