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Friday June 9, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 9, 2023

Navigating Turbulent Economic Times Ahead

January 24, 2023

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing a critical challenge as he grapples with the effects of steeply rising interest rates on Canadians. The recent decision by the Bank of Canada to raise its benchmark interest rate to 4.75 percent, the highest level in over two decades, has raised concerns about the potential consequences for individuals and families across the country.

The immediate impact of these rising interest rates is being felt by both mortgage holders and renters. The cost of borrowing has increased, making it more challenging for individuals to afford their mortgage payments or find affordable rental options. As a result, there is a growing risk of foreclosures, insolvencies, and bankruptcies, which can lead to a cycle of poverty, homelessness, and other social issues.

Analysis: The painful end of free money as real interest rates start to rise  

May 10, 2022

Moreover, a recent survey conducted by the non-profit Angus Reid Institute indicates that rising living costs have become a significant issue for Canadians, with 63 percent of respondents identifying it as their top concern. This widespread economic worry is now correlated with a loss of support for the ruling Liberal party, particularly among its own voter base. Former Liberal supporters are increasingly seeking alternative options in search of relief from the financial burden they face.

The decline in support for the Liberal party is notable, as it comes after the party had successfully won a minority government in 2021. The survey reveals that 41 percent of struggling former Liberal voters and 44 percent of uncomfortable former Liberal voters would not commit to supporting the party again. While the largest portion of these former Liberal supporters would consider voting for the NDP, who have been supporting the minority Liberal government through a confidence-and-supply agreement, this trend poses a concern for the Liberal party strategists.

October 28, 2022

Prime Minister Trudeau must now address the challenges posed by rising interest rates and the economic hardships faced by Canadians. It is crucial for his government to develop a comprehensive plan that prioritizes the needs of individuals and families who are most affected by the rising cost of living. This plan should include measures to support those at risk of foreclosure, insolvency, and homelessness, as well as initiatives to alleviate poverty, hunger, and addiction.

News: More Bank of Canada rate hikes could ‘spell trouble’ as more people struggle with finances  

Additionally, the government must focus on improving housing affordability, healthcare access, and addressing climate change concerns. These issues were identified as top priorities by Canadians in the Angus Reid survey and must be tackled to restore public confidence in the Liberal party’s ability to address their needs effectively.

September 8, 2022

The Liberal Government should also consider working closely with the Bank of Canada to monitor the impact of interest rate hikes on the economy and make necessary adjustments to support vulnerable individuals and businesses. Collaboration between fiscal and monetary authorities is crucial to strike a balance between curbing inflation and mitigating the adverse effects on Canadians.

Prime Minister Trudeau must take swift and decisive action to navigate the challenges posed by steeply rising interest rates. By implementing a comprehensive plan that addresses the immediate needs of Canadians, while also focusing on long-term solutions, the government can alleviate the economic hardships faced by individuals and families. This will not only restore confidence in the ruling party but also demonstrate a commitment to the well-being and prosperity of all Canadians. (AI)

 

Tuesday November 22, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 22, 2022

Political insider breaks down Green Party of Canada co-leadership win, potential trouble ahead

Former party leader and B.C. MP Elizabeth May and newcomer Jonathan Pedneault became the new co-leaders of the Green Party of Canada (GPC) on Saturday.

October 14, 2015

After her win, May, who ran the party from 2006 to 2019, made the case for the co-leadership model but noted that members would have the final say. It will require a change to the party’s constitution.

Former interim leader Amita Kuttner had expressed some uncertainty about how a potential shift to the co-leader model would be implemented.

Sonia Théroux, a political organizer who was involved with one of the Green Party of Canada’s most successful campaigns in 2015, says while she’s not surprised by the outcome of the leadership election, there could be some challenges ahead. 

When asked if she was surprised the two won the leadership, Théroux said, “I was not surprised. I was quite certain that Elizabeth and Anna Keenan were the two front-runners, and with Elizabeth’s name recognition, I assumed she had the edge.”

October 13, 2022

As for challenges they’ll inherit as co-leaders, “besides the obvious infrastructure problems, they’ve had a massive loss of staff. I think there’s a lot of work to be done to regain trust, not only from the base, which in some senses might be more easily done than with the public. I think the public looks for political parties and leaders in general that feel like they have a handle on their internal matters, and as we’ve all seen for the last few years, that’s not the impression the party has given.”

“It’s not unusual for Greens, that’s for sure. I see it as an increasing concept in leadership. I think it’s actually a good concept for the most part, but it can also really easily be poorly done if it’s not really well thought out. They do need to democratically come to this decision as a party, and my understanding is that they’ve attempted that in the past, and it hasn’t passed, but I can see it being successful at their 2023 annual general meeting. It will require an adjustment of their constitution.”

July 16, 2021

“if you’re both tackling the same things, you end up with a lot of confusion often, which can really trickle down to staff and the people that you’re working with. I’d say that the major factor from my perspective in a party that needs to signal change is that Jonathan Pedneault was given a lot of platform, and my understanding when Elizabeth announced the co-leadership intention, she was quoted somewhere in the media saying they had already figured it out.”

Théroux believes challenges lie ahead: “Jonathan was going to focus on rebuilding the party, and she was going to be the spokesperson. That sounds like a recipe for it not working. You’ve got a party in disarray that is not completely unrelated to her 13 years in leadership. To have Jonathan go in and try to fix that while she’s given the platform, I think it’s the opposite of how they should approach it.”

“If the intention is really to signal a new voice, a new time, a new era, and to try to regain the trust of the public, it’s really hard to do that when you’ve got a record versus somebody who’s brand new and exciting, and that can really engage a subset of the population that currently isn’t paying attention to the Green Party.”

June 18, 2021

“Elizabeth had her time at the party. It really needs to signal change. I think that points to giving Pedneault more of a platform than Elizabeth May herself. He needs to be given the time and the resources he needs in order to feel like he’s got everything he needs to move forward.”

When asked if the Green Party be any better situated in the next federal election to elect more members of Parliament, Théroux said, “That really depends on what they choose to do. I do know a lot of folks that feel like Elizabeth May returning to the role signals moving backward versus moving forward. So that is a hump that they have to overcome.”

“And I think then it really comes down to, can they as leaders really generate enough attention and engagement that they build back a funding base because you cannot win elections without staff and without money. And if those two things aren’t repaired together with, critically, a culture change that needs to happen in that party, I don’t see their chances necessarily getting better without that hard work.” (CBC News) 

 

Wednesday November 4, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday November 4, 2020

Trump prematurely crowns himself winner in chaotic U.S. election that remains undecided

The ingredients have now been assembled for a combustible post-election aftermath in the United States. And Donald Trump has begun flinging matches.

November 9, 2016

Uncertainty had been predicted for months and early returns confirmed that voting day would indeed pass without a clear winner.

As in 2016, Trump outperformed the polls, forcing a state-by-state duel with Democratic challenger Joe Biden that could conceivably culminate in Trump winning a second term.

The result could become clearer within hours, or perhaps days.

States are still counting mail-in ballots, which tend to skew Democrat, and Biden is quickly narrowing gaps in the count in several states; in some cases, he’s possibly set to overtake Trump.

October 31, 2020

The chaotic finale illustrates the country’s bitter polarization; the parties are arguing about which types of ballots are legitimate.

The president has eagerly fanned that polarization. Early Wednesday morning, he falsely claimed that he had already won. Trump did so in an unusual rally from the White House, a seat of government not typically used for election events. 

“This is a fraud on the American public. This is an embarrassment,” Trump said from the executive residence. “We did win this election.”

Trump promised to head to court to try cutting off the counting of votes. 

In Pennsylvania, for example, Republicans have been trying to cancel the counting of ballots that are postmarked before election day but arrive after. It’s one of more than 350 such casesthis year over pandemic-related voting measures. (CBC) 

 

Wednesday October 21, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 21, 2020

As second wave of coronavirus hits, get your flu shot, health officials advise

Some local pharmacies got flu vaccines for seniors and those with compromised immune systems last week and expect a full shipment of the seasonal shot later this week. 

September 10, 2020

London pharmacists that CBC News spoke to Tuesday said many people were already inquiring about getting their flu shot as case numbers of COVID-19 continue to soar provincially and health authorities warn of a “twin-demic” that could overwhelm the health care system. 

“Even if you haven’t ever gotten your flu shot, even if you haven’t gotten it in the last 10 years, this is the year to do it,” said pharmacist Nauman Shaikh, who owns the MedPoint Care pharmacy in CitiPlaza. 

The province is rolling out what it’s calling the largest flu vaccine campaign in Ontario history, with more than 5 million flu vaccine doses ordered, 700,000 more than last year, officials said. 

“This includes 1.3 million high-dose vaccine doses for Ontario seniors, especially those with pre-existing health conditions,” the province said. 

April 11, 2019

Many of those were shipped to pharmacies last week. Shaikh got 40 doses on Tuesday and they were gone by Thursday. 

And although people are calling pharmacies and asking for the flu shot, Shaikh said most pharmacies will get theirs on Thursday and Friday. 

“I think there will be enough dosages for everyone, so don’t panic. There will be enough,” he said. 

Some pharmacies are asking customers to make appointments for flu shots, because maintaining distance between walk-in customers can be tricky. 

Shaikh will be wearing full personal protective gear when he gives the vaccine, and his pharmacy is using an extra room to ensure there is a lot of space. 

The province said it is prioritizing early distribution of the flu vaccine for vulnerable populations in long-term care homes, hospitals and retirement homes, and has spent an additional $26.5 million to purchase extra flu vaccine doses if required and made available through the national vaccine bulk procurement program. 

Ontario is also launching a public education campaign to encourage getting the flu shot. (CBC) 

 

Thursday March 7, 2019

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 7, 2019

Gerald Butts’ testimony couldn’t save Trudeau’s skin, but the rest of us will be fine

The flag is still flying on government buildings. There are no troops in the streets. The CBC is still broadcasting and the House of Commons committees are still functioning. Mail is still being delivered, and all those other little things Canadians take for granted are still being attended to. They carry on in their delightfully banal ways despite an Ipsos-Reid poll’s troubling finding that two-thirds of Canadians say Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has lost the moral authority to govern.

February 28, 2019

That Canadian democracy is still functioning is worth pointing out, given the lightning strikes and the rolling thunder accompanying the SNC-Lavalin bribery-case revelations. It is more than worrisome that despite their loudest protests to the contrary, the bigshots in Trudeau’s inner circle do not hold the foundational democratic principle of the rule of law to be especially sacrosanct after all. With all the cabinet resignations and committee-hearing drama, and the public astonishment with the creepiness of the whole thing, 73 per cent of Liberal voters, even, say the RCMP should be brought in to sort things out.

Blame the mainstream media generally, or even specifically The Globe and Mail, which broke the story a month ago, all you like. Recite as accurately and loudly as you please from the Liberal party handbook’s provisions on “jobs for the middle class and people working hard to join it.” The slightest hint that this thematic talking point is being deployed as a justification for monkeying around with judicial independence will be seen by reasonable people as fatally self-incriminating. But go right ahead.

March 2, 2019

These prevarications were not what the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights heard on Wednesday morning from Gerald Butts, the principal secretary to Justin Trudeau, and Trudeau’s dear friend for three decades, who resigned three weeks ago after having found himself a central character in the whole drama. In his long-awaited testimony, Butts insisted there was no improper pressure applied to attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould, at least not intentionally, and that all that was being asked of her was that a “second opinion” might be sought on the propriety of a remediation agreement with SNC-Lavalin, instead of a criminal prosecution. An eminent jurist might be consulted. Or perhaps a panel of jurists.

When Butts talked about the 9,000 SNC-Lavalin jobs that may or may not be at stake in the case, he spoke as a Cape Bretoner, from a family of miners. He spoke with his heart and his guts. As for his account of his interactions with Wilson-Raybould, and his take on the various communications and encounters the Prime Minister’s Office had with Wilson-Raybould on the SNC-Lavalin file, the most generous reading would be that it’s all been one big horrible misunderstanding.

August 20, 2016

Whether this repairs any of the damage done to Team Trudeau cannot yet be known, but that Ipsos-Reid poll was concluded even before Treasury Board president Jane Philpott resigned from cabinet on Monday. Her explanation: “Sadly, I have lost confidence in how the government has dealt with this matter and in how it has responded to the issues raised.” Set your hair on fire if you must, but Philpott’s view is in complete agreement with the opinion Ipsos-Reid attributes to the overwhelming majority of Canadians. (Continued: National Post)