Bruce MacKinnon
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Bruce MacKinnon is the editorial cartoonist for the Halifax Chronicle-Herald. Follow at www.thechronicleherald.ca and mackinnonart.bsky.social
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Articles by Bruce MacKinnon
Bruce MacKinnon: Halifax vacancy rate defeated by demand
Halifax rent continues to rise as other cities see drops. Here’s what the stats show Halifax’s average rent rose by 1.6 per cent in September and it was one of the only major Canadian cities to see an increase, according to the Rentals.ca October Rent Report.
Bruce MacKinnon: You've heard of Crime and Punishment, this is care and punishment
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Bruce MacKinnon: Two cultural steps forward, a homecoming step back
The university intervened to have the sign removed on Saturday. The sign was later reposted, causing the university to intervene again to have it removed once more.
Bruce MacKinnon: Conclusion drawn about artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence companies have started raising the alarm about what AI could mean for us In this case, it was a young British artificial intelligence researcher called Jacob Coxon, who quit his job at the AI company Anthropic to warn the world that “if we don’t slow down the current rate of progress, there is a strong chance that we could all die in the next two years.” “It’s not at all an exaggeration to say that the people who are involved with both founding these companies and...
Bruce MacKinnon: Economic agenda drives climate change debate
The first hurricane to hit Hawaii in 34 years. The Mediterranean on fire from Spain to Greece. ‘Heat domes’ one after another for months on end in Europe and North America. Thousands of excess deaths. A record ‘El Niño’ piled on top of an average global temperature up from +1.2°C five years ago. Predicted high for this year: +1.7°C. Surely they’ll get it now, you think, but no, they won’t.
Bruce MacKinnon: Artificial intelligence may take more than your job
Artificial intelligence companies have started raising the alarm about what AI could mean for us In this case, it was a young British artificial intelligence researcher called Jacob Coxon, who quit his job at the AI company Anthropic to warn the world that “if we don’t slow down the current rate of progress, there is a strong chance that we could all die in the next two years.” “It’s not at all an exaggeration to say that the people who are involved with both founding these companies and...
Bruce MacKinnon: Canada-EU lovefest a slap in the face for Trump
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Bruce MacKinnon: Boxer George Chuvalo never hit the canvas
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Bruce MacKinnon: Donald Trump has his work cut out trying to tame Canada
For a small Nova Scotia manufacturer like Ace Machining Ltd., the Canada-U.S. trade war is already affecting decisions that once seemed straightforward, including where to buy the equipment needed to keep the business running. When Ace president Ron Wallace needed a new piece of equipment for his Dartmouth, N.S., shop, he knew for certain it wouldn’t be coming from the United States.
Bruce MacKinnon: Strong Cape Breton storm may mimic Hilroy map snub
‘Scary and unnerving’: Massive weekend rainstorm in Cape Breton causes flooding, road washouts and states of local emergency More than 200 mm of precipitation drops over three-day period, with Richmond County bearing brunt of storm Then she saw the weather forecast cautioning of an “orange” warning — which signals severe, significant and widespread weather with major impacts lasting multiple days — for much of Cape Breton throughout the weekend.
Bruce MacKinnon: That's a wrap on Marco MacLeod's rap career
The Pictou West MLA, who has been Nova Scotia’s energy minister since May 27, has faced scrutiny since music he recorded under the name Meadowville came to light, containing misogynistic language and references to drug use. In mid-August, MacLeod apologized for the lyrics he wrote and recorded more than a decade ago. On Sept. 2, MacLeod resigned from cabinet and released a statement on Facebook.
Bruce MacKinnon: Two can play the Great Lakes renaming game
The ink from Donald Trump’s Sharpie was barely dry on his latest uninformed executive order – this one purporting to change the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America – when Nova Scotia company Peace by Chocolate responded. The company was founded in Antigonish by the Hadhad family, who came to Canada from a refugee camp following their escape from the Syrian civil war more than a decade ago. “They tried to remove Lake Ontario from the map. We put its name on a chocolate bar to keep it visible.
Bruce MacKinnon: People will always love Dolly Parton; Donald Trump, not so much
By her own reckoning, she penned 3,000 tunes in all, including enduring standards like 1973’s Jolene and the iconic ballad I Will Always Love You, which became an international smash for Whitney Houston Country music legend Dolly Parton, who grew up poor in Tennessee and became a household name with hits like Jolene and Coat of Many Colors, has died at age 80, her family said Tuesday. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus,” her nephew said in a video on social media.
Bruce MacKinnon: Iran buoyant about waiting out Trump
Dubai plans new port to bypass Strait of Hormuz Project to build capacity on UAE’s east coast represents a major shift after U.S.-Iran war DP World Ltd. is planning to build a new port and a container terminal on the United Arab Emirates’ east coast that would reduce Dubai’s dependence on its flagship Jebel Ali hub and bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
Bruce MacKinnon: Air Canada crash settlements come in 'fun size'
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Bruce MacKinnon: Halifax summer wardrobes more diverse than ever
Ryan Alexander Cole, 36, of Annapolis County is also charged with discharging a firearm with intent to endanger a life and eight other firearm-related offences, fleeing from police in a motor vehicle, two counts of dangerous driving, and three counts of breaching release conditions. According to police, they received a report at about 2:30 p.m. that someone had been shot on Green Road. A man was then transferred to hospital by EHS with a serious gunshot wound.
Bruce MacKinnon: Unpredictable nature of Trump trade talks all too predictable
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Bruce MacKinnon: I'm not retiring, but . . .
OK, maybe it wasn’t that far back, but I know for a fact it was sometime after the invention of fire, when folks drew by candlelight using quill pens dipped in ink. The truth is, that’s actually still how I draw, although the candlelight is only necessary when there’s a power outage. Which is a lot. I drew my first ‘freelance’ (Latin for “not much money”) cartoon for my hometown newspaper, the Antigonish Casket, when I was in Grade 9. That was 51 years ago. Which is a lot.
Bruce MacKinnon: Well, that peaceful protest in Wolfville escalated quickly
Protesters climbed on top of an SUV Houston was in, hitting the vehicle and pushing as the driver attempted to leave after an Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce event in Wolfville on Wednesday. Houston was in town for ‘State of Province’ chamber of commerce event Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Acadia University’s Fountain Commons as the premier gave his speech.
Bruce MacKinnon: John Hamm set high bar for fiscal management
John Hamm’s time as premier is remembered for many things, with balancing Nova Scotia’s budget and achieving a critical offshore revenue deal with the federal government among some of the highlights. However, those are just parts of the legacy he formed through his time in office. Hamm, who led the Progressive Conservatives from 1995 until 2006, died this week at the age of 88. Following the news of his death, tributes and sentiments came from all over the political spectrum.
Classic Bruce MacKinnon: John Hamm walked two lines in health care
Former premier served as the province’s leader from 1999 to 2006, best known for his work toward the Atlantic Accord John Hamm’s time as premier is remembered for many things, with balancing Nova Scotia’s budget and achieving a critical offshore revenue deal with the federal government among some of the highlights. However, those are just parts of the legacy he formed through his time in office.
Bruce MacKinnon: Underdog Canada has nothing to lose as World Cup journey continues
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Bruce MacKinnon: Reflecting pool provides perfect image for Trump presidency
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Bruce MacKinnon: Insurers keen to protect certain valuables
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Bruce MacKinnon: Fix prescribed for Halifax mayor's irregularities
Get Bruce MacKinnon’s latest editorial cartoon as soon as it drops, plus all the essential news when you sign up for news alerts with The Chronicle Herald. We’re always looking for interesting takes on this story, or any other issue that’s important to Nova Scotia. Instead of shouting into the online void, why not reach people who might actually consider your opinion? Send us an email with your most insightful take to CHletters@postmedia.com.
Bruce MacKinnon: U.K. prime ministers not here for a good time or a long time
Starmer Leaves No. 10 Without Ever Managing to Explain What He Stood For Even when it came to his own resignation, Keir Starmer was beaten to the punch by Donald Trump Even when it came to his own resignation, Keir Starmer was beaten to the punch by Donald Trump. Starmer entered Downing Street less than two years ago, as the US president headed toward a second term.
Bruce MacKinnon: Data centre enthusiasm easily dampened
But without very careful planning, tight checks and balances and much smaller footprints, these surreal behemoths would ravage our landscapes, drain our water and assault our communities and ways of life forever. “Nova Scotia is actively emerging as one of the most compelling locations for data centre investment on the North Atlantic,” claims Invest Nova Scotia.
Bruce MacKinnon: Donald Trump pledges allegiance to bro culture
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Bruce MacKinnon: Donald Trump's simultaneously real and symbolic disrespect for Canada
‘We don’t need anything that Canada has … but they need everything that we have, and they have to treat us better’ President Donald Trump said he would not reauthorize the U.S.’s trade deal with Canada and Mexico, setting the stage for months or years of negotiations over provisions governing automobiles and other key industries. The countries are facing a July 1 milestone to extend the pact, which Trump negotiated during his first term, as is for 16 years.
Bruce MacKinnon: Social media ban plan could be leaky
Carney government to ban social media for kids younger than 16, but will allow exemptions The bill is not expected to include the same type of ban for AI chatbots Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is expected to table its long-awaited legislation aimed at online safety this week, including a ban on social media platforms for children under 16 years old.
Bruce MacKinnon: Fan-friendly World Cup from FIFA? More like a foul
Billions of public dollars have been spent to host games, with fans then charged thousands more for match tickets It is especially easy to forget this fact given that the 2026 World Cup, about to be held in Canada, the United States and Mexico, has become synonymous with avarice and greed, and the shameless gouging of soccer fans from around the globe. Examples of FIFA’s rapaciousness abound.
Bruce MacKinnon: Scrutiny for governor general role reaches new level
Mary Simon should have been considered bilingual even if she didn’t speak fluent French | Letters to the editor I will miss hearing Mary Simon speak Inuktitut. I was very disappointed in Canadians who criticized the fact that she did not speak French. I always thought that instead to criticize her, we should have celebrated the fact that the Inuktitut language has survived and is still very much alive in Canada and that our Governor General speaks it fluently.
Bruce MacKinnon: Canada plugs into the AI ecosystem
The government said it will also introduce new online safety laws and update privacy rules to protect personal data The federal government says it is committing billions to supercharge the adoption of artificial intelligence across the country, support companies including AI startups and boost AI literacy, skills and trust in the technology.
Bruce MacKinnon: Trump learns the difference between a bark and a bite
With threats from Putin, Trump, Israel and China, there’s plenty of speculation, but Dyer doesn’t believe it’s time to worry — yet A consensus has emerged, at least in Western media, that we are on the brink of a real war with the gloves off, maybe even a ‘world war’.
Bruce MacKinnon: Canada's economic ups and downs
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Bruce MacKinnon: Nova Scotia plays all its green energy cards
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Bruce MacKinnon: Albertans holding the line on separatism
The idea of Alberta separatism is closer to mainstream than ever before Alberta alienation is not a new idea, but it has captured so much attention lately partly because of Canada itself In the weeks before the April 2025 federal election, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith took to the stage at the Strong and Free Network conference in Ottawa. After giving a speech, she sat down for a discussion with Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley and remarked that she recently had a new pedicure.
Bruce MacKinnon: A rolling exit
Steven Guilbeault, the former federal environment and climate change minister, might resign from the Liberal party this week over concerns about Ottawa’s latest pipeline deal with Alberta, according to a report by CTV News. Guilbault is considering sitting as an independent and probably would not run in the next election, sources told CTV.
Bruce MacKinnon: Sunny forecast, soggy reality
On the surface, it appears there is the potential for movement in the stalemate between the Nova Scotia government and the thousands of striking long-term care workers. The work stoppage is now in its seventh week and both sides say they want to return to the bargaining table, but tension is still running hot.
Bruce MacKinnon: Alberta's separatists may create Danielle Smith plot twist
Bell: Premier Smith in a jam — You’re in for a surprise on the Alberta separatist vote How is the Smith government going to get out of this jam? Read this column carefully. Don’t rush to a conclusion. Follow the stickhandling around the political land mines. The referendum question may not be what you think it is.
Bruce MacKinnon: Uncle Sam wants you to roll out the welcome mat
The increase can be attributed to a surge in applications from the U.S., with millions estimated to be eligible for Canadian citizenship based on their ancestry Applicants for Canadian citizenship certificates now have to wait a year because of a surge of interest from Americans interested in taking advantage of new Canadian citizenship rules, according to the Canadian government’s processing-time estimator.
Bruce MacKinnon: Trump's poor impulse control hits joint defence board
‘This is politically motivated and fits perfectly into the ongoing tactics of the current administration to undermine Canada in as many ways as possible’ That was the day when Canadian prime minister William Mackenzie King and U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Ogdensburg Agreement that defined the principle of the joint defence of North America.
Bruce MacKinnon: Few fireworks at China-U.S. summit
Get Bruce MacKinnon’s latest editorial cartoon as soon as it drops, plus all the essential news when you sign up for news alerts with The Chronicle Herald. We’re always looking for interesting takes on this story, or any other issue that’s important to Nova Scotia. Instead of shouting into the online void, why not reach people who might actually consider your opinion? Send us an email with your most insightful take to CHletters@postmedia.com.
Bruce MacKinnon: Economic factors tag-team to keep Nova Scotians under water
How are rates set, where does the money go and how do high bills impact households? The cost per litre shot up another 7.4 cents overnight from Thursday to Friday, with diesel also climbing another 2.6 cents per litre. The average price for regular self-serve gas is now $1.917 per litre in the Halifax region, pushing closer to the province’s all-time high of $2.08 from 2022.
Bruce MacKinnon: Becky Druhan finds Nova Scotia's Liberals worth rescuing
‘I do plan to put my name forward,’ says Druhan when asked about leadership bid The Lunenburg West MLA announced she was joining the Liberal caucus after several months as an Independent. She previously served as a minister in Premier Tim Houston’s government. Now, she’s a member of the rebuilding Liberals with several roles, including caucus chair and a committee member on topics ranging from the status of women to housing, and has a leadership bid in the works.
Bruce MacKinnon: Iran's trump card? Pain at the pumps
TACO! Of course. Trump always chickens out, but it’s a feature, not a bug. If his threats aren’t working, he will eventually drop them and try something else. The man has always been a real estate developer: he was born into it, and he knows no other way of interacting with the world. It’s all about deals, and the quickest way to win is to frighten the other side into submitting.
Bruce MacKinnon: Cruise ship outbreak story goes viral
Four more Canadians remain on the ship and will depart with other passengers in the Canary Islands Two Canadians were among 30 passengers who disembarked a cruise ship on the remote South Atlantic island of St. Helena on April 24 during an outbreak of hantavirus on the ship, officials at the World Health Organization said Thursday. Canada has said a third Canadian not on the ship may have come in contact with a symptomatic individual.
Bruce MacKinnon: Good luck working through maze of AI issues
Google confused famed fiddler with Newfoundland sex criminal. Lawyer says case could have big impact on defamation liability of AI products During a frequently controversial career, the Cape Breton-born fiddler’s political views, sexuality, pre-legalization cannabis use and on-stage antics have all prompted salacious coverage, some of which MacIsaac has taken issue with.
Bruce MacKinnon: Nova Scotia health care leaves MS patient behind
Jorge Mora, and all patients like him, used to be paired with one nurse. Now he talks to ‘whoever gets your voicemail’ After more than a year without seeing his neurologist and a hefty list of cuts in the recent provincial budget, Jorge Mora decided to write to Premier Tim Houston about his experience navigating multiple sclerosis care in Nova Scotia. For the Bedford resident, the letter was about more than frustration.
Bruce MacKinnon: Donald Trump stumped by chess match with Iran
TACO! Of course. Trump always chickens out, but it’s a feature, not a bug. If his threats aren’t working, he will eventually drop them and try something else. The man has always been a real estate developer: hhttps://www.saltwire.com/newfoundland-labrador/gwynne-dyer-why-trump-is-chickening-out-on-war-with-irane was born into it, and he knows no other way of interacting with the world. It’s all about deals, and the quickest way to win is to frighten the other side into submitting.
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