"He Whose Face Shall Not Be Depicted"

Saturday March 22, 2025 | Newsletter 23

"He Whose Face Shall Not Be Depicted"

Saturday March 22, 2025 | Newsletter 23

This week brought a personal achievement that I set forth: getting through an entire week without drawing the one referred to in the title: Donald Trump. Sure, I included his hand in one cartoon and his shadow in another, and yes, it was a short week, as I took St. Patrick's Day Monday off, but I still consider it a major accomplishment. Amid the ongoing crisis in Canada brought on by he whose face will not be depicted, the nation stepped closer to overcoming its leadership crisis with the first full week of Mark Carney as Canada's Prime Minister after his swearing-in on March 14. Alongside this challenge, I experienced political changes and deep reflections on what it means to be Canadian, as well as the impact of international relations. As always, I hope my editorial cartoons captured the mood and themes of the days. From the closing of a beloved Canadian store to the upcoming federal election, this week highlighted important issues that shape our national conversation in a rather historic transformative time.

March 17, 2025: "The Final Curtain for Hudson's Bay"

My re-run of the week was a cartoon drawn 17 years ago, reimagined for the present day context. It shows fur traders from the Hudson's Bay Company handing an iconic blanket to the Grim Reaper, symbolizing the impact of foreign ownership. After 350 years, Hudson's Bay is liquidating and on the cusp of joining Eaton’s and Simpsons in the retail after-life, marking a significant moment in Canadian history. The sale to a U.S. firm in 2008 signalled a troubling trend of Canadian brands being acquired by foreign entities. This closure is further complicated by unsettling political discussions about annexation, causing anxiety among Canadians.

As I visited the once-bustling flagship store on Queen Street in Toronto on my day off, I hankered for a taste of nostalgia. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the iconic striped blankets; they were sold out, apparently. The store seemed devoid of shoppers, populated instead by aimless rubberneckers like myself and sales associates huddled together whispering. The escalators were out of order, and access to most of the street-level sidewalks was locked shut.

Hudson's Bay will always be a part of Canadian history. It seems that when American owners took over the company—just as my 2008 cartoon depicted—the prophecy of what was to come turned out to be true: a lifeline grasped with minimal enthusiasm, meagre investment.

March 19, 2025: "Dancing on the Ashes of Climate Progress"

On this day, Pierre Poilievre was drawn dancing around a fire consuming a large stack of documents labelled "Carbon Pricing," alongside items like "Green Tech" and "Progress." The ominous backdrop of dark clouds symbolized the grave consequences of neglecting climate issues. His fervent campaign against the Trudeau-era carbon tax and rebate scheme resonated with Canadian frustrations. Mark Carney acted swiftly, axing the tax hours after his swearing-in. Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre, down in the poll dumps, clinging to his past fortunes, hopes that a promise to eliminate the industrial carbon tax will turn things around. This move aims to effectively dismantle the Liberal legacy of putting a price on carbon, which has aligned Canada with numerous progressive, climate-conscious nations.

As the climate crisis deepens, Canada finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The potential reversal of vital carbon pricing—a key mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions—threatens to undo the advancements made under previous leadership. Even former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole recognized the significance of carbon pricing, and that abandoning this approach risked undermining public trust in Canada’s commitment to climate action. It could also jeopardize funding for essential green infrastructure projects. As for Poilievre and his Conservatives, turning the clock back to no carbon pricing, a question: What is the course of action to get to net zero, if there even is a plan?

March 20, 2025: "Flying High, But at What Cost?"

The cartoon showed Mark Carney copiloting an F-35 fighter jet, highlighting Canada’s reliance on U.S. military technology and fears of becoming overly dependent. Canada’s defence strategy is under scrutiny due to this reliance on American jets, raising concerns about our independence. With the unpredictability of U.S. policies, Canada must carefully consider its military partnerships. The relationship with the U.S. is complicated, especially with an aggrieved President and his erratic erratic behaviour affecting our security. A few days into the week Lockheed Martin was dangling promises to hire Canadians to help build the remaining 3/4 of the F-35 order as Canada reconsiders carrying through with hostile American overlords. An assuring gesture at a moment of time when the unfathomable thought to needing those Canadian owned F-35s to fight against American owned and guided F-35s.

March 21, 2025: "Election Showdown: Slapping in the Shadow"

The cartoon depicts leaders from Canada’s main political parties in a chaotic scene, overshadowed by a brownish he whose face will not be depicted’s presence, reflecting the high stakes of the upcoming federal election. With a snap election coming, Canada faces important choices amid economic worries and political tensions. Mark Carney’s leadership poses a fresh challenge to the Conservatives, who must redefine their platform in a changing landscape. This election feels overdue and gives Canadians a chance to shape the future. Carney’s presence has energized the Liberal Party, but the campaign is expected to be tough. It will be interesting to see how voters respond to the different candidates.

March 22, 2025: "The Price of Tesla: A Shocking Reaction"

A five-panel comic strip critiqued political and social themes, featuring references to the QAnon Shaman*, trade agreements, and perceptions of Canada. Tensions between the U.S. and Canada have escalated, with tariffs on Canadian goods leading to acts of vandalism against Tesla vehicles. This backlash reflects dissatisfaction with perceived threats to Canadian independence. The recent vandalism against Teslas in my community highlights the frustration many feel towards U.S. policies under you-know-who. While I don’t condone vandalism, it stems from fear and anger over economic pressures. As the situation develops, it’s essential to address the underlying issues without resorting to violence. We all know who started the fight. It’s natural that guerrilla warfare will happen, but to call it terrorism is ridiculous.

*Fun fact: the infamous QAnon Shaman and his coonskin cap closed out a week that began with another coonskin capped fur trader of the 17th century trading on behalf of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

As we wrap up this week, Canada once again finds itself in the shadows cast by He Whose Face Shall Not Be Depicted, a presence that continues to significantly shape our political landscape. However, with Mark Carney at the helm, there is a renewed sense of hope and progress as the nation strives to redefine its future. I hope my editorial cartoons have captured both the humour and complexity of our current circumstances, shining a light on the folly of certain politicians and the issues that challenge Canadians now and in the days ahead.

As we look forward, it’s crucial for us to remain engaged and proactive in shaping the direction of our country. Reports suggest that the writ is set to be dropped this Sunday, ushering in exciting times ahead. You can bet I'll be here to draw, and I hope you'll join me as we witness history unfold.

Thank you to everyone who continues to subscribe to this weekly newsletter! This special edition deviates from my usual Saturday morning posts, where I typically offer a summary of the week through my editorial cartoons. Throughout the week, I also share daily ‘notes’ on my Substack, which enhance my weekly newsletters and include animated versions of my daily cartoons.

For now, all of my content remains free, but I recognize the uncertainty of my future as I face the possibility of losing my livelihood after three decades as a newspaper editorial cartoonist. In the meantime, I’m happy to accept pledges of support—these are just assurances of your support without any financial commitment. Your encouragement means a lot and helps me continue sharing my work with all of you!