refugees

Wednesday August 23, 2023

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

 

Friday July 28, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 28, 2023

Canada’s Compassion for Refugees: A Triumph Marred by Neglect

December 11, 2015

Canada has earned international praise for its compassionate policy of opening its arms to refugees and asylum seekers, offering them a glimmer of hope in their darkest hours. Countries like Ukraine, Syria, Haiti, and parts of North Africa have faced unprecedented instability, leaving countless lives shattered. In the face of such crises, Canada’s commitment to providing sanctuary is commendable and reflects the nation’s humanitarian spirit.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada has set ambitious targets for welcoming newcomers, aiming to address labor shortages and enrich the nation’s cultural fabric. The record-breaking intake of immigrants, reaching 431,645 permanent residents last year, demonstrates the government’s willingness to make a positive difference.

May 9, 2019

However, while the welcoming gestures and promises of safety are uplifting, a troubling reality darkens this otherwise noble picture. Recently, dozens of desperate refugees have found themselves relegated to sleeping on the sidewalks of Toronto, a city that has been unable to accommodate them in shelters due to an overwhelming influx. The responsibility of providing shelter and housing to these newcomers, who legally sought refuge in Canada, falls on the Federal government, which seems to have fallen short in fulfilling its duty.

News: Asylum seekers left sleeping on Toronto streets amid funding stalemate between city, feds  

February 23, 2017

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s symbolic airport appearances, with cameras flashing and welcoming smiles, are an essential aspect of showcasing Canada’s humanitarian stance. Yet, it’s disheartening to witness the lack of tangible support and assistance provided afterward. The spotlight fades, and the struggles of refugees persist.

The recent allocation of $97 million to the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) is a positive step, offering temporary housing to some of those left stranded. However, it appears to be a short-term fix for a long-term issue. Toronto’s overwhelmed shelter system and its inability to accommodate asylum seekers have been known for months, but the response from the Federal government came late and appears insufficient to address the crisis comprehensively.

March 29, 2023

It’s distressing to witness the plight of these vulnerable individuals who fled perilous circumstances with the expectation of finding safety and security in Canada. Instead, they find themselves dwelling in a tent city, unsure of when or if they will be provided proper shelter, support, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Mayor Olivia Chow’s plea for the federal government to cover the $157 million Toronto spent on existing refugee claimant shelter spaces highlights the immense burden placed on the city and its resources. The inability of the current system to cope with the influx necessitates a more robust and sustainable funding model, supported by open dialogue and cooperation between different levels of government.

News: Freeland says feds’ ability to spend ‘not infinite’ as Toronto requests more money  

December 7, 2016

While Ontario has taken some steps to increase funding for homelessness prevention and rental housing costs, it remains clear that long-term, substantial support is needed to address the systemic capacity issues faced by municipalities. The call for consultation with municipal leaders on immigration targets and necessary supports is crucial for building an inclusive and resilient society.

Canada’s commitment to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers is an essential part of its identity, reflecting the values of compassion, empathy, and humanity. However, these values must translate into practical and comprehensive actions. As the numbers of newcomers continue to rise, it is incumbent upon the Federal government, under the leadership of Justin Trudeau, to ensure that proper shelter, housing, and support are readily available to those who have sought Canada as a beacon of hope in their darkest hours.

March 24, 2022

Canada’s spirit of compassion is boundless, but without a robust and proactive approach to assisting these desperate newcomers, the nation’s reputation as a safe harbour for the displaced could be tarnished. The time for immediate and effective action is now, to ensure that no one seeking refuge in Canada is left stranded on the rocky shores of uncertainty and despair. By stepping up and providing genuine assistance, Canada can truly stand as a shining example of humanitarianism and solidarity to the world. (AI)

Letters to the Editor, The Hamilton Spectator, Wednesday August 2, 2023  

Cartoon unkind to workers

Letter to the Editor

The homeless situation in our city and in most major cities throughout our province is tragic.

I see no humour in MacKay’s editorial cartoon (July 28). The workers in the shelters are front-line workers who deal with this issue daily. These brave educated individuals strive to find solutions in this expanding and sometimes hopeless predicament. They are the ones who have to tell the refugees that there is no place for them, after having used up every available and imaginable space. There are no police officers guarding the doors and handing out cardboard boxes; indeed, MacKay also insults them.

Jan Peirson-Reid, Carlisle

 

Wednesday March 29, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday March 29, 2023

Canada’s Refugee Policy Takes a Hit: The Impact of Biden-Trudeau Border Deal and OHIP Cuts

March 3, 2023

Canada has been praised for its openness policy to refugees and asylum seekers in the past, but recent developments suggest this may no longer be the case. The recent border deal between Joe Biden and Justin Trudeau will see Canada officially accept 15,000 asylum-seekers from the Western hemisphere while also giving Canada the right to send back migrants who attempt to enter the country through unofficial crossings. Migrants were reportedly stunned by the new deal, which took effect immediately without notice. Migration advocates and experts warn that the amendment will drive asylum-seekers underground and could lead to increased deaths. Meanwhile, the Ford government in Ontario has ended OHIP health care coverage for undocumented migrants, making it more difficult for them to access healthcare. Critics say the changes are part of a trend of rich countries trying to ensure asylum-seekers never get to their borders. However, Christopher Sands, director of the Canada Institute at the Wilson Center, says there’s a sound political logic to the deal. It will alleviate pressure on the US border with its acceptance of 15,000 asylum-seekers while closing unofficial crossings, which may play well for the Liberals and the Democrats with their voters. (AI)

Trudeau to announce US-Canada asylum deal after Biden talks

Ford government cuts off medical funding for the uninsured — and a doctor finds it ‘shocking’ 

 

Friday March 25, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 25, 2022

Ukraine refugee crisis exposes racism and contradictions in the definition of human

May 9, 2019

Not only has the Russian invasion of Ukraine brought to light the awful tragedies that accompany armed conflict, but the subsequent refugee crisis has also uncovered deeply seated racism in the country.

Reporters have documented dehumanizing treatment against international students from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East in Ukraine. This treatment also extended to racialized permanent residents of Ukraine, including a long-time practising Nigerian doctor.

While white women and children were given priority on vehicles departing the country, African women were barred from trains leaving Kyiv even though there were empty seats.

These incidents demonstrate a racist logic that positions some people as vulnerable, and others as beyond the realm of moral obligation to receive protection. Black and racialized people, it seems, are not as deserving of care.

As Black Studies researchers in the field of education, we study how colonialism and anti-Blackness shape what we know. Although some have been shocked by these reports, we are not surprised.

Monday January 13, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Monday January 13, 2020

Princes William and Harry issue statement amid U.K. Royal Family rift

Queen Elizabeth is set to hold face-to-face talks Monday with Prince Harry for the first time since he and his wife, Meghan, unveiled their controversial plan to walk away from royal roles — holding a dramatic family summit meant to chart a future course for the couple.

May 19, 2018

The meeting reflects the Queen’s desire to contain the fallout from Harry and Meghan’s decision to “step back” as senior royals, work to become financially independent, and split their time between Britain and North America. The couple, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made the announcement Wednesday without telling the Queen or other senior royals first.

Before the extraordinary session, Princes William and Harry took the equally unusual step of issuing a statement challenging the accuracy of a newspaper report that there was a severe strain on the relationship between the brothers.

“For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful,” the statement said.

August 23, 2012

The meeting at the monarch’s private Sandringham estate in eastern England will include William as well as the brothers’ father, Prince Charles. It comes after days of intense news coverage in which supporters of the Royal Family’s feuding factions used the British media to paint conflicting pictures of who was to blame for the rift.

William is expected to travel to Sandringham from London and Harry from his home in Windsor, west of the British capital. Charles has flown back from the Gulf nation of Oman, where he attended a condolence ceremony Sunday following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Meghan, who is in Canada with the couple’s baby son Archie, is likely to join the meeting by phone.

British Monarchy Merch

Buckingham Palace said “a range of possibilities” would be discussed, but the Queen was determined to resolve the situation within “days, not weeks.” The goal was to agree on next steps at Monday’s gathering, which follows days of talks among royal courtiers and officials from the U.K. and Canada. Buckingham Palace stressed, however, that “any decision will take time to be implemented.”

One of the more fraught questions that needs to be worked out is precisely what it means for a royal to be financially independent and what activities can be undertaken to make money. Other royals who have ventured into the world of commerce have found it complicated.

Prince Andrew, for example, has faced heated questions about his relationship with the late convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew, the Queen’s second son, has relinquished royal duties and patronages after being accused by a woman who says she was an Epstein trafficking victim who slept with the prince.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also face questions on paying for taxpayer-funded security. Home Secretary Priti Patel refused to comment, but said safety was a priority. (CBC)