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Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday January 18, 2024

Navigating Challenges: Canada’s Resilience Amidst Change

In recent times, the narrative of a “broken” Canada has gained traction, fuelled by challenges such as inflation, rising interest rates, and a housing crisis. While it’s undeniable that these issues pose significant hurdles, it is crucial to reject the notion that Canada is a failed state. Pierre Poilievre’s diagnosis may oversimplify our complex situation, and his proposed remedy risks dismantling the progress we’ve made.

News: Poilievre says ‘everything seems broken,’ Trudeau hits back

Canada is facing economic challenges, including inflation, which has led to higher interest rates, putting strain on the cost of living. The housing crisis further compounds these difficulties. However, acknowledging these challenges does not equate to declaring the nation broken. Instead, it demonstrates the resilience of the Canadian people and the need for thoughtful, forward-looking solutions.

Pierre Poilievre’s assertion that Canada is broken comes with a proposed remedy that seems eerily regressive. Turning back the clock to a time before the progress made in social, economic, and environmental policies risks jeopardizing the very foundations that have defined Canada as a beacon of stability and inclusivity.

The call for a return to conservative values might resonate with some, but it’s essential to recognize that progress should not be viewed through a partisan lens. The challenges we face require innovative and collaborative solutions that address the root causes of our current predicaments. While the Conservative leader advocates for a metaphorical wrecking ball, it is imperative to question whether such an approach will truly rebuild and enhance our nation.

Canada’s strength lies in its ability to adapt and overcome challenges. Rather than succumbing to doomsday rhetoric, we should approach our obstacles with a sense of collective responsibility and a commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable future.

In addressing issues like inflation and the housing crisis, it is crucial to foster open dialogue and bipartisan cooperation. Finger-pointing and oversimplified solutions will only serve to deepen divisions and hinder progress. Canada is not broken; it is a nation facing challenges that demand thoughtful, pragmatic, and inclusive solutions.

As we navigate through these challenges, let us remember the words of former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, who, on his recent 90th birthday celebration, reminded us that Canada, despite its imperfections, is a country that many around the globe envy. The key is to build on our strengths, learn from our mistakes, and continue striving for a better, more resilient Canada. (AI)

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Letter to the Editor – The Hamilton Spectator, Monday January 22, 2024

Poilievre will straighten things out

Re: Jan. 18 cartoon

I take exception to Graeme MacKay’s political cartoon depiction in The Spec’s Jan. 18 edition. Indeed, the country is broken, but why paint Pierre Poilievre with a black brush when he hasn’t had a chance to straighten out this country? The cartoonist neglected to add corruption, division, patronage appointments, uncontrolled immigration policies and restriction of the principles of freedom to the depicted building structure.

Allan Avery, Binbrook

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:

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