punishment

Friday September 29, 2023

Skepticism abounds as Ontario's housing minister, Paul Calandra, claims that developers whose lands are returning to the Greenbelt will not be compensated, given the province's history of favouritism and a lack of transparency in past actions.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday September 29, 2023

Greenbelt Reversal: Ontario’s Compensation Commitment Under Scrutiny

September 22, 2023

In a recent announcement, the Ontario housing minister, Paul Calandra, has assured the public that developers whose lands are being returned to the protected Greenbelt will not receive compensation. However, skepticism runs high regarding this promise, given the province’s track record and the circumstances surrounding this decision.

Calandra’s assertion that the government will not compensate these developers is met with a degree of cynicism, and for good reason. The province’s previous actions, including removing land from the Greenbelt last year as part of an ambitious housing development plan, have raised questions about its true intentions. While Premier Doug Ford has now announced the return of 15 parcels of land to the protected area and offered an apology for the initial decision, it’s worth noting that this move came only after damning reports from the auditor general and the integrity commissioner exposed flaws and favoritism in the process.

News: Doug Ford won’t compensate developers for Greenbelt flip-flop

August 24, 2023

The auditor general’s revelation that property owners stood to gain a staggering $8.3 billion from this land transfer only adds to the doubts surrounding the government’s intentions. The aftermath of these reports saw the resignation of key figures, including the then-housing minister Steve Clark, further eroding public trust.

The upcoming legislation, which aims to codify Greenbelt boundaries and prevent future changes via regulation, seems like a step in the right direction. However, the government’s history of favoring certain developers and its reluctance to compensate for past actions raise concerns about its commitment to true reform.

Opinion: Doug Ford is very, very sorry. But for what?

December 1, 2021

Moreover, the lack of transparency regarding the deals made with developers is a troubling aspect of this entire affair. Opposition leaders rightly question whether there are other ways developers might be compensated, which could ultimately benefit them in the long run. The absence of disclosed agreements and a tendency to operate behind closed doors only fuel suspicions.

YDF Merch

In essence, while Minister Calandra’s statement may suggest a change of heart, it is difficult to ignore the lingering skepticism. The province’s actions have, unfortunately, cast a shadow of doubt over its commitment to protecting the interests of the public over those of influential developers. Only time will tell whether Ontario can truly uphold the principles of a civilized democratic society in this matter. (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:

Thursday May 19, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, Thursday May 19, 2016 Justin Trudeau ÔmanhandledÕ MP in Commons uproar, opposition says Parliament turned downright ugly when an impatient Prime Minister Justin Trudeau crossed the aisle to drag an opposition MP forward so a vote could take place, knocking aside a female NDP MP who was so shaken she had to leave the chamber.Ê The encounter Wednesday led to a shouting match between Trudeau and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair after Trudeau briefly crossed the floor a second time appearing to look for someone. Mulcair can be heard on Commons video footage yelling at Trudeau: ÒWhat kind of man elbows a woman? YouÕre pathetic.ÓÊ The confrontation took place late in the day prior to a vote on a government bid to limit debate on its assisted suicide bill, with the opposition already furious at another Liberal move to seize control over the parliamentary agenda.Ê The mood was tense as each side traded insults. By the end of the day, tempers before the vote were running high. As Trudeau crossed the floor, he was allegedly overheard by NDP MPs to say ÒGet the f--- out of my way.ÓÊ The opposition erupted in outrage as the Speaker called for order, and ordered MPs to stop taking photos. At the far end of the Commons, former prime minister Stephen Harper stood watching it unfold. New Democrat House leader Peter Julian rose to accuse Trudeau of ÒmanhandlingÓ the Conservative whip, Gord Brown, and physically pushing aside the NDPÕs whip, Ruth-Ellen Brosseau. ÒI have been in the House now for 12 years and I have never seen what just transpired in the House of Commons,Ó he said. Trudeau stood to offer an apology, saying he thought Brown, the official Opposition whip Ñ who ensures Opposition MPs are in place for a vote Ñ was Òimpeded,Ó causing the vote to be delayed. ÒI felt that this lacked in respect for Parliament,Ó he said,Êadding he Òoffered my arm, extended, to help him come through the gaggle of MPs standing there.Ó (Source: Toronto Star) ht

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, Thursday May 19, 2016

Justin Trudeau ‘manhandled’ MP in Commons uproar, opposition says

Parliament turned downright ugly when an impatient Prime Minister Justin Trudeau crossed the aisle to drag an opposition MP forward so a vote could take place, knocking aside a female NDP MP who was so shaken she had to leave the chamber.

The encounter Wednesday led to a shouting match between Trudeau and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair after Trudeau briefly crossed the floor a second time appearing to look for someone. Mulcair can be heard on Commons video footage yelling at Trudeau: “What kind of man elbows a woman? You’re pathetic.”

The confrontation took place late in the day prior to a vote on a government bid to limit debate on its assisted suicide bill, with the opposition already furious at another Liberal move to seize control over the parliamentary agenda.

The mood was tense as each side traded insults. By the end of the day, tempers before the vote were running high. As Trudeau crossed the floor, he was allegedly overheard by NDP MPs to say “Get the f— out of my way.”

The opposition erupted in outrage as the Speaker called for order, and ordered MPs to stop taking photos. At the far end of the Commons, former prime minister Stephen Harper stood watching it unfold.

New Democrat House leader Peter Julian rose to accuse Trudeau of “manhandling” the Conservative whip, Gord Brown, and physically pushing aside the NDP’s whip, Ruth-Ellen Brosseau.

“I have been in the House now for 12 years and I have never seen what just transpired in the House of Commons,” he said.

Trudeau stood to offer an apology, saying he thought Brown, the official Opposition whip — who ensures Opposition MPs are in place for a vote — was “impeded,” causing the vote to be delayed. “I felt that this lacked in respect for Parliament,” he said, adding he “offered my arm, extended, to help him come through the gaggle of MPs standing there.” (Source: Toronto Star)

2016-05-19tearsheet