reflection

Friday April 25, 2025

As Canada's election campaign nears its end, Trump's rhetoric and policies become pivotal in shaping voter perceptions of leaders Pierre Poilievre and Mark Carney.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 25, 2025 (Published in the Toronto Star, April 27, 2025)

The Trump Factor in Canada’s Federal Election

Pierre Poilievre sets a 2% GDP defence target by 2030, aligning with Mark Carney's similar commitment to enhance Canada's military spending.

April 23, 2025

As Canada’s federal election draws to a close, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has become an unexpected yet dominant figure in shaping the political discourse. His comments on tariffs, trade agreements, and even the audacious suggestion of Canada as the 51st state have stirred the waters, presenting Canadian voters with three pivotal questions: “Carney or Poilievre: Who’s more Trumpy?”; “Carney or Poilievre: Who’s best for Dealing With Trump?”; and “Carney or Poilievre: Who does Trump Prefer?”

Who’s More Trumpy? In terms of policies and demeanour, Pierre Poilievre undeniably channels more of Trump’s attributes. His rhetoric, which echoes Trump’s nationalist populism, includes slogans that promote a “Canada First” agenda. Poilievre’s approach to reducing government influence, skepticism of international organizations, and a confrontational style resonates with Trump’s signature tactics. On the other hand, Mark Carney embodies a more traditional and balanced leadership approach, prioritizing multilateral cooperation and economic stability. Carney’s focus on diplomacy and evidence-based decision-making starkly contrasts with the more brash techniques associated with Trump.

News: Trump talked about the ’51st state’ during call with Carney: Radio-Canada sources

As Canadian political parties promise tax cuts without detailing spending cuts, voters face uncertainty about potential austerity measures post-election.

April 22, 2025

Who’s Best for Dealing With Trump? Despite Poilievre’s ideological similarities with Trump, this doesn’t necessarily make him the best candidate to handle Trump on the international stage. There’s a legitimate concern that Poilievre’s alignment might lead to submission during negotiations, reminiscent of some Republican figures in the U.S. Conversely, Mark Carney, with his extensive background in economics and crisis management, is well-equipped to engage with Trump from a position of informed authority. Trump’s acknowledgment of Carney’s economic expertise likely prompts him to take Carney more seriously than a leader whose policies merely mirror his own.

Who Does Trump Prefer? While it might seem that Trump would naturally favour a leader like Poilievre due to shared ideologies, the reality is more complex. Trump’s respect for Carney’s expertise and strategic acumen is evident. Known for his transactional approach, Trump likely sees value in Carney’s ability to address complex economic issues, understanding that a competent counterpart in Canada could lead to more productive engagements rather than simple ideological alignment.

News: Trump reinserts himself into Canadian politics, saying ‘as a state, it works great’

Trump's rhetoric and policies loom over Canada's leaders' debate, influencing politics and personal decisions.

April 17, 2025

The assumption that Trump would prefer Poilievre simply due to ideological kinship oversimplifies Trump’s pragmatic nature. Trump recognizes Carney’s capabilities and respects his economic insights, understanding that effective leadership involves not just agreement but the capacity for meaningful engagement. As Canadians cast their votes, these considerations emphasize the importance of selecting a leader who can effectively stand up to Trump’s pressures while also facilitating constructive discussions in U.S.-Canada relations. In this election, Carney’s combination of diplomatic skill and economic expertise may offer Canada the most effective path forward in addressing the challenges posed by the Trump era.

Reflection Time

I’ve only got two more editorial cartoons to draw before voting day, and this one featuring Pierre Poilievre consulting the magic mirror counts as one of them! It seems fitting, especially since no U.S. President in living memory has influenced our election so much as Donald Trump has. His comments and antics are really shaping how we view our leaders, especially when it comes to Poilievre and Mark Carney.

As I’m sketching this out, it’s hard not to see how Poilievre channels Trump’s vibe with his “Canada First” attitude and confrontational style. But then there’s Carney, who offers a more diplomatic and balanced approach. It really raises the question: who’s actually better suited to deal with Trump on the global stage?

While Poilievre might seem like a natural fit for Trump due to their shared ideologies, I think Carney’s economic expertise could give him an edge in negotiations. Trump might actually respect Carney’s skills more than just having someone who echoes his populist rhetoric.

It’s fascinating (and a bit concerning) to watch history unfold right before our eyes. So, as we get closer to the polls, let’s think about who can really stand up to Trump’s pressures and foster productive discussions for Canada.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for April 25, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

You Tube: Pre-Election Day Reflection https://youtu.be/_9UWr9hliC4

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

 

Chronology of a front page illustration

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday July 25, 2015

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator - Saturday July 25, 2015 Chronology of a front page illustration The illustration on today's front page of the Hamilton Spectator began mid-week with a vision explained to me by Saturday editor Cheryl Stepan as an illustration to promote a fireworks display marking the end to the 2015 Pan Am Games. Art Director, John Bullock, further envisioned the fireworks being let off by Pachi, the Pan Am mascot from a barge in Hamilton Harbour. The shape of the illustration was measured out which resembled a big letter T allowing for text on either side of the rocket smoke streams. A difference of opinion emerged on what to do with the background. I insisted on a black sky background, and John argued that it would be too difficult to read white text on black especially on newsprint. To me there was no sense putting fireworks on a white background. So when I finished drawing the firework bursts and rocket lighting Pachi on the barge I supplied a version with a white sky and another with a grey gradient transitioning from white to black. Side by side it made better sense to editors to go with the black sky version, and working with it John came up with the idea to lay the entire masthead atop the fireworks and voila, the resulting A1 illustration. cover art, illustration, cartooning, fireworks, Pan Am Games, Pachi, barge, reflection

The illustration on today’s front page of the Hamilton Spectator began mid-week with a vision explained to me by Saturday editor Cheryl Stepan as a graphic to promote a fireworks display marking the end to the 2015 Pan Am Games. Art Director, John Bullock, further envisioned the fireworks being let off by Pachi, the Pan Am mascot from a barge in Hamilton Harbour. The shape of the illustration was measured out which resembled a big letter T allowing for text on either side of the rocket smoke streams. A difference of opinion emerged on what to do with the background. 2015-07-25whitesky-coverI insisted on a black sky background, and John argued that it would be too difficult to read white text on black especially on newsprint. To me there was no sense putting fireworks on a white background. So when I finished drawing the firework bursts and rocket lighting Pachi on the barge I supplied a version with a white sky and another with a grey gradient transitioning from white to black. Side by side it made better sense to editors to go with the black sky version, and working with it John came up with the idea to lay the entire masthead atop the fireworks and voila, the resulting A1 illustration.

CAN_HS

LETTER

Spectator front page (July 25)

Graeme Mackay’s front page illustration was ingenious!

As a longtime subscriber to The Hamilton Spectator, I daily look for his brilliance in depicting current news, whether political or social. With keen insight and imagination, he often weaves humour with reality.

TO2015’s mascot, PACHI, is so lovable, one of the best ever in Olympic or Pan American Games. Daily, this spirited raccoon greets me as I open my refrigerator door.

And to include him with the spectacular fireworks accompanied by Boris Brott’s orchestra – how wonderful. Kudos to Graeme Mackay and Boris Brott, both local professionals.

Merle Baird-Kerr, Burlington

Thursday June 18, 2015

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator - Thursday June 18, 2015 Five ACTION officers charged in fake ticket probe Five Hamilton police officers are facing criminal charges for allegedly writing 32 falsified tickets as members of the high-profile ACTION unit. It's alleged the tickets named 18 people who had no idea they were victims. The five are among seven members of the former ACTION Team One who were arrested Tuesday. They had been relegated to administrative duties amid a nearly nine-month long internal investigation. All seven have now been suspended with pay and could still face Police Services Act disciplinary charges, which are being investigated by a separate group of officers. At a news conference announcing the charges Tuesday night, police Chief Glenn De Caire said the service took the investigation very seriously and he's confident detectives have looked at all of the evidence. "We have followed the evidence and we have followed the law," he said. The investigation began after a Hamilton police officer found provincial offence notice books in a box destined for the shredder on Sept. 30, 2014. The booklets had the fill-out paper that is supposed to go to the offender still attached. It's alleged the officers made up the tickets, submitting them in court and for police statistics. It's also believed many of the victims were known vulnerable people the ACTION officers came across downtown. De Caire said police have met with some of the victims and all 32 tickets will be withdrawn. (Source: Hamilton Spectator) http://www.thespec.com/news-story/5679224-five-action-officers-charged-in-fake-ticket-probe/ Police, Hamilton, tickets, corruption, thugs, bully, brutality, mirror, image, reflection

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 18, 2015

Five ACTION officers charged in fake ticket probe

Five Hamilton police officers are facing criminal charges for allegedly writing 32 falsified tickets as members of the high-profile ACTION unit.

It’s alleged the tickets named 18 people who had no idea they were victims.

The five are among seven members of the former ACTION Team One who were arrested Tuesday. They had been relegated to administrative duties amid a nearly nine-month long internal investigation.

All seven have now been suspended with pay and could still face Police Services Act disciplinary charges, which are being investigated by a separate group of officers.

At a news conference announcing the charges Tuesday night, police Chief Glenn De Caire said the service took the investigation very seriously and he’s confident detectives have looked at all of the evidence.

“We have followed the evidence and we have followed the law,” he said.

The investigation began after a Hamilton police officer found provincial offence notice books in a box destined for the shredder on Sept. 30, 2014. The booklets had the fill-out paper that is supposed to go to the offender still attached.

It’s alleged the officers made up the tickets, submitting them in court and for police statistics. It’s also believed many of the victims were known vulnerable people the ACTION officers came across downtown.

De Caire said police have met with some of the victims and all 32 tickets will be withdrawn. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

Letter to the editor, June 22, 2015 – Cartoon was vilifying, premature

I found the editorial cartoon in the June 18 Spectator that portrayed police officers in a mirror under the word “thugs” to be demeaning, vilifying and certainly premature in its treatment of police.

While our local police service has suffered the slings and arrows recently afforded it by having several members charged with criminal offences it is important to recognize that the vast majority of our serving officers are in fact providing service to the public in a manner that is adequate, just and compassionate.

The officers charged with transgressions will have their day in court. If guilt is assessed against each, then the cartoon might have modest merit.

For the present, it does nothing to restore what a few officers have tarnished and in point of fact helps to erode public trust even further.

It suggests in a very graphic way that all police are thugs. I am sure, the artist and The Spectator did not really wish to convey such a message.

Policing is difficult enough without outside assistance which goes a great distance toward making daily work more difficult by exacerbating an already poor situation.

To blindly follow recent U.S. knee jerk response to perceived and alleged wrongdoing by police is dangerous and hurtful.

We can not condone what is alleged to have happened.

However, one truth is real. Thugs are thugs and these officers are innocent until proven guilty. The checks and balances built into our system of justice will win out at the end of the day.

Our serving officers still deserve public and media support and assistance for the good work they do on a daily basis.

Dan Welsh, Mount Hope