Blueprints of Disruption

As Israel continues to bombard Gaza and perpetuate violence in the West Bank, millions of people across the world are escalating their efforts to Free Palestine.The Canadian government may not want a ceasefire, but activists and polls across Canada are telling a different story. Coordinated sit-ins of MPs offices, massive rallies and blockades of weapons manufacturers are sweeping the nation.This episode gives you a run down of the different tactics and calls to action out there, while highlighting the urgency to DO SOMETHING. ANYTHING.Also discussed:Land Grab: Is this really about Hamas, or another colonial land grab and genocide? Recent Israeli leases for oil and gas extraction and attacks on villages in the West Bank throw key narratives into doubt. More than Canadian Complicity: What exactly is our role in all of this? Canadian military boots on the ground tell only a part of the story.Labour: What has the response been from organized Labour in Canada and beyond? Demands for a General Strike brew again. 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: Activists Occupy 17 MPs' offices: Breach MediaCanadian Special Ops Deployed to Israel: Global NewsCanada’s arms exports to Israel at the third-highest level on record, amid heightened violence - CJPME - EnglishA

Labour Activist Ramzi Abdi and Community Organizer David Alton from Ground UP Waterloo give practical advice on how small community groups can do big things. Like how to effectively deploy community defences against hate, or garner the support of your local labour unions. We also talk about why these things are so important to securing victories and to the larger movement.We also talk about what it means to hold politicians accountable outside of the ballot box.____________All of our content is free - made possible by the sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: PatreonFollow us on InstagramResources: Article: Premier Doug Ford met by protestors in Kitchener CBCGround Up Waterloo Region - Home Page

Our hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero let it all out on the Ontario NDP, Doug Ford's censuring of MPP Sarah Jama, and the attempts to silence Palestinian advocacy.We give a run down of the solidarity being shown and share some key reactions to the Ontario NDP kicking the courageous MPP from their Caucus. What will the political implications be for the Ontario NDP? What is the point of the NDP?More importantly, the discussion turns to the larger pattern of vilifying Palestinian solidarity, movements and tactics in order to drive away calls for a ceasefire.Resources: MPP Sarah Jama on TwitterSpring Magazine: Defend Fred Hahn and Sarah JamaHamilton Labour Council Statement on Twitter (X)--------------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 Instagram

Tyler Shipley, Professor and author, starts the episode off by explaining just what the term 'colonial imagination' means. He tells us how it was used to justify the genocide of Indigenous peoples here, and how it STILL shapes how Canada interacts with the world. He gives countless examples of Canada's modern day colonial interventions in the global south, often with our eyes on resource extraction. Repeating the same patterns of land grabs, assimilation and violence. The mining sector being at the heart of many of the worst human rights violations encouraged or even facilitated by the government of Canada. How do we retain such a squeaky clean image on the world stage? A lot of states-craft and nationalist propaganda helps - as does the colonial imagination that we've collectively retained as settlers.Tyler also pushes back on the notion Canada is seen as peacekeepers anymore. The mask is slipping, and the Liberals seem fine in playing war hawks and coup supporters with the world watching.The discussion necessarily turns to Palestine and how the colonial imagination plays out, not just in the occupation, but in how Canadians are reacting to it all back home. At the end Tyler reminds us that part of the battle is simply education and revealing some of the parts of our history that may challenge how people see Canada. So be sure to share the episode with a friend. _______________All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to become a monthly donor: PatreonFollow us on InstagramResources: The myth of Canadian generosity – Briarpatch MagazineSoccer, Imperialism, and Resistance in Honduras - The BulletCanada In The World: Settler Capitalism and the Colonial Imagination – Fernwood PublishingTyler A. Shipley Homepage

The work to manufacturer consent around Israel's collective retribution of Palestinians is in high gear. The media, our politicians have all lined up behind one another - and there have been considerable efforts to silence dissenters to genocide. With Gaza under a full siege and the death toll climbing, there are activists across the globe doing what they can to shift the narrative around Palestine. We give an update on the crisis and look at the global responses, as well as some closer to home, like protestors at the recent NDP Convention and Trudeau's latest statement. 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 - Jeremy AppelGaza Death Toll Reaches 2,670, 9,600 Wounded, Health Ministry SaysRed Cross urges entry of life-saving aid into Gaza | News

With the conflict in Palestine and Israel at a fever pitch, emotions are running high. We challenge some of the more dangerous narratives emerging, give updates on peoples’ reactions and do our best to provide the context needed.  But unpacking the conflict between Palestine and Israel doesn't start with the devastating attack on civilians by Hamas in early October 2023. 75 year occupation, the conditions in the Gaza strip and the West Bank, and the repeated denial of non-violent avenues need to be part of the discussion.As does the power imbalance that exists. There is no ending violence without understanding where it came from. Solidarity with the people most impacted by this. 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: The Stakes of the Great Return March

In our interview with Ghada Sasa of McMaster University it becomes clear that advocating for a Free Palestine requires nothing short of courage. Whether that is the diaspora forced to live abroad or the many fighting the occupation on the ground.Ghada is pursuing her PhD on Israel's use of colonial greenwashing to erase Palestinian land. She is a long time advocate in her community and has experienced her fair share of push back, but also victories. Her focus right now is on the case of Ahmad Manasra, a political prisoner held in solidarity confinement for over 700 days in an Israeli jail. Lobbying for change in a foreign government such as Israel, while living in Canada, means at some point you're going to need to appeal to politicians. What does an ally for Palestine look like in the partisan world of politics? Academic Institutions and the racism built into them also prove to be combative spaces to speak up on Palestine. Hear what that's like and how Ghada found supports in the community.Its also a discussion about allyship and the personal impact of doing this work. 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: Find Ghada on Twitter Visualizing Palestine (graphic mentioned in episode)The Petition for Ahmad and the Liberals' ResponseGhada's Article on Israeli Greenwashing

To mark Truth and Reconciliation Day, hosts Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLean discuss some of the many acts of Indigenous resistance happening across so-called Canada. The Land Alliance to stop mining in the Ring of Fire marched on Queen's Park in Ontario last week. Doug Ford is using typical political maneuvering and false claims of consultation to push another dangerous project through. Five First Nations have banded together to stop it.The Fairy Creek blockade has been the biggest act of civil disobedience in Canada's history. The logging company that won an injunction there is also suing Haida Gwaii for the right to log old growth there, despite the decision of the land stewardship Council. The demands to Search the Landfill and the resistance at Camp Morgan has spread across Manitoba, and gone from coast to coast. It has now become an election issue.With this being just a sampling of the battles going on, both in the court room and on the Land, what does this mean about the state of 'reconciliation' with Indigenous peoples?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 Narwhal: Haida vs Teal JonesCBC: Court Injunction Lapses The Narwhal: Fairy Creek BlockadeCBC: Ring of Fire Moratorium‘Shut it down’: Ontario First Nations protest against Ford’s land policies | Humber News

We are over three years into the COVID pandemic, is anyone even paying attention anymore? As we see health officials start to wear masks again, it seems a good time to talk about the COVID conscious community who has never stopped taking precautions.Host Jessa McLean sits down with Kim Crawley, a cyber security expert who has gone through great lengths to prevent exposure to the virus that has not only claimed immeasurable numbers of people worldwide, but has been labelled the single most debilitating event in history. As noted throughout the episode, it takes incredible privilege and acquired knowledge to effectively avoid COVID. However, even with all the resources available, many folks who should do and know better, haven't. From a class analysis, this episode looks at individual human behavior, the response of our governments and how the greed of our 'capitalist overlords' plays into 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: Crutches and Spice – Disabled. Loud. ProudCOVID-19 Aerosol Transmission - evidence! | It's Airborne!WHO Video "Airborne / Droplets" COVID-19 Tracker (Canada)Kim Crawley's Link Tree

Topic 1: Holding the Line Against HateOn Wednesday September 20th thousands of people across Canada geared up for confrontation. The so-called 1 Million March for Children were targeting school board buildings with a clear anti-lgbtq agenda. Knowing this, community groups, social movements and labour teamed up to organize counter-protests to send an entirely different message.Was it a victory for the Left? Who are the people behind the hate-filled actions? And what do they really want?Topic 2: Nazi GateLiberals invited a known Nazi veteran to be recognized and applauded in the House of Commons this week. As shocking as it may seem, this isn't the only time Canada has honoured Nazis - we've got memorials scattered across the country and streets named after them. What exactly happened? Was it even a mistake? What does it have to do with the additional $650 million being pledged to help arm Ukrainian forces? 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: Waterloo Outdoor Shelter 'Community'Although 50 individuals in the Region of Waterloo now have a roof over their head, the purposeful isolation of unhoused people and the model of building shanty towns as a solution isn't going to cut it. From the dangerous narratives it reinforces and the politicians it lets off the hook, these new camps being installed outside urban centres remind of hosts of the Hoovervilles that sprung up during the Depression of the 1930s. These are patterns we want repeating. Topic 2: Liberals' Affordability Plan = More Profits for DevelopersA caucus retreat and a big announcement from the Liberals on how to make life more affordable was a huge let down, but not surprising. They're going with a trickle down approach to housing that will cut of revenue sources for municipalities and Provinces while not doing a thing for those being priced out of a home. Framing the housing issue as a supply problem also brings a host of other issues, namely the scapegoating of immigrants. We know better. --------------------------------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: Waterloo Outdoor Homeless CampGlobal News:London Free Press: Liberals to Lift GST on RentalsAdvocates praise GST removal for new apartment builds but want provinces and cities to follow suit | paNOW

Listen to longtime migrant rights activist, Chris Ramsaroop detail many of the ways Canada's Temporary Foreign Workers' Program amounts to indentured slavery, how workers are fighting back and what we need to do as allies to help. Organizing as unprotected workers isn't easy and it comes with heavy repercussions. Chris talks about the different tactics and supports used by Justica /Justice for Migrant Workers.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: Vulnerable Open Work Permit Details Harvesting Freedom | Justicia for Migrant Workers

Topic 1: Bakery Workers Fight to WinIn Mississauga, non unionized workers are using every tool at their disposal to pressure bosses into paying back stolen wages. Meanwhile...Topic 2: Binding Teachers to Arbitration (OSSTF)Union Executives for the OSSTF (Ontario High School educators) are pushing binding arbitration on their members. We examine this capitulation to power within the context of what happened with educator unions in Ontario last year.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: Toronto high school teachers bargaining unit opposes deal with province that avoids strikesWorkers protesting Mississauga industrial bakery to demand payment of stolen wages - Spring

Topic 1: End the Air ShowFor five days straight Torontonians have been subjected to the roars of warplanes overhead their city. For many years folks have been calling for an end to this noisy, costly display of nationalism, aviation and implied violence. So why does it continue?Topic 2: Outing Trans StudentsProvincial politicians in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and now Ontario are telling schools to report any change in a students name or pronouns to parents, putting untold numbers of children and youth at risk. Generations of students have fought to create safe spaces within their schools, only to be attacked from adults who should know better. What can be done to push back?Topic 3: Unaccountable Ford NationOntario Housing Minister Steve Clark was found to have breached multiple ethics rules. The Provincial government was advised to reprimand him. They refused. Ontario's Premier, Doug Ford, remains smug and defiant - even attacking reporters who dare press the issue of the Greenbelt. What can voters do about this lack of accountability? And what does that mean for a Canadian '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 Instagram

Ethical, sustainable agriculture and corporate interests are just not compatible. In Canada, the bulk of our farmland is dedicated to monocropping, cash crops we don’t even eat. More and more farmers are leaving the business, selling their land to developers or their farm to large corporations. The results are an increase on food imports and higher prices at the grocery store. Ashley, a newbie Farmer and Socialist talks about her experience starting and running a non-profit farm despite all of the recent trends that would have small farms disappear. With hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero they talk about the impacts an aging farming population, sprawl, monocropping, GMO seeds and the notorious agricultural Market Boards have on farmers, our environment and our food supply.   It becomes clear that cooperative, not competitive agriculture is the only solution.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: Ashley on TikTok

Topic 1: Temporary Foreign Worker ExploitationJamaican Migrant Farm Workers in Ontario have long been decrying the poor working and living conditions they face as part of the longstanding Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SWAP). A recent one day protest by workers on a farm in Norfolk County resulted in 6 being sent home to Jamaica early. We look at the whole Temporary Foreign Worker Program, its impact on workers and the movement fighting to secure the rights of migrant workers in Canada. Topic 2: Billions for Billionaires and BattleshipsThe Irvings, already the second richest family in Canada secured the largest single purchase in the Canadian governments history, the CSC Project. If that wasn't enough, the Liberals just handed them an additional $463 million to 'modernize' the facility tasked with building the warships Canadians will pay almost $400 billion for in the end. The money for war is always there, rarely questioned. What is the political reasoning behind this? And what is at the root of these bailouts for billionaires?Topic 3: Our Leaders are All LandlordsWith the recent disclosure that the wife of NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh purchased an investment property and became a landlord during a housing crisis, 4 of the 5 federal Party leaders are now landlords. Why do we keep electing wealthy people to lead the working class? Is this what Representative Democracy looks like?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 Maple: Find Out If Your MP Is A Landlord Or Invested In Real EstateMSN: Irving Gets 463 Million MoreHarvesting Freedom | Justicia for Migrant WorkersMigrant Rights Network: Full Immigration Status for AllCBC: Open Letter Penned by Jamaican Migrant Workers (2022)CTV: Jamaican Migrant Workers Sent Back

Advocate and Community Worker, Diana Chan McNally unloads on all of the anti-homeless rhetoric and harmful policies that make living on the street even harder.

The entire city of Yellowknife was evacuated after wildfires that have been burning nearby for weeks got too close to leave anything to chance. This massive fire in the NWT has already razed communities to the ground and shows no signs of slowing. The remoteness of the area and the lack of control we have over our resources means long delays, difficult displacements and very little supports for people in crisis.Residents in Kelowna, B.C. and surrounding areas have also been ordered to leave their homes behind as fire nears. And we are just two weeks from the deadly fire in Maui. These fires and their evacuations laid bare just how capitalism has failed to structure us in ways that will allow us to best survive the climate crisis upon us.

The Peace Country Progressive Alliance are a small network of activists with the daunting task of "fighting hate" in their rural community. That fight utilizes a variety of tactics, including physically standing up to venomous right-wing protestors outside drag story time events. Why do they do it? How do they mobilize in remote parts of the country with very little resources?What does defending the lgbtq community have to do with building working class solidarity? A lot! 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: Transgender people and suicide fact sheet - Mental Health Commission of CanadaFollow Peace Country Progressive Alliance on Meta (Facebook)CBC: LGBTQ Hate Crimes on the Rise

The Greenbelt and the Auditor General ReportThe Ontario Greenbelt's history has been a contentious one. From its creation, it has been resisted by developers whose sought to make obscene profits from unended sprawl. The Greenbelt Act in 2005 did not deter them, only increased their involvement and investment in Provincial politicians.Ford Nation also has a complicated history with the Greenbelt and political resistance to his plans to carve it up and hand it over to his biggest donors. But now, the receipts are official in the form of the Auditor General's report on the land selection process by the Ontario Progressive Conservatives. And it is scathing.As people are process on these details, environmentalists are feeling validated and extremely frustrated. Their warnings and calls to action largely went unheard. The time comes to decide what our collective response needs to be. Some are calling for the OPP's involvement, others for resignations. What can stop this development from happening now?All of these discussions and more in this latest Rabble Rant brought to you by the same folks producing Blueprints of Disruption. 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: Nora Loreto - Who Funds Ontario ProudGreenbelt History via TVO

Topic 1: A Coup in NigerThe recent coup in Niger has garnered some pretty strong responses from nations like France and the United States, as well as the EU. What is at the root of the global political reaction, and why should we care?There are hints of another proxy war at hand. Imperial interests in African natural resources, namely uranium are huge factors in how sides are shaping up in this latest coup in North West Africa.Topic 2: Summer of StrikesWorkers and tenants are fighting back from coast to coast. Hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero give a rundown of the many locals on strike, as well as the reaction from politicians and the acts of solidarity from the community. Be sure to catch all our other Inside the NDP episodes to get the full picture. All our content is made possible through our Patrons. To support the show: patreon.com/bpofdisruption Resources: Intercepted: U.S.-Trained Officers Have Led Numerous Coups in Africa - Referenced in episode.

Martin Lukacs, of the Breach and the Guardian, gives the inside scoop on his recent article Lobbyists run today’s NDP—and they’re warping the party’s politics. This investigative report details the roles of the Party's inner circle and the connections they have to corporate lobbying firms advocating for big oil and companies like Air BnB. Why are the 'day jobs' of some of the key players in the NDP's biggest campaign important? Because their rise in the Party coincide with a clear right turn in the policies and platforms being churned out and packaged as progressive. Martin talks about the impact of this trend on Canadian politics and gives us stories and insight from his many experiences with the Party. Be sure to catch all our other Inside the NDP episodes to get the full picture. All our content is made possible through our Patrons. To support the show: patreon.com/bpofdisruption Resources:Martin Lukacs Book: The Trudeau FormulaFollow Martin Lukacs on TwitterThe NDP is run by a consultant class geared toward capitulationthe Breach: Lobbyists run today’s NDP—and they’re warping the party’s politics

Rabble Rants Week 2:Topic 1:Loblaws posted record second quarter profits again this year while Canadians are lining up at food banks. Did you also know they (Choice Properties) are also the largest real estate investment trust (REIT) in Canada? And that they are expanding more into residential / rental buildings?Banking, pharmacies, food and shelter - all commodified to the benefit of the wealthiest. Topic 2: After the derailment of a train on the Scarborough light rail network highlights the chronic underfunding of transit, particularly in marginalized neighbourhoods. Many are calling the new Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, a champion of transit - does this mean things are looking up for commuters? Listen in and find out. References: TTC Riders on Scarborough RTCP24: What Olivia Chow is promising to do as Toronto's new mayor | CP24.comTransit Federal Funding InformationCBC: Underfunding Transit in CanadaCBC: Scarborough RT DerailmentSee Choice Properties Portfolio YourselfBlogTO: Loblaw made $508M in the last three months amid cost of living crisis

Rent strikes are just one tool in the chest of the York South-Weston Tenant Union in Toronto. Bruno, one of the organizers with the union provides a step by step guide on how they got to where they are now - on strike, withholding rent from landlords who clearly underestimated the collective power of their tenants. Connecting neighbours, finding common ground, overcoming apathy and fear and standing up for their rights. These tenants are "fighting for their right to home". We find out they aren't the only tenants on a rent strike in Ontario - each group working with one another and giving the rest of us the inspiration we need to do the same. Resources:York South Weston Tenant Union on Twitter Donate - York South-Weston Tenant Union Solidarity Fund

In this weekly roundup, hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero cover:Search the Landfill:Camp Morgan is a place of resistance - a blockage of the road leading to the private landfill where Police and community members expect to find the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran. The authorities have failed the families and have refused to search the landfill or even stop continued dumping in that location.Hosts cover the anti-Indigenous racism prevalent in this stories as well as the stories of resistance at the blockade and the use of injunctions to stop peaceful protests. 129 Peter StreetIn an attempt to limit access to the shelter system, the City of Toronto defied their own sanctuary City policy and started turning away asylum seekers. This lead to a large number of people sleeping on the sidewalk outside of 129 Peter Street in an attempt to access services.We talk about the inadequate shelter system, attitudes towards migrants and the unhoused community and the various efforts of mutual aid in response.References and Resources: Housing & Homelessness Research & Reports from City of TorontoLorraine Lam Linktree - This includes a link to the ongoing needs for the folks at 129 Peter Street. Diana Chan McNally (Community Worker) on Twitter - Diana provides some updates and first hand accounts of what is happening in the shelter systems, outside Peter Street and a lot of the other work being done with the unhoused community in Toronto. Resistance to injunction News on InjuctionBe sure to catch all our other Inside the NDP episodes to get the full picture. All our content is made possible through our Patrons. To support the show: patreon.com/bpofdisruption

What does Doug Ford mean when he says "every able bodied person should be working"? What is the impact of those words and the legislation behind them?Host Jessa McLean and Disability Advocate Jay Woodruff unpack some of the recent developments in Canadian politics that reinforce the narratives so prevalent under capitalism. Topics include: The passing of the Canadian Disability Benefits Act and the inadequate Provincial support programs that prompted the demands the federal government do something.Meritocracy and the stigma attached to people on social assistance.Eugenics and the expansion of MAiD, or assisted suicide, in Canada.

A post election wrap up of the Toronto Mayoral election that saw the progressive front runner, Olivia Chow win by a slim margin. Hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero discuss the tone of the election, examine some of the larger campaigns and breakdown what the results mean for politics in Toronto.We talk about Olivia Chow's "platform", Chloe Brown's impact, the right wing candidates egos and what their results mean. Voter turnout, Provincial politics, the organizing behind the campaigns and the prospect of a progressive Mayor are also big parts of this discussion. All our content is made possible through our Patrons. Thank You. If you can support our work, please consider a small monthly donation. If you have a story idea, email us at [email protected] Resources:Voter Turnout Comparison: City NewsCBC Election results by CandidateDesmond Cole: With Olivia Chow, Toronto might be worth fighting for | Ricochet

Despite its roots in Socialism, today's NDP have drifted to the centre in an attempt to appeal to the masses. Needless to say it hasn't worked, and the damage to the political spectrum as been done. Host Jessa McLean lays out an argument that the NDP and their failure to keep Left has shifted the Overton window in Canadian politics. The episode touches on the structure of the Party, its policies, its use of power and social media to demonstrate just how socialism is being sidelined. Be sure to catch all our other Inside the NDP episodes to get the full picture. All our content is made possible through our Patrons. To support the show: patreon.com/bpofdisruption

For Fathers' Day, host Jessa McLean invites her Dad to talk about what politicized him as a youth and how his involvement in the trade union movement shaped how he understood power structures, politics and his own purpose.The two sound off on their own experiences with the NDP, which are unsurprisingly similar. Its a discussion about passing down working class consciousness through generations and what we choose to do with that knowledge.To follow Jessa on Twitter Jessa 🎙CHECK OUT MY PODCAST (@Jessa_McLean) / Twitter

Can you still smell the smoke?Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero discuss the wildfires that have been raging across Canada this spring.They discuss climate anxiety, community responses and the disruption needed to prevent further damage to the environment.

Two transit activists, Jamie and Herman, join host Jessa McLean to dish on the fight for public transit in Toronto. With service cuts the norm, fares rising and a Mayor's race to influence, the volunteers at TTC Riders have a lot of work to do. The guests talk about their favourite tactics, which levers of power they need to pull and why the fight for more accessible, free transit is critical to the movement for equality and climate justice. More on TTC Riders: TTC Riders on Twitter"Toronto activists install temporary bus lane in scheme to call out John Tory" | NewsTTC Riders Website

On this second episode of Burnout, Host Jay Woodruff talks with Anthony Marco, President of Hamilton & District Labour Council, about what burnout means and how he tries to balance his activism with work, and the importance of artistic expression and solidarity in preventing burnout.They also discuss how the normalizing of burnout starts in our education system and follows us throughout our lives. 23e4805ce5e5e8d475a3d33ee24ba1d4e8abf10e

Political Conventions aren't for everyone. Literally.Hosts Jessa McLean, Jay Woodruff and Santiago Helou Quintero talk about the orchestrated and controlled ways in which the NDP gather (some of) their members every two years. Once you understand the purpose of Conventions, you start to get a picture of what political partisanship really is.Most people will be suprised at the accounts from NDP federal council member Kristine Wickner and former BCNDP member Chris, who give first hand accounts of authoritarian and undemocratic practices that exist in Canada's 'workers' party.

Labour rights activist and community organizer, Pam Frache from Justice for Workers joins host Jessa McLean to talk about what its like organizing against the likes of Doug Ford.The discussion centres on how to bring enjoyment and equity to movements, and how to make sure they can sustain the steady political onslaught. Formerly knows as the Fight for $15 and Fairness, the folks working out of the Workers Action Centre have a lot of experience securing victories and maintaining their momentum in tough times. This episode features some practical knowledge sharing and storytelling that give a picture of what its actually like on the ground advocating for better.Comparisons are made to partisan spaces in terms of approach, experience and output. The title of the episode is from a quote that resonates with Pam to "make your movement irresistible". Justice for Workers website

In a crowded field of candidates for Toronto Mayor, Chloe Brown’s grassroots campaign stands out as one of the most unique. Chloe ran an impressive campaign last October finishing 3rd with an incredibly efficient dollar-to-vote ratio of only $0.20. In this interview, Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero talk to Chloe about her experience as a Policy Analyst, how this campaign is different from last time, her platform and whether is she running to win. Chloe Brown for Mayor Campaign Website

Toronto residents have a lot of candidates to chose from. Rabble Rousers Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLean breakdown the top six candidates in the Race for Toronto Mayor.They go through the platforms, messaging and political records trying to makes sense of this crowded ballot of candidates. The episode starts off with what the hosts consider the front running right-wing candidates, current councillors Brad Bradford, Ana Bailão and former Police Chief Mark Saunders. They then discuss three more choices for Mayor that progressives might be eyeing, Olivia Chow, Chloe Brown and Josh Matlow.

Can Social Media be used for effective change? Matt Dusenbury from the Communications Firm, Smoke & Felt joins the studio. We discuss the importance of leveraging these free tools, but also their limitations. Other items discussed: The accessibility social media provides to movements.The kind of work progressive communications firms do for campaigns.Striking balance between online engagement and in person organizingAre all platforms created equal? What is most effective for getting the message out?Why does it appear the Right's narrative gains so much traction online?How can the Left do better at using these tools?To find out more about Matt:Matt Dusenbury on TwitterS&F Academy — Free Resources for ActivistsSmoke & Felt Homepage

With the recent announcement by Ontario Premier Doug Ford that he intends to create a police pipeline to keep people safe, it was time for another discussion around defunding the police.Points of discussion include:Actual numbers around crime and policing Free tuition and post secondary requirements for PoliceContrasts between need for nurses and funding for police recruitsThe end of a nursing program in TorontoThe dangerous law and order rhetoric being hyped up by TO Mayoral RaceCapital’s need for police in end stage capitalismDoug Ford’s special relationship with PoliceThe repercussions of a heavily funded and armed police stateSources: Police personnel and expenditures in Canada, 2021Reported Crime by ProvinceCBC News: Ontario scrapping post-secondary education requirement for police recruits

In this first episode of the miniseries, host Jay Woodruff interviews fellow Rabble Rouser, Jessa McLean in a frank and deeply personal discussion about Burnout. What is it? How does it impact our lives and our movements? The condition of perpetual exhaustion, brought on by various stressors, impacts a lot of activists. Why? What is it about the systems we live in that causes to many people to become overwhelmed?Join us as we attempt to normalize these discussions around mental health and our movements.

Author and Professor James Naylor gives hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero a history lesson on Labour politics and alliances of the past. They look to moments of heightened working class consciousness and unrest for lessons to apply to today’s Canadian political climate.Topics include the United Farmers of Ontario (UFO), the Winnipeg Strike, the formation of the CCF, Socialist purges and power struggles.One of the major questions we try to answer goes at the political divide that appears to exist between rural and urban voters.  And that is “Why can’t the NDP capture the rural vote?” Prof. Naylor’s answer to that surprises us. In the end we see a lot of parallels between the history our guest provides us and the current Canadian political situation. Maybe just not the ones we wanted to see…To read more from James Naylor: The Fate of Labour Socialism: The Co-operative Commonwealth Federation and the Dream of a Working-Class Future For a Better World: The Winnipeg General Strike and the Workers’ Revolt

Sex Workers in Canada face incredible barriers in their lives due to the criminalization of their work. Jenn Clamen, National Director of the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform, describes the impacts this has on the daily lives of sex workers and the various ways in which their coalition has been fighting back. The discussion centres on a recent Constitutional challenge working its way through the courts that will serve to decriminalize sex work, and the alliance's history fighting for the rights of sex workers in Canada. Why did they choose the courts as their field of battle? Where are they getting support from? And who is getting in their way?For more information: More on CASWLR's Constitutional Challenge Impacts of Sex Work Laws (PCEPA) – Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law ReformRecommendations for Law Reform

Hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero try to answer the question of whether or not parties should represent a certain demographic. The topic comes up amidst a broader discussion on coalitions and the urban / rural electoral divide that has frustrated the Canadian Left.

We know what kind of Nationalism we don't like, but is that enough? Guest Chris Fairweather, academic, activist and labour organizer, talks about the pervasiveness of nationalism and the impact is has on the working class with host Jessa McLean and co-host/producer, Santiago Helou Quintero.Together they examine the work it takes to shape Canadian nationalist pride (statescraft), how its weaponized, and the ways it erases class lines, state violence and international solidarity.Other questions we explore:Can there be positive / necessary forms of nationalism?Has there been a shift in how Canadians react to displays of nationalist pride?How does nationalism impact the Labour movement in Canada, and internationally?How have 'canadian values' been contested over time? and why?Nationalism Definition cited: The Canadian Encyclopedia - Host Jessa McLean reads portions of this definition into the episode.

Together with Santiago Helou Quintero, Jessa McLean breaks down what happened during the Agricultural Committee hearings featuring the grocery giant CEOs. Its a discussion on Canadian politics (populism), food insecurity, and the need for a class analysis from the electoral Left.

An interview with Alejandra Ruiz Vargas, National Representative and East York Chapter Leader, for ACORN Canada. Alejandra is a also a front line housing worker, longtime advocate and former political candidate. She shares just how Acorn grows it membership and determines its priorities. Acorn is membership based, and almost entirely funded by those members. We explore the impact of their approach and the values that drive their work. Alejandra shares some of the victories ACORN has experienced, recently and historically - and reminds us of the importance of celebrating gains we make. Find out More About ACORN Canada

Producer and Journalism Student, Santiago Helou Quintero dishes on what went down at Toronto City Hall during a February 2023 protest over John Tory's budget. It opens up a larger discussion on what the role of media should be, and the inherent bias that exists in all publications. Activist journalists are becoming more visible, but that hasn't been without consequence.

Canada has left disabled people behind. Provincial support programs do anything but. The result is Legislated Poverty. Disabled advocates from across Ontario join this panel discussion on the ways in which people are fighting back. Included in the discussion is a critique of Bill C22, a debate on tactics and an exploration of a way forward. Panels include: Rabia Khedr, Disability Without Poverty; Isabella Gamk, Toronto Mayoral candidate and activist, Kemal Ahmed, ONDP Disability Co-Chair and Accessibility Expert, and Christine Calvert, disabled activist and caregiver.

Why do we put so much emotional stock and resources into 'leaders'? And what is that costing us politically?Host Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero make the case that the focus and energy we spend on leaders, both our own and that of our opponents, is a detriment to the movement - a distraction from actual problems and policies to fix them. They discuss the trappings of playing to the leader vs. leader narrative, why they exist and how we can move away from these 'leadership cults' in politics.

Guest Cathy Crowe has spent years as a street nurse, an inherently political job. She works with people who live at the intersection of failed housing policies and a crumbling public healthcare system.After years learning from the unhoused community and advocating not just for their needs, but to an end to homeless itself, Cathy knows how imperative this fight is and where we are falling short. We hear the different tactics being employed to secure the most basic rights for people living Street nursing was a profession meant to be temporary, but is now needed more than ever. on the streets, a job that got harder to do during the pandemic. As we find out, homelessness isn't just a denial of housing, but often of healthcare as well. Street nursing was a profession meant to be temporary, but is now needed more than ever.

Canadian foreign policy is not what most Canadians think it is. The narrative had for a long time been one of peacekeepers. Our approach now clearly one of open aggression, with the impact of Canada’s weapon sales, resource extraction industry and outright participation in right wing coups being felt across the globe, but are Canadians in large partaware of all of this?Special Guest, Yves Engler answers that question and more. He’s an expert in Canadian foreign policy and an activist in his own right and has written extensively on Canada’s complicit and often violent foreign policies and its hypocritical approach to international relations.  Haiti, Ukraine, Venezuela and more examples are discussed. Yves makes an argument that some of these issues are just as urgent as the fight for climate action and workers’ rights. He also discusses the tactics he uses to raise the profile of some of these issues, alongside the consciousness of Canadians. Find more of Yves Work:Follow Yves on TwitterCanadian Foreign Policy InstituteYves Engler - Canadian Author and Activist