race – mackaycartoons

Friday March 7, 2025

March 7, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 7, 2025

Canada’s Crossroads: Leadership Race to Tackle Trump

February 15, 2025

The political landscape in Canada has been dramatically reshaped by recent developments in U.S.-Canada relations, following Donald Trump’s re-election as President of the United States. The imposition of sweeping tariffs on Canadian exports, coupled with Trump’s aggressive rhetoric about annexing Canada, has created an atmosphere of economic warfare that threatens the sovereignty and stability of the nation.

As Canada grapples with external pressures, the domestic scene has been equally tumultuous. The resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has left a leadership void, which the Liberal Party is eager to fill. The leadership race, featuring key figures such as Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould, and Frank Baylis, has become not just a contest for party leadership but a critical decision point for Canada’s response to the Trump administration’s aggressive stance. The announcement of the new leader in just a few days, set for Sunday, March 9, 2025, will set the stage for the federal election, where Canadians will decide who is best suited to face Pierre Poilievre and lead the fight against Trump’s policies.

News: Canada’s ruling Liberals move on from Trudeau with Trump boost

January 16, 2025

Among the candidates, Mark Carney stands out with his extensive experience as a former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England. Carney’s candidacy brings a wealth of economic expertise and a clear vision for navigating the challenges posed by Trump’s policies. His emphasis on national unity and sovereignty resonates with Canadians seeking strong leadership to counter external threats. By advocating for the elimination of the divisive consumer carbon tax and focusing on internal trade opportunities, Carney aims to strengthen Canada’s domestic economy and bolster national identity.

In contrast, Chrystia Freeland’s strong association with Justin Trudeau has been both an asset and a liability in her political journey. As a key figure in Trudeau’s administration, Freeland has been instrumental in shaping Canada’s policies and international relationships. However, her close alignment with Trudeau has tethered her to the challenges faced by his government, making it difficult to distance herself from unpopular policies. Despite her efforts to highlight her achievements and leadership qualities, Freeland’s narrative often circles back to her tenure under Trudeau, which some view as a continuation of his legacy rather than a fresh start.

News: Five takeaways from Canada’s Liberal leadership debates

January 25, 2025

Karina Gould, on the other hand, has emerged as a compelling alternative, offering a fresh perspective and a promise of a new direction for the Liberal Party. As one of the younger candidates, Gould brings a dynamic approach to leadership, emphasizing modernization and innovation in policy-making. Her focus on social safety nets and realistic economic planning resonates with voters looking for progressive change without drastic cuts. Gould’s strategic positioning and relative distance from the Trudeau administration’s most contentious policies have put her in good stead for future leadership opportunities within the party.

Reader reactions to Carney’s candidacy reflect a mix of hope and skepticism. Some appreciate his experience and see him as the right leader for this moment, while others question his ability to overcome the legacy of the Trudeau administration. Despite these doubts, Carney’s entry into the race has narrowed the polling gap with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, suggesting a potential shift in voter sentiment.

February 20, 2025

A Carney win would signal a renewed focus on economic stability and sovereignty, with a leader who has both the financial acumen and diplomatic skills to steer Canada through the turbulence created by Trump’s administration. His emphasis on positive leadership and ending division could unify Canadians around a shared vision of resilience and independence.

News: ‘We will win’: Carney slams Trump, Poilievre and tariffs during Calgary campaign stop

December 20, 2024

As Canada faces the Trump menace, the outcome of the Liberal leadership race will be pivotal in shaping the nation’s future. With Carney at the helm, Canada could find itself better equipped to navigate the complexities of international relations and domestic challenges, ensuring that it remains a strong and sovereign nation on the global stage. Meanwhile, the emergence of figures like Karina Gould highlights the party’s capacity for renewal and adaptation, setting the stage for future leadership that embraces both experience and innovation. The upcoming federal election will provide Canadians the opportunity to choose who they believe is best equipped to lead the country against Pierre Poilievre and the challenges posed by Trump’s aggressive policies.

The Bridge to Canada’s Destiny

You’ve got to feel a bit sorry for whoever ends up leading the Liberal Party in a few days. All signs point to Mark Carney, the central banker of central bankers. He’s the kind of guy who’s respected not just here in Canada but over in the UK too, thanks to his time as the governor of the Bank of England.

But, oh boy, have the Conservatives been busy. They’ve been flooding the airwaves with ads painting Carney as some sort of satanic figure set to ruin Canada—classic scare tactics. Even got Stephen Harper involved to try and discredit him, which is odd since they got along just fine back when Carney was at the Bank of Canada and Harper was PM.

Pity any leader who has to deal with Pierre Poilievre’s straight out of the Trump nastiness playbook. And pity any Prime Minister who has to endure four long years (minus six weeks) of Donald Trump’s chaos and torment. But you know, Carney is cool, smart, and has that confident dad vibe—something Canada might have missed with Trudeau. Definitely a better choice than the petulant man-child Pierre Poilievre, especially when it comes to handling the babbling, disruptive toddler that is the current President of the United States.

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Tuesday October 17, 2023

October 17, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday October 17, 2023

The Inevitable Unraveling of Coalition Governments

January 24, 2023

Coalition governments, formed when two or more political parties join forces to secure power and maintain stability, are often seen as a compromise for the greater good. Yet, history has shown us that such arrangements are not built to last forever. The recent developments in the partnership between the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party (NDP) in Canada serve as a stark reminder of this inherent fragility.

The initial optimism that surrounded the Liberal-NDP coalition seemed like a promising harbinger of cooperation in Canadian politics. However, as time has progressed, it’s become apparent that this alliance, which sought to assure cooperation, has instead become a liability for both parties. The primary catalyst for this shift in dynamics is the issue of pharmacare, a central concern for the NDP.

At their policy convention in Hamilton, the NDP drew a line in the sand, passing an emergency resolution that firmly demands the Liberals commit to a “universal, comprehensive and entirely public pharmacare program.” The New Democrats’ resolve in this matter is undeniable, and they have made it clear that weak legislation will not suffice. The NDP’s insistence on robust pharmacare legislation has put the coalition’s unity in jeopardy.

Analysis: Jagmeet Singh’s election results have been terrible. Here are 5 reasons why the NDP wants him as leader anyway

April 8, 2022

The implications of this growing schism are far-reaching. Should the NDP decide to withdraw their support for the coalition over the pharmacare issue, it would undoubtedly transform pharmacare into a decisive “ballot-box issue” in the next election. This not only illustrates the internal divisions within the coalition but also underscores how coalition governments can unravel over time due to the differing priorities and agendas of their member parties.

June 13, 2019

The struggle over pharmacare is a clear example of how coalition governments can become victims of their own success. The Liberals and the NDP entered into this arrangement in March 2022 to ensure the survival of the minority government until June 2025. However, it’s essential to remember that such agreements, while initially beneficial for securing power, can become precarious when parties with different policy priorities seek to maintain their distinct identities.

The current standoff between the Liberals and the NDP on pharmacare highlights a broader issue in coalition politics. The partners might find common ground initially, but over time, the unique priorities, electoral strategies, and party identities resurface. As a result, the very cooperation that helped form the government becomes the source of its instability and potential downfall.

News: Jagmeet Singh receives 81% support in confidence vote after defending deal with Liberals

October 23, 2019

In the case of the Liberal-NDP coalition, it’s essential to recognize that the NDP views pharmacare as a pivotal issue that distinguishes them from their Liberal counterparts. While the Liberals had promised a national pharmacare program in the 2019 election, their silence on this matter in the 2021 election has only exacerbated the divide.

As the New Democrats refocus their efforts on recruiting candidates, emphasizing healthcare, and addressing the rising cost of living, it’s evident that they’re preparing for an election where healthcare will be a central concern. The coalition’s future remains uncertain, but the pharmacare dispute underscores the inherent difficulties of maintaining a stable partnership between two parties with differing visions.

The Liberal-NDP coalition’s tumultuous journey over pharmacare is a stark reminder that coalition governments are not built to last indefinitely. These arrangements, formed to ensure stability and cooperation, can become marred by the reemergence of party-specific priorities and agendas. As the coalition struggles to reconcile these differences, the inevitable unravelling of their partnership serves as a cautionary tale for future coalitions in Canada and around the world. (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 September 7, 2023

September 7, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 7, 2023

Ford’s Irresponsible Greenbelt Stance Threatens Ontario’s Future

August 31, 2023

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent announcement that his government will continue development on Greenbelt lands while under review is not only misguided but deeply troubling for the province’s future. Despite mounting evidence of rushed and flawed decision-making processes, Ford remains steadfast in his commitment to forging ahead with development, seemingly undeterred by the ethical and practical implications.

At a recent news conference, Ford indicated that his administration would undertake a review of all Greenbelt lands and development applications, effectively moving up the timeline by about two years, in defiance of the previous government’s mandate for a ten-year review cycle. While a review is certainly warranted, it is Ford’s insistence that development will proceed for any sites deemed to “stand on their own merit” that raises serious concerns.

News: Greenbelt review could see recommendation for more land removals, new minister says

August 23, 2023

Ford has tasked Housing Minister Paul Calandra, who recently took over after Steve Clark’s resignation, with defining the parameters of this review alongside a non-partisan provincial adjudicator. The Premier has promised a comprehensive top-to-bottom examination, but the catch is that the lands already earmarked for removal and development late last year will remain in play.

In the meantime, the adjudicator will continue working with current landowners, some of whom are major developers in the province, to discuss their plans for these lands. Ford’s commitment to publicly releasing finalized agreements between landowners and the province does little to alleviate concerns about the potential for undue influence in the process.

What’s most alarming is that Ford has not ruled out the possibility of opening even more Greenbelt land for housing development. This stance seems to defy all logic, especially in the face of damning reports from the province’s integrity commissioner and the auditor general. Both reports revealed that the process was heavily influenced by politically connected developers, with Steve Clark’s chief of staff, Ryan Amato, playing a central role in selecting the lands to be removed from the Greenbelt.

July 20, 2023

Amato resigned in August, but both Clark and Ford insisted for weeks that Clark would remain in his ministerial role. The Premier had even instructed Clark to devise a process to open up the Greenbelt by the fall of 2022. The integrity commissioner’s findings were unequivocal, pointing to a deeply flawed process that favoured a select few developers.

Furthermore, the auditor general’s report underscored the questionable circumstances surrounding the land selections, with Amato’s direct involvement with developers or their lawyers raising serious ethical concerns. The potential windfall profits for the owners of the 15 selected sites, amounting to $8.3 billion, only add to the cloud of suspicion surrounding this entire affair.

Opinion: Doug Ford’s fatally flawed Greenbelt plan must be stopped in its tracks

December 11, 2018

The fact that the RCMP is considering a potential police investigation into the land swaps should give Ford serious pause. Yet, he seems more intent on forging ahead with a review that many view as inadequate.

Ford’s insistence that the Greenbelt review is merely a matter of correcting the process rings hollow. It is not enough to “correct” a process that has already demonstrated its vulnerability to influence and manipulation. What’s truly important is protecting the Greenbelt, preserving vital farmland, and ensuring responsible, sustainable development that benefits all Ontarians.

The Premier’s rush to build homes cannot come at the expense of our natural environment and long-term well-being. While Ford may see the Greenbelt as a mere obstacle to development, it is, in fact, a crucial asset that should be safeguarded for future generations. His disregard for this fundamental responsibility is a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people of Ontario, and it undermines the very essence of good governance. (AI.) Editorial cartoon printed in the Hamilton Spectator and the Toronto Star.

Wednesday October 19, 2022

October 19, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 19, 2022

Hamilton’s mayoral candidates

2014 Mayoral Race

There are a lot of differences among the nine people running for mayor of Hamilton. But many of them have things in common — an interest in changing housing, infrastructure, and the culture at city hall. And while some of these ideas may sound familiar to voters, others aren’t even within the mayor’s power to enact, falling under provincial or federal jurisdiction. (CBC)

Thursday August 4, 2022

August 4, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 4, 2022

Charest, Baber and Aitchison keep it courteous in final Conservative leadership debate

May 18, 2022

Three of the five candidates vying to become the next leader of the Conservative Party of Canada took part in the race’s final debate Wednesday evening in Ottawa in what proved to be a courteous, sparks-free affair — aside from the barbs aimed at those not in attendance.

The bilingual event, with the first half taking part in English, came just over one month from when the party will select its third permanent leader in five years on Sept. 10.

Jean Charest, the former Quebec premier and one of only three candidates who took part in the debate, chided the presumed frontrunner, MP Pierre Poilievre, and another candidate, MP Leslyn Lewis, for not participating.

Charest likened the decision to “a fish that says it doesn’t want to swim in the ocean” and thanked Conservative MP Scott Aitchison and former Ontario MPP Roman Baber for showing up on Wednesday.