Old Relics of Reform & the Yippie Brigade: A Week to Remember

Saturday April 12, 2025 | Newsletter 26

We've reached the halfway mark in Canada’s pivotal federal election campaign—because isn’t every federal election touted as the 'most crucial' of our time? This one does feel significant, especially with two fresh faces competing for power, each presenting vastly different visions for the country. It’s the kind of political drama that emerges only every decade or so.

What makes this moment even more compelling are the seismic shifts happening globally. Our closest neighbour and ally seems to be stepping back from its role as the leader of the free world, trading stability for chaos. Just this week, the Oval Office showcased a new kind of circus, with Trump turning the U.S. from a financial safe haven into what feels like a chaotic casino—think Monopoly, but with all the rules tossed aside.

Naturally, the antics of the American spectacle have overshadowed the unfolding drama at home, where two familiar faces from Canada’s Reform conservative past have re-emerged to bolster Pierre Poilievre, who—borrowing lyrics from prairie musician Corb Lund—seems to be stuck in the mud at 37%, while the Carney Liberals cruise ahead with a steady 6% lead.

To wrap up the week, I explored Mark Carney's midway challenges, highlighting his struggle to fend off attempts to undermine his support. The coming week will be crucial for the Liberal leader as he prepares for two high-stakes televised debates—one in English and the other in French. This will be no easy task for an anglophone who hasn’t had much practice.

We've Already Been Invaded | Saturday June 1, 2013

To ease into this week's blend of federal election commentary—accompanied by the usual side dish of Trump—I present a rerun from 2013 that reflects on the 200th anniversary of the hostilities and battles between the U.S. and its northern neighbour. A piece that ran early this week on CBC News reported on Canadian War of 1812 re-enactors choosing to forgo participation in commemorative battles in the U.S. due to hostility and threats of annexation from Trump. This poignant narrative highlights like-minded individuals who share common passions with friends in the U.S. but feel compelled to stand alongside many other Canadians opting out of vacations south of the border, shopping for groceries without the Stars and Stripes, and cancelling services in favour of Canadian alternatives. These bold gestures of patriotism are commendable, but let’s be honest: as the cartoon points out, Canada was invaded long ago, and we left the door wide open to let it happen.

Beaver-tales and Political Sails | Tuesday April 8, 2025

Amid rising tensions of Western alienation, the latest cartoon features Danielle Smith, Scott Moe, and Preston Manning dramatically holding a gun to a beaver's head—symbolizing the heated discussions around Western secession. With polling averages showing the Liberals gaining ground ahead of the April 28 election, Manning's controversial comments highlight concerns about national unity as Alberta and Saskatchewan face economic challenges in the fossil fuel sector. In this scene, the political focus seems to shift toward centrism, with Mark Carney emerging as a steady, if somewhat dull, steady hand on the tiller leader. While past polls under Justin Trudeau suggested predictable minority governments, the current situation calls for renewed confidence and unity, especially in light of external pressures like Trump's policies. As the electoral landscape changes, the nation watches closely, wondering if Carney's calm approach can help bridge the divide and lead Canada toward a more united future.

YouTube: A Strong Manning-Date | April 8, 2025

Wednesday April 9, 2025: Bring Out Your Fossils
Pierre Poilievre stands at a podium boldly emblazoned with "MAKE FOSSILS GREAT AGAIN." As he rallies against the Liberals, the echoes of his recent gathering in Edmonton, which drew a crowd of 12,000, fill the air. For the first time ever in Canada, crowd sizes are being seen as a measure of political momentum, despite the polls explored in Tuesday’s cartoon. Who does that remind us of? In the cartoon, a stone-carved image of Stephen Harper serves as another reminder of the lasting influence of past political figures, while a second appearance of Preston Manning's ancient likeness looms, adding depth with his cautionary tale of the creeping shadow of Western alienation. Can you believe “high energy” Stephen Harper had to be recruited to electrify the PP show? This cartoon contrasts the enduring beliefs of the past with Canada’s current political struggles, highlighting the ongoing tug-of-war over national unity. Poilievre's attempt to energize the Western Conservative base by summoning these Reform ghosts may rally his supporters but risks alienating Progressive Conservatives who are drawn to Mark Carney's centrist appeal. Amidst the unyielding legacy of Reform icons and internal party divisions with leaders like Danielle Smith, Doug Ford, and Tim Houston, one playful question arises: Can a leader who embraces the past truly shape the future? As this political comedy unfolds, Canada watches with a mix of amusement and concern, wondering if past relics can lead us into tomorrow.

YouTube: YouTube: Make Fossils Great Again | April 9, 2025

Thursday April 10, 2025: The Great Tariff Backfire
This news story broke in the early afternoon, carrying such weight that I had to abandon the cartoon I was in the midst of drawing and switch gears. It finally saw the light on Saturday, as detailed below. The editorial cartoon that emerged depicts the topsy-turvy world of President Trump's tariff policies with a "before and after" scenario. In the top panel, "TRUST," adorned with stars and stripes, sets the stage as Trump, the maestro of surprise, holds a string attached to a "TARIFFS" bomb, counting down with dramatic flair. The bottom panel reveals the aftermath: "TRUMP," cracked and smoking, pondering the chaos without a hint of embarrassment. The word "PAUSE" whimsically suggests a moment of reconsideration amidst the turmoil. The straightforward message illustrates how one man, in less than 100 days of his presidency, has shattered global trust in the United States through a bizarre and thoughtless scheme. He proposes a 90-day pause so countries can "make a deal" with the U.S. on further trade arrangements. Keep an eye out for tomorrow’s cartoon to explore that notion further. But if it isn't clear to most, is a deal, like the one he made with Canada and Mexico on free trade, truly meaningful? This satirical piece highlights how Trump's trade decisions, aimed at protecting American interests, have instead created global uncertainty and strained international relations. As of April 10, 2025, it’s been 3,585 days since Trump’s famous escalator ride, and the rollercoaster of his presidency continues to leave the world both dizzy and bemused.

YouTube: Trump Tariff Backfire | April 10, 2025

Friday April 11, 2025: Tariffs, Trade, and the Trump Show
Everyone knows Trump is all about "the deal." His name is attached to the book "The Art of the Deal" (even if someone else wrote it), so he should be a master negotiator, right? Here, we're all contestants in President Trump's latest episode of "Let's Make a (Trade) Deal!" His abrupt tariff impositions and pauses have turned international politics into a spectacle of unpredictability, leaving global allies scratching their heads and questioning America's strategy. With trust fraying at the seams, critics compare Trump's decision-making to a circus act, where strategic opportunities with China are missed, and the nation finds itself isolated on the world stage. Meanwhile, whispers of insider trading echo through the halls of power, as many wonder who might have been tipped off about the tariff U-turn. The economic chaos has not only wiped out investments but also cast a shadow over America's credibility.

YouTube: Trump Wants to Make a Deal | April 11, 2025

Saturday April 12, 2025: Midway Mark: Carney's Tightrope Tango
The editorial cartoon featuring Mark Carney, the Liberal leader, reflects his real-life electoral journey—a path filled with bear traps labelled "Misinformation," "Alpha Males," and "Right Wing Media," along with a gaping manhole marked "Conspiracy Theories." As Carney tiptoes toward "Election Day," he balances the tightrope of financial expertise and political skill. With the Liberals leading in polls at 44% to 49%, Carney dances ahead of a skeptical Pierre Poilievre, whose supporters question the legitimacy of data, echoing Trump’s playbook in the U.S. While Poilievre's camp shakes their fists from the shadows, Carney navigates international trade tensions and domestic issues like housing, all while avoiding the pitfalls of conspiracy theories—often a favourite tactic of his rivals. The caption, "Just past the midway Mark," captures the essence of Carney's campaign: a whimsical yet challenging dance through a political landscape that resembles a flat earth debate, all while keeping a steady rhythm toward leadership.

YouTube: Midway Mark Carney | April 12, 2025

As we approach the crucial week ahead, with just 16 days until the election, Mark Carney faces a pivotal moment to seal the deal and secure a majority government. The upcoming televised debates will be his last chance to solidify support and navigate the challenges posed by misinformation and skepticism. Meanwhile, we can count on the spectacle from Trump world to deliver its usual dose of bizarre antics, likely to be a focal point in next week's cartoon week in review. It's an exciting time in Canadian politics, and all eyes will be on how these debates shape the final stretch of the campaign.

Cartoon Shorts: an onlive archive of animated editorial cartoons on Youtube.

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