March Goes Out, 'Liberation' Looms

Saturday March 29, 2025 | Newsletter 24

And they’re off! Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Rideau Hall on Sunday set the stage for a much-anticipated period of national reflection, as Canada faces the daunting challenges of potentially crippling trade tariffs and the provocative notion of becoming the 51st state of the U.S.A. From the echoes of Trumpian influence in Canada to the unexpected alliances forming among political figures, each day offered a fresh perspective on the evolving dynamics. We started in the Oval Office and ended in Greenland—domestic news book-ended by blobs of orange that we in the business must deal with every day.

Rerun of the Week: "The Social Media Sewer Mind Control is Deployed"

While some are sharply attuned to the absurdities swirling around us, it seems others remain willfully ignorant or aloof to current events. In the United States, reactions are polarized along voting lines. Some are deeply concerned about the week’s events (Signalgate) or the looming spectre of Trump’s “Liberation Day”—global Trump tariffs on April 2—while others remain blissfully unaware or indifferent. Meanwhile, in Canada, an election is underway, and like the folks whom we’re declaring #elbowsup at, it’s hard to gauge how many are plugged in and how many aren’t. What is certain is that we will encounter a level of misinformation in this federal election that we have never experienced before.

Trump's cabinet is characterized by loyalty-driven appointments, where fealty often overshadows expertise, raising concerns about governance integrity.

Monday March 24, 2025: "Executive Branch for Parrots"
In this week’s second rerun feature, President Donald Trump stands by the "Executive Branch" tree, filled with parrots echoing his rhetoric—a critique of the uniformity within his administration, where loyalty and sycophancy often overshadow critical debate. This dynamic, marked by orchestrated praise, illustrates the pitfalls of prioritizing loyalty over expertise. The ‘Signalgate’ scandal underscores these themes, with figures like National Security Adviser “effing idiot” Mike Waltz and the tatted former FOX News talking head Pete Hegseth reportedly sharing top-secret plans with colleagues, revealing potential security breaches downplayed by uniform denial. This highlights a culture where allegiance to leadership eclipses adherence to protocol. Erstwhile Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton remarked in an interview that the Situation Room, deep beneath the White House, is the best group chat location for guaranteed security—contrasting sharply with practices that let members of the present executive carry out communications while sitting on a toilet.

Tuesday March 25, 2025: "Playing the Trump Card"
A play on words, the "Throwing Out the Trump Card" cartoon I hope captures the political conundrum faced by Canadian conservatives. With caricatures of Danielle Smith and Pierre Poilievre depicted on a playing card adorned with MAGA symbols, it depicts the Trump-like influence in Canadian politics. The 2025 federal election has presented a rocky start for the Conservative Party, with Smith's actions drawing criticism for inviting foreign influence. Her alignment with Trump raises concerns about her commitment to Canadian interests, complicating Poilievre's efforts to appeal to a broader electorate. Recently, the Premier of Alberta threatened separation, presenting a list of demands to Ottawa. Andrew Coyne succinctly characterized Poilievre’s reaction: “Ms. Smith’s demands were reasonable,” he croaked. Her apparent attempts to collude with the Republicans? “People are free to make their own comments.” Perhaps he feared demoralizing the base or was concerned about revitalizing the People’s Party. Maybe he just really likes Ms. Smith. Yet, he appeared, as he has for much of the past few months, weak, uncertain, and immobile. “Knock it Off”, akin to what one would say to their misbehaving pet, is PP’s three word answer to Trump tariff escalation. Yet another slogan.

Wednesday March 26, 2025: "The Polar Express of Political Alliances"
Set against the backdrop of Toronto’s CNE, this Young Doug Ford edition leans on nostalgia while depicting the budding partnership between Doug Ford and Mark Carney. As they ride the "Polar Express," Pierre Poilievre is left puzzled on the sidelines. This alliance between Ford and Carney highlights a commitment to centrist policies, contrasting sharply with Poilievre's confrontational approach. In a damning speech to the Empire Club of Canada in Toronto midweek, Kory Teneycke, a fellow Harperite with Poilievre from way back and recently Doug Ford’s campaign manager in his successful re-election on Feb. 27, shared his observations. “He looks too much like Trump,” he confided. “He sounds too much like Trump. He uses the lexicon of Trump,” he noted, pointing out that the CPC campaign slogan “Canada First for a Change” mirrors the president’s “America First.”

Thursday March 27, 2025: "Conjoined Leaders Past and Present"
Justin Trudeau, now post-politics, skis with badges reflecting NDP policies while Jagmeet Singh struggles in the electoral race. This cartoon underscores the challenges of maintaining relevance and identity for the NDP, as their historical achievements clash with current political dynamics. As the Dippers grapple with articulating a compelling vision, Singh's leadership is under scrutiny, with critics questioning the party's distinct identity after aligning with the Liberals. The cartoon highlights the ongoing struggle to fulfill promises in a rapidly changing landscape, reflecting the political dynamics and shifts between the two parties. Jagmeet Singh, once seen as a comeback kid in past elections, now faces voter fatigue after eight years in leadership. These may be his last few weeks as NDP leader. For me, it was fun to squeeze in another caricature of the former Prime Minister as he walks further and further into the sunset.

Friday March 28, 2025: "A Green Lining in Trade Turmoil"
In a satirical twist, Donald Trump wields "TARIFFS" against Canada's auto sector, as a concerned beaver looks on. Amidst the chaos, the cartoon explores the unforeseen consequences of trade policies and the potential pivot towards Chinese and European electric vehicles. Canada’s auto industry faces a critical juncture, with high tariffs threatening the North American sector. The cartoon critiques Trump's strategy, emphasizing the potential for Canada to embrace a greener future by fostering new international partnerships. This strategic realignment promises to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and offer environmentally friendly options to Canadian consumers. While it may seem far-fetched to envision this happening in the near or even medium future, it’s inevitable that change will come. People will eventually look back at this cartoon and say, "Whoever drew this sure was a visionary!"

Saturday March 29, 2025: "Landing at Greenland"

The week concluded with a cartoon depicting J.D. Vance in elaborate medieval attire, referencing Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland. The cartoon aims to capture the absurdity of American expansionism, echoing historical ambitions while highlighting the local resistance to such proposals. This week, poor Usha Vance’s cultural visit to Greenland turned into an unexpected overnighter at a remote U.S. Army base in the middle of nowhere. She could’ve been dining on champagne and crab cakes along Chesapeake Bay but instead got to spend a Friday night in late November at the equivalent of a sleep apnea monitoring clinic. She can thank everyone’s favourite U.S. Vice-President, J.D. Vance, for that.

Adding to the complexity of international relations, a phone call between Mark Carney and Donald Trump on Friday was surprisingly cordial, contrasting with previous heated exchanges with Trudeau. While tariffs are set to take effect on April 2, there was no mention of annexing Canada—though Trump's unpredictability continues to loom large. As Greenland grapples with Trump's aggressive stance, Canada stands in solidarity with its people and Denmark.

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This week’s events in Canadian politics have been significant, marked by the launch of the 2025 federal election campaign and challenges from U.S. influence and looming trade tariffs. Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Rideau Hall invites reflection on the repercussions of closer ties to American policies. The unexpected alliance between Doug Ford and Carney signals a shift towards centrist politics amid rising tensions within the Conservative Party, particularly with Danielle Smith's controversial actions. Pierre Poilievre lost his footing in week one of the campaign, and while there are four full weeks to turn things around, he may be filling halls, but he’s not filling rooms in the right places.

At the same time, Donald Trump's impending April 2 tariffs, labelled “Liberation Day,” beckon, and his interest in Greenland has raised concerns about foreign influence. Jagmeet Singh and the NDP are also under scrutiny as they navigate their identity in this evolving landscape. These developments highlight the need for an engaged electorate, as the choices made in the coming months will significantly impact Canada’s future and its relationship with the U.S.

All of my editorial cartoon are animated. It’s easy to do and fun to compose. Each of these are presented daily through my Substack note. Here they are together. Enjoy!:

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