u/Doc_Bethune

I went to the union locals in my area and they have come out for me, so now it's looking like I am actually possibly going to win a seat. Nobody is more surprised about this than me; I had initially intended to run a losing battle just to agitate and show how corrupt my council is, so I never actually anticipated winning

I am not a member of an ML party (as I live in a town of fewer than 11000 and there is no local branch), so I don't have much guidance on how best to use this opportunity. As it's a small town you largely win support with 1-on-1 handshakes rather than formal political platforms, so the only things I've really announced I want to do are form a worker+tenant's advisory board, double taxes on vacant/unused land/property and oppose a proposed AI data centre, which have all been unexpectedly very popular, as well as other stereotypical municipal things like improve garbage collection, improve bike paths, etc etc

So yeah, that's the situation. This post is half just venting about how weird the prospect of actually getting a seat is, and asking for more adept MLs than me to give some advice. Also I don't want to give too much information on my community as I don't want to accidentally doxx myself, but can try to shed more light if needed

Incredible video all around, these people legitimately risked their lives at a time when Americans were bombing boats left and right. It's a super important watch

Once again plugging the Canadian Network on Cuba, which does great work providing direct aid to Cubans, as well as the Canadian Peace Congress, which is extremely active in the Cuban solidarity movement. Viva Cuba Libre!

Lately there has been conflict between our leftist members and our more moderate members. This is untenable in the long term, so we have implemented the following changes to clarify the sub's position.

New Rule:

Posts must reflect leftism from a Canadian perspective

Not all posts need to be about Canada, but every post must be something a leftist in Canada would care about.

The purpose of this rule is to show users that not every post needs to be specific to affairs within Canada. Leftism is internationalist, and calls to limit posts within this sub to exclude international issues are against the spirit of what this community is.

Updated Rules:

No reactionaries

Making a post or comment that explicitly promotes social regressivism, hate speech, chauvinism, bigotry, Zionism etc. This includes both right-wing talking points and "left" reactionaries like the ACP.

We are making the inclusion of Zionism explicit, rather than assumed. The genocide against the people of Palestine is the defining moral issue of our time, and any attempt to downplay, minimize, excuse or "both sides" Israel and Zionism will be removed with prejudice.

No imperialism

Making a post or comment that explicitly defends Western imperialism and/or Canada's role in it. This includes NATO apologia.

We are now making it clear that any apologia for NATO is now a removable offence. NATO is the greatest imperializing force in history, and any apologia or explicit support for it will be removed. We have given an incredibly long leash on this subject and yet pro-NATO posters have continuously proven themselves to be unwilling to change their mind. There is no leftist position that accepts NATO.

We understand that some of our more moderate members may not like these changes, but we felt they were necessary to ensure that this sub remained a proper left-wing community, and not another milquetoast liberal subreddit like r/NDP or r/onguardforthee.

Thank you,

The r/canadaleft mod team

Holy shit I didn't think it was actually going to happen but the Canadian Labour Congress actually voted to sever ties with Israel in solidarity with the people of Palestine. This is a massive, massive, massive win for both the Palestine solidarity and labour movements. I am over the fucking moon right now. Gargantuan shoutout to Labour for Palestine, who made this incredible win happen

This has been discussed in this sub before, but now that the convention is actually underway, it's worth mentioning again. General Resolution 61 declared that all trade and services with Israel under the CLC banner would be cut. GR-61 is backed by 12 labour orgs at the local, regional, provincial and even national level; it is clearly supported by a significant portion of the CLC's member organizations. And yet, it looks like the CLC is trying to prevent GR-61 from passing, as the CLC leadership has pushed General Resolution 134, effectively a pat-yourself-on-the-back resolution that simply reasserts existing "concerns" without actually taking material action, in its place

Despite this, I have spoken to several delegates at the convention who have all confirmed they will be attempting to bring GR-61 to the floor anyway. Should GR-61 pass, it will be an absolutely massive blow to Israel and a significant victory for Palestine. I urge anyone active in the labour or Palestine solidarity movements to keep a watchful eye on this subject, as if the CLC does not go ahead with GR-61, it will be an absolutely damning moment in the history of the Canadian labour movement.

If you are in a union, consider joining Labour for Palestine, who played a foundational role in the development of GR-61. If you aren't in a union and if you are able, consider donating to L4P. They are doing fantastic work in the fight for justice in Palestine and in the push for a more militant and politically focused labour movement

r/canadaleft stands in solidarity with the Cuban people as they face a new wave of imperialist cruelty from the U.S. The Canadian Network on Cuba is the most prominent voice for support of Cuba and resistance to American aggression. The CNC provides material aid to the Cuban people, organizes protests, provides information on the horrors of the current situation and calls on the federal government to take action.

If you are able, join the CNC and contribute to their cause! If you are in a union, push them to become a member organization! With so much on the line, Cuba needs our support now more than ever