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Wednesday January 15, 2025

January 15, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 15, 2025

Steering Through Controversy and Crisis with National Unity

October 29, 2019

In Canadian politics, Doug Ford’s transformation from a controversial figure to a symbol of national unity is noteworthy, especially as he steps into a leadership void left by the outgoing Liberal leader, Justin Trudeau. As Canada faces economic challenges reminiscent of those during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ford’s leadership becomes crucial, even as past controversies linger in the background.

Ford’s early days as Ontario’s premier were characterized by attention-grabbing policies like “buck-a-beer,” which seemed more focused on populism than substantive governance. However, as times have changed, so has Ford. He is now taking a central role in addressing national issues, particularly in response to Donald Trump’s tariff threats.

News: Doug Ford bristles at Alberta premier’s Donald Trump comments: ‘She’s not speaking for the country’

December 18, 2024

Ford’s strategy involves proposing partnerships with the U.S. on crucial resources and preparing for possible economic pushback. This approach mirrors the teamwork and quick action needed during the pandemic, where Ford played a key role in keeping Ontario’s economy stable.

The current tariff challenges remind us of the pandemic’s economic impact, both requiring strong and united responses. During the pandemic, Ford worked across government levels to protect the economy, and he’s applying similar lessons now to face the “Trump Tariff” situation.

Despite his focus on unity and economic strength, Ford’s past controversies are not forgotten. They’re still part of his story and could resurface, especially if political circumstances change or an early election is on the horizon.

Opinion: How Doug Ford became an unlikely figure of national unity

January 3, 2025

With Justin Trudeau’s departure leaving a leadership gap at the federal level, Ford finds himself in a pivotal role among his Conservative peers. While others like Pierre Poilievre and Danielle Smith tread carefully around Trump’s remarks, Ford’s more direct approach highlights his focus on collaboration and resilience.

As Canada navigates these challenges, Doug Ford’s role as a unifying leader underlines the need for clear and strong governance. His journey from a provincial figure to a national leader shows his commitment to Canadian values and interests. In today’s uncertain times, Ford’s ability to handle both leadership and controversy offers a story of growth and strength, vital for guiding Canada forward.

As we gear up for what feels like the impending doom of another Presidential inauguration down south, it’s hard not to feel a sense of foreboding here in Canada. Are you feeling it where ever you are?Normally, this day wouldn’t even register on our radar, but with the MAGA crowd having their moment under the spotlight once again, it’s like dark clouds are rolling in, promising a storm of uncertainty for the next few years.

The looming threat of 25% tariffs has many of us on edge, but I can’t help but worry more about the millions of undocumented migrants in the U.S. who are just trying to survive. As Trump prepares to take the stage, I can’t shake the feeling that it’s going to be a wild ride filled with lofty promises that are bound to lead to disappointment. After all, not every miracle he’s claiming can come to pass, and his rhetoric often overshadows the realities faced by so many.

Back home, our politicians are scrambling. With Trudeau’s exit approaching, provincial premiers are stepping up to fill the leadership void. Danielle Smith is cozying up to Trump, no doubt relishing the attention she’ll get as one of the few Canadian officials attending the inauguration. Meanwhile, Doug Ford is taking a bold stand against the proposed tariffs with his Fortress Am-Can plan, positioning himself as Canada’s tough guy in the face of America’s tough guy. It’s quite the spectacle, and I have to admit, he’s commanding attention on U.S. cable networks like no other – with the exception of Mark Carney snagging an interview shot on John Stewart’s show.

Ford’s evolution from a controversial provincial leader, to a key national figure is fascinating, especially as he steps in to lead amidst the uncertainty left by Trudeau. With Canada grappling with economic challenges reminiscent of the pandemic, his proactive approach is a breath of fresh air. While his focus on national unity is commendable, we can’t forget his past controversies, lots of bad stuff I’ve drawn on for years, which could complicate things if the political landscape shifts again.

Give credit to where it’s due. Doug Ford is our first line of defence against the MAGA monster right now. Things are moving fast, however, and I foresee more voices filling the vacuum in the coming days giving Dougie some competition for the reigning title of Captain Canada.

Enjoy the January 15, 2025 making-of animated editorial cartoon below. Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday or Saturday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons.

– The Graeme Gallery

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Tuesday May 18, 2004

May 18, 2004 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 18, 2004

Budget Day

Taxpayers are likely to be paying more after Finance Minister Greg Sorbara unveils the Ontario Liberals’ first budget this afternoon. And they can thank a deficit the Liberals say has grown to as much as $8 billion.

Sorbara will read his budget speech in the Legislature to an attentive audience of groups advocating for more public funding and critics demanding that he hold the line on taxes. Watching from the sidelines is a general public that voted for both those policies in last October’s provincial election.

The Liberals under Premier Dalton McGuinty are expected to move to deliver on a promise to improve public services. And they are expected to reveal the final amount of the deficit they inherited from the former Conservative government as well as what the books will look like for their first fiscal year in office.

Former provincial auditor Erik Peters pegged the shortfall from last year (fiscal 2003-04) at $5.6 billion, although the Liberals have said that when hospital and children’s aid societies’ debt is included, the real deficit for last year is closer to $8 billion. The total provincial budget will exceed $71 billion. (Source: CBC)

Wednesday September 10, 2003

September 10, 2003 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday September 10, 2003

Clean up Crew Wanted

Washington’s planned U.N. resolution on Iraq is “some way” from meeting France’s priority of “transferring authority to an Iraqi government,” Chirac said.

Both men, speaking at a joint news conference in the eastern German city of Dresden, discussed the U.S. draft for a new U.N. resolution aimed at getting more countries to contribute troops and money to stabilize and rebuild the country.

But the draft insists the U.S. keep control of the military and political process.

France and Germany had been opposed to the war in Iraq but both countries are now willing to help bring stability to the country.

The two leaders said they would study the U.S. proposal “from a very positive point of view.” But Chirac said France may recommend changes to a proposed U.N. resolution.

“It does appear to be really rather far from the main objective, which is that of transferring political responsibility to an Iraqi government as soon as possible,” Chirac said. (Reuters)