Blueprints of Disruption

Mskwaasin, a Dene activist, shares her experience of being arrested during a recent railway blockade in Toronto in solidarity with Palestine. She highlights many of the common struggles faced by Indigenous communities in so-called Canada and Palestinians, both under settler colonialism.Its clear Police were targeting Indigenous activists both with arrest and what Mskwaasin calls unconstitutional bail conditions. Despite the tactics used against her, she continues to encourages escalation in activism and unity among different movements for collective liberation.Resources: Mskwaasin's statement to media on bail conditionsFollow Mskwaasin on InstagramPalestinian solidarity Archives - Yellowhead InstituteHome - Arms Embargo NowCanadian police connections with Israel colour responses to Palestinian solidarity | Green Left_____________All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon

Longtime queer rights activist Gary Kinsman resigned from Toronto Pride in April 2024 over their refusal to adequately address the genocide in Gaza. While telling his story to host Jessa McLean, Gary also provides a history of Pride, and its transition from a grassroots march to a corporately structured and funded cultural event. Together with host Jessa McLean, they talk about the cost of that corporate funding, the event's continued collaboration with Police and how the Queer fight for liberation is tied to the liberation of all peoples, including that of Palestinians. __________________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: NPPC · – No Pride in Policing Coalition (Toronto)UBC Press | The Regulation of Desire, Third Edition - Queer Histories, Queer Struggles, By Gary Kinsman By Gary KinsmanAfterword by Tom Hooper By Gary KinsmanAfterword by Tom HooperForeword by OmiSoore DrydenLetter of Resignation - Radical Noise.caFollow Gary Kinsman on Twitter (X)

Voices for Unhoused Liberation are folks experiencing homelessness or inadequate housing while organizing their community. Whether its against encampment evictions or the prison like conditions of the Toronto shelter system, these folks are getting things done under incredibly difficult circumstances. The interview with Dredz Green and Nahum Mann, two community organizers with Voices for Unhoused Liberation, touches on strategy building, the limitations of advocacy work and the need for escalated direct actions. As they describe their lived experience and recent developments, it becomes clear the City of Toronto is actively, and purposely harming the unhoused members of our communities. Under attack, they vow to fight back.*AUDIO NOTE* at approximately the 1hr mark, there are issues with Dredz audio that lasts about 10 minutes. We opted to not edit this out, so as to not lose any part of his message. There is a transcript available. ___________________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: CBC: Community group calls on city council to impose moratorium on evictions of unhoused peopleFollow Voices of Unhoused Liberation on Twitter (X)Voices for Unhoused Liberation

Pier-Philippe Chevigny, writer-director of 'Richelieu', discusses how he uses his skills in filmmaking to shed light on social issues, particularly the exploitation of temporary foreign workers in Canada in his first feature length film, 'Richelieu'. The film follows a translator who sees this exploitation first hand and fights back against the bosses. Chevigny's focus on systemic issues rather than demonizing individuals, allows the message to resonate to audience of all political persuasions. Although he shies away from the activist label, his films share themes of resistance and are created with purpose. Be sure to check out the Mayworks Festival, where Richelieu will open on May 1st. The festival runs the entire month of May and its exhibits include endless mediums artists have used to connect people with social issues. __________All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: PatreonResources: 2024 FESTIVAL — Mayworks Festival of Working People & the ArtsFollow Pier-Philippe on InstagramRichelieu (2023) directed by Pier-Philippe Chevigny — Mayworks Festival of Working People & the Arts

Are we there yet?In the wake of the Liberals 2024 Budget, we pulled Nik Barry-Shaw into the studio to unpack what it all means for the long fight for Pharmacare in Canada. Nik is a campaigner with the Council of Canadians. 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: Follow Nik Barry-Shaw on Twitter (X)Toronto Star (paywall) Op-Ed: PharmacarePharmacare now – The Council of Canadians

All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon____________Episode Summary:Anna, an activist with Labor for Palestine and Independent Jewish voices, discusses her recent arrest and the ongoing struggle for Palestinian solidarity. She was arrested for participating in a peaceful sit-in at AWZ Industries, a company profiting from the Israeli occupation. The conversation looks at the tactics used by Police to intimidate and scare activists, and highlights the importance of not letting them intimidate the movement. One key lesson from the discussion is the how and why of people fighting these unjust charges and bail conditions, when possible.The Toronto Community Justice Fund is one of the movement’s tools that helps thwart these legal barricades put in our way. Please donate if you can: www.tcjf.ca Chapters:Introduction and BackgroundFocus on Genocide and SolidarityThe Long-Term Fight for JusticePolice Tactics and Arrest ExperiencesThe Need for Escalation____________Resources: Joshua Best's Post on Toronto Rail Blockade CBC: Stephan Harper and AWZ InvestmentsToronto Community Justice Fund - PLEASE DONATE

SummaryAndrew Crosby, a postdoctoral researcher at Carleton University, discusses his book Resisting Eviction and focuses on the case study of Herring Gate in Ottawa, which is labeled as the largest urban eviction in Canadian history.The conversation explores the role of municipalities and the financialization of housing, the detachment of home as an investment, and the settler colonial aspect of property and wealth in Canada. Key Takeaways:The case study of Herring Gate in Ottawa sheds light on the largest urban eviction in Canadian history and the resistance efforts of tenants.Tenant organizing and solidarity can yield positive results in the face of powerful entities like financialized real estate investment firms.The financialization of housing and the detachment of home as an investment have detrimental effects on communities and the social fabric.The settler colonial aspect of property and wealth in Canada is intertwined with the housing crisis and the displacement of Indigenous peoples. Tenant organizing and direct action are powerful tools for challenging unjust housing practices and advocating for tenant rights.Municipalities have a responsibility to consider the impact of their policies on communities and should involve tenants in decision-making processes.A praxis of refusal, refusing to accept unjust conditions and using unconventional tactics, can lead to positive change.The right to return is an important aspect of addressing displacement and should be protected and advocated for.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: Vice: The Story of the Largest Urban EvictionCBC: Legal Fees Piling Up for Heron Gate ResidentsResisting Eviction: Domicide and the Financialization of Rental Housing – Fernwood PublishingKeywords: resisting eviction, Herring Gate, tenant organizing, tenant rights, housing justice, financialization of housing, settler colonialism, property, wealth, housing, affordability, gentrification, commodification, displacement, tenant organizing, direct action, municipalities, policy-making, praxis of refusal, right to return

The conversation explores the current situation in Israel and Palestine, focusing on the goals and actions of the Israeli government, the role of the US, and the potential consequences of the conflict. It discusses the unwinnable battle Israel is fighting in trying to eliminate Hamas and the need for a way out to avoid looking like their actions were in vain. The conversation also touches on the economic and global implications of the conflict, the delegitimization of leaders as a distraction tactic, and the rise of extreme fascism in Israel. It emphasizes the importance of education and counter-education in the anti-imperialist fight.Key Takeaways:Israel is fighting an unwinnable battle in trying to eliminate Hamas and needs a way out to avoid looking like their actions were in vain.The conflict between Israel and Palestine has economic and global implications, and the US is concerned about protecting its assets and maintaining its superpower status.Delegitimizing leaders is a distraction tactic used to shift the focus away from the systemic issues and maintain control.The rise of extreme fascism in Israel is a concerning development, particularly among the younger generation.The anti-imperialist fight is a long one that requires continuous education, counter-education, and re-education.Chapters:Introduction and BackgroundReligion as a Unifying FactorIran's Response to the Embassy StrikeEconomic and Global Implications of the ConflictDelegitimizing Leaders as a Distraction TacticThe Long Fight: Anti-Imperialism and Continuous EducationResources: RECOMMENDED READING: Trinity of FundamentalsWashington Post: Why Iran Attacked Israelhttps://blueprints-of-disruption.captivate.fm/episode/rabble-rants-destabilizing-and-delegitimizing-iran-and-israel ________All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon

Canada’s Era of Rebellion: 1837 - 1885Its always much easier to understand Canada’s behaviours’ now when we hear its real story of inception. As we go through the years before and after Confederation, clear patterns emerge that imitate a lot of what we are seeing today - here in Canada, and over in Palestine.The episode includes stories of brutal suppression of resistance, land theft, executions of indigenous leaders. It explains why the retelling of history is so important to the powerful.Content creator and history buff, Bothered Boy covers the early rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada, the Red River Resistance and the Northwest Rebellion. He tells a story of Canada's "creation" that is steeped in political violence and indigenous resistance. ______________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:

Multiple UN Bodies Pass Motions Against Israel to No AvailAfter rulings by the ICJ, and motions passed at the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council, Israel has continued its onslaught of Gaza and its many violations of human rights and international law. Host Jessa McLean gives updates on the latest rulings and examines the history of the U.N., its failure to prevent other genocides and its true purpose. ______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:

Street photograph Joshua Best has been front and centre for the escalation of police violence against protestors in the City of Toronto. He joins the hosts to talk about his his experience, his intriguing photography and what drives him to document disruption. It's also a discussion about police brutality, the resultant radicalization of participants, of solidarity and street level battles for a better world. _________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: Joshua Best (Homepage)Follow Joshua Best on Instagram

***Please subscribe to the Rabble Rants feed to keep getting these episodes. Its available anywhere you get Blueprints of Disruption.***Liberals Announce Plans for a Renters' Bill of RightsIn an attempt to sway young voters, mostly renters, Trudeau and the Liberals have announced what they are calling a Renters' Bill of Rights. It includes some funding for legal aid, plans to tie rental payment history to credit scores and other measures aimed at the landlord/tenant relationship. Host Jessa McLean goes through the plans, their viability and flags some of the ways these measures could actually harm tenants and their ability to push back against bad landlords and sky high rents. ____________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: Financial Post: Trudeau Pledges to Boost Renters RightsCBC: Renters' Bill of Rights'Secret' RCMP report paints dark picture of Canada's future | CTV NewsJustin Trudeau's video announcement for Renters

The Social Justice Co-operative in St. John's Newfoundland/Labrador has a long as resilient history. Our interview with co-chair Kerri Claire tells of a personal political journey and an organizational one. Both of which have led to an impressive collective making a meaningful impact.With limited resources, these folks are able to contribute to wide array of local initiatives. And most importantly, they do this in a way that value members' voices and set models for community care.__________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: Referenced Article: Memorial University of N.L. board member suspended | CTV NewsFollow Kerri Neil on Twitter (X)Follow SJCNL on Twitter (X)Social Justice Co-Op NL Linktree

RABBLE RANTS are now available on their own feed. Be sure to subscribe wherever you're listening from.TOPIC: Liberals introduce caps and other policy changes related to temporary foreign residents.In an attempt to further scapegoat immigrants for the 'affordability and housing crisis', federal Liberals in Canada have introduced caps on migrant workers, international students and asylum seekers.We go over the details of the changes being made and the impact they'll have. We highlight the realities facing 'temporary residents' and the demands advocates have been fighting for, for years. Things like Status for All, an end to deportations and the regularization of undocumented people in Canada.____________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: CBC: UN Special Rapporteur on Migrant Worker ProgramReferenced Action: Online Phone Zap: Unite Against Racism, Regularize All! - Migrant Workers Alliance for ChangeCBC: PEI Foreign Workers InvestigationBBC: Canada to set first-ever cap on temporary residents

Our discussion with anarchist collective CrimethInc. participant 'B' was full of lessons for how we can better organize our movements. How to form true collectives that value each and every voice, not just symbolically, but in how they make decisions. B describes how there is a way to find harmony without requiring complete unity.This episode helps to better define anarchism as it is in these times; a collective project for self-determination. It is completely compatible with the work we are already doing, and may hold key answers to the questions that hive stagnated many movements. 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: CrimeThInc. Homepage

United States Pledges to Build a Seaport in Gaza.In his State of the Union Address, President Biden called for a six-week ceasefire and promised to build a seaport to deliver aid to Gaza.The project will be lead by U.S. troops and a company no-one has heard of until now. Wait until you find out who runs that company and what their aims in the Middle East are.We also discuss what all of this mean for the Israeli blockade on Gaza and geopolitics in general? ---------------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: Buried Secrets | The New YorkerOttawa pauses non-lethal military export permits for IsraelVideo: Machinery entering GazaLive updates on Gaza from Al JazeeraABC: Biden Announces Emergency US Military MissionUS military ship heading to Gaza to build port

Ontario ACORN just released a report on renovictions in the Province, and the findings are beyond alarming. The good news is there are plenty of people organizing around the issue, with some victories already under their belt.Our hosts are joined by local ACORN organizers Lorne MacMillan (Hamilton) and Even Bury (Ottawa) to talk about the impact of renovictions on renters, the community and the housing market. Tenant organizing is growing steadily in Canada, and it has been serving up victories for some time. Listen in for ways to resist renovictions and bad landlords._______________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: Call to Action: Ontario Cities Need Renoviction Protections NOW! - ACORN CanadaFollow Ottawa ACORN on XFollow ACORN Hamilton on XRenovictions in Ontario - ACORN Canada REPORT

Direct actions work. The past two weeks have seen multiple Palestinian solidarity actions shut down Liberal fundraisers and galas with fascists. They have drawn attention to illegal land sales, Canadian companies arming Israel, and the racist violence of Zionists here in Canada.Our hosts go over some of these actions, the tactics they used, the responses and the results.___________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: CIA Handbook on SabotageReferenced Episode: Courage Needed: Advocating for Palestine Referenced Episode: We Keep Us Safe - Blueprints of DisruptionWorld Beyond War: Kraken Technology Action StatementIndependent Jewish Voices Response Letter to Selina RobinsonUPDATE: Aid Funding Restored CBC: Real Estate Events in ThornhillCBC: Trudeau Meloni Event Cancelled

Special Guest, John Clarke joins Host Jessa McLean to give a proper (hostile) send off to Brian Mulroney, Canada's Prime Minister from 1984 to 1993.Frustrated by the Parliamentarian/respectability politics that saw the leader of the workers' party give a glowing tribute to a man that was a sworn enemy of the working class, they go through the true 'legacy' of the man who ushered in an unchecked era of heightened exploitation.Throughout the episode the audience is also given a crash course in exactly what neoliberalism is and why its entrenchment in Canadian politics is nothing to honour. Here is our previous episode with John Clarke, Making Mass Actions Count. December 2022.________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: Follow John Clarke on Twitter (X)CBC: Mulroney Tried to Cover Up Cash PaymentsDid Mulroney really ‘lead the fight’ against apartheid? – Canadian Dimension

Don't forget to get our Rabble Rants on their own feed now: https://podfollow.com/rabble-rants With the federal Conservatives in full campaigning mode, we thought we'd take a moment to highlight some of the more dangerous aspects of Pierre Poilievre.Even before he was leader of the CPC, his ambitions were clear, and so were his politics. Anti-democratic, anti-Indigenous, hostile. Now his tactics, coupled with his growing platform, make his approach outright dangerous. ____________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: Pierre Poilievre defends the Fair Elections Act

What if we told you there is NO housing crisis?The author of The Tenant Class, Ricardo Tranjan joins hosts Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLean to talk about the housing market, its purpose and the use of policies that don't challenge the narrative of shelter commodification and land ownership.Tranjan presents the landlord / tenant divide as a more useful class analysis for our times. He encourages us to reframe our approach to housing advocacy, in ways free from the confines set by Capital.-----------------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: The Tenant Class – Between the Lines Books

The Death of Aaron BushnellHis last words were "Free Palestine". 25 year old Aaron Bushnell livestreamed what he called an extreme form of protest. In front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, the US Airman and self described anarchist doused himself in an accelerant and lit himself on fire.In these dark times, many folks may be feeling desperate and looking for ways to make a bigger impact. Our hosts unpack those feelings, share some writings on the issue and implore the audience to find other ways to fight that keep us alive.___________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: Crimethin.com: This is what our ruling class has decided is normalOpinion | Why Would Anyone Kill Themselves to Stop a War? On Aaron Bushnell and Others | Common Dreams

Pharmacare announcement from the NDPAfter weeks of leaked deadline ultimatums, Jagmeet Singh announced he'd reached a deal with the Liberals on what he is calling universal pharmacare. Should people in Canada celebrate this as a first step? Our hosts suggest we hold our applause for the moment. We go over details of what is included in the deal, what isn't - and exactly what the status of the legislation is. As with all political announcements, we consider the timing and the fact the NDP are describing "intense negotiations" to get to even this point, despite Pharmacare being a part of CASA since March 2022.___________________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: CBC: Liberals NDP Pharmacare Deal

Desmond Cole, journalist, organizer, activist and author of The Skin We're In, provides a thoughtful analysis on where the Defund the Police movement is right now. It is hard to hear at times, but incredibly constructive. It is more of a discussion of where we need to go than lamenting on past political choices.Although, we do start off by asking Desmond how he feels about Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow's decision to aware the Toronto Police Services every penny they asked for. Considering the article he wrote for Ricochet right after the election, we weren't all that surprised by his answer. Find out if he thinks enough was done between Chow's victory and the first budget, and what needs to be done next. We also discuss the harm police do, both with their violence and the suppression of tactics used to keep power in check. It specifically includes just some the stories of the many young men in Canada harmed at the hand of Police, like Devon Fowlin and Sammy Yatim.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: CBC: Police Shootings Spectacularly IncreasingWith Olivia Chow, Toronto might be worth fighting for | RicochetJournalist Desmond Cole Asks: Do Black Lives Matter in Canada?Fundraiser by Desmond Cole : Help Devon Fowlin continue his recovery

Publicly Funded Catholic Schools in CanadaOnly three provinces still publicly fund Catholic Schools...why?After yet another Catholic school board in Ontario refuses to fly the Pride flag, our hosts discuss the merits of fully dismantling the Catholic school system.________________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: Rabble: It's finally time to dissolve Ontario Catholic schoolsCatholic Trustee Association PamphletCBC: York Catholic School Board / Pride Flag

Topic 1: Toronto Mount Sinai Hospital becomes a major distraction to Canadian MediaRather than talking about the hospitals in Gaza under attack, Canadian media chose to focus on the erroneous statements of Canadian politicians to again smear peaceful pro-Palestinian protestors.Host Santiago Helou Quintero was at the Hands Off Rally in Toronto, and has much to say on how the narrative was stolen from the organizers. Topic 2: Rafah Under AttackUpdates on the situation in Gaza, and the stories of Hind Rajab and Sidra Hassouna.Topic 3: Egypt Building a WallWith a second Nakba happening in Palestine, reports were coming in about a wall being built by Egyptian authorities near the border with Gaza. Satellite images have confirmed this developing - which confirms the fears that the displacement of Palestinians to the Sinai desert is imminent. __________ 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: Labour 4 PalestinePalestinian Youth MovementReuters: Body of Gaza Girl (Hind Rajab)Mount Sinai Hospital protest: Trudeau responds, police investigating | CP24.comSatellite photos show Egypt building a wall near Gaza Strip as Israeli offensive on Rafah looms | World News | thecanadianpressnews.ca

Journalist Jack Ross joins hosts Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLean to discuss his new investigative piece for In These Times, As Fentanyl Overdoses Soar, LA City Crews Toss State-Funded Narcan from Encampments._________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: Jack Ross' Portfolio

Topic 1: Canadian political elites worried?Relentless pressure from activists was too much for the BC NDP to handle, forcing MLA Selina Robinson to lose her position in the Cabinet. This has politicians and their inner circles closing ranks around and pushing back against the more aggressive tactics being deployed by grassroots activists.What has them so worried?Topic 2: Nicaragua Put Complicit Countries on NoticeWith the possibility of another ICJ trial in the news, this time with Canada as a target has our hosts looking at International Law and its obvious limitations. Topic 3: Canada's Special Visa Program for GazaThis is not the humanitarian gesture it was sold as. The shortcomings, paired with other foreign policy moves this week seem very performative.Our hosts discuss these and other updates related to the siege on Gaza. ____________________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: CBC: Palestinian Canadian Visa DelaysMansour Shouman on InstagramICJ Case: Military and Paramilitary Activities in and against Nicaragua (Nicaragua v. United States of America)B.C. Premier decries vandalism of constituency office belonging to Selina Robinson - The Globe and Mail

Topic 1: BC NDP MLA Selina Robinson's recent remarks on PalestineOne could have thought that what MP Robinson has said and tweeted the last 120 days would have landed her in hot water, or perhaps removed from caucus. As of recording - only a couple of NDP elected have said anything about it.Why do those upholding these openly Anti-Palestinian views get to operate with such impunity? Our hosts breakdown why what she said is a problem and why it is we haven't seen a stronger backlash from the political class.Topic 2: Yuk Yuk's Holds a Fundraiser for 'Friends of the IDF'We give a little background on the recent protest outside of Toronto's flagship comedy venue in an attempt to stop a pro-Israeli fundraiser last week. While Santiago provides a firsthand account of that action, it brings up the discussion of...Topic 3: Protest SafetyThroughout the episode we give practical advice for organizers and participants of disruptive actions on how to best handle police, counter protestors and right-wing media figures.__________________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: Anti-Palestinian Racism 101Protest Guide | Protect PalestineFundraiser draws calls to sever Humber comedy program from club | Humber NewsKnow Your Rights: An activist's guide to the law

The episodes starts off with the story of Skigh Johnson, a Toronto resident who taped handwritten posters onto her local Starbucks to protest their support of genocide and their attack on workers who voiced pro-Palestinian views. What happens next is almost unbelievable - except it isn't and its how many activists are being targeted and made examples of.What happened to Skigh helped spark positive connections in her community as well. Out of it all a group formed, Eglinton-Lawrence and Don Valley for Palestine. They called it that because its made up of folks from those two electoral ridings who initially wanted to work together to pressure one of their local MPs, Marco Mendicino.But it became about more than that - it became about asserting their right to exist in their own neighbourhood.Listen in as five comrades talk about the police ban on protests, the confrontations they've had to endure, the media's failure and the very personal impact it has had on all of them.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:

Topic 1: Electoral ReformSpecial Guest Matt Kerch , a political commentator from British Columbia, joins hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero to dish on the potential benefits and prospects of electoral reform here in Canada. Topic 2: Immigration and HousingWe help debunk the xenophobic rhetoric being amplified that blames immigration numbers for the housing crisis we're in. National media, Conservative leaders and Liberal Ministers have us all looking away from the actual culprits - investors and developers. Episodes that feed into this discussion:Rabble Rant: Temporary Foreign Worker Exploitation; Billions for Billionaires and Battleships; Our Leaders are all LandlordsA Developers Democracy_________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: National Post: Canada Rapidly Fraying Social CohesionToronto Star Opinion: Investors no Immigrants ResponseData: Investors and New Real Estate

The word ceasefire may not have been included in the provisional ruling issued against Israel by the International Court of Justice on Friday, January 26th, but it was a ruling against them nonetheless.With demands to end mass killings, bodily and mental harm, as well as ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid - the ICJ has essentially told Israel to end hostilities against the Palestinian people. They told the world Israel's claims were without merit and that it was plausible genocide was happening. Dimitri Lascaris joins the hosts Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLean to give a thorough analysis of the ruling, the measures Israel's been ordered to follow and what this all means for global and Canadian politics.____________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:

In our second interview with Labour activist Anna Lippman, we get to hear all about her recent experience volunteering as a protective presence in the West Bank, Palestine. With villages under constant harassment and attacks by both the IDF and Israeli settlers, a call went out to allies to travel to the West Bank, stay with families and use their presence as a deterrent for more unchecked colonial violence. Anna again, answered that call.She talks about using her 'good passport' and Jewishness to first gain access to places in Palestine her comrades only dream of returning to, and then to protect farming families from being run off their land.If you missed our first episode with Anna - you can get it here: https://pod.fo/e/214c7d 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:

An interview with Labour for Palestine representative Anna Lippman on Answering the Call from Palestinian workers to disarm Israel and Free Palestine.She speaks tothe responsibility we have in Canada and to the power of workers outside AND inside weapons manufacturers to end the siege on Gaza.We hear a bit about the work Labour for Palestine was doing before October 7th and what happened when urgency took on a whole new meaning. The rank and file support for Palestine has now swelled - how can that be harnessed for a long term solution?Stay tuned for the next interview with Anna airing next week. Be sure to subscribe. 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: Follow Anna Lippman on TwitterLabour for Palestine's Linktree

With activists and journalists being accosted and arrested across Canada last week - we thought it was time to reinforce that all cops are bastards (and tools of Capital) always. And that we can not, for a moment, make space for police responses to people trying to hold the powerful accountable.We cover:Journalist Brandi Morin arrested covering an encampment eviction in Edmonton, and the use of Police to clear eight sites in frigid temperatures;The arrest of a certain right-wing journalist while trying to question Deputy Minister Chrystia Freeland - and what our collective response SHOULD have been;Toronto Police declare an area of the City off limits to Pro-Palestinian protestors saying its a threat to the local Jewish community; and,Ottawa Pro-Palestinian activists have been getting $490 fines from the City for breaking a noise by-law.These open up discussions of police power and budgets, the criminalization of protests of any kind, the limiting of access to politicians and the attempts of the powerful of what is an acceptable protest. 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: INFORMATION SOURCE: A Safe & Thriving TorontoPro-Palestine protesters in Ottawa fined for third straight week | CTV NewsArticle: Edmonton Councillors to Discuss Homelessness

Topic 1: Algoma International Students Strike to WinAfter hundreds of international students at Algoma University in Ontario received a failing grade for an online course, they got no explanation. For most of them, the course is mandatory and it wasn't the first time they had been failed without knowing why.As international students, their status is precarious and depends on completing school. Their financial situations are also typically strained, often the targets of exploitation by employers and landlords. They couldn't afford another go at the over $3,000 course - and they just knew something wasn't right.So they started a strike - and they won. Listen in to find out how. Topic 2: Israel on TrialIsrael is at the Hague, in the International Court of Justice to defend themselves against charges of genocide in Gaza. Our hosts provide a rundown of the South African case against Israel, and the defence presented on Friday January 12th. We also talk about the recent strikes in Yemen and Canada's involvement in it all.___________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: Israel accuses South Africa of ‘profound distortion’ at ICJ genocide hearing | Israel-Gaza war | The GuardianAl Jazeera: ICJ UpdatesNaujawan Support Network on Twitter (X)Toronto Star: International students angered by failing grade

Topic 1: Lebanon and Israel Just as the siege on Gaza didn't start on October 7th, Israel's attacks on Lebanon didn't start with the recent assassination of a Hamas leader in Beirut. Special guest, Lebanese educator and activist Moe Ramadan joins Host Jessa McLean to give a debrief on the history of Israeli occupation and aggression in Lebanon and an update on the current situation.The similarities between Lebanon and Palestine are impossible to miss - and the patterns of global responses are also disappointingly the same. Displacement, unlivable conditions, collective retribution and of course, colonialism and liberation. Topic 2: Refugees and DisplacementAs the topic of internal displacement comes up, so does the issue of refugees and the push to further displace Palestinians across the globe. One can't argue with the need to evacuate people from a war zone - but, is the global community actually more interested in aiding in the permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, forever? What is Canada's role in all of this? As usual, its not good and its not new. _________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:

Lawyer, journalist and advocate, Dimitri Lascaris joins hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou to talk about holding Canadian politicians accountable for their role in the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. He and his comrades have been disrupting fundraisers, asking hard questions at press conference, interrupting other political functions to get attention on the issue of Gaza.We ask him why they employ these tactics, if it makes them nervous, and what they hope to achieve by posting up the videos of these interactions.The episode starts with Dimitri recalling a recent interaction with MP Marc Miller, who asks him "What can Canada do?". We breakdown the response to that often heard question. 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: Dimitri Lascaris homepage

Topic 1: F*ck LandlordsIn Toronto, a notoriously bad landlord attempts an unlawful eviction and the York-South Weston Tenants Union shows them what people power looks like. An occupation, legal appeals and amazing acts of solidarity ensured the tenant wasn't put out on the street - and we all learned a great lesson in organizing our communities.Evictions are happening right across Canada. Police, politicians and landlords and making deliberate choices that would see housed and unhoused people with no shelter at all. The only thing stopping them is us.Topic 2: Documenting War CrimesThe siege on Gaza in unprecedented in both its horrors and the media's defence of it. Some horrific updates from the last two weeks, hostages killed waving white flags, sick and injured Palestinians bulldozed, civilians sheltering in churches and UN schools shot, videos shared of prisoners being mistreated - all at the hands of the IDF.Although its emotionally fatiguing witnessing this genocide - it is important that we continue to share the stories coming out of Gaza. To both honour the courage of the journalists putting their lives on the lines and to make sure everyone responsible is held accountable. An analysis of the Canadian media shows how complicit in genocide many of our 'most trusted' outlets are. 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:

Who is there left to vote for? What good does it do?Many people are struggling with these questions after witnessing the NDP trend to the political centre and attack activists within its own ranks. There is no political party in Canada that truly represents leftist values or that can be trusted to act in good faith.We've already made the case that the NDP does not deserve free labour from the very people it will turn around and demonize, or evict. So what does one do on election day then? What would the impact be if one side of the political spectrum stopped voting entirely?Preventing the worst-case scenario appears to be the only reason most people can justify giving any politician their vote of approval. In fact, most people feel their vote is against something, than towards something better.Author and cybersecurity expert Kim Crawley wrote a recent blog called Don't Vote. She expands on her own political transformation from a libertarian to an NDP Convention delegate to someone disillusioned with the entire system.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: Don't Vote: Kim Crawley Substack Blog

It's here. It's been here for a while.Fascism is a dominant ideology in the West that requires us to be constantly resisting. The problem is, it's not always obvious in appearance. Fascism rarely presents itself through swastikas and tiki torches, though that, too, is on the rise. More often it is disguised as democratic and hides in plain view of the Overton window.The question is, how do we resist the rise of Fascism? Hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero explore this and more.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: A Social History of ChristofascismVideo: Chris Hedges Interviews Jeff SharletFascism’s Global Spread is Real — As Real as the Spread of COVID-19 - FPIF

Reporting on Genocidal WarfareFlooding tunnels with sea water, targeting hospitals and the bombing of safe zones. The latest updates from Gaza are horrific following the short lived humanitarian truce. The hosts examine some of these tactics, the Dahiya Doctrine of disproportionate violence and the mentality it takes to carry these acts out. An analysis of Canadian media seems to show a shift happening regardless of the firings and memos to staff we've been reading about. It is becoming harder to repeat the IDF talking points with all the images and notices of death circulating the glove. Much of that evidence has been shared by the brave Palestinian reporters still in Gaza - many of them finding themselves war time reporters not by choice or profession, but by necessity. 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:

Topic: Ontario's Ministry of Dangerous LabourHost Jessa McLean on Doug Ford's latest attack on construction workers. He's ended mandatory coroner's inquests into deaths on construction sites - the most dangerous place in the Province to work.By looking at his history with the industry and the inventions made on behalf of employers (developers), it becomes clear Doug Ford and the Ontario Progressive Conservatives are willing to risk worker's lives for wider profit margins. 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: Inquest into deadly construction accident convenes 12 years after four workers fell to their deaths in Toronto - World Socialist Web SiteCBC: Ontario Construction Site Deaths Remain HighOntario to do away with mandatory coroner's inquests on construction site deaths | CTV News

We interview Patricia Chartier and Sandra Hughes of the Ghost Gurney Project in Ontario. Their goal is to save public healthcare from Doug Ford. They do this by using social media to tell the stories, bust the myths and deliver the facts - in hopes that people will wake up and push back.They share their process of gathering people's health stories and getting them seen on social media and how they've created a supportive team. We also hear what its been like travelling the Province's healthcare system and hearing so many devastating first hand accounts of how it has failed people.A key area of focus for the small group is the privatization of healthcare, in particular the use of Bill 60 and the corporatization of the system. In the episode there are plenty of details on just how this is happening and what the implications have already been.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: Ontario Nurses' Association Submission on Bill 60STUDY: Hospital Consolidation Continues to Boost Costs, Narrow Access, and Impact Care QualityANALYSIS: Ontario Health Coalition Analysis of Bill 60, Your Health Act - Ontario Health CoalitionBill 60, Your Health Act, 2023 from the Legislative Assembly of OntarioFind Ghost Gurney on InstagramFind Ghost Gurney on TikTokER Closure Map (Ontario)Ghost Gurney Project Website

Topic 1: Dismantled and DispersedThe City of Toronto, aided by Police, evicted an encampment community in the Kensington Market area of the city from a tiny parkette outside a church that welcomed them. The excuses used by the City and local Councilor Diane Saxe don't fly with our hosts or housing advocates.Topic 2: Prisoner Exchanges but no PeaceWe give updates on the release of hostages and prisoners, and a short term truce that is anything but. Those updates, plus a look at just how many children are imprisoned by Israel, what their conditions are and what generally puts them there. 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: Save the Children ReportAl Jazeera: Who Were the Palestinian Prisoners?Israel-Hamas war live: Third group of captives released as Hamas seeks to extend truce | The IndependentDiana Chan McNally in Toronto Star: The federal government must adhere to its human rights obligationsSantiago Helou Quintero's Op-Ed in Humber News: Encampment Evictions are Violent Colonial DisplacementThe Grind TO: Kensington Encampment Eviction

We interview former political prisoner Danny Morrison to help compare and contrast the Irish nationalist movement of the 1960s-1970s, which most notably included the IRA, to the modern day Palestinian resistance. The historical, political, social and economic similarities are seemingly endless.Many lessons can be drawn from Danny's 50+ years experience fighting against the British empire by any means necessary. He talks of a peoples denied every other means of 'home rule' or self determination. Of a movement created to defend their communities against both state and sectarian violence. And of how the Irish were politicized, organized and mobilized to victory.Inevitably the discussion turns to the demonization of resistance, and how one should respond.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: Danny Morrison's website

Topic 1: Witnessing Genocide in GazaWe check in with each other and the audience in terms of the emotional toll of watching ethnic cleansing happening in real time, and reaffirm the need to keeping talking about Palestine. Reports from a WHO visit to Al-Shifa Hospital, verification of certain reports and political responses globally are all part of the discussion. Topic 2: Ontario Paying for Private Surgery ProfitsDoug Ford's government has confirmed reports that they are paying private (for profit) clinics in the Province premium rates to perform public surgeries. Surgeries that Ontario hospitals have the ability to perform are being sourced out to units run by giant corporations who are getting paid more than twice the amount. We talk about the implications to the healthcare system, the hypocrisy of a private outsourcing costing twice the amount and the many ways in which the Ford government will try to spin this in their favour.CORRECTION: The Www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca has found that many clinics are charging patients above and beyond the OHIP fees. Topic 3: Exploiting Post-Secondary StudentsReports of students at Humber College suffering from malnutrition, with some fainting, triggers a discussion on the vulnerable economic position students in Canada find themselves in. The pressures put on them and the many ways in which these educational institutions facilitate their exploitation. 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: CBC: Rising tuition, student debt weigh heavily on post-secondary studentsOPINION: Unpaid internships, experience doesn’t pay students’ bills | Humber NewsCBC: Doug Ford government paying for-profit clinic more than hospitals News 18: Biden Warns 'Extremist' Israeli Settlers WHO says Gaza's al-Shifa hospital a death zone, as hundreds leave

Various media figures, organizations and politicians have been sharing, in some cases creating, misinformation with seemingly malicious intent.Bad faith actors stoking and weaponizing people's fears. But to what end?Hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero give their takes on some of the worst offenders from this week's attacks on the pro-Palestinian movement, including Ben Mulroney, Bob Rae, CIJA, Jesse Brown, Toronto City Council and of course, the Police.Justin Trudeau does not come off unscathed in this episode either. We discuss Canada's hardening position around a ceasefire and the illegal occupation and our abysmal record at the UN.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: Twitter Thread on Toronto Council Motion mentioned in episodeCBC News: Calgary Protest ArrestBreach Media - VIDEO - Why Canada is one of Israel's most extreme defendersThe Geneva Conventions and the Israeli Occupation of Palestine - CJPME - English

Globally, workers ARE taking a stand, and refusing to transport Israeli weapons, or refusing to offload them at major ports. They are answering calls from Palestinian workers to disarm Israel and stop the siege on Gaza. This episode's guests are part of some of those actions, which are at their core - economic disruptions aimed to isolate Israel politically and cut off their well funded supply of arms. We hear first hand what its like holding the line at this high tension actions, and what it takes to get there.We also talk about the different forms of Palestinian resistance and why it must continue. This of course, brings up the difficult subject of a ceasefire - and why that may not be the way to Palestinian liberation.As an added bonus, one of our guests gives a brief overview of the resistance to imperialism in the Philippines, and draws parallels to the movement to Free Palestine. 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: DIRECT ACTION TOOLKITWorkers in Palestine Letter Follow the Communist Workers Circle on FacebookActivist Study – Araling Aktibista (ARAK) – Foreign Languages PressPRWC » Make the US-Zionist Israel pay for the genocide of the Palestinian peopleThe Palestinians’ inalienable right to resist — EbbResistance News Network – TelegramFollow ILPS on InstagramIsrael's Military Spending Info - Al Jazeera

We start off by asking Jeremy Appel what the last three weeks have been like for him both as a journalist and a Jewish person demanding a Free Palestine.He also shares his thoughts on the state of global reporting in Canadian media, and the political implications of leaders so out of step with everyone else. Does he think the tide is turning on the narratives around the occupation? What does he see his role as?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: Eyeless in Gaza - Article by Jeremy Appel, The OrchardThe Orchard - Jeremy Appel NewsletterFollow Jeremy Appel on TwitterPre-Order Jeremy's Book: Kenneyism