Blueprints of Disruption

Kevin Taghabon of the Hoser joins the team at Blueprints for a discussion on Community based journalism, specifically the work of the Hoser, an independent media outlet based out of Toronto. Their "hyper local" approach allows them to produce quality, in depth reports that feature the voices of the marginalized. Voices often left out of main stream media. We get the scoop on some of the Hoser's top stories, a hint of what's to come and a bit of current politically commentary. You'll also hear how a few comrades formed a collective that now includes a podcast, a website and a monthly printed newspaper - without charging a dime or capitulating to advertisers. Most importantly, we discuss how all of this work plays into the larger progressive movement in Canada. Related links: Follow Kevin on TwitterTo Support the HoserThe Hoser

Canadian Partisan politics strikes again.Looks like the NDP isn't the only Canadian political party making life difficult for eco-socialists. Longtime Green Party of Quebec leader Alex Tyrell joins host Jessa McLean to talk about the energy he's spent trying to push the Green Party Left, both on the Provincial level and federally, the barriers put in his place and why being openly socialist is critical to making space for more leftist politics.

With the passing of Bill 23 by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, it is becoming even more clear to voters that developers run the Province. Their sphere of influence goes beyond the carving up of the Greenbelt.This episode uses Ontario examples to show how detrimental the relationship between ultra wealthy developers and politicians is to the wellbeing of our communities. It isn't just campaign donations, developers are wining and dining politicians, founding and funding right-wing third party 'advertisers' and clearly writing policies that cater to their every need. Resources linked to the show:Who Control's Toronto - ACORD Report - “In the 2018 Toronto Municipal Election, 34% of all campaign contributions came from people with ties to the development industry” Doesn’t think any other industry is as heavily invested in municipal politics Toronto 9 out of 9 Planning and Housing Committee took funds (25%) Pasternack 59% of the funds raised Follow the Money Report - Horizon Ottawa - Nearly half of donations came from folks tied to developers Chair of planning Committee had 96% raised this way Results in bylaws and other things under the control of the local governments to be created/changed to suit developer needs - and contrary to public good. Already normalized rezoning and bylaw amendments. Now they don’t even need to do that - leaving local officials unable to push back on critical items (affordable housing, green initiatives) Bill 68 (banned union/corporate donations) BUT: raised individual limits and allowed for 3rd Party Contributions (see ONTARIO PROUD) Ontario Proud's Election Advertising Was Mostly Funded By Developers - Sold as some grassroots campaign to defend Ontario values - really just a few very wealthy donors (87%) “Mattamy Homes, at $100,000; anti-union contractors association Merit Ontario, at $50,000; Nashville Developments, also at $50,000; Opportunities Asia Ltd. at $30,000; and Shiplake Properties Limited at $25,000. Seventeen other companies, mostly related to housing development, donated $10,000 apiece.” Ontario Proud: Takes credit for Doug Ford’s win. Boasting that unions spent so much more and got a lesser result. Had ads, lawn signs “Unplug Wynne”. They only need to declare what they raised and spent during a specific time period. Outside that time they can do anything (and do). INVESTIGATION: Developers with ties to Ford government stand to cash in on Hwy. 413 | Canada's National Observer - -Lots of very powerful developers set to profit big time from Highway 413 (which has fierce opposition from environmental critics “Four of the developers are connected to Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government through party officials and former Tory politicians now acting as registered lobbyists.” Article details these relationships and highlights the key players. All donors of Ontario Proud as well. Project will cost upwards of $10B to save folks (MTO says) 30 minutes of travel. Just so happens one of these developers takes Ford and Lecce to a Florida Panthers game, in a box (but swear no government business was discussed) Provide a map where it shows how PC top donors dot the land associated with the highway. I don’t think this points to collusion between the PC Party and developers but of one between capital and anyone in power. Architects respond to Ontario’s proposed Bill 23 - Ford says “ proposed legislation is to accelerate the construction of 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years to address our housing crisis.” What it actually does: Lowers affordable housing requirements for developers 20% to 5% inclusion for affordable housing Length of time it has to be ‘affordable’ 99 years to 25 Removes need for public consultation prior to building subdivisions Lessens involvement of Conservation Authorities “removed from their oversight will be watershed planning and management, coordinated flood protection, conservation of green lands and biodiversity, which are all core to climate change mitigation” Removes involvement of City Planners * Summary: Removes all levels of consultation and accountability for developers.

With Canadian politics void of real resistance to Capitalism, the show looks to South America for some revolutionary lessons. Guest Alexander Moldovan shares some of what he learned while studying social movements in Venezuela, much of it by way of telling the stories of workers and communities fighting back while building networks of support. While examining the ways in which movements play a role in shaping the political landscape in South America, hosts Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLean draw comparisons to Canadian situation.

Ontario's General Strike never did materialize, and in the aftermath there's a lot of analysis to do. John Clarke, Professor at York University and longtime organizer, joins host Jessa McLean to compare the 2022 strike by CUPE workers to the 1995 Days of Action against them Premier Mike Harris. They discuss some of the trappings that exist in these moments, and how they too often lead to a de-escalation that benefits the ruling class. A big part of the discussion is on how we can collectively capitalize on these sometimes very temporary shifts in power to center social movements and achieve real gains for the working class.

Most of us realize the climate crisis at hand requires urgent, transformative action. If everyone knows, then what is stopping us? Who exactly is getting in the way of Climate Justice in Canada? Besides Big Oil and Gas Executives of course. Torrance Coste of Wilderness Committee helps us wade through the politics around climate action, and the different relationships that complicate the matter. With an NDP government in B.C. one would have thought environmentalists had found an ally. Sadly, this has not been the case.Real tensions exist, even on the Left, on just what a Just Transition means. This episode explores various narratives surrounding the move away from fossil fuels and the greenwashing that can be pervasive.

After coming under attack from the Ontario NDP for criticizing the Party, host Jessa McLean jumped into the studio to record a response. It is a deeply personal account of her journey through partisan politics in an attempt to explain why the NDP is trying to silence her, and how this is part of a larger pattern to push out socialists and internal advocates.To read the letter from the Ontario NDP referenced in the episode in full, Jessa has included it on her Twitter feed: Jessa McLean (Host) on Twitter

If there is one area the Left needs to improve, it is around Disability Rights. Some of the policies coming out of the NDP are problematic, some even detrimental to disability justice. We focus on ODSP, MAiD, the Federal Disability Benefit and of course, the response to COVID. NDP Disability Co-Chair, Jay Woodruff provides an inside perspective on what its like trying to advocate for better policies and meaningful accommodations within Canada's progressive party. It isn't just electoral politics failing disabled people. This episode explores the many ways in which many movements have left disability justice off their agendas.

With 55,000 CUPE Education workers walking off the job in defiance of legislation which made any job action illegal, there have been renewed calls for a Provincial wide General Strike. Host Jessa McLean and journalist/producer Santiago Helou Quintero discuss the core issues at stake in Ontario. With the use of the Notwithstanding Clause to override Charter Rights, and the push to destroy public services, this fight has become more than just a demand for fair wages. Premier Ford has started something...but what? And will Labour seize this moment effectively and inclusively? Lots of possibilities to discuss. Additional Resources:CUPE Ontario - Picket Finder and Updates

What exactly is the impact of low voter turnout? What is behind people's exit from electoral politics in Canada? Political columnist, author and podcaster David Moscrop sits down with host Jessa McLean to look at the root causes of low voter turnout - and what that means for a representative democracy. They look at why democracy shifted away from more direct participation to what we see today - alienated voters and bad representation. Solutions are explored, as well as alternatives. They also ask the question: If voter turnout continues to decline - at what point does a liberal democracy become illegitimate? To keep up to date with David Moscrop's work:Get a Copy of David's Book: Too Dumb for Democracy?Subscribe to David's substack

Return and Liberation is an in-depth discussion with members of the Palestinian Youth Movement, a transnational organization dedicated to a Free Palestine.Laura Khoury and Moe Alqasem share what pushes them to keep going in such a combative area of advocacy, and how they do so much with the resources they have.The discussion also examines the current situation in Palestine, including the status of the resistance and updates on political prisoners held by Israeli forces. We also look at the state of Canadian politics and explore why leadership on the Left so often feels out of touch with its base on the issue of Palestine. To stay in touch with the Palestinian Youth Movement: Article: Freedom and Liberation: Political Prisoners at Forefront of Palestinian Liberation (Oct. 22) Follow Moe on TwitterPalestinian Youth Movement websiteFollow PYM on Instagram

The recent leadership race for the next Premier of British Columbia has the democratic process of the NDP under scrutiny again. Host Jessa McLean and Producer Santiago Helou Quintero go over just what happened with the BCNDP and the disqualification of Anjali Appadurai. Together they examine the claims against the grassroots campaign that was set to challenge the acclamation of David Eby for the next leader of the BCNDP, as well as the larger issues it raises in the movement to get eco-socialism into electoral politics. The tensions between Labour and environmentalists over old growth logging in the province seems to have struck quite a nerve with NDP members across Canada. Where do eco-socialists now turn? What is next for the BCNDP? And what does this all mean for the electoral Left in Canadian Politics?

We often speculate about what has happened to the NDP in Canada. With its origins in Socialism and grassroots membership, the Party has seemingly drifted to Centre while alienating its biggest supporters. Author and political scientist Matt Fodor joins host Jessa McLean to discuss the themes that come up in his upcoming book From Layton to Singh: The 20-year Struggle for the NDPs Soul. Matt is about to reveal just who made the decisions to sideline members and when party brass decided they would abandon its socialist values in favour of neoliberal policies. Matt describes the new NDP as 'Orange Liberals' - power hungry, with little interest transformative politics. Resources:Follow Matt Fodor on TwitterOrder a copy of From Layton to Singh: The 20-Year Struggle for the NDP's Soul

With the passing of the Queen, it is no wonder the discussion around abolishing the monarchy has been reignited here in Canada. Many pundits have declared the endeavor impossible - but is it really? Host Jessa McLean, alongside New Left Media and Blueprints of Disruption producer, Santiago Helou breakdown what's involved with severing our ties with the Crown, what the political challenges are and many reasons why that shouldn't stop us from ending this colonial relationship once and for all.

Indigenous Land Defenders across Canada are under attack. All attempts to rightfully reclaim land back and protect the water have been met with resistance and police violence. Yet they persist. There are folks like guests Layla Staats and Skyler Williams, both of Six Nations of the Grand River, willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their communities can survive. Living through trauma, both current and generational, these courageous activists put everything on the line, defying incredible forces so that their children, and ours, may do something as simple as drink from a clean river. Hear their stories, get inspired and through it all explore what your role is in the fight to save the planet and bring about true Reconciliation. Resources:Truth and Reconciliation Report - Calls to Action‘Gut-wrenching:’ Drilling starts under Wet’suwet’en river | Ricochet Media (Sept 2022)'Indigenous Safe Drinking Water Crisis in Canada Overview' via The Indigenous FoundationFollow Skyler Williams on TwitterFollow Layla Staats on TwitterBlood and Water Trailer (Documentary)Follow Layla Staats on IntagramFollow 1492 Land Back Lane on Facebook1492 Land Back Lane Legal Defence Fund

So many of us are dismayed with Canadian partisan politics, especially those on the Left looking for real change. Some have fought to change the so-called progressive parties like the NDP and the Green Party from the inside. Special guest Dimitri Lascaris and Host Jessa McLean, who have been in the middle of those fights, discuss their experiences, the gatekeeping involve, and just what they think of electoral politics as an avenue for change. Follow Dimitri on Twitter Read more from Dimitri Lascaris here.

Food Insecurity impacts almost 6 million people in Canada. With the cost of everything, including food rising, we can expect this to get worse. What do we do about it? Are Food Banks the answer? Paul Taylor of Food Share Toronto is on a mission to "put food insecurity in the history books" - he joins host Jessa McLean to discuss just what that means, and why charity alone won't be enough to make sure our community members don't go hungry. PROOF Report on Food Insecurity (2021) - We reference a lot of statistics from this report. Some notable ones - 1 in 4 renters in Canada experience food insecurity vs. 7.6% of home owners - 16% of households have experienced food insecurity - Nunavut being the highest Province and/or Territory with 57% - Indigenous and racialized households experience far greater rates of food insecurity - 65% of people accessing food banks are employedGood Food Box | FoodSharePaul Taylor's BioFoodShare Website

Tommy Douglas surely anticipated the likes of Premier Doug Ford when he founded Health Coalitions to defend public healthcare in Canada. These groups have been standing guard over our public healthcare since its inception, but they've never had a fight like this on their hands before. Made up of folks like you and I, our Health Coalitions are very likely the key to taking collective action to stop the privatization of healthcare in Canada. Hear Peter Bergmanis explain what they are, what their mission is and just what is standing in their way. Can they wake up Canadians in time to save our healthcare? Listen in. More info on Health Coalitions:London Health Coalition Holds Virtual Emergency SummitCanadian Health CoalitionOntario Health Coalition

What is Independent journalism and what role does it play in Canadian Politics? How do they complete with mainstream media? What is it like trying to sustain your work so you can have the freedom to say what needs saying? This episode of Blueprints is a discussion with Jeremy Appel, a freelance writer, podcaster and Canadian politico. He takes us through us journey to independence and provides great stories of what its like being a critical leftist surrounded by Conservative politicians. Jeremy leaves us hopeful that the media is not a lost cause - it is still contested territory that hold potential for political change.Independent Media Sources:Rabble.ca - Independent Media OutletThe Breach - Independent Media OutletFollow Jeremy Appel on TwitterInside the Belly of the Beast - Read the referenced story of Jeremy at the Calgary Stampede Subscribe to Jeremy Appel's Newsletter | The Orchard

Democratic workplaces, community owned assets and credit unions. Co-operatives offer a range of solutions to the issues facing us today. But what are they exactly? Erin Morgan of the Ontario Co-Operative Association joins host Jessa McLean to discuss the basics of co-ops, their roots and why we could use a whole lot more of them. Whether it be credit unions, co-operative housing or even utilities - a more co-operative approach provides more possibilities for a cultural shift away from Capitalism.Learn more about Ontario Cooperatives Association here!

What would you do if your wages were stolen? What if you were new to Canada and your immigration status depended on that employment? The folks within the Naujawan Support Network (NSN) in Peel are self-organizing to get those wages back and to better protect workers in their community. Their tactics are bold. They go after bad bosses - naming and shaming them in very public ways. Simran and Arin of NSN Peel teach host Jessa McLean about the resistance that exists within workers, and how they persevere in the face of lawsuits while fighting for what they're owed. Follow the Naujawan Support Network on FacebookNSN Legal Defence Fund - Please donate if you can.

Local elections are getting a lot more interesting with organizations like Horizon Ottawa helping empower and equip progressive local campaigns. Organizer Sam Hersh chats with Host Jessa McLean about why these elections matter so much, and how Horizon Ottawa is working to even the playing field against the influence of developers. The episode will leave you hopeful for the possibilities for local politics and better equipped to influence their outcome. More resources here:Follow Sam Hersh on TwitterHorizon Ottawa Website

Organizing on the Left often requires we do a lot with very little. Hear from one of the most versatile and creative organizers out there, Tim Ellis. A rave DJ by night, a rabble rousers always - continues to share what he knows in the hopes of building a mass movement for change. His approach to bringing people together for maximum political impact is something we could all learn from. More resources:Follow Progress Champions on TwitterProgress Champions Website

Absolute power or Executive Power? Who actually runs the electoral Left? Discussions with current and former NDP Party Executives proves quite revealing, demonstrating that like most politics in Canada, very few people are calling all the shots.We hear what that means for members, and what its like trying to navigate these tightly controlled inner circles of partisan politics.Akuah Frempong, a first time Executive member of the Ontario NDP, talks about her experience trying to advocate within the inner circle and how uncomfortable that often is. Tara, a former Executive for the ONDP, gives very specific examples of democratic efforts being thwarted by a single person, time and time again. She also talks about the repercussions of being labelled an advocate within the Party. Jay Woodruff, Disability Co-Chair, testifies to the obstacles put in his way by central staff to limit his ability to organize disabled members of the Party.

With the recent overturning of Roe vs. Wade in the United States and reproductive rights seemingly under attack, Host Jessa McLean chats with Robyn Schwarz about what Reproductive Justice means and what its current state is here in Canada.Keep up with Robyn's work:Feminist Historian. Educator. Organizer. Researcher. Socialist. Non-Profit Human. Abortion Doula.Follow her on Twitter

Activist, educator and ally Anna Jessup discusses the important of holding space for folks to share their experiences, connect with likeminded people, and fight back against police violence and colonial oppression. She highlights the work of Fund our Communities, Defund the Police, a community activist group in downtown Toronto. Alongside host, Jessa McLean, Anna talks about what a good ally does, how to be more inclusive and the importance of consistency when trying to reach as many people as possible.

A lot of people know what they want to change, but they just don’t know where to start. Organizer and ICL Facilitator Duncan Pike goes through some of the basics of how to mobilize people while he tells his own story of self as an activist. We learn how the Institute for Change Leaders assists other movements in their goals, and all about the Theory of Change.More resources: Institute for Change Leaders Website

Autistic advocate and academic Lulu Larcenciel sits down with host Jessa McLean to challenge misconceptions surrounding autism, discuss the need for massive shift in how we accommodate for neurodivergent community members, and take a critical look at so-called progressive policy that is impacting disabled people. Lulu put together an amazing resource tool here: Autistic Resistance Foundations Resources

An insider discussion on just how the Ontario NDP blew the election against Ford by suppressing local democracy in order to hand pick candidates.Host Jessa McLean sits down with Jay Woodruff, NDP Disability Committee Co-Chair and local Riding President to dispel myths about the Party and give folks an idea of what its really like inside the Left's electoral party.Hear how local favourites were blocked from running or met with dirty tactics from ONDP headquarters. The results at the ballot box were devastating, but the impact on their grassroots base will be felt even longer. Related Episodes:Twice Betrayed: The NDP, The YMCA and Rana Zaman (Dec 2025) Community Activist Rana Zaman talks about the rescinding of her YMCA Peace Medial and how the NDP set the stage for what she's going through now. Democracy Denied, The BCNDP and their Fear of an EcoSocialist Grassroots (Oct 2022) On the disqualification of Anjali Appadurai in the BC NDP leadership race. More Resources: Ontario Election Results 2022All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Two comrades from Lloydminster/Vermillion, Tigra-Lee Campbell and Des Bissonnette, share stories of finding solidarity and creating meaningful supportive spaces in rural Alberta and Saskatchewan with host Jessa McLean. Keep up with the guests here: Follow them on FacebookLloydminster & Vermilion for Equity Foundation

If we're going to disrupt the system, we must make sure the movements we create are safe. In the show's premier episode, Host Jessa McLean chats with Community Activist, Noodle, to discuss how we protect ourselves and our comrades, and how doing that builds a much richer community for activists to thrive in. Noodle provides practical tools and also deeper perspectives on what it means to keep the community we work with safe.