scandal – mackaycartoons

Thursday March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 28, 2024

Ontario’s Fiscal Crisis: Ford Government’s Reckless Decision-Making Burdens Taxpayers

March 27, 2024

In the wake of Ontario’s staggering budget shortfall and unprecedented debt burden, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the reckless decision-making of the Ford government. With a deficit soaring to $9.8 billion and a provincial debt reaching a mind-boggling $462.9 billion, it’s evident that Ontario taxpayers are bearing the brunt of the consequences of irresponsible governance.

Premier Doug Ford and his administration have consistently prioritized short-term political gains over the long-term financial health of the province. Their failure to exercise fiscal responsibility has left Ontario in a precarious position, with taxpayers left to foot the bill for their egregious mismanagement.

News: Ontario deficit will triple as economy weakens, 2024 budget shows

February 17, 2024

One of the most glaring examples of this mismanagement is the cancellation of annual license plate fees, resulting in a staggering annual loss of approximately $1 billion in revenue for the treasury. This move, touted as a populist measure, has left a massive hole in the province’s finances, further exacerbating an already dire situation.

Additionally, Ford’s government has frequently pointed out the “billion-dollar boondoggles” left behind by the previous Liberal governments of Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne. These include the scandalous cancellation of two gas-fired power plants, costing taxpayers over $1 billion, as well as mismanaged projects such as the E-health initiative, the Ornge Air Ambulance scandal, and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) modernization debacle. These instances of financial mismanagement further illustrate the consequences of irresponsible decision-making that Ontario taxpayers are now burdened with.

Opinion: Doug Ford’s free-spending fiscal ways in Ontario are worse than Kathleen Wynne’s

June 7, 2013

Furthermore, the Ford government’s ill-conceived attempt to impose stringent wage restraints on essential public sector workers through Bill 124 has backfired spectacularly. Not only was the bill deemed unconstitutional, but taxpayers are now on the hook for over $6 billion in compensation owed to these workers. This shortsighted decision demonstrates a complete lack of foresight and disregard for the well-being of Ontario’s workforce.

It’s abundantly clear that the Ford government’s penchant for reckless decision-making has plunged Ontario into a fiscal crisis of unprecedented proportions. The burden of the high deficit and extraordinary debt burden falls squarely on the shoulders of hardworking taxpayers who deserve better.

October 19, 2018

Instead of pursuing policies that prioritize the interests of the people of Ontario, the Ford government has chosen to prioritize political expediency at the expense of sound financial management. This approach is not only unsustainable but fundamentally unfair to the taxpayers who rely on their government to act in their best interests.

As we confront the daunting challenges posed by Ontario’s fiscal crisis, it’s imperative that we hold the Ford government accountable for their reckless decision-making. Ontarians deserve a government that prioritizes responsible governance and fiscal prudence, not one that squanders taxpayer dollars on short-sighted policies that only serve to deepen the province’s financial woes. It’s time for the Ford government to acknowledge their failures and take decisive action to address the pressing issues facing Ontario’s economy. (AI)

Tuesday November 14, 2023

November 14, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 14, 2023

Calandra’s Political Choreography: Mopping Up Ford’s Greenbelt Fallout

Young Doug Ford: The Series

In the intricate political drama surrounding Premier Doug Ford’s Greenbelt scandal, Housing Minister Paul Calandra has emerged as Ford’s cleanup crew and guardian against further erosion of public trust. Taking charge of the scandal-ridden department, Calandra swiftly cleared the decks, ousting most of his predecessor’s staff to set the stage for significant policy reversals.

With the impending release of potentially damaging documents under freedom of information legislation from the era of former minister Steve Clark, Calandra has been on a mission to minimize the fallout for Ford’s government. Distancing himself from Clark, who resigned under a cloud, the new minister reversed controversial changes to municipal boundaries and canceled his predecessor’s alterations to official city plans across various regions.

Analysis: Why it’s getting harder for Doug Ford to sidestep blame for Greenbelt scandal

October 31, 2023

The situation, however, remains precarious, as the Mounties’ investigation looms, casting uncertainty over the government’s agenda. Concerns are growing within the Tory ranks that the scandal is becoming a substantial obstacle.

CBC’s report revealing Clark’s involvement in amendments to Hamilton’s official plan, influenced by developer Sergio Manchia, added another layer of complexity. Calandra, in a decisive move, scrapped his predecessor’s changes to official city plans in multiple areas, citing a failure to meet the necessary standards.

Ford’s about-face on the Greenbelt development scheme further heightened the political drama, with Calandra subsequently tabling legislation to prevent future attempts to open up the Greenbelt to development. NDP Leader Marit Stiles, during question period, drew attention to connections between well-connected developer Sergio Manchia and Conservative donors, suggesting preferential treatment in both the Greenbelt issue and a controversial stag and doe party linked to the Conservative fundraising team.

Analysis: Leaked Letter Reveals Ontario Government Scheme to Recruit Small Town Mayors as Lackeys for Forced Sprawl

September 22, 2023

As the NDP pressed Calandra on the integrity commissioner’s report and Premier Ford’s interactions with Manchia, the minister strategically avoided direct answers, emphasizing the changes at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

The integrity commissioner’s report painted a damning picture of Clark’s actions, indicating ethical violations and a lack of transparency in decision-making. The Greenbelt fiasco has already claimed the resignations of two ministers and two senior aides, but with an ongoing RCMP criminal probe and additional revelations expected in upcoming FOI documents, the Tories are bracing for further challenges on the horizon. (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:

Tuesday October 31, 2023

October 31, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday October 31, 2023

The Lingering Spector of Corruption and the Ghastly Haunt of the Greenbelt Scandal on Ontario’s Government

December 10, 2020

As Halloween casts its eerie shadows, the spector of corruption looms ever closer for Premier Doug Ford and his government, showcasing a pattern of questionable Minister’s zoning orders (MZOs) that intensify the ghostly presence of the Greenbelt scandal. The recent scrutiny sheds light on how the Ford administration expedited approvals for rezoning, particularly benefiting developers linked to the controversial Greenbelt land swaps.

The surge in MZOs, an astounding 110 since 2019 compared to the mere 18 issued by previous governments, raises deep concerns. These orders, executed by the stroke of a pen, circumvent public consultation and alter local planning rules, potentially increasing the value of select properties. The opposition’s concerns have validity: a disproportionately high number of MZOs seem to favour a select few, including individuals linked to the Ford family.

News: 18 MZOs given to developers who were guests at Premier Ford’s family wedding: NDP

October 22, 2022

The optics of MZOs benefiting guests from a Ford family wedding reception, especially when compared to the entire tenure of the previous Liberal government, indicate a troublesome trend. The association between certain developers, their relationships with the government, and the number of MZOs they’ve received present a disconcerting pattern. This intertwining web raises serious questions about conflicts of interest and the fair distribution of these orders.

February 16, 2023

The opacity and lack of transparency surrounding the MZOs amplify suspicions of unfairness and favouritism. The alarming findings by the auditor general highlight that nearly 40% of the MZOs benefited a handful of development companies, evoking criticisms of conflict of interest.

Moreover, the cozy connections between the Ford family and individuals receiving these MZOs paint a worrying picture. The associations and benefits granted to friends and close allies of the Premier imply an inappropriate confluence of personal relationships and public governance. The convergence of interests between the government’s actions and the well-being of specific individuals or groups exacerbates concerns of impropriety.

News: RCMP to start interviews in Doug Ford’s Greenbelt scandal this week: Sources

October 31, 2012

The government’s defensive stance, justifying MZOs as tools to expedite housing and alleviate bureaucratic hurdles, seems increasingly feeble in the face of mounting evidence suggesting a different narrative—one of favouritism and expedited benefits for a select few.

As the haunted tale of the Greenbelt scandal refuses to fade, and revelations continue to surface, Ontario’s government needs to address the widening shadows of suspicion. The clamour for transparency, fairness, and ethical governance in the use of MZOs grows louder and demands an immediate and thorough review. The ghostly echoes of past scandals must not be allowed to haunt Ontario’s governance any longer, and a definitive course correction is imperative to restore public trust and integrity. (AI)

Saturday September 23, 2023

September 23, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Illustration by Graeme MacKay, The Toronto Star – Saturday September 23, 2023

Ford’s Greenbelt U-Turn: A Summer of Political Turmoil

September 4, 2007

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s summer season has come to a disastrous end, as he faces the aftermath of his ill-fated plans to develop parts of the province’s protected Greenbelt. Months of intense public backlash have forced him into a major reversal, resulting in the resignation of two cabinet ministers, and casting a dark shadow of uncertainty over his political future.

Analysis: ‘We’re in danger’: The inside story of Doug Ford and his unhappy MPPs’ summer of misery

Mr. Ford, in a somber press conference held in Niagara Falls, Ontario, confessed to his mistake, acknowledging that opening up the environmentally protected Greenbelt around the Greater Toronto Area was an error in judgment. He admitted that the process for selecting the land had created allegations of wrongdoing and a loss of public trust.

“I made a promise to you that I wouldn’t touch the Greenbelt. I broke that promise. And for that, I’m very, very sorry,” said Mr. Ford, as he faced the media alongside his Progressive Conservative caucus. “It was a mistake to open the Greenbelt. It was a mistake to establish a process that moved too fast.”

Mr. Ford, who had initially believed that developing the Greenbelt could alleviate the housing crisis, has now abandoned that approach. He stated, “We moved too quickly, and we made the wrong decision.”

Video: Ontario Premier Doug Ford announces reversal of Greenbelt plan

November 9, 2019

The Premier’s reversal came after consultations with the public, his cabinet, and his caucus, as he recognized that voters would ultimately judge him based on his promises in the upcoming 2026 election.

The summer has been fraught with controversy for the PC government, with independent watchdog reports revealing favouritism towards certain developers in the Greenbelt land swap. Fifteen sites were removed from the protected region, with one later being returned after being put up for sale.

When questioned about potential lawsuits from developers due to the reversal, Mr. Ford remained uncertain but expressed his willingness to work with builders on housing and promised transparency regarding any associated costs.

November 1, 2019

The scandal surrounding the Greenbelt decision has not only claimed two cabinet ministers but also two top aides, including the housing policy director, Jae Truesdell. The resignation of Minister Kaleed Rasheed was prompted by incorrect information provided to the Integrity Commissioner about a 2020 trip to Las Vegas, where a prominent developer was also present.

The Premier’s backtracking follows reports from Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner and Auditor-General that revealed a biased process that favoured certain developers and could have led to an $8.3-billion windfall for them.

News: Labour Minister Monte McNaughton leaving government

May 29, 2019

The Greenbelt, covering 800,000 hectares, was established in 2005 by a previous Liberal government. Mr. Ford’s government had repeatedly promised not to touch the protected land, but it later backtracked, with the Premier even referring to the Greenbelt as a “scam.”

Opposition leader Marit Stiles welcomed the reversal as a victory for activists and citizens who protested the move, calling on Mr. Ford to pass a bill to restore the Greenbelt’s former boundaries.

Environmental advocates credited the reversal to a groundswell of local activism, emphasizing the impact of citizens taking their concerns to elected officials.

Opposition critics have also raised concerns about potential insider knowledge among developers regarding the Greenbelt plans. The matter has been referred to the RCMP for evaluation.

In the midst of these controversies, the Integrity Commissioner also declined to launch a full investigation into a stag-and-doe party held for Mr. Ford’s daughter, citing insufficient grounds, but raising questions about ticket sales to developers. Mr. Ford defended his old friend’s actions, asserting that he sold the tickets independently. (AI)

Friday September 22, 2023

September 22, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday September 22, 2023

Doug Ford’s Greenbelt Reversal and the Trust of Voters

May 30, 2023

In politics, trust is a commodity as valuable as gold. It can take years to build, yet mere moments to shatter. In the realm of Ontario politics, Premier Doug Ford recently experienced the weight of this truth firsthand. After months of relentless protests, public outrage, and the resignation of key cabinet ministers and staff, he has made the extraordinary move of reversing his decision to open Greenbelt lands for housing development. This U-turn has left many wondering if, in the grand theatre of politics, it is possible to regain the trust of voters after such a dramatic reversal.

Ford’s about-face on the Greenbelt issue is a remarkable example of the power of public protest and collective action. For nearly a year, concerned citizens, environmental activists, and community groups rallied against the government’s plan to carve out a significant chunk of the protected Greenbelt for housing development. Their relentless efforts, which included peaceful demonstrations, lobbying, and raising awareness, played a pivotal role in pushing the Premier to reconsider his stance.

During a caucus retreat in Niagara Falls, Ford admitted that he had made a grave mistake in ignoring the voices of his constituents and breaking his promise to protect the Greenbelt. This rare display of humility, combined with a pledge not to make any changes to the Greenbelt in the future, demonstrates the impact that public outcry can have on even the most entrenched political leaders.

News: Doug Ford cancels controversial $8.28-billion Greenbelt land swap: ‘It was a mistake’

November 9, 2022

The decision to backtrack on the Greenbelt issue is not only an acknowledgment of public sentiment but also an admission of a flawed process. Reports from the auditor general and integrity commissioner highlighted the rushed and biased selection of lands for development, favouring certain developers. It was a process that left many wondering if political connections played a more significant role than the needs of the people.

The magnitude of the Greenbelt reversal is further underscored by the potential financial ramifications. Property owners whose land was removed from the Greenbelt stood to see their land values rise significantly. The Premier’s acknowledgment that Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra is working through the details of potential compensation for these developers is a significant concession and one that may not sit well with all Ontarians.

The fallout from this reversal has also claimed the careers of several high-ranking officials, including two cabinet ministers, Steve Clark and Kaleed Rasheed, and other staff members. The integrity commissioner’s reports shed light on questionable connections and actions, including a trip to Las Vegas that has raised questions about ethical conduct.

Kaleed Rasheed, Ford’s principal secretary at the time Amin Massoudi, and Jae Truesdell – at the time in the private sector but who served as Ford’s director of housing policy starting in January 2022 – told the integrity commissioner they went to Las Vegas in December 2019. Rasheed and Massoudi “briefly encountered” developer Shakir Rehmatullah there, they said.

While Ford has expressed confidence that nothing criminal took place regarding the Greenbelt land swap, the RCMP is now reviewing information to determine whether an investigation is warranted. The Las Vegas trip adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing scrutiny of the government’s actions.

News: Doug Ford won’t be investigated over developers at family wedding events, integrity commissioner says

February 16, 2023

In the aftermath of this reversal, the Ontario government faces a critical test: the restoration of trust. Can voters forgive a leader who has admitted to a mistake of this magnitude, particularly in light of the Las Vegas trip and other questionable connections? It is not an easy feat, but history has shown that genuine contrition and concrete actions can pave the path to redemption.

The power of protest and collective action should not be underestimated. It is a reminder that in a democracy, the voices of the people can shape policy and hold leaders accountable. As Ontarians reflect on this remarkable turn of events, they should remember that the strength of their collective voice played a pivotal role in preserving the Greenbelt. It is a testament to the enduring power of democracy and the potential for positive change when citizens come together for a common cause.

Ultimately, Premier Doug Ford’s Greenbelt reversal, coupled with the Las Vegas trip and other revelations, serves as a poignant reminder that political leaders must never lose sight of the trust placed in them by the people. Trust can be elusive, but it can also be rebuilt through humility, transparency, and a commitment to the well-being of all citizens. In the end, it is the voters who will decide if the Premier’s actions have earned back their trust, and the legacy of this episode will undoubtedly shape the future of Ontario politics. (AI)