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Saturday April 5, 2025 | Newsletter 25

This week has been a whirlwind of political drama and economic upheaval, with the shadow of Donald Trump once again dominating Canadian politics. From trade tensions to allegations of foreign interference, each day unveiled new layers of complexity in the political landscape. As always, I hope my editorial cartoons served as a mirror, reflecting the craziness and challenges of a rapidly shifting global order. Join me as we navigate through the week’s events, summarizing the key themes and messages that emerged over the past seven days.

Monday March 31, 2025 “Re-run of the week”
As we entered the second week of the 2025 Federal Election, one might expect my focus in editorial cartoons to be entirely consumed by it. However, in an era that Donald Trump labels the “new Golden Age for America” and where he insists that “America is Back,” this week was marked by “Liberation Day.” Retiring MP Charlie Angus aptly noted that the Normandy landings, commonly known as D-Day, on June 6, 1944, rightfully deserve this designation, as they signified the beginning of the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation. Any president from the past 70 years, including Trump, should recognize this historical significance. Yet, it is clear that history holds little importance for him, just as alliances seem to have lost their meaning. Meanwhile, the world watched as he threatened punitive measures against nearly every nation—except for Russia, North Korea, Iran, and Cuba—for what he describes as “Ripping off America.”

Given the prominence of this theme throughout the week, I decided to dedicate Monday to releasing part two of a playing card I had sketched the previous week. This time, I created a corresponding card featuring Doug Ford and Mark Carney, representing a concept of unity. With Smith raising the prospect of Alberta’s separation, this pairing felt particularly fitting. In a Globe & Mail piece this week, former Reform relic Preston Manning warned that a Carney premiership risks the “breakup of Canada,” using dramatic rhetoric about Western secession that borders on fear-mongering rather than proposing constructive solutions. He might be onto something with his vision of the future, particularly given the strong presence of like-minded “drill baby drill” maple MAGA supporters. However, his stance came across as somewhat desperate, and considering Poilievre’s subsequent distancing from it later in the week, it seems less than beneficial.

Tuesday April 1, 2025 “Fire and Fury in the North”
Speaking of desperation, conspiracy theories reared their ugly heads from right field in these early days, aiming to undermine the Liberals’ growing lead over the Conservatives. Notably, two theories targeted Carney: one involved a legitimate old group photograph of him with Ghislaine Maxwell, while the other was an AI-generated fake depicting them on a beach alongside Tom Hanks, of all people. Additionally, a fabricated claim alleged that Carney had plagiarized his doctoral thesis from Oxford, but this was quickly debunked. These theories fizzled out within days, yet the influence of Donald Trump on Canadian politics loomed large, with his chaotic persona portrayed as a fire-breathing figure unleashing “LIBERATION DAY!” Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre stood engulfed in flames labelled “CANADA FIRST,” facing a pivotal decision amid escalating trade tensions. As his campaign struggles with misinformation surrounding Carney, the question of leadership clarity remains pressing, though there is a glimmer of hope that voters may become more discerning in distinguishing fact from fiction.

Wednesday April 2, 2025 “Dragons and Decisions”
The focus now turns to Mark Carney, who stands resolutely behind Paul Chiang before Chiang resigns amid controversies that underscore the Liberal Party’s perceived indecisiveness. This moment presents a much-needed opportunity for the Conservatives, reminding the public of the Liberals’ consistent detachment from pressing issues, a legacy of Trudeau’s leadership that demonstrates Carney’s Liberals are no different in their tone-deafness. The cartoon’s dragon, labelled “INTERFERENCE,” symbolizes the urgent concern of foreign meddling, particularly from China. This incident brings back discussions about the importance of honesty and strong leadership, highlighting the need to respond more effectively to outside influences as the election campaign heats up. Carney’s misstep is a costly blunder for a rookie politician.

Thursday April 3, 2025 “Termination Day Takes Flight”
A chunk of the U.S. has been metaphorically launched into the atmosphere, marking what some have called “LIBERATION DAY,” while Ontario Premier Doug Ford has labelled it “Termination Day,” reflecting the intense backlash against these policies. As the world watches with growing concern, the potential economic consequences of isolationist strategies are becoming increasingly evident. The Trump administration made its announcements just after the markets closed at 4 PM, and by my 5 PM deadline, the metaphorical ink of this cartoon was drying as the markets plummeted to record lows on Thursday and continued to falter on Friday. Trump downplayed the situation, likening it to a patient recovering from surgery, but the rising anxiety in global markets reveals the chaos his decisions are creating, leaving allies questioning their loyalties. On the Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon summarized the day’s fallout with an impression of Trump, declaring, “We’ll make America wealthy again like it was at the start of my presidency.”

Friday April 4, 2025 “Factories and Folly”
As the week unfolds, the cartoon critiques the oversimplified idea of reviving American manufacturing. The striking contrast between the luxurious Mar-a-Lago and the harsh reality of factories underscores the complexities surrounding Trump’s trade policies. The push to bring jobs back home, alongside the rise of automation, raises questions about the practicality of a nostalgic return to manufacturing in the U.S. Dissenting voices within his own party are starting to emerge, challenging the effectiveness of tariffs and their long-term economic consequences. Libertarian GOP Senator Rand Paul provided a historical perspective on tariffs, pointing out their detrimental effects: “Tariffs have led to political decimation,” Paul noted. “When [former President William] McKinley imposed tariffs in 1890, the party lost 50 percent of their seats in the national election. Similarly, after the Smoot-Hawley tariff in the early 1930s, we lost control of the House and Senate for 60 years. They’re not only economically harmful but politically damaging as well.” This relentless pursuit of wealth, often disregarding human lives and the regulations meant to protect our environment, echoes the dangers of unchecked capitalism, reminiscent of the nightmare scenario of Pottersville that George Bailey encounters in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Saturday April 5, 2025 “A Hermit Kingdom in the Making”
The week culminates in a portrayal of Uncle Sam posting a coming soon billboard for “LIBERATION DAY,” much to the concern of Kim Jong Un. As the U.S. navigates a path of economic self-reliance, the implications for global trade and alliances become more pronounced. The contrast between Americans’ vibrant global presence and the administration’s insular policies raises questions about the future of America’s role on the world stage. Are we witnessing a fleeting phase of isolation, or a new era of self-imposed seclusion?

Reconciling the complex emotions surrounding the realities of Trump’s long-discussed grand plan is no easy task. On one hand, there’s a fascination with the audacity of a single individual determined to reshape the world’s largest economy, regardless of whether the scheme is deemed insane. On the other hand, there’s a sense of betrayal as Canada, traditionally a close ally, finds itself belittled and labelled as a nation of rip-off artists, along with every other nation on the planet.

Published in The Hamilton Spectator – September 9, 1939 by Ivan Russell Glassco. The illustration depicts Uncle Sam walking with his hands in his pockets, whistling a neutrality tune, which conveys a sense of backwardness or regression. The lower caption, “Whistling in the dark,” implies an attempt to stay optimistic or unconcerned despite the surrounding uncertainty or danger. This suggests that Uncle Sam is trying to maintain a façade of neutrality amid troubling global events, particularly reflecting the reluctance of the United States to engage directly in the escalating tensions leading to World War II.

As Canada navigates its identity amid these external pressures, there is hope that voters will rise above the clamour, seeking clarity and accountability from their leaders. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has starkly stated that the longstanding relationship with the United States—characterized by deep economic integration and close security and military cooperation—is over. He emphasizes that Canadians must “fundamentally reimagine our economy” in light of President Trump’s tariffs. These are sobering words that highlight the uncertain journey ahead.

One thing is clear: the political drama is far from over. Thank you for joining me on this reflective journey, and stay tuned for more insights next week!

Thank you to everyone who continues to subscribe to this weekly newsletter! I typically release posts every Saturday morning, offering a summary of the week through my editorial cartoons. My aim is to keep you informed without overwhelming you with constant notifications. Throughout the week, I also share daily ‘notes’ on my Substack, which enrich my weekly newsletters and feature animated versions of my daily cartoons.

Substack is an invaluable platform for me, especially given the uncertainties that come with being a staff editorial cartoonist. While I remain optimistic about my future, I am acutely aware of the unfortunate layoffs and newspaper closures that have impacted many talented colleagues in our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will always be free. Thank you for your continued support!

March Goes Out, ‘Liberation’ Looms

Saturday March 28, 2025 | Newsletter 24

And they’re off! Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Rideau Hall on Sunday set the stage for a much-anticipated period of national reflection, as Canada faces the daunting challenges of potentially crippling trade tariffs and the provocative notion of becoming the 51st state of the U.S.A. From the echoes of Trumpian influence in Canada to the unexpected alliances forming among political figures, each day offered a fresh perspective on the evolving dynamics. We started in the Oval Office and ended in Greenland—domestic news bookended by blobs of orange that we in the business must deal with every day.

Trump’s cabinet is characterized by loyalty-driven appointments, where fealty often overshadows expertise, raising concerns about governance integrity.

Monday: “Executive Branch for Parrots”
In this week’s second rerun feature, President Donald Trump stands by the “Executive Branch” tree, filled with parrots echoing his rhetoric—a critique of the uniformity within his administration, where loyalty and sycophancy often overshadow critical debate. This dynamic, marked by orchestrated praise, illustrates the pitfalls of prioritizing loyalty over expertise. The ‘Signalgate’ scandal underscores these themes, with figures like National Security Adviser “effing idiot” Mike Waltz and the tatted former FOX News talking head Pete Hegseth reportedly sharing top-secret plans with colleagues, revealing potential security breaches downplayed by uniform denial. This highlights a culture where allegiance to leadership eclipses adherence to protocol. Erstwhile Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton remarked in an interview that the Situation Room, deep beneath the White House, is the best group chat location for guaranteed security—contrasting sharply with practices that let members of the present executive carry out communications while sitting on a toilet.

Tuesday: “Playing the Trump Card”
A play on words, the “Throwing Out the Trump Card” cartoon I hope captures the political conundrum faced by Canadian conservatives. With caricatures of Danielle Smith and Pierre Poilievre depicted on a playing card adorned with MAGA symbols, it depicts the Trump-like influence in Canadian politics. The 2025 federal election has presented a rocky start for the Conservative Party, with Smith’s actions drawing criticism for inviting foreign influence. Her alignment with Trump raises concerns about her commitment to Canadian interests, complicating Poilievre’s efforts to appeal to a broader electorate. Recently, the Premier of Alberta threatened separation, presenting a list of demands from Ottawa. Andrew Coyne succinctly characterized Poilievre’s reaction: “Ms. Smith’s demands were reasonable,” he croaked. Her apparent attempts to collude with the Republicans? “People are free to make their own comments.” Perhaps he feared demoralizing the base or was concerned about revitalizing the People’s Party. Maybe he just really likes Ms. Smith. Yet, he appeared, as he has for much of the past few months, weak, uncertain, and immobile. “Knock it Off”, akin to what one would say to their misbehaving pet, is PP’s three word answer to Trump tariff escalation. Yet another slogan.

Wednesday: “The Polar Express of Political Alliances”
Set against the backdrop of Toronto’s CNE, this Young Doug Ford edition leans on nostalgia while depicting the budding partnership between Doug Ford and Mark Carney. As they ride the “Polar Express,” Pierre Poilievre is left puzzled on the sidelines. This alliance between Ford and Carney highlights a commitment to centrist policies, contrasting sharply with Poilievre’s confrontational approach. In a damning speech to the Empire Club of Canada in Toronto midweek, Kory Teneycke, a fellow Harperite with Poilievre from way back and recently Doug Ford’s campaign manager in his successful re-election on Feb. 27, shared his observations. “He looks too much like Trump,” he confided. “He sounds too much like Trump. He uses the lexicon of Trump,” he noted, pointing out that the CPC campaign slogan “Canada First for a Change” mirrors the president’s “America First.”

Thursday: “Conjoined Leaders Past and Present”
Justin Trudeau, now post-politics, skis with badges reflecting NDP policies while Jagmeet Singh struggles in the electoral race. This cartoon underscores the challenges of maintaining relevance and identity for the NDP, as their historical achievements clash with current political dynamics. As the NDP grapples with articulating a compelling vision, Singh’s leadership is under scrutiny, with critics questioning the party’s distinct identity after aligning with the Liberals. The cartoon highlights the ongoing struggle to fulfill promises in a rapidly changing landscape, reflecting the political dynamics and shifts between the two parties. Jagmeet Singh, once seen as a comeback kid in past elections, now faces voter fatigue after eight years in leadership. These may be his last few weeks as NDP leader. For me, it was fun to squeeze in another caricature of the former Prime Minister as he walks further and further into the sunset.

Friday: “A Green Lining in Trade Turmoil”
In a satirical twist, Donald Trump wields “TARIFFS” against Canada’s auto sector, as a concerned beaver looks on. Amidst the chaos, the cartoon explores the unforeseen consequences of trade policies and the potential pivot towards Chinese and European electric vehicles. Canada’s auto industry faces a critical juncture, with high tariffs threatening the North American sector. The cartoon critiques Trump’s strategy, emphasizing the potential for Canada to embrace a greener future by fostering new international partnerships. This strategic realignment promises to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and offer environmentally friendly options to Canadian consumers. While it may seem far-fetched to envision this happening in the near or even medium future, it’s inevitable that change will come. People will eventually look back at this cartoon and say, “Whoever drew this sure was a visionary!”

Saturday: “Landing at Greenland”

The week concluded with a cartoon depicting J.D. Vance in elaborate medieval attire, referencing Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland. The cartoon aims to capture the absurdity of American expansionism, echoing historical ambitions while highlighting the local resistance to such proposals. This week, poor Usha Vance’s cultural visit to Greenland turned into an unexpected overnighter at a remote U.S. Army base in the middle of nowhere. She could’ve been dining on champagne and crab cakes along Chesapeake Bay but instead got to spend a Friday night in late November at the equivalent of a sleep apnea monitoring clinic. She can thank everyone’s favourite U.S. Vice-President, J.D. Vance, for that.

Thank you to everyone who continues to subscribe to this weekly newsletter! I typically release posts every Saturday morning, offering a summary of the week through my editorial cartoons. My aim is to keep you informed without overwhelming you with constant notifications. Throughout the week, I also share daily ‘notes’ on my Substack, which enrich my weekly newsletters and feature animated versions of my daily cartoons.

Substack is an invaluable platform for me, especially given the uncertainties that come with being a staff editorial cartoonist. While I remain optimistic about my future, I am acutely aware of the unfortunate layoffs and newspaper closures that have impacted many talented colleagues in our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will always be free. Thank you for your continued support!