peace tower

Friday June 2, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 2, 2023

Inaction Plagues Canada’s Security System Despite Johnston Report

May 9, 2023

The Johnston report, investigating foreign interference and the government’s response, has failed to spur meaningful efforts to address Canada’s security and intelligence communication system. The reactions to the report reflect the fractured state of Canadian politics rather than a focus on its findings. This article argues that the lack of visible action in the face of the national security threat posed by foreign interference is concerning.

Mistrust of the government, fueled by responses to COVID-19 measures and protests, has tainted the discourse. Legitimate concerns about foreign interference have been overshadowed by baseless suspicions of compromised elections. Instead of tackling core issues, there is a preoccupation with scandal and scapegoats.

Analysis: What would it take for Canada to have a ‘serious’ debate about foreign interference?  

March 26, 2013

Johnston’s analysis, based on classified intelligence, discounts political misconduct allegations and questions media reporting on leaked documents. Unfortunately, the focus on sensationalism hinders progress and ignores his valuable insights.

Two dangers emerge from this inaction. Firstly, secondary battles distract from the urgent need to address foreign interference. Secondly, partisan approaches and weakened trust create vulnerabilities that authoritarian states exploit.

Johnston stresses the need for facts and truth in national security, calling for transparency and public understanding. Declassifying documents, strengthening independent review systems, and enforcing laws against foreign interference are crucial steps. Public hearings can facilitate accountability and include the voices of affected communities.

Despite the Johnston report, there is a lack of action to address Canada’s security system. It is essential to prioritize the protection of Canadian democracy from foreign interference. Moving beyond partisanship and focusing on transparency, facts, and implementing the recommendations are crucial for safeguarding national security. (AI) | Editorial cartoon also printed in the Toronto Star.

The Parliament Buildings aren’t easy to draw. This clip shows how an old version I drew can be imported, altered, scaled, and replicated as a reference for the latest drawing. With the panda Wednesday night’s Nature episode served as added inspiration. Tablets make editorial cartooning so easy, the craft just needs younger recruits. Also, I’ve become aware of a growing thinking by people in the Chinese community that the dragon metaphor for China is cheesy and induces eye-rolls, even when referring to the clowns running operations in Beijing. – GM

 

 

 

Wednesday January 31, 2018

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 31, 2018

#MeToo’s moment on Parliament Hill suggests another way more women could change politics

The great unravelling continues. And as it does, it reveals the difficult truths about sexual misconduct by those who occupy the institutions of Canadian political power.

Beyond the question of what might be revealed next, there is the question of what must change to ensure this moment is never relived.

At noon on Monday, a day after another report of sexual misconduct allegedly perpetrated by one of its members, the House of Commons turned its attention to Bill C-65, legislation to implement new rules and processes for dealing with sexual harassment in federally regulated workplaces.

“We have been powerfully reminded in Canada and indeed around the world that harassment and violence remain a common experience for people in the workplace,” Labour Minister Patty Hajdu said. “Parliament Hill, our own workplace, is especially affected.”

She proceeded in greater detail.

“Parliament Hill features distinct power imbalances, which perpetuates a culture where people with a lot of power and prestige can use and have used that power to victimize the people who work so hard for us,” she said. “It is a culture where people who are victims of harassment or sexual violence do not feel safe to bring those complaints forward. It is a place where these types of behaviours, abusive and harmful, are accepted and minimized and ignored.”

Three hours later, MPs unanimously agreed to pass C-65 at second reading and send it immediately to a committee for further study.

The bill is, in Conservative MP Michelle Rempel’s words, “a positive step in the right direction.” But, in and of itself, C-65 “will not correct all the issues associated with the current state of affairs,” she said. 

So more must change, including perhaps the most obvious: the number of women who currently occupy seats in the House of Commons. (Source: CBC)

 

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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Thursday, May 30, 2013By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday, May 30, 2013

In the Senate, Duffy and Wallin are sticking together

Walking through the front door of the Senate placed the PEI Senator between the two sides of the Red Chamber. Mike Duffy arrived midway through last Wednesday’s Question Period, where the topic – as it was all week – was him.

It was the first time he had stepped foot in the chamber since his resignation from the Conservative caucus the week before. Though he was in Ottawa, he did not attend a debate the previous night that saw his expenses sent back to a committee for further review. He also missed a failed attempt by the Liberals to have his expenses sent straight to the police.

Mr. Duffy moved to his new seat in the back row on the opposition side. Already in her new seat in the same area was Pamela Wallin, another former CTV journalist who had also just resigned from the Conservative caucus over expenses.

Mr. Duffy leaned over and whispered something into her ear, then took his seat to her left. Later Mr. Duffy spoke to Ms. Wallin at length and she appeared to take notes. Then they chatted briefly with Mac Harb, another Senator under fire over expenses.

The cameras did not capture any of this, because cameras are not allowed in the Senate. No video cameras. No still cameras. Two reporters were detained by Senate security earlier this year because they were falsely accused of snapping cellphone pics in the chamber. The reporters received an apology.

The recent attention on the Red Chamber over the expenses scandal serves as a reminder that the Senate is a very strange place. Unlike the 308 seat House of Commons, the Senate is a much smaller place. There are only 105 seats. Three are currently vacant and full attendance rarely happens. (Source: Globe & Mail)

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