Steve Nease

Cartoons
Sep
6
2026
Blue Jays Hot Streak Draws Bandwagon Injury Surge
Steve Nease, Freelance
The Toronto Blue Jays' strong 2026 season has triggered a wave of self-proclaimed fans rushing to join the bandwagon. This sudden popularity spike has produced a humorous but pointed wave of reported injuries from overeager jumping. The cartoon uses the emergency room setting to highlight the fleeting nature of such support. It critiques how success attracts insincere followers who abandon teams during leaner times. The piece argues that genuine fandom requires consistency rather than opportunistic enthusiasm during winning streaks.
Countdown To School Begins
Steve Nease, Freelance
As families across the country prepare for the new school year, parents often express excitement about the return to routine while children may greet the transition with mixed feelings. The cartoon captures this annual dynamic through a mother who marks the moment with a literal drumroll and countdown. The piece highlights the contrast between parental enthusiasm and children's more reserved response to the first day of school.
Sep
4
2026
AI displaces workers in Labour Day parades amid automation surge
Steve Nease, Freelance
On Labour Day 2026, artificial intelligence continues its rapid integration into workplaces across Canada and beyond, prompting questions about job security for human workers. The cartoon captures this transition by placing a robot at the head of a traditional parade. The editorial position highlights the irreversible change automation brings to labor traditions and employment.
Sep
3
2026
Inflation Forces Families Into Summer Staycations
Steve Nease, Freelance
Rising inflation, gas prices, and household debt have made traditional summer vacations unaffordable for many families, leading to increased staycations as the new school year starts. The cartoon captures this cost-of-living squeeze through a classroom presentation on what students did not do over the break. It underscores how everyday expenses now dominate family decisions and limit leisure options.
Carney Delays Fuel Excise Tax Amid Inflation
Steve Nease, Freelance
President Biden announced a delay in implementing a fuel excise tax increase amid ongoing inflation pressures. The move aims to ease costs at the pump for consumers. Critics argue the delay offers only temporary relief without addressing root causes. Supporters see it as a pragmatic step to stabilize prices. The editorial takes the position that such delays highlight inconsistent economic leadership.
Trump Faces Midterm Sword of Damocles Over Epstein Files
Steve Nease, Freelance
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Donald Trump confronts renewed scrutiny from the Epstein files while facing a symbolic sword of Damocles labeled midterms. The piece portrays the political stakes for the former president and his allies. It suggests the documents could intensify pressure on his position heading into the elections.
By-Elections Boost Liberals While Conservatives Deflate
Steve Nease, Freelance
Canadian by-elections delivered gains for the Liberal Party, energizing its base and leaving the Conservatives deflated. The NDP maintained its position with a defiant stance. The results highlight shifting voter sentiment in key ridings and underscore external factors like U.S. political influence on Canadian discourse. The cartoon portrays the Liberals celebrating while the other parties react with frustration and resilience.
Modified School Crossing Sign Spotlights Return-to-Class Risks
Steve Nease, Freelance
Schools across the country prepare for the fall semester amid ongoing debates over student safety and resource allocation. The modified crossing sign serves as a visual reminder of hazards that accompany the annual back-to-school period. The piece argues that standard precautions remain insufficient without stronger policy support for protection measures.
Doug Ford Protests Bilingual Lake Ontario Sign Change
Steve Nease, Freelance
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has set up a protest booth opposing a bilingual sign for Lake Ontario that includes French wording. The move comes amid ongoing debates over language policy and signage in the province. Ford's action highlights tensions between English-first preferences and official bilingual requirements. The editorial position criticizes the protest as an unnecessary escalation that distracts from practical governance.
Canada Slaps Trump Back
Steve Nease, Freelance
Donald Trump appears in a 2026 cartoon delivering a slap to a beaver representing Canada. The image captures ongoing friction between the United States and Canada over trade and tariffs. Trump, shown with a flying MAGA hat, embodies an aggressive posture toward the northern neighbor. The piece reflects broader debates about American foreign policy under renewed Trump influence. It portrays the confrontation as blunt and personal rather than diplomatic. The editorial position criticizes the approach as undignified and counterproductive for bilateral relations.
Canadian Trade War Rant Carves Out Exception for Dolly Parton
Steve Nease, Freelance
US-Canada trade tensions intensified in August 2026 as tariffs mounted amid heated rhetoric from President Trump. The dispute drew sharp reactions north of the border. The cartoon takes the position that even vocal critics of America make exceptions for beloved figures like Dolly Parton.
Canadian Taxpayers and Consumers Called Up for Trade War Costs
Steve Nease, Freelance
Canadian taxpayers and consumers face rising costs from an ongoing trade dispute. The situation places direct financial pressure on households through higher prices and economic measures. The editorial takes the position that ordinary citizens bear the burden while leadership directs the effort.
Trump Calls Canada-U.S. Relations 'Sensitive' Amid Sandbox Spat
Steve Nease, Freelance
Donald Trump described current Canada-U.S. relations as sensitive during a period of ongoing trade and diplomatic friction between the two nations. The characterization came amid broader tensions over tariffs, border issues, and economic interdependence. The piece portrays the label as understated given the confrontational dynamic between the leaders.
Canada Rejects Latest US Trade Offer Amid Ongoing Talks
Steve Nease, Freelance
Canada has rejected a US trade offer during bilateral negotiations. The decision highlights ongoing tensions over economic terms between the two neighbors. It matters because trade relations affect supply chains and tariffs across North America. The piece portrays the Canadian stance as a direct refusal to the American proposal.
Trump Demands Canada Sign Trade Deal While Pressuring Over Keystone XL and Booze
Steve Nease, Freelance
Donald Trump is pressing Canada to finalize a bilateral trade agreement by positioning the Canadian leader between a Keystone XL pipeline barrel and a U.S. booze barrel. The move ties energy infrastructure approval to broader trade concessions including alcohol exports. The editorial takes the position that such barrel-based pressure tactics risk undermining stable Canada-U.S. economic relations.
About Steve Nease
For nearly nearly 30 years until 2008, Steve Nease was the art director at The Oakville Beaver, producing regular editorial cartoons and his family comic strip, Pud.
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