relations – mackaycartoons

Tuesday February 4, 2025

February 4, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday February 4, 2025

Confronting the New Era of Canada-U.S. Trade Tensions

February 2, 2025

In a perplexing turn of events, President Trump’s administration has ignited an economic conflict with Canada, a country that has long been a steadfast ally. Prime Minister Trudeau succinctly captured the sentiment with his somber statement: “We didn’t ask for this.” Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper further highlighted the absurdity by noting, “There is no migrant flow happening from Canada to the United States of any significant numbers. And I’m going to tell you right now, drugs, guns, crime — most of those things flow north, not south.”

This misguided trade war is uniting Canadians across political lines, with both Liberals and Conservatives voicing their disdain for Trump’s actions. The tensions have stirred passions among Canadians, symbolized by the unsettling booing of the Star-Spangled Banner at a recent hockey game. For many, who cherish their personal and cultural ties to the U.S., this situation is nothing short of heartbreaking.

In an unfolding drama marked by President Trump’s characteristically chaotic approach, the economic conflict between the United States and Canada has reached new heights, affecting political and economic landscapes on both sides of the border. The administration’s imposition of tariffs has not only strained relations with Canada but has also drawn concern from within Trump’s own party. Notably, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley has voiced his worries, seeking exemptions for critical agricultural imports like potash to shield American farmers from the economic fallout.

News: Trudeau says Canada will retaliate for Trump’s tariffs with 25 per cent levies on billions of U.S. goods

January 31, 2025

This theatrical maneuvering has ignited retaliation with Ontario Premier Doug Ford taking a decisive stand by cancelling a major contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink. This move is part of broader retaliatory actions that echo across the political spectrum in Canada, as leaders unite to challenge what they perceive as an unjust economic assault.

Prime Minister Trudeau’s dismay captures the sentiment of many Canadians, who see this as an unwarranted conflict disrupting long-standing alliances. Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper further underscores the absurdity of the situation, pointing out the lack of significant migration issues from Canada to the U.S., contrary to claims made by the Trump administration.

The tariffs’ economic implications are profound, threatening industries that are vital to both nations. Canada’s retaliatory measures aim to exert pressure but risk exacerbating economic strain. Amidst this turmoil, Canadians are galvanizing, engaging in grassroots efforts to support local businesses and boycott American products, reflecting a spirit of self-reliance and resilience.

News: Ford ‘ripping up’ Ontario’s $100M contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink in wake of U.S. tariffs

January 13, 2025

For Americans opposed to this economic warfare, there’s an opportunity to repair the strained ties by advocating for change and expressing their disapproval to local officials. The potential for a lasting rift looms large, threatening to unravel the deeply rooted friendship between the two countries.

Yet, the situation presents an opportunity for Canada to forge new trade partnerships and diversify its economic relationships. Through strategic actions, mutual understanding, and collaboration, Canada and the U.S. can work towards overcoming these divisions, paving the way for renewed cooperation and mutual respect. By focusing on shared interests and values, both nations can look forward to a future where collaboration ensures prosperity and stability for all.

Featured in this week’s Politico Cartoon Carousel.

President Trump’s recent decision to pause tariffs for Canada and Mexico has provided some relief, but it’s also left many people puzzled. What started as a supposed effort to tackle the fentanyl problem at the northern border seemed more like a clever way to offset tax cuts for the wealthy by making Americans pay more for imports. Instead of a long-term solution, it feels like Canada and Mexico just got a temporary break before facing the same torment again in 30 days.

This situation highlights the fact that America is a deeply divided country, something we Canadians are keenly aware of. They’ve got a strong president, but it feels like the nation is on the brink of coming apart at the seams. Trump’s unpredictable trade tactics have taken a toll on trust, and his not really joking comment about wanting Canada to become the 51st state hasn’t helped matters. It’s made Canada wary of the U.S., shaking the idea that we’re friendly neighbours.

In Canada, there’s a growing “Buy Canadian” sentiment, with more people choosing local products over American ones. Travel habits are shifting too, with many Canadians opting to explore our own country or travel overseas instead of visiting the U.S. This whole ordeal seems to have brought Canadians closer together, uniting them against what they see as pushy tactics from Trump. It’s a sign that his approach might have backfired, not just straining friendships but also changing how people shop and travel.

While having a strong border is important, and addressing the fentanyl issue is a positive step, we should also focus on the more pressing concern of gun trafficking from the U.S. to Canada. As this situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining friendly and cooperative relations with our neighbours. Hopefully, we can move back towards working together instead of getting caught up in disagreements.

Just keep telling Trump he’s winning.

Enjoy the making-of video of my February 3 editorial cartoon:

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Wednesday March 9, 2016

March 8, 2016 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday March 9, 2016

Trudeau and Obama forging special relationship, White House says

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is winning praise from the White House for his leadership on climate change ahead of this week’s visit to Washington where that issue will be high on the agenda.

Justin Trudeau

In a call with reporters Tuesday morning, officials from President Barack Obama’s administration also noted the personal relationship that is developing between the two leaders.

Obama extended the invitation for a state visit and dinner, the first in 19 years for a Canadian prime minister, when he met Trudeau at the APEC summit late last year.

The officials said Canada and the U.S. always have a close relationship, regardless of who occupies 24 Sussex Drive or 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but they acknowledged Trudeau and Obama have a lot in common.

Trudeau arrives in the U.S. capital Wednesday along with his wife Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau and a delegation that includes five cabinet members: Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna, Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion, International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and Fisheries Minister Hunter Tootoo.

They will attend a lavish state dinner at the White House on Thursday night after a day of meetings in the Oval Office and at the State Department.

February 20, 2016

The White House officials discussed the close bilateral relationship between the two countries in terms of trade and defence but they paid particular attention to how Canada and the U.S. are co-operating on the environment file and suggested there is a change in tone since Trudeau defeated former prime minister Stephen Harper in October.

“Since Prime Minister Trudeau assumed office we have also had tremendous co-operation with Canada on climate and clean energy issues,” said Roberta Jacobson, assistant secretary of state, bureau of Western Hemisphere affairs. (Source: CBC News)

Published in the Hamilton Spectator, March 16, 2016

Monday June 29, 2015

June 26, 2015 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Monday June 29, 2015

The U.S. Supreme Court has made same-sex marriage legal throughout America, ruling Friday that the constitution gives gay and lesbian couples the same rights as straight couples.

The historic decision invalidates the same-sex marriage bans of 13 states, from Texas on the Mexican border to Michigan and North Dakota on the Canadian border.

The vote was 5-4, reflecting the deep divide on the issue in American society. The court’s four liberals were joined by the conservative Anthony Kennedy, who wrote his third landmark opinion expanding gay rights.

In powerful, unequivocal language, Kennedy declared same-sex relationships no less worthy of the sacred institution of marriage than relationships between men and women. (Source: Toronto Star)

Meanwhile, a growing number of third parties are exploiting a loophole in the law that puts no serious restrictions on how much is raised or spent before the campaign officially begins. Canada’s electoral laws are intended to limit the influence of big money in campaigns by enforcing strict contribution limits, making the names of all donors public and banning donations from corporations and unions.

The newest entrants are Engage Canada and HarperPAC, and they are not really third parties so much as offshoots of the three main political parties.

Engage Canada was started by two former senior Liberal staffers in Ontario, Don Guy and Dave Gene, and Kathleen Monk, an equally prominent federal NDP strategist. Take my word for it, because you won’t find any disclosure of who is behind the group from its website.

On the other side is HarperPAC. The name tells you all you need to know.

The group is a “political action committee” in the U.S. mould and dedicated to re-electing the Harper government.

It’s the brainchild of Stephen Taylor, the former Manning Centre and National Citizen Coalition activist, and a dozen former Conservative staffers whose photos and bios are prominently displayed on the group’s website.

PACs aren’t entirely new to Canada. In Ontario, a coalition of unions under the banner Working Families is credited, or blamed, for undermining the campaign of former provincial Conservative leader Tim Hudak in the 2014 election. (Source: CBC News)

Wednesday May 20, 2015

May 19, 2015 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 20, 2015

Employment minister Pierre Poilievre won’t say sorry for ‘vanity videos’

Employment Minister Pierre Poilievre won’t apologize for using taxpayer dollars to produce YouTube videos of himself promoting the universal child care benefit.

Poilievre insisted Friday he’s simply using innovative ways to inform Canadians about the newly enriched and expanded child benefit.

But opposition MPs denounced the “vanity videos” as a new low for a government that has a penchant for producing partisan advertising on the public dime.

And the Canadian Taxpayers Federation agreed.

“The bottom line is that taxpayers should not be forced to pay for partisan advertising masquerading as information-based government advertising,” said Aaron Wudrick, the federation’s federal director.

The latest examples “highlight the need for an independent third party” to vet all government advertising, he added.

One of the videos shows Poilievre explaining the child benefit to shoppers at a children’s consignment clothing sale in his Ottawa riding. It was filmed on a Sunday by two members of the Employment department’s in-house creative production team, which has an annual operating budget of about $50,000.

A departmental spokesman said the Sunday shoot took two hours, which was paid overtime for the two videographers involved. Editing was done in-house during regular work hours. (Source: Toronto Star)

Published in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, National Newswatch, The Regina Leader-Post, NUPGE drawing conclusions, and The Woodstock Sentinel Review

Tuesday September 11, 2012

September 11, 2012 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Tuesday September 11, 2012

Canada abruptly cuts off ties with Tehran

The Harper government’s surprise decision Friday to suspend diplomatic relations with Iran is being seen as a pre-emptive move in anticipation of tougher action against the Islamic Republic.

Exactly what that will entail is unclear, with analysts predicting everything from Canada listing the infamous Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group to preparing for an Israeli military strike against Iran.

The unexpected decision has prompted mixed reactions at home and abroad, with Israel’s prime minister offering applause but former Canadian ambassadors warning Canada has lost a vital “window” into what’s happening inside the Islamic Republic.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, in Russia attending an APEC summit with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, announced Friday that Canada was closing its embassy in Tehran, primarily over concerns for the safety of Canadian diplomats.

“Our diplomats serve Canada as civilians and their safety is my Number 1 priority,” he told reporters. “They don’t sign up to be put in harm’s way.”

In addition, Baird said all Iranian diplomats in Canada had been ordered out of the country within the next five days.

The government also officially listed Iran as a terrorist state, meaning victims of terrorism can sue the Islamic Republic under Canadian law.

Baird did not specify what threats Canadian diplomats are facing, prompting rampant speculation among analysts. (Source: Ottawa Citizen)