Blueprints of Disruption

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With the 2025 Federal Budget vote looming, Ashwin from the International Solidarity Podcast joins Blueprints host Jessa McLean to breakdown some of the $141 Billion in new spending and the cuts that will pay for it all.The biggest ticket item, $89 million for the Canadian Armed Forces, generates a discussion on global politics, the so-called 'elbows up movement' and the appetite for military spending the electorate seems to have.Together they compare the budget to campaign promises, the Throne Speech and the demands of the political 'opposition'. Jessa and Ashwin also discuss the likelihood of the budget passing, and what that will mean for Canadian politics. Related Episodes: Carney's First 100(ish) Days in Office (July 2025) covers the priorities and first pieces of Carney's legislation with the International Solidarity Pod. Draw the Line (Sept 2025) a discussion with organizers behind the movement to connect movements.More Resources: The Breach: A Budget for Tanks, Banks and Oil BaronsThe 2025 Budget - IN FULLCBC: Carney's First Federal BudgetAll 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

Vancouver City Councillor Sean Orr, an avowed socialist elected in April 2025, dishes on what its been like navigating a system hostile to him and his ideas. Sean is very candid on the limitations and pressures facing principled progressives once they're in office.The struggle for socialists to simply exist in elected positions is clear, as is his determination to keep building on that win six months ago. Councillor Orr has some advice for New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on how to maintain the momentum of a campaign while building parallel power outside City Hall. Hosted by: Jessa McLeanRelated Episodes: Get more insight into Vancouver politics and organizing in Basis of Unity, a discussion with the Vancouver Tenants Union. Local Votes: Make Them Count (Aug 2022) Sam Hersh of Horizon Ottawa on the work being done to remove developer influence from local politics and more.More Resources: CBC: Vancouver City Council Votes Against Supportive HousingThe Independent: Mamdani Shreds CuomoReferenced Piece: The Nation - Now Comes the Hard Party by RosenblumCOPE Vancouver HomepageSFU Geography Alumni Sean Orr wins Vancouver council seat in byelection - Department of Geography - Simon Fraser University📺YOU CAN CATCH US LIVE EVERY FRIDAY AT 12pm E.T. on our YouTube Channel. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Tenants across Ontario were already mobilizing against Bill 60 when a bombshell dropped...Premier Ford floated an idea that would have stripped renters of almost all their rights.The good news: organizations like York-South Weston Tenants Union had already put in the work and created a structure that could quickly gather folks together and harness the energy that it generated. They were able to get the Premier to back off, but the work is not done.Hear from An, one of the organizers from YSW Tenants Union, about how they've mobilized hundreds of volunteers to not just push back against pending legislation, but to continue building the Tenant Class for more fights that are sure to come. Hosted by: Jessa McLeanCall to Action: SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER IN THE FIGHT FORD'S WAR ON TENANTS (Ontario)Related Episodes: Blueprints of a Rent Strike Victory, with Bruno of YSW Tenants Union Tenant Power Playlist: So much more on the fights AND VICTORIES of renters across CanadaMore Resources: Toronto Star - Province Scrapped Affordable Housing Rules After Pushback from REITsTVO Today | Toronto Tenants Have Been on Rent StrikeFord Government Bill Could Spell the End of Rent Control in Ontario - The Grind MagazineThe rationale for Ontario’s Bill 60 does not hold up - CCPA📺YOU CAN CATCH US LIVE EVERY FRIDAY AT 12pm E.T. on our YouTube Channel. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

After answering a call for general surgeons, Dr. Monica Chaudhuri, an Ontario doctor and activist, recently returned from Gaza. Dr. Chaudhuri shares what it was like working alongside the brave Palestinian healthcare workers, how cruel the Zionist entity can be, and reflects on what its been like returning to Canada while the genocide continues.Dr. Chaudhuri also talks about the sense of duty many Canadian healthcare workers feel, being the only international professionals, and thus eyewitnesses, allowed into occupied Gaza. A duty that extends beyond her role as a doctor, and into her community where she organizes with Health Workers Alliance for Palestine, Simcoe County 4 Palestine, and the Sustain Campaign Network. Hosted by: Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou QuinteroCalls to Action:Learn more about Palestinian Prisoners and the fight to free themJoin the Arms Embargo Now MovementRelated Episodes: Name it. Stop it. Sanction It. Alex Neve, Dr. Dorotea Gucciardo, and Dr. Ben Thompson from United Against Genocide on their work to pressure Canadian politicians. Arming Israel: Canada's Continued Role Haneen from the Palestinian Youth Movement and Rachel from World Beyond War share their scathing report.More Resources: The Killing, Detention and Torture of Healthcare Workers in Gaza - Healthcare Workers WatchThe Breach: Canadian doctors are being tapped for evidence in war crimes case against IsraelThe Independent: Gaza doctor who became face of medical struggle remains in Israeli detentionAll 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

The Canadian Mining Industry is notorious for its patterns of aiding in regime change, displacing Indigenous peoples from their lands, and the horrific human rights abuses that go with all of that.Activist and author Grahame Russell of Rights Action shares his firsthand experience with a landmark legal case. One that exposed HudBay's use of sexual violence, destruction and death at the Felix mine in Guatemala, but through Canadian courts. Its a story of perseverance, grassroots resourcefulness and pure courage in the face of corporate giants working hand-in-hand with governments, including our own.Its also a discussion on Imperialism, Canada's role in the continued theft of indigenous land and what we can do about it. Hosted by: Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: When we asked our guest for a call to action for this episode, Grahame's reply was "Free Palestine'. We'd also encourage folks to read the entire 13 Giants Report.Related Episodes: Canada's Colonial Imagination (Oct. 2023) a discussion that ties modern day foreign policy and our own history of genocide, with professor Tyler Shipley. Lessons from: South America, (Dec. 2022) on social movements in Venezuela and drawing comparisons to the Canadian situation.More Resources: Mining in Canada: Latest News and Updates | The NarwhalWho pays for the death and violence at Canadian mine in the Congo? - rabble.caMining Watch Canada - More on Canadian Mining Industry Guatemalan Plaintiffs reach fair and reasonable settlement in Canadian mining lawsuits — Klippensteins Barristers & SolicitorsREPORT: 13 Brave Giants — Rights ActionYou can find more of our content geared towards activists on our SUBSTACKAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Students from Toronto Metropolitan University have launched a $10 million lawsuit being launched against the school for falsely, and very publicly, labelling them antisemitic.Human rights lawyer Dimitri Lascaris, one of the lawyers working pro-bono on this case, joins Blueprints Hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero to dish on the details and talk about its wider implications.Dimitri also shares updates from other related legal cases, including a historic challenge against the Canadian government's role in the genocide.Run time: 36 minutesCall to Action: You can donate to the Toronto Community Justice Fund or other local support initiatives that help activists navigate the legal system.Related Episodes: Right to Resist (Oct. 2024) Dimitri Lascaris on Lebanon, the resistance and bringing down an apartheid state.Rabble Rants: ICJ Rules Against Israel (Jan. 2024), also with Dimitri LascarisWeaponizing Canadian Law for Israel (Jul. 2024) Martin Lukacs from The Breach discusses his investigations into Toronto Police's Project Resolute and the secretive committee tasked with cracking down on Palestinian solidarity activism.More Resources: Citing Genocide Convention, Seven Lawyers Launch Historic Lawsuit Against Canada - acTVismTMU External ReportToronto Today: TMU Law Students Launch $10 million defamation lawsuit Plaintiffs' Statement via Dimitri Lascaris' on Twitter Be sure to subscribe to our SUBSTACK 📖All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

The recent Freedom Flotilla ships seized in international waters by the IOF were not the first, nor the last to try to break the illegal naval blockade on the, now starving, population of Gaza.Mskwaasin Agnew is aboard another vessel determined to draw attention to the issue and force western governments to act. She speaks about the need for risk and sacrifice, of making an impact and of how this is also part of the global Indigenous resistance to colonization.Mskwaasin, is an Indigenous Harm Reduction worker and fierce activist based in Toronto. Hosted by: Jessa McLeanCall to Action: Track and Draw Attention to the Conscience's MissionRelated Episodes:Blockades and Bail Conditions (May 2024), also with Mskwaasin, who shares her experience of being arrested during a recent railway blockade in Toronto in solidarity with Palestine. Freedom Flotilla Coalition (July 2025), Family physician and activist, Dr. Yipeng Ge, speaks from the deck of the Handala.More Resources: History of Freedom Flotillas Greta Thunberg welcomed to Greece after deportation of Gaza flotilla activistsIsrael intercepts Gaza Sumud flotilla vessels: What we know so farAll 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

Draw the Line isn't just a cross-country day of action on September 20th, 2025; activists involved have been building the structure and finding a basis of unity to bring together the movements in Canada who are all fighting the same thing - Capital.Three organizers from Draw the Line join the studio to talk about the work that went into connecting groups big and small, and finding enough common ground to build around something bigger. Hear about their five key demands, how they plan on turning this mobilization into sustainable mass organizing and what it means to "grow globally while acting locally".Guests:Willo Prince, Indigenous Climate ActionKaren Cocq, Exec Director, Migrant Workers Alliance for Change; and,Nathan Prier, President Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE).Hosted by: Jessa McLeanCall to Action: Host Your Own Action for September 20thRelated Episodes: Justice for Migrant Workers (Sept. 2023), a discussion on the conditions migrant workers face and the demands the movement is making to better protect them; and, Leftist Alliances and Power Struggles: A History Lesson (Apr. 2023), a history lesson on Labour politics and alliances with Prof. James Naylor.More Resources: Kwame Ture - Organisation vs Mobilisation — ITS-IN-SCOPEFirst Nations react to Carney’s Bill C-5 | The NarwhalChrétien-Era Austerity Levels May Soon Return Under Carney - The Maple Bill C-2 Gives Government Sweeping New Powers over Immigration - The Grind MagazineLatest Press Release from Draw the Line CampaignOur podcast is also available on Our Substack, along with articles and more resources for the movements.All of our content is free - made...

Things are heating up at Christie Pitts, 92 years after the famous riot there.In the first half of this episode, John Clarke and host Jessa McLean talk about the Swastika clubs that sprung up in Toronto back in 1933, how they were emboldened by the rise of Hitler and the Nazis, as well as legitimized, even encouraged by the establishment here in Canada. These clubs, furthering white supremacist ideology, attacking Jewish community members were allowed to roam around the City until the community decided they had had enough.In the second half, Catherine Crockett of the General Defence Committee for the IWW reminisces on the 'lovely riot' of 1933, its long term impact on the community. They'll also share some of the details around the planned anti-immigration rally and what organizers of the counter protest planned for this Saturday, September 13th hope to see happen.Call to Action: Register to Attend Community RallyRelated Episodes: Making Mass Actions Count, John Clarke, Professor at York University and longtime organizer, compares the 2022 strike by CUPE workers to the 1995 Days of Action against then Premier Mike Harris. Nationalism and the Working Class, Chris Fairweather, academic, activist and labour organizer, talks about the pervasiveness of nationalism and the impact is has on the working class.More Resources: Cable Street 88 years on: battling fascists then and now | Morning StarMore on the General Defence Committee for the IWWThe Riot at Cristie Pits (Full Movie)The Christie Pits Riot: The Worst Anti-Semitic Riot in Canada (Short Video) Toronto Today: Locals Organize Counter Protest to Oppose RacistsBe sure to also check out our Substack - it has written material, resources, as well as all our podcast episodes broken down into playlists. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Activist and journalist Benjamin Nolan has witnessed a shift in Police tactics over the past two years, particularly in how they deal with Palestinian solidarity protestors. Toronto Police won't admit to any of it and mainstream media fail to tell both sides, which has left an obvious gap in report Ben wants to step up and help fill.He goes over his recent piece in The Grind, Police Chief Plays Loose with the Truth in Call in Show, which opens up a lot of discussions about police violence, their use of the knee-on-neck technique and just what TPS thinks 'proportionate' responses are to peaceful protests.Ben also provides firsthand accounts of Police overreaching their authority and not following the law, as well as reports back on the amount of injuries Hosted by: Jessa McLeanCalls to Action:Support the Toronto Community Justice Fund; and,Attend a Fundraiser Seminar in support of the Community Justice Collective, Copaganda: How Police and Media Manipulate our NewsRelated Episodes: Unverified: The Grind Exposes New Lows in Canadian Media (Oct 2024), Dave Grey-Donald goes over his months long investigation into the reporting surrounding October 7, 2023; Neighborhoods for Palestine (May 2024), Ben's first appearance on the show alongside four comrades organizing close to home for a Free Palestine.Weaponizing Canadian Law for Israel (Jul 2024), Martin Lukacs from the Breach talks about Project Resolute and the secret committee that drives it.More Resources: Bubble Zones: Confiding ProtestsBBC: Palestine Action Protest Arrests Over 500Inside Project Resolute, Canada's crack down on Palestine speechThe Breach: Inside the ‘shocking’ police operation targeting pro-Palestine activists in TorontoToronto Police “Caused a Riot” Outside 51 Division After Pro-Palestinian Protest of UJA Event - The Grind MagazineAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly...

The F35 is back at the Canadian National Exhibition and its airshow - so are the peace activists.For years peace activists, environmentalists, refugee advocates and even pet lovers have been protesting the annual four-day airshow that includes war planes over an urban centre, Toronto. However, there is a new sense of urgency this year, as well as new tools. A recent report revealed the extent of Canada's role in manufacturing components for the F35, the very plane delivering genocide from the skies over Gaza.Three organizers, who are also part of the larger anti-war movement, talk about the shifts the campaign has taken over the years, the challenges they're overcomming and the coalition building that makes it all possible. Guests:Maya Bastian, artist, conflict journalist, filmmaker (AirShow),Sharmeen Khan, World Beyond War, and.Rama, Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) Montreal.Hosted by: Jessa McLeanCall to Action: Contact and Call on Your City Councillor to Demilitarize the AirShowRelated Episodes: Rabble Rants (Sept 2023) Stop the Air ShowDisrupting Canada's Arms Trade (May 2024), with World Beyond WarReturn and Liberation (Oct. 2022), with the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM)More Resources: CBC: Canada's F35 ReviewToronto Air Show Triggers The Trauma Of War | HuffPost PoliticsReport - Arms Embargo NowDemilitarize the Toronto Air Show - World BEYOND War All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

The work behind the Arms Embargo Now Report revealed that there are unionized workplaces in Canada making weapons destined for Israel. World Beyond War organizer called this information, along with a recent letter from Unifor's President "an opportunity" for positive action.Activists from Labour for Palestine are going into this week's UNIFOR convention in Vancouver with this top of mind. They are working on a campaign to have any goods or services coming from, or going to Israel, declared 'hot cargo'.They know the majority of Canadians, and thus UNIFOR members, are against the genocide, but that doesn't mean there aren't going to be obstacles in their way. In a political climate defined by fear and heightened nationalism, it has been a challenge getting workers to prioritize Palestine. Hear what work is being done to pave the way for more Internationalism not just inside UNIFOR, but within all Labour institutions.Guests:Pamela Arancibia, CUPE member, Labour for Palestine GTAShaheen Lotun, UNIFOR local 2025 President, Labour for PalestineHosted by: Jessa McLeanCall to Action: Tell the CLC to Declare Israeli Goods 'Hot Cargo'Related Episodes: Answering the Call (Jan 2024) with Anna Lippman of Labour for Palestine Nationalism and the Working Class (Mar 2023) with Chris FairweatherMore Resources: Unifor letter to Prime Minister Carney Re: Urgent Canadian intervention to end the genocide in Palestine | UniforHot cargo agreements 101: a practical legal overview - Rights NavigatorCJPME: Canadian Labour Congress Endorses sanctions on IsraelReport - Arms Embargo NowPeople's Voice: Internationalism, identity politics and anti-apartheid organizingRabble: Paramedic fired for pro-Palestinian speech fights for reinstatementThe Maple: Israeli Products Should Have No Place In CanadaAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

Over 10,000 CUPE unionized Air Canada workers defied the orders of the nation's labour board, stayed off the job and secured a tentative agreement.Kim Siever, Labour Journalist for the Alberta Worker joins host Jessa McLean to talk about what led up to the strike, the Liberals' liberal use of back-to-work legislation and what this means for Canadian Labour. They draw comparisons to other back-to-work orders and try to predict what might happen next...Related Episodes: CUPW, Right to Strike (Jan 2025) Strike Captain, Stop Steward and Mail Carrier Sera talks about the dealings with Canada Post bosses, the attempts to build militancy inside the union and more...Making Mass Actions Count (Nov 2022), with organizer John Clarke. It compares Ontario's almost general strike to the Mike Harris Days of Action in the 1990s. Carney's First 100(ish) Days: A Paradigm Shift, (July 2025) co-hosted with Ashwin from the International Solidarity Pod, a look at the neoliberal agenda being fast tracked under the new PM.More Resources: Alberta Worker: Air Canada flight attendants hold strike voteGlobal News UPDATE: Air Canada Tentative DealAlberta Worker: Coaldale workers reject forced voteStatement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, following an emergency meeting of Canada’s Unions on the Air Canada Flight Attendants Strike CBC: 4 Things to Know about the Air Canada StrikeAll 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