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Prime Minister

Statues… and Prime Ministers, Presidents and Monarchs

August 10, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

(Graeme is currently enjoying a Summertime respite from his usual duties drawing editorial cartoons. In the meantime, please enjoy this illustration highlight of things on offer for purchase through his Redbubble online shop. Graeme’s daily satire returns on September 1, 2020.)

June 12, 2020

Statues are getting pulled down on past leaders because the bronze cast honour bestowed upon them are based on long ago glorification among long dead elites, whose decisions and actions are offensive to modern day sensibilities. Those dead elites aren’t around anymore to keep their idols polished, nor the narratives about them sanitized.  One might argue our ancestors and their leaders had thoughts and outlooks antithetical to our own, and it’s important to know the good AND the bad about them.

Sir John A. button

Canada’s Prime Minister gets acclaim and respect for his role in the formation of the nation, yet Sir John A. Macdonald‘s government also enacted a racist head tax to prevent Chinese people from entering after the completion of the CPR, as in the much celebrated “iron road runnin’ from the sea to the sea“. This after 17,000 labourers from China were brought in to accomplish Macdonald’s dream of a cross country railway. 

Jeffersonian Clock

A great Founding Father, the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, gets acclaim for being the principal architect of the Declaration of Independence and penned the statement “all men are created equal”. This, despite owning 600 African slaves over his lifetime as a wealthy landowner.

King John Magnet

The Magna Carta is a royal charter of rights sealed with the stamp of approval by England’s King John in 1215. To this day it’s a celebrated omnibus act that brought about many reforms including guaranteed access to swift justice and the trial by jury system. King John himself was a man of dubious character, with many mistresses, illegitimate children, and not a lot of morals. His accepting of the Great Charter was essentially a gesture to quell rebellion from barons who were sick and tired of his reckless behaviour, incompetence, and disastrous military conquests.

Interpretations of historical figures change with every generation with broader cross sections of cultures increasingly deliberating on legacies from the past. Taking down statues does not erase history but it does destroy the blind glorification aspect of figures from our past. Taking down statues in public squares removes insult to injury aspect of glorification that has shown to continue to this day. 

The dictator magnet

Political power is something I’ve always held a great interest in observing. Whether it’s hereditary, oligarchy, or democracy, to view how the cream rises to the top is a very fascinating thing indeed.

I grew up in Canada, and when I was young and well aware that we had a Prime Minister and a Queen representing the highest offices in the nation, it was what I saw south of the border that I realized the power and influence of Presidents went global in significance. From the chronologies of humble beginnings, the pursuits of power, the victories, the challenges, the familiar trappings of office, the mystiques, and the legacies defining a period of time on this planet’s history, it made me wonder what it took to become President of the United States.

The Presidential placemat available on 70+ products

I embarked on learning about the Presidents, courtesy of my family’s World Book Encyclopedia, which had wonderful profiles of every one of them complete with full page portraits. It was my introduction to the familiar placemat style of chart showing each U.S. President, which I recall spanned from George Washington to James E. Carter. Every night before dinner I’d flip through pages, and commit all their names to memory.

Alas, not being American made me unqualified to ever hold that position. So, I looked closer to home and studied Canada’s Prime Ministers. That naturally led to an interest in history, and politics, which paved the way to university life in the nation’s capital, and finally, editorial cartooning.

Placemat Prime Ministers on a pillow & available on 70+ products

In 2014, I embarked on an experiment to cater to a niche audience interested in Canadian Prime Ministers. Fortunately, I live in a young country with half the number of leaders compared to the United States. My drawings have seen some nice sales, with my most popular drawing being the rather obscure and short lived in-between Prime Minister, Sir Charles Tupper. Perhaps people are enamoured by his impressive sideburn chops!

Full figured Presidents

My caricatures of Presidents have seen a bigger number of sales since posting them back in 2015. Based on sales, the earlier Presidents enjoy greater popularity than the newer ones.  George Washington, John Quincy Adams and Theodore Roosevelt are among the most popular. The President whose caricature has garnered the most sales is Lyndon Johnson. Out the blue I’ll see an order made for a child’s sized t-shirt with a full bodied caricature of, say, Chester A. Arthur, and wonder what the story is behind that sort of purchase (a man, by the way, who arguably possessed the most handsome mutton chops of all Presidents.)


My latest series is the Kings and Queens of England. Another fascination I have for the history that the monarchy is steeped in, which I’ll have more to say in the next entry.

My caricatures on products are designed to stir a bit of fun, interest, and reflection on the pursuit of history knowledge. Whether they’re on t-shirts, or socks, cups or coasters, they’re a little reminder of the interesting characters who’ve shaped history. If you love history, or know someone who does, these are great ways to express that passion.

Just remember, unlike a statue, you can toss a t-shirt in the laundry basket, rather than roll it into a nearby harbour.

 

 

 

Posted in: Redbubble Tagged: boutique, history, King, merch, merchandise, President, Prime Minister, queen, Redbubble

Friday June 22, 2018

June 20, 2018 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 22, 2018

Justin Trudeau says pot will be legal as of Oct. 17, 2018

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today that Canadians will be able to consume marijuana recreationally without criminal penalties starting on Oct. 17, 2018 — many months later than the government’s initial target date.

August 23, 2013

“One of the things that we heard very clearly from the provinces is that they need a certain amount of time to get their bricks and mortar stores — their online sales — ready. Producers need time to be able to actually prepare for a regimented and successful implementation of the regime … This is something that we want to get right,” Trudeau told reporters at a press conference held today before the House of Commons rises for its summer recess.

“By giving the provinces more time to ensure that they are fully ready for the day of coming into force of this legislation, it will be a smooth success in all the ways that we can hope for.”

While the federal government was responsible for the bill that will ultimately legalize recreational marijuana possession, home growing and sales to adults — by dismantling key aspects of the Criminal Code that ensured prohibition for 95 years — the practical details of implementing legalization have been left largely to the provinces and territories.

December 12, 2017

As is common in the Canadian system of federalism, each province has taken a different approach — and some are more prepared than others. New Brunswick, for example, has already built its first retail storefront, while Nunavut only passed its legal framework on Tuesday.

The government has long said there would be a buffer of eight to 12 weeks between the bill’s passage and full legalization to allow provinces to get their systems up and running to sell recreational marijuana from storefronts. (Source: CBC)

 

SaveSave

Posted in: Canada Tagged: Canada, cannabis, drugs, Justin Trudeau, legalization, Marijuana, pot, Prime Minister

Thursday March 23, 2017

March 22, 2017 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 23, 2017

Trudeau should only be in question period once a week, report says.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is being slammed for a report suggesting he only attend question period in the House of Commons once a week.

The report, called “Reforming the Standing Orders of the House of Commons,” was released earlier this month. It calls for changes to the rules of the House “in order to make Parliament more relevant to Canadians.”

The report suggests taking on the British model of question period, in which one day is dedicated to questioning the prime minister.

But the report doesn’t say whether he’d be required to attend the rest of the week.

It also recommends changing how Fridays work on Parliament Hill.

One proposed change would eliminate Friday sittings, and re-allocate the hours to other days of the week. The House of Commons could meet earlier on other days, for example.

Alternately, the report suggests making Fridays a full work day. Committees currently don’t meet on Fridays and there are only 2.5 hours available for government orders.

Fridays could be changed to look like “any other sitting day,” the report said.

However, they should still be organized so that two hours of Private Members’ Business can take place at the end of the day, so that certain MPs can leave earlier to return to their ridings. (Source: Global News) 

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: Bill Morneau, Budget, Canada, cut out, cuts, House of Commons, Prime Minister, procedure, Question Period

Friday December 9, 2016

December 8, 2016 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Friday December 9, 2016 Dark skies dim TrudeauÕs sunny ways Whether they are miscues or gaffes, the past few weeks have seen the shine wear off the Liberal government, more than 13 months into its first mandate. Call them wobbles, or missteps, mistakes, or worse. Democratic Institutions Minister Maryam Monsef was forced last week to apologizeÊfor slagging opposition MPs as lazy after she tossed aside their electoral reform report. As she stood Monday, Conservative MPs heckled they smelled Òtoast,Ó a taunt that her career was on the line. Monsef appeared unconcerned. She had trailed into the Commons, late, sat down and asked aloud, ÒWhereÕs Jim?Ó ThatÕs her seatmate, Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr. He capped last weekÕs approval of two new pipelinesÊby suggesting defence and police forces would deal with protesters. Carr, an otherwise strong performer on government bench to date, was absent for MondayÕs question period. So was the prime minister. Justin TrudeauÊwas elsewhere in downtown Ottawa at a coding workshop for high school students to launch computer science education week. Ottawa locations are often photo op venues for the prime minister. But Trudeau was nowhere to be seen Friday when his government hastily reversed a decision on the location of a new Ottawa hospital. It left egg on the face of another star Liberal cabinet minister, Catherine McKenna, whose campaign rhetoric had backed the wrong locale and forced a lengthy, pointless re-examination. (Continued: Toronto Star) https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/12/05/dark-skies-dim-trudeaus-sunny-ways-analysis.html Canada, Electoral reform, Justin Trudeau, Pierre Trudeau, Prime Minister, ghost, dynasty, father, son

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday December 9, 2016

Dark skies dim Trudeau’s sunny ways

Whether they are miscues or gaffes, the past few weeks have seen the shine wear off the Liberal government, more than 13 months into its first mandate.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Friday May 20, 2016 Justin Trudeau apologizes for 'failing to live up to a higher standard' A repentant Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized Thursday morning for the third time in two days for a physical encounter with two opposition MPs that resulted in a melee on the floor of the House of Commons the day before. "I apologize to my colleagues, to the House as a whole and to you, Mr. Speaker, for failing to live up to a higher standard of behaviour. Members, rightfully, expect better behaviour from anyone in this House. I expect better behaviour of myself," the prime minister said in the Commons after he apologized directly to two opposition Mps. Trudeau's apology came as members of Parliament debated a privilege motion by Conservative MP Peter Van Loan on "the physical molestation" of a female MP in the House of Commons. MPs agreed as debate resumed after question period to send the matter to a committee Ñ a decision supported by Trudeau hours earlier. On Wednesday, Trudeau walked across the aisle and into a clutch of NDP MPs where he took Conservative Party whip Gord Brown by the arm, elbowingÊNDP MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau in the process. The prime minister "unreservedly" apologized for the physical contact which he said was "unacceptable.Ó The incident took place just as some MPs were trying to stall a contentious vote to limit debate on Bill C-14, the government's assistance in dying bill. "No amount of escalation or mood in this House justifies my behaviour last night. I made a mistake, I regret it. I am looking to make amends," Trudeau said on Thursday. "I fully hear the desire... of a number of members across the House including the leader of the Official Opposition that we take concrete measures to improve the way the tone functions in this House and the way this government engages with opposition parties as well.Ó "I am apologizing and asking members to understand how contrite and regre

May 20, 2016

Call them wobbles, or missteps, mistakes, or worse.

Democratic Institutions Minister Maryam Monsef was forced last week to apologize for slagging opposition MPs as lazy after she tossed aside their electoral reform report.

As she stood Monday, Conservative MPs heckled they smelled “toast,” a taunt that her career was on the line.

Monsef appeared unconcerned. She had trailed into the Commons, late, sat down and asked aloud, “Where’s Jim?”

Saturday August 29, 2015That’s her seatmate, Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr. He capped last week’s approval of two new pipelines by suggesting defence and police forces would deal with protesters. Carr, an otherwise strong performer on government bench to date, was absent for Monday’s question period.

So was the prime minister.

Justin Trudeau was elsewhere in downtown Ottawa at a coding workshop for high school students to launch computer science education week. Ottawa locations are often photo op venues for the prime minister. But Trudeau was nowhere to be seen Friday when his government hastily reversed a decision on the location of a new Ottawa hospital. It left egg on the face of another star Liberal cabinet minister, Catherine McKenna, whose campaign rhetoric had backed the wrong locale and forced a lengthy, pointless re-examination. (Continued: Toronto Star)

Posted in: Canada Tagged: Canada, dynasty, Electoral reform, father, Ghost, Justin Trudeau, Pierre Trudeau, Prime Minister, son

Stephen Harper Cartoon Gallery

August 26, 2016 by Graeme MacKay
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Thursday May 26, 2016 Stephen Harper to bow out of federal politics before next fall Stephen Harper will bow out of federal politics before Parliament resumes in the fall to pursue new business interests. Harper, who served as prime minister for nearly a decade, is deciding his future as the Conservative Party prepares to meet for its national convention in Vancouver starting Thursday. Harper has offers from multiple U.S. companies, including private equity giant KKR, sources tell CBC News. A spokesperson for KKR declined a request for comment. The news of Harper's pending departure was first reported by the Globe and Mail. Conservatives will honour Harper with a tribute Thursday night before they look to chart a new course for the party he helped create. Harper is expected to deliver a short speech following the tribute. But don't expect Harper to discuss life after politics. Canada "He will be speaking on Thursday, but he won't be speaking about his future plans," said Rachel Curran, one of Harper's confidants and a former PMO policy director. "He will be talking about the last 10 years, and what work the party still has to do, that will be the focus.Ó Until an official announcement is made, Harper's colleagues are shying away from weighing in on the former prime minister's next career move. A spokesperson for interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose declined comment. (Source: CBC News) http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/stephen-harper-to-bow-out-from-federal-politics-1.3598913 Canada, Stephen Harper, Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, John Turner, Paul Martin, Prime Minister, legacy, purgatory

Originally published on May 26, 2016

Stephen Harper resigned from his House of Commons seat today and returned to private life. Below is a gallery of editorial cartoons highlighting moments from his time as a majority leading Prime Minister. A link at the bottom of this page leads to cartoons from 2002 to 2008.

2015 Election

August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
August 20, 2015
August 20, 2015
August 19, 2015
August 19, 2015
August 13, 2015
August 13, 2015
September 22, 2015
September 22, 2015
September 9, 2015
September 9, 2015
September 12, 2015
September 12, 2015
October 7, 2015
October 7, 2015
October 16, 2015
October 16, 2015
October 21, 2015
October 21, 2015
November 4, 2015
November 4, 2015
Stephen Harper
Stephen Harper

2015

Tuesday January 6, 2015
January 7, 2015
January 7, 2015
Wednesday January 14, 2015
Wednesday January 21, 2015
RB Promo | Boxer Stephen Harper sticker
Saturday January 30, 2015
Wednesday February 4, 2015
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
March 19, 2015
March 19, 2015
Wednesday March 25, 2015
March 27, 2015
RB Promo| Anti Terrorism
Wednesday April 1, 2015
Thursday May 7, 2015
Wednesday June 10, 2015
2015-06-12
2015-06-12
From the MacKay Cartoons Boutique
June 20, 2015
June 20, 2015
Tuesday June 23, 2015
Tuesday July 14, 2015
July 15, 2015
July 15, 2015
Friday, July 24, 2015
Friday July 31, 2015
RB-HelmetHarper-promo

2014

January 31, 2014
January 31, 2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Tuesday, April 2, 2014
Tuesday April 29, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
July 18, 2014
July 18, 2014
Harper-RB-Promo
Saturday July 19, 2014
Wednesday July 23, 2014
Wednesday September 3, 2014
Wednesday September 10, 2014
Thursday October 2, 2014
Tuesday November 25, 2014

2013

Monday, January 21, 2013
February 21, 2013
February 21, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Stephen Harper Crusader King Stephen Harper Crusader King
Thursday April 4, 2013
Tuesday April 16, 2013
Tuesday June 18, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Tuesday August 20, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Monday, November 4, 2013
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013

2012

Friday January 13, 2012
Monday February 27, 2012
Tuesday February 28, 2012
Monday March 5, 2012
Wednesday March 21, 2012
Wednesday April 4, 2012
Thursday June 7, 2012
Tuesday August 21, 2012
Wednesday September 5, 2012
Tuesday November 13, 2012

2011

Tuesday May 3, 2011
Thursday May 26, 2011
Wednesday June 22, 2011
Tuesday August 16, 2011
Wednesday October 5, 2011
Wednesday November 9, 2011
Friday December 2, 2011
Saturday December 10, 2011

Want more? Here’s an old gallery of Stephen Harper cartoons 2002-2008

Illustration by Graeme MacKay. Prime Ministers of Canada, from top left to right: John Turner, Sir Charles Tupper, Sir John Abbott, Alexander Mackenzie, Sir John Thompson, Paul Martin Jr., Kim Campbell, Sir Mackenzie Bowell, R.B. Bennett, Stephen Harper, Arthur Meighen, Joe Clark; Lower row L-R: Brian Mulroney, John Diefenbaker, Lester Pearson, Louis St. Laurent, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Justin Trudeau, Pierre Trudeau, William Lyon Mackenzie King, Sir John A. Macdonald, Jean Chretien, Sir Robert Borden

Prime Ministers of Canada

Posted in: Archives, Canada Tagged: Canada, gallery, Prime Minister, Stephen Harper
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