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Saturday November 4, 2023

November 4, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Canada's Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, faces internal conflict within the Liberal government due to a sudden policy reversal on climate change, particularly the exemption for home-heating oil in Atlantic Canada, sparking criticism and raising concerns about the coherence and consistency of the government's climate policies.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday November 4, 2023

The Frustration of Steven Guilbeault, Once an Activist, Now a Minister Facing Carbon Tax Flip-Flops

October 28, 2021

Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s Environment Minister, faces a perplexing shift within the Liberal government, causing internal conflict with his former activist stance on climate change. The recent about-face in policy decisions appears to be a move aimed at reviving plummeting polls, especially in Atlantic Canada. Guilbeault, who once championed climate change causes, may find himself increasingly frustrated by the governmental reversals he’s now a part of.

A month ago, Guilbeault adamantly stood by the federal mandate for a net-zero power grid by 2035, dismissing requests from Alberta for an extended timeline. This firm stance faced opposition from Alberta’s Environment Minister, Rebecca Schulz, and Premier Danielle Smith, who vocally criticized the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) as impractical and disconnected from reality, potentially leading to blackouts in a province heavily reliant on natural gas.

Analysis: Playing defence on the carbon tax has put Trudeau’s Liberals on the defensive  

February 3, 2023

Guilbeault, defending the federal regulation, emphasized the necessity to avoid exceptions for provinces, highlighting the importance of a unified approach across the federation. However, the subsequent announcement of an exemption for home-heating oil in Atlantic Canada saw a complete reversal from the federal government’s firm stance. This shift provoked further demands from other provinces, including Saskatchewan and Alberta, for similar exemptions in their regions.

The stark contrast between Guilbeault’s initial commitment and the recent exemptions, particularly for home-heating oil, suggests a significant departure from the consistent climate-focused policies he once advocated for. The exemptions raised concerns about the logical inconsistency and fairness of the carbon tax application. This move has left the Liberals in a defensive position, contradicting their previous arguments about the carbon tax rebate.

The internal discord within the Liberal government and the public critique underscore the complexity of policy implementation and the pressure faced by the Liberals to address concerns in Atlantic Canada. Despite the ongoing debates and mounting pressure for additional exemptions, Guilbeault maintains a resolute stance against further carve-outs as long as he holds the environment minister position.

Opinion: Trudeau’s new carbon pricing rules are really a not so subtle bribe  

The federal government, led by Justin Trudeau, is making changes to its climate policy, which primarily benefit Atlantic Canada. These changes include increased rural rebates and exemptions for home heating oil from the carbon tax. This has generated mixed reactions and debates.

October 28, 2023

The Liberals’ strategy to navigate the current political storm remains unclear. While attempting to address concerns in Atlantic Canada, the exemptions granted may have inadvertently compounded the challenges faced by the government, inviting criticism and intensifying the existing political turbulence.

Ultimately, the government’s recent decisions seem to have created more complexities than resolutions, fostering doubts about the coherence and consistency of their climate policy agenda. As Guilbeault, once an advocate, grapples with these policy shifts, the government faces an uphill battle to justify their recent actions while maintaining the integrity of their climate initiatives. (AI)

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give illustration a try:

https://mackaycartoons.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-1104-NAT.mp4

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2023-19, cake, Canada, carbon pricing, carve-out, chef, climate change, environment, Justin Trudeau, kitchen, polls, procreate, restaurant, Steven Guilbeault

Sunday October 15, 2023

October 15, 2023 by Graeme MacKay


Finally, Some Cartoonist Convention Time

It comes as no surprise to anyone who’s been paying attention that certain simple everyday pleasures we once took for granted have now become extinct relics of the past. The print edition of newspapers has been on this decline for years, resembling a slowly draining bathtub that eventually spirals into the abyss. As the last drops of this once-thriving industry slip away into the sewer, thousands of dedicated newspaper professionals find themselves in the throes of a livelihood crisis that has become all too familiar.

Better times, bigger staff, at 44 Frid

For the fortunate few of us who remain in this business, we’re acutely aware of the inevitable outcome we face. For decades, newspaper magnates grappled with the challenge of adapting to the internet era, knowing that it would catapult us into the future, leaving traditional print media behind, much like horse-drawn carriages of old. They had three decades to craft a successful transition to the digital realm that would persuade owners, shareholders, advertisers, and readers to embrace a virtual product superior to the physical paper.

Despite promises of cutting-edge websites, millions poured into computerized cross-media publishing systems, metrics for tracking web traffic, and enhancements like video content and the ever-loved pop-up ads (note the sarcasm), the average daily newspaper website seemed to dazzle only its creators – a trend that continues to this day. Unless it’s one of the international media giants with the resources to invest heavily in state-of-the-art technology and employ well-compensated journalists to create engaging and insightful content, subscribers are likely to face the same frustrations with regional daily websites. Expect the predictability of clunky interfaces where ancient news articles bury the latest content, or the enduring annoyance of resetting passwords for reasons unknown.

If you attempt to seek human assistance, prepare to be greeted with frustration – endless canned instrumental music and a robotic voice informing you that “there are zero customers ahead of you in the queue.”

My last day before the building closed

Just a few weeks ago, my local newspaper, The Hamilton Spectator, closed its physical office after 177 years of operation. While we still deliver daily news both in print and online, our staff now operates primarily in the virtual realm. We attempt to replicate the camaraderie and collaboration of a traditional newsroom by gathering in a public space once a week. However, the pandemic, beginning in March 2020, forced us out of our office on Frid Street.

For 23 years, I created my editorial cartoons within the confines of our physical office. I had the opportunity to engage in conversations with reporters covering city hall, sports, education, health, and transit. I attended editorial board meetings with mayoral candidates, premiers, ministers, and influential figures in the community. All of that is now a thing of the past.

Despite various attempts to support the struggling newspaper industry and engage in battles with tech giants over compensating news sources on social media platforms, it’s clear that we are witnessing the final days of the physical newspaper.

Retirement caricatures of the Spec’s photo team, Barry Gray, Scott Gardner, John Rennison, Gary Yokoyama. Photo by Cathie Coward, the Spec’s only remaining photographer.

But alas, we adapt, holding our heads high and thinking beyond the dark clouds above us. For years I’ve been attending gatherings of editorial cartoonists throughout Canada and the United States. These events are where I go to review with colleagues the good and bad developments of our times, to learn, and re-energize. There is no other better venue for such a tiny group of folks with similar passions and livelihoods to gather and celebrate.  This very website has chronicled so many of them going back in time: Sacramento 2018, Toronto 2016, Havana 2014, Hamilton 2010, Banff 2008, Washington DC 2007, and this gathering in 2023, despite missing some old familiar friends and faces was robust in numbers giving the sense that editorial cartooning is alive and well despite the challenges. This convention was perhaps my most therapeutic professional gathering ever. 

I went on a trip to California from October 7th to October 12th, 2023, to attend my first Editorial Cartoonist convention in five years. On Thursday morning, I arrived in San Francisco around noon to attend the 2023 convention of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists in combination with the Association of Canadian Cartoonists.

Me, Terry “Aislin” Mosher, Rod Emerson, Guy “Bado” Badeaux; Photo by Brian Gable

My tribute to the great Brian Gable, in James Gillray style

I was on the same flight out of Toronto with Terry Mosher, Brian Gable, and ACC President Wes Tyrell. The four of us shared a cab into the city and dropped off our bags at the hotel before the check-in time at 3pm. The recently retired Globe & Mail editorial cartoonist Brian Gable and I decided to have a dim sum lunch in Chinatown. We walked along Grant Ave, tried some delicious soup dumplings, won tons, and spring rolls. As we continued walking, we passed through Chinatown and reached a big Catholic cathedral, Saints Peter ann Paul Church and a lovely Washington Square in front of it. We also got to see Blue Angel fighter jets practicing for the weekend air show. The weather was surprisingly hot, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit and clear skies. We headed back towards the hotel, exploring the streets and enjoying the sight of cable cars. In the evening, there was a reception at the hotel where I had nice conversations with several talented people, including Wes Rowell, Paul Berge, Ted Rall, Jack Ohman, and Guy Badeaux, among others.

Me at the Monticello Winery, Napa

On Friday, I spent most of the day on a Napa wine tour from 9am to 5:30pm. We made a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge to take some pictures. I was accompanied by Marci Brane and Sarah Alex from the Herb Block Foundation, cartoonist David G. Brown, Paul Berge with Chris Pierangeli, Deb Milbrath with David “Wing” Bruce, and Mike Sicilia, our guide, and an old friend of Jack Ohman who I first met in Sacramento in 2018, and who I now call a friend. We drove along the El Camino real road through Sonoma and our first stop was Beringer winery, which is known as the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley. We had an outdoor wine tasting of three of their wines and enjoyed a splendid charcuterie platter. After that, we went to the Oxbow Public Market in Napa for lunch, where we chose to have Mexican food with the Herblock team, Mike, and David. Our final winery was Monticello, where we visited their storage facility and had several wine tastings. We then headed back to San Francisco, which took about an hour and a half. I had expected Napa to be more visually appealing, but the dry fields of beige grass were quite overwhelming. If I had to choose, I would say that the Niagara region, despite not having the selection of quality wines that Napa boasts, definitely has more attractive vineyard surroundings. We were dropped off near the Cartoon museum for the Friday meet and greet, where I had the opportunity to chat with several talented cartoonists, including Ben Sargent, Steve Stegelin, Dale Cummings, Tim Campbell, Jeff Bell, Rod Emmerson, Daryl Cagle, Jack Ohman, Matt Davies, Ann Telnaes, Steve Greenberg, and Matt Wuerker. Jack Ohman welcomed us and spoke briefly, passionately, and as always eloquently, about the challenges faced by the print media. We continued the evening with beers at the Irish Bank pub behind our hotel, the Triton.

Saturday was our panel day. I started the day by taking a 5km walk to the higher points near the hotel, capturing some beautiful photos of the city under a cloudless sky with warm temperatures. I arrived a bit late to the panel discussions and missed the presentation on Mosher’s COVID book and the proposal by Christian Vachon to hold the next gathering in Montreal. However, I did get to listen to a fascinating talk by feminist cartoonist Trina Robbins about her long career. She was a pioneer for women in cartooning and bravely challenged the male-dominated industry.

From Trina Robbin’s presentation

Her presentation was followed by an inspiring workshop by the great illustrator Steve Brodner, who discussed different approaches to caricature. He emphasized the importance of making our work matter and fighting against oppressive forces and biased editorial practices. During the intermission, I had a great conversation with Steve Breen, the long-term cartoonist at the San Diego Tribune, who shared valuable tips on connecting with fans for future newsletters and subscription services. Too brief a time was spent chatting with and praising my new favourite editorial cartoonist, Ed Wexler. The day continued with a fun presentation by Kevin “KAL” Kallaugher, featuring several artists doing unique things outside of their regular editorial cartooning gigs. We then had some free time to explore around the hotel, and some of us went back to the Irish pub or looked for a pharmacy with Wes, Guy, Dale, and Eric Shansby.

Wes Tyrell and Brian Gable announce the honourary Canuck award to Rod Emerson

Chinatown dinner L-R: Russ Hodin, Steve Stegelin, Mark Fiore, Jack Ohman; Kevin (KAL) Kallaugher, me, Nick Anderson, Matt Davies, Ben Sargent and David G. Brown

The Saturday reception took place at the Book Club. Plaques were given out for the Rex Babin award for local cartooning, which went to Joel Pett. Inkspot recognitions were also awarded to organizer Mary Ellen Burns and cartoonist writers Mike Peterson and Alan Gardner – Find Mike’s own, much more thorough summary of the convention here. Our Canadian contingent recognized Guy Badeaux and Dale Cummings with the Townsie awards, and the Honorary Canuck award went to Rod Emmerson from New Zealand. For dinner that night, I had the pleasure of dining with Nick Anderson, Matt Davies, Ben Sargent, David Browne, Steve Stegelin, and Russ Hodin. We were joined by Jack Ohman, Mark Fiore, Kevin Kallaugher, and Matt Wuerker.

Sunday started with a breakfast hosted by Scott Burns. I had the opportunity to sit next to Clay Jones and across from John Auchter and David Brown. Later on, we were joined by Cullum Rogers, whose charming North Carolina accent became a source of endearment for the rest of our trip.

We said goodbye to our colleagues and stored our bags in Rod Emerson’s room before heading to the Presidio to catch the air show and visit the Walt Disney family museum (my Google review.) The museum showcases the evolution of Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse, and other Disney characters, as well as the technology used in cell animation films. We also enjoyed exhibits on Disney’s amusement park and a display of editorial cartoons marking Walt Disney’s death. Outside the museum, we watched the blue angels perform in the foggy sky over the Pacific.

Wes Tyrell and I at Pigeon Point, California

At 4:00, Wes and I picked up our rental car from the airport after returning to the hotel to retrieve our bags. Thanks to Mary Ellen Burns and her crew of volunteers, Larry and Rick, we had transportation arranged. We drove north over the Golden Gate Bridge, stopping briefly, before having a delicious bbq dinner at Wes’ very cool friend Elijah’s house in San Raphael. The next morning, we had coffee with Elijah and went for a climbing hike before brunch in Fairfax. We explored the redwood trees at Samuel P. Taylor State Park and continued towards the coast through Point Reyes. The dreary rain changed our plans at Bodega Bay, so we headed inland and stayed overnight at a cozy Marriott in Santa Rosa, enjoying delicious Thai cuisine. The Charles Schulz Museum shuttered until Thursday – boo. Our journey took us to Stinson Beach, where we had a laugh at Wes’ expense (after leaving his jacket and passport back in the Marin Lodge) (my Google Review) and met a balloon artist from Wales. After returning to Fairfax to meet Mark Fiore, we decided to head south to Half Moon Bay, where we stayed at the Half Moon Bay lodge (my Google review) and dined at Cameron’s British Pub (my Google review.) We had a pleasant night and I took advantage of the heated pool and jacuzzi in the morning. Before departing, we enjoyed breakfast and continued our drive along Highway 1, stopping at Pigeon Point Lighthouse for some photos.

The gathering of editorial cartoonists in San Francisco was an invigorating experience. We engaged in lively discussions about the art of cartooning, shared our experiences, and gained insights into the influential role of political cartoons in shaping public opinion. We also addressed the challenges in today’s ever-changing media landscape.

Our collective exploration of art for social commentary and activism was set against the backdrop of San Francisco’s beauty. Even amidst our road trip with Wes Tyrell, we found moments of serenity in nature, though the weight of conflicts in Ukraine and the ongoing Israel-Hamas strife loomed large. Yet, as a community, we remain resolute, rising above the darkness and looking to the future with unwavering determination.

Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz: Our road tripo
Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz: Our road tripo
John Auchter, Me, Maryellen Burns, David G. Burns
John Auchter, Me, Maryellen Burns, David G. Burns
IMG_4859
Me and the great Scott Burns
Me and the great Scott Burns
Blue Angels practice over God
Blue Angels practice over God
Trito Hotel meet and greet
Trito Hotel meet and greet
Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge
Me and Guy
Me and Guy
Spectacular views and spectacular weather
Spectacular views and spectacular weather
Canadian delegation talks business at the Irish Bank
Canadian delegation talks business at the Irish Bank
Me, the always entertaining Eric Shansby, and Wes Tyrell
Me, the always entertaining Eric Shansby, and Wes Tyrell
Me with heart in Union Square
Me with heart in Union Square
Me and our host, President Jack Ohman
Me and our host, President Jack Ohman
Cable car!
Cable car!
Me with David Brown, John Auchter, Scott Burns, and Cullum Rogers
Me with David Brown, John Auchter, Scott Burns, and Cullum Rogers
Me, Cullum, Wes getting maudlin at the Walt Disney obit cartoons exhibit
Me, Cullum, Wes getting maudlin at the Walt Disney obit cartoons exhibit
Wes in the cactus
Wes in the cactus
New age time at Elijah's place, San Raphael
New age time at Elijah’s place, San Raphael
Redwood Trees next to Wes
Redwood Trees next to Wes
Wes takes a break in Larspur, CA
Wes takes a break in Larspur, CA
Me and Wes catch up with Mark Fiore in Fairfax
Me and Wes catch up with Mark Fiore in Fairfax
At Half Moon Bay Lodge
At Half Moon Bay Lodge
Gorgeous Pigeon Point
Gorgeous Pigeon Point

 

Posted in: Cartooning Tagged: 2023-17, aaec, ACC, acec, California, convention, editorial cartooning, hotel, restaurant, san francisco

Wednesday May 17, 2023

May 17, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 17, 2023

Subsidy Buffet: Stalled Stellantis Project Raises Concerns of Demands from Foreign Corporations

The recent developments surrounding the Stellantis battery plant project in Windsor have sparked growing concerns about the implications of substantial government subsidies. The situation raises the alarm that such generous incentives might encourage other foreign corporations to demand similar treatment. It is akin to patrons at a restaurant, accustomed to table service, suddenly clamoring for unlimited access to an exclusive all-you-can-eat buffet.

April 28, 2023

Stellantis has confirmed that construction has come to a halt at the Windsor EV battery plant site, citing the failure of the Canadian government to fulfill its commitments as the primary reason. The potential scrapping of the project comes on the heels of Volkswagen receiving substantial subsidies totaling a staggering $13 billion to establish their presence in St. Thomas. The news has raised eyebrows, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressing his concerns about the situation.

News: Stellantis halts construction at Windsor EV battery plant over federal funding  

November 22, 2019

Premier Ford rightly points out that the federal government needs to demonstrate the same level of support they offered Volkswagen. He emphasizes the importance of the federal government stepping up and fulfilling its obligations, just as they have done previously. However, it is crucial to note that the federal government’s resources are not unlimited, as mentioned by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. This situation calls for a delicate balance between supporting vital investments and ensuring responsible allocation of resources.

The potential ramifications of the stalled Stellantis project extend beyond government commitments. Thousands of jobs hang in the balance, making it imperative for all parties involved to find a constructive resolution. The City of Windsor, committed to leveraging available resources, is actively seeking a solution that will benefit the community. Negotiations are ongoing, and it is essential for all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards a mutually beneficial agreement.

October 16, 2020

While the situation is concerning, Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk provides reassurance that construction will continue, emphasizing the unwavering commitment to the project. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Innovation, François-Philippe Champagne, are actively engaged in discussions to secure a favorable outcome. It is encouraging to see the recognition of this investment as a generational opportunity for the auto sector and Canada as a whole.

However, the episode underscores the need for a comprehensive national auto policy. Without such a policy framework, it becomes challenging to navigate negotiations and ensure consistency in government support. Windsor West MP Brian Masse rightly points out the absence of a national auto policy as a contributing factor to the current concerns and uncertainties.

Opinion: Does a country have ‘no choice’ but to subsidize its auto industry?  

May 4, 2022

Moving forward, it is imperative for all levels of government to uphold their commitments and work collaboratively to establish a clear and consistent framework for supporting the auto industry. The Canadian economy relies heavily on this sector, and it is crucial to secure its future while ensuring responsible use of taxpayer funds.

The situation surrounding the Stellantis battery plant in Windsor serves as a wake-up call for the potential consequences of substantial government subsidies. While the commitment to supporting key investments is commendable, it is equally important to strike a balance between providing incentives and safeguarding the responsible use of public resources. A robust national auto policy can provide the necessary framework to address these challenges and ensure long-term success for the industry and the Canadian economy. (AI)

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give editorial cartooning a try.

https://mackaycartoons.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-0517-NAT.mp4

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2023-09, Auto sector, Buffet, Canada, EV Battery plant, Green Energy, Justin Trudeau, Ontario, Printed in the Toronto Star, procreate, restaurant, Stellantis, subsidies, Volkswagen, welfare

Thursday January 19, 2023

January 19, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday January 19, 2023

Health Canada recommends limiting alcohol to just 2 drinks per week

January 16, 2019

New alcohol guidelines recommending that Canadians limit themselves to just two drinks a week – and ideally cut alcohol altogether – have prompted intense debate over risk versus enjoyment in a country where the vast majority of adults regularly consume alcohol.

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) this week called for a substantial reduction in consumption, warning that seemingly moderate drinking poses a number of serious health risks, including cancer, heart disease and stroke.

The new guidelines, funded by Health Canada, represent a dramatic shift from previous recommendations issued in 2011, when Canadians were told that low-risk consumption meant no more than 10 drinks a week for women and 15 drinks a week for men.

“We wanted to simply to present the evidence to the Canadian public, so they could reflect on their drinking and make informed decisions,” said Peter Butt, a professor of family medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and a member of the panel that drafted the guidelines. “It’s fundamentally based on the right to know.”

September 24, 2015

In its measurements, the CCSA considers a standard drink to be a 12oz (355ml) serving of 5%-alcohol beer, a 5oz (148ml) glass of 12%-alcohol wine or a shot glass of 40% spirits.

In the UK, the NHS recommends no more than six 6oz glasses of wine or six pints of 4% beer per week – ideally spread across three days or more. Health officials in the United States recommend no more than two drinks per day for men and only one for women.

But Canadian experts say that new research suggests three to six drinks a week should be considered moderate risk for both men and women, and seven or more drinks a week is high risk. In addition to elevated risk of colon and breast cancer, as well as heart disease and strokes, the CCSA also identified both injuries and violence as negative outcomes from drinking alcohol.

“This isn’t about prohibition. This is simply about reducing the amount one drinks,” said Butt.

The guidelines also warn that no amount of alcohol is safe when pregnant or trying to get pregnant. While abstinence during breastfeeding is the safest option, a standard drink occasionally does not significantly elevate risk.

June 26, 2009

The new guidelines were met with skepticism by some health experts.

“This type of research often marginalizes other considerations of health and wellbeing from alcohol,” said Dan Malleck, a professor of health sciences at Brock University.

“With their job as the Canadian Center on Substance Abuse and Addiction, there’s no space in there for considering there might be benefits. Their job is to find harm.”

Malleck described the guidelines as “irresponsible”, and said they risk creating “anxiety and stress” among Canadians who once saw themselves as moderate drinkers but now occupy a “high-risk” category.

“The research they’re using also ignores the enjoyment and pleasure and stress relief and collegiality associated with alcohol. None of those things are in the calculation whatsoever,” he said. “We aren’t just machines with inputs and output of chemicals or nutrition. We actually exist in a social space. And that has a significant impact on our health.”

Others, however, see the guidelines as an attempt to help Canadians better understand the realities of alcohol consumption. (The Guardian) 

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2023-02, alcohol, Canada, Grim reaper, guidelines, health, Health Canada, restaurant, sommelier, wellness, wine

Friday September 11, 2020

September 18, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday September 11, 2020

WE Charity closing Canadian operations, Kielburgers leaving organization

WE Charity is shuttering its Canadian operations and the group’s founders, Craig and Marc Kielburger, will leave the organization entirely, in a dramatic reversal of fortune for the two brothers.

July 30, 2020

The surprise announcement came Wednesday. In a statement, the charity said it would sell its assets to establish an endowment fund for existing international humanitarian programs and to digitize its education resources in Canada.

The statement attributed the decision to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19pandemic and the continued fallout from its cancelled contract with the federal government to administer a student volunteer program. The agreement to administer the Canada Student Service Grant was first announced in June but was cancelled in July amid growing questions about the group’s connections to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s family and his former finance minister.

The controversy has “placed the charity in the middle of political battles and misinformation that a charity is ill-equipped to fight,” the statement said. “As a result, the financial math for the charity’s future is clear.”

July 24, 2020

Rather than preventing further damage, the decision to scuttle the government contract marked only the beginning. In the past two months, the charity’s founders, senior staff and former board chair have all testified before parliamentary committees. The affair has led to ethics investigations into Mr. Trudeau and his ex-colleague Bill Morneau, who resigned in August. It also brought to light questions about the organization’s governance, work environment and unregistered lobbyingof the federal government.

Since winning government in 2015, Mr. Trudeau has regularly attended WE events. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister’s Office said it had no comment on WE’s plans to close its Canadian operations.

In July, the charity announced that it would indefinitely postpone its WE Day events for students, restructure its programs, clarify the roles of its charitable and for-profit arms and conduct an internal review. Less than two months later, it’s taking much more drastic steps.

The double whammy of the pandemic and political firestorm has led to significant financial pressures and a loss of sponsors, the statement said. It also places blame for a lack of future revenue on the continued controversy in Ottawa, which has an indeterminate length. It adds that continuing to operate would consume savings that are “essential to establishing the endowment fund.” (Globe & Mail) 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2020-29, Bill Morneau, Canada, charity, Craig Kielburger, Fast food, Justin Trudeau, Kielburger brothers, laurentian, restaurant, scandal, WE
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