politics – mackaycartoons

Saturday February 28, 2026

February 28, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday February 28, 2026

Poilievre’s Late Pivot and the Path Forward for Canadian Politics

March 15, 2025

Pierre Poilievre’s recent statement, “What President Trump says about Canada is wrong,” marks a significant shift in his political rhetoric, aligning with the general Canadian sentiment towards Trump. This statement, however, comes after months of growing public discontent, travel boycotts, and economic pushback against the U.S. It’s a reaction that feels overdue and perhaps insufficient in countering the bold vision laid out by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has called for a reevaluation of Canada’s longstanding partnership with the U.S. and urged middle powers to unite against coercive hegemonic practices.

Poilievre’s new stance may ruffle feathers among “Maple MAGA” supporters within his party, such as Jamil Jivani, Danielle Smith, and Kevin O’Leary, who find Trump’s far-right movement appealing. Yet, this pivot is crucial as the Conservative Party seeks to align itself more closely with mainstream Canadian values.

News: Canada should not declare ‘permanent rupture’ with U.S., Poilievre says

April 2, 2025

The Conservative Leader’s attempt to present substantial policy positions and engage in adult discussions on national issues is commendable. However, the timing of his pivot raises questions about its sincerity, especially as Trump’s influence wanes even within his own party.

Poilievre’s speech displayed a level of political maturity that has been lacking in recent years. He acknowledged the opposition’s role in holding the government accountable and in fostering informed public discourse. This shift is a welcome development, yet it remains to be seen whether Poilievre can maintain this seriousness and authenticity.

While his new approach is a step in the right direction, it doesn’t entirely dispel the perception of him as untrustworthy. To truly resonate with Canadians, Poilievre must demonstrate consistent leadership and genuine commitment to these principles.

Opinion: Poilievre makes the pivot on Trump, but repudiates Carney’s foreign policy

October 17, 2025

Ultimately, Poilievre’s pivot, though late, represents a more responsible political strategy. As Canadians, we should watch closely to see if this new direction will lead to meaningful engagement with the challenges facing our country. Time will tell if Poilievre can grow into the leader his party and Canada need.

Thursday February 26, 2026

February 26, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 26, 2026

Also published in The Toronto Star.

The Complex Legacy of Wayne Gretzky and New Challenges for U.S. Athletes in Canada

July 25, 2025

In the world of hockey, few names carry the weight of Wayne Gretzky and Auston Matthews. Yet, as politics increasingly intertwine with sports, their legacies reveal the complexities athletes face regarding national identity and public perception.

Wayne Gretzky, once the embodiment of Canadian hockey pride, finds himself at the centre of a political storm. By aligning with figures like Donald Trump, Gretzky’s image as “The Great One” has been overshadowed by questions of allegiance. Trading his Canadian citizenship and embracing life in the U.S. might have provided personal benefits, but it came at the cost of alienating a loyal Canadian fan base. His involvement with MAGA politics has further strained his connection with Canada, a country pivotal to his storied career.

Opinion: The State of the Union was a zoo – and Team USA the monkey https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-state-of-the-union-nhl-mens-team-usa-hockey-players/

April 25, 2023

The criticism Gretzky faces isn’t merely about his personal choices but reflects a broader societal expectation for public figures to embody the values of their origins. He must reconcile his past decisions with their impacts on his legacy.

Auston Matthews, captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, finds himself in a similarly precarious situation. As an American with a Mexican heritage, Matthews is caught between the pressures of representing a Canadian team and the political expectations of his home country. Although he attended a regrettable Oval Office visit with his teammates, the decision was likely made to avoid provoking a hotheaded President. It reflects the difficult balance he must maintain in a highly politicized environment.

December 3, 2024

For Matthews, the challenge lies in focusing on hockey while being mindful of the political undercurrents affecting his career and public image. His heritage and leadership role place him in a delicate balancing act, where the repercussions of political associations must be carefully considered.

Opinion: In saying he’s a ‘true Canadian,’ Gretzky shows he’s still a wonderful deflector https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-winter-olympics-wayne-gretzky-canada/

June 4, 2024

These situations highlight the reality that hockey, despite its reputation as Canada’s game, is not immune to political influence. Athletes, whether Canadian or American, must approach these issues with awareness and thoughtfulness. Gretzky’s experience serves as a cautionary tale of the potential fallout from political entanglements, while Matthews exemplifies the new generation of athletes striving to balance sport and identity.

In a time when the lines between sports and politics blur, athletes must remember that their actions off the ice are as impactful as their performance on it. The legacy of hockey in Canada is rich and storied, and for those who benefit from it, there is an implicit responsibility to honour its roots. As Gretzky and Matthews illustrate, addressing this complex terrain requires more than just skill on the ice—it demands an understanding of the broader societal context and a commitment to the values that define their sport and their nations.

Tuesday February 10, 2026

February 10, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday February 10, 2026

Lessons From A Super Bowl Performance

Marvelous Maps

The Super Bowl halftime show, often the centrepiece of American pop culture, took on a deeper significance this year with Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny’s historic performance. This wasn’t just entertainment; it was a statement—a reminder that America is more than just the United States. It is a vast tapestry of cultures stretching from Canada to Argentina, rich with diversity and history.

Bad Bunny’s performance was a celebration of Latino culture, filled with poignant symbols of Puerto Rican life, from sugar cane fields to traditional dances. It was a tribute to the resilience and beauty of a culture often marginalized in mainstream American narratives. By performing primarily in Spanish, Bad Bunny challenged the monolithic view of America as solely English-speaking and white.

News: Super Bowl 2026 halftime features Canada shoutout and a waving flag: ‘Bad Bunny is Canada down,’ viewers say

January 27, 2026

His shoutout to Canada and the display of flags from across the Americas were not mere nods but a powerful message of unity. It was a reminder that America is a continent, not a country, and its people are as diverse as its landscapes. In a political climate where division is often sown by those in power, this performance was a call for togetherness and recognition of shared humanity.

The presence of ICE protest symbols and the critique of current U.S. immigration policies highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by many in the Latino community. It was a brave stance against the backdrop of a government that has, at times, fostered division and fear. By using the platform of one of America’s greatest sporting events, Bad Bunny brought these issues to the forefront, making his message inescapable to millions.

The reaction in Canada, where viewers felt pride in being included, underscores the broader appeal of Bad Bunny’s message. It resonated with those who see the United States’ current political path as a temporary detour from the values of inclusion and diversity that should define America.

News: Decoding the nods to Latino culture in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance

January 6, 2026

This performance wasn’t anti-American; it was a call to remember what America truly is—a mosaic of cultures and histories, far richer and more complex than any single narrative. It was a reminder that the current political climate is transient, while the cultural and human connections across the Americas endure.

Bad Bunny’s halftime show was a masterclass in using art to foster understanding and unity. It challenged viewers to reconsider what it means to be American and celebrated the vibrant cultures that make up our shared continent. In doing so, it delivered an unforgettable lesson: America is more than a country; it is a community, diverse and beautiful in its complexity.

Thursday December 18, 2025

December 18, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday December 18, 2025

Published in The Toronto Star.

A Resurgence of Intrigue and Uncertainty

December 18, 2024

Quebec politics has long been a source of both intrigue and entertainment, characterized by its unique cultural dynamics and frequent shifts in public sentiment. As we approach the provincial election in 2026, the landscape is once again charged with excitement and unpredictability.

Recent events, including the resignation of Quebec Liberal Party leader Pablo Rodriguez amid corruption allegations, have thrown the party into disarray. Once a bastion of federalism, the Liberals are struggling to find their footing, reminiscent of the spent and unpopular state of Robert Bourassa’s Liberals in 1975. This turmoil, detailed in recent articles from Le Devoir and CBC, highlights a party grappling with internal crises and a loss of public confidence.

News: Quebec Liberal leader has decided to resign after weeks of turmoil: sources

July 12, 2019

Meanwhile, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), led by François Legault, finds itself in a precarious position. After dominating Quebec politics for nearly a decade, voter fatigue and dissatisfaction have set in. The CAQ’s struggles mirror those of past governments, facing challenges such as the contentious issues of pipelines, secularism laws like Bill 21, and the push for a Quebec constitution. These debates have reignited passions across the province, drawing attention to Quebec’s place within Canada and its cultural identity.

October 5, 2022

Enter the Parti Québécois (PQ), under the leadership of Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. The PQ is experiencing a resurgence, capturing the imagination of voters with renewed discussions of sovereignty and independence. While the prospect of another referendum is met with skepticism by many, the PQ’s rise in the polls indicates a significant shift in public mood. This echoes the party’s historic ascent in the 1970s, when they challenged the status quo and altered Quebec’s political trajectory.

News: PQ lead in polls won’t last, referendum promise will turn off Quebecers, Legault says

May 7, 2021

Commentary from various sources, including reader responses, underscores the complexity of Quebec’s political climate. The province is restless, with many feeling that politics has been dormant for too long. The potential for change is palpable, as parties vie for influence and attempt to address the diverse concerns of Quebecers.

As we approach the 2026 election, Quebec’s political scene seems poised for a dramatic transformation. The end of Legault’s era and the potential return of the PQ signify a province on the verge of a political explosion. In true Quebec fashion, the stage is set for a captivating and unpredictable journey, reminding us that Quebec politics never fails to deliver intrigue.

The 2026 Unity Crisis Drama

Yesterday morning, the unexpected resignation of Liberal leader Pablo Rodriguez jolted me awake from my apathy towards Quebec politics. For years, the political scene in Quebec has felt stagnant, with uninspiring leaders at the helm. In the past 25 years, the Parti Québécois has cycled through 13 leaders, with only three serving as premiers, while the Liberals have seen seven leaders and just two premiers.

François Legault, the two-term Premier, has been the only leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec to govern, emerging as a protest against the traditional politics dominated by the Liberals and PQ. Despite controversies, particularly his fixation on secularism, Legault managed to steer Quebec away from its nationalist, separatist tendencies. However, Quebecers are growing weary of the CAQ and Legault, as reflected in plummeting poll numbers, signaling a hunger for change.

This yearning for transformation is refreshing. It’s been too long since Quebec politics has seen the likes of dynamic figures such as Jean Charest, Bernard Landry, Lucien Bouchard, Jacques Parizeau, and the incomparable René Lévesque. Although I don’t see a new René Lévesque in the current PQ leader, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, whom I just discovered today, I remain a staunch federalist committed to Quebec’s place within Canada.

Yet, I welcome the prospect of renewed debates on unity. It’s an integral part of our history and offers a rich platform to discuss Quebec’s role within the broader Canadian context.

Tuesday December 9, 2025

December 9, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday December 9, 2025

Poilievre’s Playbook vs. Carney’s Calculus

December 2, 2025

In the intricate dance of Canadian politics, the proposed West Coast pipeline has become a stage where Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, appears to be playing a calculated game. Rather than offering a substantive solution to the complex challenge of getting Alberta oil to tidewater, Poilievre’s recent motions seem more designed to score political points than to navigate the real-world intricacies of energy development and environmental stewardship.

The recent motion by Poilievre to pressure the Liberal government to support pipeline construction is less about advancing the project and more about highlighting perceived Liberal contradictions. By forcing a vote, Poilievre aims to expose divisions within the Liberal ranks, particularly those between MPs concerned with environmental commitments and those focusing on economic growth. However, this approach risks reducing a multifaceted issue to a mere political spectacle.

News: Conservative motion will force Liberals to ‘put up or shut up’ on oil pipeline support: Poilievre

November 14, 2025

The Carney government’s memorandum of understanding with Alberta, though controversial, reflects a nuanced attempt to balance economic interests with environmental responsibilities. Recognizing the complexity of this challenge, the Carney administration has sought to engage both provincial and Indigenous stakeholders, albeit with mixed success. While polls suggest that the Carney government enjoys political support, even in British Columbia, the path forward remains fraught with obstacles — both practical and political.

The reality is that a pipeline project of this magnitude involves more than just political will; it requires genuine consensus, substantial investment, and an unwavering commitment to environmental standards. The Carney government, aware of these challenges, may indeed be engaging in its own brand of political maneuvering, understanding that the pipeline might never materialize. Yet, their approach reflects an acknowledgment of the need for dialogue and compromise, even at the cost of rolling back certain environmental measures.

News: Poilievre puts pressure on Liberal caucus over proposed West Coast pipeline

November 7, 2025

In contrast, Poilievre’s strategy appears more about creating a narrative of Liberal inaction and division, rather than contributing to a feasible path forward. By focusing on optics over substance, Poilievre risks alienating both environmental advocates and those genuinely invested in Canada’s energy future.

Ultimately, the debate over the West Coast pipeline underscores the need for leadership that prioritizes genuine solutions over political grandstanding. As Canada navigates its energy and environmental challenges, the focus should be on fostering collaboration and innovation, rather than perpetuating partisan divides.

Poilievre’s Pipeline Predicament

As the Opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre finds himself in a tough spot. With Prime Minister Carney effectively adopting many conservative stances on energy, Poilievre is scrambling to redefine his position. Carney’s knack for balancing economic concerns with a watered-down environmental stance has attracted those who prioritize the economy over climate action. This shift has blurred the lines between the Conservatives and Liberals on key issues like the environment and energy policy. The pipeline deal, which has even garnered Danielle Smith’s approval, stands as a testament to Carney’s political acumen. It cleverly places the onus on those who oppose it, from David Eby to Indigenous and environmental groups, and even dissenting Liberal MPs. It’s a strategic maneuver that highlights Poilievre’s current dilemma: his latest motion seems more like political posturing than a genuine move in the energy debate.