Saturday May 24 2025 - The quaint tradition of Canada Post strikes now holds little consequence for most Canadians, highlighting a need for adaptation in a digital age.
Throughout my years of drawing cartoons, I've seen the familiar uproar whenever Canada Post goes on strike. These strikes often split Canadians into two camps: those supporting the union and those upset about late cheques and undelivered cards. The strikes have become as Canadian as hockey or the maple leaf, yet even Canada Post seems to be fading into history.
Thursday December 4, 1997 - Looking back from 28 years later, the 1997 postal workers' protest against back-to-work legislation, with threats of free mail and delivery errors, seems like a quaint reminder of when snail mail drama was a headline grabber, before the days of inbox overload and instant messaging. Keen observers of my Young Doug Ford series will note Doug Ford Sr. always depicted from his arm chair reading his favourite tabloid, The Toronto Sun, often blazing a headline grousing over the latest Postie labour issue.
Despite financial challenges, Canada Post survives because the government considers it essential. With Canada’s vast distances and many people still depending on traditional mail, the postal service still has a role. But for many, it seems like a costly service, mostly delivering ads and junk mail.
In my 28 years in the media industry, I've watched the digital age change everything. Media often gets labelled as "fake news" and faces criticism for needing government help, but my work remains independent, and our real support comes from loyal subscribers.
At The Hamilton Spectator, my salary is similar to a postal worker's. Despite not having had a raise in years, we stay passionate about our work. Many of us find extra jobs to cope with rising costs, and benefits have been reduced. Recently, 200 Canada Revenue Service workers lost their jobs but got good severance packages—something most media workers can't count on.
I'm not complaining, just pointing out a reality many in unstable jobs face. Whether it's traditional media, car manufacturing, or anything at risk of being replaced by technology, or tariffs, the future is uncertain. The postal service is under the spotlight now, but we must remember these are real people with real challenges. Many of us worry as we see plans that seem to burden the middle class while promising tax cuts for the wealthy.
Wednesday November 30, 2016 - The CBC asked for an extra $400 million to ditch ads, and my snarky cartoon pointed out the irony of print media cheering for a broadcaster that was happily munching on their lunch.
It's interesting that those who complain the most about media subsidies also oppose carbon taxes, ignoring the big government handouts to the oil industry. This criticism misses the wider picture of government aid.
Wednesday April 3, 2024 - Justin Trudeau's government faced criticism for its climate policies, especially as it continued to subsidize fossil fuel industries while professing a commitment to climate action, revealing a significant inconsistency in its approach.
Meanwhile, the world of cryptocurrency is booming with quick profits, driven by fast-talking tech-savvy people. The Trump administration's recent party for $Trump coin seems like another spectacle for us to watch, showing how the wealthy play with profits without adding much value to society. In a world where meaningful work often goes unnoticed, this is quite the contrast.
Thursday May 22, 2025 - Among Trump's numerous past gimmicks, his latest and most extravagant involves the creation of the $Trump coin cryptocurrency, which is designed to enrich him and his family.
As we stagger in these uncertain times, it's important to understand the bigger picture. Whether it's the struggles of traditional industries or the rise of new, speculative ones, recognizing these dynamics can help us appreciate those who truly contribute to society.
Substack is an invaluable platform for me, especially given the uncertainties that come with being a staff editorial cartoonist. While I remain optimistic about my future, I am acutely aware of the unfortunate layoffs and newspaper closures that have impacted many talented colleagues in our field. Please Enjoy the animated making of my May 24, 2025 editorial cartoon below and thank you for your continued support!
Hanging on a thread is right. Uncertainty is hurting them even more. I hope wise union leaders will allow them to adapt. Surely, there is a lesson from watching the Bay.