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Saturday May 25, 2019

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 25, 2019

Andrew Scheer really doesn’t want to talk about abortion

“As I’ve said, many, many times before,” Andrew Scheer said on Wednesday, “a Conservative government will not reopen this debate.

May 15, 2019

“I’ve been very clear on this … I’ve made it very clear. We will not reopen this debate.”

A fair bit depends on how broadly Scheer defines the word “we.”

At any rate, the example of Stephen Harper suggests the debate over abortion isn’t one that a Conservative leader can easily avoid.

On Wednesday, Scheer was asked whether he would allow Conservative MPs to introduce legislation related to abortion and, if so, whether he would allow those MPs to vote freely on such proposals.

Such questions have been coming up a lot lately, prompted by a wave of new legislation to restrict access to abortion services in the United States and by comments Scheer himself made when he was seeking the leadership of the Conservative Party.

Justin Trudeau’s Liberals have leaned into the debate, publicly pressuring Scheer over the fact that a dozen Conservative MPs recently attended an anti-abortion rally on Parliament Hill.

Howdy Doodie Andy Scheer

On Wednesday, Scheer accused the Liberals of “trying to import a divisive issue” from the United States to split Canadians and distract from the government’s recent troubles. But he also stopped short of directly answering the questions he was asked.

Based on what he said during the Conservative leadership race, Scheer’s answer to those specific questions would seem to be “yes.” Those campaign comments suggested that, while a Scheer government would not itself introduce abortion legislation, Conservative backbenchers would be free to do so and Conservatives would be free to vote their “conscience” on those bills or motions.

That roughly corresponds with official Conservative policy on such matters and relies on a legitimate parliamentary distinction between the MPs who are part of the government (cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries) and those who are not (the backbenchers who are members of the governing party, but not part of the executive).

If that’s still Scheer’s position, he might just say so. But he also wouldn’t be the first Conservative leader to have second thoughts about indulging the backbench. (CBC) 

 

Saturday November 18, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Saturday November 18, 2016 PC candidate Sam Oosterhoff, 19, wins Niagara West-Glanbrook A 19-year-old Smithville man has made Ontario history by winning the Niagara West-Glanbrook byelection. Progressive Conservative candidate Sam Oosterhoff has become the youngest person elected to the Ontario legislature. His victory was hailed Thursday night by PC Leader Patrick Brown, who attended Oosterhoff's election night party at the Casablanca Inn, a hotel just off the Queen Elizabeth Way in Grimsby. Oosterhoff, who brought controversy to the contest because of his social conservative views, thanked his supporters just before 10 p.m. The mood was buoyant at the well-attended party, which brought out Milton MP Lisa Raitt, a federal Conservative leadership candidate. The riding became vacant because of the departure of former PC leader Tim Hudak. It was always said to be a safe conservative seat, but Oosterhoff's opposition to abortion and questioning the new sex-ed curriculum was thought to raise some doubt. In the end, it didn't matter. With 130 of 236 polls reporting just after 10 p.m., the first-year-political science student at Brock University had about 52 per cent of vote. The New Democrat candidate and former Hamilton police officer Mike Thomas of Binbrook was in second with about 26 per cent of the vote. Oosterhoff had more than 4,300 votes than Thomas. Liberal candidate and Hamilton lawyer Vicky Ringuette, also of Binbrook, was in third with about 15 per cent of the vote. She trailed Oosterhoff by more than 6,000 votes. Oosterhoff said people were angry about their hydro bills and industrial wind turbines but Ringuette said she wasn't hearing complaints from voters about electricity rates. The Liberals held on to Ottawa-Vanier with lawyer Nathalie Des Rosiers. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)Êhttp://www.thespec.com/news-story/6972614-pc-candidate-sam-oosterhoff-19-wins-niagara-west-glanbrook/ Ontari

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday November 18, 2016

PC candidate Sam Oosterhoff, 19, wins Niagara West-Glanbrook

A 19-year-old Smithville man has made Ontario history by winning the Niagara West-Glanbrook byelection.

Progressive Conservative candidate Sam Oosterhoff has become the youngest person elected to the Ontario legislature.

His victory was hailed Thursday night by PC Leader Patrick Brown, who attended Oosterhoff’s election night party at the Casablanca Inn, a hotel just off the Queen Elizabeth Way in Grimsby.

Oosterhoff, who brought controversy to the contest because of his social conservative views, thanked his supporters just before 10 p.m. The mood was buoyant at the well-attended party, which brought out Milton MP Lisa Raitt, a federal Conservative leadership candidate.

The riding became vacant because of the departure of former PC leader Tim Hudak. It was always said to be a safe conservative seat, but Oosterhoff’s opposition to abortion and questioning the new sex-ed curriculum was thought to raise some doubt.

In the end, it didn’t matter. With 130 of 236 polls reporting just after 10 p.m., the first-year-political science student at Brock University had about 52 per cent of vote.

The New Democrat candidate and former Hamilton police officer Mike Thomas of Binbrook was in second with about 26 per cent of the vote. Oosterhoff had more than 4,300 votes than Thomas. Liberal candidate and Hamilton lawyer Vicky Ringuette, also of Binbrook, was in third with about 15 per cent of the vote. She trailed Oosterhoff by more than 6,000 votes.

Oosterhoff said people were angry about their hydro bills and industrial wind turbines but Ringuette said she wasn’t hearing complaints from voters about electricity rates.

The Liberals held on to Ottawa-Vanier with lawyer Nathalie Des Rosiers. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

 

Saturday November 12, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator - Saturday November 12, 2016 Justin Trudeau invites Donald Trump to visit Canada inÊcall that marks 'strong beginning' Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has invited U.S. president-elect Donald Trump to visit Canada "at his earliest opportunity." Trudeau called Trump on Wednesday night to congratulate him on his election victory, and the two discussed "various areas of mutual interest." "It was a brief call, but it was a strong beginning to what is going to be a constructive relationship," Trudeau said during a news conference in Sydney, N.S., this morning. Asked by reporters how he would explain to children that a "sexist, racist, bully" was taking office, Trudeau stressed the need to promote a strong working relationship with anyone whoÊthe American people elect. It's important to work constructively with whomever is president because "that's what Canadians expect," he said. "Canadians expect me to stand up for Canadian rights, Canadian opportunities, Canadian jobs and Canadian values," he said. "And I will do that in a way that continues to do that in aÊway that continues to benefit our country and its position in the world." Trudeau said Trump expressed "warmth" for Canada during the call. It has become a tradition that the first foreign visit by a U.S. president is to Canada. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Trump also extended an invitation for Trudeau to visitÊWashington.Ê No details were provided on when either visit could take place. Trudeau's telephone call came after he met with some of his senior advisers and cabinet ministers, who discussed the tone and approach the prime minister should take in the debutÊmeeting with Trump. (Source: CBC News)Êhttp://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-trump-visit-canada-1.3845013 Canada, USA, diplomacy, Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau, business, left, right, economy, environment

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday November 12, 2016

Justin Trudeau invites Donald Trump to visit Canada in call that marks ‘strong beginning’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has invited U.S. president-elect Donald Trump to visit Canada “at his earliest opportunity.”

Trudeau called Trump on Wednesday night to congratulate him on his election victory, and the two discussed “various areas of mutual interest.”

“It was a brief call, but it was a strong beginning to what is going to be a constructive relationship,” Trudeau said during a news conference in Sydney, N.S., this morning.

rb-p45_trump-donald_smugAsked by reporters how he would explain to children that a “sexist, racist, bully” was taking office, Trudeau stressed the need to promote a strong working relationship with anyone who the American people elect.

It’s important to work constructively with whomever is president because “that’s what Canadians expect,” he said.

“Canadians expect me to stand up for Canadian rights, Canadian opportunities, Canadian jobs and Canadian values,” he said. “And I will do that in a way that continues to do that in a way that continues to benefit our country and its position in the world.”

Trudeau said Trump expressed “warmth” for Canada during the call.

It has become a tradition that the first foreign visit by a U.S. president is to Canada. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Trump also extended an invitation for Trudeau to visit Washington.

No details were provided on when either visit could take place.

Trudeau’s telephone call came after he met with some of his senior advisers and cabinet ministers, who discussed the tone and approach the prime minister should take in the debut meeting with Trump. (Source: CBC News)

 

Tuesday September 1, 2015

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator - Tuesday September 1, 2015 Mulcair can only benefit from claims heÕs not a traditional leftwinger (By Kelly McParland) If I was a conspiracy theorist, IÕd suspect there was a conspiracy under way to covertly boost the image of Thomas Mulcair among non-NDP voters. ThereÕs no question Mulcair has made a real effort to separate himself from the partyÕs loopier policies of the past. You wonÕt hear the word ÒsocialismÓ escape his lips. He has promised a balanced budget Ñ not someday later on, when they get around to it, if circumstances allow, as the Liberals have done. But right away, in the first New Democrat budget after taking office. And heÕs pledged to do it without raising taxes on income. ThatÕs all well and good. But thereÕs also been a series of curious leaks that seem intended to undermine Mulcair by arguing heÕs too conservative, not a real New Democrat but a late convert who adopted the party because it seemed best suited to serve his personal ambition. ItÕs possible the accusations might raise doubts among true NDP believers, who like their politics undiluted by practicality, but they could also have the opposite effect, making him more attractive to voters who might otherwise be disinclined to support the countryÕs traditional left-wing party. In other words, if you believe in conspiracies, you might suspect the leaks are an effort to achieve the opposite of their apparent intention. As the National Post noted recently, Mulcair has been outed for once saying nice things about Margaret Thatcher, of considering an offer to join the Conservatives after quitting QuebecÕs Liberals, of being Òthe most right wingÓ member of that Quebec Liberal caucus, of supporting Quebec business owners against QuebecÕs language police, and of failing to adopt the leftÕs rote opposition to free trade in all its forms. He was also criticized by Ed Broadbent, the NDPÕs current patron saint and elder statesman, w

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 1, 2015

Mulcair can only benefit from claims he’s not a traditional leftwinger

Listen to this old dittie from yesteryear as you read on…

(By Kelly McParland) If I was a conspiracy theorist, I’d suspect there was a conspiracy under way to covertly boost the image of Thomas Mulcair among non-NDP voters.There’s no question Mulcair has made a real effort to separate himself from the party’s loopier policies of the past. You won’t hear the word “socialism” escape his lips. He has promised a balanced budget — not someday later on, when they get around to it, if circumstances allow, as the Liberals have done. But right away, in the first New Democrat budget after taking office. And he’s pledged to do it without raising taxes on income.

RB-Mr-InBetween-promo

Available at the boutique

That’s all well and good. But there’s also been a series of curious leaks that seem intended to undermine Mulcair by arguing he’s too conservative, not a real New Democrat but a late convert who adopted the party because it seemed best suited to serve his personal ambition. It’s possible the accusations might raise doubts among true NDP believers, who like their politics undiluted by practicality, but they could also have the opposite effect, making him more attractive to voters who might otherwise be disinclined to support the country’s traditional left-wing party. In other words, if you believe in conspiracies, you might suspect the leaks are an effort to achieve the opposite of their apparent intention.

As the National Post noted recently, Mulcair has been outed for once saying nice things about Margaret Thatcher, of considering an offer to join the Conservatives after quitting Quebec’s Liberals, of being “the most right wing” member of that Quebec Liberal caucus, of supporting Quebec business owners against Quebec’s language police, and of failing to adopt the left’s rote opposition to free trade in all its forms.

He was also criticized by Ed Broadbent, the NDP’s current patron saint and elder statesman, who questioned Mulcair’s leadership skills, accused him of claiming credit for matters he had nothing to do with, and of seeking to change the NDP into “another Liberal party.” Perhaps worst of all, Mulcair is known to be sympathetic to Israel, challenging the party’s status as a safe harbour to all manner of anti-Israel zealots and promoters of boycotts. (Continued: National Post)

 

Alberni Valley Times (British Columbia) September 2, 2015

Alberni Valley Times (British Columbia) September 2, 2015

 

Wednesday June 16, 2010

June 16, 2010

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 16, 2010

Canadian version of Fox News on the horizon

Canada will be getting another all-news TV channel, one that aims to banish the established “boring, smug and condescending” news networks to the sidelines with a snappy, right-wing take on current events modelled on America’s wildly successful and controversial Fox News.

Quebecor Media Inc. announced Tuesday it plans to launch Sun TV News, ending months of speculation and anticipation in Ottawa over what had been dubbed “Fox News North.”

Sun TV News will replace the Sun TV station in Toronto and be a collaboration between Quebecor Inc. (TSX:QBR.A) and its TVA Group and Sun Media Corp. units and will challenge “the English Canadian TV news establishment,” Pierre Karl Peladeau said Tuesday at the network’s launch at the Toronto Sun Building in downtown Toronto.

“We see an opportunity in offering Canadians something new, something better, something distinct. It is time to shake up the current players of the Canadian broadcasting system,” Peladeau said in a statement.

Heading the new channel will be newly hired Quebecor vice-president Kory Teneycke, a former staff member at the Prime Minister’s Office, who said Canadians have tuned out traditional news channels that are “boring, smug and condescending.”

“CBC News Network and CTV News Channel have had respectively 21 and 13 years to get it right and they’ve failed to win over viewers,” Teneycke said.

“Canadian TV news today is narrow, complacent, and politically correct,” he said, adding that Sun TV News will be “different,” with hard news reporting during the day and “straight talk” opinion journalism at night. (CTV)