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Friday September 6, 2024

September 6, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday September 6, 2024

The NDP-Liberal Agreement: A Temporary Fix for a Looming Conservative Tide

August 31, 2024

In the complex landscape of Canadian politics, the recent end of the NDP-Liberal confidence and supply agreement has sparked intense debate. While Jagmeet Singh and the NDP should be credited for pushing long-held policies and finally getting significant measures enacted—such as dental care, pharmacare, childcare, and school breakfast/lunch programs—the reality is that this cooperation may have merely been an elaborate time-buying measure, delaying the inevitable swing of the political pendulum toward a Conservative government under Pierre Poilievre.

News: The NDP is ending its governance agreement with the Liberals

March 23, 2022

The confidence and supply agreement, designed to stabilize a precarious minority government, allowed the Liberals to govern without the fear of immediate electoral repercussions. As Althia Raj pointed out in The Toronto Star, Singh signed on with the hope of extracting concessions from the Liberals in exchange for continued support. However, as time passed, it became evident that the agreement served more as a safety net for the Liberals than a vehicle for progressive change. The NDP’s attempts to define itself as a separate entity from the Liberals faced challenges, particularly as the Conservatives framed the party as part of an “NDP-Liberal coalition,” ultimately undermining Singh’s leadership and electoral prospects.

Althia Raj: Jagmeet Singh had a good reason to tear up his deal with Justin Trudeau

Recent byelection results reveal the fragility of the Liberal-NDP coalition as provincial leaders like Bonnie Crombie and Naheed Nenshi distance themselves, exposing the risks of political alliances.

June 28, 2024

Max Fawcett, writing for The National Observer, argues that this moment should have been the NDP’s time to shine, especially given the Liberal government’s increasing error-proneness. Yet, instead of capitalizing on the political climate, the NDP’s identity became increasingly blurred, leaving them vulnerable to the criticisms of being ineffective in the face of a rising Conservative threat. With the Conservatives currently leading by a substantial margin in the polls, the NDP’s future seems precarious, as does the fate of the policies they fought hard to implement.

The National Observer: Jagmeet Singh just played himself

The measures enacted during the NDP-Liberal partnership—though commendable—raise questions about their sustainability in the face of potential austerity. If the Conservatives assume power, the very programs designed to support vulnerable Canadians may face drastic cuts or eliminations. The consequences of this would not only be felt by those who rely on these services but could also lead to significant political backlash against the Conservatives, should they decide to implement such austerity measures without regard for the hardships imposed on citizens.

May 27, 2023

Additionally, as noted in the Globe and Mail, the arrangement has ultimately done little to boost the popularity of either party, with both struggling in the polls as they face an uphill battle against a Conservative party that has gained considerable traction. The editorial rightly critiques the long-term effectiveness of the NDP-Liberal agreement, suggesting that it has set the stage for a decisive Conservative majority. This sentiment is echoed by readers who express frustration with the notion that such an alliance should have been the answer to Canadian governance in a minority situation. The reality remains that Canadians expect their elected representatives to navigate complexities without relying on potentially ineffective alliances.

The Globe & Mail: An overdue end to a bad deal for voters

April 8, 2022

Ultimately, while Singh and the NDP deserve credit for advancing progressive policies during their partnership with the Liberals, the arrangement may have simply delayed the inevitable shift toward a Conservative government. As we move closer to the next election, the fate of the measures enacted since 2022 hangs in the balance. Canadians must grapple with the question of whether these policies will withstand the coming storm of austerity or whether they will become casualties of a political landscape reshaped by the ambitions of a Conservative government eager to undo the progress made during the NDP-Liberal era.

In a democratic system that requires accountability and responsiveness, the need for clear vision and bold leadership is more crucial than ever. The NDP and Liberals must now regroup and reconsider their strategies, or risk losing even more ground to a Conservative party ready to capitalize on their shortcomings. (AI)

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-16, Canada, confidence, Conservative, Jagmeet Singh, Justin Trudeau, Liberal, marionette, NDP, Pierre Poilievre, puppet

Wednesday February 28, 2024

February 28, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Doug Ford's plan to appoint "like-minded" judges, criticized for its partisanship, raises concerns of compromising the independence of the Canadian judiciary, paralleling trends observed during the Trump administration in the U.S.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 28, 2024

Preserving Judicial Independence in Canada

July 20, 2023

As a concerned citizen watching the political landscape in Canada, it’s disheartening to witness the recent developments surrounding Premier Doug Ford’s approach to judicial appointments. Ford’s candid admission of his intention to appoint “like-minded” judges raises troubling questions about the impartiality and independence of our judiciary, mirroring trends observed south of the border during the Trump administration.

In a recent editorial by the Toronto Star, the Premier’s decision to appoint former senior staffers to the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee is rightfully criticized as a move that threatens the non-partisan model for judicial appointments. The editorial rightly points out that the appointment process should be based on merit rather than political alliances, and Ford’s justification for his decisions reflects a dangerous politicization of a crucial aspect of our justice system.

Editorial: Why Doug Ford’s plan for “like-minded” judges is a terrible move

May 6, 2022

Ford’s assertion that he was elected to appoint “like-minded” individuals to the judiciary is a direct departure from the principles that underpin our justice system — a system built on fairness, evidence, and the rule of law. The Federation of Ontario Law Associations rightly condemns these remarks as reflecting a “juvenile understanding of the role of an independent judiciary.”

While I am generally wary of drawing parallels between Canadian politicians and their American counterparts, it’s challenging to ignore the echoes of partisanship in judicial appointments reminiscent of the U.S. Supreme Court under the Trump administration. Ford’s approach, aiming to stack the courts with judges who align with his ideology, poses a clear threat to the independence of our judiciary.

April 14, 2018

The editorial mentions former Premier Kathleen Wynne’s dismissal of Ford’s claim that he was elected to appoint “like-minded” people. Her assertion that intentionally tainting the judicial process is reprehensible is a sentiment shared by many who value the integrity of our legal system. Ford’s actions, coupled with his track record of invoking the notwithstanding clause and under-resourcing courts, contribute to a concerning pattern that jeopardizes the foundations of our justice system.

The danger of a “like-minded” judiciary is not exclusive to Canada. In an opinion piece from The Washington Post, Ruth Marcus discusses the importance of identifying the president who appointed federal judges in the U.S. as a predictor of outcomes. A study by Harvard Law School Professor Alma Cohen reinforces the notion that party affiliation can significantly influence judicial outcomes, a finding that should give us pause.

Opinion: Does it matter which party nominated a judge? Here’s why it does

February 11, 2022

As we navigate the complexities of our legal system, it becomes crucial for citizens to remain vigilant about the composition of our courts. Party affiliations should not overshadow the merit-based selection of judges, and we must resist any attempts to compromise the independence of our judiciary. The lessons from the United States serve as a stark reminder that the path Ford is treading is a perilous one, with potential repercussions for the credibility and fairness of our legal system.

In the upcoming elections, it is incumbent upon us to consider not only the policies but also the values and principles that candidates uphold, especially when it comes to judicial appointments. Our justice system deserves leaders who prioritize the rule of law and safeguard the independence of our judiciary, ensuring that justice remains blind to political affiliations.

 

Posted in: Canada, Ontario Tagged: 2024-05, appointment, courts, Donald Trump, Doug Ford, judge, Judicial, justice, marionette, Ontario, puppet, USA

Thursday June 22, 2023

June 22, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 22, 2023

Ford’s Tentacled Reach

May 12, 2023

The Ontario government is moving forward with its plan to expand the powers of mayors in more municipalities, allowing them to exert greater control over local affairs. However, critics remain skeptical of Premier Doug Ford’s intentions, comparing his influence to that of a Cthulhu-like monster with multiple arms controlling puppet mayors. These enhanced powers, already implemented in Toronto and Ottawa, grant mayors the authority to pass bylaws related to the province’s housing initiatives, even with just a third of their local councils in support.

Additionally, these stronger powers give mayors the ability to veto budget amendments unless they receive a two-thirds majority vote from the council. Mayors also gain the authority to hire senior bureaucrats and establish new departments within their municipalities. While many cities in the United States, such as Chicago and New York, grant their mayors substantial influence, critics argue that the provision allowing the passing of bylaws with only a third of the votes undermines the principles of democracy, labeling it as “minority rule.”

News: Doug Ford gives ‘strong mayor’ powers to 26 more Ontario cities  

January 28, 2023

The provincial government has defined specific regulations designating these priorities as contributing to their ambitious target of constructing 1.5 million homes and providing housing-related infrastructure, including roads and sewer pipes, by 2031. Ontario’s Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister, Steve Clark, made the announcement alongside mayors from Guelph, Burlington, and London, who will soon possess these expanded powers. The decision was reached after a meeting at Queen’s Park between Clark, other cabinet ministers, and the mayors of the province’s largest cities.

Effective July 1, the new powers will be implemented through regulations and will be granted to municipalities with a population exceeding 100,000 or projected to reach that threshold by 2031. Additionally, these municipalities must have signed a “housing pledge” to support Ontario’s target for new homes. The list of municipalities receiving these powers includes Barrie, Niagara Falls, Windsor, Hamilton, Mississauga, and Markham. Notably, Newmarket, located north of Toronto, is excluded from the list due to the local government’s failure to sign the housing pledge.

Mayor John Taylor of Newmarket cited the town’s insufficient sewer capacity as the reason for not signing the pledge. He attributes this problem to the province’s decision to block the construction of a planned regional sewage plant and instead build pipes to an existing facility in Durham Region, a process that may take up to eight years. Mayor Taylor also stated that, regardless of the powers granted, he would not utilize them.

News: These 26 Ontario cities are getting strong-mayor powers. Is yours?  

August 21, 2019

Patrick Brown, the former leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party who now serves as the mayor of Brampton, disagrees with the notion that these powers are antidemocratic, claiming that people already assume mayors possess such authority. Brown believes that Premier Doug Ford, who spent time at Toronto City Hall, understands the inconsistency between public perception and the actual powers held by mayors.

It is worth noting that Premier Ford’s late brother, Rob Ford, served as the mayor of Toronto, but his powers were significantly reduced by the city council in 2013 following his erratic behavior and struggles with substance abuse. In Ottawa, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has pledged not to use the “minority rule” power to pass bylaws. Interestingly, it was former Toronto mayor John Tory who initially requested this additional measure from Premier Ford, even after the province had already announced plans to strengthen mayoral control over budgets and bureaucracy.

As the by-election is currently underway due to Mr. Tory’s resignation and admission of an affair with a subordinate, frontrunner Olivia Chow and other candidates, including Josh Matlow, Ana Bailão, and Mitzie Hunter, have already expressed their disinterest in utilizing the “minority rule” bylaw power if elected. (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:

https://mackaycartoons.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-0622-ONT.mp4

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2023-11, Ajax, Burlington, Caledon, Doug Ford, Guelph, housing, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Municipality, Niagara Falls, octopus, Ontario, Oshawa, procreate, puppet, St. Catharines, Strong mayor, tentacles, Vaghan, Waterloo, windsor

Friday March 3, 2023

March 3, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 3, 2023

Did foreigners interfere in Canada’s elections? Don’t expect politicians to sort it out

The best argument so far for an independent inquiry into foreign election interference in Canada has come from the least independent voices in this escalating furor — politicians and members of Parliament.

February 25, 2023

A hearing at a Commons committee on Wednesday vividly proved the point. National security discussions should come with a warning label — don’t try this at home. Or more accurately, don’t try this in the House.

It comes down simply to this: the question of whether foreign actors have been meddling in Canadian elections is simply too important to be litigated by the people who were players in those elections, with vested interests. That goes for all the political parties: the governing Liberals and their opposition rivals.

Opposition parties are in fact on side with the idea of some independent inquiry, though Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also wants MPs to continue their Commons committee investigation, such as it is right now.

“We cannot allow this affair to simply go up in smoke with a secret private investigation, it must be public so that Canadians know exactly what is going on,” Poilievre told reporters on Wednesday. “We cannot shut those parliamentary inquiries down with a promise that in two years there will be some report on a public inquiry.”

But if Wednesday’s Commons hearings were any indication, Canadians aren’t going to get many answers from the political arena. Justin Trudeau’s national security adviser, Jody Thomas, explained as much during her testimony.

January 16, 2020

“We cannot talk about national security information in a public forum,” said Jody Thomas, who stared down this committee with the same, flat, no-nonsense tone she brought to last fall’s public inquiry into the “freedom convoy.” Thomas said at those hearings that she was one of the influential advisers saying yes to a declaration of emergency on the convoy last winter. On Wednesday, she made clear she’s one of the people on the inside arguing against a wide-open public inquiry.

A lot of the back and forth between MPs, Thomas and other senior security officials testifying on Wednesday proved the national security adviser’s point. MPs — who do come from political parties — were gamely trying to get the security people to say how much political parties were in the loop about possible election threats in 2019 and 2022.

Sorry, the politicians were told — that’s top secret. (Though the officials did manage to reveal that the RCMP is not investigating any of the allegations surfacing in the media of late, which is significant.)

The problem with politicians looking into political interference is that they’re not the ones who need to be reassured that Canadian elections are free and fair. It’s the voting public, and the news on that right now is not good.

November 24, 2020

An Angus Reid poll released this week showed that a disturbing two-thirds of Canadians believed that China either definitely or probably tried to influence the past two elections in Canada. An even more disturbing 42 per cent of past Conservative voters were inclined to believe the elections had been “stolen.” Sound familiar?

That means that the horse is already out of the barn on this one. Reassurances from the Liberal government will just feed the cynicism of non-Liberal voters, while opposition’s continuing attempts to cry foul could make those parties sound like they have an axe to grind — a pox on all their houses, in other words.

The opposition leaders are right to ask that their parties have a voice in determining the shape of any future inquiry. In the past, I’ve been told, no election-reform legislation proceeded without broad agreement between all the parties.

That may have been a myth, I haven’t tested that against the long historical record. But it seems the point is wise. On something as important as democracy and electoral legitimacy, you don’t want anyone saying that the ruling party put its thumb on the scale.

Trudeau continues to say that we have all the inquiries we need into electoral interference right now and they need to run their course. The current Commons committee hearings, with no offence to any of the MPs doing their questioning, is not going to be the final word — any more than the various parliamentary hearings into the convoy, which paled in comparison to Justice Paul Rouleau’s inquiry.

Trudeau’s next move should be to convene a meeting of all the opposition leaders, swear them to the highest levels of security clearance, and hammer out how they can get a grasp on this issue before the public gets any more cynical about the fairness of elections. That one gesture in itself would prove that the politicians are putting democracy over their partisan interests.

It would also, as a bonus, be enormously frustrating to whatever foreign actors are enjoying the current spectacle of Canadians questioning whether their democracy works. (The Toronto Star)

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2023-04, Canada, China, Democracy, election, interference, Justin Trudeau, Pierre Poilievre, Printed in the Toronto Star, Punch and Judy, puppet, Xi Jinping

Thursday July 28, 2022

July 28, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday July 28, 2022

Stephen Harper says Pierre Poilievre has the best chance to win the next federal election

May 18, 2022

Former prime minister Stephen Harper says Pierre Poilievre is the Conservative leadership candidate with the best shot at leading the party to victory in the next federal election.

Harper’s declaration came in a Monday evening video posted to Facebook and Twitter, in which he described Poilievre’s ability to galvanize support from new members as a critical ingredient for success.

“That’s how we win the next federal election, and in my opinion, Pierre has made by far the strongest case,” Harper said.

Poilievre’s campaign claims to have signed up more than 300,000 members to vote in the leadership race.

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2022-24, Canada, Conservative, endorsement, leadership, Pierre Poilievre, puppet, Stephen Harper, ventriloquist
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