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refugees

Friday December 6, 2024

December 6, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Canada faces an impending migration crisis as U.S. deportation policies under Trump threaten to drive undocumented migrants north, testing Canada's strained asylum system and its commitment to humanitarian values.

Editorial Cartoon by Greme MacKay – The Hamilton Spectator –  Friday December 6. 2024

Canada Braces for Fallout as Trump’s Deportation Policies Create a Looming Crisis

As Trump's immigration crackdown looms, Canada faces an urgent need for a unified, practical approach to manage a potential migrant surge at its border while balancing security and humanitarian responsibilities.

November 12, 2024

Canada is standing on the brink of a new migration crisis, one that could shake the foundations of its immigration system and challenge its international reputation as a haven for refugees. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to enact sweeping deportation measures in the United States, the consequences are poised to spill over the northern border. The United States’ mass deportation policies, coupled with the chilling rhetoric of its new “border czar,” Tom Homan, are sending a clear message: undocumented migrants are no longer welcome. For many, the prospect of “self-deportation” seems unavoidable, and Canada is the most logical destination.

News: Trump’s New ‘Border Czar’ Tells Democrats To ‘Get The Hell Out Of The Way’

July 28, 2023

But is Canada ready? The federal government has signalled that it is not. Ottawa’s recent moves, including a reduction in immigration targets, a suspension of private refugee sponsorship programs, and a global ad campaign cautioning asylum seekers against coming, suggest a country retreating from its welcoming stance. These measures appear to be preemptive, aimed at alleviating strain on a system already stretched to its limits. With an asylum backlog of over 260,000 cases, a housing crisis, and social services under pressure, Canada’s capacity to absorb a new wave of migrants is severely compromised.

This shift in Canada’s immigration philosophy is stark. In the past, Canada’s response to global migration crises was defined by its generosity, epitomized by the resettlement of tens of thousands of Syrian refugees starting in 2015. Private sponsorship programs empowered communities to offer a lifeline to those fleeing war and persecution. That model was not only cost-effective but celebrated as a testament to Canadian values of compassion and inclusivity. Today, those same programs are on hold, leaving countless lives in limbo.

February 23, 2017

The government’s messaging emphasizes the difficulty of claiming asylum, framing it as a deterrence strategy. Yet this approach may prove futile against the desperation of those facing deportation from the United States. For undocumented migrants caught in the crosshairs of Trump’s hardline immigration agenda, Canada represents not just a choice but a necessity. Fear of ICE raids and the harsh reality of U.S. immigration enforcement will likely drive many to seek refuge north of the border, regardless of Ottawa’s attempts to discourage them.

News: Canada warns claiming asylum is ‘not easy’ with new global ad campaign

Canada’s restrictive turn carries broader implications. As anti-immigrant sentiments rise globally, including within Canada itself, the danger lies in conflating systemic issues—like housing shortages and bureaucratic inefficiencies—with the actions of migrants. This rhetoric risks eroding the multicultural fabric that has defined Canada for decades. Already, reports of increased racism and discrimination, coupled with growing public resentment toward immigrants, point to a troubling trend.

July 17, 2018

The timing of Canada’s policy shift could not be worse. Trump’s policies will create a wave of forced displacement, and Canada is unprepared to handle the repercussions. Yet, the country’s response to this challenge will define its character on the world stage. Will Canada lean into its humanitarian values and find innovative ways to support those seeking safety, or will it follow the path of deterrence and exclusion? The coming months will demand urgent action, not just to manage borders but to uphold the ideals that Canada has long championed. How Ottawa chooses to respond will resonate far beyond its borders, offering a test case for whether compassion can endure in an increasingly divided world.


There seems to be an uneasy calm before the storm regarding the impending wave of asylum seekers headed for Canada due to Donald Trump’s harsh deportation policies. In my latest cartoon, you’ll see Justin Trudeau and Immigration Minister Marc Miller casually shuffling around some red velvet stanchion ropes, seemingly unprepared for the flood of humanity that might soon be knocking at our door.

This cartoon serves as a stark reminder that while Trump focuses on the movement of drugs and tightening borders, the real human cost is often overlooked. Many undocumented migrants will—or have already begun—fleeing the U.S. and seeking refuge in Canada, yet our officials appear to be in denial about the potential crisis ahead. With Canada’s asylum system already stretched thin, the shift from a welcoming humanitarian approach to a more restrictive stance raises serious questions about our readiness to uphold our values.

There’s a sense that politeness reigns. What’s the point of getting bent out of shape about a crisis that hasn’t fully materialized yet? The challenging times we find ourselves in are partly due to the polite generosity of allowing too many in, which has led to several crises. Just in the past couple of days I’ve heard of several academic acquaintances of mine losing their long term positions because the government has stopped colleges from using foreign applicants as commodities to rake in foreign cash. Just one example of the ripple effects of poorly thought out generosity.

It’s crucial for us as Canadians to reflect on how we want to respond. Are we willing to embrace our tradition of compassion, or will we retreat into a mindset of exclusion? The future of our immigration policy is at a crossroads, and how we choose to act will not only affect those seeking safety but also shape Canada’s global reputation.

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 the making-of clip of my December 6 editorial cartoon, don’t forget to turn up the sound:

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

 

Posted in: Canada, USA Tagged: 2024-21, 2024-22, Border, Canada, Deportation, Donald Trump, Immigration, Justin Trudeau, Marc Miller, refugees, security, Substack, USA

Tuesday November 26, 2024

November 26, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

November 17, 2016

Fleeing America, destination Canada

Originally published November 18, 2016

To this day, I have yet to meet a single American who fled their homeland because Donald Trump became its President. Back in 2016, when Trump first won, I drew a cartoon poking fun at all the talk about Democrats packing their bags for Canada. It showed the belongings of undocumented migrants left behind at the southern border and, in the north, a similar scattering of items left by Democrats supposedly fleeing Trump’s America. The joke, of course, was that while lots of people said they were going to leave, very few actually followed through. Turns out, crossing a border is easier said than done.

Canada is dealing with more immigrants while also facing a shortage of doctors and healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for solutions to keep skilled professionals and help newcomers settle in.

February 6, 2024

Fast forward to 2024, and here we are again. Trump 2.0 is in full swing, and the same old chorus is back: “I’m moving to Canada!” Real estate websites are seeing spikes in searches from U.S. visitors. Immigration websites are getting hammered with traffic. On paper, it all sounds like history repeating itself. But just like in 2016, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for a mass exodus of anti-Trump Americans to actually materialize.

It’s not that people don’t want to go. For some, Canada is like this magical escape hatch—a land of universal healthcare, politeness, and hockey. But the reality? It’s not so simple. Immigration takes time, money, and mountains of paperwork. And with Canada’s foreign buyers’ ban still in place, Americans can’t just waltz in and buy a house in Calgary or Vancouver. Even renting isn’t straightforward when you need a visa to stick around longer than a tourist.

What feels different this time around, though, is what’s happening at the other border. Trump’s pledge to ramp up mass deportations has thrown undocumented migrants into crisis. While some Americans dream of leaving for political reasons, many undocumented people are staring down the possibility of being forcibly removed from their homes. For them, Canada isn’t a fantasy escape; it’s a potential lifeline. If even a fraction of Trump’s deportation plans become reality, the pressure on Canada’s border could get very real, very fast.

The Canadian dream for immigrants has turned into a harsh reality, prompting growing pressure to reassess immigration policies in the face of economic challenges, housing struggles, healthcare complexities, and cultural clashes.

January 19, 2024

The contrasts are striking. One group is toying with the idea of moving north because they’re unhappy with who’s in charge. The other might be forced to move—or try to—just to survive. But both groups face the same hurdles: Canada’s immigration system isn’t built to handle a surge like this, whether it’s disillusioned Democrats or desperate asylum seekers.

In the end, the real story isn’t about who’s leaving or staying. It’s about what drives people to even think about leaving the place they call home—whether it’s political disillusionment, fear, or sheer survival. For all the noise about migration, the belongings at the border, both literal and metaphorical, remind us that the decision to leave is never simple. – Graeme MacKay

Posted in: Canada, USA Tagged: "Silver Reflection", Deportation, diplomacy, Immigration, refugees

Tuesday February 6, 2024

February 6, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Canada is dealing with more immigrants while also facing a shortage of doctors and healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for solutions to keep skilled professionals and help newcomers settle in.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday February 6, 2024

The Divergent Paths of Immigrants: Canada’s Healthcare Woes and Retention Challenges

The Canadian dream for immigrants has turned into a harsh reality, prompting growing pressure to reassess immigration policies in the face of economic challenges, housing struggles, healthcare complexities, and cultural clashes.

January 19, 2024

Canada, a nation known for its welcoming stance on immigrants and refugees, is currently grappling with a paradoxical situation. On one hand, there is a steady influx of newcomers, including refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants, drawn by the promise of a better life. On the other hand, the country is witnessing a departure of skilled professionals, particularly in the healthcare sector, and a notable percentage of immigrants choosing to leave within two decades of arrival.

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) recently sounded the alarm, highlighting a dire shortage of family doctors across the province. With over 2.3 million residents lacking a family doctor and more than 2,500 physician positions vacant, the healthcare system is on the brink of crisis. The situation is exacerbated by an aging demographic of baby-boomer doctors planning to retire and a lack of appeal for medical students to choose family medicine due to financial concerns.

News: Family doctor shortage affects every region and is getting worse, Ontario Medical Association says

August 19, 1999

The struggles in the healthcare sector coincide with broader challenges facing immigrants. A recent study by Statistics Canada reveals that more than 15% of immigrants leave Canada within 20 years of admission, raising questions about integration difficulties and overall satisfaction. Emigration rates are higher among recent immigrants, with factors such as country of birth, admission category, and having children influencing the decision to leave.

The healthcare exodus and immigrant departure seem intertwined, painting a complex picture of Canada’s allure. Dr. Ramsey Hijazi, a family physician in Ottawa, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Ontario is no longer a safe place to practice family medicine. The province’s inaction on the primary care crisis and the lack of goodwill in negotiations with physicians are driving some to consider alternative career paths or even leaving the country.

While the government claims to have added more than 10,400 new doctors since 2018 and expanded medical school access, the realities on the ground suggest a widening gap in the healthcare workforce. The Bilateral Burnout Task Force aims to reduce the administrative burden on doctors, but the exodus of healthcare professionals indicates a deeper systemic issue that needs urgent attention.

News: Many immigrants leaving Canada within years of arriving: StatCan

June 19, 2020

On the immigration front, Canada’s high retention rates are lauded, but the Statistics Canada study sheds light on pockets of concern. Immigrants from certain countries, admitted in specific categories, exhibit higher emigration rates, potentially pointing to unmet expectations, lack of economic integration strategies, and housing shortages.

As Canada welcomes a record number of immigrants, it must confront the challenges head-on. Addressing the healthcare crisis requires immediate action to retain and attract healthcare professionals. Simultaneously, a holistic approach to immigrant integration, recognizing diverse needs, and addressing housing shortages will be essential.

Canada’s reputation as a land of opportunities and inclusivity can only be sustained if it actively addresses these pressing issues. The current contrasting narrative of healthcare woes and immigrant departures demands a comprehensive and collaborative response from policymakers, healthcare institutions, and communities to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for all residents. (AI)

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-03, Asylum seekers, Canada, doctors, health, health care, immigrant, Immigration, medicine, nurses, refugees

Friday January 19, 2024

January 19, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

The Canadian dream for immigrants has turned into a harsh reality, prompting growing pressure to reassess immigration policies in the face of economic challenges, housing struggles, healthcare complexities, and cultural clashes.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 19, 2024

Broken Dreams: The Harsh Realities Faced by Immigrants in Canada

July 28, 2023

In the vast Canadian landscape, painted with promises of opportunity and multicultural acceptance, many immigrants find themselves grappling with the harsh realities that starkly contrast the dream sold to them. What was once a beacon of hope has become a landscape of broken promises and dashed expectations, leaving newcomers to face numerous woes as they navigate the complex Canadian journey.

The allure of Canada as a land of economic prosperity has lost some of its shine, as the job market becomes an overcrowded arena where securing stable employment feels like winning the lottery. The promise of a better life through hard work now competes with the grim reality of wage pressure, where the sheer number of new arrivals serves as a substitute for local labor, driving wages down and dimming the prospects of economic success.

Opinion: The Liberals’ half-measures won’t fix a broken immigration system

March 3, 2023

The economic downturn is just the tip of the iceberg. Housing, once seen as a stepping stone to stability, has transformed into a nightmare for many immigrants. The exorbitant prices and limited availability of affordable housing have turned the dream of a secure home into a daily struggle, leaving many questioning if the Canadian dream is just that – a dream.

Healthcare, a cornerstone of Canadian pride, is proving to be more of a headache for newcomers. Navigating a complex system that often feels like an intricate maze can leave immigrants grappling with uncertainty about their well-being. The promise of a robust healthcare system is often met with the reality of long waiting times and limited access.

Opinion: The immigration consensus is collapsing 

Education, touted as a gateway to success, comes with a hefty price tag for international students. The promise of a brighter future is overshadowed by the burden of exorbitant fees, turning education into a privilege rather than a right.

Perhaps the most disillusioning aspect is the cultural friction immigrants encounter. While Canada prides itself on being a multicultural haven, the reality is often different. The clash between diverse cultural backgrounds and the struggle for a shared national identity leave immigrants feeling like outsiders, rather than integral parts of the Canadian tapestry.

Opinion: Canada’s immigration strategy is in utter chaos. It can’t go on

August 19, 1999

Moreover, technological advancements have redefined the immigrant experience. The ability to maintain real-time cultural ties with native countries presents a unique challenge, as newcomers grapple with balancing the old and the new in a country with a relatively weak national identity.

In the face of these challenges, the Canadian dream appears to be more of a mirage for many immigrants. What was once a narrative of promise and prosperity is now laden with economic uncertainties, housing nightmares, healthcare headaches, and cultural clashes. It’s time for an honest and open conversation about the broken dreams and unmet promises faced by those who dared to believe in the Canadian dream. Only through acknowledging these issues can we work towards a Canada where newcomers truly have the chance to thrive, rather than merely survive. (AI)

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-02, affordability crisis, Canada, education, healthcare, housing, Immigration, migrants, refugees

Wednesday August 23, 2023

August 23, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday August 23, 2023

Statue of Vulgarity

August 5, 2023

Ah, the grand spectacle of Doug Ford, Ontario’s Premier, striding onto the stage like a modern-day Statue of Liberty. In his version of the American dream, the Greenbelt isn’t a sanctuary of nature; it’s a promised land for immigrants and refugees seeking refuge from the housing shortage apocalypse. If this were a political reality show, it’d be a masterclass in spinning controversy into a potential lifeline for his political survival.

Ford’s script goes something like this: unless we bulldoze the Greenbelt, immigrants and refugees will be homeless, and we’ll be inundated with a tidal wave of resentment. It’s as if this green oasis has the power to summon housing out of thin air and guarantee smooth social integration. Day by day, as Ford digs himself a deeper pit of political quicksand, he melodramatically warns us: “If you dare save these pristine lands, brace yourself for a revolt!”

According to Ford’s grand narrative, he alone holds the key to preventing a tolerance meltdown for newcomers. It’s a speech that feels more like a fear-infused fairytale, a “chew up the Greenbelt or we’ll all suffocate under a housing shortage” bedtime story where foreigners are cast as the villains.

Opinion: Doug Ford hits a new low by using immigrants to sell his Greenbelt scheme

March 29, 2023

But let’s face it, even amidst the theatrics, Ford’s sinking to new lows. He’s the premier who cries wolf to rally support, claiming that saving the Greenbelt threatens the very fabric of Canadians’ immigration support. On August 9th, he declared that “failing to act” endangers our unwavering immigration love, a mere two days after the auditor general’s damning report on his government’s “green” giveaways. The teleprompter didn’t even get a chance to cool down.

It’s as if Ford’s bullhorn blasts from his bully pulpit are the embodiment of sophisticated political discourse. His recent speech to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario was like déjà vu from his “jobs for Ontarians first” performance in 2018. In the interim, Ford somehow caught on to the demand for foreign professionals in depopulating areas. It just took a bit of time for him to transition from parochial pitch to global perspective.

Remember when Ford turned his anger towards “illegal border-crossers,” wrongly blaming the feds for a “mess” that he claims was entirely their doing? Well, it seems old habits die hard, and this time he’s serving up a fresh batch of resentment pie.

December 24, 2022

Let’s be real here: the housing crisis isn’t a script penned by Ford’s overactive imagination. The issue predates any recent surge in immigration, a fact that Ford’s selective narrative conveniently omits. He clings to the Greenbelt giveaway as the magic key to unlocking new homes, despite his own advisors pointing in the opposite direction.

The reality is that repurposing available land can meet housing targets without turning the Greenbelt into bulldozer fodder. But no, Ford prefers a high-stakes game of pretend, where political will and economic ambition are in short supply, and skilled labor shortages become justifications for rising immigration targets.

Opinion: Doug Ford says building on the Greenbelt will help immigrants achieve the ‘Ontario dream’. Here’s why he’s (still) wrong

Sure, historically there’s been a consensus on immigration’s benefits. But Ford’s musings aren’t about prudent policy; they’re about legitimizing blame-shifting for our own problems. Our housing issues aren’t caused by newcomers; they’re the product of internal miscalculations and misconceptions.

January 12, 2023

The environmental and agricultural sanctuaries that stand against urban sprawl aren’t the root of the problem or the magic solution. They’re distractions and temptations that Ford’s government wields in a dangerous game. The preservation of the Greenbelt is a bargaining chip for a Progressive Conservative government that has no problem painting a false choice between its survival and societal tolerance.

As Ford doubles down on his scandalous Greenbelt rezoning, developers are cashing in on windfall profits. It’s almost admirable how he wrangles immigrants and refugees into his speeches, like pawns in a political chess game. Doug Ford the Greenbelt-embracing Lady Liberty, beckoning newcomers to cookie-cutter neighbuorhoods, we can only marvel at the spectacle of it all. Welcome to the Ford Theatre of Politics, where the lines between reality and rhetoric blur into a snarky farce. (AI) –  Cartoon published in the Hamilton Spectator and the Toronto Star.

Give us your wetlands, your greenbelt’s grace,

Your untouched vistas, where nature finds its space

Fill these spaces with cookie-cutter homes and big garage doors

Let neighbourhoods flourish where community soars

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2023-14, Doug Ford, greenbelt, housing, Immigration, Ontario, refugees, statue of Liberty
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