resignation – mackaycartoons

Wednesday April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday April 2, 2025

A Leadership Misstep by Mark Carney and the Liberals

January 28, 2025

In the world of politics, perception is often as powerful as reality. The recent controversy surrounding Paul Chiang, the former Liberal candidate for Markham–Unionville, is a testament to this fact. Mark Carney’s decision not to immediately remove Chiang following his inflammatory comments about a Conservative rival reflects a troubling pattern of aloofness and indecision within the Liberal Party when it comes to addressing foreign interference, particularly from China.

Under Justin Trudeau, the Liberal Party has been criticized for taking too long to address concerns about foreign interference. Despite mounting evidence and public concern, the party’s responses have often seemed slow and insufficient. This latest episode with Paul Chiang only reinforces that perception. By initially defending Chiang, Carney missed an opportunity to break from the past and demonstrate decisive leadership in the face of a serious issue.

Opinion: It is astonishing – and reprehensible – that Paul Chiang remains a Liberal candidate

June 2, 2023

Mark Carney’s actions, or lack thereof, have highlighted a critical perception problem. His reluctance to act decisively against Chiang after the latter’s comments about turning a political opponent over to Chinese authorities suggests a continuation of past Liberal practices. This perception of aloofness and indecision does little to inspire confidence in a party facing an election where leadership and integrity are paramount.

Interestingly, an Abacus poll taken at the start of the election showed that concern for Chinese election interference ranked low among Canadians, not even making the top 10 list of issues. Instead, concerns about the cost of living, Donald Trump, healthcare, and housing took precedence. However, the Chiang controversy may thrust foreign interference back into the spotlight, challenging the Liberals to address it more robustly.

Polling: The Opinion Landscape in Canada Continues to Shift

February 25, 2023

On the eve of Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day,” the timing of this controversy could not be worse for the Liberals. While the issue may not have long-lasting legs, it represents a self-inflicted wound – a dumb move that could have been easily avoided with more decisive action. Carney’s failure to act swiftly and decisively against Chiang may not only hurt the party’s image but also cast doubt on his ability to lead effectively.

Moving forward, the Liberals, under Mark Carney’s leadership, must demonstrate a more proactive and transparent approach to foreign interference. This is not just about addressing past criticisms but about building a foundation of trust and integrity for the future. In a political landscape where the perception of leadership is critical, Carney and the Liberals must learn from this misstep and show Canadians that they are committed to protecting the nation’s democratic processes.

News: Liberal candidate Paul Chiang resigns over Chinese bounty comments

November 20, 2020

The fallout from Paul Chiang’s comments serves as a reminder that leadership requires more than rhetoric; it demands decisive action. Mark Carney and the Liberal Party must recognize this and adapt if they are to regain the trust of Canadians and effectively navigate the challenges ahead.

Liberation Day

Today’s message is a bit of a housekeeping note. For months, I’ve been sending out these daily messages along with an animated version of my editorial cartoon, while also keeping up with my regular activities. Honestly, I don’t think many people are seeing them. Figuring out how to use this platform between notes and posts has been a bit frustrating.

Yesterday was a beautiful day, with bright colours and Spring smells returning to nature in my part of the western hemisphere. Instead of following my usual routine, I decided to go outside and enjoy the fresh air. I encourage you all to do the same if you can.

I also made a personal change by deactivating my Facebook accounts yesterday. After 17 years with a personal page and an editorial cartoon page that had 6,000 followers, I felt it was time to step back. Will the tech giants notice I’m gone? No. But it has already given me more time and less distraction. Happy Liberation Day!

Here’s the animated version of my editorial cartoon for today:

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Saturday January 11, 2025

January 11, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday January 11, 2025, and The Toronto Star

Unity in the Face of Chaos

Marvelous Maps

This past week in Canada has been nothing short of surreal. With the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the nation finds itself at a political crossroads, grappling with the implications of a leadership void. Yet, remarkably, it’s not the internal political machinations that have captured the nation’s attention. Instead, it’s the unexpected and audacious interference from south of the border, courtesy of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, that has united Canadians in a way few could have anticipated.

January 9, 2025

In a series of provocative statements, Trump has suggested that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States through “economic force.” This rhetoric, while seemingly far-fetched, has had a curious effect on a nation that has, in recent years, struggled with its sense of national identity and pride. It’s as though Trump’s ambition to “Make America Great Again” is being pursued by making life as unpleasant as possible for America’s neighbours, casting a shadow over the Canadian political landscape and, ironically, prompting a resurgence of Canadian unity and patriotism.

Opinion: Trump’s threats of using ‘economic force’ to annex Canada are far more important than who will replace Trudeau

Trump’s threats of using ‘economic force’ to annex Canada are far more important than who will replace Trudeau

November 18, 2024

As Andrew Phillips noted in The Toronto Star, the leadership race to replace Trudeau might seem significant, but it pales in comparison to the implications of Trump’s threats. The real story is how these threats have overshadowed internal divisions and prompted Canadians to rally together in defence of their sovereignty. Trump’s rhetoric has, in a way, reminded Canadians of their shared values and identity, rekindling a sense of national pride that had been waning.

Murray Mandryk’s piece in the Regina Leader Post captures this unexpected unity beautifully. Despite being one of the most divisive figures globally, Trump’s threats have brought Canadians together, transcending political and regional differences. Leaders from across the political spectrum, from Trudeau to Pierre Poilievre and even Maxime Bernier, have denounced the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, reflecting a shared commitment to protecting Canada’s sovereignty.

Opinion: Trump doing remarkable things to unite a badly divided Canada

November 8, 2024

This unity is reminiscent of the national pride displayed during Olympic hockey events, where Canadians set aside their differences to cheer for a common cause. It’s a reminder of what it means to be Canadian, beyond simply “not being American.” As Mandryk aptly points out, Trump’s ill-defined threats have unified Canadians of all political stripes, reawakening a sense of patriotism and solidarity.

In the comments section of Lawrence Martin’s article in The Globe and Mail, readers express scepticism about the influence of public figures like Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr. Yet, it’s clear that the broader effect of Trump’s rhetoric has been to unite Canadians at a grassroots level. This is a testament to the resilience of the Canadian spirit, which thrives on civility and respect for democratic values.

Opinion: Gretzky and Orr need to have a real faceoff with their man, Donald Trump

October 2, 2020

Adding to this surreal week is the cooperative spirit between Canada and the U.S. in responding to the devastating wildfires in Southern California. Canada’s emergency preparedness minister, Harjit Sajjan, announced that Canadian military personnel, equipment, and several hundred firefighters stand ready to support American efforts. Provinces like Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta have pledged resources, including firefighters and aircraft, to assist in battling the blazes.

This willingness to assist our American neighbours in their time of need underscores the deep-rooted cooperation and goodwill that exists between our nations, despite political tensions. It highlights Canada’s commitment to being a good neighbour and partner, reinforcing the idea that unity and cooperation are core to our national identity.

In the midst of political chaos and division, Trump’s attempt to sow discord may have inadvertently achieved the opposite effect. Canadians are rallying together, reaffirming their commitment to an independent and strong nation. This week, we have been reminded of the strength that comes from unity and the enduring pride that defines us as Canadians. It is, perhaps, a silver lining in an otherwise tumultuous time, and for that, we might, ironically, thank Donald Trump.

I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts that have been swirling in my mind after what has been a truly monumental week. As many of you know, I’ve always had a love for maps. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a “mapmaker” – little did I know, that fancy title is actually called cartography, and it comes with a side of math that I’ve never quite mastered!

While my dreams of drawing maps for a living didn’t quite pan out, I’ve found a way to channel that passion into my work as an editorial cartoonist. This week, inspired by the theory of continental drift, I created a cartoon that depicts the continental USA drifting away from Canada, Mexico, and the rest of the world to become an isolated island in the Pacific Ocean. I can’t help but think Donald Trump would be quite pleased with that scenario!

This week has been a rollercoaster for us Canadians. With Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation and Trump’s audacious comments about annexing Canada, we’ve seen a surprising surge in national unity. It’s fascinating how external threats can overshadow our political divisions and rally us together in defence of our sovereignty.

In the face of these challenges, Canadians from all walks of life have come together. Our cooperative efforts to tackle the wildfires in Southern California further highlight our commitment to neighborly support. It’s a reminder of the core values of unity and cooperation that truly define what it means to be Canadian.

So here’s to maps, to unity, and to finding humour in the chaos!

Enjoy the January 11, 2024 making-of animated editorial cartoon below. Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday or Saturday 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.

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Tuesday December 17, 2024

December 17, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday December 17, 2024

A Crisis of Confidence and a Government in Peril

December 11, 2024

The Trudeau government is at a breaking point. The sudden resignation of Chrystia Freeland as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister represents a historic and devastating blow to a leadership already under siege. On the eve of delivering a fall economic update marred by a ballooning deficit, Freeland—the first woman to hold the Finance portfolio and one of Trudeau’s most trusted allies—abandoned her post, publicly acknowledging deep fractures at the heart of the government. Her sharp criticisms of “costly gimmicks” and veiled references to Trudeau’s fiscal imprudence underscore just how far this rupture extends.

News: Chrystia Freeland resigns as Finance Minister, will leave Trudeau’s cabinet

December 29, 2023

The timing could not have been worse. Freeland’s exit leaves Trudeau’s government leaderless on the economic front at a moment of existential risk: the looming threats of a second Trump presidency and its promised 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Her resignation was not a quiet departure but an explosive rejection of Trudeau’s economic and political decisions, including the controversial GST holiday and rebate measures—policies which were designed to placate struggling Canadians but were met with skepticism from economists. Freeland’s decision to call out these fiscal moves as politically “gimmicky” marks a stark rebuke of the Prime Minister’s leadership.

The optics are damning. A feminist Prime Minister has asked his most senior female cabinet member to step aside for a lower-profile role, right as she was to deliver unpopular economic news. Freeland, long viewed as Trudeau’s most competent and loyal lieutenant, clearly had enough of carrying the burden of fiscal stewardship amid mounting deficits and external pressures. Her departure not only shatters Trudeau’s credibility but raises serious questions about the unity and resolve of his cabinet.

August 29, 2023

Adding to the crisis is Housing Minister Sean Fraser’s resignation, ostensibly for family reasons but symbolically reinforcing the exodus of rising stars from Trudeau’s camp. It follows a failed caucus revolt earlier this fall, summer by-election losses, and a freefall in the polls. Trudeau’s most trusted political partner has now joined the ranks of former cabinet ministers—Jody Wilson-Raybould, Jane Philpott, and others—who became vocal critics on the sidelines. Freeland’s parting words signal that she may do the same, amplifying internal discontent at a moment when the Liberal brand is already flailing.

Opinion: Chrystia Freeland’s exit seals it: Justin Trudeau’s government is falling apart

June 6, 2024

Mark Carney’s name looms large as a possible replacement, but will he take the risk of inheriting a post in a government hemorrhaging public trust? Any saviour would face an uphill battle in repairing Canada’s fiscal outlook, restoring political stability, and staving off a confident and emboldened opposition led by Pierre Poilievre. Carney’s potential entry—however qualified—would not erase the perception of a government collapsing under the weight of its own contradictions and missteps.

Trudeau now faces the most serious crisis of his political career. Freeland’s exit is not merely a cabinet shuffle—it is a referendum on his leadership, judgment, and ability to govern. For months, the Prime Minister has asked Canadians for patience while his government weathered waves of discontent, but patience is in short supply.

How does this government carry on? The resignation of Chrystia Freeland—with its timing, tone, and substance—is not a one-off event but part of a pattern of erosion. The Liberal Party’s internal divisions, compounded by growing public dissatisfaction and economic uncertainty, leave Trudeau’s leadership increasingly untenable. Events are moving quickly, and for the Prime Minister, the path forward is narrower than ever. (AI)

There are moments in Canadian politics when everything changes. You can almost feel it shift in real time. It often starts with a resignation—the resignation that fractures governments, redefines leaders, and dominates headlines.

Think: John Turner splitting from Pierre Trudeau over economic control in ’75, Lucien Bouchard abandoning Brian Mulroney over Meech Lake, Chrétien rebelling against Turner, Paul Martin parting ways with Chrétien, and Maxime Bernier walking from Harper.

Today, Chrystia Freeland storming out of Justin Trudeau’s cabinet feels just as seismic. She was his most loyal lieutenant, his Deputy Prime Minister, and Finance Minister. Her exit—on the eve of delivering bad economic news—is as symbolic as it is consequential.

There hasn’t been a resignation of this magnitude in years, perhaps not since Jody Wilson-Raybould broke ranks in the SNC-Lavalin scandal. Freeland’s departure, though, cuts deeper—her sharp words about Trudeau’s “costly gimmicks” and fiscal direction signal a crumbling foundation. It’s not just Freeland leaving; it’s a rejection of his leadership.

These resignations are turning points because they don’t just mark the end of alliances—they herald the collapse of trust, the erosion of control, and the public questioning of whether the leader in question can still govern.

The cracks in Trudeau’s floor are turning into chasms. Events are unfolding too fast for damage control. It feels like the end is rushing toward him—and a federal election may be the only way out.

This will be remembered as one of those days.

Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday (or Saturday) 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 this making-of clip for the December 17, 2024 editorial cartoon. Sound up, please…

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Wednesday September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday September 27, 2023

Speaker Resigns: A Necessary Step to Preserve the Dignity of Parliament

September 23, 2023

Anthony Rota’s resignation as Speaker of the House of Commons is a rare but necessary step in the wake of an embarrassing incident that shook the foundations of Parliament. Rota’s invitation to and recognition of Yaroslav Hunka, a man with ties to a Nazi unit from World War II, revealed a shocking lapse in due diligence and fact-checking, which are essential when recognizing invited visitors to the House of Commons gallery. This incident was not merely a mistake; it was a grave error that compromised the dignity and reputation of Canada’s highest legislative body.

Rota’s initial introduction of Hunka as a “Ukrainian Canadian war veteran who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians” was met with a standing ovation from MPs. However, the subsequent revelation of Hunka’s involvement with the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, a Nazi unit, shocked the nation. Rota promptly issued apologies, taking full responsibility for the oversight, but the damage had been done.

In a parliamentary system, the Speaker holds a position of immense responsibility and trust. The Speaker is expected to operate outside of partisan lines, maintaining impartiality to sustain the trust and goodwill of the House. Rota’s failure to uphold this impartiality and to adequately vet a visitor to the House of Commons demonstrated incompetence that cast doubt on his ability to lead with the required impartiality.

News: House Speaker Rota resigns after MPs call for his exit for honouring man who fought with Nazi unit

January 6, 2023

The resignation of Speaker Rota was not merely a gesture of contrition; it was a necessary step to restore the dignity of Parliament. MPs from all parties rightly called for him to step down, recognizing that his continued presence in the Speaker’s chair would further tarnish the reputation of the institution. NDP House Leader Peter Julian aptly noted that putting the institution first was the right decision.

Moreover, the incident had wider implications, reaching beyond the borders of Canada. It was exploited as propaganda by Russia, feeding their narrative about de-Nazifying Ukraine. This gave the incident international notoriety, making it an even graver lapse in judgment.

It is important to acknowledge that the Speaker’s role is one of neutrality and decorum, making the error in inviting and recognizing Hunka all the more egregious. The Speaker’s conduct should serve as an example to all parliamentarians and Canadians, and any deviation from this standard erodes the foundations of our democracy.

News: Justin Trudeau urged to apologize as House Speaker Anthony Rota resigns after Nazi honour controversy

October 27, 2011

Now, as the House moves forward to elect a new Speaker, it is crucial that the process is transparent and reflects the values of impartiality and integrity. Canadians deserve a Speaker who can fulfill their duties with diligence and uphold the honor of the House of Commons. Rota’s resignation, while regrettable, serves as a reminder that no one is above the standards and expectations that define our democratic institutions.

In conclusion, Speaker Anthony Rota’s resignation was a necessary and appropriate response to an embarrassing and damaging incident. It was an act of accountability and a recognition that the dignity and trust of Parliament must always be preserved. As Canadians, we should look to this moment as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the principles that underpin our democracy, and to ensure that such lapses in judgment do not happen again in the future. (AI)

Wednesday February 15, 2023

February 15, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 15, 2023

John Tory, amid scandal, will lead Toronto’s budget debate

2007

Toronto is about to have one tense budget meeting Wednesday.

John Tory, who announced last Friday night he’s stepping down as mayor following an extramarital affair with a staffer who used to work in his office, will preside over the meeting.

Tory’s presence in the chamber will be controversial. If he does, in fact, tender his resignation after passing the city’s $16-billion operating budget, he creates a situation where he will set the city on a specific course but won’t be there to deal with any potential fallout.

August 17, 2022

One can also argue Tory should be present for the debate because, thanks to the “strong mayor” powers he asked Ontario’s government to grant him, he is responsible for designing this budget. He is its champion.

Nobody really knows how this debate will go. This will be the first budget passed with the new strong mayor powers in place, which changes the dynamic because Tory can now veto any amendments, something that would then trigger a whole new chain of events.

There’s growing speculation about a political push for Tory to stay or run again in the very byelection his resignation could trigger. On Monday night, many Torontonians reported getting a robocall that included the question: “Would you support John Tory running in a mayoral byelection in 2023?”

Tory’s office said it is not connected with that polling.

Tory is proposing a property tax hike higher than Torontonians have been used to under his term (a 5.5 per cent increase) and will use that money, in part, to spend $48 million more on police. “The budget makes key investments in housing, transit, and community safety,” his office said.

October 26, 2022

Critics have focused on what’s not in it, including funding for 24/7 warming shelters, enough cash to keep transit fares from rising while the TTC struggles to get riders back on the system.

There may even be questions about police spending, after CBC Toronto published this story about the service’s $337,000 podcast.

With his “strong mayor” powers he only needs the support of one-third of council. At this point, he almost certainly still enjoys the support of eight councillors.

Practically, Toronto’s budget is all about livability.

The decisions council makes affect everything from the state of the roads (pretty rough at the moment) to public library hours to whether or not there’s a bathroom open at the park during winter months — and yes, the latter did spark a major debate at city hall.

Hair: Toronto Mayor John Tory

There’s also the huge question of whether or not the city will do enough and spend enough to start tackling the housing affordability crisis.

This budget also features what Tory’s been calling a “COVID hangover” that’s created a financial crunch that the city needs the provincial and federal governments to help deal with. Tory and city council have recently launched yet another review of potential “revenue tools” — aka taxes, aka levies — that might bring in most cash in future years. (CBC)