Political cartooning has a long and venerable tradition in Canada, dating back to John Henry Walker's Punch in Canada which debuted in 1849 modelled on it's British counterpart. While short-lived it paved the way for many similar  19th century journals of satire, cartoons and humour  such as The Jester, The Grumbler, Grinchuckle, and Diogenes. The leading Victorian magazine Canadian Illustrated News est. Montreal 1869  showcased the work of the best documentary artists and cartoonists. One of the better, Edward Jump who drew for the paper from 1871 to 1873 specialised in caricatures of Prime Minister John A. Macdonald  before leaving for the states. Meanwhile Toronto Globe reporter, and part time cartoonist John Wilson Bengough, an admirer of Thomas Nash launched a Cartoon weekly entitled Grip on May 24, 1873. As luck would have it the country was soon rocked by the Pacific Scandal, then as now political shenanigans in the capital would be a boon to satirists, the journal would last 21 years.

The Mason and the Overseer: "A very good job, Mac, and you will be kept on; though a few of these stones may perhaps be condemned by the Boss." [Governor General Lord Dufferin and Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie]
Canadian Illustrated News