SocialistWorker www.socialist.ca $2 no. 567 October 2014

Indigenous sovereignty Page 2 Audrey Huntley exposes Harper’s “action plan” on NO WAR indigenous women, and Valerie Lannon looks at the new “partnership”

Climate justice Page 3 NO WARMING Peter Hogarth reports from the People’s Climate March

Socialists in action Page 3 Parry Singh Mudar reports on a recent talk by Seattle socialist and councillor Kshama Sawant

Civil liberties Page 5 Craig Frayne recalls the October Crisis of 1970 and how Pierre Trudeau suppressed civil liberties

Iraq War Page 6-7 What’s behind ISIS, why STOP does Harper want war, and what are alternatives?

Social Democracy Page 8 Chris Rogers looks at THE the failure of the NDP’s right-wing populism in New Brunswick, and Alex Hunsberger discusses the looming repeat in Toronto WAR Disability Pride Page 11 Melissa Graham discusses the Toronto Disability Pride March ON Labour against austerity Page 11 Octavian Cadabeschi explains how Toronto restaurant workers won, and Carolyn Egan tells the IRAQ lessons of Alma *stop bombing Iraq *stop arming Saudi Arabia Steelworkers *shut down the tar sands *end military spending *support veterans and war resisters *help refugees *divert military spending to jobs/services *stop Harper Reproductive Facts & figures justice day of 19 action number of people beheaded in Western-backed Saudi by MAUREEN ASLIN Arabia in August alone Reproductive Justice: Equal Access Now! 69 In advance of the New percentage of people in Brunswick provincial elec- Canada who agree with tions, activists across Canada decision not to join 2003 joined a Pan Canadian Iraq War Day of Action demanding reproductive justice and 70 equal access to abortion, par- percentage active-duty ticularly in the Maritimes, soldiers who oppose sending where people are demanding combat troops to Iraq ac- the repeal of NB’s regulation cording to a recent Military 84-20, which limits basic Times Poll reproductive healthcare in contravention to the Canada 1600 Health Act. Number of US troops Rallies in Halifax, already in Iraq before the Charlottetown, Vancouver, bombing began Montreal, Guelph, and Sackville, Fredericton $2000 and other cities called for amount conservative solidarity with women in NB mayoral candidate John and PEI and those in rural Tory gave to Rob Ford’s and northern communities campaign last year that do not have access to Interview: Harper’s ‘action plan’ abortions. 40,000 While continuing to dis- not valued by their foster include providing safe to eliminate Indigenous number of people who miss widespread calls families, so really it’s a very transportation in remote peoples as they stand Toronto rally/march marched last year at what for a national inquiry for deep systemic problem.” communities. A bus on the between them and land and In Toronto at Ryerson was then the largest climate missing and murdered Socialist Worker fol- highway of tears was one resources. University’s Lake Devo, march in US history Indigenous women lowed-up with an interview of the recommendations of speakers gathered beside and girls, the Harper with Audrey Huntley: the Missing Women Inquiry 4) Can you discuss that a giant coat hanger, sym- 400,000 government announced in BC that still hasn’t various ways Indigenous bolic of the unsafe abortions number of people who a $25 million “action 1) What is the $25 mil- been implemented. In the women are organizing, women need to resort to marched last month in New plan”—proposing to lion plan? long term it will take real like No More Silence? when legal, safe healthcare York at the People’s Climate develop community From my understanding decolonization in order for No More Silence continues is not available. March safety plans, projects these are not new monies the killing to stop. to organize ceremony on Jordana Greenblatt of to “break intergenera- but rather existing funds that As for an inquiry there February 14th as an act of OCAC stated “This is a 1 million tional cycles of violence are being shuffled around needs to be clarity as to public mourning and to sup- major disparity in terms of number of Iraqis killed by and abuse,” and work and most of it is going what an inquiry would port family and community access. It’s a violation of the the 2003 invastion with Indigenous men into existing programs and actually entail. Many family members. Over the past year Canada Health Act, which to denounce violence policing. members simply want or so we have partnered with the federal government 1.5 million against women. closed or idle cases to be Native Youth Sexual Health refuses to enforce. And it is number of Iraqis killed by As Audrey Huntley, co- 2) What real action is reopened or want a review Network and Families of truly shameful.” sanctions in the 1990s founder of No More Silence, needed to bring justice? of the police investigation as Sister in Spirit to create a Marie Clarke Walker, explained to CBC: “It feels I think many of our opposed to research into the community data base—more Exec VP, Canadian Labour $10 billion to me like it’s really laying community members are root causes of the violence information about that can Congress asked “Who the amount of weapons sold by the blame on the aboriginal demanding a national which has already been done be found here. hell is Stephen Harper and Canada to Saudi Arabia this community and completely inquiry because they want to and that we know lie in his government and the right year ignoring stranger violence. see some recognition of the ongoing settler colonialism. 5) How can non-Indigen- wing to tell me, my daugh- Yes, there is violence going severity of the issue by those ous communities be ter, my granddaughter and $36 billion on in our communities and in positions of authority and 3) Why is the Harper gov- allies? you what the hell they can amount of health care funds on reserves, but also many power to make changes. ernment so resistant? Responsible allies need to do with their own bodies? Harper is cutting by ending of the women who are killed Family members feel not It is not in the interest of call the government out on It’s outright classism and transfer payments or who go missing, go mis- only the terrible pain of the the Harper government for their genocidal policies as racism - we’ve said to the sing in big cities. We need loss of a loved one but in the depth and extent of this well as educate themselves marginalized women in this $490 billion to engage Canadian society addition they suffer from the issue to be revealed. The on the history of this coun- country that you can’t have amount Harper is pledging in why aboriginal women societal indifference around Harper government’s main try. Allies can also help in what is rightfully yours.” to the Canadian military aren’t valued. That’s really the issue and the crass agenda revolves around concrete ways by volunteer- Speaker after speaker over the next 20 years, what it comes down to. dismissal of their concerns resource extraction and ing their time or donating noted their incredulity to be as part of “Canada First They’re not valued when it by the federal government. Indigenous people are in funds to community-led at yet another rally, in the Defence Strategy” comes to the police inves- Some positive action that the way. The Harper and initiatives that do not look year 2014, demanding what tigating their cases, they’re would make Indigenous other settler governments to the state for funding or was legislated over 25 years not valued by that child women less vulnerable will continue to implement solutions. ago as a basic healthcare to welfare system and they’re in the immediate would genocidal policies that aim All my relations. which all women in Canada In their own are entitled. words Afterwards there was a spirited march to Yonge & How ‘new’ will the Partnership be? Dundas. Marchers carrying “The price is worth by VALERIE LANNON placards and the giant coat it” hanger crisscrossed the US Secretary of State The launch of opportunities for First Indigenous peoples is to be undermined such fairness. intersection in a “scramble Madeleine Albright, in 1996 “Canadians for a New Peoples, which must be the applauded. The upcoming Lectures and discussions for access.” in response to the question Partnership” (CNP) tangible results of that new release of the report of the groups might be a start- “We have heard that half a took place September partnership.”(see www. Truth and Reconciliation ing point for people just The struggle million children have died 4, 2014 amidst much cfnp.ca) Commission, which will beginning to learn about continues [in Iraq from US sanctions]. media fanfare. Stephen Kakfwi, former document the personal the history of both injustice In post-election NB, Brian I mean, that’s more children The press conference premier of the Northwest stories and impacts of against and resistance by Gallant the Premier-elect, than died in Hiroshima. featured a number of well Territories and President of residential schools, will Indigenous peoples. But if is assembling a committee And, you know, is the price known, former political the NWT Dene Nation, is provide a great opportunity there is no change to prac- to look at how to make it worth it?” leaders including former credited with initiating this to build on the desire by a tice, i.e. in active solidarity easier for women to have Assembly of First Nations partnership. Indigenous growing number of people with self-determination abortions, in an attempt to “We don’t do body Grand Chief Ovide supporters include Elders, in Canada and Quebec struggles, then the CNP appease social conservatives counts” Mercredi and former Prime community leaders and ac- to ensure justice for will be just a talk shop. and sidestepping the obvious US General Tommy Franks, Ministers Paul Martin tivists like Chelsea Vowel Indigenous peoples. We can be more im- remedy of an outright repeal 2003, on the casualties of (Liberals) and Joe Clark (Idle No More) and Cindy The CNP website pressed with grass roots of regulation 84-20. US war (Conservatives). Blackstock (First Nations information makes refer- efforts at outreach and Child and Family Caring ence to “respect for treaty reconciliation e.g. by Idle “We are the Why a new partner- Society, currently involved rights”, and the main focus No More, faith commun- Canadian forces, ship is needed in a human rights case appears to be on education ities, trade unions, and the and our job is to be The stated purpose of the regarding lack of funding and jobs. But the question climate justice movement. able to kill people” partnership is to “build for on reserve child and should always be: under Socialist Worker Canadian general Rick the strong economy and family services). whose control? There is What to look for Hiller in 2009, explaining values-based society that Funding is from social nothing about justice for It will be up to Indigenous e-mail: [email protected] the role of the military will benefit this and future service foundations, missing and murdered communities to define web: www.socialist.ca generations.” The mission some universities, and the Indigenous women, or success for this partner- lphone: 416.972.6391 ““This is not a statement says that to reach Northwest Territories gov- for stopping dangerous ship.We could look for short term — I this vision, “We will estab- ernment. The main activity resource extraction where things like the number of All correspondence to: Socialist Worker think the president lish and support a broad- to build partnership will treaties or land claims are Indigenous participants, P.O. Box 339, Station E said three years. I based, inclusive, leadership be to hold lectures and in place. statements by Indigenous Toronto, ON M6H 4E3 agree with that — initiative to engage discussions. While Paul Martin and participants that they Published every four weeks in three years, maybe Canadians in dialogue and Joe Clark may have had control the agenda, and Toronto by the International Socialists. Printed in Hamilton at a union shop; member of the longer. ” relationship building aimed What difference will personal epiphanies about improvements in alliances Canadian Magazine Publisher’s Association US General Ray Odierno, at building a new partner- this make? the rights of Indigenous and joint actions. In the / Canadian Publications Mail Agreement No. September 2014, on the ship between First Peoples Any effort to have peoples and the role that meantime, we should 58554253-99, Post Office Department, Ottawa / ISSN 0836-7094 / Return postage guaranteed endless war on Iraq. and other Canadians. This non-Indigenous people non-Indigenous allies continue to actively show initiative holds the promise understand and respect can play in ensuring solidarity with current of better living conditions, treaties and the right of justice, their past actions Indigenous struggles and education, and economic self-determination for in government completely not wait for the CNP. 2 Socialist Worker October 2014 Ghana and Canada: INTERNATIONAL struggles linked by YUSUR AL-BAHRANI “The bourgeoisie is the same everywhere and the proletar- iat is the same everywhere,” said Kwesi Pratt Junior, the editor of the Ghanaian social- ist publication The Insight. Emancipation of the working class is the essence of socialism whether in Ghana, Canada or anywhere else in the world.

Neo-liberalism, colonialism and imperialism Although the situation might be different in Ghana, socialists in Canada seem to be facing the same challenge: neo-liberalism. “Although people form united fronts around several shared struggles, socialists swim against the stream. The people are not to be blamed for that, but the system that shackles the minds is the problem. It is a history of struggles, imperialism and colonialism that has destruc- tively affected Ghana and several other nations in the region,” said Pratt. Imperialism was and re- mains the problem. Decades ago, Kwame Nkrumah wrote in his book Africa Must Unite: “It [imperialism] controls our economies. It operates on a world-wide The real climate leaders scale in combinations Socialist Worker’s Peter Hogarth sovereignty for Indigenous people. “I’m marching for my kids to transition for our people. We want of many different kinds: found the real climate leaders: at We need green energy. And we have a sustainable green future clean air, clean water. We want economic, political, cultural, the People’s Climate March. know how we can get there. We and because I know that working sustainable jobs.” educational, military; and need a commitment to bottom-up people can play a role in creating through intelligence and Naomi Klein, author of organizing, self transformation and that future. I’m marching to let our Wldaian Kalsakau, from information services.” This Changes Everything: democracy.” leaders know that working people the Pacific island nation of Following Ghana’s Capitalism vs the Climate like myself can be a part of the Vanuatu independence from British “The problem is not carbon, it’s Stanley Sturgill, retired solution.” “Everyone needs to take leadership, colonialism, Nkrumah was capitalism…the real climate leaders underground coal miner from everyone needs to take ownership. the first president and prime are not in the UN, they’re in the Kentucky Elizabeth Yeampierre, the Everyone needs to come forth and minister. He was a revolu- streets…we will not win unless “I’m a 61 year old Kentucky executive director of Uprose, be bold and ambitious about their tionary pan-Africanist leader, we confront this brutal logic of coal miner. I’ve got black lung who helped lead a community carbon emissions. Climate change and was overthrown in 1966 market fundamentalism. Unless we because of my work. I’m march- response to Hurricane Sandy is exposing a lot of physical and by a Western-backed coup. radically reshape the priorities of ing today because I want to build “We’re here because we’ve had social impacts in our country. “Nkrumah was overthrown the economy we have. There are a bright future for my family, my two tornadoes in Brooklyn. We’ve In some of the low-lying Pacific by CIA and other Western no non-radical options left on the Appalachians and the world. I have been swamped by Hurricane Sandy, islands it is an existential threat, by intelligence,” said Pratt. table.” a vision where me and my fellow the waste and debris washes up in 2050 they could be obliterated from “After the 1960s, we needed Appalachians can make a living our communities. We are creat- the map.” to regroup and reorganize. Olga Bautista, candidate for without harming ourselves, our ing climate justice every day, we We reorganized, but there Chicago city council communities and our environment. won’t accept false solutions and we Linda, National Domestic are hurdles that we need to “My ward in South Chicago has We are our own best hope for an demand action.” Workers Alliance overcome,” added Pratt. 50 percent higher cancer rates and alternative.” “We are migrant workers. We are the highest rates of child asthma in Noelene Nabulivou of Fiji, fighting for comprehensive im- The revolution- the city. BP, the Koch brothers and Mari Rose Taruc, Asian Pacific Diverse Voices and Action for migration reform so that 2 million ary paper and other companies pollute our lakes, Environmental Network Equality undocumented workers here can organization rivers, our air, our communities and (Oakland) “The truth is that we are suffering have immigration status. Climate The newspaper or the its time they pay up or get out.” “We’re tired of Chevron blowing now, our communiteis are already change has really affected our publication is the heart of smoke in our communities. We dealing with all kinds of economic, country. The Philipines is a tropical every revolutionary socialist Jacqui Patterson, were tired of waiting for our lead- social and ecological damage be- country that has storms every year, organization. The Insight is Environmental program direc- ers, so we installed solar panels on cause of the actions of the few, and but not of the magnitude of the one of the media outlets that tor for the NAACP our buildings like the Asian Pacific the impacts on the world majority, recent superstorms like Haiyan play a great role in getting “We know what an alternative can Community Centre. Think of all indigenous peoples, and people and Yolanda. Just this year there people involved in polit- look like; we need a universally that we’ve done on our own, now from small island states, among is another typhoon. Areas that ical dialogue and spreading implemented living wage, an end to it’s the world leaders turn to act. others, are many and immediate. historically were not affected by progressive leftist ideas. the the proliferation of militarism. But we know that solutions won’t We need urgent national, regional typhoons are now being hit by “It filled the vacuum that We need to deconstruct the prison come from world leaders but by the and gobal action, and this march is them. Super typhoons destroy our can’t be filled by any existing industrial complex. We need to stop grassroots action of our commun- to let everyone know, that the time farming villages and crops. The newspaper,” said Pratt. The the exploitation of natural resources ities and movements.” is now!” people who depend on those crops Insight is a daily that not that are the basis of human life. lose their livelihood and they send only publishes reports, news We need to move to zero waste, Bill Aristovolus, superintendent Kimberly Sheppherd, fifth gen- their children, their mothers out of and articles, but advertises we need a transportation system in an energy efficient building, eration Appalachian mother the country to earn money and send and informs the readers about that is accessible to all. We need member of SEIU “I’m here because we want a just it back home.” socialist events. It acts as an organizer too. When asked to give advice on where to sell a revolution- Seattle socialists shows what’s possible ary newspaper, he answered: by PARRY SINGH MUDHAR “The paper is to be sold everywhere: at the church, at On September 28, Seattle City largely determined by those not and analysis must be thoroughly to work for the people not against the mosque, at university, at Council member and Socialist in discussion with whom their processed for real change to occur. them. work.” activist Dr. Kshama Sawant actions will largely effect, but For the Seattle branch of Left Interestingly, Sawant takes the Weekly meetings and gave a chilling speech dis- the idea of studying the proposed Alternative, their analysis led average wage of the people she reaching to the people is also cussing the failures of capital- effects is ignored. Stephen Harper’s them to the decision that an represents rather than the full salary a major part of organizing ism and bridged ideas on how anti-climate science stance clearly electoral campaign was the best use received by a council member. socialists. Weekly meetings to build a socialist movement demonstrates this ineffective brand of resources and time with a goal of For her, the economic divide are held and events often in Vancouver. of decision making. establishing a standard for working between union leadership and its take place in the same space Sawant spoke from experience “People are hungry for change” class campaigns. And although not members is clear: “if we had left it where journalists and repor- about an effective form of organ- was one of Sawant’s key points, all left wing activist groups will to the labor leaders, we wouldn’t ters write for The Insight. izing: putting the needs of the and the People’s Climate March is agree on all topics, communica- have gotten anything.” community in view, that has not a recent example. Emissions have tions and support is vital. This was With every group putting their Solidarity been seen in our Canadian main- drastically increased in the last 20 evident in the fight for Seattle’s $15 effort into the fight for socialism, “The struggles in Ghana and stream political spectrum. Firstly, years, and Sawant said the prob- minimum wage success. a cohesive group willing to hold Canada are the same,” said clear ideas come from mass debate, lem has been that too much faith The fight for the working class through their victories and defeats Pratt. study, and analysis to determine entrusted in world leaders who have can’t be played along with the rul- is necessary. As Sawant explained, “The same multinational their legitimacy; only then should failed the environmental movement ing classes rules. As Sawant stated, “Winning isn’t automatic, you have companies that steal our the question of leadership be conference after conference. “I didn’t go to McDonalds and ask to fight to win.” resources in Ghana, spon- discussed. Sawant explained that the key what’s ok for you.” Instead, system- sor politicians in North Not only is mainstream politics ingredients of debate, discussion, atic change must be established America.”

October 2014 Socialist Worker 3 IDEAS FOR STRUGGLE Faline Bobier INTERNATIONAL Capitalism & disability Politicians shamelessly used Helen Keller’s life as an illustration of how anyone can overcome their limitations through hard work and deter- mination. In other words, if you have a disability and don’t succeed the fault is your own, not due to any discrimination or lack of access. But she herself rejected this facile positioning of herself as a shining example of the “good” disabled person. Keller was able to attend college and became a gifted public speaker, writer and activist, joining the US Socialist Party in 1909 and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) in 1912. She was able to attend school, partly because of her middle class background and the fact that she had wealthy benefactors. Keller came to see that not everyone had the same opportunities: “I had once believed that we are all masters of our fate - that we could mould our lives into any form we pleased... But as I went more and more about the country I learned that I had spoken with assurance on a subject I knew little about. I forgot that I owed my suc- cess partly to the advantages of my birth and environ- ment. Now, however, I learned that the power to rise in Independance: Scotland, Quebec, First Nations the world is not within the reach of everyone.” by JESSE MCLAREN Keller also saw how quickly the mainstream media The Scottish referendum raised to the Quiet Revolution with mass and politicians abandoned her as their poster child for debates about the politics and repression, including using the War Canada: prison-house of disability when she became more politically outspoken. strategies of independence, Measures Act to round up hundreds of nations A newspaper editor who had previously fawned over both abroad and at home. activists. Quebec was excluded from Facing demands for Quebec self- Keller as an example of courage and perseverance But there’s a contradiction in the Canadian constitution in 1982, determination, the Canadian state and changed his tune when she began to identify herself Canada: as The Toronto Star reported, and has had its right to independence its supporters fall back on their sup- with radical causes, writing that her “mistakes sprung “A 2012 Forum Research poll restricted through the Clarity Act posed concern for Indigenous peoples. out of the manifest limitations of her development”. showed that 49 per cent of Canadians Resistance to this long history of As National Post columnist Andrew Keller didn’t hesitate to expose his hypocrisy: “The supported Scottish independence, oppression has made Quebec home Coyne wrote, “Pray for a ‘No’ vote in compliments he paid me were so generous that I blush compared to only 19 per cent who to the largest protests across the Scotland’s referendum, for Canada’s to remember them. But now that I have come out for said they were in favour of Quebec country—from the anti-war demos sake”: “There’s no Scottish equivalent socialism he reminds me and the public that I am blind independence.” The figures supporting that kept Canada out of Iraq in 2003, to the Crees, the Mohawks, or the and deaf and especially liable to error.” indigenous sovereignty are unlikely to to the Quebec student strike that Innuit in Quebec: distinct sub-sub- Keller’s work with other blind individuals also led her be higher, though these figures could stopped a tuition hike and toppled the national populations, with their own to question the assumption that disability was largely an have changed through the Quebec government. territorial claims…But of course all of affliction entirely outside human control: student strike and Idle No More. these distinctions would be lost in the “I was appointed on a commission to investigate the Two strategies for propaganda rush that would follow, conditions of the blind. For the first time I, who had Quebec oppression independence should Scotland secede.” thought blindness a misfortune beyond human control, People across the political spectrum But parties like the BQ and PQ, which This is hypocritical and cynical. found that too much of it was traceable to wrong have denied similarities between have dominated national aspira- Canada is founded on the oppression industrial conditions, often caused by the selfishness and Scotland and Quebec, claiming tions, reduce sovereignty down to of Quebec and Indigenous peoples, greed of employers.” Scotland has been oppressed but exchanging the Canadian flag for the and dividing oppressed groups against Of course this doesn’t mean that all forms of dis- Quebec has not. Québecois flag—while maintaining each other has been a central tactic of ability are the result of industrial accidents or workplace As a blogger wrote for rabble.ca the capitalist state and capitalist the Canadian state. There would be injuries, but if we look at the pattern of disability, it is claimed “Maybe most importantly corporations. no difference to Indigenous peoples very often related to questions of class, environment and Quebec’s cultural distinctions haven’t The collapse of the BQ in the last if Quebec became sovereign in the lack of access to necessary resources. been undermined by Canada to the federal election showed voters were narrow capitalist sense advocated There are many diseases that can result in various extent that Scotland’s have been by the disillusioned with its strategy of by the BQ or PQ. But the broader forms of disability that could be avoided if the neces- U.K. The Gaelic and Scots languages, independence, and the defeat of the project of Quebec sovereignty as a sary resources were provided. The problem under folk music and even the physical PQ and its project of Islamophobia project towards social, economic and capitalism is that these resources are not forthcoming population of the Highlands have and racism showed a welcome loss ecological justice is not contradictory because of the way the economic system funnels money suffered greatly under the Union.” for right-wing ethnic nationalism. But to Indigenous peoples. As Indigenous only into profit-making ventures. This ignores a long history of NDP stalwart Stephen Lewis wrongly activist Ellen Gabriel wrote, “The only One of the leading debilitating illnesses worldwide oppression. The conquest of New interpreted the Orange Wave as a party who tries to address Aboriginal is that of depression. And although depression is a France in the 18th century saw British “repudiation of sovereignty,” and NDP issues is Québec Solidaire and I ap- complicated illness which can have a physiological occupiers support French elites to leader Tom Mulcair announced the plaud their efforts.” basis or be related to chemical imbalances in the brain, maintain Quebec as a semi-feudal state NDP will run provincial candidates in While Canadians can cheer the near in some instances, it is also no doubt related to the until the 19th century. During WWI, Quebec. victory of the Yes vote in Scotland extreme alienation, poverty and isolation experienced a war to defend the British Empire, This would put it in competition and the ongoing movements that by many of us in this system. This alienation also the Canadian state sent troops to crush with the most exciting political party rallied behind it, we need to work to results in violence, either state-centered violence as in anti-conscription protests in Quebec. across the country: Québec solidaire— support self-determination for Quebec war, or interpersonal violence, turned against ourselves Québecois workers were used as a a party of the ballot box and the and Indigenous peoples against the or others in our immediate circle, which in turn is the supply of cheap labour, and until the streets. For QS, independence is not Canadian prison-house of nations. cause of various forms of disability. 1970s English bosses and the English an end in itself, but a means to achieve language dominated the workplace. social, economic and ecological justice The Disability movement The Canadian state responded As with other oppressions under capitalism, the self-or- ganization of people with disabilities has been respon- sible for many of the reforms that attempt to improve conditions for people living with disabilities. NFL violence, misogyny and capitalism Often this legislation ends up benefiting, not just by ALEX KERNER those living with disabilities, but others in society as When Kansas City Chief’s two game suspension the shouts of Quarterback Jameis Winstan marched well. In Ontario it was a blind lawyer who fought, along Linebacker Jovan Belcher killed outrage were staggering. his way to a national championship with other disability rights activists, so that stops on his girlfriend and then himself in Then all shit hit the fan and the and Heisman trophy under the shadow subways, streetcars and buses would be spoken out loud 2012, sports media woke up to leagues hypocrisy on this issue was of allegations of a sexual assault for people with low or no vision. This also helps others the issue of domestic violence fully exposed. TMZ, the gossip allegation. using public transit, making it easier for people whose and athletes. website, leaked the full video of what Despite the obvious problem, first language is not English or people who may not be The world of professional sports happened between Rice and Palmer, professional sports are a multi-billion familiar with the city, to navigate the system. in general, and American football a gruesome clip of Rice punching dollar industry and teams depend on The disability rights movement was often inspired by in particular, was exposing the fruit Palmer unconscious. The Ravens their star athletes bringing in the fans other movements for change. In the US, for example, of hyper-masculine attitudes toward quickly cut Rice and the league and the money. Even with the NFL it was related to the anti-Vietnam war movement, since women and partners that are so suspended him indefinitely. actively trying to win over female many soldiers returned home with various kinds of prevalent in sports culture. Quickly grew the chorus that fans, they would rather sweep these disabilities. Ron Kovic, whose struggle was brought to Despite the particular brutal way Goodell resign for his handling of the stories under the carpet and hope they the screen in Oliver Stone’s movie Born on the 4th of Belcher’s actions and own death situation, having been either negli- go away. July, is an example of a working class soldier who was went down, officials at the National gent or having intentionally hidden This is another example of how the radicalized by his experience in Vietnam and went on to Football League did nothing of any evidence, not wanting to hurt the profit profit frenzy that makes up profession- speak out against the war and in favour of support for consequence, ignoring the fact that margins of the league and one of its al sports destroys the fun of watching disabled veterans. violence against women was some- teams by exposing this event. the game. The league has been fine Many of us will experience some kind of disability thing the league had to take seriously. with the ultra masculinized attitudes throughout our lives, whether it is part of the natural Misogyny and capitalism that make their players more aggres- process of aging or through an unforeseen accident at Ray Rice and Roger Goodel The narrative of events, as outrageous sive on the playing field and help their work, or, as for many people living in places that are Things came to head over the last as it sounds, is not surprising. Football teams be successful. But if those at- bombed by Western forces, through the destruction of off season when a video leaked of culture, from the pro ranks to the high titudes help normalize violence against war. Baltimore Raven star running back school teams, is also one filled with women and children the league tries to It’s critically important that we support the struggles Ray Rice violently dragging his un- incidents of misogyny and rape. deny any form of accountability. of people with disabilities, just as solidarity in the case conscious then-fiancé, Janay Palmer, Only two years ago, the dramatic Mobilization from fans is the only of the fight against racism or sexism are struggles, out of an elevator. events at Steubenville High School, thing that will ever move the en- not just for those affected by the particular form of There was enough public pressure where football team members were trenched sense of entitlement of those discrimination, but for all of us who have an interest in on the league to do something about tried and convicted of raping a sixteen who run professional sports. building a new society that will truly be, to paraphrase Rice, but when league Commissioner year old, shocked the world. Last Marx, from each according to their abilities, to each Roger Goodel handed out a meager year, Florida State University star according to their needs. 4 Socialist Worker October 2014 The October crisis: Pierre Trudeau and the suppression of civil liberties On the anniversary of the 1970 October crisis, Craig Frayne looks at Trudeau, the War Measures Act, and the ongoing struggle for civil liberties

“Every government in this country is well aware of the existence of deep and important social problems… there is available every- where in Canada an effective mechanism to change governments by peaceful means.” Those were Pierre Trudeau’s words on October 16, 1970 in a televised statement justifying using the War Measures Act (later the Emergencies Act, 1988), supposedly to confront members of the Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ). Trudeau hypocrisy Trudeau, as a student years earli- er, wrote a “Letter from London” chastising the use of the War Measures Act by the MacKenzie King government, which acted “outside the bounds of Common Law and in violation of justice, without due process, adequate defense, known punishment, nor with judgement independent of the executive branch.” In a display of liberal hypocrisy that would rival today’s polit- icians, Trudeau’s words eloquent- ly describe his own government’s actions in October 1970. Within days of the Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ) kidnapping British Trade Commissioner James Cross and Quebec Labour Minister Pierre Laport, military were patrolling the streets and habeas corpus sus- pended, permitting the arbitrary arrest and detainment of anyone suspected of FLQ ties. While Trudeau is falsely praised as a champion of charter rights, his defence of the War Measures Act provides a different story: “There are a lot of bleeding hearts around who just don’t like to see people with helmets and guns. All I can say is, go on and bleed, but it is more important to keep law and order in this society than to be worried about weak- kneed people who don’t like the “using a sledgehammer to crack of peace. This, however, misses the precedent is perhaps more looks of a soldier’s helmet... So a peanut.” But perhaps such state the purpose and function of such relevant than ever. long as there is a power in here action against civilians is not extra-constitutional executive We are in a new paradigm, which is challenging the elected intended to simply uphold “rule powers in Canada and other where the implications of representative of the people I of law” or “public safety,” but for western democracies: namely, to information and surveillance think that power must be stopped control. ensure conformity when dissent technology on civil liberties may and I think it’s only, I repeat, Trudeau’s use of the War and debate is most dangerous to not even be comprehended. weak-kneed bleeding hearts who Measure Act had little to do state power, albeit most necessary. For example, the NSA revela- are afraid to take these measures.” with capturing the kidnappers. The peacetime distinction of tions (and Canada’s response) A reporter asked, “At any cost? Since 1962, when the FLQ were the October Crisis neglects the are truly frightening in a context How far would you go with that? deemed a possible terrorist threat idea of perpetual war, whereby where those in power have How far would you extend that?” by the RCMP, they and other imperialist states need an enemy, routinely employed extreme His infamous answer: “Well, just separatist movements were seen internal or external, to legitimize measures to collect dossiers on, watch me.” through the lens of Cold War their own use (or threat) of force. infiltrate, and detain anyone anticommunism, in the same vein To understand this function, deemed a threat to established Civil liberties and na- as “national liberation struggles” . we can look to when the War power. tional liberation The use of the War Measures Measures Act, 1914 was first Events surrounding the Toronto While the Act was in effect, Act in 1970 (which had over- passed in the imperialist jingo- G20 showed how today, execu- 465 people were arrested and whelming approval in English ism of World War I. In Canada, tive branches in Canada infiltrate hundreds jailed without charge. Canada) can perhaps be seen in the War Measures Act was used and entrap those exercising their Only two were actually convicted the context of McCarthyesque to declare foreigners “enemy democratic and constitutional of FLQ ties and none pro- ideological hysteria against aliens,” to intern over 8,600 rights. Leaked information, such vided information leading to the those deemed an ideological mostly Ukrainians, and make it il- as that from Stratfor shows kidnappers. “The Trudeau govern- threat, in Quebec and beyond. legal to hold meetings, or publish how corporations now employ Indeed, many had nothing to As Montreal Gazette columnist in a foreign language. surveillance technology and state do with the FLQ. A 2010 Radio ment applied the War Don MacPherson wrote, “Many The War Measures Act would informants to monitor and silence Canada investigation revealed Quebecers remain convinced… later be used during and after critics. Quebec police had “at most 60 Measures Act not only to the Trudeau government applied WWII—against communists Events like the October Crisis, names” of FLQ sympathizers, so the War Measures Act not only and socialists; to intern Japanese and other temporary suspensions the RCMP (under political pres- deal with the crisis…but to deal with the crisis…but as Canadians; to control wartime of civil liberties by the state, are sure to bolster numbers to justify a psychological ploy to halt the strikes and lockouts; to enforce now overshadowed by ongoing such extreme measures) added as a psychological ploy to rise of the Quebec nationalist conscription; and censor the and routine violations of con- hundreds to the list, likely from movement.” wartime press. stitutional rights that transcend their PROFUNC arrest list of halt the rise of the Quebec national boundaries. over 60,000 suspected commun- State repression Civil liberties today As long as capitalism exists it ists and sympathizers . nationalist movement.” It is commonly said the October Much has changed since, and will be policed by a repressive As then NDP leader Tommy Crisis is unique in that the War these events are seen as unfortu- capitalist state, both of which Douglas remarked, they were Measures Act was used in a time nate aspects of history. However, need to be overthrown.

October 2014 Socialist Worker 5 STOP THE LATEST WAR ON IRAQ

IRAQ: AN IMPERIAL HISTORY

1920: British mandate * after WWI Britain takes Iraq Iraq, imperialism and resistance and pioneers airial bombing Imperial powers have repeatedly bombed and On February 15, millions marched in London and Rome, to quell Iraqi resistance invaded Iraq, in order to control its oil. The 2003 250,000 in Montreal, tens of thousands in Toronto and invasion never really ended: thousands of US Vancouver, and thousands in other cities across the country. “defense contractors” remained. But to assess the Prime Minister Jean Chrétien offered a “Canadian 1941: Anglo-Iraqi War latest bombing campaign its useful to look at the compromise” to delay the war so he could win UN approval, last major war. but he failed. In March another quarter of a million marched * to re-establish control Britain In 2002 it was clear the US wanted to attack Iraq. The in Montreal, and the Quebec election threatened to trounce invades and bombs again neo-conservative wing of the US establishment called for the Liberals for supporting the war. On March 17, Chrétien war in its “Project for a New American Century” document; announced Canada would not join the war. The movement it listed as “adversaries” Iraq, as well as Libya, Syria, Iran succeeded in keeping Canada out of Iraq, but the US and 1980 - 1988: Iran-Iraq War and North Korea. Britain went ahead, killing a million Iraqis. * after Iranian revolution, Iraq invades But the anti-war movement encouraged resistance. The The Project for a New American Century US hoped Iraq would be a simple stepping stone towards * US arms Saddam Hussein, including But it also listed “rivals” such as China and Europe: “There invading Iran, but was bogged down in a quagmire chemical weapons used on Kurds/Iranians are, however, potentially powersul states dissatisfied with and resorted to backing sectarian death squads. the current situion and eager to change, it they can, in Unable to adance directly the US resorted * US also sells arms to Iran and uses profits directions that endanger the relatively peaceful, prosperous to proxy wars in 2006, backing Israel’s to support terrorist Contras in Nicaragua and fre condition the world enjoyes today. Up to now, they assault on Lebanon and Ethiopia’s have been deterred by the capability and global presence invasion of Somalia. But these * 1 million killed of American military power. But as that power declines, were resisted as well. Stopping Harper’s long awaited Iraq War relatively and absolutely, the happy conditions that follow 1990 - 1991: Gulf War from it will inevitably be undermined.” New strategy As hundreds of thousands of people across the government created, flagged resisters as “criminally In other words, the US was projecting military power In 2006 US elites * US attacks Iraq after former ally Hussein invades Kuwait Canada marched against the Iraq War in 2003, inadmissible,” deported resisters to be jailed in the US, to compensate for relative economic decline and the reassessed the situation, * 20,000 killed and countless poisoned with depleted uranium Harper demanded war. The mass movement and re-written Canadian history and a government website emergence of rivals in Europe and Asia. As Secretary of articulated through the stopped Canada from officially participating in regarding Vietnam War resisters. State Condolezzza Rice argued, “If the collapse of the “Iraq Study group”: the war, but Harper’s support has continued. The attack on US Iraq War resisters parallels the Soviet Union and 9/11 bookend a major shift in international “Iraq is a major test of, 1991 - 2003: UN sanctions After first copying the Australian Prime Minister’s campaign against Canadian veterans, and against refugees politics, then this is a period not just of grae danger, but and strain on, US military, * after Gulf War, UN imposes sanctions speech supporting the invasion, Harper wrote to The Wall fleeing war zones. While Harper has wasted millions cele- of enormous economic opportunity. Before the clay is diplomatic and financial Street Journal that Canada not joining the war was “a brating the war of 1812 and pledged half a trillion dollars dry again, Amreica and our friends and allies must move capacities. Perceived failure * 1.5 million killed, including 500,000 children serious mistake. For the first time in history, the Canadian to militarism, he has cut veteran disability pensions in decisively to take advantage of these new opportunities.” there could diminish * US/UK also impose “no-fly zones” that pave way for war government has not stood beside its key British and the midst of a surge of suicides, restricted the arrival In 2001 the US (and Canada) invaded Afghanistan, and in America’s credibility and influence American allies in their time of need.” Harper vowed that of Syrian refugees and cut refugee health. As a recent 2002 it was clear the next target was Iraq. that is the centre of the Islamic world and “in our hearts and minds, we will be with our allies and Federal Court ruled, “The 2012 modifications to the vital to the world’s energy supply...The longer that friends,” and has worked since then to support US war in potentially jeopardize the health, the safety and indeed the Protest and resistance US political and military resources are tied down in Iraq 2003 - 2011: Iraq War * US launches “shock and awe” war, Iraq—first indirectly and now directly. very lives, of these innocent and vulnerable children in a But an unpreceded anti-war movement and resistance in the more the chances for American failure increase.” manner that shocks the conscience and outrages Canadian Afghanistan and Iraq caused a quagmire for the US. The For the 99% Obama’s election in 2008 represented killing 1 million people Iraq Slaughter + Intervention in Syria = ISIS standards of decency...I have found as a fact that lives are pinnacle of protest was February 15, 2003 when up to 30 opposition to war. But for the 1% he merely represents *US occupation imposes Parliament In 2003 we were told there was no option but war to stop being put at risk.” million people around the world marched against war on a shift in imperial strategy that he outlined: “As the US Saddam Hussein and liberate Iraqis. This ignored the role If Iraqis fleeing ISIS try to make it to Canada, they will Iraq. As The New York Times observed: “the huge anti- redeploys from Iraq, we can recapture lost influence in along ethnic lines and arms of the West in supporting the dictator, and the capacity of encounter barriers accessing healthcare, barriers to cit- war demonstrations around the world this weekend are the Middle East. We can refocus our efforts to critical, sectarian death squads Iraqis to fight for their own liberation. The only “weapons izenship for them and their children, and unsafe working reminders that there may still be two superpowers on the yet neglected priorities, such as combating international of mass destruction” were those of the West—from conditions—like the Iraqi refugee who fell to his death six planet: the United States and world public opinion.” terrorism and winning the war in Afghanistan.” sanctions that killed more than 1 million people before weeks ago from a scaffold in Toronto. In Canada the anti-war movement began during the Obama gradually ended the official occupations of the invasion, to war that killed more than 1 million people Iraq is still dealing with the depleted uranium fired in anti-globalization protests against the G8 in Calgary, in the Afghanistan and Iraq (while leaving bases and military after the invasion. The US leveled Fallujah, tortured in civilian areas in 2003, which will contaminate the country summer of 2002. A meeting of about 70 people decided to personnel), but greatly increased US drone warfare in 2014: US bombs Iraq Abu Ghraib, massacred in Baghdad, raped and killed for generations, and another round of bombings will make organize coordinated demonstrations on Hiroshima Day Pakistan and Yemen, while highjacking revolutions in Libya * US war in Iraq and arms sales to in Mahmoudiya, and armed sectarian death squads as a things worse. The US military is the largest consumer in August, and this led to anti-war coalitions across the and Syria. sectarian forces in Syria strategy to divide and conquer—planting the seeds for of oil in the world, and a new bombing campaign will country. In September campuses set up anti-war coalitions, Now that US intervention in Iraq and Syria have created ISIS to grow. add to global carbon emissions and increase demand for and in January Toronto hosted a a student anti-war blowback in the form of ISIS, the US is trying its more leads to emergence of ISIS The Arab Spring showed that people in the region can Canada’s tar sands—which are killing local indigenous conference that mobilized for a day of action in January.. efficient form of airstrikes. It is just as barbaric a form of * US launches yet another fight for their own liberation, and their greatest obstacle communities. Similar protests were happening around the world, imperialism, but like last time it can also be challenged. is Western military intervention. The West highjacked including the European Social Forum that called for a day of Western intervention in Iraq has always been a bloody war on Iraq the Libyan revolution, supported Israel and counter- Alternatives action February 15—a call that was picked up by the Cairo disaster, and the best way to help the people of Iraq is to revolution in Egypt, and armed Saudi Arabia and other Years of Harper’s rule have dropped his popularity, conference and World Social Forum in Brazil. challenge our own governments who are responsible. dictatorships. While the Saudi dictatorship beheaded 19 making an uncertain military intervention risky. Like the people last August, it is immune from criticism because war in Afghanistan, he is using extensions to mask the it does the West’s dirty work—repressing resistance in duration, and euphemisms to mask its nature. As Thomas Bahrain and arming extremist groups in Syria, which have Walkom wrote, the government promise of no boots on now spread into Iraq as ISIS. Canada has been part of this the ground is “a curious pledge in that it left open the Quiz: Bush or Obama? process: joining the bombing of Libya, supporting the question of where exactly Canadian troops operating there new Egyptian dictatorship, selling $10 billion in weapons will place their feet.” Like the early days in the lead up Can you tell which US president said the to Saudi Arabia, and unconditionally supporting Israel. to the last Iraq War, the Liberals support Harper and the following quotes— George Bush justifying the “Canada continues to condemn the repugnant killing of NDP is unsure. 2003 invasion of Iraq, or Barack Obama innocent civilians, including women and children,” said But like those days, this can change with popular pres- justifying the 2014 bombing of Iraq? Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, justifying the latest sure. The memory of the 2003 anti-war movement and bombing of Iraq. Where was that condemnation when the the Arab Spring is not gone, and while there is currently 1. “Coalition forces have begun striking selected targets” US was killing a million Iraqis, or when Israel was killing confusion around Iraq there’s been a surge in solidarity 2. “America will be joined by a broad coalition” thousands of Palestinians? Where’s the condemnation with Palestinians and Indigenous communities here— 3. “In this conflict, America faces an enemy who has no of the West’s role, via Saudi Arabia, of creating ISIS, or which can reorient people to the imperial threat to Iraq. regard for conventions of war or rules of morality.” the condemnation of the impact of bombing? As Phillis Harper wants to bury the memory of Iraq, ignore the 4. “We have no ambition in Iraq, except to remove a threat Bennis wrote, “the airstrikes defeat the important goal needs of refugees and find an outlet for tar sands and and restore control of that country to its own people.” of ending popular support for ISIS, and instead actually military spending—through a war that will further inflame 5. “We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens, for their serve to strengthen the extremist organization.” the region and the climate. Alternatives include great civilization and for the religious faiths they practice.” The war on soldiers, refugees and the planet * Don’t bomb Iraq, support Iraqi self-determination 6. “If you threaten America, you will find no safe haven.” While Harper was forced to admit the 2003 Iraq War was * Stop arming and supporting repressive regimes 7. “Our own safety—our own security—depends upon our “absolutely an error,” he has refused to support the troops like Saudi Arabia willingness to do what it takes to defend this nation.” who came to the same conclusion. For ten years Iraq * Stop the tar sands that fuel wars and devastate 8. “Our armies do not come into your cities and lands as War resisters have come to Canada instead of commit- Indigenous communities conquerors or enemies, but as liberators.” ting war crimes in Iraq. For that they have the support of * Support US Iraq War resisters and Canadian veterans international law, a majority of Canadians, two motions healing from past wars Answers: in Parliament, ten court decisions, and the legacy of * Support refugees access to status, healthcare, and 1.Bush 2.Obama 3.Bush 4.Bush 5.Bush 6.Obama welcoming Vietnam War resisters (both volunteers and good jobs 7.Obama 8. British Lieutenant General Maude in 1917 conscripts). But the Harper government has ignored the * Divert the $490 billion in military spending into courts, scapegoated war resisters for a refugee backlog social, economic and ecological alternatives. Vancouver marches against war in 2003

6 Socialist Worker October 2014 October 2014 Socialist Worker 7 ANALYSIS

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY New Brunswick election another lesson for the NDP by CHRIS ROGERS

Due to a computer glitch with the automated voting machines used in the New Brunswick election it was a long time getting the final results. That’s what you get for depending on a private company to count your ballots for you. When the results did finally come in the Liberals had won a majority with 27 seats, conservatives 21 and the green party 1. One of the seemingly surprising things about the election is that the NDP was not able to make a break- through and win any seats in the legislature even though they had their highest percentage of the vote ever with 13 per cent. The Green Party was able to make a breakthrough with only 6 per cent of the vote. The main reason that the NDP was yet again unable to make a breakthrough is that under the leadership of Dominic Cardy the party moved to the right—a tactic that has failed in other provinces, such as Ontario and BC. Fracking and tar sands Who is John Tory, why is Olivia The biggest issue of the election was if the government would allow fracking for natural gas. I was this issue that allowed the Liberals to carry the election, as most people Chow losing, and what can we do? in the province oppose fracking. The Liberals saying they would impose a moratorium on fracking, “until the science by ALEX HUNSBERGER proved it was safe.” The problem was that the NDP held When Olivia Chow entered the is reflective of a shift of opinion in Instead it is emphasizing her ‘track essentially the same position. They could not even hold that Toronto mayoral race she was the business community in favour of record of promoting small businesses’ position as the campaign went on, to the point where people the frontrunner, carrying the transit expansion. and that she ‘balanced budgets with where not sure where the NDP stood on the issue by the time hope of an alternative to Rob Tory would like to sweep under the (right-wing) Mayor Mel Lastman.’” election day arrived. Ford’s austerity agenda. But rug that he supported both Rob and Chow’s embrace of the right’s Another important environmental issue that the NDP since then she has progressively Doug Ford during the last municipal rhetoric has blurred what should be a failed on is the Energy East pipeline. This is a pipeline that fallen in the polls, now lagging election: Tory donated $2000 to Rob’s clear contrast between her and Tory, will bring hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil a day from far behind John Tory and battling campaign and $300 to Doug’s. Though and allowed Tory to portray himself the tar sands to the Irving oil refinery in Saint John. The for second place with Doug Ford, the extent of Rob Ford’s personal as the main alternative to the Fords, NDP unquestioningly supported this pipeline that will bring who has taken his ailing brother problems was not clear at the time, given his lead in the polls. dirty tar sands oil to New Brunswick. Although it is sup- Rob’s place in the race. What his racism, sexism, homophobia, and Chow has followed the misguided ported by all the parties, except the Green Party. There was happened? extremely regressive views on nearly strategic path set by the Ontario NDP not a word about renewable energy sources in the NDP’s Rob Ford was elected four years all matters were well known. in the recent provincial election in program. ago following a populist campaign On the campaign trail, while which the party moved sharply to that channeled visceral anger about claiming to be a moderate, Tory the centre and was decimated in the Reproductive justice the consequences of austerity in a continually returns to traditional City of Toronto as traditional NDP Another issue that the NDP let the Liberals take their left right-wing direction, promising to cut conservative themes, playing up his volunteers and voters stayed home out flank was the issue of abortion. Although the NDP said that property taxes by eliminating waste anti-tax, pro-development credentials, of disappointment at the lack of social they would rescind the policy that requires two doctors to at City Hall—or “gravy,” as he called while constantly insinuating Chow is a justice focus. Anger with the NDP’s certify that an abortion was medically necessary, that is all it. Soon people discovered that the financially irresponsible NDPer. Tory rightward shfit also led some on the they said was needed to give access to abortion. “gravy” he wanted to cut was public has been relatively silent on questions left to vote Liberal out of frustration, The Liberals on the other hand said that they would study jobs and services. of social and economic inequality, much as some of now considering all barriers to access and make sure all women in New A series of deputations, demonstra- preferring to focus on how he can voting for Tory. Brunswick had access to abortion services. Not that the tions and a library worker’s strike dur- lower property taxes and privatize If Chow does not change course Liberals should be trusted to carry through with this promise ing Ford’s first year undermined his public services. soon, it seems unlikely she will be without continued pressure with them. Also the Liberals are support and caused rivals to emerge, The business and political es- able to regain her lead in the polls. If not promising to fund private abortion clinics, or expanding though in the past year protests have tablishment is certainly impressed, she loses it will not be because voters where they will be available, which is currently only at two waned while the media have focused offering Tory its financial and have shifted right and prefer a repeat hospitals in the province, making it difficult to physically on his personal troubles. infrastructural backing. With many of Ford’s policies, but because there access the service. Tory has tried to sell himself as a leading Conservatives tired of the was no left alternative on offer. Chow moderate consensus candidate who antics of the Fords, they are joining must clearly show voters how she Right-wing populism fails again will avoid the extremes of both the with key Liberals to unite behind Tory differs from Tory—by raising real Economically the NDP promoted a right wing populist left and the right while successfully as the candidate who can continue alternatives—lest they buy his logic of program. Cardy would emphasize that all his promises were defeating the Fords at the ballot box. Rob Ford’s policies but with a more voting for him to stop (Doug) Ford. based on the need to balance the books. He also called for But make no mistake about it—John controlled and polished image. the eliminating taxes for small businesses. Cardy also spent is a Tory. The unity of Conservatives and Needed: a left alternative, a lot of time talking to business groups, while the only time Liberals against social democrat Chow now and after the election he associated with labour during the campaign was when he Tory’s right-wing past should not come as a surprise—where In Seattle, avowed socialist Kshama campaigned at a labour day picnic. Born into an elite family connected to social democrats are electorally com- Sawant won a city-wide council Another thing that Cardy did that drew the party to the Bay Street, Tory had all the resources petitive the pro-business forces tend to election by focusing on the fight for right was to bring in people from other parties. The first high and connections he needed to set him- unite in a “free market” coalition. a $15 minimum wage that has since profile candidate was Kelly Lamrock who was education self up for a life of repeatedly flipping If we really understand where John been successful. Even business-based minister under the former Liberal government, not to through the revolving door between Tory stands—that is, as a conservative parties and candidates are correctly mention the main person involved in the sellout of the New business and political leadership. who differs from the Ford brothers reading the popular mood—from Brunswick student movement in the mid 1990s. Other high Trained as a lawyer, he spent time only cosmetically—what should Ontario Liberal Premier Kathleen profile candidates were Tories Bev Harrison and Charles as a senior operative in the Ontario progressives? Wynne who claimed to offer a left Doucet. Both of whom said that they had switched because Progressive-Conservative (PC) Party alternative to Tim Hudak’s hard-right the NDP under Cardy fit in with their beliefs. before heading back to private practice Chow following Horwath’s PCs, to New York City mayor Bill de The good news is that Dominic Cardy has resigned as with the family law firm. path to defeat Blasio who ended more than a decade leader of the party. Activists in the party hope this provides Moving to the federal level, he held Chow began with a lead based on the of Republican rule on a platform the opportunity take back the party from the right wing. The a series of key leadership positions in hope she would offer an alternative focused on tackling inequality. problem is that right now the most likely candidate for the Brian Mulroney’s hard-right PC gov- to Ford and his austerity agenda, with The left should put pressure on next leader is Kelly Lamrock. He would continue the right ernment, including campaign manager the support of the city’s trade union Chow and left-leaning council wing shift of the party. in the party’s disastrous 1993 defeat. and activist communities. Her army candidates to embrace an agenda Regardless of who won the election it will be the social He shuffled back to the private sec- of campaign volunteers is made up of focusing on social justice, good jobs movements and labour in New Brunswick who will be the tor, taking on a lucrative position as people of all ages who are looking for and improved public services that can ones who bring about change on the streets, not a bunch of CEO of Rogers Media, later moving to a more equitable and environmentally stand in contrast to Tory’s prescrip- talking heads in the legislature. head the monopolistic Rogers Cable. sustainable city whose leadership tion for more of the same with a new Having helped elect conservative reflects the diversity and concerns of face. Chow has a golden opportunity Mel Lastman mayor of Toronto, Tory the population. to paint Doug Ford and John Tory ran for mayor in 2003 but lost to As an article on socialist.ca argued as tweedledee and tweeledum—two NDPer David Miller. in March, “There’s a clear desire millionaire conservatives who offer Tory then moved to the provincial for an alternative to Ford’s agenda, nothing but more austerity and level, winning the leadership of the expressed through rallies, deputations privatization. Ontario PC Party. Tory lost his own and strikes. More recently there have Advocating for green jobs and seat to Liberal Kathleen Wynne, and also been other resistance movements against Line 9, against privatization then lost a subsequent by-election, in the city—from Idle No More and and for better, more affordable, demo- resulting in his resignation as leader. sanctuary city, to the $14/hr minimum cratic public transit, more affordable wage and opposition to Line 9. All this housing and tenant protections, and A New Tory? provides a clear left-wing platform of improved community facilities are In recent years, Tory has been most economic, social and climate justice— all demands that could form the basis closely associated with his advocacy which a left-wing candidate could use for a more equitable and sustainable for public transit expansion as head to amplify the movements outside City vision for the city. of Toronto CivicAction Alliance from Hall. It’s these movements outside City 2010 until earlier this year. “But despite Olivia Chow’s record Hall that best fought against Ford, Some mistake this as a sharp move and link with movements, it’s not and that will need to continue fighting to the left by Tory, but in fact this clear her campaign will reflect them. regardless of who wins the election.

8 Socialist Worker October 2014 LEFT JAB REVIEWS John Bell Franklin my dear, I don’t give a damn

“For more than a century in Ukraine’s civil war. this has been a great International law dictates Canadian story.… It’s how far any nation’s airspace been the subject of scien- and maritime boundaries ex- tists and historians and tend. Canada is trying to assert writers and singers. And claim to areas of the Arctic so I think we have a really that lie outside those bound- important day in map- aries. In the air they call it the ping together the history “Air Defence Identification of our country,” crowed Zone”, but fancy title or not, it Stephen Harper. is international air space and Harper could hardly contain Russian planes routinely fly his glee at the “discovery” of there. the remains of the Franklin But because it serves expedition, lost in 1845/6. He Harper’s goals of militarism ascribed the discovery to sci- and sub-imperial ambition, the entists and modern equipment. non-story was plastered across Too bad he didn’t give the news. BOOK credit to reports of local Inuit Similarly, Harper wants that led to the discovery. As to turn the story about the REVIEW by JESSE MCLAREN early as 1847 Inuit hunters re- Franklin expedition into an ported the fate and location of adventure yarn that at once This Changes Everything: profitable solutions within the market ity to the Mi’kmaq blockade at Burnt the Franklin ships to John Rae, glorifies the “adventurers” of Capitalism vs the Climate is a system.” Church 15 years ago with the broad the Scottish explorer charged the old British Empire and must-read guide to the climate The failure of mainstream environ- support for the Mi’kmaq blockade with finding the expedition. the intrepid discoverers and justice movement. mentalism has eliminated gradual and at Elsipogtog last year, she describes In all likelihood it will also scientists of the public/private It summarizes the science of climate incremental options: “We are left with the sea change that the movement is turn out that another part of partnership that will examine change, the extractivist industries a stark choice: allow climate disrup- producing. Inuit lore will be confirmed, the Franklin wrecks. driving it, the system to which they are tion to change everything about our Arguing that “exploited workers that Franklin’s men died out Harper is not alone trying to connected, and the growing resistance. world, or change pretty much every- and an exploited planet are, it turn from starvation and can- put a gloss on the murderous thing about our economy to avoid that out, a package deal,” Klein shares les- nibalism, and from refusing history of the British Empire Climate change fate. But we need to be very clear: be- sons from the Northern Cheyenne in the assistance of Indigenous and of the Canadian state. He This Changes Everything warns of cause of our decades of collective de- building community-run solar panels, people. is (in)famous for stating at the the severe consequences of climate nial, no gradual, incremental options and explains how that the technol- So this great Canadian mys- 2009 G8 summit that “Canada change, the industries (like tar sands, are now available to us.” ogy for renewables exists and pro- tery wasn’t much of a mystery, has no history of colonialism.” fracking, and mountaintop removal) This Changes Everything is an ur- vides an alternative both for front-line and not at all “Canadian”. It is Indigenous people, who faced that are pushing us to the precipice, gent call for mass action, connecting Indigenous communities defending an interesting historical find, cultural and actual genocidal and the racism and profiteering that the increasing climate disasters to their land and for non-Indigenous shedding light on the history policies from both Britain and accompany it. Klein shows that the the radical transformation needed to workers needing jobs. of British imperial zeal. So then Canada, beg to differ. proposed capitalist solutions—from stop them. As Klein explains in her why the personal intervention Only two years ago, it was industries like nuclear power, market poetic style, climate change is “a Naomi Klein changes of Stephen Harper? revealed that as the British schemes like carbon offsets, technol- civilizational wake-up call. A power- As a great theorist for the movements, Empire disintegrated and na- ogy like geoengineering, or faith in the ful message—spoken in the language Naomi Klein has both influenced Colonization tions won their independence, 1%—only compound the problem. of fires, floods, droughts, and extinc- and been influenced by movements The search for a Northwest the records of brutality and Faced with a capitalist climate tions—telling us that we need an en- against globalization, war and climate Passage shipping route from murderous colonial rule were change, she debunks simplistic solu- tirely new economic model and a new change.. the Atlantic to the Pacific destroyed in massive bonfires tions—whether it’s calling for indi- way of sharing this planet.” No Logo reflected the anti-global- was no dispassionate scien- around the world. According vidual lifestyle changes while ignor- ization movement’s challenge of cor- tific venture. It was part of a to a Guardian article: ing the socioeconomic conditions that Movement change porations, but it left open the question scramble to claim, colonize “Detailed instructions constrain choice, claiming there aren’t This Changes Everything profiles the of the state. and economically exploit new were issued over methods enough resources while billions have rising climate justice movements, Influenced by the movement against territories. And at the heart of of destruction, in order to gone to corporate bailouts, or blam- introducing readers to campaigns and the Iraq War, The Shock Doctrine that scramble was competition erase all evidence of the ing China and India while ignoring activists around the world, and show- shows how states unleash violence with other imperial interests, purge. When documents were Western corporations profiting from ing concrete and inspiring examples of on behalf of corporations. But it including Tsarist Russia. burned, ‘the waste should be the exploitation of their workers. how people are organizing. “All of this blamed the “neoliberal ideology” of Today there is a new reduced to ash and the ashes This is not only a critique of the has changed so rapidly as I have been Milton Friedman for “deregulating” scramble for empire in the broken up’, while any that system that produces climate change writing that I had had to race to keep capitalism. Arctic. Thanks to global were being dumped at sea but of the record of the mainstream up. Yes, ice sheets are melting faster Influenced by the Indigenous- warming, the impassible sea must be ‘packed in weighted environmental movement in challen- than the models projected, but resist- led climate justice movement, This ice that doomed Franklin is crates and dumped in very ging it. Klein outlines the coopting of ance is beginning to boil.” Changes Everything ultimately roots fast disappearing. Resources deep and current-free water at the earlier environmental movement, Klein profiles the Indigenous com- the climate crisis in colonialism and long out of reach, under frozen maximum practicable distance “what had been a rabble of hippies munities leading the climate justice capitalism. tundra and under Arctic sea from the coast.’” became a movement of lawyers, lob- movement, from the Ogoni people in ice, will become accessible. Hardly the actions of an byists, and UN summit hoppers” who Nigeria to the Athabasca Chipewyan This is an excerpt of a longer review That most are the same resour- empire supposed to spreading presented climate change “as a nar- First Nation at ground zero of the tar originally published on rabble.ca ces—fossil fuels—that created the virtues of “civilization” row technical problem with no end of sands. Contrasting the lack of solidar- catastrophic climate change in throughout the world. the first place is an irony that As for Franklin’s doomed does not cause Stephen Harper expedition, nothing better MOVIE to lose sleep. illustrates the arrogance of Canada is not alone in ex- imperialism. The Inuit could tending its reach in the Arctic, have told them their survival The meaning of solidarity nor are the Tories the only was impossible without the government to rattle the sabre aid and guidance of the Pride for the striking miners. They try to where the struggle allows people in the north. Who can forget Indigenous population. But Directed by Matthew Warchus approach the miners through official both to form strong bonds and to ex- how Canada and Denmark no…. Reviewed by Faline Bobier union channels in order to donate the hibit their idiosyncratic and singular almost went to war over Hans Due to their Arctic isolation, money they are collecting, but are met personalities. Island in 2005, under the the Inuit fared better from Pride has been described as a with embarassed silence, avoidance or Music is also woven throughout Chrétien government. The tiny their brush with the British ‘feelgood’ movie and it is defin- phone hang-ups. the movie, from Pete Seeger to Billy barren rock halfway between Empire than did other peoples. itely that, but so much more. It’s Frustrated that they are getting no- Bragg. There is a very moving scene Greenland and Ellesmere Now that the Canadian state a timely movie to be coming out where they pick a mining commun- at the miner’s hall when one of the Island was claimed by both and its corporate partners are now when so many of us need to ity at random, a small Welsh mining miner’s wives begins singing Bread nations. The Danish Foreign set to invade, the dangers are be reminded of the power and town, and contact the community’s and Roses. Other women join in and Minister raised the Danish flag far worse. necessity of solidarity. strike support committee directly. It eventually the whole hall is on their on the island. The Liberals On his most recent trip to Pride tells the real life story of is made up mainly of miners’ wives. feet, men and women together. responded by sending two Nunavut, Harper reiterated LGSM (Lesbians and Gays Support The film follows the development of One of the main threads of Pride has warships to visit the island. his position that there is no the Miners), a group that was co- the relationship between the activists to do with how struggle can actually Bloodshed was narrowly need for an inquiry into the founded by two activists in the London in LGSM and the Welsh mining com- change those involved. The women, averted, possibly because the fate of murdered and missing gay community, Mark Ashton and munity. It is not without its bumps; the mostly miners’ wives, find their voices press in both countries treated aboriginal women and girls: Mike Jackson. movie doesn’t try and skirt around the and their strength through the organ- it as a joke and negotiations “We should not view this as a Ashton, a communist, argues with homophobia that exists. izing they do. There’s also a moving continued until 2012, with no sociological phenomenon. We those around him that, in spite of what scene when one of the miners makes a real agreement. should view it as crime.” some may think, the LGBT commun- Change through struggle speech in a gay bar to thank the LGBT The Cold War style Meanwhile the government ity and the miners have a lot in com- But through determination and un- community for supporting them. maneuvering between Canada still refuses to make public mon. They are both hounded and at- willingness to give up on both sides a Though the miners are defeated, and Russia is less comical. thousands of documents relat- tacked by the police, the tabloids and real solidarity is forged. Mark Ashton they come to London with their union On September 19, front pages ed to the Residential Schools. some in the general public. He argues stands out as one of the acknowledged banners and lead the Gay Pride March, reported that Canadian war- Perhaps they will take a cue that the gay community has been get- leaders of the movement but the great alongside the activists in LGSM. The planes had confronted Russian from the old British Empire, ting a bit of a respite from constant po- thing about Pride is how much it is a next Labour Party conference passed counterparts in Canadian and reduce them to ash or send lice harassment because the cops are film not about individual heroism, but Pride has a lot of lessons and inspir- airspace. This was an exag- them to the ocean’s depths. too busy attacking the miners. about how much ordinary people can ation for activists who want to take on geration, if not an outright Corporate exploitation, LGSM starts out modestly with a achieve when they band together. today’s ‘Margaret Thatchers’, in what- lie, but one that suited the environmental disasters and handful of activists taking up collec- The cast, true to the spirit of the ever country we find ourselves. purposes of Stephen Harper, cold war tensions: these are tions at the 1984 Gay Pride march story of Pride, is really an ensemble posing as NATO tough guy the gifts Harper brings to the against Russian involvement Arctic. October 2014 Socialist Worker 9 WHERE WE STAND The dead-end of capitalism The capitalist system is based on violence, oppres- Activist calendar sion and brutal exploitation. It creates hunger beside plenty, it threatens our sustenance through unsafe and unsustainable farming, and kills the earth itself with pollution and unsustainable extraction of oil, minerals, movement events animals, trees, and water. Capitalism leads to imperial- ism and war. Saving ourselves and the planet depends on finding an alternative. A system that is killing the planet Capitalist profits depend on extracting the world’s blood and bone. The devastating impact of capital’s assault on the planet affect the world’s most vulnerable populations and threaten the long-term meaningful existence of humanity. Capitalism cannot regulate the catastrophic effects of climate change. We stand for climate justice, including the concept of “just transi- tion” for affected workers. Socialism and workers’ power Any alternative to capitalism must involve replacing the system from the bottom up through radical collective action. Central to that struggle is the workplace, where capitalism reaps its profits off our backs. Capitalist monopolies control the earth’s resources, but workers everywhere actually create the wealth. A new socialist society can only be constructed when Toronto Disability Pride March workers collectively seize control of that wealth and Saturday October 4 @ 1pm plan its production and distribution to satisfy human Queen’s Park Circle needs, not corporate profits—to respect the environ- 99 Welesley Street, Toronto ment, not pollute and destroy it. facebook: 4th Annual Toronto Disability Pride March Oppression Within capitalist society different groups suffer from specific forms of oppression. Attacks on oppressed groups are used to divide workers and weaken solidar- ity. We oppose racism and imperialism. We oppose all immigration controls. We support the right of people of colour and other oppressed groups to organize in their own defence. We are for real, social, economic and pol- itical equality for women. We are for an end to all forms of discrimination and homophobia against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people. We oppose environmental racism. We oppose dis- crimination on the basis of religion, ability and age.

Canada, Quebec, Indigenous Peoples Canada is not a “colony” of the United States, but an imperialist country in its own right that participates in the exploitation of much of the world. The Canadian state was founded through the repression of Indigenous peoples and the people of Quebec. We support the struggles for self-determination of Quebec and Indigenous peoples up to and including the right to independence. In particular, we recognize Raise the Rates Week of Action York Federation of Students Indigenous peoples’ original and primary right to Monday October 13 to Friday October 17 Activist Assembly decide their fate and that of their lands, heritage, and cities across Ontario Wednesday October 29, 8:30am to 10pm traditions. Socialists in Quebec, and in all oppressed http://www.yfs.ca nations, work to give the struggle against national op- raisetherates.ca pression an internationalist and working class content. Internationalism The struggle for socialism is part of a worldwide struggle. We campaign for solidarity with workers in other countries. We oppose everything that turns workers from one country against those from other International Socialist events countries. We support all genuine national liberation movements. Fight on every front: The 1917 revolution in Russia was an inspiration for ? ? ? ? ? the oppressed everywhere. But it was defeated when join the International Socialists workers’ revolutions elsewhere were defeated. A Stalin- ? ? ? ? ist counter-revolution, which killed millions, created Do you oppose exploitation, war, a new form of capitalist exploitation based on state oppression and climate chaos? ownership and control. In Eastern Europe, China and ? ? ? ? other countries, a similar system was later established by Stalinist, not socialist, parties. We support the Do you want to be part of building struggle of workers in these countries against both ? ? ? ? resistance movements to all these private and state capitalism. symptoms of capitalism, towards ? ? ? ? ? a revolutionary transformation Elections and democracy ? of society? Elections can be an opportunity to give voice to the Marxism What would socialism struggle for social change. But under capitalism, they UBC: Mondays 12pm in IK Barber look like? can’t change the system. The structures of the present Learning Centre room 315 Wednesday October 15, 7:30pm. Then join the I.S. today! parliament, army, police and judiciary protect the ruling The Winking Judge class against the workers. These structures cannot be Langara: Wednesdays 11:30pm simply taken over and used by the working class. The contact [email protected] 25 Augusta Street, Hamilton We have branches in Vancouver, working class needs real democracy, and that requires Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa, and an entirely different kind of state—a workers’ state members across the country. based upon councils of workers’ delegates. email [email protected] Reform and revolution Every day, there are battles between exploiter and or visit www.socialist.ca exploited, oppressor and oppressed, to reform the system—to improve living conditions. These struggles are crucial in the fight for a new world. To further these struggles, we work within the trade unions and orient to building a rank and file movement that strengthens workers’ unity and solidarity. But the fight for reforms will not, in itself, bring about fundamental social change. The present system cannot be fixed or reformed as the NDP and many trade union leaders say. Nor can the system regulate itself to pre- Strategy and Tactics for Resistance and Revolution vent environmental destruction and climate injustice. It Wednesday October 29, 7pm-9pm. has to be overthrown. That will require the mass action The Daily Grind Cafe of workers themselves. 601 Somerset St W at Percy, Ottawa The Revolutionary Party To achieve socialism the leading activists in the working class have to be organized into a revolutionary socialist party. The party must be a party of action, and it must be democratic. We are an organization of activists com- mitted to helping in the construction of such a party OPEN SATURDAYS, 12-3pm through ongoing activity in the mass 427 Bloor Street West, suite 202, Toronto ; 416-972-6391; www.facebook.com/resistancepress organizations of the working class and in the daily struggles of RESISTANCE workers and the oppressed. PRESS If these ideas make sense Students to you, help us in this project BOOK ROOM Austerity and join the International & Socialists. ideas for struggle Resistance

10 Socialist Worker October 2014 [email protected] RESTAURANT WORKERS TORONTO DISABILITY PRIDE MARCH STICKING WITH THE UNION The Ontario Labour Carolyn Egan Relations Board ruled in favour of laid-off workers at Richtree restaurant in the Eaton Labour solidarity at Centre in Toronto, who ratified at new contract in September. Peoples’ Social Forum Richtree claimed it was no longer obligated Recently at the with them. They connected to its unionized workers, People’s Social Forum their fight with the broader members of Unite Here in Ottawa thousands of fight against austerity. Local 75, after shutting the young activists joined They received $60,000 restaurant down and then with trade unionists, per month from British moving to another part of environmentalists, and Columbia CAW (now the mall and reopening with Indigenous peoples to Unifor) members at a Rio non-union workers. talk about their present Tinto facility in Kitimat. The OLRB rejected and past struggles This came out of their own the claim that the layoffs and how they can work wages to support their were justified because the together to defeat the fellow workers in Quebec. restaurant had changed its austerity agenda. Over 8,000 travelled to a address, a victory for work- There were many who solidarity rally in the small ers—some who worked for came from Quebec, and town in the Saguenay to Richtree for 25 years. by MELISSA GRAHAM one had a real sense of the stand up against corpor- Socialist Worker spoke to Francophone reality in this ate power. This included Octavian Cadabeschi, who We’re still here, and have some great speakers elections on the horizon, country. There was transla- workers from South Africa, organized labour movement we’re still marching. lined up: Onar Usar (York and disabled people tion in every session, which Australia and the United solidarity for Richtree The fourth annual University), David Meyers fighting against austerity gave people the ability to States who also worked for workers, about how this Toronto Disability Pride (Ethno-Racial people with and oppression around listen and speak in either Rio Tinto. victory was achieved. March is taking place on Disabilities Coalition the world, this is a critical French or English. The fact that these “I can say with certainty Saturday, October 4, 2014 of Ontario), Charles time for solidarity, visibil- There were many workers won their struggle that every aspect of the from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Silverman (Ryerson ity and action. Like many excellent sessions. One against overwhelming campaign was responsible starting at Queen’s Park and University/OCAD), Kevin movements our struggles that particularly stood out odds was a very important for this victory. This ending at Ryerson’s School Jackson (TDPM organ- have remained the same for me was presented by lesson, particularly the company was initially of Disability Studies, izer), Melissa Graham over the last four years Steelworkers from Alma, way they won it. Strong completely unwilling to 99 Gerrard St. East. The (TDPM organizer), and of marching, but we are Quebec. rank and file involvement negotiate, and it took a purpose of the march is Kathryn Church (Ryerson seeing incremental changes. typified the fight and the major fight just to get them to raise awareness of the University). Slowly people are waking Alma Steelworkers workers made this abso- to sit down at the table, issues facing disabled Far too often the issues up, and rising to the call They withstood a long lutely clear. much less agree to more or people in our community. faced by disabled people for action. Like ADAPT in lock out by Rio Tinto in It wasn’t an accident less everything the union Those issues are not limited are dealt with behind closed United States, and Disabled an attempt to impose two that they were able to stay was asking for. to each individual’s daily doors. When housing is People Against Cuts in tier wages on new hires. strong and reach out to “The court challenges challenges, but rather are built, social assistance rates the UK, we will show the The workers spoke in others for the necessary are important, but labour compounded when we are cut, or public services ruling class that disabled detail about how they had solidarity. A strategic struggles are won by other systemic barriers are put in place we are people and their allies are a organized both among their campaign also took place organised, mobilised work- such as class, race, gender, often the last to know. But powerful force that will not fellow workers and their with demonstrations around ers taking action, not court age, sexual identity, ethnic this march isn’t just about be silenced in the name of community to present a the world at Rio Tinto cases alone. origin, poverty, etc. place a those things that we would austerity. strong, united front against workplaces along with a UNITE HERE has had bigger and more oppressive often identify as barriers, it Please join us on the employer. campaign leading up to the a long history of rank-and- barrier to us as a whole. is about being recognized Saturday October 4 at There were many ups Olympics to keep Rio Tinto file organising and taking Starting at 1:00 pm, at as a community with shared 1:00 PM in Queen’s Park, and downs with discus- “Off the Podium” because the fight into the workplace Queen’s Park, speakers will struggles. Toronto. sion and debates front and the medals were to be made and onto the streets, and address the marchers. We With Toronto’s municipal centre in the many months by their product. in these neoliberal times, they were on the line. They UNITE HERE has ac- built a strong solidarity in Lessons tually raised the standard Alma but they also spoke Lessons such as these, of hospitality workers to BC teachers’ strike: lessons learned about the support that came when so many workers that of unionised industrial by TARA EHRCKE to them from across the struggles are defeated, are workers.If you fight, you country and internationally. very important as trade win. But it has to be a real Longest teacher On wages, the govern- polling was one of the great This was very important unions, Indigenous peoples fight.” strike in BC history ment did shift slightly. In victories of this strike. This, because it gave the workers and social movements Despite the outcome, spring they removed the more than anything else, confidence that they were come together to share RADICAL READING CAFE perhaps the most incredible requirement for sick day ac- pressured the government. not alone in taking on one their experiences at events by ELEANOR RILEY thing about this strike was cumulation limits to pay for The test now will be to of the largest multinationals such as the People’s Social the resolve of teachers. wages. They also shifted ensure that the teacher/ in the world. Forum. It was an interesting Teachers understood the timing to put more parent bonds that have Steelworkers came from As workers, the poor and night in Ottawa for the clearly the severity of the increases front loaded. been forged deepen and US Steel in Hamilton and the oppressed startegize International Socialists issues at hand and the need But overall, the wages strengthen. Ultimately this the from the Steelworkers on how best to mobilize Radical Reading Café. for extended pressure in the remain below inflation and will be required to win back Toronto Area council to and fight, the fact that 800 Seven activists of diverse context of a government so this is a concessionary smaller classes. show their support. Twice workers in rural Quebec experience with socialism that campaigned on and contract in that respect. Many individual union activists drove the thirteen could take on and defeat a met to discuss “Money, implements neo-liberal Teachers’ buying power members showed great hours each way to join with vicious employer is very alienation, and the com- reforms. will go down over the life commitment. They came their fellow workers on inspiring. modification of every- Teachers should be of the contract. to our picket lines, they the line. The support from Victories like these can thing,” and a few select rightly proud of taking The small increases to wrote letters, they rallied. English Canada was greatly give both courage and a Marxist readings. a stand and making a elementary preparation time Like parents, many actively appreciated and brought sense of confidence in these The discussion ranged personal sacrifice to do so. are a genuine win, and this organized in support. tears to the eyes of many of difficult times that workers globally, touching on topics And union leaders should was a much better way to The labour leadership, the locked out workers. using their collective power like meaningful solidarity take careful note that work- bargain the funds from the five weeks into the strike, The Alma Steelworkers have the capacity to come and the need for an inter- ers in British Columbia are grievance settlement. offered interest free loans also marched in Montreal in together and win. Hopefully national radical organiza- willing to take action to to teachers and the BCTF. support of the Quebec stu- this is the lesson that will tion in the struggle against stop concession bargaining Solidarity? While loans and donations dents building strong links endure. capitalism. Members shared and instead fight to win Many teachers reluctantly are appreciated, what we their stories about fighting improvement. voted yes because they need is collective pressure. oppression and compla- The length of the strike is felt a longer strike could BC now has a long and sad cency in their lives, and also important for its knock significantly impact parent history of the union move- brought up the important on effect. Periods of history solidarity and the sympathy ment failing to step in with fact of remembering the where labour makes gains of the public. solidarity strikes when they humanity of others, even are marked by frequent This may or may not are most needed. those actively opposed to strikes and by more strike be the case. Many vocal The failure of the BC meaningful change. It was days. Not every one of supporters were clear to Federation of Labour agreed that there are many these strikes results in indicate that support would to mobilize with us is a commonalities between victory. But the cumulative continue regardless of the continuation of the trend anarchism and socialism, impact changes the balance vote and that they were that sees joint labour action especially the need to fight of power. Employers get behind teachers in fight- moribund. Labour can and authoritarianism impulses nervous if they believe the ing for better classroom must work to support one in non-hierarchical risk is high. And this in turn conditions. another if we are to muster structures. Those who were impacts the outcome of It is also the case that the strength needed to stop more conversant with Marx bargaining. every public sector strike concession bargaining and explained in detail some of faces a conundrum - instead regain what we have lost. the concepts of alienation The outcome of monetary pressure on the in an accessible way, and I do not believe this strike employer, a strike creates This is shared from the blog provided some recom- was a victory.On the major public inconvenience. Staffroom Confidential: mended reading for further issue, return of class size The widespread, organ- www.staffroomconfidential. inquiry. and composition limits, we ized support of parents and com failed. the continued support in

October 2014 Socialist Worker 11 SocialistWorker A MOVEMENT RISES by JESSE MCLAREN Hundreds of people from September 21 was the Canada attended—including largest climate justice one carrying a sign reading event in history, with “Canada is angry: where is 2,600 events organized Harper” (Harper boycotted in 150 countries, includ- the UN summit)—and ing a massive march in there was an anti-tar sands New York. contingent to challenge tar Organizers had hoped sands and pipelines and for 100,000 people, which demand divestment. would have doubled the march outside the White Debates House last year (previously The march also reflected the largest climate march in debates in the movement, US history). with some calling simply Instead, up to 400,000 for dietary, tax or electoral people marched on the UN changes as a climate fix. climate change summit to But in the days before the demand action on climate march 2,500 people attended change. a climate convergence It was a sea of human- conference to discuss system ity, rising from across the change. country and around the At the closing plenary world. Stretching thirty of Naomi Klein spoke about New York’s long city blocks her new book, concluding blocks along Central Park that “the real climate leaders (where horse-drawn car- and in the streets,” and that riages had placards reading “There are no non-radical “another Teamster for green options left on the table. jobs), the front of the march Climate change will either started moving before noon change everythign about our and by 3pm the back of the physical world, or to stop march had not yet begun. it we will have to change When the march spread out everything about economic it covered 80 city blocks and political world.” The mood was festive The march was followed but also serious. Before by a “flood Wall Street” 1pm there was a minute of event of direction action in silence, as the hundreds of the financial district. thousands of people stood The UN climate with their hands in the air, summit—a gathering of and then a tidal wave of states representing polluting noise to sound the alarm on industries and armed with the climate crisis. polluting militaries—will be incable of meeting the needs We need everyone of the planet and its people. The motto of the march As the summit began was “to change everything Obama began bombing we need everyone,” and Syria and is using the Ebola the march united all those epidemica as an excuse to affected by climate change send thousands more troops and fighting back. to Africa, while Harper The march was led by wants to send fighter jets to youth at the centre of cli- Iraq. These war crimes are mate change and resistance, also climate climes. under the banner “Frontlines But the urgency, en- of Crisis, Forefront of of students fighting for their There were demands ing a Palestine solidarity There were scientist and thusiasm and confidence of Change.” futures, and elders defending for wind and solar, and contingent, a “stop the wars, healthcare organiztions, the historic march and the This was followed by the next generation. opposition to nuclear, coal, stop the warming banner” faith organizations and com- 2,600 other actions that day an indigenous contingent There were contingents fracking and artic drilling; and a massive ballon by munity groups demanding a will send ripples around from across Turtle Island, of migrant workers fighting as one placard said, “what Veterans for Peace explain- right to housing. the world, building a rising with the banner “Respect for their rights, and dozens happens in the arctic doesn’t ing the US military is the There were many from movement that will need to Indigenous Peoples’ Rights: of labour organizations stay in the arctic.” largest conumer of oil and outside the US, including achieve system change if we End CO2lonialism.” demanding green jobs There was a peace and largest emitter of carbon from Brazil, Peru, India and are to stop climate change. There were contingents alternatives. justice contingent—includ- dioxide. Senegal. More support needed for postal workers Never miss by VALERIE LANNON disobedience.” of Black Trade Unionists laws, which was a result an issue. September 21 saw 200 One CUPW worker said also opposed Harper, saying of united action by labour. Mail in this form with a cheque or unionists and other “the public needs the door to “You have tried to silence This victory should serve as money order made payable to supporters rally to say door service, otherwise how science, the media, activists a starting point for a similar “Socialist Worker”. “yes to door to door will they get their mail in and marginalized groups. defeat of Harper and his Or complete the form online at mail delivery” and “no the winter?” You are not going to take agenda. www.socialist.ca/subscribe to cuts at Canada Post.” There were several speak- away my door to door But the focus on the elec- Socialist Worker spoke ers, introduced by the MC service.” tion is beginning to look like Prices per year with a number of those who called out to Harper to CUPE Ontario President an obsession and a substitute (CAD dollars): in attendance. “keep your bloody hands off Fred Hahn made an excel- for giving confidence to and Yasin Kaya, Recording the postal workers.” lent point when he stated mobilizing rank and file Regular subscription: $30 Secretary for CUPE 3903 National President of “The post office is a public union members. Workers U.S.: $50 at York University said the CUPW, Denis Lemelin, service. I don’t care if it’s need to take the most defiant Other international: $60 main reason he attended emphasized that the Toronto profitable or not.” Excellent action they can, in the streets was to oppose Tory attacks rally was one of several that point. We don’t make a and especially in their to public sector unions. To continue to take place across special note of whether workplaces. And the rest of win, he said labour “has the country, in an effort to hospitals and schools are us can join them in lobby- Name: to win over workers who save all public services. profitable. ing our MPs and urging aren’t organized and the “Harper wants to give the The focus on the upcom- our neighbours to put up Address: unemployed.” post office to the private ing federal election was window or lawn signs and Ron Walker, UNIFOR sector so we need to be in echoed by several speakers sign petitions of support. Phone: 222 in Oshawa (auto plant) the streets… An election is including OFL President We can win this fight said he was there to show coming. We deserve a good Sid Ryan, Past President because the public is with E-mail: solidarity with CUPW society so we need to be of UAW, Buzz Hargrove us on this one, even in Tory and “to protest the Tory involved with the election, and OPSEU Vice President ridings. So visit your closest Mail to: Socialist Worker, PO Box 339 government tearing apart to save public services.” Miles Magner. The speakers CUPW office to pick up Station E, Toronto, ON Canada, M6H 4E3 our social fabric.” To win, CLC Vice-President emphasized the victory in support materials. Let’s stop Website: www.socialist.ca / E-mail: [email protected] “workers have to unite and Marie Clark-Walker, who Ontario of defeating Tim Harper now. For information use demonstrations and civil is also with the Coalition Hudak and “right to work” visit savecanadapost.ca.