Poverty

Wednesday April 16, 2025

Ontario faces the dual challenge of countering U.S. tariffs while addressing internal issues in healthcare, housing, and social services, amid the Speech from the Throne.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday April 16, 2025

Ontario’s Balancing Act and Tariffs and Turmoil

Doug Ford and Mark Carney's collaborative relationship offers a pragmatic approach to tackling Canada's economic challenges, contrasting with Pierre Poilievre's divisive style.

March 26, 2025

Ontario’s government has delivered the Speech from the Throne, marking a pivotal moment in the province’s journey through complex domestic and international challenges. Premier Doug Ford’s administration has laid out its agenda, highlighting efforts to counter U.S. tariffs and address pressing internal issues.

In the speech, the government pledged to remove barriers to interprovincial trade and expedite approvals for new mines in the Northern Ring of Fire region, emphasizing its strategic importance to Ontario’s economy and security. This move reflects a commitment to economic resilience and a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies, underscoring that “Canada will never be the 51st state.”

The Throne Speech also reaffirmed Ontario’s dedication to the electric vehicle and battery industry, securing significant investments and maintaining a leadership role in North America. Despite critiques of substantial subsidies from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, the province remains committed to supporting this vital sector.

News: Trump and Ontario’s tariff response likely to dominate Ford’s throne speech

Canada finds itself compelled to retaliate against Trump's aggressive tariffs on steel and aluminum, with Doug Ford leading the charge, as the nation seeks to protect its economic interests.

March 12, 2025

Domestically, the speech addressed the need for immediate action in healthcare, housing, and social services. Ford’s administration recognizes the urgency of reducing wait times, improving housing affordability, and tackling social issues such as homelessness, poverty, mental health, and drug addiction.

The ambitious infrastructure plan, including a new tunnel expressway under Highway 401, is part of a broader $200-billion initiative to enhance transit and economic efficiency in Ontario, despite potential high costs.
The Ontario government’s resolve to navigate both international pressures and domestic challenges is evident. The Speech from the Throne serves as a comprehensive blueprint for strengthening the social fabric of the province, ensuring economic stability, and improving the quality of life for Ontarians.

As the government implements these plans, Premier Ford’s leadership will be measured by his ability to protect Ontario’s interests on the global stage while delivering tangible improvements to the lives of its citizens. The path forward requires a careful balance of diplomacy, innovation, and investment, with Ontarians keenly observing the government’s actions in this critical period.

Shopping for Thrones

Donald Trump seems to have quite the royal flair, doesn’t he? His foray into politics comes complete with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from a would-be king. From turning rallies into theatrical spectacles to ceremonies that have you wondering if a crown might appear, he’s certainly not shy about projecting a larger-than-life image.

His leadership style, marked by attempts to expand his power and tweak the rules, draws cheers from his fans who love the break from tradition. Meanwhile, critics are left clutching their pearls, worried about the potential for a royal takeover.

Trump’s fascination with all things regal seems like both a play for power and a personal love affair with the grandeur of monarchy. As his influence lingers, his royal tendencies keep everyone talking.

In my editorial cartoon for Wednesday, I poke a bit of fun at this ongoing dialogue about Trump’s king-like ambitions—a theme I can’t help but revisit. Today’s Speech From The Throne in Ontario consumed by the threat of Trump tariffs seemed like an apt occasion to put him in the scene.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for April 16, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

April 16, 2025 | Shopping For Thrones   https://youtu.be/N3Jjxg8R21g

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Friday September 13, 2024

The rise in food bank usage highlights government inaction on poverty, housing, and social services, and food banks cannot continue to serve as a substitute for systemic reform

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator and The Toronto Star – Friday September 13, 2024

The Rise in Food Bank Usage Reflects Systemic Failures That Demand Immediate Action

Yesterday’s announcements highlight the challenges of high inflation and housing costs in Canada. The report on food banks shows the growing need for affordable options, while the Bank of Canada's focus on managing inflation could lead to rate hikes. It's clear that addressing affordability, inflation, and social support is crucial.

October 26, 2023

The shocking rise in food bank usage across Ontario is a damning indicator of systemic failures that have left millions struggling to meet basic needs. A new report from Feed Ontario shows that over one million people turned to food banks last year—a 25% increase from the previous year and a figure that should alarm all levels of government. Food banks, initially intended as temporary relief, have now become a permanent fixture due to widespread poverty, inadequate social assistance, and skyrocketing housing costs.

News: Record-breaking number of Ontarians used food banks last fiscal year

Today's youth face a profound struggle with financial insecurity and societal pressures, hindering their ability to engage amid a pervasive cost of living crisis.

April 9, 2024

What is most troubling is that food banks are not a first-line solution for many individuals. Those who rely on them are often on the verge of homelessness, having already made impossible choices between paying for rent, utilities, or food. Carolyn Stewart, CEO of Feed Ontario, points to a worsening affordability crisis driven by inflation, stagnant wages, and soaring housing costs.

Yet the issue is not just about food; it reflects broader government inaction in addressing poverty. Social assistance rates in Ontario, such as Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), have remained insufficient for decades. Without adjustments to reflect the true cost of living, recipients are trapped in a cycle of poverty. Housing, another critical factor, has become so unaffordable that entire cities are seeing drastic increases in food insecurity, with Mississauga now having one in 13 residents using food banks.

The Toronto Star: Food banks cannot be the permanent solution to food insecurity

Innovative leadership is essential to address Canada's inflation crisis, bridging the gap between optimistic official statistics and the harsh financial realities many Canadians face.

May 31, 2024

The financial cost of poverty is immense, with Feed Ontario estimating that it costs the province nearly $5 billion annually in health care and justice system expenses. The solution, therefore, lies in investment—not just in food programs, but in social services, affordable housing, and fair wages. The Toronto Star editorial rightly emphasizes that food banks cannot be the long-term answer; they are a symptom of deeper societal inequities that demand urgent, coordinated action from all levels of government.

The continued reliance on food banks is unacceptable in a wealthy province like Ontario. Governments must act now to reform social assistance, address housing affordability, and ensure that all Canadians can afford basic necessities. The lack of urgency in tackling these interconnected issues is a failure of leadership, and it is time for real, structural change. (AI)

 

Thursday October 26, 2023

Yesterday’s announcements highlight the challenges of high inflation and housing costs in Canada. The report on food banks shows the growing need for affordable options, while the Bank of Canada's focus on managing inflation could lead to rate hikes. It's clear that addressing affordability, inflation, and social support is crucial.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday October 26, 2023

From Food Banks to Interest Rates: A Tale of Two Economies

September 19, 2023

In yesterday’s announcements, we see two contrasting situations that shed light on different aspects of the Canadian economy. On one hand, we have the report on food banks, highlighting the growing number of Canadians struggling with high inflation and housing costs. On the other hand, we have the Bank of Canada’s announcement of holding the key interest rate steady, but with a possibility of future rate hikes due to persistent inflationary pressures.

News: Food Banks Canada report paints dire picture of Canada-wide affordability crisis  

The report on food banks reveals the heartbreaking reality faced by many Canadians. The record-breaking number of people accessing food bank services reflects the challenges faced by individuals and families as they grapple with low wages, high rents, and rising costs. The report emphasizes that the issue of food insecurity is not limited to specific demographics but affects a wide range of people, including seniors, single mothers, low-income workers, people on social assistance, immigrants, and even those in higher income brackets. It calls for long-term social policy investments, such as affordable housing and increased fixed income rates, to address these challenges effectively.

April 13, 2023

In contrast, the Bank of Canada’s announcement focuses on the central bank’s efforts to manage inflation and ensure price stability. While the key interest rate remains steady for now, Governor Tiff Macklem has not ruled out the possibility of future rate hikes if inflationary pressures persist. The bank’s hawkish tone reflects its commitment to maintaining tight financial conditions to support economic growth and bring inflation back to the target of two percent. The bank’s quarterly monetary policy report forecasts slower economic growth in the short term but expects inflation to remain higher than the target until 2024.

News: Tiff Macklem to keep the Bank of Canada’s policy rate at 5 per cent, the highest level in two decades  

December 10, 2021

These two announcements highlight the interconnectedness of economic factors and the challenges faced by individuals and the broader economy. While food bank usage reflects the struggles of everyday people, the Bank of Canada’s focus on inflation and interest rates demonstrates the central bank’s role in managing the overall economy. Both announcements underscore the need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts from both government and monetary authorities to address the issues of affordability, inflation, and social support.

Ultimately, it is crucial for policymakers to consider the broader impact of their decisions on the well-being of individuals and the overall economy. By addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity, such as affordable housing and livable wages, and carefully managing monetary policy to ensure price stability, a more balanced and equitable economic landscape can be achieved. (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:

 

Wednesday June 7, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 7, 2023

Building Houses, Rising Interest Rates, and Homelessness: The Real Concerns for Canadians

June 2, 2023

While the House of Commons Foreign Interference in Canada’s Electoral System Committee investigation continues to make headlines, it’s important to question whether this issue truly occupies the top of mind for Canadians. The allegations surrounding foreign interference, although significant, pale in comparison to the pressing concerns that directly impact the lives of ordinary Canadians: building houses on green spaces, the Bank of Canada raising interest rates affecting those renting or paying mortgages, and the growing crisis of homelessness in our nation.

August 12, 2022

Recent polls have shed light on the priorities of Canadians, and the results are clear. A CIBC poll revealed that homeownership remains a driving goal for 71% of non-homeowners surveyed, despite concerns about affordability due to high interest rates and rising house prices. It’s evident that Canadians are worried about the ability to attain the dream of owning a home, and many parents plan to assist their children with down payments to bridge the affordability gap. The Bank of Montreal’s survey further confirmed these concerns, with 68% of Canadians planning to wait for lower interest rates before purchasing a home. The anxiety surrounding housing affordability, coupled with fears of unknown expenses and overall financial situations, are prominent worries for Canadians.

Opinion: Is the media fuelling Canada’s foreign interference scandal? 

January 27, 2022

As speculation mounts about the Bank of Canada raising interest rates once again, those with mortgages are rightfully concerned about the potential impact on their financial stability. The central bank’s pause on rate hikes earlier this year was contingent on the economy developing as anticipated and inflation continuing to fall. However, recent data suggests that these conditions may no longer be met. With a robust 3.1% annual pace of economic expansion in the first quarter and an inflation rate that ticked up to 4.4%, the Bank of Canada may feel compelled to step off the sidelines and take action. This looming possibility adds further apprehension for Canadians who are already grappling with the challenges of housing affordability.

While some Canadians worry about homeownership, others face a much more dire situation: homelessness. Tent cities, once limited to troubled corners of Vancouver or Toronto, have now proliferated across the country. Calgary was forced to dismantle a downtown encampment due to escalating violence, while permanent tent cities have sprung up in parks throughout Halifax. Tragic incidents, such as the murder of an RCMP officer during a routine call to a Burnaby homeless encampment, highlight the urgency of addressing this crisis. A recent poll conducted by Leger for Postmedia revealed that a majority of Canadians (58%) believe homelessness is a problem in their community, with 38% reporting increased acts of violence. In British Columbia, where the issue is particularly acute, an astonishing 87% of respondents identified homelessness as a problem.

October 25, 2022

These poll results paint a bleak picture of public sentiment towards government action on homelessness. Only 7% of respondents think the government is making things better, while 16% believe they are making things worse. The overwhelming perception is that governments are doing nothing at all to address this pressing issue.

In light of these concerns, it is crucial to reevaluate our priorities. While foreign interference in Canada’s electoral system merits attention, we must ensure that it doesn’t overshadow the urgent issues affecting Canadians’ daily lives. Building houses on green spaces threatens our environment and food security, while rising interest rates pose significant challenges to homeownership and financial stability. Most critically, homelessness is a crisis that demands immediate action to provide shelter, support, and dignity for the most vulnerable members of our society.

May 30, 2023

It is time for governments at all levels to listen to the concerns of Canadians and address the issues that truly matter. We need comprehensive strategies to protect our green spaces, make housing more affordable, and provide adequate resources to combat homelessness. Canadians deserve a government that prioritizes their well-being and works diligently to create a society where everyone has a place to call home. (AI) | Editorial Cartoon also printed in the Toronto Star.

 

Thursday March 31, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 31, 2022

It’s past time for action on payday loans

Sometimes, requests made of governments seem so eminently reasonable that it’s amazing they need be repeated over and over again.

March 6, 2021

In a report last week, ACORN, a non-profit group advocating for low- and moderate-income Canadians, once again asks the federal government to crack down on exorbitant interest rates charged by high-cost lenders.

The gaudy outlets offering payday loans and other such provisions of quick money at high cost are symbols of desperation on the main streets of almost all towns and cities.

They are the physical manifestation of an inequitable society — a divide both highlighted and aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As ACORN has long argued, the lenders profit off the most vulnerable.

The pandemic has worsened things for those on the margins, it said. Many of those trying to pay their bills turn to so-called payday loans — small, short-term loans with extremely high annual interest rates.

These loans don’t exceed $1,500, must be repaid within 62 days, and can carry interest as high as 500 per cent in some provinces. They are regulated by provincial governments and lenders are exempt from even the 60 per cent limit on interest.