resilience – Page 6 – mackaycartoons

Friday January 31, 2025

January 31, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 31, 2025

Canada’s Struggle in the Shadow of Trump’s Tariff Tactics

January 23, 2025

In the turbulent wake of Donald Trump’s economic strategies, Canada finds itself confronting an unprecedented challenge: the potential integration into what could be termed an “External Revenue Service,” a mechanism designed to enforce America First policies through economic leverage. This strategy was starkly highlighted by Trump’s recent address in Davos and his swift tariff threats against Colombia, signalling a broader intent to reshape global economic ties without regard for traditional alliances or past camaraderie.

Trump’s approach, focused singularly on U.S. interests, leaves no room for nostalgia over historical partnerships. The longstanding image of Canada as a friendly neighbour and close ally now seems irrelevant in the face of a policy that prioritizes American economic supremacy above all. As evidenced by Trump’s dealings, whether through threats of tariffs or dismissive rhetoric, he is unconcerned with preserving the cozy relationships of the past.

News: Trump team details two phases of tariff threats on Canada

January 9, 2025

Canada, perceived as weak in this new paradigm, must confront the uncomfortable truth: it has no choice but to find ways to work with the current U.S. administration. The diplomatic norms and alliances that once offered security and support have shifted, with allies now hesitant to challenge the economic might of the U.S. for fear of becoming the next target. The silence from international friends, as Canada stands alone in its protest, underscores this new reality where each nation is left to fend for itself.

This situation is further complicated by Canada’s struggles with internal issues, such as meeting NATO defence commitments and diversifying its economy. The reader comments from The Globe and Mail highlight frustrations with Canada’s historical reliance on the U.S. market and the inadequacy of its defence spending. These systemic weaknesses make Canada more susceptible to external pressures and less able to assert its sovereignty.

In this transformed landscape, Canada must adapt swiftly and decisively. This means embracing a multifaceted strategy that reduces dependency on the U.S. and fosters resilience. Strengthening economic ties with other global partners and investing in national defence are imperative steps. Canada must also advocate for fair trade practices in international forums, leveraging its reputation for diplomacy and cooperation to navigate these choppy waters.

Opinion: Where are our friends in Canada’s fight against Trump’s tariffs?

November 8, 2024

Furthermore, Canada must recognize that the norms of the past have changed. The path forward involves cooperation where necessary, but also innovation and independence. By diversifying its economic base and reinforcing its national capabilities, Canada can position itself not just to survive, but to thrive in this new world order.

Ultimately, the challenge posed by Trump’s policies is a call to action for Canada to redefine its place on the global stage. By adapting to these new realities, Canada can ensure its sovereignty, strengthen its economy, and secure a future that is less reliant on the whims of its powerful neighbour. The journey will be challenging, but it is a necessary evolution for a resilient and self-reliant Canada.

Today’s editorial cartoon comes with a sense of resignation. I drew it as the day unfolded with the President’s appalling press conference associated DEI hiring of air traffic controllers for Wednesday night’s horrific midair collision over the Potomac River. Are we really surprised he blamed disabled people to rile up his base?

It’s just another day in the ‘Golden Age’, and he’s barely even started.

Over to the issue closer to home…

In “Groundhog Day 2025,” the cartoon captures a familiar scene—one we’ve been through repeatedly since Donald Trump’s initial rise to power and his first term in office. Just like the endless loop in the movie “Groundhog Day,” Canada finds itself facing the same challenges over and over with Trump’s relentless push for “America First.”

Depicted as a beaver, our national symbol humorously acknowledges the routine, knowing all too well that we’ve seen this play before. Trump’s aggressive stance now, perhaps amplified in his second coming as Trump 2.0, is a stark reminder of his disregard for past friendships and cozy alliances. His focus is on strengthening U.S. interests, treating even close allies like Canada as mere pawns.

With an aloof Uncle Sam wrapped in Trump’s “America First” tie and a worried globe watching, the cartoon reflects the global unease with Trump’s tactics and their broader implications. This repeat rhetoric, now more assertive, underscores the harsh reality Canada faces as an example in Trump’s playbook.

Despite being seen as one of the U.S.’s closest allies, Canada’s situation highlights that past partnerships hold little weight in this new era. As our allies stand aside, dealing with similar pressures, Canada must adapt, finding ways to work with Trump while also seeking independence from our heavy reliance on the U.S.

This cartoon isn’t just a funny take on a serious issue; it’s a call for Canada to recognize the changed norms and embrace a strategy of cooperation and diversification. It reminds us that while we might be stuck in a seemingly perpetual loop, there’s always a chance to change the outcome by adapting and learning from the past.

Please enjoy the January 31, 2024 making-of animated editorial cartoon below. Posts come out every 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. If you like my editorial cartoons and animations, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. A lot of work goes into these cartoons and commentary — Best of all, it’s free!

– The Graeme Gallery

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Thursday March 28, 2019

April 4, 2019 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 28, 2019

Fact-checking Lisa Thompson’s controversial comments on class size in Ontario

Bigger class sizes make students more resilient.

That was just one of several eyebrow-raising claims that Ontario Education Minister Lisa Thompson made during an interview last week. Her comments quickly provoked a deluge of criticism from many members of the public, educators and the opposition parties.

In an interview with CBC Radio’s Metro Morning, Thompson said that businesses and post-secondary educators relayed to her during recent consultations that students are “lacking coping skills and they’re lacking resiliency.

“By increasing class sizes in high school, we’re preparing them for the reality of post-secondary as well as the world of work.”

Thompson was defending the government’s recent decision to increase high school class sizes in the province from 22 students to 28. Since that’s a board-wide average, some classes — especially important pre-requisites — could swell to as many as 38 or 40 students, educators have warned.

Grades 4 to 8 will see a more moderate average increase of one student per class, while earlier grades will remain the same.

So does the government’s plan make sense? CBC Toronto took a deeper look.

The impact of class size on students has been debated for decades, both in the halls of academia and among policymakers. Numerous studies, conducted worldwide, have produced varied results.

Generally, there is scholarly consensus that smaller class sizes improve academic achievement, particularly among vulnerable student populations. But the extent, scope and ultimate value of those improvements is limited, and the benefits diminish as students get older. And it is far from a magic bullet.

In her interview, Thompson said: “The biggest factor in student success is actually how effective the teacher is” — and there is research that supports this assertion when it comes to high school-aged children. (Source: CBC)