Renowned editorial cartoonist Michael de Adder was recently let go by The Chronicle-Herald newspaper after nearly 30 years with the publication. The newspaper was recently sold as part of a deal, leading to staff layoffs. De Adder, who is a member of the Order of Canada and has won multiple national newspaper awards, says he knew this was coming due to the struggling newspaper industry. Despite losing his job, he remains committed to using his voice through his work.
De Adder has been one of Canada’s top political cartoonists, known for skewering celebrities and politicians with biting humor or capturing the mood of a moment. He acknowledges that job security in the industry is scarce, and the better one is at editorial cartooning, the more intimidating it can be for those in power. Over the years, his cartoons have been both praised and criticized, with some causing controversy and backlash. Despite this, he remains dedicated to drawing what people are talking about, even on serious and somber days.
One of de Adder’s most notable cartoons depicted the nation mourning two tragedies: the Humboldt team bus crash in Saskatchewan and the Toronto van attack that left 10 dead and 14 injured. His ability to capture poignant moments and reflect the national mood in his work has resonated with readers across Canada. However, not all of his cartoons have been well-received, with some drawing negative attention for their controversial content.
In response to backlash over a controversial cartoon depicting the SNC-Lavalin controversy and another depicting then-U.S. President Donald Trump, de Adder faced criticism from both social media and media outlets. Despite these challenges, he remains determined to continue creating thought-provoking and impactful cartoons. Fellow editorial cartoonist Terry Mosher expressed support for de Adder, emphasizing the importance of their work in critiquing society and institutions, even though it may sometimes be uncomfortable or controversial.
De Adder remains resilient in the face of adversity, expressing his determination to continue creating cartoons until he dies. He currently has contracts with other publications and is working on a subscription-based model to share his work with a wider audience. Despite the challenges of the industry and the potential for controversy, de Adder remains unwavering in his commitment to using his voice and art to communicate important issues and spark dialogue. Despite losing his job, he is determined to persevere and continue his impactful work in the world of editorial cartooning.
