Blueprints of Disruption

CUPE Ontario, is at a crossroads. Their next convention is just months away, and for the first time in 12 years, Fred Hahn won’t be on the ballot for President. In February, after two and a half years of intensified attacks, he announced this would be his last term leading the union.What does this mean for the Province’s largest public sector union? Is this a blow for leftists in CUPE Ontario, or an opportunity? Maybe it can be both.Katherine Grzejszczak and Krista Laing, two candidates for the next CUPE Ontario Executive join Blueprints to talk about where things are at right now, and their visions for their union’s future. They talk about the impact Fred has had, but also what they might do differently.Despite public sector unions being under attack, both guests share hopeful signs that workers are becoming bolder and more eager to engage politically. They emphasize the need for a more member driven approach, spending fewer resources on electoral politics, and more ways to realize the power of 290,000 union members.Hosted by: Jessa McLeanRelated Episodes: Stolen Wages - Featuring the Naujawan Support Network Nationalism and the Working ClassMore Resources: Israel’s supporters attack Ontario trade-union leader | CounterfireCUPE Ontario Convention 2026 - CUPE OntarioAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Ontario's Premier, Doug Ford has had post-secondary students, and their unions, in his sights since he took office, but a new round of cuts to OSAP has taken them over the edge.On March 14th, 2026, students mobilized at Queen's Park to demonstrate, only to be met by violence at the hands of the Toronto Police Services. This did not deter them.Organizers with the Canadian Federation of Students talk about how we got to this point, and what work needs to be done in order for students to be the force of change they're meant to be - including what it will take for a student strike to actually be effective.Hosted by: Jessa McLean, and produced by Santiago Helou-QuinteroCall to Action: Sign the No to OSAP Cuts Petition and Attend Day of ACTION MARCH 24thRelated Episodes: Lessons from Student EncampmentsMore Resources: Hands Off Our Education! Ne touchez pas à notre système d'éducation!CBC: OSAP Cuts - What you Need to KnowBe sure to subscribe to our SUBSTACK for even MORE content.All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Although using a new URL, activists behind the boycott of Canada's largest bookstore still say that 'Indigo Kills Kids'.A representative for the campaign talks about their choice of language, tactics and targets - most notably the CEO of Indigo Books, Heather Reisman. You'll hear how this Canadian oligarch has proudly poured millions into the HESEG foundation, which actively recruits soldiers for the Occupation Forces, and rewards them for their violence.This connection to the genocide is important, not only in justifying the boycott, but to refute claims Reisman is being targeted for being Jewish.The IKK campaign also respond to critics from the Left side of the political spectrum, and reflects on the work that still needs to be done.Hosted by Jessa McLean and Produced by Santiago Helou QuinteroCalls to Action: Take the Pledge to Boycott Indigo and Demand CRA Revoke HESEG's Charitable StatusRelated Episodes: Machinery of Suppression: Bill C9 and the weaponization of antisemitism (jan 2026) Jews Say NO to Genocide break down the latest suppressive legislation from Carney and challenge the narratives being used to pass it.Answering the Call: Labour for Palestine (jan 2024) L4P representative Anna Lippman on the call from Palestinian workers to disarm Israel and Free Palestine.More Resources: Rabble: Boycott Israel campaign hits Chapters and Mountain Equipment Co-opAssaulted for questioning ‘charitable’ donations by billionaire - Yves EnglerCJPME: More on IndigoJust Peace Advocates: Billionaire couple continues to support genocidal armyThe Maple: Indigo’s Copyright Victory Opens A New Front In BDS StruggleIndigo Kills Kids WebsiteBe sure to subscribe to our SUBSTACK for even more content.All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Sisters in film, Rawan Ramini and Jada-Gabrielle Pape were brought together for the film, From Salish Sea to Palestine. They joined Blueprints to talk about their use of the medium to make connections between movements, and tell the 'true stories' of their people.Ultimately though, it is a discussion on what really builds solidarity.The most obvious connections between Palestinians and Indigenous Peoples' in so-called Canada are that of colonialism and occupation. Rawan highlights so many of the shared tactics of land displacement, ethnic cleansing and of course, genocide that tie their fights together.Despite shared mechanisms of oppression, Rawan and Jada's work serves as a reminder this ultimately, not what should define them and their people."Walking along in solidarity means seeing us as a whole people, not just as a people living in resistance" - JadaMore on our guests:Rawan Hassan, Palestinian filmmaker and mother of two. She Directed, wrote and co-produced the Documentary Series: Ana Falastini Jada-Gabrielle Pape, wu’Was’welam, is Xwelmuxw Mestuyuxw: Saanich and Snuneymuxw Nations. She is the Director of From the Salish Sea to Palestine, and the co-founder of Drawing Wisdom. She also Drawing Wisdom Video Podcast, and is part of the Team at Courage Consulting.Hosted by: Jessa McLeanProduced by: Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: Help Fundraise for a Full Length Feature FilmRelated Episodes: Filmmaking Resistance (April 2024) Pier-Philippe Chevigny, writer-director of 'Richelieu', discusses how he uses his skills in filmmaking to shed light on social issues Canada's Colonial Imagination (October 2023) Tyler Shipley on the ways our view of the genocide of Indigenous peoples here STILL shapes how Canada interacts with the world.More Resources: More on the Film 'From the Salish Sea to Palestine'Ana Falastini Trailer (VIDEO)Ana Falastini Canada Wide TourAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Despite court rulings saying they could stay, the Region of Waterloo has spent considerable effort trying to remove people living at the 100 Victoria Street encampment in Kitchener.Aaron, from Fightback KW! talks about the conflicts the Region, the Police and even social workers instigate to try to push residents out. From the denial of services, a carceral approach and continued court battles, activists have had their hands full organizing to defend the rights of their unhoused neighbours.The discussion is about the community that exists at the encampment, and the deliberate choices 'authorities' are making to punish anyone surviving in ways that defy the capitalist model."The structures that be have a vested interest in the situation of the people at the very bottom to be as bad as possible” - Aaron, Fightback KWHosted by: Jessa McLeanProduced by: Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: Donate to Fightback KW via e-transfer fightback.kw(at)gmail(dot)com, orDrop off donations onsite or at Coven in KitchenerRelated Episodes:Rabble Rant: Housing Half Measures (Sept 2023) On Waterloo Outdoor Shelter 'Community'Resisting Toronto's Tactics Against the Unhoused (Sept 2024) Organizers with Voices for Unhoused Liberation share what they're doing to fight encampment evictions and against the war on the poor. Voices for Unhoused Liberation (May 2024) On strategy building, the limitations of advocacy work and the need for escalated direct actions.More Resources: The Regional Municipality of Waterloo v. Persons Unknown and to be Ascertained – 2025 Litigation – Waterloo Region Community Legal ServicesRegion ordered not to evict people from homeless encampmentBay Observer: Waterloo Shelter Formula Statement: FightBack @ 100Vic Full TimeAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Two Toronto based Legal Observers from the Orange Hats return to give us details on the tactics Toronto Police are using to try to bring down the Palestinian Solidarity Movement.Tasked with keeping an eye on cops during protests and other actions, Gisela and Leon have lots of stories to tell. Together the group recently issued a 2025 Year-In-Review on Toronto Police Services conduct at protests. The report includes statistics on injuries and arrests; it warns of trends in policing; and it points to a clear strategy to suppress the activities of activists - and legal observers. Its not all bad news. Thanks to their experience, the Orange Hats are a great source of advice for organizers and activists - or anyone coming into contact with Police. Hosted by: Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLeanProduced by: Santiago Helou Quintero Call to Action: Support Legal Observers - Donate to the Orange HatsREGISTER FOR ONLINE COURSE: Documenting Protests - Feb. 25 @6pm ETRelated Episodes: Watching Cops: Advice for Activists (Feb 2025) The Orange Hats share how to stay safe at protests, and the tactics Toronto police use to harass, intimidate and brutalize activists Exposing Toronto Police Tactics (Sep 2025) Activist and journalist Benjamin Nolan on the Toronto Police Services' violent responses to peaceful protests and their use of the knee-on-neck technique.More Resources: Inside the ‘shocking’ police operation targeting pro-Palestine activists in Toronto - The BreachPolice Chief Plays Loose with the Truth on Radio Call-in Show - The Grind MagazineWhat is Strategic Incapacitation – Orange HatsBe sure to catch all our content, including articles and resources for activists, on our SUBSTACK.All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Guest Jamie Kneen, of Mining Watch Canada gives an overview of the Canadian mining industry, while making the case its a continued colonial enterprise our politicians are more than happy to enable.How is it that an industry so big, with so many established cases of human rights abuses, continue to operate with such impunity, and under the radar? Jamie answers this, and talks about the work Mining Watch Canada does to support local efforts to resist resource extraction, share knowledge and in turn, influence policy here in Canada.What is clear is the impacts of mining are devastating, and Canadian politicians are complicit.Hosted by: Santiago Helou Quinter and Jessa McLeanProduced by: Santiago Helou QuinteroRelated Episodes: Canadian Mining Imperialism: Guatemala's 13 Brave Giants, Grahame Russell of Rights Action on a landmark legal case that exposed HudBay for horrific human rights abuses;Canada's Colonial Imagination, Professor and author Tyler Shipley on the ideology used to justify the genocide of Indigenous peoples and shape foreign policy today.More Resources: Mining in Canada: Latest News and Updates | The NarwhalArbritral Award — Gold Reserve LtdLetter to the Minister of International Trade: Canada’s commitment to a strong Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) | Mining Watch CanadaAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Aliya Pabani, Organizer and Producer, joins us to help unpack the clear paradigm shift taking place in Canadian politics.The episode examines the deterioration of Canadian media, with their obvious vitriol towards leftist politics. It also takes a look at Carney's now-famous Davos speech, and what that means for the neoliberal project, and for us.What is our role now, as the façades of liberalism falls away? Pabani makes the point there are a lot of Liberals trying to navigate this disruption of their world view, and this could be a unique moment to reshape it.Hosted by: Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLean.Call to Action: Related Episodes: More Resources: CFMM; Study on BBC Gaza/Israel Double StandardsGilmore: Toronto Suns Ottawa Bureau Chief TweetI resigned from Canada’s largest broadcasting corporation over its complicity in Israel’s genocide – Mondoweiss📺YOU CAN CATCH US LIVE EVERY FRIDAY AT 12pm E.T. on our YouTube Channel.All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

CROSSPOSTED FROM RABBLE RANTS - be sure to subscribe to this second podcast from the folks who brought you Blueprints of Disruption. One focused on the news, as it relates to our movements.----------ICE raids, mass deportations and communities resisting it all.Will the images filling our screens serve as a cautionary tale, or will Canadians convince themselves that those kinds of abuses wouldn't happen here?Hosts Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLean try to answer that with discussions on recent Liberal legislation (Bill C12), the Safe Third Country Agreement we have with the United States, and the impact its already having on migrants.Find our written piece to accompany this episode on our SUBSTACKCalls to ACTIONTell Senators: Vote No on Bill C-12 - Migrant Rights NetworkResources / Links / Referenced Material:Amnesty International; Safe Third Country AgreementThe Guardian; 2025 was ICE’s deadliest year in two decades. Jessa McLean; Canada's Own Brand of ICE___________________All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: PatreonFollow us on InstagramResources: Amnesty International; Safe Third Country AgreementThe Guardian; 2025 was ICE’s deadliest year in two decades. Jessa McLean; Canada's Own Brand of ICE

With Venezuela in the spotlight, we called in Raul Burbano of the Venezuelan Solidarity Coalition to give us a run down of what people in Canada are doing to resist yet another chapter of U.S. imperialist aggression.For almost a decade, organizers have been educating, advocating and mobilizing around the devastating sanctions and other forms of foreign intervention at the hands of the Canadian government. With Carney seemingly siding with Trump on the kidnapping of President Maduro and his wife, activists here are working overtime to turn the tide.Raul, himself a longtime activist, talks about the importance of building relationships between social movements and labour organizations across the Americas, and the shift the work has taken in the past few weeks.Hosted by: Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: Day of Action on January 24th, 2026Related Episodes: Venezuelan Chavistas vs. US Imperialism w/Geo Maher. Hear how the decades of struggle and the impact of the Bolivarian Revolution have made Venezuela ungovernable to anyone but the people. Lessons from South America (Dec 2022) Learning from the social movements of Venezuela, and drawing comparisons to Canadian politics.More Resources: International Brigade arrives in Venezuela - Instituto Simón BolívarDetails on Canada's 'Special Economic Measures' Against VenezuelaStatement by Prime Minister Carney on the situation in Venezuela | Prime Minister of CanadaYou can find even more content on our Substack.All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Professor, activist, abolitionist and author of We Created Chavez, Geo Maher helps unpack what's going on in Venezuela from the often neglected perspective of the grassroots.While the moves of state actors are to be watched and analyzed, Maher argues they alone do not hold the fate of Venezuela in their hands.Semi-autonomous communities, mostly within the poorer barrios of the country, with roots older than even Chavez, wield a power that goes well beyond that of Maduro or the ruling Party. Maher talks about how those 'communes' and the history of the Bolivarian Revolution will be massive barriers to Trump's Imperialist agenda.These 'experiments in democracy', as Maher refers to them, may hold some answers to the questions Canadians find themselves asking in the wake of Trump's threats against them. Namely, how do we best protect against US aggression? Hosted by: Jessa McLeanCall to Action: Contact Your MP and demand Canada lift all sanctions against VenezuelaRelated Episodes: Lessons From: South America, Alexander Moldovan on the social movements in Venezuela; stories of workers and communities fighting back while building networks of support. Canadian Mining Imperialism, on a Canadian landmark legal case that exposed the industry's use of sexual violence, destruction, and death in Guatemala.More Resources: Venezuela Month of Action - International League of Peoples' StruggleBBC: US Discussing Options to Acquire GreenlandCanada's Official Statement on VenezuelaGuest's Recommended Read: America, América – Greg GrandinCanada imposes new sanctions against Venezuelan officials (Mar 2025)For more Blueprints, including articles and resources for activists: Subscribe to our SUBSTACKAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Activists from Jews Say NO to Genocide are working to challenge the coordinated narratives around the antisemitic violence at Bondi Beach in Australia - narratives that help pave the way for dangerous legislation like Canada's own Bill C9. Louise, also of Independent Jewish Voices, goes over Carney's pending Act to Amend the Criminal Code, and its possible ramifications. From the new intimidation offence, to the vague wording around restricted spaces and symbols, the case is made that this is another tool for the powerful to suppress opponents at will.Toronto based activist, Molly Kraft, also of SURJ Toronto, talks about how the prioritizing the feelings of some at the expense of the rights of others is all just part of the larger scheme to suppress dissent and benefit, not Jewish people, but white, Christian nationalists, Imperialism and ultimately, Capital.Gur Tsabar, of the Movement Media Hub and spokesperson for the group, says we need to be asking the hard questions in the immediate wake of events like Bondi Beach and October 7th. He insists its in those moments the machinery working against us goes into overdrive to lay the "moral foundation" for the horrors that come next.Hosted by: Jessa McLeanCall to Action: Say NO to Bill C-9 (Action Network Petition)Related Episodes: Jews Say NO to Genocide (Dec 2024) The organization's first appearance on Blueprints to talk about the Jewish identity crisis purposely being crafted by the Israeli lobby. Weaponizing Canadian Law for Israel (Jul 2024) Martin Lukacs on Toronto Police's Project Resolute and the secretive committee tasked with cracking down on Palestinian solidarity activism.More Resources: The Independent: UK Terror Arrests CBC: On Bloc's Proposed Changes to Bill C9Toronto Star: Calls for Antisemitism Task Force After Bondi BeachBill C-9 Threatens Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Freedom of Expression in Canada – Canadian BDS Coalition & International BDS AlliesBill C9: Legislative InfoBe sure to check out our Substack for more content and resources for activists.All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Desmond Cole, acclaimed author and journalist at The Breach, sits down with host Jessa McLean to clear the air and contrast their positions around Yves Engler's campaign and the NDP's decision to block him. While disagreeing on a substantive amount of items, they still manage to find common ground - moving through conversations on vetting, insurgent campaigns, the legitimacy of tactics and more, in a productive way.Related Episodes: Why They Came for Me (Nov 2022), Host Jessa McLean shares her journey through partisan politics, why the NDP is trying to silence her, and how this is part of a larger pattern to push out socialists and internal advocates.Candidate Crisis (June 2022), how the Ontario blew an election by blocking candidates and meddling in the local nomination processes.People's Party? (July 2022), Discussions with current and former NDP Party Executives proves quite revealing, demonstrating that like most politics in Canada, very few people are calling all the shots.More Resources: Vetting Correspondence via Yves Engler for NDPReferenced Breach Podcast: Who can take the NDP leftward?NDP leadership committee rejects Yves Engler’s candidacy application - rabble.caAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Halifax based community activist Rana Zaman has found herself in the midst of another smear campaign launched by Zionist lobbyists, and betrayed by the very institutions that once celebrated her.Back in 2019, the NDP withdrew her hard fought nomination - citing a three year-old tweet and pressure from organizations like B'Nai Brith and the Atlantic Jewish Council. We hear that story firsthand from Rana, as well as the impact it had on her emotionally and professionally. Its sadly similar to many of the stories we've told on the show - and its happening to her all over again.Her recent award, a Peace Medal from the YMCA, was quickly rescinded amidst a similar campaign from the AJC and other usual suspects. The YMCA did this despite already knowing Rana's history, and assuring her they would stand by her.Its a personal story, but also an institutional one. The story is part of a larger pattern that has far reaching consequences for members, the social movements they create, and Canadian politics in general. Hosted by: Jessa McLeanCall to Action: Sign a Petition Demanding the YWMC Reinstate Rana's Peace MedalRelated Episodes: Being Pragmatic inside the NSNDP, on the removal of another NSNDP candidate over their support for Palestine, and a discussion on the pros and cons of staying in the Party;Sidelining Socialism, Host Jessa McLean argues that the NDP and their failure to keep Left has shifted the Overton window in Canadian politics; or,Get the whole INSIDE the NDP Playlist.End Song Credit: Sean MacGillivray (with permission)More Resources: 'It's not about me': Rana Zaman speaks after YMCA rescinds her award - Halifax ExaminerCJPME Foundation Statement (December 2025)On Rana Zaman: Some somebodies have some explaining to do - Halifax ExaminerAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

World Beyond War Canada organizer Rachel Small's home was recently raided by Police - at 6 a.m., while the entire family was asleep. They seized all of her electronic devices, including those of her children. At the very same time, Police were also raiding the homes of some of her fellow activists, and preparing those press releases.Their alleged crime? Peacefully protesting outside of what organizers had defiantly labelled, a "War Crimes Summit" - a gathering of Canada's weapons manufacturers, politicians and military brass. They'd gathered to help carve out more fortunes from the $89 billion in military spending coming their way.The guest list was also a who's who of Canada's arms trade with the Zionist occupation, companies who had been featured heavily in World Beyond War's most recent report (co-authored by the Palestinian Youth Movement) on the 'loopholes' these companies use to hide their participation in the genocide.Rachel describes what it was like waking up to officers in her house; how she prepared for this inevitability; how she explained it all to her children, and what supports she's had since the arrest. Hear how activists are building up the very thing Police seek to tear down, community. This isn't the first Blueprints guest to speak highly of the Toronto Legal Support Fund and the good people who have helped create a network of arrestees, lawyers and others to lean on while going through the often complicated and drawn out legal processes these charges lead to.What they don't often lead to is convictions. Rachel reminds us that despite the well over 150 charges laid against Palestinian solidarity activists, in the Toronto area alone, there has been only one conviction. Despite the injustice of the raids, and the increased criminalization of protestors, Rachel seems undaunted. Completely resolved in her mission. And we fully support her.Hosted by: Jessa McLeanCall to Action: DONATE TO TORONTO COMMUNITY LEGAL FUNDRelated Episodes: Arming Israel: Canada's Continued Role, (July 2025) Haneen from PYM and Rachel share a scathing new report. Supports Amid State Suppression, members of the Toronto Legal Support Committee, discuss oppressive tactics being used by Police and their impact on individuals and the larger movement.More Resources: The Maple: Canada’s Arms-to-Israel Scandal ExplainedREPORT: Exposing the US LOOPHOLE: HOW CANADIAN F-35 PARTS AND EXPLOSIVES REACH ISRAELBe sure to subscribe to our SUBSTACK for more content, including articles and other resources for activists.All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

NDP Leadership hopeful Yves Engler gives an update on his campaign, and discusses the implications of his recent criminal trial in Montreal.The arguments laid out by the Crown in his case, if successful, will reverberate throughout movements, particularly those who encourage followers to inundate state officials with emails. A guilty verdict also holds the potential to provide police officers with a level of anonymity that would make holding them accountable even more difficult.While defending himself against these charges, Yves' is also in the middle of a heated contention for nomination. Its been almost a month since he's submitted his vetting papers to an expectant committee, but no decision has been made. However, he does describe a string of incidents that may serve as writing on the wall.Hear what he thinks his chances are at being found not-guilty, and of passing the NDP vetting test...Hosted by: Jessa McLeanRelated Episodes: Yves Engler: Next Leader of the NDP? (July 2025) Journalist, author, and activist Yves Engler talks about his recent announcement to run for leader of Canada's NDP;Weaponizing the Law for Israel (July 2024) Martin Lukacs from The Breach discusses his investigations into Toronto Police's Project Resolute and the secretive committee tasked with cracking down on Palestinian solidarity activism. Inside the NDP PlaylistMore Resources: NDPSocialists.ca: Yves Engler Denied Access to Convention with ONDP Leader Hangs OnThe Maple: Two Charges Against Pro-Palestine Activist Yves Engler DroppedWhy I’m running for leadership of NDP - Yves EnglerBe sure to check out our Substack for more even more content...which is ALL FREE - but made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky