Québec Election: BREAKTHROUGH for QUEBEC SOLIDAIRE

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$2 | No 609 | October 2018 | socialist.ca Québec Election: BREAKTHROUGH FOR QUEBEC SOLIDAIRE

Co-spokespeople Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois and Mannon Massé at the QS party in Montreal. The party took 10 seats in the election. Photo twitter - Québec Solidaire

he two parties that have traded power status. To make matters worse for the PQ their and increased their vote percentage from 7 to How did they do it? According to Benoit in Quebec for generations, the Liberals leader Jean-Francois Lisée lost his own seat 16%. In some places, the QS victory was not Renaud, candidate for QS in Hull, “By put- and the Parti Quebecois, were both in Rosemont to Québec Solidaire candidate even close. Catherine Dorion, won the riding of ting forward proposals that were concrete and Tkicked to the kerb in the October 1st Vincent Marissal. Taschereau in Québec city by more than 8,500 specific that resonated with ordinary people, election. Quebec voted overwhelmingly for change. votes over her nearest rival from the CAQ. we managed to reach people who want real The Liberals crashed from a 70 seat majori- It is unfortunate that most of that sentiment This is a dramatic change for QS and for change.” ty to 32 seats (the worst showing since 1975). went to the conservative Coalition Avenir the left in Québec. An explicitly and unapol- The CAQ victory will, no doubt, result in Their share of the vote fell from 41.5% to about Québec (CAQ), but it would be a mistake to ogetically left platform has yielded significant more austerity and a further emboldening of 25%, a catastrophic collapse. Never since underestimate the breakthrough of Québec results. They were mercilessly attacked over the far right. But having a mass organized Confederation have the Liberals taken less than Solidaire, from 3 seats all on Montreal the last weeks of the race. There was both a fighting left force to challenge them puts the 30% of the vote. They ran on their economic Island, to 10. This includes two seats in campaign of red-baiting and a full court press situation in Quebec far ahead of where the left record – which proved to be a mistake. Their Québec City, one in Sherbrooke and one in by many big name PQ luminaries and former is in most parts of the country. neo-liberal economic policies of austerity cer- Rouyn-Noranda-Témiscamingue. sovereigntist leaders to denounce the party. Monique Moisan, who participated in the tainly didn’t appeal to working Quebecois. As Manon Massé, co-leader of QS stated in The English media painted QS as a dangerous founding of QS, said “It is a good thing we And the Parti Quebecois collapsed from 30 her victory speech, “Québec solidaire is not party and almost exclusively focused on the began building 15 years ago. We knew a right- seats to 9, with a fall from 25.4 % of the vote to just a party of the Plateau of Montreal.” question of sovereignty rather than discuss the ward wind was blowing across the country.” about 17 %. That means a loss of official party QS managed to get almost 650,000 votes rest of their platform. article continues on page 2 Next steps for the left Saron in Québec Gebresellassi for ...continued from page 1 change front and centre and the other an audacious campaign can also be Mayor of Toronto three parties had to try and match popular. We lead in the polls among QS has always been a different type the ambitious program that QS put one-third of voters: 18-34 and the win of party, explicitly campaigning not forward. The CAQ, which had been of five women and five men [MLAs] just during elections but in the years talking about support for fracking is just an electoral start. We can defeat between. It is a party of both the suddenly stopped mentioning that and the CAQ in the streets and our show ballot box and the street. How will tried to put their own energy policy on of force outside of Montreal will they respond to the CAQ challenge? the back burner. be what tones down and ultimately Benoit Renaud went on to say that for the next steps, QS will, “organize people in the workplace and in the street, because it’s great to elect people to the National Assembly, but we need to continue between elections.” As Catherine Dorion told supporters on election night, “Stay mobilized!” Over the course of the campaign QS was able to shift the entire discussion to the left and forced the other parties to retreat from some of their more hard right policies. On the question of climate change for Unique among Toronto mayoralty new police officers”), employment example, the QS platform was clear candidates with a platform, outside the city’s core, mental from the beginning. Saron Gebresellassi has proven health and accessibility services, At mid-campaign QS unveiled its credentials supporting ordinary and the right to diversity in city detailed green transition plan, towards QS candidates celebrate in Gatineau workers, including workers of politics and hiring. a complete break with fossil fuels colour. A vote for her sends a signal But it is not her specific platform and electrification of both public and On other economic issues QS also defeats Legault.” of support for Toronto’s diverse that earns her our endorsement so private transit. Highway development shifted the debate. They put out an The youth vote was crucial for QS. working class. An outspoken much as her track record in support would be ended, 38 new subway online financial tool to calculate how This is the generation of the Maple supporter of the $15 and Fairness of the working class, especially stations in the Montreal region would much better off the average person Spring, who fought and won against Campaign, Gebresellassi is a among those who are racialized or be initiated, and 300,000 green jobs would be under QS policies—which rising tuition and in the process successful labour and human rights otherwise marginalized. While her would be created by investment in include public dental insurance, free unleashed a movement that touched lawyer. She is the go-to solicitor for candidacy did not arise as obvious- public transit and by nationalizing education through to doctorate, half- every part of Quebec society. As co- Black Lives Matter Toronto and has ly from the movements as, for ex- lithium mines to develop battery price public transit, and an immediate leader Manon Massé said in her speech, won cases for Gilary Massa (fired ample, Jean Swanson in Vancouver, production, reuse and recycling. raise of the minimum wage from $12 “A new generation is starting to find while on maternity leave from her appeal lies in her identifica- The goal is to diminish carbon to $15, and 4 weeks of vacation to its place, a generation that is tired of Ryerson University) and workers tion with workers and people of emissions by 48% from 1990 levels all workers employed after 2 years. having its future mortgaged. It has not of colour in the Ontario public colour. Ideally her campaign would by 2030, and by 95% by 2050. In All of this is costed and paid for by known the cynicism of bitter defeats, service. The latter case resulted flow from and help build a larger order to achieve this, QS would put in a QS proposal to tax corporations it is prepared to pick up the torch. It is in a moratorium on suspensions progressive movement, which, place $19.4 billion in a first mandate and high-income earners, and to find time to make room for them.” for such workers given the proven unfortunately, is not happening at and 73 billion between now and 2030. savings in areas that currently favour With a CAQ majority, the October discrimination in their cases. this time. This forced the other parties to the economic elite. 7 antiracism demo takes on a new Her “Six for the 6ix” platform Despite this limitation, the respond to the QS platform. In the Nora Loreto, a QS activist in urgency. François Legault tried to calls for 20,000 units of affordable International Socialists group is immediate aftermath of the tornados Quebec City, told Socialist Worker fuel anti-immigrant sentiment in the housing over the next four years, happy to endorse her candidacy. in Ottawa and Gatineau, all the party the election was an, “Historic campaign. The movement on the free public transit, fairer spending Vote for Saron Gebresellassi on leaders went to the storm ravaged breakthrough… Quebec solidaire ground will be critical to fighting back to generate 1,000 new jobs for October 22. region to look at the damage. The didn’t just go from 3 to 10 [seats], as the CAQ pushes divide and conquer youth in low-income neighbour- For more information visit saron- storm had put the question of climate though it did, but we proved that policies. hoods (“as opposed to hiring 200 formayor.ca Support free and accessible transit in Ottawa and across Canada

by Thomas Pierlot cies that fail to address the dangers creased pollution, frustration, and use will need to be phased out. suggested increasing parking fees, posed by climate change. The wasted time—as commuters spend Free transit thus has to be seen as imposing charges on developers At $3.50, fares for Ottawa’s public Campaign for Free and Accessible an average of close to 80 hours per part of a larger project to recon- for the costs of investments in city transit service OC Transpo are Transit is organizing to counter year sitting in traffic delays. struct how people get around, both infrastructure required by their the most expensive of any major this. Started as an initiative of Compared to most alternative in Ottawa and across the country. projects, shifting some of the mon- city in Canada. The annual cost Solidarity Ottawa, the campaign transit options, automobiles are In order to build an activist base ey spent on roads to public transit, of a transit pass in Ottawa is joined the Healthy Transit Coali- significantly more toxic for the the campaign is hosting a series of and finally, some increases in $1,400 per person, and even the tion in early 2018, and has grown environment, put a larger strain rider’s forums in selected neigh- property taxes. In order to achieve Equipass (intended to make transit to include activists from a variety on social infrastructure, and put borhoods, aiming to found an in- the improvements in public transit more affordable for low-income of backgrounds. The campaign commuters and pedestrians at dependent and democratically-run required to make the transition residents), costs almost $700 a advocates for universal, fare-free greater risk of injury or death from city-wide rider’s association that away from a car-based transporta- year. For all this expense, Ottawa public transit in Ottawa, in order road accidents. And yet, automo- can fight for the interest of transit tion system, the campaign rightly residents put up with buses that are to improve mobility and quality of bile use is effectively subsidized users across Ottawa. In addition, argues that provincial and federal frequently late, early, or canceled, life for low-income and vulnera- as a result of economic policy the campaign is reaching out to governments will need to provide and endure wait times of up to half ble people, and as part of broader and the inability of the capitalist the Amalgamated Transit Union additional funding. an hour. Large areas of the city are strategy to fight climate change. system to account for the wider (ATU), which represents Ottawa The project to replace a so underserved that car ownership social effects of individual choices bus drivers, with the aim to form a profit-driven, systemically is almost a necessity for many. As Strategy and economic transactions. So it rider-driver alliance to fight driver irrational, expensive, dangerous if these issues weren’t bad enough, Multiple studies have demon- is not surprising that more than layoffs and improve service. and ecologically unsustainable the city of Ottawa plans to raise strated that removing the fare box simply removing the fare box Perhaps the most significant car-centered transportation system fares by 2.5% per year in order to on its own will not be enough to is required. For this reason, the objection to fare-free public transit with a public transit system that pay for the costs of its new light get people out of their cars and campaign is arguing for significant is cost. In Ottawa the elimination is efficient, accessible to all, safe, rail system. into public transit. At an individual improvements in service that will of transit fares would require the and ecologically sustainable is The city of Ottawa, in raising level, the use of an automobile make public transit a more viable city to generate roughly $180 something all socialists should be the prices for public transit, laying seems to provide the commuter alternative to car ownership. million per year to cover the able to support. off bus drivers in anticipation of with a fast and convenient way At the same time, the campaign budget shortfall. That comes out to For more information visit the light rail, and leaving significant to get around. But as automobile recognizes that to fully realize the approximately $200 per person per Campaign for Free/Accessible portions of the city underserved, is usage increases, the overall effect potential of free public transit, the year for every Ottawa resident. To Public Transit at: facebook.com/ pursuing a shortsighted set of poli- for the population as a whole is in- policies that subsidize automobile cover this cost, the campaign has freetransitottawa/

2 Socialist Worker October 2018 Swedish election The rise of the far right by Åsa Hjalmers and Patrik Vulkan in the top five in the three previous two years Sweden went from having and so on. There are probably also openly racist statements, or make elections. This year the economy the most open borders to the most economic factors at play. Over 100 fascist associations to keep their The results of the Swedish elections dropped down from third to seventh closed ones. The right wing press in 000 industrial jobs disappeared in extremist supporters on board. are very worrying but not surprising. place, and refugees and immigration particular are going all out to claim the last economic crisis, something What about the left? The Left They follow the European trend with that SD is no more extreme than the rarely talked about. A typical voter is party gained votes, going up from a growing far right and a downward left party, and should be a support rural, male and working class. In this 5.7 to 8%, and are increasing their spiralling social democracy. Yet it is party to the Moderates. The right election SD gained votes across class membership rapidly. They now worth taking a closer look to try to wing strategy for dealing with racists barriers; from the Moderates in rich have 25 000 members, 5000 that find a way out of the current impasse. is essentially to be better racists areas and from the Social Democrats have joined since June this year. themselves. in more working class ones. This The Green party and the Feminist The centre cannot hold Under no circumstances should mixed class basis in SD is reflected Initiative together lost 5.1% of votes The politics of the centre has the left underestimate the serious and in that 58% of those who voted but the Left party did not manage to come to an end. The last decades fascist nature of SD, yet keep a level for the party consider themselves take up that slack, so the red block have been dominated by Third way head. There have been attempts to rightwing, 8% leftwing and the rest lost votes overall. The problem politics where every party clamors downplay the racism and see them neither. for the left party is that they have for the centre. In this election both of as a party of discontent, and that we When it comes to local politics also been wedded to the neoliberal the two main parties, the conser- have to listen to their voters’ ‘con- their voters are likely concerned economic model, and not really seen vative Moderates and the Social appeared for the first time in the top cerns’ about migration. But SD is of about welfare issues but the answer as a radical alternative. The Left Democrats, lost votes, leading to a ten. Crime has also moved up the course not really interested in migra- to every question is immigration. Party would do well to campaign on situation where neither block can list even though reported crime is tion, it is only interested in creating This is how they hold together the feeling that things are not going proclaim themselves the winner. actually going down. If there are no a more racist society and over time despite their class basis. SD will pull in the right direction but that the Both blocks are wedded to the neo- real economic alternatives the SD to build a fascist movement. With in two directions as soon as class working class should kick up and liberal economic consensus which narrative about immigration being the growth of SD comes also the politics take centre stage. not down. The clearest winners in has meant privatizations, deregula- the root to all problems can gain a rise of more open nazi organisations At the moment SD’s strategy this election have been the parties tion, no budget deficit and a more hearing. (Alternative for Sweden, National is to get power locally and show that represent the clearest ideological insecure labour market. Sweden has The biggest winner in the Democrats etc.) who strive to push themselves to be “fit to rule” and to alternatives to the neoliberal middle the fastest growing income gap of election was thus the racist Sweden the political agenda even further to replicate strategies from the labour of the road. It is also noteworthy that all the OECD-countries and is now Democrats, even though they had the right. movement with stalls, leafleting, the Social Democrats only managed a haven for the rich. Many voters expected an even higher result There is little evidence to suggest meetings and having their own press to recover some of their losses when clearly don’t want more of the same. (up 4.6 % to 17.5%). SD is still a that SD’s vote actually went up as (something the Social Democrats they late in the election campaign The problem is the alternative. pariah among the other political a result of immigration in itself, are lacking). They are very confident shifted to promote welfare improve- At the moment the racist Sweden parties, but not for long. Journalists but rather a feeling that things are at present feeling no need to hide ments rather than law and order. Democrats are managing to control constantly discuss how SD will get not going in the right direction (a behind a veneer of respectability, Too little and too late to change the the debate, as illustrated in the the influence they crave, without concern they share with Left Party ensuring they have both representa- current balance of power, but an in- voters’ list of the key issues. The realizing they already have a tight voters) and blaming it on immi- tives that have a softer approach and dication of what class based politics economy and employment have been grip of the political agenda. In just grants/refugees/Muslims/Roma those that every now and then make could achieve. Debate exposes “free speech” farce

LEFT JAB and gross benefits for the rich. In advisor, and self-identified racist. to home a “party of the ballot box Granting a platform for unrepen- 1978 the average American CEO A dedicated white-supremacist and and the street” like Quebec Solidaire tant white-supremacist hate speech by John Bell took home about 30 times what the master manipulator like Bannon – people can be won to it. In the is unconscionable. The money and average worker earned. Today that knows that any media exposure ad- Quebec election the clear anti-pov- ideology behind the Munk debates lmost 100 years ago W gap has risen to over 271 times. vances his cause. It doesn’t matter erty and pro-environment politics of is unswervingly pro-corporate and B Yeats wrote a poem Working people see that obscene whether what he says is true, as long QS moved the whole debate to the doesn’t care who “wins” such a de- called The Second Coming gap; our instinct is to blame the as his “passionate intensity” is given left, eroded support for the anti-im- bate, as long as the outcome weak- Athat seems to capture the bosses, but the far-right intercedes sway. migrant CAQ, and put capitalism ens any real alternative based in essence of the world around us today. with convincing fictions to make us itself on trial. workers’ empowerment. It spoke of a world where “Things doubt our own experience. If the Ontario NDP had run such A successful Bannon appear- fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Fascism and the far-right offer a campaign, instead of hedging its ance will strengthen the far-right in / Mere anarchy is loosed upon the easy but false answers: the prob- bets and trying to drag us all back to this country. It is designed to give world” and where “The best lack all lem is immigrants/Jews/Blacks/ a non-existent centre, we might not them confidence and legitimize re- conviction, while the worst / Are full Muslims/women/LGBTQ people – be dealing with a Doug Ford gov- cruitment. That is not an abstract of passionate intensity.” anybody but the bosses. Capitalism ernment, flirting with the far-right, danger: it will result in vandalized Now, as then, capitalism is in is a system that has always fostered refusing to denounce a Nazi mayoral synagogues, increased gay-bash- crisis. Global warming is grim real- divide and conquer as the secret to candidate, and moving to impose a ing, physical and verbal assaults on ity. Economies falter as the richest its success. Small wonder that the blitz of austerity cuts and privatiza- Muslims, domestic abuse and more. horde their wealth rather than invest far-right amplifies these ready-made tion of public assets. Worst, it normalized the ideology – they have no faith in the future of divisions to a fever pitch. of racism and fascism behind banal their system. The rest work longer And small wonder that main- False debate words like “populism”. In the pro- and harder but cannot make a gain. stream media and politicians award Although plenty of liberals and This is the background for cess the terrain of public debate – the Our young have no expectations of a fascists a platform to preach hate, mainstream conservatives support November’s upcoming Munk centre populated by media pundits better future. Our elderly are robbed and public space and police protec- the abstract idea of “free speech”, Debate featuring Bannon vs con- and politicians – shifts inexorably of their pensions, the promise made tion to organize on the street and act that Bannon somehow deserves a servative pundit and former George to the right. The centre cannot hold. to them by the system they toiled to out its violence. platform because their “good” ideas W Bush speechwriter, David Frum. There is an alternative. There are build. would defeat his “bad” ones, more On one side the man who coined the electoral alternatives, like QS, that In 1919 Yeats described a world Free speech or hate people not only disagree, they act. phrase “axis of evil” and shaped a can slow the rightward tilt and win where the centre could not hold. speech Recently, when the New Yorker propaganda campaign of lies that workers to a position that challenges Crisis bred a polarization: which There are those who believe the magazine offered Bannon top bill- dragged the world into war. On the the essence of capitalism. class solution would prevail? centre can be rebuilt and defended ing at its speakers’ festival, other other the man who addressed the And there needs to be a grass- Working class revolution was in the by their reasonableness and wit; they participants refused to share the French neo-Nazi National Front, roots democratic activist alternative wind, but organization was fragile. invite the far right to speak under the platform with him. Readers rushed saying: “Let them call you racists. on the street, organized to shut down Capitalism turned to fascism to illusion that fascism can be defeat- to cancel their subs. New Yorker Let them call you xenophobes... events like the Bannon event. We defeat it. Unchecked, it will do so ed by exposing its “bad” ideas. But writers and staff expressed their Wear it as a badge of honor. Because must rob our enemies of their pas- again. Yeats put his finger on this error: outrage. Management was forced to every day, we get stronger and they sionate intensity, and reclaim it for the worst advance because of their dump Bannon – a clear victory. get weaker.” ourselves. That starts with shutting Rise of the right passionate intensity. Is there a better The fact is, when coherent argu- As the satire website, the down the Munk debate farce, and “The centre cannot hold” because description of Donald Trump’s ap- ments are made to pose a left alter- Beaverton observed: “Munk running Steve Bannon out of town. it has come to mean only increasing peal, or of Doug Ford’s? native that doesn’t pretend to prop Debates: Steve Bannon and David That will be a setback for the far austerity, with attacks on the lives Enter Steve Bannon – the found- up a discredited centre – a Jeremy Frum to debate whether hate crimes right, for Doug Ford and a real victo- and welfare of the most vulnerable, er of Breibart news, former Trump Corbyn, a Bernie Sanders, or closer are better than war crimes.” ry for freedom of speech and protest.

October 2018 Socialist Worker 3 Fighting the Ford agenda

Ford’s campus speech crusade is an attack on education and community freedoms Ford and the fight for $15 by Kevin Taghabon similarly to Ford, perhaps exposing lent increase to the 30% rebate in by Jesse Mclaren It was the movement that put $15 Election to two thirds of people and 42% of in the legislature. a lack of cross-campus student and public investment in universities on the agenda and fought for fairness To win the Tory nomination Doug Conservative voters. Ford will move against Bill 148 Ontario Premier Doug Ford is academic solidarity. University of - perhaps to lower tuition fees - The situation looks dire. On Sept 7 and that pushed the Liberals to intro- Ford spoke to their base—railing any day now, provoking another demanding that universities and Toronto president Meric Gertler would have been much harder to the Chamber of Commerce called the duce Bill 148 in May. This provoked against sex ed, abortion, refugees, Ford government series of reactions. Some thought colleges across the province adopt welcomed Ford’s move, arguing dismantle. immediate repeal of all of 148. On another series of reactions. The the climate and promising the stop But the 1% is wasting no time we would never have to defend $15 so-called “free speech” policies, or that U of T’s policies already re- Ford’s austerity-championing Sept 14 the Labour Minister promised backlash could make some assume the $15/hr minimum wage. But if he asking for swift action against low and fairness because Ford never risk losing funding. The province flect Ford’s wishes. Meanwhile, government may use “free speech” to stop $15/hr min wage. Any day the we couldn’t win or to place hopes in campaigned on stopping the $15/hr wage workers. Ford was elected campaigned against these issues. has put forward the University of the Council of Ontario Universities as a smokescreen for public cuts. government will move to revoke Bill the NDP. But they dismissed Bill 148 minimum wage he would alienate the evening of June 7. At 7:20am on This includes the 42% of Tory voters, Chicago Statement on Principles released a statement praising Ford’s Post-secondary institutions that do 148, and with a majority government as a Liberal election ploy rather than 40% of tory voters who support it. So June 8, Financial Post published the many of them workers angry at years of Free Expression as the exemplar free speech inquisition and prom- not comply with Ford’s dictate have who can stop them? leading a fight to support and extend instead he campaigned on populist article “Now let’s undo the damage of Liberal austerity who support $15/ of strong speech policies. The ising to “work closely with gov- been threatened as such. The actual But the experience of the past the gains. slogans about being “premier for of Wynne’s cruel and unfair mini- hr and took Ford at his word that he Ford government, which only ernment.” Of course, the apparent mechanism by which the defunding year—from the passing of Bill 148, to So the movement continued mobi- the people” supporting the little guy mum-wage crusade” claiming pover- would support people. These people occasionally brought this issue conservative principles of “small would take place is unclear. This the backlash against $15, and the elec- lizing to pass Bill 148 and to support against the elites at Queen’s Park. ty wages are a form of social justice. can be mobilized to defend $15/ during the campaign, introduced government” and non-interfer- authoritarian tactic of suppression tion—shows that gains can be won or the broader movement, like striking Despite new claims that the Tories are This shows how conscious the 1% hr—not if we dismiss them as stupid the policy in a response to what ence fall by the wayside when the has been employed by Trump and ripped away, and what matters is not college faculty. Bill 148 was a huge fulfilling their promise to freeze the is about using oppression to sharp- Ford voters but if we mobilize on they say is a chilling of expression opportunity is presented to strike other faux “free speech” warriors the composition inside the legislature victory for the movement. Not only a wage, they never campaigned on this en exploitation—to drive down the class lines. on campus. powerfully against their political to bully universities. During Ford’s but the movements outside. major minimum wage increase the 1% and voters never voted for this. wages of disabled, migrant and older Some say we can’t fight because opponents. premiership campaign he did not ar- had fought against—and the Liberals Ford’s fake populism would have workers and to divide and conquer Ford is all powerful, judging by the Manufactured crisis ticulate what he thought free speech Legislation: Bill 148 had said was out of scope—but also disintegrated had he been confronted the working class as a whole. Now composition of the legislature. This In reality, the University Chicago Accelerating privatization violations would be. That we even have $15 and PEL days, equal pay, fairer schedul- on $15 minimum wage. But neither Ford wants to move against $15 ignores every victory the campaign Principles of Free Expression are a The government of Ontario still Fairness demands to defend is ing, and easier unionization. the Liberals nor the NDP did so. Three minimum wage and all the other has achieved—from putting $15 on deeply ideological tool of the right spends significantly on universities, Community opposition a victory for movement. As the Despite six months of media times the leaders debated and three gains of Bill 148, and the Tories have the agenda when the Liberals didn’t wing. Two of the points cited on the but the percentage of funds com- But Ford’s policy could backfire. Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel backlash against the higher minimum times there was silence on the most a majority inside the legislature. But want it, to winning Bill 148 amidst a province’s website are, “the uni- ing from the government, i.e. the Ford’s anti-educator snitch line for Association, the industry group wage, Angus Reid poll in December significant minimum wage increase they don’t have a majority outside, media backlash, to defending workers versity/college should not attempt public, versus students, i.e. private, public school teachers has been the lobbying to keep hotel workers in found 60% people across Ontario across North America. and they don’t have a mandate for from the Tim Hortons billionaires, to shield students from ideas or has shifted dramatically. Neoliberal target of organizing campaigns by poverty, explained “On May 30, support $15/hr—including two thirds to widespread mobilizing after the opinions that they disagree with or schemes coated in a veneer of prog- pro-educator, pro-sex ed activists. 2017, Ontario’s hospitality industry of women (who are disproportionately election—including 20 actions last find offensive,” and, “while- mem ress, like the 30% tuition rebate Institutions that are truly interested was in disbelief when the provincial paid minimum wage), and even 40% weekend asking to Ford to fulfill the bers of the university/college are program introduced by Wynne, in the well being of their students government announced the proposed of Conservative voters. only promise he made during the free to criticize and contest views have been uncritically passed on as will instead dedicate themselves to legislation of Bill 148, which included campaign and what people actually expressed on campus, they may beneficial. ensuring that hateful and violent fig- a raise in minimum wage to $14/hr Economic backlash voted for: stand up to corporate elites, not obstruct or interfere with the During the tenure of Dalton ures are not used as lightning rods come January 1, 2018 and $15/hr on On January 1, the minimum wage which means protecting the $15 mini- freedom of others to express their McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne’s for organizing bigotry, and that there January 1, 2019…The minimum wage increased, and on January 3 news mum wage and new workplace rights views.” One could make the disin- Liberals, Ontario’s public univer- is no interference with an organized was not reviewed in the changing broke that Tim Hortons franchises of Bill 148. genuous argument under this direc- sities became de-facto private in- response from the community. workplaces review and took many were cutting paid breaks and benefits. Some say we have to put our tive that trans or Black-only spaces stitutions. Ontario now ranks dead Beyond the defiance of certain industries and businesses by surprise.” This was not just a random mom faith in change from above—from on campus violate the first point, last in per-student funding from the professors institutions, one can Big businesses felt betrayed. The and pop independent business but proportional representation, to legal despite their obvious merit in the province’s grants, receiving 60-70% imagine the law being futile under Liberals were the party of Bay Street, the billionaire heirs to Tim Hortons challenges, to next election. But it campus community. of the funding levels of other prov- community action. What does the and had increased tuition, closed fortune, who sent the memo of the We need to redouble our efforts to fight for $15 and fairness wasn’t PR that won Bill 148, it wasn’t Further, the second point is a inces. Perhaps the most obnoxious province propose will be done hospitals, ignored climate crisis clawbacks from their winter resort in a legal challenge that defended Tim fundamental misunderstanding of lie to students on this issue was the when, for example, an oil executive and repeatedly frozen the minimum Florida—not only reversed the wage For the NDP they had opposed the austerity. Hortons workers or won for York the role of protest. Political pro- Ontario Liberal Party falsely saying is denied a pulpit at a college known wage. When it came to the Changing increase but lowered overall pay low- $14/hr minimum wage last election, If you look at the election results, food service workers, the recent tests are by their nature meant to No platform for nazis even if Ford likes what they say time and again that tuition fees had for environmental education? Will Workplaces Review they repeatedly er than before. So the figurehead of were late to supporting $15 and fair- 40% of people didn’t vote at all—an election didn’t challenge Ford on the be disruptive. The freely expressed been eliminated for a segment of the cavalry come with riot gear to said that raising the minimum wage one of Canada’s most iconic business ness and were worried that any sup- understandable reaction to the record minimum wage, and we can’t wait message by the attendees is usu- ing been photographed with white on art, surveillance, and Canadian students. Tuition is absolutely not force the speech to happen, against was “out of scope”. chains was punishing their low wage port would build the liberals instead. of prior governments. Of those who another four years. ally “we oppose this”—like pro- nationalist mayoral candidate and history. CFE director James Turk free. the wishes of the students at that One reaction was to accept their workers—predominantly people of NDP governments in power also tend did vote, 60% voted for parties who Every gain the movement has tests that drove white supremacist DailyStormer guest Faith Goldy wrote a scathing rejection of the Any rational student would take very campus? If a public figure is terms and not fight to raise minimum colour—for a pay raise to undermine to conform to the status quo like BC supported $15 min wage, and of those won has been from below through Faith Goldy off campus. Ford is recently. province’s bully policy titled, the rebate. System-wide, however, known by the community to be so wage. Another reaction was to hope workers confidence to fight for more NDP who were elected to raise the who voted for Ford, 42% continue to organizing, petitions, demonstra- attempting to hamstring the ability “No Thank You, Premier Ford”. the effect has been to shift where heinous as to inspire mass organiza- that the NDP would save the day. But and encourage other employers to do wage to $15 but instead delayed it. support the $15/hr minimum wage. tions, strikes, occupations—uniting of politically organized students to Campus opposition EyeOpener editor Jacob Dubé universities get the majority of their tion to keep them away, what right they have opposed the prior call for the same So the campaign pushed all parties If you look at the vote for corpo- non-unionized/unionized workers, push against what they find unac- Despite the PC government’s pro- sharply rebuked the rightwing-man- money from - private individuals. does the province have to tell that the $14/hr minimum wage, repeating This seemed like unbeatable odds to support $15 and Fairness, exposed rate parties the combined Liberal/ students, community members ceptable on campus. Compliance tests to the contrary, universities are ufactured free speech issue, saying These piecemeal centrist solutions community, “shut up and put up the line that it harms small business. but there was an explosion of opposi- Ford’s opposition to it, and organized Tory vote declined while the NDP and trying to push the NDP to be with this will turn opposition meek, sometimes the only places where “free speech...doesn’t mean the are also notoriously easy to under- with it?” Like the mass high school Instead there was a broad fight for tion against Tim Hortons—which the a rally the week following the elec- vote increased. It now has a large a megaphone for the movement. and allow fringe ideologies which status quo concepts that are taken for woman standing in line behind you mine. Ford’s government, or any student walkouts against Ford’s at- $15 and fairness—including York 15 and fairness campaign organized tion—to push whoever was elected opposition—including many activists The same strategy that won partial would have never flourished on granted are challenged. Ryerson’s at Metro has to gleefully listen to successor could easily repeal the tacks on sex ed, campus organizing food service workers whose strike into a series of actions, including to support $15 and fairness. Like the who have been working closely with victory on $15 and Fairness is being campus to find a stable home. Ford’s Center for Free Expression, for your theories about how the arts rebate program on familiar reac- can expose Ford’s faux free speech won $15/hr and fought back against occupations of Tim Hortons stores contradictions of Trump’s election, campaign, who were part of the June magnified in the coming days and “free speech” dog whistling to the example, regularly puts on events department is run by lizard people.” tionary “pull yourself up by your crusade and push back against Islamophobia and anti-Black racism to show support for Tim Hortons Ford was elected while at the same 16 rally and have since presented pe- weeks to defend and extend these alt-right is transparent enough, hav- countering mainstream narratives Not all universities have stood up bootstraps” arguments. An equiva- austerity. at work. workers. time support for $15/hr has increased titions in support of $15 and fairness gains.

4 Socialist Worker October 2018 October 2018 Socialist Worker 5 Where we stand The dead-end of capitalism Resistance to Ford is growing The capitalist system is based on violence, oppression and brutal exploitation. It creates hunger beside plenty, it threatens our sustenance by Carolyn Egan through unsafe and unsustainable farming, and kills the earth itself with pollution and unsustainable extraction of oil, minerals, animals, trees, Over 40,000 students with the support and water. Capitalism leads to imperialism and war. Saving ourselves of teachers walked out of their schools and the planet depends on finding an alternative. across Ontario demanding that the provincial government stop its attack A system that is killing the planet on the sex education curriculum. Young Capitalist profits depend on extracting the world’s blood and bone. The organizers took matters into their own devastating impact of capital’s assault on the planet affect the world’s hands and connected with their fellow most vulnerable populations and threaten the long-term meaningful students who left their classrooms existence of humanity. Capitalism cannot regulate the catastrophic chanting as they showed their anger. effects of climate change. We stand for climate justice, including the They fully understand what is at risk concept of “just transition” for affected workers. with the high rates of suicide among Campaigners take the fight to the Tories photo: Michael yc Tseng young LGBTQ students and the assaults Public meetings were held in wards and towns across Ontario. It is women Socialism and workers’ power and harassment that so many are facing across the city. Over 500 crowded into and people of colour who are most at Any alternative to capitalism must involve replacing the system from the Trans, queer, women and students of The 519 in the heart of the LGBTQ risk if we loose this battle, and it is also bottom up through radical collective action. Central to that struggle is the colour were often in the lead. This was community and the Metropolitan United they who are actively involved in the workplace, where capitalism reaps its profits off our backs. one of the largest demonstrations that Church downtown was packed with campaign. Capitalist monopolies control the earth’s resources, but workers we have had in this province for quite speakers from labour, the FF$15 and The community is working hard and everywhere actually create the wealth. A new socialist society can only a while showing that young people are Firness Campaign and Acorn among the trade unions must do all they can to be constructed when workers collectively seize control of that wealth not going to wait for others to lead a others. A majority government had its use their collective power to put pres- and plan its production and distribution to satisfy human needs, not fight back against the policies of the way hoping that right wing councillors sure on the Tory government to cease corporate profits—to respect the environment, not pollute and destroy it. Tory government. They carried on the will win the municipal election and and desist in its attacks on working spirit of the American students who allow developers to make their billions people and the poor in all our diversity. Oppression walked out of classrooms across the US driving poor and working class people Organized and non-organized members Within capitalist society different groups suffer from specific forms of against gun violence. out of the downtown core, privatizing must work together in solidarity. A oppression. Attacks on oppressed groups are used to divide workers Spontaneous demonstrations services and laying off workers. victory here could give confidence to all and weaken solidarity. We oppose racism and imperialism. We oppose occurred at Queens Park when the The Fight for Fifteen and Fairness is who are struggling. all immigration controls. We support the right of people of colour and government was cutting the number the broadest and most active campaign Some unions have seconded mem- other oppressed groups to organize in their own defence. We are for real, of seats at Toronto City council from and has been mobilizing in every area bers to hold lunch time gatherings, social, economic and political equality for women. We are for an end forty seven to twenty five. Five hundred of the province. It is fighting to maintain plant gating and pop up meetings to get to all forms of discrimination and homophobia against lesbians, gays, people lined up at midnight to get into the legislated increase of the minimum signatures on petitions and rally mem- bisexuals and transgender people. the chambers when Doug Ford insisted wage to $15 scheduled for January 1, bers to fight back. Others are going We oppose environmental racism. We oppose discrimination on the that the legislature meet during the 2019 and other victories that were won door to door in their communities and basis of religion, ability and age. night. Residents were led out in hand- in Bill 148 including paid emergency tabling on campuses where they work. cuffs as they disrupted the proceedings. leave, equal pay and successor rights. October 15th is being designated as a Canada, Quebec, Indigenous Peoples As Desmond Cole was quoted in the This fight is far from over and even day of labour action and every union Canada is not a “colony” of the United States, but an imperialist country National Observer, “If Torontonians though the Chamber of Commerce and should go all out to mobilize rank in its own right that participates in the exploitation of much of the world. are waiting for some higher power to other business lobbys are urging the and file members to show Doug Ford The Canadian state was founded through the repression of Indigenous stop this attack on our city, we’ll wait in government to roll these gains back, that we will not accept this attempt to peoples and the people of Quebec. vain: we have to stand up for ourselves, grass roots power is there to stop it. worsened the lives of working people We support the struggles for self-determination of Quebec and because no one else is coming to save The community campaign is going all and the poor in the interest of corporate Indigenous peoples up to and including the right to independence. In us.” out with actions taking place in cities profits. particular, we recognize Indigenous peoples’ original and primary right to decide their fate and that of their lands, heritage, and traditions. Socialists in Quebec, and in all oppressed nations, work to give the struggle against national oppression an internationalist and working Disability pride 2018 class content. by Michael yc Tseng erful speakers exhorted that 70% Internationalism of the workers with disabilities have The struggle for socialism is part of a worldwide struggle. We campaign On September 22, a diverse faced systemic discrimination at for solidarity with workers in other countries. We oppose everything that contingent of disability activists work, and that the process to prove turns workers from one country against those from other countries. We of all ages marched in pride from such workplace discriminations can support all genuine national liberation movements. Queen’s Park to Ryerson School of be demeaning, and therefore a call The 1917 revolution in Russia was an inspiration for the oppressed Disability Studies, in a celebration for a good foundation of workers’ everywhere. But it was defeated when workers’ revolutions elsewhere of those who are disabled both right and a robust system of social were defeated. A Stalinist counter-revolution, which killed millions, physically and mentally. support is especially critical in the created a new form of capitalist exploitation based on state ownership The Toronto Disability Pride March current political climate. and control. In Eastern Europe, China and other countries, a similar 2018 highlighted the struggles and The TDPM 2018 saw a significant system was later established by Stalinist, not socialist, parties. We value of disabled and mad people increase in participation from differ- support the struggle of workers in these countries against both private and ableism as a sustained form of ent labour unions, social justice, and and state capitalism. oppression. One of the many pow- disability groups, joining the march.

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 October 2018 Solidarity REVIEWS with Serena Michael Moore exposes the Williams roots of Trumpism by Alex Kerner by Faline Bobier another cycle of betrayals – but the hope of As a life-long tennis fan, I’ve seen united action that can bring down the system Serena Williams dominate the sport for Michael Moore’s new documentary responsible for crimes like Flint. the last twenty years. Unfortunately, “Fahrenheit 11/9” asks: “How the fuck did Moore sees this hope in the teachers of I’ve also seen her treated like no other this happen?” By “this”, of course, he means West Virginia who go out on strike without champion. the election of Donald J. Trump as President the support of their union leadership and Off the court, Williams has faced of the United States. who inspire teachers in other states to take uncomparable scrutiny. Recent reports The answer is anything but simple. similar action against the poverty wages and have noted that few athletes get drug Surprisingly he doesn’t focus a lot on Trump crumbling public education system that serves testing as often as Williams, being test- himself. This is not a movie about Putin and neither teachers nor their students. ed twice as many times in 2018 as any conspiracy theories. It’s also not a movie that He also sees this hope in organizations like other American female player. sees Hillary Clinton or the Democrats as the the Democratic Socialists of America and answer to what ails America. candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Racist and sexist double Moore insists that the roots of Trump’s In June Ocasio-Cortez won the Democratic standards victory go back decades to some of the very primary in New York’s 14th congressional Williams has also faced criticisms for Democratic politicians whom liberals see as district, in a huge upset victory over the the clothing she wears at tournaments. the only way out. It was Bill Clinton, after all, Democratic Party. At this year at the French Open, Williams who ended welfare for the poorest Americans, She won because of grass-roots organizing competed in her first Grand Slam since something even Ronald Reagan did not and because she represented a turn away from having a child and, because of compli- accomplish. the status quo and a turn towards a socialist cations she had with blood clotting, she He also claims – against much of the re- vision of what life could be like. When asked wore a black body suit. French Open ceived wisdom about the 2016 election – that what socialism means to her she replied, “[N] president Bernard Giudicelli later decid- in its majority the American people are on the totally unnecessary and dangerous change. o person in America should be too poor to ed to ban the outfit’s use in the future, left: they support a woman’s right to choose, Snyder’s business cronies wanted the lucra- live. What that means to me is health care stating “‘...Serena’s outfit this year, for want universal healthcare, free college tuition tive contracts to build a pipeline to the new as a human right, it means that every child, example, would no longer be accepted.” and a reduction in military spending. water supply, causing lead poisoning for thou- no matter where you are born, should have Although women players regularly wear How different from many pundits who sands of Flint inhabitants, particularly chil- access to a college or trade school education, very short skirts, which often reveal argued that American workers were and are dren, with long-term serious health effects. no person should be homeless, we should their undergarments, it was Williams’ stupid, voting against their own best inter- Only the efforts of Black and other commu- have structures and public policy to allow for outfit that was deemed untoward. ests because of their venality, their racism or nity activists over several years exposed this people to have homes and food and lead a On the court, Williams also appears worse. crime and there is still no safe drinking water dignified life in the United States.” to receive warnings and unfavourable The best parts of Moore’s film aren’t in Flint. The federal government eventually Ocasio-Cortez and others like her, who are penalties that are rarely handed out to his usual stunts or the pot shots he takes at declared a State of Emergency but in a telling running for various levels of public office in other players. This year during the US Trump. video sequence we see then President Barack the US are reflected outside the borders of Open final, the umpire handed Williams Where 9/11 truly shines is in showing the Obama visiting Flint. their own country, in movements like the one a warning for coaching, again another destruction of ordinary working class lives by You see the hope in people’s faces when around leftist Labour leader Jeremy Corbin penalty that is almost never called de- the venality and greed of American capitalists Obama arrives. Then he pulls a stunt similar in the UK, or the growing excitement about and the politicians who aid and abet them. to one performed earlier by Governor Snyder. Québec Solidaire in the lead-up to elections The section on Flint, Michigan and the poi- He takes a drink from a glass of water in an in Quebec. soning of primarily Black families’ drinking effort to reassure community members that Moore shows the real bedrock underlying water is a brutal takedown of the profit motive the water is now safe. change for the better lies with ordinary in action. The sense of betrayal is etched on people’s Americans. Trump falsely claims to represent Rick Snyder, a business executive with no faces. Obama is helping to perpetrate the lies them, while he continues to champion the history of public service, became Governor of spread by Snyder and his business cronies. As interests of the wealthy few at the expense of Michigan in 2011. The Flint drinking water one of the Black community activists says, the many, like Democrats and Republicans contamination began in April 2014 when Flint “When Obama arrived he was my president, before him. It is possible to organize a changed its water source from treated Detroit when he left he was no longer my president.” fightback which takes place outside the Water and Sewerage Department water to the Moore shows us raw working class anger corridors of power and which sees the need Flint River. but he also shows us hope – not the false hope to replace a rotten system with something Moore exposes the reasons behind this of re-electing the Democratic Party to begin entirely new – socialism from below. spite the act of coaching being rampant and informally allowed for. Kesha’s new anthem cries for equality In a sports world where the top players routinely get the benefit of the doubt and are given leeway, Williams correctly by D’arcy Briggs “One day I’ll be gone/ The world will keep tolerate challenges to equality and freedom notes that she gets none of this treat- turning/ I hope I leave this place/ better than in our country,” Kesha wrote in a blog post ment despite being the greatest player Kesha’s newest single, “Here Comes the I found it,’ and only gets more powerful for Refinery29. This mantra is centrale to of all time. Change,” is a powerful ballad focused and poignant. The anthemic chorus of “Oh, the song’s lyric video, featuring archival In the aftermath, Williams has faced squarely on equality and social justice. here comes the change/ Oh, we’re comin’ footage of protests, rallies, and a narra- a barrage of criticism, with the umpires The song will be featured in the upcoming of age/ This is not a phase / Here comes, tive of contemporary struggles. The video threatening to boycott her matches film “On the Basis of Sex,” following the ends with a focus on the non-profit NGO and an Australian newspaper publish- political life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The HeadCount. “The message is that the long, ing a vile and racist cartoon depicting song lyrically focuses on equality and justice proud tradition of American social activism Williams. for all, with a lyric video that pays tribute to is alive and well. It’s being passed on to the the strong political heritage of activism in next generation,” writes Kesha. “It will con- Solidarity America that continues to this day. tinue to evolve one success at a time, and is You cannot separate the treatment Kesha gained popularity in 2010 with as important as ever. At the end of the video Williams faces from racism and sexism some chart-topping singles, but became we brought in volunteers from HeadCount, in sports. Her success has never been more of a public figure for her lawsuit a non-profit organization dedicated to help- accepted or embraced in the way it has against Lukasz Sebastian Gottwald (Dr. ing people to register to vote and we set up a been for Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. Luke) for sexual assault, emotional abuse, URL to guide people how to register.” That is the price she has paid for her un- and more in 2014. The New York Supreme While, as revolutionary socialists, it can precedented success as a black woman Court dropped the case in 2016, reasoning seem easy to point out the contradictions in an ostensibly white sport. that the two most specific incidents of as- here comes the change.” starts with only the between electoral reform and the social So for socialists, there is absolutely sault mentioned in her suit had overreached lead vocal track, and builds throughout the changed featured in the video, artists and no debate. We must be tribunes of the the statute of limitations. While the court song, echoing the song’s thesis that we must pop icons like Kesha should be supported oppressed and when we know someone ultimately sided with Sony and Dr. Luke, an all work together to build a brighter future. when they are able to use their platform to faces any kind of attack because of their outpouring of support from other celebrities While the song itself might be a far cry from question the status quo, be it sexism, right- race or gender, we support them uncon- and from the #metoo movement helped give the dance-pop style that Kesha’s early work wing populism, or other bigoted move- ditionally. Solidarity with Serena. a stronger voice to her struggle and she has follows, fans of 2017’s Rainbow should find ments. “Here Comes the Change” will serve become a strong voice for those who con- this song more than welcoming. as an anthem for many and can serve as a This article has been edited for space. tinue to face discrimination. “Together we can prove to our leaders sign of a future worth fighting for, a future Red the full article at socialist.ca The pop-infused country song starts and the rest of the world that we will not that is coming.

October 2018 Socialist Worker 7 $2 | No 609 | October 2018 | socialist.ca Vancouver tenants rally to reduce rent hikes by Ryan Schebek freeze a requirement of landlords’ business licenses. After four years we can reassess and eptember 24, 2018 marks a small but see it it’s still needed, but for now protecting important victory for renters throughout tenants should be our first priority.” British Columbia. Despite this partial The decease to 2.5% is also only a partial Svictory, battle for an affordable city is victory because loopholes like “reno-vic- far from over. tion” where landlords can evict tenants to Earlier this year the Residential Tenancy make renovations and then raise rents as Branch announced that the legal limit allow- much as the market will bear. As well wages able for rental increases will jump from 4% have stayed the same despite rising rents. to 4.5%. In Vancouver the median rent for Poverty activist Jean Swanson, responds: a one-bedroom apartment is now more than “It’s still a huge problem that the prov- $2000. The proposed increase would have been ince is allowing landlords to raise rents as over a $1000 a year. It is decisions like this much as they like when tenants leave or are from the provincial and municipal govern- evicted. By refusing to plug this loophole the ments that have created the housing crisis. province is not only contributing to higher Homelessness is rising to new levels. Many rents, but also ensuring that evictions can be are finding Vancouver so unaffordable they are The campaign shows tenant mobilizing works Photo: Vancouver Tenants union profitable. It means that long term tenants moving to distant cities or, those without this have no tenant security because landlords luxury, are sticking around to live pay cheque can raise rents if they get rid of tenants. If to pay cheque (By now one in five renters in from COPE’s campaign for a Rent Freeze and and “mansion tax” are slowly becoming some- necessary, COPE will use the city’s business Vancouver spends at least half of their income the work of others, like the Vancouver Tenants thing people can rally behind and help reaffirm licensing powers to plug that loophole as on rent) Union and BCGEU, pushing for tenants’ rights their ability to intervene in political issues. well.” The victory for renters arrived when, two and protections.” These slogans are becoming common place Without a movement against rent in- and a half weeks after the announcement to COPE, the Coalition of Progressive Electors, demands that make any change to rental rates, creases, the 4.5% increase would have gone raise rents by 4.5%, the provincial government is a long time municipal party currently that isn’t 0%, look like half-baked concession unchallenged. In the upcoming Vancouver backed down and reduced that number by 2%. running three candidates for the October 20th to landlords. election, only COPE is running to implement They now propose, after pressure from below, municipal election. They are Jean Swanson, The pressure they have put on the provincial a rent freeze. Their strategy of allying them- that the most a landlord can raise rents is 2.5%. Anne Roberts and Derrick O’Keefe. For government has worked and to summarize selves with the Vancouver Tenants Union Derrick O’Keefe, one of the COPE candidates roughly one year COPE has been campaigning Anne Roberts states: “This is a good first step, and using the election campaign to build a for Vancouver City Council explained that “It’s on a platform that is demanding a rent freeze but it’s just the beginning, COPE will keep movement means that we have a change of good that the province is reducing the annual to help cool the market and protect renters fighting for a 0% rent increase for four years winning a rent freeze. allowable increase and it shows that tenant immediately. They describe their platform as in Vancouver. If the province won’t act, COPE You can help, go to www.votecope2018.ca power works, this change is a result of pressure movement building. Slogans like “rent freeze” will direct city staff to make a four year rent to get involved. Student walkouts show the way

n September 21, 40,000 students at 75 Toronto high schools in Ontario walked out to Hundreds of students walked out from schools protest Doug Ford’s decision to scrap all over the city. Western Tech students filled the Othe new 2015 sex ed curriculum. They soccer fields. Many students marched to join were also protesting the government’s decision a rally at Queens park to bring the message to to cancel curriculum consultations which were to Ford’s doorstep where they chanted, “we do not be held in July to come up with a new Indigenous consent, reconciliation not ford nation, sex ed history program. saves lives.” The protest idea spread quickly and the re- Toronto Northern Secondary School student sponse showed the Ford government that they Alexi: “I don’t think every student understands will have a major fight on their hands if they Hundreds joined the protest at Northern NDP MPP Marit Stiles joined students at fully yet that this curriculum change impacts all continue with plans to go back to the 1998 Collegiate in Toronto Bloorcourt Collegiate of us, no matter who we are. So many students curriculum. still haven’t been taught that consent is necessary, Student organizers sent a media release before or about online safety, or gender identities. We the event: “We the students will show our gov- can’t let that happen.” ernment that we do not consent to their actions. The impacts of these changes have been repeated Ottawa by hundreds of experts: they will not keep our The chants and cheers could be heard from students, our women, our LGBTQ+ community, blocks away as more than 300 students from or our Indigenous population safe. It’s time for all Nepean High School left their classes to pro- students to stand up for our right to education.” test the Ontario government’s changes to the “This curriculum was made before I was sex-ed and health curriculum. Students chanted even born.” 17-year-old Rayne Fisher-Quann, a De-colonize our schools, White supremacy isn’t student at William Lyon Mackenzie Institute in cool! and heard from a range of their classmates Toronto, one of the walkout’s main organizers. speaking about the importance of education on “Everybody I know right now is so angry, and so gender identity, consent, LGBTQ and Indigenous disappointed...and even so scared about the future rights. It wasn’t just high schools. One Ottawa that could come from this regressive curriculum.” mother tweeted: “So proud of my daughter and The Ford government is using this cancellation her grade 7 classmates” at Hopewell Ave PS. to appeal to far right, bigoted voters who object These walkouts are showing all of us how to to frank discussions about gender identity and take on the Tory agenda. It will require strikes, same sex relationships. This evangelical base protests and school shutdowns to halt the dev- was central to Fords election victory and to his Students in Nepean chant “De-colonize our Some students marched to Queens Park astating changes Ford and his ilk are pushing at leadership bid for the Conservative party. schools, White supremacy isn’t cool!” to join the rally at the legislature queens park