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Justin Trudeau: A Cartoon Chronology

March 9, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Justin Trudeau

A Cartoon Chronology | Sunday March 9, 2025 | Newsletter 20

As Justin Trudeau’s tenure as Canada’s Prime Minister nears its conclusion, the legacy he leaves is one of significant achievements, notable controversies, and enduring challenges. Over the past decade, Trudeau’s leadership has been a focal point for both admiration and criticism, capturing the complexities of his role in Canadian politics. As an editorial cartoonist, I have spent two decades chronicling his political journey, each cartoon encapsulating pivotal moments from his rise in 2015 to his leadership milestones and the trials he has faced.

My perspective was shaped by an unforgettable moment at the 2012 convention of the Association of Canadian Cartoonists in Montreal. During this event, Trudeau, then a backbench MP, mingled with us, embodying a blend of charisma and strategic foresight. In a memorable theatrical gesture, he donned his father’s iconic buckskin coat, declaring with a grin, “The jacket fits,” symbolizing his embrace of legacy and hinting at his political ambitions. This charming performance was an early indicator of his potential to lead the Liberal Party, foreshadowing the influential role he would come to play in shaping Canada’s political landscape. Charming, though not to the extent that I was ever lenient to the poor fellow. Through my cartoons, I’ve captured the essence of Trudeau’s journey, from my viewpoint, reflecting on the lasting impact he has made on the nation.

October 23, 2004

October 23, 2004 – Legacy matrimonial

This is my first drawing of Justin Trudeau capturing the occasion of his marriage to Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. Beside him looms a hulking monument to his father, the elder Trudeau, symbolizing the enigma and legacy that accompany Justin. The humor in this piece lies in the idea that with the marriage came the Trudeau legacy, hinting at Justin’s future path and the destiny seemingly foretold by his riding on his father’s coattails to power, which he achieved a decade later. Sadly, the bonds of marriage did not endure, and the couple eventually faced divorce, adding another layer to the complexities of his personal and political journey.

January 12, 2007

January 12, 2007 – Team… it is Time

As his path to leadership became clearer, Justin Trudeau emerged during a time when the Liberal government under Paul Martin was faltering. The power wielded by the party since Jean Chrétien’s era was waning, and Trudeau, young and charismatic, with his iconic hair and appeal, became the face of a new generation. By January 12, 2007, he was the rising star ready to fill the political void in the riding of Outremont, embodying both his father’s legacy and his own promise of renewed leadership for the Liberals.

September 28, 2012

September 28, 2012 – Trudeau parting the Liberal Red Sea

The Liberal Party, bruised from the faltering leaderships of Stéphane Dion and Michael Ignatieff, was ready for a new icon. Enter Justin Trudeau, likened to Moses parting the Red Sea, symbolizing his rise as a potential saviour for the party. Amidst the wave of “Justinmania,” he stood out among other hopefuls, signalling his readiness to lead with charisma and youthful vigour. Interestingly, as Trudeau made his move, Mark Carney, the central banker, was parting ways on the right, set to take on new challenges as Trudeau stepped into the spotlight.

November 17, 2015 – Growing into Defence

November 17, 2015

Justin Trudeau had just taken power and announced plans at a G20 summit for Canada to withdraw warplanes from ISIS combat missions, shifting focus to training local troops instead. This decision highlighted his preference for a more cautious, resistance-oriented approach to military involvement. His stance with NATO further underscored this, as he openly acknowledged at meetings that Canada had no intention of meeting the alliance’s spending commitments. These decisions would later be scrutinized, especially as geopolitical tensions evolved, and Canada became relegated to bit player status in global strategy. A decade later, in 2025, with figures like Trump influencing global politics, Trudeau’s earlier choices might be seen as missteps, potentially weakening Canada’s standing in international defence and diplomacy.

May 20, 2016

May 20, 2016 – Elbowgate

An involved Justin Trudeau in a commotion in the House of Commons. While trying to expedite a vote on Bill C-14 regarding physician-assisted death, Trudeau accidentally elbowed NDP MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau while attempting to guide Conservative MP Gord Brown through a group of NDP MPs. This led to significant criticism and multiple apologies from Trudeau. The cartoon depicting Trudeau in King Henry VIII garb, took inspiration from the miniseries “The Tudors”, with the parody “The Trudors,” contextualizing the dramatic nature of the event and Trudeau’s subsequent apologies, using the historical drama as a backdrop to highlight the theatrical aspects of the political mishap. I’ve depicted him as a King dealing with revolt, and alongside his royal family. In terms of the real monarchy, sometimes he got along, sometimes not so much.

June 22, 2018

June 22, 2018: Prime Minister of Pot

Justin Trudeau is often celebrated for his role in legalizing cannabis in Canada, a move that aligned with global trends as other countries and several U.S. states had already moved in this direction. Recognizing the progressive momentum, Trudeau’s government made cannabis legalization official, marking a historic moment for the nation. Trudeau, adorned in cannabis-themed robes captures the excitement and significance of ending nearly a century of prohibition, highlighting the cultural and political impact of this milestone in Canadian history. Though there are critics, the cartoon underscores the celebratory atmosphere surrounding this transformative policy change, and for many, the one and only consequential legacy for this Prime Minister.

May 28, 2019

May 28, 2019: Politics done as always

Justin Trudeau, who declared himself a feminist Prime Minister by establishing a gender-balanced cabinet, faced challenges to this agenda during the SNC-Lavalin scandal. The cartoon illustrates cracks in his feminist stance, highlighted by the resignations of Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott. These high-profile departures exposed tensions in achieving gender-balanced governance, as both women chose to run as independents, expressing dissatisfaction with party politics. This moment questioned the depth of Trudeau’s feminist commitments, capturing a significant discourse on gender and politics in Canada.

July 23, 2019

July 23, 2019: Boil Water Advisory

The cartoon depicts Justin Trudeau as the “Little Hero of Reconciliation,” suggesting that while he addresses minor issues, major concerns like clean water access in Indigenous communities persist. This criticism points to ongoing struggles in achieving genuine reconciliation and fuels accusations that Trudeau is more of a virtue signaller than a doer. Despite receiving credit for highlighting the struggles of Indigenous peoples, he is seen as falling short in tackling the more challenging calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, reflecting a gap between his public commitments and substantive action.

April 11, 2018

April 11, 2018: The Green Transition PM

The cartoon illustrates Trudeau’s carbon pricing plan as a split personality, reflecting the balancing act between environmental goals and controversial oil subsidies. This depiction captures the tension in his energy strategy, especially concerning the Trans Mountain pipeline during his tenure. While Trudeau’s government is credited for implementing a carbon pricing mechanism and committing to net-zero emissions in alignment with the Paris Agreement, the green transition is complicated by billions of federal dollars in subsidies to the oil and gas sector. Added to the ire, carve outs for regions that just so happen to overwhelmingly vote Liberal.  This dual approach underscores the challenges of pursuing environmental ambitions while navigating economic and industry pressures.

March 7, 2019

March 7, 2019: Sinking of The SNC Lavalin Scandal

The SNC-Lavalin scandal is symbolized by a sinking ship, with Trudeau rowing away in a lifeboat, his principal secretary and confidant, Gerald Butts, is depicted as the captain going down with the ship. This imagery portrays Butts as the sacrificial lamb, absorbing some of the political fallout to shield Trudeau. Despite this significant resignation, Trudeau managed to survive the controversy, and the scandal eventually faded after the Liberals retained power in the following federal election. This highlights the shifting dynamics within Trudeau’s inner circle and the broader political landscape.

September 11, 2020

September 11, 2020: WE do it all for you (and me)

WE Charity in dust, shows the Kielburger brothers running a fast-food restaurant, symbolizing the charity’s dissolution and the ethical issues that surfaced within Trudeau’s administration. This imagery challenges the integrity of Trudeau’s leadership, reflecting the broader perception of scandals during his tenure. A poll conducted by Angus-Reid as Trudeau’s era drew to a close revealed that respondents most remembered his leadership for COVID-19, followed closely by themes of scandal and corruption, including the WE Charity, SNC-Lavalin, and Blackface incidents. These controversies have left a lasting impression on Trudeau’s legacy, highlighting the challenges faced by his administration in maintaining public trust.

March 20, 2021

March 20, 2021: Vaccine life support

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a significant vulnerability in Canada’s healthcare infrastructure: the glaring lack of domestic vaccine production capability. Procurement was slow. This limitation became evident as Canada relied heavily on international partners, particularly the U.S., for vaccine doses. Then there was mixing of vaccine remedies. The situation underscored the importance of investing in domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing to enhance self-sufficiency and preparedness for future health crises. This realization has likely prompted discussions about strengthening Canada’s domestic production capacity to ensure greater resilience in the face of global health challenges.

June 2, 2021

June 2, 2021: Gesture Politician

During his tenure, Justin Trudeau presided over a period of national self-reflection, and self-loathing, marked by actions like the toppling of Sir John A. Macdonald statues, as Canada confronted its colonial past and injustices against Indigenous peoples. The historical investigative review of Prime Ministerial misdeeds could be best described as ‘selective’ for MacKenzie King up to Jean Chretien. While Trudeau emphasized reconciliation through symbolic gestures, his pandemic measures were viewed by some as overbearing, turning him into a lightning rod for criticism among Canadians discontented with both his handling of historical wrongs and his approach to the COVID-19 crisis from pretty vicious anti-vaxxers.

August 26, 2021

August 26, 2021: First Minister Struggles

Justin Trudeau’s leadership reflects a complex interplay between his housing crisis management, immigration policy, and the symbolic state of the Prime Minister’s residence at 24 Sussex. By increasing immigration levels without provincial capacity guarantees, the housing market and essential services have faced added strain. His national housing plan sought to alleviate these pressures by making homeownership more attainable amid rising demand and prices. Meanwhile, his decision not to renovate 24 Sussex symbolizes fiscal restraint but contrasts with the broader housing challenges. This situation underscores the need for coordinated federal and provincial efforts to ensure sustainable growth and livable conditions for all Canadians.

Raising concern about Trudeau's governance due to issues like ArriveCAN mismanagement, CERB problems, and potential pitfalls of rushed decisions for political support, such as quick deals on Pharmacare and Dental care.

February 29, 2024

February 29, 2024: Serviette Policy Planning

The cartoon critiques Justin Trudeau’s governance style as one characterized by costly and hasty decisions, aimed at securing support from the NDP in a minority parliament. It highlights a series of expensive policy plans and missteps, including Pharmacare, Dentalcare, Childcare, poor accounting of CERB, the migrant influx, and the ArriveCan app. These initiatives are portrayed as rushed and inadequately planned, akin to “napkin-sketched” ideas such as the Pharmacare deal, reflecting a pattern of expensive schemes. The cartoon urges Canadians to demand greater accountability and transparency from the government, emphasizing the need for well-considered and fiscally responsible policymaking.

Justin Trudeau’s years in office have been a blend of ambitious goals, personal milestones, and political challenges. From his early rise bolstered by his father’s legacy to becoming Prime Minister, Trudeau’s leadership is marked by both achievements and controversies. He has advanced progressive policies like cannabis legalization and a gender-balanced cabinet but faced criticism for scandals like SNC-Lavalin and WE Charity, as well as for policy decisions that seemed rushed or poorly executed. One of his greatest failings was carrying through with electoral reform. His approach to immigration, healthcare, and environmental policies shows a complex balance between ideals and practical governance. While his legacy includes significant strides in social and environmental areas, it is also shaped by the controversies, embarrassments, and criticisms of his administration. Trudeau’s leadership highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and strategic planning to ensure a resilient and inclusive future for Canada.

Thank you to everyone who continues to subscribe to this weekly newsletter! I typically release posts every Saturday morning, offering a summary of the week through my editorial cartoons. My aim is to keep you informed without overwhelming you with constant notifications. Throughout the week, I also share daily ‘notes’ on my Substack, which enrich my weekly newsletters and feature animated versions of my daily cartoons.

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Posted in: Canada, Substack Post Tagged: 2025-05, Canada, Justin Trudeau, retrospective, review, Substack

Thursday September 7, 2023

September 7, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 7, 2023

Ford’s Irresponsible Greenbelt Stance Threatens Ontario’s Future

August 31, 2023

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent announcement that his government will continue development on Greenbelt lands while under review is not only misguided but deeply troubling for the province’s future. Despite mounting evidence of rushed and flawed decision-making processes, Ford remains steadfast in his commitment to forging ahead with development, seemingly undeterred by the ethical and practical implications.

At a recent news conference, Ford indicated that his administration would undertake a review of all Greenbelt lands and development applications, effectively moving up the timeline by about two years, in defiance of the previous government’s mandate for a ten-year review cycle. While a review is certainly warranted, it is Ford’s insistence that development will proceed for any sites deemed to “stand on their own merit” that raises serious concerns.

News: Greenbelt review could see recommendation for more land removals, new minister says  

August 23, 2023

Ford has tasked Housing Minister Paul Calandra, who recently took over after Steve Clark’s resignation, with defining the parameters of this review alongside a non-partisan provincial adjudicator. The Premier has promised a comprehensive top-to-bottom examination, but the catch is that the lands already earmarked for removal and development late last year will remain in play.

In the meantime, the adjudicator will continue working with current landowners, some of whom are major developers in the province, to discuss their plans for these lands. Ford’s commitment to publicly releasing finalized agreements between landowners and the province does little to alleviate concerns about the potential for undue influence in the process.

What’s most alarming is that Ford has not ruled out the possibility of opening even more Greenbelt land for housing development. This stance seems to defy all logic, especially in the face of damning reports from the province’s integrity commissioner and the auditor general. Both reports revealed that the process was heavily influenced by politically connected developers, with Steve Clark’s chief of staff, Ryan Amato, playing a central role in selecting the lands to be removed from the Greenbelt.

July 20, 2023

Amato resigned in August, but both Clark and Ford insisted for weeks that Clark would remain in his ministerial role. The Premier had even instructed Clark to devise a process to open up the Greenbelt by the fall of 2022. The integrity commissioner’s findings were unequivocal, pointing to a deeply flawed process that favoured a select few developers.

Furthermore, the auditor general’s report underscored the questionable circumstances surrounding the land selections, with Amato’s direct involvement with developers or their lawyers raising serious ethical concerns. The potential windfall profits for the owners of the 15 selected sites, amounting to $8.3 billion, only add to the cloud of suspicion surrounding this entire affair.

Opinion: Doug Ford’s fatally flawed Greenbelt plan must be stopped in its tracks  

December 11, 2018

The fact that the RCMP is considering a potential police investigation into the land swaps should give Ford serious pause. Yet, he seems more intent on forging ahead with a review that many view as inadequate.

Ford’s insistence that the Greenbelt review is merely a matter of correcting the process rings hollow. It is not enough to “correct” a process that has already demonstrated its vulnerability to influence and manipulation. What’s truly important is protecting the Greenbelt, preserving vital farmland, and ensuring responsible, sustainable development that benefits all Ontarians.

The Premier’s rush to build homes cannot come at the expense of our natural environment and long-term well-being. While Ford may see the Greenbelt as a mere obstacle to development, it is, in fact, a crucial asset that should be safeguarded for future generations. His disregard for this fundamental responsibility is a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people of Ontario, and it undermines the very essence of good governance. (AI.) Editorial cartoon printed in the Hamilton Spectator and the Toronto Star.

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2023-15, developer, Doug Ford, environment, greenbelt, housing, land swap, Ontario, race, review

Graeme Gallery 2022 – Hamilton

December 27, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Tuesday December 27, 2022. This is a special digital version of Graeme Galleries, Hamilton edition, as a preview to the full page print extravaganza in days to come that will unfold on the Comment Pages of the Hamilton Spectator and several other Metroland newspapers. Click on any of the cartoons to link back to the original dates they were posted:

March 30, 2022
March 30, 2022
April 7, 2022
April 7, 2022
June 11, 2022
June 11, 2022
June 22, 2022
June 22, 2022
July 27, 2022
July 27, 2022
August 17, 2022
August 17, 2022
September 17, 2022
September 17, 2022
October 1, 2022
October 1, 2022
October 15, 2022
October 15, 2022
October 19, 2022
October 19, 2022
October 26, 2022
October 26, 2022
November 23, 2022
November 23, 2022
Mayor Fred Cartoon Gallery
Mayor Fred Cartoon Gallery

Hamilton Galleries

2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014

Posted in: Cartooning, Hamilton Tagged: 2022, Graeme Gallery, GraemeGalleries2022, Hamilton, review, Year in review

2021 In Review

December 30, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Letter to the editor, The Hamilton Spectator, Dec. 31, 2021

At the Hamilton Spectator, I’m quite spoiled by having several pages that have run for four days this week highlighting the past events of 2021. It’s a huge honour, and a wonderful testament that there are still some print media outlets, like the Spec, which embrace satire, as well as local reporting and staff photography as a necessary part of print and digital journalism. It’s a tradition in newspapers around the globe to use the final week of the year to showcase editorial cartoons which best boil down the past 12 months viewed through the lens of satire. Thankfully, there’s still a contingent of talented cartoonists sustaining the craft. Although, as many of you are aware, editorial cartooning positions have been in steady decline as newspapers respond to shrinking circulation & advertising revenues by chopping or retiring off their artists and replacing their local insights with banal syndicated Hallmark style gags masquerading as satire, or worse, bland wire photos. Support your local newspapers but remind editors that satire is fundamental to a healthy democracy. Thank you for your likes and shares, and encouraging comments. Here’s to a better year ahead in 2022, my 25th year as editorial cartoonist at the Hamilton Spectator. Happy New Year!

Ontario 2021 | Canada 2021 | World 2021 | Covid 2021

Posted in: Canada, International, Ontario Tagged: 2021-43, Feedback, gallery, review, Year in review, year-end review

Saturday May 1, 2021

May 8, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 1, 2021

‘My recommendations will be implemented’: Louise Arbour prepares to review misconduct in Canada’s military

When faced with the idea of conducting an external review on sexual misconduct in the military — six years after a similar review was completed — retired Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour said her initial impression was: “Seriously? It’s been done.” 

October 18, 2016

Upon reflection, Arbour said she saw an environment in which she could make a lasting contribution, having been given a broader mandate from the federal government than the one handed to retired Supreme Court justice Marie Deschamps when she conducted a similar review. 

“I have been given assurances that my recommendations will be implemented,” a point Arbour returned to several times in an interview with the Star on Friday, while acknowledging that “you might think it’s a bit naïve” considering the military’s response so far to the Deschamps review. 

“Six years after the Deschamps report, I think there’s better hope this time that something will come of this…If I was profoundly skeptical and cynical, I wouldn’t be doing this. I really have to believe that there is a window of opportunity.”

Arbour’s external review, announced Thursday by Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, was immediately blasted by critics as a deflection tactic by a government and military that have failed to fully implement Deschamps’s recommendations. 

The Conservatives said it was meant to take attention away from ongoing questions about the government’s handling of an allegation against ex-chief of the defence staff Gen. Jonathan Vance in 2018.

June 13, 2017

Deschamps — who concluded in 2015 that sexual misconduct is “endemic” in the military — told the Star she welcomed Arbour’s appointment, noting her broader mandate and that her review “would not be a mere repetition of what I did.” 

A former justice on the country’s top court, UN high commissioner for human rights, and chief prosecutor at the international criminal tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, Arbour brings a deep knowledge of human rights issues to her new task.

“Maybe the most important part of (Deschamps’s) work was the diagnosis,” Arbour said. “It was really earth shattering, the assessment of the prevalence of this predatory, sexualized culture.” 

Arbour said she understands the frustration of survivors of military sexual violence, both those who have come forward, as well as those who never have due to lack of trust in the system.

“I understand their frustration and possibly their skepticism, about just another review by another justice. I get that,” she said. “I really want to say: Just bear with me. I think moving forward, this might be the right time for the right thing to get done.” 

Unlike Deschamps’s mandate, Arbour has been instructed to come up with recommendations on what external oversight of the armed forces should look like. She will also be studying the military justice system’s “systemic performance” in dealing with sexual misconduct allegations, as well as recruitment and promotion to senior leadership. (Toronto Star) 

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2021-16, Canada, Defence, harassment, Harjit Sajjan, independent, military, misconduct, misogyny, oversight, review, secrecy, tank
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