pharmacare – mackaycartoons

Saturday August 31, 2024

August 31, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Saturday August 31, 2024

Poilievre asks Singh to pull support for Liberal government to prompt fall election

Pierre Poilievre’s impatience and lack of a clear policy agenda risk undermining his party’s chances of capitalizing on current Liberal unpopularity, while Jagmeet Singh and the NDP are unlikely to abandon a coalition that has allowed them to achieve significant policy wins.

News: Pierre Poilievre’s Impatience Risks Derailing Conservative Hopes

April 13, 2024

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, finds himself in a powerful but precarious position. His party’s poll numbers are soaring, bolstered by widespread dissatisfaction with the governing Liberals. Canadians are feeling the pinch of high interest rates, inflation, and a general fatigue with a Prime Minister who, after nearly a decade in power, appears to have lost his political spark. The conditions seem ripe for a change in government, but Poilievre’s recent actions and rhetoric suggest a leader growing impatient—and that impatience could prove costly.

June 28, 2024

Poilievre’s repeated calls for NDP leader Jagmeet Singh to pull his party’s support from the Liberal government and trigger an early election are increasingly sounding like the pleas of a politician more concerned with capitalizing on current discontent than with presenting a comprehensive vision for the country’s future. His demand for an immediate “carbon tax election” is rooted in the Conservatives’ popular “Ax the Tax” campaign, which taps into the frustration of cash-strapped Canadians. However, beyond this single-issue focus, Poilievre’s broader platform remains vague, leaving many Canadians wondering what the Conservatives actually stand for beyond opposition to the status quo.

The irony in Poilievre’s rhetoric is palpable. His criticism of Singh’s potential pension entitlement comes across as hollow, given that Poilievre himself qualified for a parliamentary pension at an exceptionally young age. This inconsistency does little to bolster his credibility and instead opens him up to charges of hypocrisy, undermining his attempts to position himself as a champion of fiscal responsibility and integrity.

December 22, 2023

Furthermore, Poilievre’s urgency for an election may be premature. While the Liberals are undoubtedly struggling—hampered by high spending, borrowed NDP policies, and a Prime Minister who seems past his best before date—there are signs that the economic situation might improve. Interest rates could come down, easing the affordability crisis that has plagued Trudeau’s government and offering a potential lifeline to the Liberals. If affordability improves, so too could the Liberals’ standing with voters, making Poilievre’s current window of opportunity narrower than he anticipates.

Rick Mercer: Pierre Poilievre’s Pension

The NDP, meanwhile, has little incentive to abandon its agreement with the Liberals. By securing significant policy wins like dental care, pharmacare, and child care, Singh has demonstrated his party’s ability to influence government policy, fulfilling the NDP’s traditional role as the driver of progressive social programs. These achievements are tangible and meaningful, and they align with the NDP’s long-standing priorities. Why would Singh risk these gains by pulling the plug on the agreement and potentially ushering in a Conservative government that is likely to dismantle them?

February 29, 2024

Indeed, Poilievre’s petulant rhetoric and lack of a clear alternative policy agenda could backfire. Canadians may be discontent with the current government, but they are unlikely to vote for change without knowing what that change would look like. Voters need to hear more from Poilievre than just critiques of the Liberals—they need to understand his vision for the country, how he plans to achieve it, and who will benefit (or suffer) under his leadership. Without this, his calls for an early election may come across as little more than political opportunism, lacking the substance needed to convince Canadians that the Conservatives are ready to govern.

In politics, timing is everything. Poilievre’s impatience, coupled with his reliance on rhetoric over concrete policy proposals, risks alienating voters who might otherwise be open to supporting the Conservatives. If the Liberals manage to stabilize their position, and if the NDP continues to extract meaningful concessions from the government, Poilievre could find that his window of opportunity closes just as quickly as it opened. The pendulum of Canadian politics may indeed be swinging towards change, but unless Poilievre can present a compelling, detailed alternative to the current government, he may find himself watching from the sidelines when the time comes. (AI)

Thursday July 18, 2024

July 18, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday July 18, 2024

Provincial Grievances Highlight the Growing Tension in Canadian Federalism

February 7, 2023

It comes as no surprise that the recent Council of the Federation meeting in Halifax saw Canada’s premiers united in their grievances against the federal government. This annual summer gathering has become something of a tradition, a platform for provincial leaders to air their frustrations with Ottawa. The provinces, though not spoken of in the same way as municipalities, are often seen as creatures of the federal government, a status that exacerbates the tension between different levels of government in Canada’s federal system.

The bickering between levels of government tends to amplify as one ascends the confederation ladder. Municipalities complain about provincial overreach, while provinces direct their ire at the federal government. This year, the premiers’ complaints were particularly focused on what they perceive as federal overreach into provincial jurisdictions. Premier after premier took to the podium to criticize the federal government for imposing policies that they argue should be under provincial control.

News: Premiers push federal government to accelerate NATO defence spending

August 24, 2022

The Justin Trudeau government has indeed used its federal clout more aggressively than its predecessors to impose policies on lower levels of government. Initiatives such as dental care, pharmacare, carbon pricing, and most recently Trudeau’s school lunch program are prime examples. While these programs aim to address national issues, they have sparked significant pushback from provincial leaders who argue that such policies infringe on their jurisdiction and autonomy.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s criticism of federal funding for municipal housing projects highlights a common concern among the premiers: the bypassing of provincial governments in favour of direct federal-municipal relationships. Smith’s “stay out of my backyard bill,” which would require provincial oversight of housing deals between the federal government and municipalities, underscores the desire for provincial control over these matters.

October 28, 2023

The carbon pricing policy has been another flashpoint. Premiers have united in calling for a pause on carbon pricing for home heating, criticizing the federal government’s exemption for Atlantic Canada as unfair. This selective application of federal policy has led to calls for a more consistent and equitable approach across all provinces.

Discussions around equalization payments further highlight the ongoing tension. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s call for a reform of the equalization formula reflects a broader sentiment among the premiers that the current system is outdated and unfair to certain provinces. The push for a new formula that redistributes funds on a per capita basis in addition to the existing criteria aims to address these perceived inequities.

At the heart of these grievances is a call for a more cooperative federalism. The premiers are not merely seeking to push back against federal policies; they are advocating for a true partnership with Ottawa. This means engaging in meaningful consultations and collaborative decision-making processes that respect provincial autonomy while addressing national challenges.

News: ‘Buy North America’ is Doug Ford’s new mantra as U.S. trade talk worries Canadian premiers

July 21, 2023

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, requesting better engagement and a refraining from unilateral actions in areas of provincial jurisdiction, encapsulates this desire for a renewed federal-provincial relationship. The call for a First Ministers’ meeting to discuss these issues in person further emphasizes the need for direct and cooperative dialogue.

The annual Council of the Federation meeting serves as a reminder of the inherent tensions within Canadian federalism. While the premiers’ complaints about federal overreach are not new, they underscore the ongoing challenges of balancing national objectives with provincial autonomy. As the Trudeau government continues to push forward with its policy agenda, it must also heed the calls for a more collaborative and respectful approach to federal-provincial relations. Only through such cooperation can the diverse needs and priorities of all Canadians be effectively addressed. (AI)

Thursday February 29, 2024

February 29, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 29, 2024

Trudeau’s Napkin Governance: A Costly Sketch of Social Policy

February 14, 2024

In this take capturing the essence of Trudeau’s governance, we see the Prime Minister extending another hastily drawn plan on a serviette (Canadian translation for napkin,) this time outlining the delivery of expensive pharmaceuticals to bolster universal healthcare. The irony lies in the sketchiness of the proposal, mirroring the questionable efficiency of previous policies, such as the ArriveCan app debacle, as revealed by the recent Auditor General’s report.

Trudeau, depicted in the cartoon, hands over this napkin to NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, fulfilling a demand crucial for the Liberal government’s survival. However, Singh holds another napkin symbolizing the Dental Care program – another hastily crafted, expensive social initiative that has birthed more problems than solutions.

News: The Liberals and NDP say they have a pharmacare deal — so what’s left on their to-do list?

February 21, 2024

The recent Auditor General’s report sheds light on the financial chaos surrounding the ArriveCan app, a $59.5 million mismanagement that unveils a pattern of questionable decision-making within Trudeau’s government. This financial maze serves as a cautionary tale of hastily executed projects during the early days of the pandemic.

The ArriveCan fiasco is not an isolated incident but a reflection of a broader issue – a government seemingly hellbent on governing on the fly. From the sloppy accounting of CERB subsidy payments during the pandemic to the implications of wide-open borders managing a significant influx of migrants over the past five years, the Trudeau-led Liberals appear more focused on creating half-baked social policies than ensuring effective governance.

December 22, 2023

Trudeau’s recent Pharmacare deal with the NDP, showcased in the cartoon, is another example. Tasha Kheiriddin, a conservative columnist, questions the plan’s necessity, citing concerns about lack of consultation with provinces and the potential for jeopardizing coverage for millions. The choice of initial drugs, contraception and diabetes medication, is criticized as a political move to appeal to key demographics rather than a strategic healthcare decision.

Tom Mulcair, a former NDP leader, adds his voice to the discussion, commending Singh for securing the Pharmacare deal but jabbing at the hastiness of the agreement. Mulcair emphasizes the need for clear and tangible benefits while cautioning against the pitfalls of relying on technocrats for such critical policies. This underscores the importance of thorough consideration in crafting comprehensive and effective social programs.

April 22, 2021

The urgency created by the pandemic is not an excuse for overlooking fundamental management practices, as seen in the ArriveCan debacle. The mismanagement of the app, along with other questionable policy decisions, suggests a government more interested in short-term political gains than effective, transparent governance.

As Canadians, we must scrutinize these napkin-drawn policies, demanding accountability and transparency. The ArriveCan scandal and the questionable Pharmacare plan should serve as wake-up calls for citizens who expect more than hastily crafted sketches on napkins from their elected leaders. The need for reform is evident, and it’s time to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, not hastily.

Wednesday February 14, 2024

February 14, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 14, 2024

Love and Healthcare Politics: A Valentine’s Day Contrast

December 22, 2023

In the political romance of healthcare agreements in Canada, two contrasting stories unfold ahead of Valentine’s Day. On one side, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford engage in a $3.1 billion healthcare funding deal, promising to address the crisis in hospitals and elevate the healthcare system. This agreement, signed on February 9, aims to create new primary health-care teams, increase spots in medical education programs, and enhance tracking of health data.

News: Ford, Trudeau sign $3.1B health-care funding deal that will see Ontario hire more health workers

The urgency of this healthcare commitment comes as Ontario’s health system faces severe staffing shortages, record-high numbers of patients lacking family doctors, and extended wait times in hospital emergency rooms. The hope is that the infusion of funds will stabilize the healthcare system and alleviate the ongoing challenges.

September 3, 2021

Meanwhile, in another corner of the political love triangle, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh plays a different tune. Threatening consequences, Singh demands a federal Pharmacare program and sets a March 1 deadline for the Liberals to table related legislation. This demand follows Trudeau’s recent concession to costly dental care, sparking curiosity about the priorities and compromises within the political relationship.

Singh’s warning comes after the Liberals admitted to missing the original timeline for the Pharmacare legislation, causing tensions in their supply and confidence agreement with the NDP. The NDP insists on a universal system that is publicly delivered and administered, with the federal government as the single payer. The contrast between Singh’s demands and Trudeau’s recent concessions adds layers to the political drama, creating a storyline worthy of a Valentine’s Day tale.

News: Jagmeet Singh threatens consequences if Liberals miss March 1 pharmacare deadline

May 19, 2023

As the political love affairs unfold, Canadians watch with anticipation, wondering how these healthcare promises and demands will shape the future of their well-being. In this political Valentine’s Day saga, the dance of agreements and demands reveals the intricacies and complexities of navigating the path to a healthier, more caring nation. (AI)

Friday December 22, 2023

December 22, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday December 22, 2023

Changing Tides in Canadian Attitudes Towards Pharmacare

June 13, 2019

In recent years, Canadians appear to be reassessing the urgency of implementing a national pharmacare plan, particularly in light of the profound challenges posed by the pandemic. According to a 2023 survey conducted by Leger, only 18 percent of respondents consider a universal single-payer drug plan a top health-care priority. The focus has shifted towards addressing more immediate concerns such as surgical wait times, long-term care expansion, and mental health services, garnering 36 percent, 32 percent, and 30 percent support, respectively.

This shift in sentiment is underscored by the limited awareness of the government’s pharmacare plans, with 53 percent of those polled being unfamiliar with the proposed legislation. Negotiations between the Liberals and New Democrats, who pledged support for pharmacare in exchange for prioritizing NDP concerns, have encountered obstacles, primarily due to disagreements over the structure of the system.

News: Pharmacare not the top health priority for most Canadians: survey

September 3, 2021

While 44 percent of respondents support a drug plan covering those without existing coverage, seniors, and individuals earning less than $90,000 annually, only 22 percent believe the plan should replace basic employer-provided drug coverage. Despite the lack of overwhelming support for pharmacare, opposition remains relatively weak, with only 17 percent stating that it should not be a government priority.

Even within the Conservative voter base, only 23 percent express outright opposition to pharmacare, suggesting potential acceptance among the majority. The political landscape is crucial, with the Liberals relying on pharmacare legislation to secure NDP support and avoid an early election amid a dip in Conservative support.

April 22, 2021

In stark contrast, just four years ago, Canadians overwhelmingly supported the idea of pharmacare. In a 2019 poll conducted by Environics Research, 93 percent of respondents believed it was crucial for everyone in Canada to have equal access to prescription drugs. A resounding 88 percent felt that the federal government should take responsibility for ensuring such access.

The high cost of prescription drugs was a significant concern, leading 24 percent of households to make compromises, such as not filling or renewing prescriptions, to cope with expenses. The poll highlighted the widespread support for a universal national pharmacare program, with almost 90 percent of Canadians endorsing the initiative.

News: Pharmacare bill to be tabled by March 2024, Liberals and NDP confirm

March 6, 2018

The stress of prescription drug costs on household budgets was reported by 35 percent of Canadians, while 21 percent of those with coverage still found the out-of-pocket expenses challenging. Disparities in access were evident, with certain groups facing greater barriers, including women, Indigenous people, those aged 18 to 44, individuals with lower incomes, and those in poorer health.

The Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions advocated for federal leadership and an equitable drug strategy, emphasizing the urgent need for a national universal pharmacare program. The poll results indicated that pharmacare was a critical concern for Canadians, urging political parties to prioritize it in the federal election discussions.

April 8, 2022

This divergence in public opinion over a relatively short period underscores the dynamic nature of Canadian attitudes towards pharmacare, with recent challenges and economic uncertainties prompting a reconsideration of priorities. The contrast with the overwhelming support just four years ago highlights the evolving nature of public sentiment in the face of changing circumstances. (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: