steel – mackaycartoons

Saturday March 22, 2025

March 22, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 22, 2025

The Tesla Turmoil in Canada

October 26, 2024

In recent years, the relationship between the United States and Canada has been strained, largely due to the actions and policies of former President Donald Trump. His approach of using “economic force” has led to unintended and destructive consequences, sparking unrest and acts reminiscent of guerilla warfare.

News: Canadians Turn on Tesla, and It Becomes Physical

The tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imposed by the Trump administration marked a significant shift away from the cooperative spirit of the USMCA free trade agreement. Hamilton, Ontario, a key player in Canada’s steel industry, has been hit hard by these measures. By ignoring the principles of trust and goodwill in the USMCA, Trump has not only damaged diplomatic ties but also ignited resentment and resistance among Canadians.

January 28, 2025

Adding to the tension, Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the 51st state have stirred unease. Such remarks, whether serious or not, undermine the sovereignty and pride of Canada, a long-standing ally. Coupled with Elon Musk’s alleged statement that “Canada is not a real country,” these actions suggest a troubling disregard for Canada’s independence.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and an advisor to Trump, has become a divisive figure in this narrative. Known for his controversial behaviour, Musk has been given the task of drastically reducing the U.S. federal workforce. His influence extends beyond business, as he uses his social media platform to spread information that some believe interferes with democratic processes. Musk’s rhetoric against Canada, including the alleged remark that “Canada is not a real country,” has only intensified the animosity. For many Canadians, Musk represents a direct threat to their sovereignty and democracy.

January 21, 2025

The backlash against Musk in Canada has been swift and intense. In Hamilton, more than 80 Teslas were vandalized, seen by many as a protest against what they perceive as an attack on their livelihoods. While vandalism is undoubtedly destructive, it reflects a deeper sense of frustration and desperation. When faced with economic force from a hardline president, these acts of defiance become a form of protest for those who feel marginalized and powerless.

News: Tesla under fire: Vanadalism, protests in Hamilton signal tense U.S.-Canada relations

August 28, 2018

The Trump administration’s decision to label these acts as “domestic terrorism” seems inconsistent, especially when compared to the pardons granted to those involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Describing violent rioters as “patriots” while condemning Canadian protestors as terrorists highlights a troubling inconsistency in the application of justice.

The events unfolding in Canada serve as a warning about the unintended consequences of using economic force without considering diplomatic integrity and international cooperation. As tensions rise and acts of defiance continue, it is crucial for leaders to reflect on the impact of their policies and rhetoric. True leadership requires not only strength but also empathy and respect for the sovereignty and dignity of all nations.

Resisting Tesla

Some thoughts on the recent spate of vandalism against Teslas, especially since 80 of them were targeted in my own community, grabbing international attention. This is happening amidst some broader political and economic issues. Now, don’t get me wrong—I think the Tesla trucks are quite the eyesore, but generally, I’m a fan of electric cars. Elon’s are called “Cybertrucks,” am I right? The problem is, owning one is just too costly for many of us. So, when I see a Tesla on the road, I can’t help but think its driver is flaunting wealth, much like those who used to drive around in those obnoxious Hummers.

I’m not one to condone vandalism against personal property, but in this case, I find myself understanding the resistance. Here’s why:

Donald Trump launched an economic war against Canada, disregarding the good faith established by the USMCA. By imposing harsh tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, he’s directly targeting Hamilton, the heart of our steel industry.

His comments about wanting Canada to become the 51st state are unsettling, to say the least.

Trump enlisted Elon Musk—yeah, the world’s richest guy, who’s been leaning far right and has a bizarre knack for making Nazi-style salutes—to slash the U.S. federal civil service with mass firings.

The idea that “Canada is not a real country” aligns with Trump’s annexation ambitions.

Musk’s influence, especially through his social media platform, is a genuine threat to Canadian sovereignty. His spread of misinformation and interference in elections is alarming.

The backlash against Musk is rooted in his ties with Trump and the assault on livelihoods, especially in Hamilton. While I can’t support the vandalism itself, I see it as a reaction to Musk’s provocations.

Labeling this as “domestic terrorism” by Trump’s administration is laughable, especially considering the pardons given to those he called “patriots” after the January 6th Capitol attack.

In essence, when a hardline president imposes “economic force,” it’s almost inevitable that guerrilla warfare-like resistance will follow. That’s precisely what’s unfolding now.

– The Graeme Gallery

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Thursday March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 13, 2025

Tariff Turmoil: When Protectionism Backfires

March 3, 2018

The tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on aluminum and steel imports were meant to protect American industry and jobs, but they might end up harming the consumers and workers they were supposed to help. As countries like Canada respond with their own tariffs, the economic impact could isolate the U.S. and destabilize its economy.

These tariffs act like a hidden tax, raising the cost of materials essential for many products. As businesses face higher costs, they pass these expenses on to consumers, resulting in higher prices for everyday items. For American families already dealing with rising living costs, this adds an extra financial burden instead of the relief promised.

News: Canada to impose retaliatory tariffs on $29.8-billion worth of U.S. steel

October 31, 2013

Moreover, these tariffs put American jobs at risk, especially in industries that depend on international trade. In places like Hamilton, where steel and aluminum production are key, the effects are significant. Canadian producers lose access to the U.S. market, and American manufacturers relying on Canadian materials face challenges, threatening jobs and economic stability.

The market has reacted with uncertainty, reflecting fears of a recession. Economists warn that unclear trade policies might stifle investment and slow economic growth, undoing recent progress. The panic in the markets highlights the fragility of a strategy lacking coherence and foresight.

As other countries impose retaliatory tariffs, the risk of isolation grows. Trade wars rarely have winners, and escalating tensions can strain diplomatic relations and reduce global cooperation. In an interconnected world, pursuing protectionism might leave the U.S. at a disadvantage, missing opportunities for collaboration and growth.

News: Europe retaliates against Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum

March 5, 2025

The current U.S. trade policy under President Trump seems misguided. Instead of helping American consumers and workers, it risks harming economic prosperity. Policymakers need to rethink their approach, engaging with trading partners and developing strategies that focus on innovation and competitiveness.

Trump’s tariff measures could bring pain to consumers and industries across North America. As these effects unfold, a more balanced approach to trade is needed. By fostering cooperation and understanding the realities of a global economy, the U.S. can work towards a future where prosperity is shared, fulfilling the promises made to the American people.

Trump hits Home

I would have loved to draw something on that bizarre car salesman promo Donald Trump staged on the South Lawn of the White House for his billionaire buddy Elon Musk’s struggling company, Tesla. But instead, I found myself compelled to reflect on the more serious story of how Trump’s actions have hit home here in Hamilton. His tariffs on aluminum and steel, which were supposed to protect American industries, are now threatening to raise consumer prices and jeopardize jobs right here in our steel city—ground zero for Canada’s domestic production.

Canada is responding with its own tariffs, and the economic ripples are being felt across North America, hitting Hamilton especially hard.

No other President in my lifetime has impacted me, my family, and my city so personally. Trump’s poor handling of the pandemic, including the prolonged land border closures, directly affected us. Although intended to protect public health, these closures strained our healthcare services and took a toll on our local economy.

Donald Trump feigns outrage at Doug Ford’s threats to cut off Ontario electricity to American consumers, calling it a horrible way to treat people. Meanwhile, I live in Hamilton, where the lights are about to go out on thousands of livelihoods due to a trade war the President is determined to wage, weakening his nation’s once-closest ally.

Through my cartoons, I aim to highlight these real, personal impacts, hoping to spark the change we need for a more sensible approach. Americans, the world is counting on you to end the carnage!

– The Graeme Gallery

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Wednesday March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday March 12, 2025

Canada’s Counterpunch to Trump’s Tariffs

February 28, 2025

In recent weeks, the trade relationship between the United States and Canada has deteriorated alarmingly, driven by President Donald Trump’s decision to impose punitive tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. These actions are more than mere economic measures; they represent a unilateral escalation of trade hostilities that threaten to destabilize industries and economies on both sides of the border. In response, Canada finds itself with few options but to retaliate, and Doug Ford has emerged as an unexpected champion of Canadian interests in this trade war.

The imposition of a 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum by the Trump administration is an aggressive maneuver that places immense pressure on a sector reliant on American consumers for 90% of its output. The potential devastation to Canada’s steel industry is undeniable, and the ripple effects could lead to economic downturns on both sides of the border. With President Trump openly acknowledging the possibility of a recession, the stakes have never been higher.

News: Donald Trump says he’ll jack up tariffs to 50% on all Canadian steel and aluminum effective Wednesday

February 13, 2025

Doug Ford’s approach to the situation has been assertive and confrontational, embodying the spirit of a pitbull in his strategic retaliation against Trump. While not all Canadians agree with Ford’s tactics, it is undeniable that his actions have caught the attention of the U.S. administration. In the face of bullying, Canada’s only viable strategy is to kick back, and Ford seems determined to show that Canada will not be intimidated.

The necessity of retaliation is further underscored by the sentiment among Canadians that we are being bullied. The imposition of such tariffs is not just an economic issue; it is a challenge to Canada’s sovereignty and economic stability. Retaliatory measures are not a choice but an imperative to protect national interests. As commentators have suggested, Canada must consider leveraging other aspects of trade, such as imposing export taxes on critical resources like potash, oil, and electricity, to exert pressure on the U.S. market.

Moreover, this situation presents an opportunity for Canada to reassess its trade relationships and seek alliances beyond North America. Building stronger ties with Europe and Asia could provide a buffer against the volatility of U.S. policies and foster economic resilience.

Opinion: The U.S. Democrats aren’t the strongest opposition to Trump right now. Canada is

December 3, 2024

The path forward requires a combination of strategic diplomacy and firm economic measures. While diplomacy remains essential, the real battle lies in the realm of political and economic influence. Canada must engage in a full-scale persuasion campaign to make American consumers aware of the consequences of Trump’s tariffs on their daily lives. As Jaime Watt aptly described, this campaign should focus on ensuring that every price increase, supply chain disruption, and economic pain is directly linked to its source: Donald Trump.

In conclusion, while the current trade conflict with the U.S. poses significant challenges, it also presents an opportunity for Canada to demonstrate strength and strategic acumen. By standing firm and retaliating decisively, Canada can protect its interests and show that it will not be cowed by aggressive unilateral actions. In the face of a bully, sometimes the only option is to fight back, and Canada stands ready to do just that.

Today was a whirlwind. It began with a mission to draw attention to the 5th anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic declaration and the unsettling return of measles, thanks to anti-science and vaccine hesitancy. But in the “Golden Era” of Donald Trump, plans shift at the drop of a hat. Morning headlines blared that the hot headed President was threatening a whopping 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum. I live in Hamilton, the Pittsburgh of Canada, so steel manufacturing is a big interest to me. This was his reaction to my provincial premier, Doug Ford’s announcement yesterday about billing American users for Ontario’s electricity.

See how disruptive one man can be? It’s practically impossible to focus on other stuff – Yet charges are made by Trumpies that we’re the ones afflicted with TDS.

By day’s end, the scene had dramatically shifted. After gyrations in the markets, a flurry of phone calls and negotiations, Ford wisely decided to rescind his threats, buying some breathing room for both sides. In the midst of this diplomatic ballet, I sketched out a cartoon that captures the day’s essence. Mark Carney, the new Canadian Liberal leader and prime minister designate, stands confidently, the new guy in the neighbourhood, gesturing toward a fierce pitbull—Doug Ford—barking vigorously. Carney quips, “Doug’s harmless. He’s just a ‘tariffic’ guardian.” Meanwhile, a moving truck labelled “PM Designate Movers” hints at the transition in leadership. Overlooking it all, Trump stands on a balcony, his stern expression a testament to the day’s tensions. It’s a satirical take on the relentless political dynamics and trade tensions that colour these times. Oh what fun it brings.

Here’s the making-of clip for the March 12, 2025 cartoon:

– The Graeme Gallery

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Thursday May 16, 2019

May 23, 2019 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday May 16, 2019

Freeland renews push to remove steel, aluminum tariffs during Washington trip

July 27, 2018

Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland is bound for Washington to meet with Trump trade czar Robert Lighthizer in a renewed push to get punitive steel and aluminum tariffs lifted.

The meeting at the United States trade representative’s Washington office is to take place on Wednesday but Freeland will also venture to Capitol Hill for a meeting with the influential Republican chair of the Senate finance committee, Chuck Grassley.

“We continue to lobby very assertively for the lifting of the tariffs. We’re at a point where we need to do everything we can and talk to everyone we can about why we see these as unjust,” a senior government source said Tuesday, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the ongoing dispute.

June 1, 2018

The meetings come after a pair of telephone calls on consecutive days late last week between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in which the controversial 25-per-cent duty on Canadian steel and 10-per-cent levy on aluminum was a major subject of conversation.

On Tuesday, Grassley suggested to reporters in a conference call that an end to the tariffs might be close. Last month, Grassley tweeted that Trump must remove the tariffs before the new North American trade deal can be ratified.

Trump imposed them in the first place using a section of U.S. trade law that gives the president powers to put duties on imports on national-security grounds.

Freeland, Trudeau and others in Canadian government have derided the tariffs as absurd, illegal and insulting.

But Freeland has said she’s heartened by the recent comments of both Republican and Democratic American lawmakers who say the new North American trade agreement that includes Mexico can’t be ratified with the “Section 232” tariffs in place. (Global)

Saturday March 2, 2019

March 9, 2019 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 2, 2019

SNC-Lavalin and Preferential Treatment

Just when it seems that the scandal currently plaguing the federal government could not get much worse, the federal government may have another trick up its sleeve.

March 1, 2019

First, some background. The federal government’s procurement website states that “in 2015, we introduced a regime to ensure the government does business only with ethical suppliers….”

Federal procurement policies include an Integrity Regime to “help foster ethical business practices, ensure due process and uphold the public trust. It is transparent and rigorous and is consistent with best practices in Canada and abroad.”

As if attempts to secure a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) for SNC-Lavalin weren’t enough, it has been reported that the government now wants to change the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy under the Integrity Regime.

February 23, 2019

That policy sets out the circumstances in which a criminal conviction will result in an organization becoming ineligible to bid on federal contracts. The list of offences that result in ineligibility include bribery, lobbying offences, fraud, false or deceptive statements, and money laundering. The ineligibility period is five or 10 years, depending on the crime.

The proposed changes would give the government more flexibility to decide whether a ban should apply, and if so, for how long.

The federal government is determined to ensure that SCN Lavalin remains eligible to bid on federal government contracts.

The stated reason is to protect jobs. Quebec jobs, to be specific.

The unstated reason may be to protect votes in Quebec.

Why the steely determination to protect this company?

February 18, 2016

Even considering possible political motives, it still seems to defy logic.

After all, it is possible that a corporation’s unsavory conduct may contribute to its growth and stifle competition. Would it be so successful without it?

If SNC-Lavalin goes under, surely someone else will fill the void, and employees will find work elsewhere. Albeit, this may not all happen before election day.

It is perhaps finally obvious to the federal government that it will be difficult to invite SNC-Lavalin to enter a DPA.

So instead, it plans to change the criteria for awarding federal contracts.

This could prove problematic. And possibly rather expensive. (Continued: Kelowna Capital News)

Reference made to this cartoon on CBC Radio One show “The Current”, Tuesday March 4, 2019 by Jason Markusoff, Alberta correspondent for Maclean’s magazine. 7:35minute mark.