From Captain Canada to Team Canada: Unity Over Superhero Politics

Saturday February 15, 2025 | Newsletter 16

Notice to My Loyal Subscribers Outside Ontario: In case you missed it, I put together a presentation this week that may be more interesting and useful for your attention than the following content, which focuses on more regional interests: “The Dirtiest U.S. President Ever.”

Folks, let’s face it: Doug Ford is likely to win the Ontario election. That’s just the reality, and the polls back it up—not just one or two, but several. While the only poll that really matters is on election day, Ford has called this election a full 15 months early, clearly preparing for the challenges ahead. Although he claims to be fighting for jobs, it seems like his main focus is on securing his own position. As an editorial cartoonist, my job is to challenge those in power. In all his time as Premier, Doug Ford has never been this powerful.

Editorial cartoonists shouldn’t take sides; we don’t endorse any particular party. However, we can offer insights through satire when power gets out of hand. As Ontario approaches the election on February 27, 2025, Premier Ford is at the centre of a political storm. Known as “Captain Canada,” he uses strong words against external issues like Donald Trump’s tariffs, but many argue this distracts from local problems such as healthcare, housing, his scandals, his reckless use of taxpayer dollars. My cartoons aim to highlight this contrast between Ford’s superhero image and the real challenges facing Ontario. The “Team Canada” approach, which focuses on unity and collaboration, is a better model than celebrating one person in a costume. Below are summaries of each cartoon, reflecting the current political landscape.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025: “A Tariff Distraction”

The week began with a call to refocus on pressing Ontario issues, overshadowed by Trump’s antics regarding steel tariffs. My cartoon contrasts a smug Trump, revelling in his tariff decisions, with a shocked Doug Ford, emphasizing how such federal distractions detract from vital regional matters like healthcare and education. The message is clear: as the election looms, Ontario voters must remain engaged with the problems at home, rather than getting sidetracked by the chaos in Washington. Voters shouldn’t be fooled, Ford has a very mixed relationship to Donald Trump.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025: “Crumbling Healthcare”

In response to ongoing healthcare challenges, my cartoon depicts a crumbling marble temple labelled “Universal Health Care,” supported by columns that are cracking under pressure. Here, “Captain Canada” stands confidently, toolbox in in frame, ready for an election-time fix—highlighting the temporary nature of political promises in the form of… duct tape, how Canadian, eh? This illustration critiques the state of Ontario’s healthcare system, urging voters to see beyond Ford’s campaign rhetoric and demand real solutions to the systemic decline.

Thursday, February 13, 2025: “Performative Politics”

As the Canadian premiers gathered in Washington to address the tariffs, the cartoon captures the moment in two panels: formal premiers making their case against tariffs, while Doug Ford, portrayed as “Captain Canada,” humorously revealing, I hope, his true agenda—fighting an election. This satirical take underscores the tension between provincial leadership and individual political motivations, reminding viewers that while collaboration is crucial, electoral ambitions can overshadow national unity. If it hasn’t become clear in this series, Doug’s casting of the role may have had its glory day or two, but the shine is wearing off.

Friday, February 14, 2025: “Love at First Election”

On Valentine’s Day, Ford’s charm offensive is on full display. My cartoon features him again as “Captain Canada,” pouring wine for an anthropomorphized map of Ontario, who appears tipsy and enamoured. Surrounded by heart-shaped boxes and poll documents, this playful depiction highlights Ford’s strategic timing and his attempts to win voters with promises, all while serious issues linger. The humour serves to critique the superficiality of political gestures in the face of real challenges.

Saturday, February 15, 2025: “Flag Day — Reclaiming Unity“

Finally, the week wrapped up with a reflection on the Canadian flag and its significance. My cartoon illustrates former Prime Ministers uniting to restore the true meaning of the flag, overshadowed by its appropriation by various political factions. There’s an added dig at another powerful politician and PM wannabe: Pierre Poilievre. In this final cartoon, I wanted to give my readers a break from the consecutive satire that some might see as glorification of Doug Ford as Captain Canada.

The term “Team Canada” has also entered Canadian lexicon, “Hockeyfying” politics, and like Captain Canadas‘, Team Canadas come and go, usually in trade delegations. The premiers’ recent trip to Washington was dubbed “Team Canada,” but their effort was tepid, managing only the attention of a couple of King Trump’s White House courtiers. In a significant gesture, ex-Prime Ministers united to fly the flag, emphasizing that we can reflect on our past and continue along the path of reconciliation without denigrating our patriotism. They might even consider restoring the statues of Sir John A. Macdonald, whose legacy faces scrutiny while other Prime Ministers with checkered pasts remain standing.

The Moral of this Story

In these editorial cartoons, I aim to highlight the realities of Doug Ford’s leadership as Ontario approaches its important election. While he may be called “Captain Canada,” the issues of healthcare, housing, and the economy are serious concerns that voters need to consider. As the election date gets closer, it’s crucial for Ontarians to focus on these local challenges instead of getting distracted by the noise around them. This series reminds us that real leadership means tackling the core issues rather than just playing the political game. Ultimately, the “Team Canada” approach serves as a better model for unity and collaboration, moving us away from the glorification of individuals in costumes.

Thank you to everyone who continues to subscribe to this weekly newsletter! Typically, posts are released every Saturday morning, summarizing the week through my editorial cartoons. I aim to avoid overwhelming subscribers with constant post notifications. Throughout the week, I share daily ‘notes’ on my Substack, which contribute to my weekly newsletters and feature animated versions of my daily cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free as long as I remain a staff editorial cartoonist. Thank you for your support!

Did you know for every editorial cartoon I draw there’s an animated version? As far as I know I’m the only editorial cartoonist doing this. For this past week you can view the following for added entertainment. Let me know what you think in the comments:

The Trump Distraction in the 2025 Ontario Election – February 11, 2025

Captain Canada’s quick fix solutions to save Ontario’s Health Care – February 12, 2025

Dougie Ford takes his election cosplay performance to DC – February 13, 2025

Captain Canada Seduces Ontario Voters – February 14, 2025

Take Back the Flag – February 15, 2025