politics – mackaycartoons

Tuesday April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 1, 2025

Poilievre’s Dilemma: Navigating Tariffs, Allegations, and ‘Maple MAGA

March 25, 2025

In the turbulent waters of Canadian politics, Pierre Poilievre finds himself at a crossroads. As U.S. President Donald Trump escalates trade tensions with his planned “Liberation Day” tariffs, the question looms large: Will Poilievre pivot his campaign to address the pressing economic threats posed by Trump, even at the risk of alienating his own supporters who admire the U.S. President?

The stakes are high. Canada’s auto industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, stands on the precipice of significant disruption. Trump’s tariffs are not just economic measures; they are a direct challenge to Canada’s sovereignty and economic stability. Yet, while other political leaders have adjusted their focus to confront this threat, Poilievre’s campaign appears to remain steadfast on domestic issues, often characterized by attacks on the Liberal government and a notable reluctance to confront Trump head-on.

Analysis: Pressure mounts on Poilievre to refocus Conservative campaign on Donald Trump

March 15, 2025

This strategic choice raises critical questions about Poilievre’s leadership and vision for Canada. Is it enough to tell Trump to “knock it off,” when the very fabric of Canada’s economic future is at stake? Such a phrase, reminiscent of a reprimand to a misbehaving pet, falls short of addressing the gravity of the situation.

To his supporters, Poilievre is a champion of conservative values, a voice against high taxes and government overreach. Within his base are the “maple MAGA” supporters—those Canadian conservatives who find resonance with Trump’s policies and style. However, the current geopolitical landscape demands more than partisan rhetoric. It requires a leader who can transcend party lines, someone who can unify Canadians against an external threat that transcends political affiliations.

February 20, 2025

Yet, pivoting to confront Trump poses its own risks. By taking a firm stance against Trump, Poilievre risks alienating the “maple MAGA” segment of his supporters, potentially fracturing the party’s unity. This delicate balancing act is a test of Poilievre’s political acumen and courage.

News: Doug Ford’s internal polling paints grim election prospects for Pierre Poilievre in Ontario

January 9, 2025

Criticism from within conservative ranks adds another layer of complexity. Kory Teneycke, a key advisor to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, has been outspoken in his critique of Poilievre’s approach. Teneycke’s insights highlight the internal tensions within the conservative movement, where strategic focus and leadership direction are hotly contested. In a display of apparent desperation, the Conservative Party has resorted to mudslinging tactics, including promoting unfounded allegations linking Liberal leader Mark Carney to Ghislaine Maxwell and questioning the integrity of his doctoral thesis. These moves may underscore the pressures Poilievre faces as he navigates this challenging political landscape.

Analysis: Don’t fall for AI-generated image showing Canada’s PM Mark Carney, Ghislaine Maxwell and Tom Hanks

November 9 2024

Moreover, the strategic pivot required is not just about rhetoric. It involves presenting a clear, actionable plan to protect Canadian industries, to reassure workers whose livelihoods are at stake, and to articulate a vision of Canada that is resilient, independent, and forward-looking.

Poilievre’s challenge is to move beyond the negative strategies of attacking domestic political foes and to address the existential threat that Trump presents to Canadians. It is a moment for leadership that transcends the usual political playbook, demanding a response that is as bold and decisive as the challenges Canada faces.

As the election approaches, the choice for Poilievre is clear: Continue on the current path, or pivot with purpose and resolve. The latter could define his legacy as a leader capable of navigating Canada through one of its most significant economic and political challenges. Whether Poilievre will seize this moment remains to be seen, but with critical voices like Kory Teneycke urging a reevaluation, the opportunity for transformative leadership is undeniable.

Fiery Conservatives

Just wrapped up the editorial cartoon, and wow, it didn’t take long for the conspiracy theories to start swirling around Mark Carney during the first week of the election campaign! The mudslinging is in full swing, with the Conservatives trying to tie Carney to Ghislaine Maxwell through an AI-generated image. Even though it’s been debunked, and real photos show no real connection, some folks just can’t resist a juicy story, right?

And then there’s the plagiarism drama with Carney’s doctoral thesis. The National Post is pointing fingers, but Carney’s old Oxford supervisor has his back, calling the claims a big misunderstanding. It’s wild how these stories pop up so fast, almost like a sign of desperation. Guess when a campaign’s in trouble, the far-fetched stories and evil thoughts start to fly, and before you know it, enough gullible people are spreading the nonsense.

The crazy part is, these stories do stick around. Whether it’s Hillary Clinton supposedly running a pedophile ring or Justin Trudeau being the love child of Fidel Castro, they take on a life of their own, infecting soft-brained voters. Once these tales get going, it’s like trying to stop a runaway train.

But maybe, just maybe, voters are becoming more aware of the misinformation that’s becoming more pervasive with every election. Hopefully, over time, they’ve accumulated some street smarts to separate the real from the fake. Fingers crossed!

Enjoy the making of clip of my editorial cartoon for April 1, 2025, and if you haven’t, please subscribe:

YouTube animation: https://youtu.be/R31qSCSRMjg

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Wednesday March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday March 26, 2025

Ford and Carney: A Pragmatic Duo Navigates Canada’s Challenges

Series: Young Doug Ford

The evolving relationship between Doug Ford and Mark Carney, juxtaposed with the distant rapport Ford shares with Pierre Poilievre, offers a compelling narrative about leadership, pragmatism, and the future of Canadian politics.

Doug Ford, despite his past controversies, has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and work across party lines. His recent collaboration with Mark Carney is a testament to his pragmatic approach. Carney, with his extensive background in economics and leadership, brings a wealth of expertise that complements Ford’s political acumen. Together, they provide a balanced and strategic front against external challenges, particularly in light of Trump’s tariff wars.

News: Insiders say Pierre Poilievre called Doug Ford for ‘advice’ — but the premier said he’ll be ‘staying out’ of the election

January 15, 2025

Their partnership is not just about political convenience; it’s about safeguarding Canadian interests. Ford’s decision to meet with Carney at Wally’s Grill symbolizes a willingness to engage with leaders who share a vision for
In contrast, Pierre Poilievre’s relationship with Ford appears strained and distant. Despite reaching out for advice, Poilievre’s late congratulatory call to Ford and the lack of personal rapport highlight a disconnect. Ford’s focus on governing Ontario and his refusal to engage in federal campaigning further underscores his commitment to provincial priorities.

Poilievre’s rigid stance and divisive rhetoric, reminiscent of American-style politics, seem out of sync with Ford’s centrist approach. This contrast is not lost on voters, many of whom express concerns about Poilievre’s ability to unite and lead effectively.

Opinion: For Doug Ford, Mark Carney will always be a better partner than Pierre Poilievre

April 28, 2023

Reader comments reflect a broader sentiment: Ford, despite his flaws, is viewed as a leader willing to listen and adapt, while Poilievre is seen as rigid and confrontational. Ford’s willingness to collaborate with leaders like Carney, regardless of political affiliation, resonates with Canadians who value cooperation and stability.

In a time of economic uncertainty and external threats, the Ford-Carney alliance offers a reassuring path forward. Their combined leadership exemplifies the power of collaboration and pragmatic governance, positioning Canada to navigate challenges with resilience and foresight.

As Canadians consider their political landscape, the contrast between Ford’s adaptable leadership and Poilievre’s divisive approach becomes increasingly evident. The Ford-Carney partnership stands as a beacon of hope, emphasizing that effective leadership transcends party lines and prioritizes the nation’s well-being.

Picking a Topic

Drawing an editorial cartoon is like putting together a puzzle with a thousand tiny pieces. The hardest part is picking the right topic, especially since my audience is spread across Ontario from Kitchener to Niagara Falls. Today, there were lots of news bites to chew on. The Trump officials’ chat was juicy but already covered by U.S. folks. The TVA debate fee and the India interference story seemed either too niche or not cooked enough yet.

What really caught my eye was the budding bromance between Mark Carney and Doug Ford. Their recent get-togethers offered a perfect chance for some light-hearted fun, especially with a classic CNE setting. I decided to use the “Polar Express” ride to play on Carney’s name and toss in a bit of nostalgia with a young Doug Ford and friends having a blast.

In the cartoon, young Pierre Poilievre looks puzzled in his nerdy “Spirit of 76” shirt, while Carney, as the ride operator, has him talking to the hand. Ford’s on the ride, waving and cheering, while Pierre wonders why he’s left out. The Bulova Tower sneaks into the background, adding that authentic CNE vibe.

This piece is all about mixing humour with a bit of satire, poking fun at political dynamics in a playful way. It feels good to see the idea come to life and hopefully give readers across Ontario a chuckle. Here’s the animated version – Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Saturday February 1, 2025

February 1, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Ontario's provincial leaders are strategically distancing themselves from their federal counterparts, reflecting broader political disunity and redefining party dynamics ahead of the upcoming election.

February 1, 2025

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday February 1, 2025

Ontario’s Leaders Break Free from Federal Ties

In week one of Ontario’s provincial election campaign, a curious phenomenon is taking shape: the leaders of the three main parties are deliberately distancing themselves from their federal counterparts. This strategic divergence mirrors a reciprocal distancing at the federal level, creating an unusual landscape of political disunity across Canada.

Progressive Conservatives: Doug Ford vs. Pierre Poilievre

January 15, 2025

Doug Ford, the Progressive Conservative leader in Ontario, has taken a noticeable step back from federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Ford’s campaign is heavily centred on protecting Ontario’s vital auto industry, a stance that conflicts with Poilievre’s skepticism about corporate subsidies. This divergence highlights a significant policy gap between the provincial and federal wings of the party. Ford’s focus on economic security and job protection resonates with Ontario’s centrist voters, contrasting with Poilievre’s more fiscally conservative approach. The lack of response from Poilievre’s camp to Ford’s implied criticisms suggests a reciprocation of this distance, as Poilievre navigates his own political landscape without entangling with provincial issues.

News: Doug Ford warns Pierre Poilievre that Ontario’s auto industry must be protected

Liberal Party: Bonnie Crombie vs. Justin Trudeau

December 5, 2023

Bonnie Crombie’s strategic distancing from Justin Trudeau is both a response to and a reflection of the federal party’s challenges. Crombie has positioned herself as a centrist, opposing Trudeau’s carbon tax and emphasizing practical solutions to provincial issues like healthcare and affordability. Her approach is designed to appeal to Ontario voters who may be wary of federal Liberal policies. Trudeau’s resignation and the leadership vacuum at the federal level further accentuate this separation, allowing Crombie to craft a distinct identity for the Ontario Liberals. The federal party, in turn, seems content to let provincial leaders navigate their own paths, reflecting the broader uncertainty in national Liberal politics.

News: Bonnie Crombie pitches her vision for Ontario, while distancing herself from Trudeau

New Democratic Party: Marit Stiles vs. Jagmeet Singh

October 24, 2023

Marit Stiles’s handling of the Sarah Jama controversy has exposed internal rifts within the Ontario NDP, and her silence from federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh adds another layer to this complex relationship. Stiles’s decision to expel Jama from the caucus has led to calls for a leadership review, highlighting ideological divides within the party. Singh’s decision not to intervene might be a strategy to maintain federal unity, but it underscores a lack of cohesion between the provincial and federal wings. This distancing reflects broader challenges for the NDP as they attempt to balance diverse viewpoints within their ranks while presenting a united front to voters.

An Unusual Landscape of Disunity
The reciprocal distancing between provincial and federal counterparts across all three major parties is symptomatic of a larger political realignment in Canada. Leaders are focusing on provincial priorities, crafting distinct identities that resonate with local electorates, and steering clear of federal controversies. This disunity, while strategic, presents challenges for party cohesion and electoral success. Voters are left to navigate a complex political landscape where traditional party affiliations and platforms no longer align seamlessly across provincial and federal lines.

News: How Ontario’s party leaders defined themselves and their opponents on day 1 of campaign

As Ontario’s election unfolds, this unique scenario of political disunity may serve as a precursor to broader shifts in Canadian politics, where localized issues and leadership styles take precedence over national unity within party ranks. The outcome will not only shape the future of Ontario but could also signal new directions for political strategy and alignment across the country.

As an editorial cartoonist, election seasons have always been a great source of inspiration, but this time things feel a bit scattered. Take Marit Stiles, for example. I don’t know much about her, and I suspect many voters don’t either. Her campaign might as well use the punchline, “I’m not them, either,” as she tries to stand apart from the federal NDP without a clear narrative of her own.

Doug Ford and Pierre Poilievre are both popular in the polls, yet their approaches differ. Ford focuses on provincial issues like the auto industry, while Poilievre takes a more conservative fiscal stance. For the Liberals, both in Ontario and nationally, there seems to be a fresh start. With Justin Trudeau stepping back, Bonnie Crombie is positioning herself in the middle, appealing to a wide range of voters.

What’s missing, though, is the excitement that usually comes with elections. The NDP, both federally and provincially, seems to be lacking energy and direction.

For me, the absence of editorial board meetings is particularly noticeable. I used to enjoy sketching political leaders as they answered questions from our writers and reporters, capturing their essence in real-time. These sessions offered a glimpse into their personalities and policies, allowing me to add a personal touch to my cartoons. Over the years, I’ve drawn everyone from Kathleen Wynne to Dalton McGuinty, and even going back to Premier Ernie Eves. I’ve sketched faces like Jack Layton, Ralph Goodale, Marc Garneau, and Stephen Harper before he became Prime Minister.

These gatherings were more than just drawing sessions; they were about engaging with the political process and seeing leadership in action. It’s a loss that these face-to-face encounters have dwindled—first with Doug Ford’s absence, then the pandemic, and now a reluctance from leaders to participate.

As we go through the motions of these times, I find myself looking back on those interactions and the insights they provided. Whether it was small talk with Dalton McGuinty or a sketch of Ken Dryden, these moments were invaluable in shaping my view of our political landscape. Now, as we face new challenges, I hope for a return to that spirit of engagement and dialogue that once brought our political leaders to life through the strokes of my pencil.

Enjoy the latest making-of clip:

https://youtu.be/kzQvzxeK4FII’m

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Monday November 25, 2024

November 25, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Continuing this week’s theme of revisiting Donald Trump through the lens of editorial cartoons, I’m struck by the inescapable sense of déjà vu. As we wade deeper into the Trump 2.0 era, it’s unsettling how many motifs from his initial presidency—and even his 2016 transition—are reappearing with eerie precision.

Saturday November 12, 2016

The cartoon that comes to mind today is The Taming of the Donald, published on November 12, 2016. It depicts a freshly minted President-elect Trump standing alongside Justin Trudeau. Despite the stark contrast in their political ideologies, Trudeau’s public embrace of Trump was both practical and emblematic of Canada’s eternal dance with its outsized southern neighbour. Remarkably, when Trump resurfaced earlier this month as a presumptive leader on the global stage, Trudeau extended a similar diplomatic hand, echoing his 2016 overture despite the years of tension and divergence that followed.

Looking back, both figures shared an extraordinary rise to power, with Trudeau securing his victory in Canada’s 2015 federal election and Trump clinching the U.S. presidency a year later. Their respective ascents were defined by soaring popularity and, ironically, memorable hair. Remember those Conservative Party attack ads on Trudeau? “Nice hair, though” became a lasting jab—and a visual parallel that editorial cartoonists couldn’t resist exploiting, even years later, and in the above case, a caricature of Trudeau styled in Trump’s unmistakable mane.

On July 22, 2015, the date of the lead cartoon, months before their respective wins, both leaders were seen as improbable contenders by many. Trudeau’s Liberals were struggling at 25% in the polls behind both the NDP and Conservatives. Across the border, Trump’s campaign faced significant backlash after his infamous comments about John McCain’s military service. Yet, both leaders found ways to defy expectations. Trudeau surged ahead in Canada’s federal election by October, and Trump’s brashness seemed to fortify his momentum, propelling him to the top of national Republican polls by the same time.

Fast forward to 2024, and how the tables have turned. Trump’s support appears more robust than ever, while Trudeau faces what many view as the twilight of his political career. His approval ratings have plummeted, and his once-unassailable position in Canadian politics now feels like a relic of the past. Ironically, Trudeau’s political survival in 2015—when he was widely underestimated—might serve as a faint glimmer of hope for his supporters. But the landscape today feels far less forgiving.

Tuesday September 4, 2024

BTW this gag showing Trudeau getting made up to look like Trump, was repeated this year when the big mo was going for Kamala Harris this past Summer.

Even as their trajectories diverge, the uncanny intersections between Trudeau and Trump continue to offer fertile ground for commentary and reflection. In both men, we see leaders who became symbols—whether of hope, disruption, or controversy—and who now find themselves, for better or worse, etched in the political histories of their nations.

Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks.

Sunday November 24, 2024

November 24, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

As editorial cartoonists, we often strive to capture the essence of political moments with a blend of sharp critique and timeless imagery. But what’s dawning on us as we move deeper into the Trump 2.0 era is a disconcerting sense of déjà vu. Many themes from his first presidency, including those from his 2016 transition, are re-emerging with eerie similarities. It’s as if we’re caught in a political “Groundhog Day,” with alarming echoes of unresolved ethical questions and conflicts of interest that have once again slipped past the collective memory of the electorate.

Just three weeks ago, voters handed Donald Trump the keys to the White House for a second time. And yet, many of the concerns that dominated discussions in 2016 are just as pressing in 2024—if not more so. What’s most striking is how editorial cartoons from eight years ago could be re-run today without losing an ounce of relevance.

Thursday November 24, 2016

Take, for instance, a cartoon I drew during Trump’s first transition for the November 24, 2016 edition of the Hamilton Spectator. It depicted Trump cruising along a highway in a golden Rolls Royce, its license plate reading “NO CONFLICT.” On one side of the road towered the branded skyscrapers and sprawling Mar-a-Lago estate that represented his business empire. On the other, the marbled government buildings of Washington, D.C. In the cartoon, Trump, seated in his luxurious car, reached out to steer a smaller, less glamorous vehicle emblazoned with the Presidential Seal and carrying a license plate that read “2ND JOB.” The metaphor was clear: Trump’s private interests were poised to distract and derail his public responsibilities.

The cartoon was inspired by Trump’s refusal to fully disentangle himself from his business empire during his first presidency. Despite promising a “total and complete separation” from his companies, he retained ownership of the Trump Organization, handed day-to-day operations to his sons, and set up a revocable trust that allowed him to benefit financially. Properties like the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., became flash-points for potential conflicts of interest, as foreign dignitaries and lobbyists patronized his businesses while his administration made policy decisions that could affect them.

January 6, 2022

Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves revisiting these same concerns—only now, the stakes seem even higher. Trump is no longer just riding on the political chaos that surrounds him; he’s monetizing it at an unprecedented scale. From $299 “Trump Landslide” boots to $69.99 “God Bless the USA” Bibles and $3,645 gold coins bearing his image, Trump has turned his political brand into a profit-making machine.

And just as before, the opacity of Trump’s business dealings raises serious ethical questions. Licensing agreements made through entities like CIC Digital LLC and CIC Ventures LLC are black boxes, shielding the identities of his business partners and the profits he stands to gain. High-ticket items, like $100,000 Trump watches, open avenues for individuals—possibly even foreign actors—to curry favour through purchases that directly line Trump’s pockets.

October 26, 2024

The parallels are striking, but the scale is even more alarming. While voters and watchdogs scrutinized Trump’s business ties in 2016, the distractions of Trump’s chaotic presidency allowed him to sidestep deeper accountability. Now, with the chaotic noise turned up and billionaires like Elon Musk entering his orbit, the focus is likely to shift away from these ethical dilemmas yet again.

This leaves editorial cartoonists with a peculiar task: Do we draw new works to reflect this moment, or do we dust off our eight-year-old cartoons, confident they’re just as relevant now? Trump’s ability to bend the rules—or ignore them entirely—has not only persisted but expanded, setting a new low for the expectations we have of presidential ethics.

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