Doug Ford's Toxic Relationship with Enbridge Feat. Fatima Syed of the Narwhal

Blueprints of Disruption

#Society #Politics #News #Government #Revolution Radio

22:08

Host Francesca Amiker sits down with directors Joe and Anthony Russo, producer Angela Russo-Otstot, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, and more to uncover how family was the key to building the emotional core of The Electric State . From the Russos’ own experiences growing up in a large Italian family to the film’s central relationship between Michelle and her robot brother Kid Cosmo, family relationships both on and off of the set were the key to bringing The Electric State to life. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…

about a year ago 37:23

MP3•Episode home

Fatima joins Host Jessa McLean for a deep dive into Ontario Premier Doug Ford's troubling relationship with natural gas and its provider, Enbridge; a relationship that dates back to his very first days in office and which really came to light when the PC government took the unprecedented move of overruling the Ontario Energy Board.

The latter part of the episode focuses on stories of resistance inside Ontario, spearheaded by Indigenous activists.

_______________

All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon

Resources:

180 episodes

Doug Ford's Toxic Relationship with Enbridge Feat. Fatima Syed of the Narwhal

Blueprints of Disruption

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

The latter part of the episode focuses on stories of resistance inside Ontario, spearheaded by Indigenous activists.

_______________

All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon

Resources:

180 episodes

#Society #Politics #News #Government #Revolution Radio

All episodes

Blueprints of Disruption

1
Student Hunger Strike - Only a Matter of Time 55:08

2 days ago55:08

55:08

Student activists at two University of Colombia (UBC) campuses have decided upon one of the most extreme forms of non-violent protest - a hunger strike. It wasn’t a brash decision by any means, and it is by far the first tactic they’ve deployed. In this episode, they detail just how they got to this point of escalation in their efforts to have their University divest from weapons manufacturers. They also provide details on how they prepared for this act of defiance, how they’re taking care of one another during it and what it will take to end their hunger strike. Other great takeaways are the many ways these folks utilize their campuses to build community and create space for more folks to step up into the fight. There’s also a lesson in leaning on those who came before you, to both better inform your plans and support you through the act. Hosted by: Jessa McLean Call to Action: Call on UBC to Divest from Corporations Fueling Genocide and Occupation Related Episodes: More on campus organizing with Change Course: Stigmatizing Capitalism on Campus Reflections on the student encampments from the Summer of 2024 And more on the Palestinian Solidarity Movement in Canada, In Our Lifetime , a playlist. -------- We go LIVE! every Friday at 12pm (ET) on our YouTube Channel - be sure to subscribe. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky More Resources: UBC Divest on Instagram UBC Students Launch Hunger Strike to Demand Divestment | UBC DIVEST! CBC News: UBC Divestment Students Hunger Strike UBC Okanagan students start hunger strike to demand divestment - Saanich News…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
Basis of Unity: Vancouver Tenants Union 1:04:36

10 days ago1:04:36

1:04:36

"The Tenant Class is Here" and they are a force to be reckoned with. Vancouver Tenants Union organizers Asura Enkhbayar and Ben Ger provide insight into their work building power from below, some of it in neighbourhoods with the highest concentration of renters on the continent. The variety of campaigns they’ve got going on doesn’t just speak to the complexity of issues facing tenants, but also to the value of a decentralized organization that’s able to respond locally, as needed. They also share the journey their organization has gone on over the past decade, and how tough lessons led them to a Basis of Unity and a new way forward. Hosted and Produced by: Jessa McLean Call to Action: Donate to the Park Beach Tenants Legal Fund Related Episodes: Shifting Gears is a discussion w/Climate Justice Toronto on their own transition from an environmentalist grassroots org to one focused on supporting tenant organizing in the City. Voices for Unhoused Liberation is an interview with unhoused organizers and activists in Toronto. Tenant Power: a playlist of episodes that would have landlords shaking in their boots. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky More Resources: CBC: Power to the renter: Vancouver Tenants Union hopes to put rep in every building Vancouver Tenants Union: Basic of Unity…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
Refusing to Enlist 40:27

17 days ago40:27

40:27

Two Refuseniks from Tel Aviv talk candidly about Israeli society's reaction to their movement and the supports they've created to make it easier for more youth to refuse enlistment in the IDF. Tal Mitnik and Einat Gerlitz share their story, while also acknowledging despite all they've been through during their stints in military prison, it can't compare to the situation of Palestinian youth their age. Comparisons are made to Canadian settlers; both our states' being predicated on ethnic cleansing and colonial violence, and the struggle to decolonize spaces from within while understanding our role in maintaining that same colonial state. Their assessment of Israeli society at the moment, and the possibilities for peace are instructive, but difficult to hear. Hosted by: Jessa McLean Call to Action: Call for an #ArmsEmbargoNow Follow the Refusenik Speaking Tour with Independent Jewish Voices Keep talking about Palestine. Related Episodes: Support Systems Amid State Suppression a discussion with members of a legal support group in Toronto on the ways we can help each other navigate police state tactics. Disrupting Canada's Arms Trade is an interview with activist and organizer Rachel Small of World Beyond War. This episode has been added to our playlist, In Our Lifetime. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky More Resources: IJV Activist Anna Lippman's Substack Mesarvot (Organization Website) The Israeli teens imprisoned for their refusal to join the army (Galway Pulse) Refusenik speaking tour March 2025 – Independent Jewish Voices Canada…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
Student Suppression By Any Means Necessary, with Jeremy Appel 57:07

24 days ago57:07

57:07

Journalist Jeremy Appel has uncovered proof Danielle Smith's government set the stage for universities in Alberta to quickly and violently have student encampments cleared from their campuses. The timeline of evidence predates the protest, with numerous communications disseminating Zionist talking points and demonizing the Palestinian solidarity movement. We then find out how the University of Calgary Staff, Police and the Province worked seamlessly to coverup the truth about the violent eviction of peaceful student protestors back in May 2024. That was, until Jeremy got on the case. Hosted by: Jessa McLean Call to Action: Organize a Gaza Unbreakable: Week of Rage a call from the United Student Front for Palestine Related Episodes: Student Encampments (May 2024), an analysis of the various encampments springing up across North America. Stigmatizing Capitalism on Campus , a discussion on campus organizing with folks from Change Course Canada. Lessons from the Peoples' Circle for Palestine (July 2024), on the University of Toronto student encampment. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky More Resources: Timeline: Protest encampments - University Affairs VIDEO: CBC Footage of Police Clearing Encampment Vancouver Island University suspends 2 students who were part of pro-Palestine camp - Saanich News VIDEO: Calgary Students Movement Footage of Police Violence The Orchard: How the UCP Covered up Police Violence The Orchard: UCalgary Palestine encampment's fate was sealed before a single tent was pitched…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
Trying to Silence Yves Engler 1:16:09

4 weeks ago1:16:09

1:16:09

Episode 173 Journalist and Activist Yves Engler discusses the charges against him, the very thing Montreal Police tried to stop him from doing. As Yves tells the story of his arrest and the five days he spend in jail fighting suppressive bail conditions, he reflects on the supports he received, Canada's history of attacking activists, and the deeper issues surrounding incarceration. During the interview with Host Jessa McLean, Yves uses the phrase 'Zionist Lawfare' to describe the ways in which Canadian Law was weaponized against him at the behest of Pro-Israeli figures. END SONG CREDIT: David Rovics, What's Going on Here Montreal? (2025) Related Episodes: Process as Punishment , an interview with Movement Lawyers on the tactics used by Police and Prosecutors against Palestinian solidarity activists in Ontario; Watching Cops , a Toronto-based legal observer from the Orange Hats provides insight into the shifts in Policing protests over the past year and a half; and, Blockades and Bail Conditions , an Indigenous Palestinian Solidarity activist talks about their experience being arrested at an action and the use of bail conditions to intimidate and sideline them. Resources: Repression of anti-war voices an old Canadian story - Yves Engler PEN Canada letter to Mayor and Police Chief of Montreal regarding Yves Engler Yves Engler - Canadian Author and Activist All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Follow us on Instagram ____________…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
A Space to Exist: School Boards and Anti-Palestinian Racism 55:05

6 weeks ago55:05

55:05

Toronto Palestinian Families and Toronto Jewish Families talk about their within the Toronto District School Board. Their most recent campaign was in response to a report submitted to and adopted by TDSB Trustees that explicitly conflates the political ideology of Zionism with Jewish identity. Iman and Lev both testify to an environment rife with anti-Palestinian racism and misrepresentations of what antisemitism is, even before the presentation of the report. If implemented, political expressions for Palestine would be categorized as discrimination, leaving Palestinian/allied students and educators without a voice. CALL TO ACTION: Join Toronto Palestinian Families Related Blueprints of Disruption Episodes: Jews Say No to Genocide the IHRA, Fascism and Upholding Colonial Violence __________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Follow us on Instagram Resources: Toronto Jewish Families Toronto Palestinian Families Linktre VIDEO: TDSB Delegations in Full (YouTube) VIDEO: Palestinian, Jewish families call on Toronto school board to address anti-Palestinian racism OPINION: Pro-Israel NGOs in Our Schools Put Kids at Risk - The Grind Magazine…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
Process as Punishment: Prosecution of Protest 56:14

7 weeks ago56:14

56:14

Movement lawyers Nora Fathalipour and Arash Ghiassi have their hands full defending activists targeted by Police and prosecutors, particularly in Ontario where a Hate Crimes Working Group in the Attorney General's office has an explicitly racist mandate. Hear first hand the process police and the Crown are putting people through in order to intimidate, silence and criminalize movements. Even though most charges are dropped, the ordeal of having a publicized arrest, bail conditions and the process to clear their name can take a toll on activists. This is why having legal representation that understands the broader issues at play is so important. Political interference and anti-Palestinian racism are setting the tone for Police and prosecutors, but the community, together, is learning how to navigate it all so our comrades can remain free to fight another day. CALL TO ACTION: Support the Toronto Community Justice Fund Related Episodes: Support Systems Amid State Suppression w/members of the Toronto Legal Support; Weaponizing Canadian Law for Israel w/journalist Martin Lukacs from The Breach; and, The IHRA, Fascism and Upholding Colonial Violence - on Canada's adoption of the weaponized definition of antisemitism. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Follow us on Instagram Resources: The Breach: Secretive committee in Ontario ministry pushed crackdown on pro-Palestine activism CBC: Charges Dropped against pro-Palestinian protester CBC: Charges dropped against woman filmed pulling Pro-Palestinian protester's hijab Nora Fathalipour Bio | Nuance Legal Arash Ghiassi Bio — Savards LLP | Toronto Criminal Lawyers What is Movement Lawyering? — Movement Law Lab…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
Watching Cops: Advice for Activists 57:45

8 weeks ago57:45

57:45

The Orange Hats join host Jessa McLean to share some of the knowledge they've acquired by documenting the Toronto Police harass, intimidate and brutalize activists at actions. Hear stories from the front lines, learn some of the dangerous trends in policing, and get LOTS of tips on how navigate the tactics being deployed against our movements. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Follow us on Instagram Resources: What to consider when requesting legal support. Orange Hats 1st PRESS RELEASE…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
Ceasefire Now What? 55:30

9 weeks ago55:30

55:30

Unpacking the ceasefire and our feelings around it isn't easy, so who better to help us than Fatima Saleh and Anna Lippman? These two Palestinian Solidarity Activists have been at the front lines for a ceasefire for 15 months, a Free Palestine even longer. How are they feeling about seeing people return to the north of Gaza, or about Trump's comments about what's next for the region? Its a bit complicated. While we can feel joy and relief in the moment, both our guests are clear - we need to keep up the pressure on politicians, continue our education and create more disruptions. Guests: Fatima Saleh, Palestinian activist based in Edmonton, AB; and, Anna Lippman , organizer with Independent Jewish Voices and Labour for Palestine . CALLS TO ACTION Anna's X thread of GoFundMe Pages for people in Gaza ; Epicore Delivers Genocide ; and, #ArmsEmbargoNow ! Related Episodes: Answering the Call: Labour for Palestine w/Anna Lippman Disrupting Canada's Arms Trade w/World Beyond War's Rachel Small Canada's Colonial Imagination w/Tyler Shipley All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Follow us on Instagram More Resources: The Maple: Trudeau Government Authorized $28.5 Million Of New Military Exports To Israel Since October UN Office of High Commission: Israeli Forces Attack West Bank Education under attack in the Gaza Strip, as of 8 January 2024 - occupied Palestinian territory | ReliefWeb Anna Lippman: Protesting Against Israel’s Genocide of Palestinians Isn’t Antisemitic - The Grind Magazine Keywords: Palestine, ceasefire, Canada, politics, activism, mental health #cdnpoli, #ArmsEmbargoNow…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
Doug Ford's Toxic Relationship with Enbridge Feat. Fatima Syed of the Narwhal 37:23

10 weeks ago37:23

37:23

Frenzied communications, coordinated attacks on regulators, and a report withheld from the public...hear it all from someone with their eye on Ontario's energy portfolio, Investigative Journalist Fatima Syed of The Narwhal . Fatima joins Host Jessa McLean for a deep dive into Ontario Premier Doug Ford's troubling relationship with natural gas and its provider, Enbridge; a relationship that dates back to his very first days in office and which really came to light when the PC government took the unprecedented move of overruling the Ontario Energy Board. The latter part of the episode focuses on stories of resistance inside Ontario, spearheaded by Indigenous activists. _______________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or Bluesky Resources: The Narwhal: Lessons from Ontario's Transition from Coal The Narwhal - 5 things about Ontario youth-led climate case Ontario Government Site: Natural Gas Consultation Summary and Proposal Narwhal: Ontario didn’t inform the public about advice urging a shift away from natural gas Investigation: Ontario is taking cues from Enbridge Gas — a fossil fuel giant ‘freaking out’ about its future The Narwhal (homepage)…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
Reimagining Politics and Demystifying Communism with ARC 1:21:57

11 weeks ago1:21:57

1:21:57

An interview with the Atlantic Regional Communists who were founded through a disillusionment with the 'bourgeoise Canadian political system'. Rather than simply starting a new Party, they have created something entirely different. With so many of us looking for alternative ways to engage in politics, this discussion is great for those trying to decide where to start. As Comrades E and M discuss their journey as a group, it opens up further discussions on the concept of a vanguard party, intersectionality and Marxism, Land Back, centralized authority, and more. Song Credit: Ain't Done Nothing if You Ain't Been Called a Red , Faith Petric. Performed LIVE in 1984. __________________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky Want even MORE content from these creators? We go LIVE with RABBLE RANTS every FRIDAY at NOON E.T. on the Blueprints of Disruption YouTube Channel . Our hosts unpack the mostly Canadian news items of the week. Resources: Unequal exchange of labour in the world economy (Jason Hickle) Recommended by Guest: The Red Clarion Atlantic Regional Communists ABOUT US Keywords: Marxism, politics, settler socialism, methodology, democracy, organizing, communism, anarchy…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
CUPW: Right to Strike? 39:43

12 weeks ago39:43

39:43

After almost five weeks on the line, a 96% strike mandate and many concessions, Canadian Postal Workers weren't able to have a say in their contract, yet again. What does it mean when one of the strongest unions in Canada hasn't been able to negotiate a fair deal in 12+ years? Find out from the rank and file what happened and where they can go from here. Strike Captain, Stop Steward and Mail Carrier Sera sits down with Host Jessa McLean to talk about the dealings with Canada Post bosses, the attempts to build militancy inside the union and more... All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon End Song Credit: " What Unions Did for You ", Dave Pomeroy Resources: CBC: Labour minister asks Canada Industrial Relations Board to step into Canada Post contract dispute…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
Jews Say No to Genocide 48:16

15 weeks ago48:16

48:16

Two organizers from this growing coalition unpack their recent action on Parliament Hill, and the identity crisis being purposely crafted by the Israeli lobby to thwart the work being done to liberate Palestine. Serena Sairan and Lauren Moses-Brettler, both from Jews Say No to Genocide, join Host Jessa McLean, for a discussion about individual responsibility, group decision making in a fluid political environment and finding new ways to keep the pressure on Canadian politicians to realize an #ArmsEmbargoNow CALL TO ACTION: Sign the Petition to End the Arms Embargo Now All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Follow us on Instagram Resources: Democracy Now - Live Report from Action on Parliament Hill - JSNTG More Links From: Jews Say No to Genocide Jews Say No to Genocide on Instagram…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
Rabble Rants: Deny, Defend, Depose 42:45

16 weeks ago42:45

42:45

What are we to think of the public's response to United Health CEO Brian Thompson's death? Cross-posted from our Rabble Rants feed : Hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero provide a class analysis of the case and the media frenzy around it. They also give insight into just how bad a company United Health is, and what our reactions should be to social murder. Song credit (end of episode): Jesse Welles , via TikTok To be sure you catch all our Rabble Rants , subscribe wherever you catch your podcasts. ______ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Follow us on Instagram Resources: There's anger behind the internet's reactions to the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO : NPR AP News: Hurry up and wait: Docs say insurers increasingly interfere Forbes: How Much Does Health Insurance Cost? CNN: US Healthcare Rankings…

Blueprints of Disruption

1
Change Course: Stigmatizing Capitalism on Campus 59:39

17 weeks ago59:39