Summer

Saturday September 23, 2023

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)

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 August 1, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday August 1, 2023

A Midsummer Night’s Fairy Tale

Act 1, Scene 1 (A mystical forest in Ottawa. The political leaders, dressed in Shakespearean attire, gather around a table adorned with inquiry documents.)

King Trudeau (Oberon): Hear me, fair leaders of this land! We must address the dragon of foreign interference that threatens our realm!

Puck (Singh): Worry not, my liege! With a public inquiry, we shall tame the dragon’s influence and protect our sovereignty.

Demetrius (Poilievre): (sarcastically) A public inquiry, you say? A mere midsummer’s dream, sire.

Lysander (Blanchet): Indeed, sire. Let us postpone this inquiry for now, and revel in the joys of midsummer’s mirth.

King Trudeau: (hesitant) But, noble leaders, the people demand answers! The dragon of foreign influence grows stronger each passing day.

August 2, 2019

Act 2, Scene 1 (The mystical forest transforms into a midsummer festival. Citizens dance and celebrate while the politicians engage in jovial banter.)

King Trudeau: (laughing) Behold! The people have forgotten the inquiry amidst their merrymaking!

Puck: (mischievously) Shall we enchant their minds with revelry, my lord? The inquiry will seem but a distant dream.

King Trudeau: (grinning) A splendid idea, Puck! Let the festivities continue, and the inquiry shall slumber, undisturbed.

Demetrius: (to Lysander) See how the people dance, while we evade the dragon’s threat with our laughter.

Lysander: (nodding) Indeed. The dragon sleeps peacefully, and the inquiry remains forgotten.

July 31, 2008

Act 3, Scene 1 (The mystical forest returns to its solemn state. The inquiry table remains untouched, and the sleeping dragon statue looms in the background.)

Puck: (apologetically) My lord, we have let the inquiry slumber while the dragon’s influence grows stronger.

King Trudeau: (sighing) We have let the people’s trust falter, and the shadows of foreign interference grow darker.

Demetrius: (earnestly) Let us not lose ourselves in this midsummer’s revelry. The inquiry must awaken!

Lysander: (repentant) You are right. The inquiry must stir from its slumber, and we must confront the dragon’s influence.

June 29, 2023

Act 4, Scene 1 (The political leaders stand before the inquiry table, determined to face the dragon’s threat.)

King Trudeau: (resolute) The dragon of foreign interference shall not rule us. The inquiry shall commence!

Puck: (earnestly) We must seek the truth and protect our realm from the dragon’s meddling.

Demetrius: (with conviction) We can no longer evade our responsibilities. The inquiry must awaken!

Lysander: (sincere) The dream of a transparent and just investigation shall become a reality.

(The inquiry proceedings begin, and evidence of foreign interference is revealed. The people witness the leaders’ commitment to justice, and trust is gradually restored.)

November 20, 2020

Epilogue (In the wake of the inquiry, a new era of transparency and accountability dawns. The mystical forest glows with hope, and the sleeping dragon representing China begins to stir.)

King Trudeau: (addressing the people) We have faced the dragon’s threat and emerged stronger. Our realm shall remain resilient against any meddling.

Puck: (smiling) The inquiry’s awakening has brought the truth to light, and the people’s trust is restored.

Demetrius: (to Lysander) No longer shall we hide from the dragon’s gaze. The inquiry has set us free.

Lysander: (proudly) The Midsummer’s Inquiry has awakened our sense of duty, and our land shall thrive once more.

(The citizens cheer, celebrating the newfound accountability and unity in the realm. As the dragon representing China stirs, the political leaders stand ready to face any challenge that comes their way. The mystical forest remains vigilant, knowing that a new chapter in their history has begun.)

Saturday July 22, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday July 22, 2023

“Justieheimre”: A Summer Showdown of Political Blockbusters!

In this mesmerizing summer of Canadian leadership unfolding on the big screen, “Barbenheimer” brings together a collision of contrasting styles that mirrors the nation’s political landscape. The moviegoers, draped in pink and stoic enthusiasts alike, have found themselves captivated by the drama playing out before them.

September 1, 2018

Justin Trudeau’s portrayal of “Barbie” as Canada’s Prime Minister embodies the sunny and inclusive facade that marked his entrance into politics. His charm, good looks, and progressive policies won over the hearts of voters, promising a bright and diverse future for the nation. But as with any fairytale, challenges arose. Opposition to his policies revealed the cracks in his inclusive agenda, turning the once-bright political honeymoon into a stormy reality.

September 13, 2022

Opposing “Barbie,” Pierre Poilievre stepped into the shoes of “Poliheimre” as the Leader of the Opposition. His style, akin to Oppenheimer’s role in creating the atomic bomb, was relentless and divisive. Characterized by attack politics, his strategy seemed to be about tearing down rather than building up. This approach, coupled with a disconnect from the modern world, further added to the political spectacle.

May 27, 2023

In the midst of this clash, Jagmeet Singh portrayed “Indiana Singh: Dial of Destiny.” Attempting to play a role similar to Indiana Jones, he propped up the Liberal government in a de facto coalition but struggled to gain the blockbuster status needed to reshape the political landscape.

The film showcases the significance of leadership styles in shaping the nation’s future. Each leader presents their strengths and weaknesses, leaving the audience to wonder who will leave a lasting impact on Canada’s political scene. Will it be “Justie” with his progressive ideals and hope for a better future, “Poliheimre” with his attack politics and divisive strategies, or will “Indiana Singh: Dial of Destiny” emerge as an unexpected hero?

August 2, 2019

As the audience munches on popcorn and shares political memes, they witness this captivating summer of Canadian leadership, waiting to see how the narrative unfolds. The fate of the nation’s political landscape lies in the hands of these leaders, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

In this blockbuster summer spectacle, Canada finds itself at a crucial crossroads. The collision of these starkly contrasting leaders echoes the clash of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” on the silver screen. As the credits roll and the drama continues to unfold, the nation holds its breath, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this gripping political saga. (AI)

 

Thursday June 29, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 29, 2023

Canadians Deserve a Swift Resolution, Not a Lengthy Inquiry on Foreign Interference

August 2, 2019

As summer arrives in Canada, the prospect of a costly and protracted public inquiry into foreign interference is unlikely to be met with enthusiasm. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made it clear that the federal government will not proceed with any further steps to investigate this issue until there is full agreement from opposition parties. This cautious approach aims to prevent a repeat of the previous inquiry led by David Johnston, which was marred by a highly partisan atmosphere.

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc has been engaged in negotiations with opposition parties to chart a path forward. Momentum seemed to be building towards an imminent announcement, potentially involving a public inquiry or an alternative process, before the summer break. However, since then, there has been silence regarding the nature of the investigation, its leadership, and its timeline.

June 13, 2023

Earlier this week, Johnston submitted his final report to the prime minister, officially concluding his work. While the report remains confidential, opposition party leaders have been offered access to it, provided they obtain the necessary security clearance. Trudeau emphasized that responsible leadership and a serious approach are required to address foreign interference. He pointed to the excessive partisanship and toxicity that marred Johnston’s tenure, making it impossible for him to continue his work effectively.

News: David Johnston files his final report on foreign interference, but it won’t be made public  

While Trudeau seeks consensus among all parties on a new approach to tackle foreign interference, opposition parties insist on a public inquiry as a prerequisite. Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet hinted at an imminent announcement, while NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh expressed cautious optimism but demanded a clear commitment from the government regarding a comprehensive public inquiry with full powers. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, on the other hand, has called for an independent inquiry under the Inquiries Act, with his party ready to propose potential leaders and terms of reference.

May 27, 2023

Concerns have been raised that opposition parties may prefer chaos over a solution, as former Liberal and Conservative staffers fear. However, former NDP staffer Cam Holmstrom believes that announcing the inquiry at the beginning of July would be crucial in reshaping public opinion and setting the stage for the fall and the upcoming election.

Following Johnston’s resignation, Minister LeBlanc expressed his intention to consult opposition parties promptly to determine the investigation process and potential leaders of a public inquiry. However, nearly three weeks later, no agreement has been reached, and both the government and opposition parties offer little more than optimism about the ongoing negotiations.

Former Conservative staffer Fred DeLorey, who played a significant role in the 2021 federal election campaign, expresses his disappointment with the lack of serious attention to the issue of foreign interference. He suspects that some opposition parties may intentionally prolong the chaos by making unreasonable demands. DeLorey urges all parties to prioritize addressing the vulnerabilities they face in the next election instead of engaging in political gamesmanship.

News: Government hints news about a possible public inquiry into foreign interference coming soon  

April 15, 2023

April 15, 2023

Former Liberal Party staffer Greg MacEachern observes a decrease in the intensity of the debate following Johnston’s resignation, as the responsibility to find a way forward now lies with the opposition parties. He challenges them to take action and determine the next steps rather than merely criticizing the government.

Canadians deserve a swift resolution to the issue of foreign interference, one that focuses on strengthening the integrity of our elections. While it is essential to ensure broad consensus among all parties, this should not become an excuse for inaction or prolonged delays. As the summer progresses, Canadians hope that their leaders will prioritize the security of our democracy over partisan interests and deliver a comprehensive plan to safeguard our elections. (AI) | Also printed in the Toronto Star.

 

Tuesday August 9, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday August 9, 2022

Ontario legislature session begins as Doug Ford’s government pushes ahead with new mandate

Young Doug Ford: The Series

Opposition parties and critics are calling on the Ontario government to provide more relief to tackle rising inflation while also expediting solutions for hospital staffing woes when the legislature returns and the provincial budget is tabled this week.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government will again table its 2022-23 budget on Tuesday, originally introduced in April and put to the test as a main plank of the PC platform during the June election.

After being re-elected, Mr. Ford said the budget would remain largely intact with the addition of a 5-per-cent increase to Ontario Disability Support Program rates that the party campaigned on, as well as a pledge to tie future annual increases to inflation. The budget promises $4-billion in additional spending for highways and roads and $10-billion for hospital infrastructure over 10 years.

August 3, 2022

But with the cost of living on the rise, inflation surging over 8 per cent and hospitals facing significant staffing shortages, critics say more measures need to be introduced to provide support for Ontarians.

Official Opposition NDP interim leader Peter Tabuns said Friday his party is calling for a new budget that increases spending for health care and education, as well as raises wages for public-sector workers. Mr. Tabuns said this would mean repealing Bill 124, introduced by the government in 2019, capping public-sector wage increases at 1 per cent for a three-year contract period. (The Globe & Mail)