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Wednesday April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Ontario faces the dual challenge of countering U.S. tariffs while addressing internal issues in healthcare, housing, and social services, amid the Speech from the Throne.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday April 16, 2025

Ontario’s Balancing Act and Tariffs and Turmoil

Doug Ford and Mark Carney's collaborative relationship offers a pragmatic approach to tackling Canada's economic challenges, contrasting with Pierre Poilievre's divisive style.

March 26, 2025

Ontario’s government has delivered the Speech from the Throne, marking a pivotal moment in the province’s journey through complex domestic and international challenges. Premier Doug Ford’s administration has laid out its agenda, highlighting efforts to counter U.S. tariffs and address pressing internal issues.

In the speech, the government pledged to remove barriers to interprovincial trade and expedite approvals for new mines in the Northern Ring of Fire region, emphasizing its strategic importance to Ontario’s economy and security. This move reflects a commitment to economic resilience and a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies, underscoring that “Canada will never be the 51st state.”

The Throne Speech also reaffirmed Ontario’s dedication to the electric vehicle and battery industry, securing significant investments and maintaining a leadership role in North America. Despite critiques of substantial subsidies from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, the province remains committed to supporting this vital sector.

News: Trump and Ontario’s tariff response likely to dominate Ford’s throne speech

Canada finds itself compelled to retaliate against Trump's aggressive tariffs on steel and aluminum, with Doug Ford leading the charge, as the nation seeks to protect its economic interests.

March 12, 2025

Domestically, the speech addressed the need for immediate action in healthcare, housing, and social services. Ford’s administration recognizes the urgency of reducing wait times, improving housing affordability, and tackling social issues such as homelessness, poverty, mental health, and drug addiction.

The ambitious infrastructure plan, including a new tunnel expressway under Highway 401, is part of a broader $200-billion initiative to enhance transit and economic efficiency in Ontario, despite potential high costs.
The Ontario government’s resolve to navigate both international pressures and domestic challenges is evident. The Speech from the Throne serves as a comprehensive blueprint for strengthening the social fabric of the province, ensuring economic stability, and improving the quality of life for Ontarians.

As the government implements these plans, Premier Ford’s leadership will be measured by his ability to protect Ontario’s interests on the global stage while delivering tangible improvements to the lives of its citizens. The path forward requires a careful balance of diplomacy, innovation, and investment, with Ontarians keenly observing the government’s actions in this critical period.


Shopping for Thrones

Donald Trump seems to have quite the royal flair, doesn’t he? His foray into politics comes complete with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from a would-be king. From turning rallies into theatrical spectacles to ceremonies that have you wondering if a crown might appear, he’s certainly not shy about projecting a larger-than-life image.

His leadership style, marked by attempts to expand his power and tweak the rules, draws cheers from his fans who love the break from tradition. Meanwhile, critics are left clutching their pearls, worried about the potential for a royal takeover.

Trump’s fascination with all things regal seems like both a play for power and a personal love affair with the grandeur of monarchy. As his influence lingers, his royal tendencies keep everyone talking.

In my editorial cartoon for Wednesday, I poke a bit of fun at this ongoing dialogue about Trump’s king-like ambitions—a theme I can’t help but revisit. Today’s Speech From The Throne in Ontario consumed by the threat of Trump tariffs seemed like an apt occasion to put him in the scene.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for April 16, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

April 16, 2025 | Shopping For Thrones   https://youtu.be/N3Jjxg8R21g

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2025-08, collaboration, Donald Trump, Doug Ford, Economy, Edith Dumont, homelessness, infrastructure, mental health, not for sale, Ontario, Poverty, Queen's Park, resilience, Social services, Speech from the Throne, strategy, Substack, tariffs, throne

Thursday September 26, 2024

September 26, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Doug Ford needs to stop blaming vulnerable individuals for homelessness and instead focus on providing real solutions like affordable housing, mental health services, and job support to help lift people out of poverty.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 26, 2024

‘Get off your a-s-s,’ Doug Ford—Lead, Don’t Blame

Premier Doug Ford’s decision to liberalize alcohol sales in Ontario’s convenience stores might look like a popular move at first glance, but underneath it is a reckless waste of taxpayer dollars. The $225 million payout to end a contract with The Beer Store just 16 months early is a glaring example of poor financial governance, and it mirrors previous decisions by Ford’s government that have cost Ontarians hundreds of millions with little to show for it.

September 7, 2024

Premier Doug Ford’s recent comments telling homeless individuals to “get off your ass and start working” have sparked widespread outrage, and rightly so. While the Premier’s tough rhetoric might resonate with some who see homelessness as a matter of personal failure, his words ignore the complex reality facing those struggling with homelessness, addiction, and poverty in Ontario.

Yes, there may be a small minority of people who could work their way out of homelessness if given the chance. But reducing the entire crisis to individual responsibility is not only an oversimplification, it’s a failure of leadership. Ford was elected to lead—to solve problems, not to scold those who have been left behind. His comments aren’t just misplaced, they’re a distraction from the real issues at hand.

Homelessness is not a simple problem. Many people living on the streets struggle with mental illness, addiction, or trauma. Others are trapped in a cycle of poverty where even low-wage jobs don’t provide enough to cover rent in a province where housing costs have skyrocketed. Simply telling people to “get off their asses” and work ignores these deeply embedded social issues.

News: ‘Get off your a-s-s:’ Doug Ford scolded for telling homeless people to get jobs

August 9, 2018

If the Premier wants to be the champion of “the little guy,” as he so often claims, he needs to take responsibility for addressing the structural issues that contribute to homelessness and poverty. The tools to create meaningful change are at his disposal, and his failure to use them constructively is leaving far too many people behind.

First and foremost, Ford needs to acknowledge that Ontario is in the midst of a housing crisis. It’s becoming impossible for even middle-income earners to afford a home, let alone those who are living paycheque to paycheque or without stable employment. Housing affordability is a key issue, and yet, instead of proposing meaningful solutions, Ford resorts to victim-blaming.

Rather than telling people to find a job, Ford should focus on building affordable housing and reforming rent controls to ensure that housing is within reach for everyone. Housing is not a luxury, it’s a basic human need. Instead of dismissing this fact, Ford could champion policies that make it possible for low-income Ontarians to live with dignity. Expanding affordable housing isn’t just a policy choice—it’s a moral imperative.

January 12, 2019

The Premier’s comments also fail to account for the complex relationship between homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. Many people living in encampments struggle with these issues, making it nearly impossible for them to secure and maintain employment without proper support. Telling them to “get a job” is not just callous, it’s ignorant of the realities they face every day.

Instead of deriding “safe supply” programs or framing addiction as a personal failure, Ford could expand mental health and addiction services across the province. Comprehensive treatment centres, integrated with housing and job support services, could make a real difference. Ford has made some moves toward creating treatment hubs, but these efforts need serious funding and expansion to have a lasting impact. Homelessness, mental health, and addiction are intertwined issues that require holistic solutions, not finger-pointing.

Ford’s claim that people just need to apply for jobs and everything will get better also misses the mark. It ignores the systemic barriers that many homeless people face when trying to enter the workforce. Without a stable address, reliable transportation, or access to hygiene facilities, even the most qualified individuals can struggle to find and maintain employment. For those battling addiction or mental illness, the challenges are even greater.

May 21, 2022

Ford could introduce job training programs specifically tailored to help homeless individuals reintegrate into the workforce. Providing support in the form of resume-building workshops, interview preparation, and access to basic necessities would be a far more constructive approach. Telling people to “work harder” doesn’t solve the problem—it just shifts the blame onto those who are already struggling.

Even for those lucky enough to have a job, work doesn’t always provide a path out of poverty anymore. Wages in Ontario have not kept up with the cost of living, and many low-income workers are one emergency away from losing their homes. Ford could focus on strengthening labour protections, ensuring a living wage, and advocating for job security measures that allow workers to plan for the future.

It’s also essential to acknowledge that economic insecurity is a growing problem, especially for young people entering the job market. A commenter responding to Ford’s remarks raised the issue of youth unemployment, noting that many are struggling to find stable work, even as they compete for low-wage jobs. Ford could use his platform to address this, instead of simply blaming individuals for not working hard enough.

May 12, 2023

Doug Ford was elected to lead Ontario, to be the voice of “the little guy,” and to address the issues that matter most to everyday people. But leadership is about more than just rhetoric—it’s about action. Telling people to “get off their asses” doesn’t fix the housing crisis, it doesn’t solve addiction, and it doesn’t create jobs. It’s a distraction from the hard work that needs to be done.

If Ford wants to be remembered as a leader who truly stood up for Ontarians, he needs to stop blaming the victims of these complex crises and start offering real solutions. That means investing in affordable housing, expanding mental health and addiction services, and providing meaningful job supports. Ford has the tools to create lasting change—it’s time for him to use them.

Ultimately, if anyone needs to get off their ass right now, it’s Doug Ford. His comments show a troubling disconnect from the realities faced by Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens. But instead of offering solutions, he resorts to the politics of blame and division.

Ford has the mandate to make a difference. Instead of scolding those who are struggling, he should be using his position to help lift them up. Leadership is about empathy, understanding, and action—not shaming those who are already down. It’s time for Doug Ford to get off his ass and start leading.

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2024-17, addiction, Doug Ford, encampments, homelessness, housing, mental health, Ontario, punching down, Social services, unemployment, work

Tuesday July 30, 2019

August 6, 2019 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday July 30, 2019

Ford government reversing autism program changes

There’s news today from Queen’s Park that the Ontario government will reverse its direction on the funding of the province’s autism program.

February 16, 2019

This comes after months of protests from parents and an internal review that called for an immediate reset of its strategy.

Todd Smith, the new Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, announced on Monday that the government will move to design a funding program based on the needs of individual children.

Smith says the new program will work within a $600-million budget.

“It’s clear that the Ford government, we didn’t get the re-design right the first time. I’m here to tell you we will now,” said Smith.

“My message to families of children and youth with autism is, we have heard you, and we are taking action,” said Smith. “Our government is committed to a needs-based program that provides children and youth with the supports they need to thrive. Over the past number of weeks, I have met with service providers and families of children with autism who share a common goal to provide the best possible care and make a positive difference in the lives of children and families living with autism in Ontario.” (CTV News) 

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2019-27, autism, Doug Ford, fire, funding, gasoline, Ontario, Social services

Saturday February 16, 2019

February 23, 2019 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday February 16, 2019

Lisa MacLeod tweets apology, after calls to resign over autism controversy

Ontario’s social services minister said Thursday that she was sorry if she made anyone feel threatened, after behaviour analysts said she warned them of consequences if they didn’t support her new autism program.

February 15, 2019

Lisa MacLeod is resisting calls for her resignation in the wake of the comment, and her apology came late Thursday after the premier was peppered with questions about the remark.

“It’s been an emotional time,” MacLeod wrote on Twitter. “This is an issue I take very personally, and I apologize if my comments made anyone feel threatened or uncomfortable.”

Earlier Thursday, Premier Doug Ford ruled out asking MacLeod to quit cabinet, calling her an “absolute all-star.”

“I would never ever — I want to repeat that — ever ask Lisa to resign. She’s done an incredible job and let’s just make sure it’s factual,” Ford said after an unrelated announcement.

August 21, 2018

MacLeod’s office never denied the assertion, made by the Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysts. Instead, it issued a statement saying that despite “collaborative dialogues,” the association was “unwavering” in its desire to self-regulate — and unwilling to work with the government.

The group disputes that, and said MacLeod and her staff requested a quote of support a few days before the new program was announced.

“(They) indicated that failure to do so would result in ‘four long years’ for the organization,” the association said. “The minister also indicated that if a quote of support was not forthcoming, a communication that behaviour analysts are ‘self-interested’ would be released from her office.”

The association, parents and advocates say the revamped autism program will leave many children without the level of therapy they need. (Source: CBC News) 

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2019-06, autism, cheerleading, coercion, Doug Ford, Lisa MacLeod, Ontario, Social services, stadium

Friday February 8, 2019

February 15, 2019 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 8, 2019

Ford government autism program overhaul met with outrage by some parents who fear kids will lose out

The Ford government’s plan to overhaul Ontario’s autism program has sparked anger among parents — including a PC political staffer and father of two autistic teens who quit in disgust over the changes Wednesday.

January 25, 2019

Under the revamp, aimed at clearing a therapy wait list of 23,000 kids, parents will be given funding and the power to choose the services they want. But families will face a lifetime limit of $140,000 per child and high-earners will no longer be eligible.

Parents, who say funding should be based on need and not on age or arbitrary cut-offs, were devastated by the move.

“In light of today’s announcement, I told my minister I did not feel I could continue in my role as legislative assistant,” said Bruce McIntosh, who joined Progressive Conservative MPP Amy Fee’s political staff when the Ford government was elected last spring.

McIntosh is the former president of the Ontario Autism Coalition, a parent advocacy group that has pushed for more government support but has been critical of age-based funding.

November 17, 2018

Fee (Kitchener South—Hespeler) is parliamentary assistant for Lisa MacLeod, minister of children, community and social services, who announced the autism overhaul at Toronto’s Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

Fee, the mother of two children with autism, spoke about her own family’s experiences during the news conference.

An estimated 40,000 children in Ontario have autism, a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication. About 2,400 of them are waiting for a diagnosis, 23,000 are on a wait list for behavioural therapies and just 8,400 are receiving services.

MacLeod said the government will double funding for diagnostic hubs to $5.5 million a year for the next two years, clear the therapy wait lists and ensure families get their funding within the next 18 months.

The program under the previous Liberal government was inefficient and did not address children’s needs, she said. (Source: Hamilton Spectator) 


Letter to the Editor, The Hamilton Spectator, February 19, 2019 – A cartoon worth a thousand words

RE: MacKay cartoon (Feb. 8)

I want to commend Graeme MacKay for his Feb. 8, 2019, cartoon. His depiction of Premier Ford providing a mere drop of assistance to the families of those on the autism spectrum is proof once again that a picture is worth a thousand words. As the accompanying piece explained, cutting the same-sized pie into smaller pieces will not address the needs of the families who have been waiting for the services their children require. I thought Premier Ford’s platform promised that he would not be cutting services for Ontario’s citizens. It seems the Conservative politicians have forgotten this. Higher education support, elementary school class sizes, workers’ rights, services to children with autism, who will be next? Health care recipients?

Theresa Flynn-Purchase, Hamilton

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2019-05, autism, development, Doug Ford, education, Feedback, learning, Ontario, Social services, soup, spectrum, spending
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This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

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