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Thursday February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 6, 2025 (Also, The Toronto Star)

Breaking Down Barriers: A Call to Action for Canada’s Internal Trade

December 18, 2024

With U.S. tariffs looming large on the horizon, Canada stands at a critical juncture. The temporary reprieve from these trade threats offers a golden opportunity to strengthen our domestic economy by dismantling the interprovincial trade barriers that have long hindered our growth. Now, more than ever, all levels of Canadian government must turn political rhetoric into tangible action.

Transport and Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre both recognize the crucial need to boost internal trade. Anand is making strides by promoting mutual recognition of regulations and enhancing labor mobility across provinces. Meanwhile, Poilievre has proposed a “free trade bonus” to incentivize provinces to eliminate trade barriers, promising financial rewards based on the economic benefits of deregulation.
The potential rewards are significant. Studies suggest that removing these barriers could add up to $200 billion annually to Canada’s GDP, translating into substantial savings for Canadian families and a stronger, more resilient economy. Deloitte’s report even estimates that families could save over $6,000 each year by reducing these barriers.

News: Interprovincial trade barriers: what they are, why they exist and how to cut them

January 17, 2025

However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. The Canadian Free Trade Agreement remains bogged down with exceptions that prevent the free flow of goods like alcohol and cannabis. Furthermore, some provinces and industries benefit from these barriers and may resist change. Public comments often highlight skepticism about provinces like Quebec and Ontario, which have been slow to embrace free trade ideals.

To overcome these obstacles, a unified, bipartisan effort is essential. Provinces must put aside regional protectionism and collaborate with the federal government to standardize regulations and enhance labor mobility. This includes addressing professional licensing standards, as suggested by Poilievre’s proposed “Blue Seal” certification, and ensuring that procurement and transportation rules are consistent across the country.

Beyond economic benefits, breaking down these barriers will make Canada more resilient against global market changes and reduce costs for consumers. By fostering a more integrated national market, we can enhance our competitiveness and create a more dynamic business environment.

News: Canada can do ‘substantial’ work fast on internal trade, minister says

January 24, 2025

As we approach provincial elections, it’s crucial for candidates to prioritize these issues. For too long, interprovincial trade barriers have been a topic of discussion without meaningful action. Voters should demand more than just promises; they should insist on concrete plans and timelines for change. Provincial leaders need to commit to working collaboratively with the federal government to streamline regulations and improve trade and labor mobility across the country.

Voters must hold candidates accountable, challenging them to pledge specific measures and deadlines for reducing these barriers. By prioritizing action over rhetoric, we can transform longstanding challenges into opportunities for economic growth and stability.

Comment: We’ll believe Ontario is ‘Team Canada’ on interprovincial trade when we see it

Now is the time for decisive action. The passion and urgency generated by external threats should fuel our commitment to dismantle internal barriers. By doing so, we can turn a moment of uncertainty into an opportunity for lasting growth and stability. Canada must seize this chance to fortify its economy from within, ensuring that we not only weather global market shifts but thrive in their wake. It’s time for provinces to step up and deliver real progress, ensuring that Canada is not only prepared for global market shifts but also thriving from within.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the talk of removing interprovincial trade barriers may seem dull, but it’s crucial for the provinces to work on this for the benefit of consumers and the strength of our country. For too long, provincial premiers have maintained bureaucratic and protectionist barriers that offer no benefit to consumers, making it easier for Canadian businesses to trade with foreign countries than within their own nation. It’s absurd, and it demands hard work, time, negotiation, and a commitment to cutting through the red tape. In Ontario, there’s even a minister of red tape reduction, and this issue should be at the top of their agenda. With the current economic tensions, including a 30 day “ceasefire,” mere tears, booing national anthems and other theatrics simply won’t suffice. We need real action, and especially in the midst of a provincial elections, politicians should focus on eliminating these barriers when they aren’t kissing babies. All provincial leaders must prioritize this issue—it’s the one thing they can truly address. It may not be a sexy issue, and it won’t grab headlines when a small business gains more economic freedom, but dismantling interprovincial trade barriers is essential. It requires hard work, and this is precisely what we expect from our politicians, especially in times of crisis. Voters need to demand this every day of the election campaign, and it must become a pledged commitment by all leaders. Let’s push for meaningful change where it counts!

Please check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for February 6, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I release my post every Saturday morning summarizing the week through my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading here is a “note,” designed to help craft my weekly posts and display the animated versions of my daily cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Tuesday December 3, 2024

December 3, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday December 3, 2024

A Nation Adrift – Canada’s Political Disarray in a Time of Crisis

November 22, 2024

Canada finds itself at a precarious moment, politically adrift and dangerously exposed to external pressures. The federal Liberal government, led by an increasingly unpopular Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, struggles to project strength as it grapples with Donald Trump’s return to power and his threats of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. Although Trudeau wisely acted quickly by engaging directly with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, this move highlights the reactive posture Canada has adopted rather than one of proactive leadership.

The Trudeau government’s minority status, coupled with its eroding popularity, has emboldened opposition leaders like Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh, who seem more interested in exploiting the prime minister’s vulnerabilities than contributing meaningfully to a unified strategy.

News: Rattled by Trump’s tariff threat, Canada’s leaders point fingers at each other

October 17, 2024

While partisan sniping weakens the federal response, the provinces further undermine national cohesion with self-serving actions. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, for instance, launched a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign in the U.S., ostensibly to highlight Ontario’s economic ties to America. On the surface, the campaign is a smart move, but it underscores the troubling lack of coordination between federal and provincial governments. Ford’s strategy, while beneficial for Ontario, raises questions about whether provincial leaders are more interested in positioning themselves for political gain than supporting a unified national approach. Despite public statements endorsing a “Team Canada” effort, the premiers’ actions suggest that intergovernmental communication is faltering.

This disarray leaves Canada alarmingly vulnerable to Trump’s erratic policymaking. Beyond the tariff threats, Trump’s rhetoric about NATO spending will likely bring Canada’s underwhelming defence contributions under scrutiny, further straining the bilateral relationship. With provinces acting independently and federal leadership appearing reactive and fractured, Canada’s bargaining position with the U.S. grows increasingly weak.

Analysis: The takeaway from Trudeau’s trip to Mar-a-Lago: For Trump, fentanyl is priority No. 1

June 13, 2018

This moment is a test of Canada’s political maturity, but the country’s leaders appear to be failing. Partisan squabbles, short-term thinking, and provincial self-interest are overshadowing the greater need for national unity and strategic vision. Canada’s political class must recognize the stakes and rise above narrow allegiances to defend the country’s interests. Otherwise, Canada risks being outmaneuvered on the global stage, with the consequences borne by its citizens. This is not Canada’s finest hour, and it shows.

I’m back from a week off that was filled with all the hallmarks of an American Thanksgiving: football, Black Friday consumerism, and family debates over pumpkin pie recipes. This year, my Thanksgiving with the in-laws included a front-row seat (or at least a couch seat) to the local media’s coverage of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s trip to Mar-a-Lago. Let’s just say, when the U.S. media tries to distill Canadian politics into a 30-second soundbite, it’s a fascinating spectacle.

Despite my best attempts to offer insights, no one was interested in dissecting Trudeau’s maneuvering or the chaos within Canadian political unity. Instead, they were too busy licking their wounds after Ohio State’s heartbreaking loss to Michigan in the Big Game. Chaos, however, seemed to be the unifying theme—on the football field and in politics.

The lack of coordination within Canada’s so-called “Team Canada” approach to Trump’s 25% tariff threats is painfully evident. Federal and provincial leaders appear more focused on serving their partisan interests than presenting a united front. This discord, ironically, aligns well with the anticipated turbulence of Trump 2.0.

As I play catch-up with the news, I’m struck by how Canada is skating on thin ice—politically and economically. Like a clumsy hockey game colliding with an over-the-top figure-skating routine, the chaos is both absurd and deeply concerning.

Stay tuned for more thoughts as I sift through the news backlog.

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.

Please enjoy this making-of clip:

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Wednesday August 21, 2024

August 21, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday August 21, 2024

Published in The Hamilton Spectator and The Toronto Star.

Link to the animated version of this editorial cartoon.

It is Long Past Time to Make Encampments History

July 21, 2023

As the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) convenes this week to address pressing issues, including the rising tide of homelessness in our cities, the sight of encampments has become an increasingly common and alarming reality. From Toronto to Hamilton, tents are lining parks, sidewalks, and public spaces, starkly highlighting a growing crisis that our governments are failing to tackle effectively. Despite various initiatives and funding announcements from federal, provincial, and municipal levels, the homelessness crisis is worsening, and it’s evident that the current approach is not working. It is time for politicians at all levels and across party lines to stop the bickering and come together to make the encampment trend a thing of the past.

The situation has reached alarming levels. In Hamilton alone, approximately 1,600 people are homeless, with more than 200 living in outdoor encampments. Emergency shelters are overcrowded, affordable housing is in short supply, and social assistance rates have stagnated. Compounding these issues are mental health and addiction crises, creating a complex web of challenges that no single government level can solve alone.

News: Hamilton can’t ‘continue to shoulder’ homelessness crisis: Mayor Andrea Horwath

August 29, 2023

Federal initiatives like the National Housing Strategy and the Reaching Home program have provided some relief but haven’t been enough to stem the tide of homelessness. Despite substantial commitments, the impact has been insufficient in addressing the growing need. Provincial efforts, including funding for supportive housing, have also been criticized for falling short, leaving municipalities to shoulder a disproportionate share of the burden. Mayor Andrea Horwath of Hamilton has rightly pointed out that taxpayers cannot continue to bear these costs without more significant support from both the province and the federal government.

The political landscape has been marred by finger-pointing rather than collaboration. Municipal leaders blame provincial inaction, while provincial leaders criticize federal programs. This blame game does nothing to help the people living in tents or the communities affected by encampments. The AMO meeting represents an opportunity for a coordinated response that is sorely lacking in our current approach. The call by Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward for a dedicated provincial minister to take charge of homelessness underscores the need for unified leadership.

June 7, 2023

While homelessness continues to grow in Ontario, other parts of the world have successfully addressed similar crises. Countries like Finland, which have adopted the “Housing First” model, have seen significant reductions in homelessness. This approach prioritizes providing permanent housing to homeless individuals without preconditions, coupled with support services to address issues such as mental health and addiction. The success of such models highlights the importance of political will to treat housing as a fundamental right.

It is time for politicians of every level and political stripe to put aside their differences and work together to solve this crisis. The homelessness crisis is not just a political issue; it is a human rights issue. The people living in tents are our fellow citizens, deserving of dignity, safety, and a place to call home.

News: Opposition parties join calls for Ontario to recalibrate approach to homelessness

August 3, 2024

To make encampments a thing of the past, we need a comprehensive, coordinated strategy that includes unified leadership at the provincial level, significant and sustainable funding across all government tiers, and rapid implementation of housing solutions. Governments must also engage community voices, particularly those directly affected by homelessness, to inform policy and service delivery.

The growing number of tents in our cities is a visible reminder of the failure of our current approach to homelessness. But it is not too late to change course. With unified leadership, adequate funding, rapid action, and cross-party collaboration, we can make encampments history. This is not just a policy challenge; it is a moral imperative. We must act now to ensure that every Ontarian has a safe, secure place to call home. The time for talk and finger-pointing is over; the time for decisive, compassionate action is now. (AI)

Letter to the editor – August 21, 2024, The Hamilton Spectator

This letter from an aggrieved couple of readers printed alongside the above cartoon illustrates the haughty level of political inaction on a municipal level in the city of Hamilton.

Frustration grows with encampment

If you live near an unsheltered encampment on Hamilton, you’ve likely played some version of “guess what, or even who, is under the tarp.” It could be a mound of belongings, or a group of two more tents, or something else entirely.

We and our neighbours residing along the east side of Gage Park have been guessing since the end of July when the first tents arrived near Maple and Rothsay Avenues. One of the tents is big enough to accommodate at least 10 people. It has a large awning, tied to a tree. The edge of this large tent is 10.5 metres from our yard. We’ve taken to referring to it as “the fortress.”

What else is hidden by tarps?

A large flat-screen TV was carried to the tents last week and we could plainly see a small safe among the collection of bicycles — both whole and in part — shopping carts, baby buggies, empty bottles, garbage mounds and open bags of pet food. For the first time in 32 years, we have rats in our yard.

We’ve all had to invest in cameras, security lighting and stronger locks on our sheds and garages.

Our property taxes increased by 20 per cent this year. Yet we can’t open our windows or use our yard without enduring the smell of drug use.

Our councillor, Nrinder Nann, admonishes us for complaining in her newsletter emailed on Aug. 16.

“It would be easy to just jump on the bandwagon of expressed fear and anger,” she wrote. “However, I remain committed to balanced, evidence-based decision-making and helping inform our community why this is not a scenario for retail politics.”

It reads as a slap in the face for us and our neighbours. There are men urinating behind our homes, open drug use and a dog that is staked to a tent and barks at everything that moves. Sadly, this does not appear to be “evidence.”

Alison Rogers and Doug Sykes, Hamilton

Friday July 21, 2023

July 21, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 21, 2023

Hot Potato Politics: Municipalities Left Holding the Homeless Bag

December 28, 2021

The plight of homelessness has escalated to a pressing concern across municipalities in Canada, demanding urgent attention from politicians and citizens alike. The homeless population has grown to such an extent that they are often seen as this nation’s internal refugees, constantly seeking resources and protection while being redirected to less visible locations.

The transformation of Canada’s population distribution, where now a significant percentage reside in cities, has outpaced the capabilities of our current federalism structure. Originally established in 1864 when the majority lived in rural areas, this system of power-sharing is no longer aligned with the realities of today’s urbanized society. Federal, provincial, and regional governments have been slow to adapt to this shift, hindering effective collaboration to tackle issues like homelessness and affordable housing.

News: ‘It’s about time’: Ottawa offers millions more in housing support to shelter refugees in Toronto

June 7, 2023

While voices in Hamilton are only now coming together to tackle a problem that finds 1600 people living in encampments, it is essential to manage expectations realistically. Homelessness and affordable housing are national and provincial challenges that cannot be solved solely at the city level. Relying on property taxes for funding major initiatives, such as public transit, research and development, housing, education, healthcare, and environmental renewal, is inadequate and limiting.

Cities are often left in a disadvantaged position, having to plead with provincial or federal capitals for resources beyond their control. This failure of our federal system deprives municipalities of the essential resources needed to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. A new vision and imagination are required to rejuvenate the system, but it demands the willingness of senior authorities to initiate a municipal renaissance. So far, Ottawa and Queen’s Park have been content with minor adjustments instead of making meaningful investments.

February 10, 2022

Canada’s greatest talents lie within communities, but their full potential remains locked away due to outdated and neglectful systems that disregard local needs for increased investments. While there is a national homeless strategy, its effectiveness is hampered when the federal government withholds necessary funding to address the challenges adequately. Similarly, giving Ontario’s mayors additional powers without the accompanying resources is a fruitless endeavour.

News: Growing number of homeless encampments leave smaller cities struggling to respond

Hamilton’s current effort to address homelessness is seemingly on the verge of coming together, but it may only serve as an innovative pilot project if the required funds are stashed away in senior government capitals. To fully capitalize on cities as Canada’s greatest strength, federalism must be brought into the modern era. Only when this happens can we unleash the true potential of our urban centres and effectively combat homelessness and other pressing issues that affect our communities. (AI) | Cartoon published in the Hamilton Spectator, and the Toronto Star.

Tuesday December 12, 2017

December 11, 2017 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday December 12, 2017

Liberals reach deal with the provinces on sharing pot tax revenue

Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau has reached a deal with his provincial and territorial counterparts on a formula for sharing pot tax revenue.

December 16, 2016

The agreement gives the provinces at least 70 cents on the dollar, a sizable increase from the 50-50 framework proposal Morneau had announced last month.

Heading into today’s meeting with Morneau in Ottawa, provincial ministers had insisted on a greater share, arguing the provinces and municipalities would shoulder the majority of costs for police enforcement, health care and education programs once marijuana becomes legal in July.

A formal statement confirming the agreement is expected soon.

June 20, 2017

Asked about the deal this afternoon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau repeated that the objective is to restrict access to young people and to remove profits from criminals.

“That means getting the balance right in terms of both pricing and the ability to properly monitor it in our communities,” he said.

Before the deal was reached, Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa said some provinces felt uneasy about the uncertainty of how the pot legalization program will roll out.

September 9, 2017

“Some provinces get annoyed that we didn’t ask for this, didn’t provide for this, you’re imposing upon the provinces and we have no flexibility,” he said. “So the federal government has to come up with some of that flexibility to provide some support to the provinces and municipalities that are being affected.” (Source: CBC News)

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