CONTENTS
CALLS TO ACTION
Stop Criminalizing Palestinian Advocacy
In 2002, the Liberal government of the day listed several Islamic Liberation Organizations on Canada’s so-called “Terrorist list”. Then in 2003, they also added most Palestinian resistance groups to the same list and now the current government has listed Samidoun, the Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network advocacy organization, as a “terrorist entity”.The Israeli government and its lobby groups have clearly been behind these listings; their main objective is to suppress any solidarity work for Palestinian liberation and suppress criticism of the Zionist settler colonialist project (Israel).
Instead of banning Zionist organizations that are blatantly violating Canadian Law, International Humanitarian Law, the 4th Geneva Convention and international Court of Justice rulings, the Canadian Government rewards them by implementing their dictates and giving them billions of dollars in tax-deductible monies.
The Canadian Government is also directly involved in the recent Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people by supplying Israel with military equipment and by sending Canadian special forces, including the Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2), to Israel “to assist with intelligence gathering, evacuation planning, to provide security for embassies and to liaise with host militaries.”
actionnetwork.org
EVENTS
Justice for Palestine
When: December 5th, 7pmCasa Salvador Allende Toronto invites you to a virtual conversation with Dr. Emilio Dabed, a Palestinian-Chilean expert in international law, human rights, and constitutional law.
Dr. Dabed will discuss the historic legal case filed by the Legal Centre for Palestine against the Government of Canada, alleging that Canada has violated its international law obligations to prevent genocide and Canadian citizens’ constitutional rights. Drawing from his extensive experience at institutions like Columbia University, York University, and the Arab American University in Palestine, Dr. Dabed will provide unique insights into this case and its broader implications for justice, human rights, and international law.
docs.google.com
Canada Health Act Interpretation Letter
When: December 5th, 8pmJoin us as we discuss primary care in Canada and the significance of the Canada Health Act interpretation letter.
Our goal is to secure comprehensive public coverage for virtual care and nurse practitioner clinics, taking meaningful strides toward addressing primary care challenges and reducing health care wait times. This policy issue is critical for the future of Medicare.
With over 6.5 million Canadians lacking access to a family doctor, virtual care and nurse practitioner clinics have become valuable additions to primary care services.
zoom.us
Rising Fascism and Rising Hate
When: December 5th, 8pmWith Trump’s re-election we have been forced once again to confront the mass appeal of right-wing politicians. Hateful rhetoric and violent threats, plans for mass deportations, racism, xenophobia, sexism, transphobia are all baked into promises for improved lives and a better country. But we aren’t separate from this here in Canada. Poilievre is gaining popularity, just as the Trudeau government announces sweeping cuts to longstanding immigration targets. These are horrifying times for anyone who cares about racial and social justice, and they are dangerous, violent and potentially deadly for Black, Indigenous, racialized and poor communities.
Do you feel frozen, in place not knowing what to do? Do you wonder where you can plug in to make a meaningful impact? Are you already connected to multiracial movements for justice and want to gather more people to get more done? At SURJ, we know we are responsible for reaching our communities and organizing into multiracial movements for justice.
zoom.us
Beyond the Carbon Fixation
When: Friday December 6th, 2pmLast week we released our latest issue, Beyond the Carbon Fixation: Pathways to Regenerative Futures. We will be hosting a webinar to share the findings of the research.
This research sets out with the intention of finding pathways to liberate land, waters, ecosystems, and communities from the enclosures of capitalism and colonialism.
Beyond the carbon-centered approaches to the climate crisis limited by reductionist metrics and market-driven solutions are alternate pathways already embodied by living examples. These pathways — rooted in justice, solidarity, community stewardship, regenerative economies, and ecological consciousness — when interwoven, can serve as a navigational tool for systems change.
zoom.us
Rally for Beit Lahia
When: Friday December 6th, 5:30pmWhere: King’s College Circle
As the IOF attempts to ethnically cleanse Beit Lahia, we must show solidarity with the Palestinian people. We refuse to abandon the people of Gaza who have survived 425 days of genocide. Show up to demand action from the institutions that uphold the Zionist project.
Poster
Write for Rights
When: December 7th, 11amWhere: CSI, 720 Bathurst St.
Write for Rights, the world’s largest human rights event, marked each year on International Human Rights Day. We in the GTA will be joining Amnesty supporters in over 170 countries to support 9 individuals or groups (including one in Canada). They need massive pressure from us to protect them from the most serious violations of their human rights. We’ll be writing to the governments responsible for upholding those rights. And we’ll be sending greetings to the individuals and groups themselves. Solidarity and hope: what special gifts we can deliver!
amnesty.ca
Build Bikelands, not Highways
When: Saturday December 7th, 2pmWhere: High Park, North Gates on Bloor
Ride en mass from High Park to protest outside the office of MPP Christine Hogarth, PC MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore. Or join us at her office at 3 p.m., 195 Norseman St.
We’re protesting the draconian Bill 212! This bill will attack bike lanes under municipal jurisdiction, and push through Highway 413 without environmental assessment or Indigenous consultation. In the middle of a climate crisis, the Ford government is paving over the Greenbelt to make room for more cars, more congestion, and more carbon emissions!
fridaysforfutureto.org
Alliance Ouvrière
When: December 8th, 9amWhere: Montreal
On Sunday, December 8, Alliance Ouvrière will hold its first convention in Montreal. After two years of organizing workplaces, organizing solidarity on the picket lines, and leading campaigns against the reactionary reforms of the Legault and Trudeau governments, Alliance Ouvrière is finally ready to take the next step.
This convention will mark a strategic strengthening of our group. We will discuss our long-term goals in the workers’ movement and our strategy to achieve them.
All working class activists who are working for union renewal and building a real balance of power for workers against the governments of the financial elites are invited to participate in the discussions and debates at our convention.
Le dimanche 8 décembre, Alliance Ouvrière tiendra son premier congrès à Montréal. Après deux ans à organiser des milieux de travail, organiser la solidarité sur les piquets de grève et mener des campagnes contre les réformes réactionnaires du gouvernement Legault et Trudeau, Alliance Ouvrière est enfin prêt à passer la prochaine étape.
Ce congrès marquera un raffermissement stratégique de notre groupe. Nous parlerons de nos objectifs à long terme dans le mouvement ouvrier et de notre stratégie pour y parvenir.
Tous les militants de la classe ouvrière qui travaillent au renouveau syndical et à la construction d’un réel rapport de force des travailleurs contre les gouvernements des élites financières sont invités à participer aux discussions et aux débats lors de notre congrès.
Gaza Square
When: Every Sunday, 11am to 1pmWhere: 371 Wallace Ave
We’ll be at Gaza square once again this Sunday morning with hot chocolate and coffee, buttons and posters, lawn signs and colourful chalk! Come say hi and meet your fellow neighbours/organizers as we make our presence known and continue to build safety in our community!
Instagram poster
Cycling Good Cheer Holiday Bicycle Ride
When: December 8th, 11:30am – 2pmJoin our 5th annual Cycling Good Cheer holiday bicycle ride through Toronto. Begin with us at one of four locations:
– WEST END with Santa Claus, elves, and of course, reindeer! Meet at Mabelle Park, 38 Mabelle Ave, at 11 am for free hot chocolate and cookies. Get a photo with Santa and the elves! Please bring a non-perishable food or toy donation, if possible. Santa will fly (roll), leaving at 11:45 am from Mabelle Park, then ride east along Bloor Street.
– EAST END with the Grinch, beginning at the northwest corner of Victoria Park and Danforth. Noon. Join us for a decorating party on Saturday. Email toeastcyclists@gmail.com for details.
– CENTRAL meetup with the Kidical Mass ride and our Toronto Bicycle Mayor. Look for all the kids in Christie Pits Park at 12 noon for a 12:30 departure as Santa cycles by!
– NORTH YORK, Lawrence Ave at Yonge St, leaving at 12:15 pm.
The rides will converge at St George and Bloor Street at 1pm, then ride to the finale at Toronto Metropolitan University.
All are welcome to join us and encouraged to dress up in holiday costumes! communitybikewaysto.ca
Injured Workers Rally
When: Monday, December 9th, 11amWhere: Ministry of Labour, 400 University Ave
Join injured and ill workers/allies as we bring our demands for fairness and justice to the Ministry of labour.
Weekly Phone-zap for Palestine
When: Mondays at 12:30pmWeek after week, we’re keeping the momentum going with our Monday lunchtime zaps.
Our collective action is making waves, but we need to ensure our elected officials continue to feel the pressure until real change happens.
Instagram poster | Register at zoom
How Unions Can Tackle Third-Party Violence at Work
When: Monday, December 9th, 12pmJoin Canadian Labour Congress Executive Vice-President, Siobhán Vipond, and gender-based violence expert, Jane Pillinger, for a virtual fireside chat about the pressing challenge of third party violence and harassment at work and how unions are taking action.
zoom.us
Canadian Foreign Policy Hour with Yves Engler
When: Mondays at 6pmJoin author Yves Engler on Mondays for a weekly news roundup and interactive discussion about Canada’s role abroad. This weekly session will delve into the latest developments on subjects ranging from military affairs and Canada’s role in Ukraine to its contribution to Palestinian dispossession, and the exploitation of African resources. Join Yves for a critical take on Canada’s foreign policy. Questions, comments, and criticisms are all welcome.
zoom.us
Human Rights in Guatemala
When: December 10th, 6pmGrahame Russell of Rights Action (Canada/U.S.) will present Rights Action’s decades-long activities, directed toward supporting local communities in their work and struggle for truth/memory/justice and to defend their land, rights and environment, particularly from companies and investors in different sectors of the global economy, including extractive industries.
mailchi.mp
Labour’s Antiques Road Show
When: Tuesday, December 10th, 7pmOnce again, it’s time for labour’s show and tell.
For our fifth annual LABOUR’S ANTIQUE ROAD SHOW, we invite you to bring forward those cherished items from your years in and around the labour movement that have been gathering dust in your basements and attics – pictures, posters, signs, pins, badges, banners, T-shirts, pamphlets, anything at all.
mailchi.mp
No Room at the Inn
When: December 12th, 12pmHospital discharges, what rights do patients & their substitute decision-makers have?
Jane Meadus, lawyer and advocate at the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly and Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition have this important conversation.
zoom.us
How will the Trump Victory affect SfP’s Work?
When: December 12th, 6pmWhere: Friend’s House, 60 Lowther Ave
Join other Science For Peace (SfP) members and supporters for an informal discussion on reducing nuclear war risks and addressing environmental devastation in the new era. Five-minute introductions: Jorge Filmus, Richard Sandbrook and Arnd Jurgensen.
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Fighting to Win
When: January 6 to March 31 (Mondays 6pm)Where: Carrot Common (near Chester station)
No course fees; donations gratefully accepted.
Facilitated by John Clarke, former organizer with the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP)
Drawing on the examples provided by a wide range of struggles, the course will look at how working class and popular struggles have won important victories. It will also consider, however, the strategies that have been used by those in power to contain and demobilize social resistance. Finally, it will explore the approaches that are needed today to fight back effectively in these volatile and uncertain times.
Space in this course is limited, registration required.
ARTICLES
CUPW Strike: Standing Up Against Misleading Claims
By Jan SimpsonWe felt it necessary to respond to [Canada Post president and CEO] Mr. Ettinger’s misleading “Dear Colleague” letter released this week. Mr. Ettinger is either misinformed or doesn’t fully grasp the situation; this crisis can be attributed to decisions made by his management group to undermine our rights and seize greater control. The financial situation we face is the result of Canada Post management. They have been spending as if they have unlimited funds, with non-labour spending skyrocketing.
Source: The Bullet No. 3062
Against Scholasticide
By York University Faculty AssociationIn light of the ongoing escalation of violence in Gaza, and more recently Lebanon and the West Bank, and in response to the Unified Call for Justice and Freedom issued by Palestinian higher education institutions in November 2023, and the open letter [see letter below] by Gaza academics and university administrators to the world – urging global solidarity – YUFA members recognize their responsibility to act. Since October 2023, Israel’s ongoing military assault on Gaza has resulted in more than 42,000 Palestinians dead, including at least 411 teachers, 95 university professors, and three university presidents, and over 100, 000 thousand wounded or missing.
Source: The Bullet No. 3063
The Two Faces of Government ‘Largesse’
By Harry GlasbeekOn 29 October, the Doug Ford Conservative government announced that all Ontarians were going to receive a cheque for $200 from the province’s coffers, just for being un-incarcerated adult Ontarians. The cost of this ‘generosity’ to the very same taxpayers will be something above $3-billion. On 21 November, the Justin Trudeau Liberal government announced (among other ‘gifts’) that all Canadians who, in 2023, earned less than $150,000 would be the fortunate recipients of a cheque for $250. 18.7 million Canadians are expected to share $4.68-billion of some of their own money.
Source: The Bullet No. 3064
In Belgium, The PTB Wants To “Awaken Class Consciousness”
By Laëtitia Riss and William BouchardonA few metres from the North Sea, in the Flemish town of Ostend, the Belgian Workers’ Party (PTB) celebrated its political comeback last September with a major Manifiesta attended by 15,000 people. The programme included a number of international guests, including British MP Jeremy Corbyn, American trade unionist Shawn Fain and French journalist Serge Halimi, as well as political, cultural and sports workshops for party supporters. Throughout all the debates, there was one common thread: reclaiming the heritage of Marxism and working to rebuild it.
Source: The Bullet No. 3065