The Edmonton Journal has released its collection of editorial cartoons for the first month of January 2026, offering a pointed and visual commentary on the political and social landscape. The featured works, created by acclaimed editorial cartoonist Malcolm Mayes, set a satirical tone for the new year, blending humour with sharp observation.
A New Year Greeted by Familiar Political Satire
Leading the January 2026 lineup is a cartoon depicting the iconic Baby Trump Balloon, symbolically heralding the start of the New Year. This imagery continues a long-standing tradition of using the inflated caricature to comment on the enduring influence and divisive nature of former U.S. President Donald Trump on political discourse, even as the calendar turns to a new year.
The artwork by Mayes captures this symbol in a moment that suggests its relevance is far from fading, serving as a visual anchor for ongoing political conversations in North America.
Local Focus: Infrastructure and Legacy in Calgary
Shifting focus to municipal politics, another powerful cartoon in the series takes aim at civic issues in Alberta. The illustration links former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi's legacy directly to the city's failing water main infrastructure.
This piece of visual commentary uses satire to critique the state of urban utilities, suggesting that the consequences of past administrative decisions are physically manifesting in the form of broken pipes and water main failures in Calgary. It reflects a common public frustration with aging infrastructure and the political accountability for its maintenance.
Access and Context for Readers
The cartoons are part of the Edmonton Journal's subscriber-exclusive content. The publication encourages readers to register or subscribe for full access to its digital offerings, which include a wide range of local and national news, specialized columns, and the digital ePaper replica.
This model highlights the newspaper's commitment to supporting local journalism while providing in-depth analysis and cultural content like editorial cartoons, which remain a vital form of political expression and societal reflection in Canadian media.
