UNITE TO BC FIGHTS Interview with FIGHT THE FOR $15 LINDA RIGHT PAGES 4&5 PAGE 2 SARSOUR PAGE 3

$2 | No 596 | September 2017 socialist.ca MASS ACTION CAN BEAT THE NAZIS All out September 30

Charlottesville has drawn a line in the sand against racism and fascism

THE HORRIFIC racist rally in Charlottesville, fine” people at the Nazi rally. This has further shut down a planned racist event before it could regroup. We need to build a mass movement that Virginia has drawn a line in the sand. Either you emboldened the bigots. His statements have even start. Thousands of people clogged the will confront them everywhere they go. We need are with Trump and his Nazi backers or you are shocked the world. streets in front of city hall and forced the bigots to smash their confidence. for peace and unity. But people are responding. Across the US, to flee. Our tactical choices matter as we try to build Heather Heyer, an anti-racist activist, was anti-racist mobilizations have been massive. The scene has been the same around the this movement. We need people from all walks killed when a bigot drive his car into the crowd. In the first major post-Charlottesville rally in world. In Barcelona, Berlin, Warsaw, San of life to feel confident that they can participate. Many more were injured by attacks throughout Boston, bigots planned to march through the city Francisco, and in Ottawa, , London, and The best way to ensure that is to build as broadly the weekend as gun-toting fascists terrorized but were confronted by more than 40,000 people. Quebec City, thousands have joined massive as possible and with tight organization. the community. They attacked poor housing The racists were humiliated by the show of unity demonstrations to stop the hate. This is how we The rallies since Charlottesville have shown projects, threatened clergy standing up against and strength and had to scuttle away under police are going to defeat the racists: by showing them that the mood is there to stop the hate. It is up to hate and surrounded the local synagogue protection. Across the US, more than 50 planned that they are few and we are many. all of us to mobilize in our schools, workplaces chanting Nazi slogans. racist rallies were subsequently canceled. But they are not finished. They may have and communities to push the racists back into Trump told the media that there were “many A rally in Vancouver on the same weekend been forced into a retreat, but they are trying to the sewers where they belong. Interview: Guy Caron on BC NDP’s crawl to running for NDP leader $15 minimum wage by Kevin Taghabon by David Bush ness owners, NDP Labour Minister Bains said the government would Editor’s note: We have reached out The new BC NDP government consider it. But placating the busi- to all NDP leadership candidates to has announced it is raising the ness lobby will not work. The tepid conduct and publish interviews. A province’s minimum wage to $15 rollout by the BC NDP will simply longer version of this interview is an hour by 2021, making British embolden the forces lining up available at socialist.ca. Columbia the third province to against the minimum wage hike. bring in a $15 minimum wage. The business lobby can already At one point the [polls in the This is undoubtedly a win for the smell blood. Green Party leader 2015 election] had the NDP as larger Fight for $15 movement in Andrew Weaver helped to quash [high] as 40%. The election did Canada and the United States. the NDP following through on their not turn out the way that the However, the four-year phase-in campaign promise of card check NDP wanted. What lessons do to $15 is the longest pathway so union certification. And Weaver is you draw from that? far in Canada. The Alberta NDP, sending mixed signals about the We were just too cautious. We the first to bring in a plan for $15, $15 minimum wage, saying he were too policy conservative in our is doing it within 24 months. The while he welcomes it, he opposes approach. We had a very uninspiring Ontario Liberals are aiming to do it the government’s timetable of platform. That, in the end, I would say in 18 months, with the bulk of the 2021 preferring the Fair Wages was a major hindrance in our strategy. raise coming within six months. Commission to be allowed to im- Elements such as having a balanced The BC NDP’s extremely slow roll- partially determine the phase in. budget every single year hurt us. It out of the minimum wage increase Weaver supports consultation with demobilized our base and did nothing leaves much to be desired. There small business and stated, “mini- to attract new voters. has been no outline of sched- mum wage is just one way we can Federal NDP MP and leadership candidate Guy Caron (right) uled increases to $15, simply an move towards all British Columbi- Your opponents in the leadership announcement that a “Fair Wages ans having a livable income.” race have talked about economy, for transit, for higher speed biggest labour union came out Commission” would consult “stake- This is not exactly a ringing nationalizing, bringing more rail, for a green retrofit. saying basic income is not holders” about a timeline. They are endorsement of a $15 minimum things into the public sphere. the solution. It disincentivizes also planning on keeping the liquor wage by the Green Party. Given Is this something that aligns What’s your position on the Leap employers from providing a server exemption to the minimum the NDP’s reliance on the Greens with the things you want to do Manifesto? livable wage. Rent seekers in wage. It currently stands at $9.60, to be able to hang on to govern- moving forward? The Leap Manifesto is composed the economy – food producers, but will be raised by 50 cents to ment this is a wedge that can I’m not opposed to nationalization of 15 articles. There’s about eight or landlords, internet providers $10.10 an hour on September 15, be exploited to water down the but there needs to be a case for it. nine things we all agree on because – once we start receiving a still well below the general mini- NDP’s most progressive campaign When you nationalize something we’re all New Democrats. There’s basic income will raise prices mum wage. promises. there is the risk that politics will play one for which I’m the lone standard accordingly. The NDP’s minority government a role, which will not necessarily bearer, which is basic income. And People assume that it will decrease Placating, emboldening status can equally be exploited by be in the best interests of those who there’s five or six which are about wages because it will provide an business labour and the left to wrench out are served by the service that is energy and climate change. We are incentive for the Wal-Marts of this The BC NDP’s announcement also concessions, but this requires a being nationalized. We do have an having this debate in the race right world to bring down their wages to tried to address the fears that a willingness to fight. infrastructure problem, and we need now. I welcome the debate. I don’t minimum wage saying, “you have minimum wage increase would Considering the BC Liberals to solve it. think it’s that productive to say “for” basic income, that will take care of hurt businesses. The Minister of kept the minimum wage frozen I would suggest the creation of or “against” Leap. it.” Labour, Harry Bains, told the me- from 2002 to 2010, and housing a crown corporation to invest in I would actually submit to you dia, “we’ve listened to business costs are spiralling out of control infrastructure. That would be publicly Basic income (BI): this is that in all likelihood basic income owners, who have told us gradual, in Vancouver and other parts of controlled and the infrastructure something on which you stand would increase wages. You have low predictable increases are the way the province, there is no good would remain publicly controlled. apart in the leadership race. wages because people are desperate to go to minimize the impact on reason for the BC NDP’s slow Basic income, the way I’m enough that they will be taking the their businesses.” timeline to $15. On climate, where do you orient proposing it is basically for all those first crappy job at minimum wage to Echoing the business lobby’s The BC NDP’s announcement yourself? Are there any red lines who are below the low-income cutoff. be able to survive. Employers know arguments is unlikely to discour- is a victory for the Fight for $15 you would say we absolutely You ensure that through the tax it. age employers from aggressively movement. But the delayed cannot cross? system you complement any income If you no longer have to worry attacking a raise to the minimum rollout shows that a grassroots It’s always hard to say because the they have, be it labour income or about survival, you don’t need to wage. movement aimed at organizing decisions you have to make have to be support program income. Through take that crappy job. So employers In fact, there is already a strong and mobilizing workers across the made with the information you have monthly payments you make sure will actually see that job, see that it indication that the business province is needed to stand-up in hand. To say “never” is actually that everyone has enough to get to doesn’t attract people, and be forced community will use the Fair Wages to the business lobby and force binding yourself for situations that that low-income cutoff. to increase their wages. Commission to further delay or governments, even one’s led by you might not forecast. It could be used as a wage subsidy, even kill the proposed $15 mini- the NDP, to pass much needed I do have a very comprehensive Some of the arguments from the possible. Could it raise wages? I mum wage. reforms for workers in the here climate change platform. In the jobs left against a basic income are just made the case that it might. When asked about policies such and now. creation platform I talk about $90 that it disempowers organized We will not know until we apply it. as tax breaks or relaxing labour billion of investment for the green labour on one hand. Finland’s Everything else is theoretical. laws to mitigate the cost to busi- Read the full article at Rank&File.ca. Asylum for Haitians, not Confederates by Chantal Sundaram Third Country agreement and failure Racism badly. Amir Khadir, Québec solid- As Canada proudly celebrates to recognize economic hardship as Quebec white supremacists, particu- aire MNA, said: “We have many 150 years of Confederation, it must On August 15 a plaque was quietly grounds for asylum put them in limbo. larly , are attempting to fo- public buildings that could house account for why it was easier to ac- removed from the Bay in Montre- Confederates, supporters of slav- ment racial hatred around the Haitian them, particularly empty hospitals. commodate Confederates than those al. It had been placed by the United ery, had an easier time finding asylum refugee crisis. In mid-August they I don’t understand why we don’t fleeing Haiti. Daughters of the Confederacy, de- in Canada than those fleeing the lega- held a rally in Quebec City on the have access to these buildings but scendants of southern combatants cy of slavery in Haiti. same day a rally was held in support leave these migrants at the border, Unity who sought asylum in Montreal after Symbols of the Confederacy are of the Haitians. in tents, far from the community August also marked the anniversa- their defeat in the Civil War. not historical relics. They were erect- The Wednesday before in Quebec that is more than ready to offer their ry of the great Haitian slave revolt The plaque betrayed a hidden his- ed in the 1950s in response to the City, a vigil in front of the US Con- support.” during the French Revolution, about tory: Confederates were given asylum rise of the Civil Rights movement to sulate denounced the far right under It was on the eve of Canadian which its leader, Toussaint L’Ouver- in Canada. In particular it commemo- defend segregation. This is no less the slogan “united against hate.” A Confederation that the Confederacy ture said: rated Jefferson Davis, president of the true of the Montreal plaque: it was Quebec solidaire activist said: “it’s plaque was placed in Montreal. At “It is not a liberty of circumstance, confederate states from 1861 to 1865. financed in 1957. important to send a message 6 months the time Montreal was the city of conceded to us alone, that we wish; it Davis considered coming to Montre- But the Montreal plaque also reso- after the attack [on the Quebec City Canadian capitalism, run by wealthy is the adoption absolute of the prin- al in exile, and wealthy printer John nates with Canada’s present. Trump’s mosque] that the inclusive Quebec we Anglophones upholding British law. ciple that no man, born red, black Lovell welcomed him in 1867. threats to deport all the undocument- want is one we must create, not just And it was only a few short months or white, can be the property of his As the plaque was removed, a tent ed have led Amnesty International talk about it.” ago that controversy swirled around fellow man.” city of Haitian refugees grew on the and many others to call for the repeal Days later, the Montreal Haitian the dismantling of the monument We must build a united movement US border, fleeing Trump’s curtailing of the Safe Third Country agreement: community asked why both Que- to Edward Cornwallis in Halifax, a against monuments to racism, current of the US asylum granted following the US is no longer safe. Trudeau has bec and federal governments had symbol of colonialism of the Mik’ma laws that perpetuate it, and the far- the Haitian earthquake. Canada’s Safe failed to respond. handled the refugee situation so First Nation. right that exploits it.

2 Socialist Worker September 2017 Huge rally in Barcelona– ‘Your wars, our dead’ by Maria Dantas, Marx21 want peace don’t sell weapons”. This was also on a massive banner that a On August 26th, Barcelona saw a whole block of the demo held just massive demonstration in response over their heads. to the August 17th ISIS attacks. The The right reacted in two contra- march was an enormous success dictory ways: pretending that none for the social movements and the of this had happened (thanks to ordinary people of Catalonia. carefully chosen camera angles), or The demonstration, called by the accusing independentists of having city council, then supported by the hijacked, boycotted or wrecked the Catalan government, was initially demonstration. They denounced presented as a march for peace and the “politicisation” of the demo, solidarity, and on that basis the coun- ignoring that their “antiterrorist” cil invited the social movements to demonstrations have always been participate actively in its preparation. highly political, and full of nation- However, news that the Span- alist flags… Spanish nationalist ish government was also hosting flags. The whole operation by the PP, the march, and that most of the bringing the king and the govern- Conservative (PP) government as ment to the demonstration, was an well as the Royal Family would take attempt to weaken the independence part, put things in a different light. movement, and it failed completely. How could the PP and the Royal The demonstration was a massive family head up a demo for peaceful victory for the social movements and coexistence? a defeat for the right. Following pressure by the left, It also raises questions about especially the anti-capitalist CUP, Banner at Barcelona march: “Peace, solidarity, coexistence in diversity” the left that controls the council the organisers agreed that the PP and and about the Catalan government, the royals wouldn’t formally lead which will hold a referendum on the march but they would still be a was that we should try to turn the denouncing the role of the PP in Two 15 metre long blue banners independence on October 1st. If the significant presence at the front. For demonstration into what it should the Iraq war —and the occupation were made with the two main council and the government can’t the social movements and the left be; in effect, take it over. There was which laid the basis for Daesh— and slogans: “Their policies, our dead” face down the Tories and the king, this posed a challenge. a week of hectic activity, with meet- denouncing the role of the Spanish and “Peace, solidarity, coexistence in how can they face up to them in the Some argued that it was not the ings of representatives of neighbours royal family, intimate friends of the diversity”. much bigger challenges implied if time to raise political debates and federation, trade unions, important Saudi monarchy and deeply involved The demonstration was full of they fulfil their promises? we should just go on the demonstra- sectors of the independence move- in the arms trade to that country. the color blue and the movements’ We know that there will be many tion to remember the victims of the ment, the anti war movement, and The text included the call to turn the slogans, with shouts against islam- struggles ahead. The fight against attacks of 17 August. especially the anti-racist movements demonstration blue: the blue of the ophobia and war, denouncing the islamophobia and fascism will have Others argued that the demon- and the networks that organized the Mediterranean and of the 18 Febru- hypocrisy of the leaders. Thousands to continue and increase. But the stration would inevitably reinforce massive demonstration welcoming ary pro-refugee protests. of placards naming and shaming lesson of the demonstration is that the government and decided not to refugees February 18. 50,000 blue placards were Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and we can get mass support for this if participate. Nearly 200 such movements produced with slogans in favour of the king for their role in the arms we know how to look for it and how However, the majority position agreed to a powerful declaration peace and against islamophobia. trade had slogans like “People who to build it. INTERVIEW Linda Sarsour: “We don’t lead single-issue lives”

Linda Sarsour, a prominent Pales- we still remember that there have ginalized communities, and these if there’s Israel and that’s it. tinian-American political activist, been mass mobilizations in the are diametrically opposed”? Why Oh yeah. I mean, it’s a new day, is perhaps best known for her past and that we do stand on the does that not serve us? Why is right. We’re starting to see a lot work as one of the co-chairs of the shoulders of giants, then it’s okay that something that perhaps the of young Jewish white progres- 2017 Women’s March on Wash- to recognize that there has been establishment parrots? sives who are standing up against ington. She is currently working an acceleration under this particu- The establishment wants to pit groups like AIPAC [the American with MPower Change, a grassroots lar administration. us up against white working class Israeli Public Affairs Committee], Muslim American organization that [people] when in fact they are core standing up for justice for Pales- fights for racial and economic jus- What does intersectionality mean to the movements that we’re a tine. At the same time, being able tice. Kevin Taghabon spoke with to you, and why is it specifically part of. They are also impacted to say that when we stand up for Sarsour at the 2017 People’s important in the framework of by the very issues that we are human rights we have to stand up Summit in Chicago. Muslim solidarity and Palestinian impacted by whether it be pover- for the human rights of all people solidarity? ty, drug abuse, access to health- including the Palestinian people. There’s sentiment I feel that since Intersectionality for me means care, reproductive rights. At this A lot of people are making the Trump got elected, there’s a lot that we all come to the table. That conference as you can see there comparison now between what’s of accelerated activism, there’s we understand that there are no are people of all backgrounds. It’s happening in Palestine and South a renewed Left. Do you feel com- single-issue struggles because we actually one of the most diverse African Apartheid, and people fortable with that sentiment? don’t live single-issue lives. As a Linda Sarsour progressive conferences I’ve been choosing to say, “what side do I Trump didn’t introduce racism or Muslim woman, as a Palestinian to in a really long time. This is an- want to be on?” Fifty years from or mass incarceration woman, as a daughter of immi- er healthcare or the folks working tithetical to the opposition saying, now, do you want to be the one to or poverty. None of these issues grants, as a non-profit leader, as on ending mass incarceration or “people of colour versus the white say, “I was on the side of human are new to the movement. There someone who serves refugees, I the folks working on reproductive working class.” This is the con- rights, I was on the side of ending have been people for decades in want to be able to bring all that rights. What I’m seeing now is ference that’s telling us, no, the military occupation”? I think that’s this country working on these is- to the table. An intersectional young people coming together white working class is in fact our where most young people are. I’m sues. I agree with the sentiment movement allows me to not have and saying “yeah, we can say all ally, and in fact also part of the seeing a new shift in that and I’m in the sense that there’s much to prioritize which issues are more these things and we can work on directly impacted. very proud of those who are choos- more mass mobilization and mass important and kind of split my all these issues together.” What ing to stand up for Palestinians. organizing, in a way that we ha- activism, and allows me to care that does is it builds power, and it There seems to be a bit of lagging ven’t seen in the past – at least about many things all at the same brings us all together. behind in Canadian, American, or for me – thirty years. But I also time. And that’s the only way we’re British opinion specifically on Pal- don’t want to discredit or under- going to win. Environmental justice How do you feel about the narra- estine. It’s kind of split down the This interview has been edited for estimate work that has already is not going to be able to win with- tive of, “we are either the white middle [among citizens]. But the length. Read the full interview at happened in the past. As long as out the folks working on single-pay- working class, or the other mar- state and the media portray it as socialist.ca

September 2017 Socialist Worker 3 Right-wing terrorism Victory in Vancouver strikes Charlottesville against the Nazis

by Jesse McLaren torches, and unleashed anti-Black violence Ms. Rowe-Codner pointed out that, “This including the beating of 20-year old Deandre by Bradley Hughes means not just creating a culture of tolerance and n an act of terrorism, a white supremacist Harris. When a diverse crowd of anti-racists understanding, but perhaps most importantly, drove his car into a crowd of anti-racists in confronted them, a white supremacist drove his aced with the threat of a Nazi rally in Van- addressing and changing the societal conditions Charlottesville, Virginia, killing 32-year old car through the crowd—killing Heather Heyer couver, faith groups, Indigenous activists, that bring about racism and in IHeather Heyer and injuring 19 others. This and injuring 19 others. As Patrisse Cullors, UNITE TO cultural groups, and trade unions brought the first place.” Ms. Rowe-Codner is a member is the latest backlash of racist violence, encour- co-founder of Black Lives Matter, explained, Fout over five thousand people to stand of the International Socialists (IS). aged by the Trump presidency and continuing a “The klan was at its height during Black recon- up to an anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rally Another of the rally organizers, Sarah Bjor- long legacy. struction. The last 4 years has been our recon- organized by two local Nazi groups. knas, a CUPE activist and member of the Van- Anti-racist movements have swept across the struction moment, and this is the backlash.” In five days, a new coalition – Stand up to couver Catholic Worker explained what the US in the past few years—from Black Lives After encouraging the growth of the far right, Racism Metro Vancouver – organized a wonder- rally accomplished: Matter challenging anti-Black racism, to Indig- Trump refused the condemn its lethal violence, ful anti-Nazi rally. By the night before the rally, “I think we relied on our best instincts to do enous communities leading the climate justice instead vaguely speaking out against “hatred, Vancouver’s mayor, BC’s new NDP Premier the right thing, broadened our circles of soli- movement, to racialized workers leading the bigotry and violence on many sides”—as if the John Horgan, the BC Government Employee’s darity, encouraged people to push themselves Fight for $15, to migrant workers and their al- anti-racists who were injured and killed are an Union, the Federation of Post Secondary Edu- past real and perceived obstacles, and hopefully lies calling for sanctuary cities. These fights for equal threat to the racists who killed and injured cators’ unions, faith groups, cultural groups and challenged the complacency of white privilege a better future include efforts to correct distor- them. Attorney General Jeff Sessions also con- FIGHT THE many others had joined the call for people to in our city.” tions about the past. demned “racial bigotry,” but it’s unclear what join the rally. Lisa Descary, a teacher from Richmond and he means by this, as just last week his Depart- The BCGEU organized a feeder march, also a member of the IS, stated: “Obviously, the Removing symbols of slavery ment of Justice laid out plans to sue univer- Working People Stand Up Against Racism, that timing of our counter-rally happening to coin- According to the Southern Poverty Law Centre, sities over affirmative action policies deemed was joined by hundreds. The numbers were so cide with the horrible events in Charlottesville there are more than 1,500 symbols of Confed- to “discriminate against white applicants.” The large that the entire front of Vancouver’s city meant that when our little group put out a call, eracy in public spaces, including 109 public media have been similarly evasive, speaking of hall was filled and the crowd spilled out onto media helped us by talking about our rally and schools named for General Robert Lee, Presi- “violent clashes” that “left one person dead” 12th Ave. The small number of Nazis were interviewing us (the organizers). This helped get dent Jefferson Davis or other Confederate icons. rather than condemning right-wing terrorism forced to skulk around the edges of the anti-rac- the word out. After the 2015 massacre of Black parishioners and anti-Black racism. ist rally, and congregate behind City Hall with “But we also were able to reach many people in Charleston, there have been growing demands the garbage dumpsters. by putting as few barriers in the way of potential for southern states to remove their symbols of Solidarity rally attendees as possible. If you were against slavery, which have succeeded in removing Looking at the tragic images from the Char- RIGHT Solidarity with Musqueam, the Nazis and the far-right, you were welcome or renaming 60 sites. State capital buildings lotteville terrorist attack, there isn’t a starker di- Tsleil-Waututh, & Squamish nations at our rally! in South Carolina and Alabama removed their chotomy of who we are and what we’re against. The speakers at the rally represented the “Some activists suggested that we post in- Confederate flags two years ago, while New Confronting the forces of racism, bigotry, xe- breadth of Vancouver society and the depth of structions on how to cover your face to avoid Orleans removed the statue of Jefferson Davis nophobia and violence, the counterprotest signs disgust at the actions of Nazis and other white being identified by the fascists, and wanted to this year. proclaim loudly: Black Lives Matter, solidarity, supremacists. talk about how to physically confront the Nazis, In 2015 someone spraypainted “Black Lives love, and the fight for a better world. The rally opened with a welcoming from but we stayed away from those approaches. Matter” on the statue of General Lee in Charlot- At the core of this solidarity is a sense of the Melanie from the Point family and Christie Lee “Instead, we made it clear that this was to be tesville’s Lee Park, and in last year highschool international struggle of us against them; of the Charles, both from Musqueam. Every speak- a non-violent protest that would not physical- student Zyahna Bryant petitioned the city desire for a better world built on cooperation er afterwards acknowledged that the land we ly confront the far-right ‘protesters’. We had council to remove the statue entirely. As she versus a vision of the world carved up along were meeting on belonged to the Musqueam, marshals who were trained in de-escalation and explained, racial lines. Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Nations. safety tactics ready to help out, and we publi- “As a teenager in Charlottesville that identi- As we learned about the death of a member Speakers included members of First Nations, cized that broadly. fies as black, I am offended every time I pass it. of the IWW and injuries to members of the ISO, trade unionists, politicians, members of the faith “And we reached out to every large organiza- I am reminded over and over again of the pain DSA, Black Lives Matter, and many others community, and activists from the anti-racist, an- tion of working people that we could think of: of my ancestors and all of the fighting that they who were standing up against bigotry, we were ti-poverty, Indigenous rights, climate justice and faith groups, communities of people of colour, had to go through for us to be where we are now. reminded of an article that came out after the student movements. unions, and anyone we knew who had done an- Quite frankly I am disgusted with the selective murder of Ahmad Sami, a comrade in the Rev- ti-racist work with us in the past. It also didn’t display of history in this city. There is more to olutionary Socialists in Egypt during the Egyp- Fighting white supremacy hurt that both the Mayor and the Premier en- Charlottesville than just the memories of Con- tian Revolution. The words seem fitting for the One of the rally organizers, Isabelle Rowe-Cod- dorsed our rally. The number of RSVPs on our federate fighters… Let’s not forget that Robert situation today. We paraphrase below: ner, explained why the coalition organized the Facebook page really grew after that!” E. Lee fought for perpetual bondage of slaves “Wherever socialists are when one of our rally: “It was important to organize this rally Ms. Rowe-Codner is optimistic about the fu- and the bigotry of the South that kept most black side is murdered, it should make us all the more because we didn’t want a Charlottesville on our ture. “Just celebrating its one week anniversary, citizens as slaves and servants for the entirety determined to carry on the fight. We are proud hands,” she said. Stand Up to Racism Metro Vancouver hopes of their lives. As a result, legislatures of the to be part of the same fight for a better world “We’re very much under the impression that that it can continue to help build this extraor- south chose to ignore and turn a blind eye to the as those injured or killed in Charlottesville this hate speech becomes , and that if you dinary movement which we’ve seen take on a injustices of African Americans from Jim crow weekend. That fight reaches back through the let these social divisions grow, they will. Ignor- passionate life in the past week. and anti-black terrorism to integrated education. struggles of generations across the world. We ing this would have been brazenly irresponsible, “We will continue as an organization, gain- These are all some things that this statue stands are internationalists. Our struggle for a better In Boston, over 40,000 anti-racist protesters shut down right-wing rally and ignorant of the realities of those affected by ing tremendous support from the city around for.” world and a socialist society knows no borders.” white supremacy.” our rally.” In January of this year Charlottesville joined the growing numbers of sanctuary cities across the US—challenging Trump’s travel ban—and in February city council voted to change the name of Lee Park to Emancipation Park, and to remove the statue. Ottawa rallies against racism Racist backlash As Wes Bellamy, Charlottesville vice mayor pproximately 1,000 in describing why people need don’t want your help. But if you ville, and the appearance of the and the only African-American city councilor people rallied outside the to stand together: “When they come because your liberation is four at this rally is explained, “When you have African Americans United States embassy came for the socialists, I did not tied to mine, come let us work symptomatic of this trend. who decide to stand up in nontraditional Af- Ain Ottawa on August 23, speak out, because I was not a together.” While individual demonstrators rican-American places, in places in which we standing in solidarity with an- socialist. When they came for the At the end of the rally, after engaged the four and attempted haven’t been very vocal or in which we have, ti-racist protesters in Charlottes- trade unionists, I did not speak most of the crowd had dispersed, to debate with them, the majority quote-unquote, ‘caused trouble’ or stirred things ville, Virginia in their opposition out, because I was not a trade four members of the far-right of the crowd was having none of up, whenever we decide to do so, and our white to the far-right. unionist. When they came for Proud Boys arrived, carrying it, as more than 100 protesters brothers and sisters or Latino brothers and sis- Demonstrators chanted “No the Jews, I did not speak out, signs proclaiming that they, surrounded the four, chanting at ters, our brothers and sisters of different hues hate, no fear, refugees are because I was not a Jew. When too, are anti-racists and anti-Na- them “Proud Boys, go home” and and persuasions decide to rally and ride with us, welcome here” and “Black lives they came for me, there was no zis, and attempting to engage “Nazis, go home.” whenever you see that kind of uprising… indi- matter” as they marched around one left to speak out for me.” demonstrators in discussion or The solidarity rally was initially viduals who believe that things should be the the embassy compound. Msosa noted that it is not debate. called for August 22 but was way they’ve always been, they normally push Speakers included Ihsaan the explicit gestures of hatred The violence in Charlottesville postponed due to torrential rains back. You’ve seen this from the ‘40s to the ‘50s Gardee, executive director of or bigotry that are the biggest has created a crisis for several and a tornado watch issued that to the ‘60s.” the National Council of Canadian problem facing racialized people, far-right groups, particularly day. Despite the rain, more than This latest pushback has been encouraged at Muslims, Alex Neve, secretary but the covert systemic barriers those like the Proud Boys which 100 people rallied on that day. every step by Trump. As former KKK leader general of Amnesty International that white allies may not see or have been attempting to present As Aditya Rao, one of the orga- threatened, “We are determined to Canada, Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton wish to acknowledge. themselves as legitimate “pro- nizers told the CBC, “A hundred take our country back. We are going to fulfill the of Orh Haneshama Congregation She ended her speech by tectors of their culture” rather people showed up even though promises of Donald Trump.” and Yamikani Msosa of the Sexu- calling for active solidarity, than hate-mongering bigots. there was a tornado warning. What this means was on full display in Char- al Assault Support Centre. quoting Australian Aboriginal Some far-right groups are now This is sort of a breaking point. lottesville: racists organized a “Unite the Right” Rabbi Bolton quoted the artist Lilla Watson by saying trying to distance themselves Now is the time we need to stand rally at the site of the statue of Lee, marched famous lines of Pastor Niemoller “If you have come to help me, I from the violence in Charlottes- up.” Over 5,000 people mobilize against anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rally in Vancouver Ottawa anti-racism rally in solidarity with Charlottesville counter-protesters through University of Virginia brandishing

4 Socialist Worker September 2017 September 2017 Socialist Worker 5 Where we stand Remembering the Riot: The dead-end of capitalism The capitalist system is based on violence, oppression and brutal exploitation. It creates hunger beside plenty, it threatens our sustenance What does interfaith have to do with it? through unsafe and unsustainable farming, and kills the earth itself with pollution and unsustainable extraction of oil, minerals, animals, trees, and water. Capitalism leads to imperialism 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 transition” 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 Christie Pits in Toronto: the site of anti-fascist riots in 1933 everywhere actually create the wealth. A new socialist society can only be constructed when workers collectively seize control of that wealth and plan its production and distribution to satisfy human needs, not by Cynthia Levine-Rasky throughout the summer, against the hood of Salaam Shalom. Its mission— corporate profits—to respect the environment, not pollute and destroy it. backdrop of Hitler’s coming to power to build trust, respect, and relationships n the night of Wednesday in Germany…[Police] reinforcements between Muslim and Jewish women to Oppression August 16, 1933, two local were only sent, some say, when it end acts of hatred against us—is carried Within capitalist society different groups suffer from specific forms of softball teams, St. Peter’s and became apparent that the Jewish boys out by a group of women, now more oppression. Attacks on oppressed groups are used to divide workers Harbord Playground, met to were acquitting themselves well in the than 70 in number. and weaken solidarity. We oppose racism and imperialism. We oppose O play a quarter-final game. St. Peter’s street brawl… Not all members are religious. In all immigration controls. We support the right of people of colour and was sponsored by a Catholic Church at “The fact that many more claimed fact, deep diversity in religious identity other oppressed groups to organize in their own defence. We are for real, Bathurst and Bloor. to have been involved in the action and practice, as well as in age, place social, economic and political equality for women. We are for an end The Harbord team was predominant- testifies to the great pride it engendered of origin, and cultural values, is one of to all forms of discrimination and homophobia against lesbians, gays, ly Jewish with some Italian members. among Jews at the time and among the group’s strengths. Preferences for bisexuals and transgender people. At the end of the game, members of a those of subsequent generations. Third, political action are also diverse. While We oppose environmental racism. We oppose discrimination on the local Club displayed a large the riot caused anti-Semitic provoca- some members appreciate dialogue, basis of religion, ability and age. blanket with a swastika painted on it. tions to be taken more seriously by the others are involved in activism of all They had done so at the first game on municipal government… kinds. For many, soft dialogue and hard Canada, Quebec, Indigenous Peoples Monday night. But this time, Jew- “Fourth, the Italian boys who went activism are not mutually exclusive. Canada is not a “colony” of the United States, but an imperialist country ish onlookers (and their Italian and to the park to fight alongside of the Indeed, many would argue that you in its own right that participates in the exploitation of much of the world. Ukrainian supporters) rushed at the Jews demonstrated that the anti-Sem- cannot sustain commitment to the latter The Canadian state was founded through the repression of Indigenous symbol intending to destroy it—spark- itism they experienced was embedded without the former. peoples and the people of Quebec. ing the Christie Pits riot. in a more general xenophobia, which We support the struggles for self-determination of Quebec and Cyril Levitt and William Shaffir, included anti-Catholic and anti-immi- Stronger together Indigenous peoples up to and including the right to independence. In authors of the 1987 book, The Riot at grant sentiments… So what does interfaith have to do with particular, we recognize Indigenous peoples’ original and primary right Christie Pits, put the riot into historical “Fifth, the riot became a marker of remembering the Christie Pits riot? to decide their fate and that of their lands, heritage, and traditions. context: 1933 was the year that the Na- remembrance, pride and resistance not A lot. The white supremacist rally in Socialists in Quebec, and in all oppressed nations, work to give the zis seized power in Germany, an event only for the generation involved in the Charlottesville called openly for vio- struggle against national oppression an internationalist and working that was celebrated by racists around riot, but for successive generations of lence to Jews. Their rallying cry, “Jews class content. the world. Jews…Finally, learning about the riot will not replace us” is a distressing In Toronto, it spawned the new helped the city come to grips with a reminder that anti-Jewish hatred is Internationalism Swastika Clubs in Toronto’s Beaches less savoury aspect of its past—with anything but historical. It is as present The struggle for socialism is part of a worldwide struggle. We campaign neighbourhood with its 500-strong its racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia as can be. for solidarity with workers in other countries. We oppose everything that membership. and the prejudices, discrimination and This is not the time to withdraw turns workers from one country against those from other countries. We exclusion involved with all that.” out of fear. The best antidote against support all genuine national liberation movements. Solidarity against fascism Over eight decades later on Sunday fear is engagement. It is time to reach The 1917 revolution in Russia was an inspiration for the oppressed As Levitt and Shaffir explain, the riot August 20, hundreds gathered in the out across differences that, once you everywhere. But it was defeated when workers’ revolutions elsewhere is a significant event in the history of park for the Christie Pits Riot Com- explore them, are insignificant in con- were defeated. A Stalinist counter-revolution, which killed millions, Toronto’s Jewish community, and in the memorative Barbeque. trast to what we share. We are stronger created a new form of capitalist exploitation based on state ownership broader community: together. If we do nothing more than and control. In Eastern Europe, China and other countries, a similar “First, it represented a direct Sisterhood of Salaam stand together, we make a powerful system was later established by Stalinist, not socialist, parties. We response by several hundred Jew- Shalom political statement against hate, white support the struggle of workers in these countries against both private and state capitalism. ish youth to numerous blatant and One group that enjoyed the barbeque supremacy, and fear of apparent, but relentless anti-Semitic provocations was the Toronto Circle of the Sister- minor, difference.

Elections and democracy Elections can be an opportunity to give voice to the struggle for social Never miss Name: change. But under capitalism, they can’t change the system. The structures of the present parliament, army, police and judiciary protect an issue. Address: the ruling class against the workers. These structures cannot be simply Mail in this form with a cheque taken over and used by the working class. The working class needs Phone: real democracy, and that requires an entirely different kind of state—a or money order made payable to workers’ state based upon councils of workers’ delegates. “Socialist Worker”. E-mail: Prices per year (CAD dollars): Regular subscription: $30 Reform and revolution Mail to: Socialist Worker, PO Box 339 Every day, there are battles between exploiter and exploited, oppressor Institutions, First Class Station E, Toronto, ON Canada, M6H 4E3 and oppressed, to reform the system—to improve living conditions. delivery and U.S.: $50 Phone: 416.972.6391 / E-mail: [email protected] These struggles are crucial in the fight for a new world. To further these Other international: $60 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 Join the International Socialists NDP and many trade union leaders say. Nor can the system regulate itself to prevent environmental destruction and climate injustice. It has to Name: City: be overthrown. That will require the mass action of workers themselves. Address: The revolutionary party E-mail: Phone: 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 Mail to: International Socialists, PO Box 339, Station E, Toronto, ON Canada, M6H 4E3 of action, and it must be democratic. We are an organization of activists Phone: 416.972.6391 / E-mail: [email protected] committed to helping in the construction of such a party through ongoing activity in the mass organizations of the working class and in the daily struggles of workers and the oppressed. If these ideas make sense to you, help us in this project, and join the International Socialists. Find us on: @socialist_ca \socialistca

6 Socialist Worker September 2017 Labour REVIEW against racism Wind River shines spotlight on by Carolyn Egan violence against Indigenous women Charlottesville’s decision to remove a Confederate statue by Faline Bobier brought on the wrath of the white supremacist movement. First, the good things about Taylor It had been planning for months Sheridan’s new movie Wind River, to rally the KKK, neo-nazis and which he directs and for which he all manner of bigots to make a wrote the screenplay. Sheridan was stand in that university town. the writer of last year’s brilliantly Richmond, Virginia had been bleak truth-telling film about the dis- the capitol of the Confederacy possessed in Texas in the aftermath and the racists and anti-semites of the financial meltdown of 2008 – viewed the state to be the perfect Come Hell or High Water. venue to put their reprehensible His new movie is set on the Wind politics on view. They drew River reservation in Wyoming. supporters from across the US, The Wind River reservation was intending their actions to draw established for the Eastern Sho- others to their cause. shone in 1868 and is now home to But in Charlottesville the both the Shoshone and the Arapaho residents began to organize as tribes. Sheridan describes it as one well. The local Black Lives Matter of the poorest reservations in North group joined with others and America. began to mobilize a response The movie opens with the striking to the bigotry. As national and image of a young Indigenous woman international media covered the running in the snow barefoot, events, it was clear that ordinary obviously being pursued by persons people were speaking out and unknown. The bleak beauty of this fighting back, refusing to allow landscape is one that Sheridan knows their home to become a symbol intimately and he brings it memo- In Wind River, Indigenous law is sidelined by colonial setup of control and contain. of white supremacy. Tragically, rably to the screen; he has talked in this so enraged a neo-nazi interviews about his connections and participant that he plowed his friendships with people living at Wind River. But Sheridan chooses to put at the centre of reality of life on reserve: “This isn’t the land of car into the crowd, killing Heather These connections explain the care Sheridan his movie about the harshness of life on the backup, Jane. This is the land of ‘you’re on your Heyer and injuring many others. has taken with the casting of his film: “I wasn’t reserve two white characters: Jeremy Renner own.’” At a United Steelworkers going to sit here and tell a story about very real who plays Corey Lambert, a federal wildlife Although Corey definitely has deep ties to convention in the US last spring, issues [including violence against Indigenous officer and tracker who finds the corpse of the the Indigenous people of Wind River and to the Reverend William Barber, head women] and cast people to portray characters in young Indigenous woman we see fleeing at land that he knows like the back of his hand, of the NAACP in North Carolina, that world suffering those burdens and not have the beginning of the film, and Elizabeth Olsen, the filmmaker is not unaware of the seemingly said in no uncertain terms that some connection.” There are some fine perfor- who plays the young, inexperienced FBI offi- unbridgeable distance between his experience you cannot fight for economic mances by Indigenous actors, including Graham cer, Jane Banner, who comes onto the reserve, and that of the people who were forced to accept justice without fighting for racial Greene, Tantoo Cardinal and Gil Birmingham, a since homicide on reserve is deemed a federal this land of ‘cold and snow’ as their own by the justice at the same time. He Comanche actor who plays the grieving father. crime. colonizers. implored the thousands of Birmingham also appeared in Hell or High There is much about jurisdiction of the There is much to like and respect about this delegates of every race and Water as a half-Comanche, half-Mexican Texas various police who become involved in the film: the harsh beauty of the winter landscape, background to build the unity Ranger, playing Jeff Bridges’ partner to great case. It becomes clear that the Indigenous law the great pacing and tension of a traditional necessary for the workers’ effect. enforcement officers, although they have the thriller, the gritty and realistic portrayal of life movement to fight back and win Wind River involved Indigenous collaboration most knowledge about their own community on the reserve and the way it shapes character, against the elites who are trying on many levels. Leaders from the Wind River and would presumably know the best way to the spotlight it shines on the violence perpetrat- to divide and weaken us. He Nations — the Eastern Shoshone and Northern proceed, are sidelined by the whole colonial set- ed on Indigenous women. made it clear that the organized Arapaho — read the script and visited the set. up of control and contain. However, it is much to be hoped that we working class has a huge The Tunica-Biloxi tribe of Louisiana provided Sheridan is not unaware of the irony. When will have the chance to see mainstream films in responsibility to take on bigotry, 90 percent of the film’s budget, with money al- Jane makes a request for FBI backup, realizing the future where Indigenous writers, actors & and that the collective power to located solely for the telling of Native American she is out of her depth, Graham Greene, playing directors can tell their own stories and be at the fight and overcome is there if we stories. the Indigenous police chief, schools her in the centre of these stories. do not allow people like Trump to divide us one from another. The people of Boston and Vancouver showed how that can be done, rallying thousands in A redder shade of green response to actions by the far right. The Boston rally was led by by Valerie Lannon of the concept of the anthropocene, a geological African country adopts a one-child policy, the a banner saying “Which Side Are term describing the current epoch, displacing drive to global climate catastrophe won’t slow You On”, an old labour slogan. A Redder Shade of Green by Marxist Ian Angus the Holocene epoch of the previous 10,000 – down one bit. It’s a simple question and is a must-read book for everyone wanting a just 12,000 years, when life was most physically 45,000 responded, showing that society and a sustainable environment. Angus habitable for humans. Earth scientists argue Red and Green together at last when masses of people come states “Red and green together are the colours of that the factors that have made life habitable are After chapters on loss of biodiversity and out they can shut down and ecosocialism… there can be no true ecological now undergoing significant, different pressures ocean acidification, Angus moves on to the fifth demoralize the right. revolution that is not socialist, and no true so- (all of which are produced by humans) and the part of the book, entitled Toward an Ecological Labour is playing an important cialist revolution that is not ecological” – hence measurements of these factors show remarkable Civilization. role. The Toronto and York the name of the book. changes starting around 1950. Here he links the fight for socialism with the Region Labour Council has He is interested in fostering an interest in fight for climate justice. He cites specific steps formed a Rapid Response Team earth science among socialists. The book “The population bombers” that have been identified by many activists – to to challenge the bigots when focuses on debates among environmentalists, A chapter in Part Three takes on the “popu- leave fossil fuels in the ground, stop agribusi- they try to rally at city hall, and scientists and socialists who otherwise have in lationist” argument that continues to be raised ness, stop super-extraction (of forests and Hamilton is doing the same. common grave concerns about the state of the no matter how many times it is disputed. oceans), increase public transport, stop warfare, In Toronto, labour packed city planet. The book’s chapters are articles previ- According to the argument made prominent etc. hall chambers on March 21st, ously written for his web journal Climate and by Paul Ehrlich’s 1968 book The Population The book’s brief chapters lend the book well the Day for the Elimination Capitalism. Bomb, population growth is the primary cause to use by a reading or study group. of Racial Discrimination. The of environmental destruction, and the solution is Other strongly recommended books by Society of Energy Professionals Understanding science population reduction. Espoused by some envi- Angus include Facing the Anthropocene: Fossil has started a campaign against He begins by reminding us of how seriously ronmentalists, it is also a popular argument with capitalism and the crisis of the earth system and Islamophobia. Other unions Marx and Engels paid attention to the leading racist and anti-immigrant groups. Those who (co-authored with Simon Butler) Too Many Peo- must do the same showing that natural scientists and scientific discoveries of espouse the argument see no alternative way of ple? Population, Immigration, and the Environ- they will not tolerate racism their day. With Trump scrapping the US Federal organizing production or distributing goods and mental Crisis, in which they de-bunk arguments and bigotry, and work with all of Advisory Committee for the Sustained National services. But Angus states: about population size as the major contributor to their members to do the work Climate Assessment, the call for us to be more If the birth rate in Iraq or Afghanistan falls the climate crisis. necessary to build a more just like Marx and Engels is timely. to zero, the U.S. military – the world’s worst • Stay tuned for other reviews of books on climate society. He then takes up debates around the validity polluter – will not use a gallon less oil. If every justice written from a Marxist perspective.

September 2017 Socialist Worker 7 9 6

7 7 2 0 0 6 8 6 2 9 6 7 0 $2 | No 596 | September 2017 | socialist.ca Solidarity with Swissport workers by Pam Frache

On August 23, the more than 700 members of Teamsters Local 419 voted over 98% to reject the latest contract offer by the multinational Swissport. These brave union members, many of whom are workers of colour, newcomers, and – cer- tainly among cabin cleaners – women, have been on strike since July 27. They provide cru- cial services to more than 30 airlines and are essential to the safe and efficient operation of flight service at Pearson International Airport, Canada’s largest workplace. Although these workers are federally regulat- ed, so most provisions of Bill 148 would not automatically apply, the federal law establishes the minimum wage as the one prevailing in the province where the work is done. If adopted, Ontario’s Bill 148 would increase the minimum wage to $14 by January 1, 2018 and to $15 by January 1, 2019 for federally-regulated workers in Ontario. In this sense, Swissport’s demand for con- cessions is related to the broader Fight for $15 and Fairness. As reported to Socialist Worker, Workers are taking on multinational Swissport at Toronto International Airport among the many offensive provisions of Swis- sport’s “offer” was a maximum wage of $14 an labour and community support, especially since workers, since they have neither the training nor national Airport is a key economic hub and the hour for certain employees – a move that would two-thirds of Ontarians already believe all the experience to fully protect themselves – or workers there have enormous economic power. have capped the wages of many union members workers should be earning at least $15 an hour. the public. Pearson is run by the Greater Toronto Airports after years of service. In this diabolical move, Swissport is also demanding cuts in benefits This situation underscores how employers Authority, a not-for-profit entity established Swissport hoped to transform a higher minimum and concessions on scheduling, even though treat temporary agency workers (themselves by the federal government. That body has the wage floor into a wage ceiling for union mem- the current contract provisions are modest – often newcomers and workers of colour) as power to set minimum labour standards as a bers. Instead of a working class victory, these just four days notice of shifts are required. (For disposable, and singles them out for the most condition of granting operating rights to compa- Teamsters would have experienced Bill 148 as provincially regulated workers, Bill 148 would dangerous jobs. Injury rates among temporary nies doing business at Pearson we can demand a truncheon used against them, which would, in provide all workers with the right to refuse agency workers are notoriously high. Already, that the GTAA – and other airport authorities turn, weaken class solidarity and exacerbate di- shifts assigned with less than four days notice Teamsters Local 419 has reported numerous and across Canada – do exactly that. visions between union and non-union workers. and employers would have to pay workers for serious workplace injuries and accidents, in- We cannot allow these workers to fight alone. Instead, all workers at Pearson should be at least three hours if employees are expected cluding a near-miss when a temp agency worker We all have a stake in the outcome of this strike. at least $15 an hour or more right now – and to be on call or if shifts are cancelled at the was almost “ingested into the engine.” Health It is urgent that we show Swissport – and the any future increases in the provincial minimum last minute.) and safety is obviously a crucial issue and this GTAA – what a united, working-class move- wage should accrue to all workers in the collec- Clearly, Swissport is giving the two-finger sa- strike is as much about passenger safety as it is ment can really do. tive agreement, regardless of whether they are at lute to workers, public safety and even pending about workers’ rights. or above the official minimum wage. provincial laws. In so doing, Swissport is delib- Swissport is a huge, profitable multinational • Join the solidarity rally Sunday, September 3 As we saw with food services workers at York erately endangering the lives of the temporary corporation that is drawing a line in the sand at 1:00 pm, at Terminal 3, Departures. For more University, this kind of demand could galvanize agency workers they are using as replacement at the YYZ. At the same time, Pearson Inter- information: bit.ly/TeamstersNEWS Disability Pride: grassroots and staying that way by Melissa Graham other “isms”. Disabled and Mad people are as passionate organizers. Each of us have our own diverse as the communities they come from, and lived experience as members of the Disabled It’s that time of year again, disabled and mad in a city that tries so hard to pride itself on diver- and Mad communities. folks are taking to the streets of Toronto to re- sity, it’s really important that we recognize the We march without any public funds, so we mind the ruling class that we are still here, and sexism, poverty, homophobia, white suprema- can continue to be a voice for our communi- still fighting back against our oppression. cy, Islamophobia, transphobia and all the forms ties year-round. Even when we’re not march- I’m proud to say that the International So- of oppression that intersect and amplify with ing we continue to speak out against racism, cialists have supported this march from the very ableism and sanism throughout our daily lives poverty, and oppression of Disabled and Mad beginning. In times such as these our oppression and call it out for what it is. people. often gets overlooked. The oppression of Dis- Our awesome speakers reflect also that reality We’ve spoken up for the Fight for $15, and abled and Mad people happens more quietly and through their lived experience. We have a great for those bringing attention to Indigenous youth is harder to see. This is why we march loudly line up of speakers this year, and more informa- suicides. We can only win a better world when and proudly year after year. tion about that will be posted on our website, we support each other. Disabled people can be a strong community TDPM.org. here in Toronto, but our strength comes from We started grassroots, and we’re staying that • Please join us for the 7th annual Toronto the harmony of our collective voices, and when way. This march got started during the Occupy Disability Pride March on Saturday September we hold up those most marginalized above us Movement as an effort to represent some of the 23rd starting at Queen’s Park at 1:00 PM. in equity. voices that were not being represented. Our or- You can find out more about the march at It’s about the ableism, the sanism, and all the ganizing team is made up of me and three other TDPM.org.