Building Left

Join hosts Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins as they debrief the final NDP leadership debate held on Feb 19. Questions ranged from energy policy to managing US aggression. (Don't worry—they were speaking English this time, so ideas were much more fulsome!) This recap covers everything from Tony's memorable zingers to the spicy and thinly veiled jabs between candidates.  What was your takeaway from the debate? Send us a message on social. Building Left on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/buildingleft.bsky.social Building Left on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buildingleftpodcast

Longtime NDP MP Peter Julian joins Building Left to reflect on the party's catastrophic 2025 defeat and the national renewal effort. Julian, alongside former MP Matthew Green, have proposed 25 resolutions for the federal NDP Convention coming up in Winnipeg, resolutions aimed at reviving both the Party structure and its policy commitments.   Peter joins co-hosts Kallee Lins and Jaime Frederick to share how key reforms—putting Elections Canada rebates back in the hands of riding associations, building election platforms from existing party policy, and foregrounding the work of the full NDP MP team during elections—can position NDP campaigns for victory. Learn more about Peter Julian and Matthew Green's initiative at ndprenewal.ca.

Jess Wittman began climate activism at the age of nine, going door to door. As she grew up, so did her passion for community engagement. She worked on five provincial and federal election campaigns between 2024 and 2025, what she calls a "bootcamp" in political organizing.  Jamie Frederick and Kallee Lins speak with Jess about her role as an NDP regional organizer for the 2025 federal election. This is a deep dive into the nitty gritty of making campaigns happen: juggling Elections Canada regulations, balancing limited resources, and the reality of reaching voters in large, rural ridings.  Take a listen as Jess offers practical advice about preparing for campaigns and asks candid questions about where organizing efforts are best placed in today's political landscape. 

Hosts Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins unpack Emilie Taman's post‑election review of the federal NDP, tracing how the party's pre‑campaign decisions, campaign messaging, other systemic issues and the political landscape all shaped the 2025 result. The episode discusses the Review & Renewal Report's focus on gaps in fundraising and grassroots support, the party’s relationship with organized labour, and the current challenge of clarifying the NDP’s political identity heading into the 2026 leadership contest. Notes and other sources: NDP campaign review cites 'brutal environment' for worst-ever election result | CBC News Art supplies, beachside walks and a town hall: Inside the bruised NDP's attempts to rebuild | CBC News

Join Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins as they interview the NDP's leadership candidates. Our latest guest: Tony McQuail! Tony McQuail is a farmer, educator and lifelong advocate for a fairer and more sustainable Canada. For more than 50 years, he has been a leader in sustainable agriculture and rural development.  Tony’s vision for Canada goes beyond sustainability to true regeneration. His Green Progressive Movement calls for uniting progressive forces to address the root causes of inequality and environmental collapse. On Building Left, Tony deconstructs his calls for greater representation, regeneration, and redistribution in politics; the urgency he feels about proportional representation; and how progressives can work together across party lines to advance fairer policies for all. Notes/Links: Tony McQuail Green Progressive Donate to Tony's Leadership Campaign Fair Vote Canada - Proportional Representation

Hosts Kallee Lins and Jaime Frederick break down the NDP's leadership debate last week in Montreal, where a bilingual format exposed uneven French skills among the candidates. Despite policy discussion feeling thin, the event provided a strong snapshot into candidates' personalities and priorities. Join us as we highlight standout moments from Avi, Tanille, Tony, Rob and Heather, and touch on recurring themes throughout the evening including the party's future in Quebec, reconnecting with labour, and climate action.  The views and opinions shared by the hosts are their own and are in no way representative of Canada's NDP or other organizations with which they are affiliated. Notes/Corrections: The demonstration mentioned in the episode, attended by some of the leadership candidates in Montreal on Saturday, November 29, was focused on support for fundamental human rights threatened by legislation being put forward by Francois Legault's CAQ government in Quebec. The "CLAC," mentioned by Heather McPherson in the debate, is the Christian Labour Association of Canada, a Canadian independent trade union founded in 1952, which has been characterized by other Canadian trade unions as a "company union" for its support of employer‑friendly legislation. Readings/Sources (articles that informed this episode): Les candidats à la chefferie du NPD débattent dans un français laborieux | Le Devoir NDP leadership hopefuls confront their French shortcomings in Montreal debate | Montreal Gazette NDP leadership candidates pitch for party rebuild in debate | Toronto Star The NDP’s leadership candidates aren't fluent in French. Will that hurt the party's future? | CBC News How Mark Carney lost his cabinet’s green conscience | Toronto Star CBC's Katherine Cullen interviews Dr. Samantha Nutt of War Child Canada on changes to Canada's foreign aid and foreign policy (interview begins at 39:03) | The House | On Demand | CBC Listen

Join Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins as they interview the NDP's leadership candidates. Our latest guest: Tanille Johnston! Tanille Johnston is a proud Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ woman from the We Wai Kai First Nation. A dedicated social worker, mother, and bold new voice for the future of the NDP, Tanille currently serves as Director of Community Programs with the First Nations Health Authority and as a City Councillor in Campbell River, BC. On Building Left, Tanille discusses the government’s missed opportunity for investment into First Nations, practical solutions to strengthen rural communities, the benefits of a guaranteed liveable basic income and the urgency of keeping relationships at the forefront of efforts to rebuild and grow support for the NDP.    Follow Building Left on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/buildingleft.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576826052411

Join Building Left to break down Mark Carney's first federal budget. The document lays out deep program cuts, 40,000 public sector job losses, and a large spike in defence spending, alongside some encouraging moves on housing investment, apprenticeship support and automatic tax filing for a mixed bag of austerity and "generational investments." We're unraveling budget week's political fallout — a high-profile floor crossing, Conservative disarray, the NDP's difficult choice, and whether we could be facing a chilly winter election.

Back in April, Jäger Rosenberg made headlines as the youngest person running in the Canadian federal election. He was the NDP candidate in the BC riding of West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country. Last year he also ran as a nominee for the BC NDP candidacy in the provincial riding of Powell River–Sunshine Coast. He’s currently a member of the executive for the BC Young New Democrats and a member of the BC NDP Provincial Council. Currently, he’s running for the position of president of the BC NDP and working to inspire young people to join the NDP movement.  Tune in as Jäger shares his passion for mental health activism, his journey into politics and why we shouldn't just be building stronger connections between youth and our political system—we should be lowering the voting age to get them involved earlier. Select writing by Jäger: Opinion: Young people are the most affected by politics — but the last to be heard I Ran for the NDP and Lost. We Need to Change Recent Leadership Candidate Forums:  Canadian Labour Congress Forum Leadership Candidates Speak at Nanaimo-Ladysmith EDA AGM

Join Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins as they interview the NDP's leadership candidates. First up: Avi Lewis!  Avi Lewis is a veteran journalist, educator, and activist with 35 years of movement-building experience, combining grassroots organizing with the ability to reach millions. On Building Left, Avi discusses his long history with the NDP and proposes policies like a public option for groceries, the need for a uniquely Canadian foreign policy direction, nation-building clean energy investments and so much more. Tune in for a movement-minded approach to rebuilding the party and confronting today's economic and social emergencies.

Veteran NDP MP (1997-2015) and activist Libby Davies discusses the importance of democracy within the party as the NDP navigates its leadership race. Along the way, she highlights routes for grassroots engagement, recalls Jack Layton’s authentic leadership, and discusses the value of unity as we work to solve the urgent issues facing us all.  Join Kallee Lins and Jaime Frederick for a conversation with a political legend who has managed to maintain warmth and hope throughout her long political career. 

Hosts Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins break down the opening weeks of the federal NDP leadership race, newly declared candidate Avi Lewis, controversial hopefuls, and the divergent directions contenders are staking out. Join us as we review the party's latest actions in support of labour rights—putting forward a private member’s bill to remove Section 107 from the Canada Labour Code—along with questions about maintaining unity on the left, and what this leadership fight means for the NDP’s future strategy. More information:  New Democrats challenge Liberals on right for workers to strike 

Hosts Kallee Lins and Jaime Frederick are joined by Christian Audette to explore the growing shift of working-class voters from the NDP to the Conservatives. Christian is a local organiser and small business owner in the Niagara region of Ontario. After working on both federal and provincial campaigns, he has on-the-ground insights to share about voters' economic anxiety, provincial vs. federal dynamics, and practical steps the NDP can take to reconnect with working-class communities.

As the NDP leadership race warms up, Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins  explore the rules and dynamics shaping the contest and assess the early contenders. Yves Engler, an outspoken activist, raises questions about barriers to entry and accuses the party of favouritism, particularly toward Heather McPherson (MP, Edmonton-Strathcona), known as a more moderate voice. From the cost of entry, to signature requirements and upcoming debates, join us as we tour through the terrain of the leadership race and ask, "Who will make it to the starting line?" More information: Rules Governing Leadership Contest 2026 « Canada's NDP

Welcome back to Building Left, the podcast where hosts Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins dive into the evolving landscape of social democracy and progressive politics in Canada. In this episode, the hosts are joined by Dr. Jared Wesley, a political scientist from the University of Alberta. Dr. Wesley dives into how individual Albertans make sense of their political identity, challenging the stereotypical conservative image of the province, and raises issues like the "spiral of silence" that can keep progressive voices sidelined.  Join the conversation for political insights that impact ridings across the country. Dr. Wesley's research and experience speaks to the importance of fostering belonging, bridging perceived political divides and communication strategies to find common ground on specific issues.  Sources and Background Reading:  Jared Wesley's website No I in Team: Party Loyalty in Canadian Politics by Alex Marland, Jared J. Wesley and Mireille Lalancette How Minds Change by David McCraney Alberta's distorted view of their own political culture Deep Engagement Canvassing - Neighbours United

As centre-right pundits greatly exaggerate the imminent demise of the NDP, one grassroots organization is proposing bold renewal of the party from the ground up. In this episode, Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins are joined by Ji Won Jung from Reclaim Canada's NDP. Learn more about the movement and what you can do to get involved and help rebuild the NDP. Following Building Left's first guest interview, you'll get the rundown on the NDP's review and renewal process, the leadership contest, and Alberta's by-election. Join us for a recap of a jam-packed week in progressive politics! Sources and Background Reading:  NDP launches 2025 campaign review and renewal process « Canada's NDP Reclaim Canada's NDP Press Release Toronto Star: Campaign to woo NDP donors away from central party 'misguided,' says ex-strategist Globe & Mail (K Yakabuski): As the NDP faces financial crisis, radical flamethrowers play with matches - The Globe and Mail NDP members will choose their next leader in March 2026 « Canada's NDP Two former NDP MPs rule out bids to lead party as leadership rules issued - The Globe and Mail Yves Engler - Canadian Author and Activist Fred DeLorey: Why the NDP may be in even bigger trouble than we think - The Hub Globe & Mail (A. Coyne): New leader, or new system? The Conservatives ponder life under two-party politics - The Globe and Mail Battle River-Crowfoot Byelection - List of candidates Katherine Swampy « Canada's NDP HOME | Bonnie Critchley I    

In this episode, Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins dive into the latest developments surrounding Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act (also An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act), which has sparked significant debate across Canada's political and social landscape.  Bill C-5, under the justification of removing barriers to development, allows for the sidestepping of crucial environmental assessment laws and Indigenous consultation, and chips away at democratic processes. Critics argue this bill is a corporate giveaway threatening Canada's democratic safeguards; the NDP has worked strategically to expose its deficiencies. What does all of this mean for the shifting "centre" of Canadian politics, the possibility of a renewed identity for the NDP and the potential to rebuild electoral success? Sources and Background Reading: Government Backgrounder: Implementation of Bill C-5: One Canadian Economy - Canada.ca Environmental Law Centre Analysis: Bill C-5 & the Building Canada Act: What You Need to Know Canada’s Bill C-5: Continuing the Legislative Trend of Undermining Indigenous Rights - JFK Law - Canada Ecojustice Analysis: https://ecojustice.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Building-Canada-Act-BCA-Ecojustice-analysis-V2.pdf Liberals, Conservatives pass major projects legislation in House of Commons Carney's 'nation-building' projects bill passes Senate — but not without Indigenous pushback B.C.’s Bill 15 becomes law amid First Nations backlash | The Narwhal Doug Ford's controversial Bill 5: Here's what you need to know | CBC News New Democrats say no to Carney’s NATO 5 per cent commitment « Canada's NDP A Federal Seat is Vacant in Battle River–Crowfoot – Elections Canada  

Welcome back to "Building Left," the podcast where we explore the evolving role of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and leftist politics in Canada. In this episode, hosts Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins delve into what has been a revealing parliamentary session for the NDP, exploring their robust opposition to a conservative-leaning agenda since the session began on May 27th. With King Charles' historic speech from the throne setting the stage, the NDP has made significant opposing moves on pivotal pieces of legislation, such as Bills C-2 and C-5, positioning themselves as the voice of true opposition. From defending the rights of refugees, to demonstrating solidarity with Gaza, the NDP is positioning itself as the steadfast voice for progressive politics in Canada.   Sources/Citations: MP Jenny Kwan on Bill C-2: Michael Geist: “Big Brother Tactics”: Why Bill C-2’s New Warrantless Disclosure Demand Powers Extend Far Beyond Internet and Telecom Providers - Jenny Kwan, Member of Parliament The Backbench/Canadaland Podcast (Adam Sidinsky interview): #134 Is Carney’s Bill C-2 ‘Much Worse Than Trump’? NDP/ MP Heather McPherson on Gaza and Palestine: NDP reaction to sanctions on Ben Gvir and Smotrich « Canada's NDP NDP statement on Israel's recent attacks « Canada's NDP MP Heather McPherson on CIFTA: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16bde6XRsW/ NDP/MP Lori Idlout response to Bill C-5: NDP stands up for Free Prior and Informed Consent « Canada's NDP

Welcome to Building Left, the podcast exploring the future of the NDP and the broader landscape of social democracy in Canada. Join hosts Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins as they dive into the NDP's legacy and its relevance today—all from a rural and Western perspective. Tune in for a frank discussion about why a social democratic party matters in Canada, why proportional representation is needed now more than ever, and what the NDP needs to consider on its path to renewal. Whether you're a seasoned party member or new to the progressive movement, this conversation is essential for anyone invested in the future of Canada's left. Sources referenced: Saving the NDP in a few simple steps by Nora Loreto on Substack Opinion: There's only one path to survival for the New Democrats, by Martin Regg Cohn in the Toronto Star Hunt for new NDP leader raises tension before race begins (Matthew Green quoted in the Toronto Star) Errata: At one point in this episode, Jaime says that all 7 current NDP MPs are from the West or the North of Canada. He knows this is not the case and regrets the error. He would specifically like to apologize to the Hon. Alexandre Boulerice, who has represented the Montreal riding of Rosemont--La Petite Patrie since 2011--no disrespect was intended.