Valentine’s • mackaycartoons

Saturday, February 14, 2015

February 13, 2015 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Saturday, February 14, 2015

Trudeau says Tory defector Adams must prove herself, win over lots of Liberals

Tory defector Eve Adams’ willingness to prove her mettle in a difficult Toronto riding was a key part of the decision to welcome her into the federal Liberal party, Justin Trudeau says.

Adams confirmed Wednesday she intends to seek the Liberal nomination in Eglinton-Lawrence, hoping to take on Finance Minister Joe Oliver in the election scheduled for October.

She currently represents Mississauga-Brampton South but last year attempted to switch to the newly created Oakville North-Burlington riding, where she became embroiled in an ugly Conservative nomination fight last year.

She and her opponent were forced to withdraw amid allegations of dirty tricks on both sides. Late last month, the governing party barred her from running anywhere due to the alleged misconduct in Oakville.

In an interview Wednesday with Winnipeg radio station CJOB, Liberal Leader Trudeau conceded Adams’ baggage did give him pause when she approached him about switching parties.

“Certainly, there is always a reflection to be had around this. But Eve has been a very strong local voice, municipal councillor for many, many years, deeply committed to service.”

Trudeau indicated that Adams’ willingness to do some tough slogging in a difficult riding was central to his decision to welcome her into Liberal ranks.

“One of the things that we agreed is that she’s going to have to convince an awful lot of Liberals and local folks that she is the best voice for them … and then she’s going to take on someone who is a pillar of the Conservative party to demonstrate her strength and her value as a politician.”

Oliver did not appear overly concerned, noting in a statement that the Liberals have yet to nominate a candidate to run against him. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

Wednesday February 15, 2005

February 15, 2005 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 15, 2005

Jealous Eye

Prime Minister Paul Martin appeared to take an oblique swipe at Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty on Monday when he said “all great Ontario governments” have understood the need to help less-prosperous regions of the country. Martin was responding to criticism from McGuinty about an offshore royalties deal signed Monday between Ottawa and the governments of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.

McGuinty complained last week of a $23-billion gap between what Ontario contributes to federal coffers and how much it receives in return.

But Martin, who travelled to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia for the official signing of the offshore deals, said federal transfers to Ontario have increased almost 40 per cent in the last five or six years.

And he pointed out that Ontario will receive $2 billion this year and next in increased health transfers – or roughly 40 per cent of the total payout.

“This country is held together by the recognition that we are one nation,” the prime minister told reporters after the signing ceremony in Halifax. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)