rabble radio

This week on rabble radio, we’re sharing a clip from our June Off the Hill political panel. In this panel, our distinguished guests — Eriel Deranger, Executive Director of Indigenous Climate Action; Clayton Thomas-Müller, author and activist; Sabrina Grover, political strategist and communications expert; former NDP MPP Joel Harden; and rabble’s own parliamentary reporter Karl Nerenberg — explore the implications of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s commitment to making Canada “an energy superpower.” The discussion delves into how this vision intersects with Indigenous sovereignty, pipeline development and Canada’s climate commitments. About our guests  Eriel Tchekwie Deranger is a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN), executive director/founder of Indigenous Climate Action (ICA) and 2024 winner of the global Climate Breakthrough award. Eriel is active in international Indigenous rights advocacy movements participating in various boards and UN bodies. Her work focuses on Indigenous rights, climate justice  and intersectional movements. She is recognized for her role as spokesperson for her community in the international Indigenous Tar Sands Campaign.  Prior to this she was a Specific Land Claims and Treaty Land Entitlement Researcher for the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. Eriel has written for various magazines and publications; featured in documentary films including Elemental (2012); and is regularly interviewed for national and international media outlets. Clayton Thomas-Müller is a member of the Treaty #6 based Mathias Colomb Cree Nation also known as Pukatawagan located in Northern Manitoba, Canada. He has campaigned in and out of Canada, to support Indigenous Peoples to defend their territories against the encroachment of the fossil fuel industry. He is an award winning film director, media producer, organizer, facilitator, public speaker and bestselling author. His book, Life in the City of Dirty Water, was a national bestseller and a CBC Canada Reads finalist. Sabrina Grover is an experienced political, advocacy and communications professional with an expertise in the international development and global health and nutrition sectors. Grover served as the campaign manager for the Mark Sutcliffe Campaign for Mayor in Ottawa, and in 2021 Sabrina ran as the Federal Liberal Candidate for Calgary-Centre. She also sits on the board of several organizations including the Public Affairs Association of Canada, the Sled Island Music Festival and HomeSpace where she primarily supports stakeholder relations and building partnerships with government and private sector partners. She’s also a frequent political commentator on CBC Calgary, CTV Power Play and the Vassy Kapelos Show. Joel Harden is a lifelong community organizer who represented Ottawa Centre in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 2018 to 2025 as a member of the Ontario New Democratic Party. During his time at Queen’s Park, Harden served as the party’s Critic for Transit and Active Transportation, where he championed accessible, affordable, and sustainable public transit solutions across the province. Karl Nerenberg is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and filmmaker, working in both English and French languages. He is rabble’s senior parliamentary reporter. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts. And please, rate, review, share rabble radio with your friends — it takes two seconds to support independent media like rabble. Follow us on social media across channels @rabbleca.

Content Warning: This interview includes personal accounts of homophobia and experiences of violence. Please listen with care and sensitivity. It’s Pride Month, and while advocating for queer and trans rights is a year-round commitment, this June feels especially urgent. Countries once considered relatively safe—like the UK and the US—are rolling back protections and adopting increasingly hostile policies.  And in many parts of the world, same-sex relationships are criminalized, people who defy gender norms face punishment, and simply living authentically can put someone’s life at risk. An organization that works to protect queer and trans lives globally is Rainbow Railroad.   In 2023 alone, Rainbow Railroad received more than 15,000 pleas for help from LGBTQI+ individuals facing life-threatening danger. While not everyone can be relocated, the organization works with global partners to get those at risk to safety. This week on the show, we’re joined by: Devon Matthews, the head of programs at Rainbow Railroad to discuss the important work the organization is doing to support 2SLGBTQIA folks across the globe; and also Rahma Esslouani, a newcomer to Canada originally from Morocco. Rainbow Railroad is a global not-for-profit organization that helps at-risk LGBTQI+ people get to safety worldwide. Based in the United States and Canada, they are an organization that helps LGBTQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. In a time when there are more displaced people than ever, LGBTQI+ people are uniquely vulnerable due to systemic, state-enabled homophobia and transphobia. These factors either displace them in their own country or prevent them from escaping harm. About our guests  Devon Matthews (she/they) is the Head of Programs at Rainbow Railroad, where they lead global initiatives to support LGBTQI+ individuals facing persecution. Since joining the organization in 2018, Devon has led the organization through numerous major international emergency responses, helping to deliver life-saving support to thousands of queer and trans people at risk. She holds a BA (Hons.) from Dalhousie University and an MA at the University of London under the Refugee Law Initiative. Rahma Esslouani is a newcomer who relocated to Toronto, Canada, from Morocco via Turkey. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts. And please, rate, review, share rabble radio with your friends — it takes two seconds to support independent media like rabble. Follow us on social media across channels @rabbleca. 

If you’ve been tuning in to rabble radio for a while, you’ll know that every summer, we return to a familiar —and vital— discussion: climate change is a labour issue. In the past, we’ve spoken about how extreme weather events affect working Canadians, how climate change affects agricultural workers and the economy, and we’ve chatted with advocates in Ottawa calling for a National Firefighting Agency.  There’s no debate: climate change and labour are inextricably linked.  Today on rabble radio, we’re spotlighting an organization in British Columbia calling for the implementation of a maximum working temperature. The Worker Solidarity Network is urging the provincial government to introduce legislation that would protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat on the job. Currently, BC has no regulations in place to set temperature limits in workplaces—but with the increasing threat of deadly heat waves, advocates say the time for action is now. About our guest  Jiyoon Ha is the communications coordinator at the Workers’ Solidarity Network based in British Columbia. WSN consists of workers throughout the province that share an invested interest in the well-being of precarious employees that struggle under capitalism. Ha brings five years of experience in the service industry to her role at the WSN. She was emboldened to fight for labour justice after growing up in a working-class community and having worked precarious jobs, where she experienced unfair working conditions that upheld harassment and wage theft, among other things. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts. And please, rate, review, share rabble radio with your friends — it takes two seconds to support independent media like rabble. Follow us on social media across channels @rabbleca.  Fundraising music used with permission from: uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: JJOU2WYAPVKYRO1H

It’s Asian Heritage Month in Canada – and this week on the show, we’ll be joined by Sadaf Ahsan and Sarah Sahagian to discuss Asian representation in Canadian pop culture.  From books and television to music, the Canadian cultural landscape has made significant strides in embracing diversity—offering richer, more nuanced portrayals of Asian characters and (mostly) moving away from stereotypes and tokenism. Yet, as our conversation reveals, we still have a long way to go. In this conversation, Sarah and Sadaf share some of their recent favorite films, TV shows, books, and music. They also discuss why diversity should be viewed as a valuable opportunity—not a risk—by investors, and emphasize the vital role of behind-the-scenes representation in shaping authentic stories. About our guest  Sadaf Ahsan is the senior editor at 3 Magazine, co-host of Frequency Podcasts’ The Reheat, columnist at The Globe & Mail, contributing editor at RepresentASIAN Project, and a Humber College journalism professor. Her work has appeared in The Walrus, CBC, The Cut and more. She previously worked at The Juggernaut, Canadian Press, The Discourse, NOW Magazine, and the National Post. More about Sadaf here.  If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts. And please, rate, review, share rabble radio with your friends — it takes two seconds to support independent media like rabble. Follow us on social media across channels @rabbleca.   

It’s been a big month in Canadian politics. With the election of Prime Minister Mark Carney and the rollout of his new cabinet, there's a lot to unpack. While the Liberals and Conservatives surged at the polls, smaller progressive parties like the NDP and the Greens saw their support take a hit — raising big questions about what comes next for progressive politics in Canada.   That was the topic of this month’s Off the Hill panel. We looked at what lies ahead — both on and off Parliament Hill — for the NDP and the Green Party. How can progressives keep pushing key policies forward? And how do we organize and stay active in a political landscape that’s shifting toward the centre? This month we were joined by Mike Morrice, former Green Party MP for Kitchener Centre; Joel Harden, former Ontario NDP MPP and federal candidate in Ottawa Centre; poet, educator, and activist El Jones; and Karl Nerenberg, rabble.ca’s senior parliamentary reporter. About our guests  After being elected as the first-ever Green MP in Ontario, Mike Morrice served as a Member of Parliament from 2021 to 2025 Ontario’s first Green MP, championed disability rights, climate action, and housing affordability. He pushed for the Canada Disability Benefit, fair housing policy, and corporate tax reforms. Morrice also advocated for electoral reform and a windfall tax on fossil fuel profits to fund climate and affordability solutions. Before politics, he founded Sustainable Waterloo Region and Green Economy Canada. Joel Harden is a lifelong community organizer who represented Ottawa Centre in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 2018 to 2025 as a member of the Ontario New Democratic Party. During his time at Queen’s Park, Harden served as the party’s Critic for Transit and Active Transportation, where he championed accessible, affordable, and sustainable public transit solutions across the province.  El Jones is a poet, author, journalist, professor and activist living in Halifax. She is the author of Abolitionist Intimacies (2022) and Live from the Afrikan Resistance! (2014). Karl Nerenberg is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and filmmaker, working in both English and French languages. He is rabble’s senior parliamentary reporter. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts. And please, rate, review, share rabble radio with your friends — it takes two seconds to support independent media like rabble. Follow us on social media across channels @rabbleca. 

This week, we share a clip from the latest episode of the Courage My Friends podcast series. In this episode, host Resh Budhu sat down with visiting professor and dean of the faculty of agriculture and veterinary medicine at Gaza’s Al-Azhar University, Dr. Ahmed Abu Shaban. The two discuss the weaponization of already fragile food systems in Gaza, the acceleration of the climate crisis through conflict and Palestinian resilience under occupation. Listen to the full episode here. And, if you’d like to hear more from the Courage My Friends podcast, please subscribe to Needs No Introduction. Available on rabble.ca, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.  About our guest  Dr. Ahmed Abu Shaban is a visiting professor at York University in the faculties of liberal arts & professional studies and environmental and urban change. He is also dean of the faculty of agriculture and veterinary medicine at Al-Azhar University in Gaza. His work focuses on food systems and climate vulnerability, particularly the impact of conflict on agricultural production and food security in the Gaza Strip. Dr. Abu Shaban plays a leading role in advancing higher education in crisis settings and co-founded the Emergency Committee of Universities in Gaza. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts. And please, rate, review, share rabble radio with your friends — it takes two seconds to support independent media like rabble. Follow us on social media across channels @rabbleca.

As of April 2025, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of at least seven million people globally. The true toll is likely even higher, as many countries have stopped reporting reliable data. Without clear data, it can feel like the pandemic is behind us—but that perception is far from reality. For disabled people and those living with long COVID, the crisis is ongoing. COVID remains a serious, disabling, and deadly threat. This week on rabble radio, rabble.ca’s Jack Layton Journalism for Change fellow Ashleigh-Rae Thomas spoke with Fatima Adam about what COVID realism is and how it’s connected to disability justice.  Links mentioned in this interview:  How To Talk To Your Loved Ones About Covid Crip Crash Course by Sins Invalid I Don't Know How To Explain To You That You Should Care About Other People (Kayla Chadwick, Huffpost, 2017)  Relevant episodes to cue up after this one!  Disability justice is the antithesis of capitalism on rabble radio  What does disability justice look like in the workplace? on rabble radio  About our guest  Fatima Adam (she/her) is a Toronto based writer, arts administrator, and facilitator, with a focus on disability justice and COVID realism. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts. And please, rate, review, share rabble radio with your friends — it takes two seconds to support independent media like rabble. Follow us on social media across channels @rabbleca.

On April 26, a violent attack took place at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver — an event meant to honour Filipino heritage and community. At least 11 people were killed, and many others injured. In the days since, members of the Filipino community in Canada and their allies have been coming together to grieve, reflect, and support one another through this difficult time. This week on rabble radio, labour reporter Gabriela Calugay-Casuga spoke with Zuha Zubair from Migrante Ottawa to reflect on the recent Lapu Lapu Day tragedy in Vancouver, and to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles faced by Filipino migrants in Canada. About our guest  Zuha Zubair is a Filipino and a community organizer with Migrante Ottawa, a chapter of an international migrants organization fighting for national liberation and genuine democracy in the Philippines. Zubair was born in the Maldives to parents who were overseas Filipino workers, known as OFWs. She came to Canada in 2019 as an international student and is currently pursuing a masters’ degree in anthropology. Zubair’s research focuses on overseas Filipino workers and the political connections they have to the Philippines. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts. And please, rate, review, share rabble radio with your friends — it takes two seconds to support independent media like rabble. Follow us on social media across channels @rabbleca.

After announcing that he would not seek re-election as the NDP Member of Parliament for Timmins–James Bay, Charlie Angus has stepped into a new role — as a vocal leader in what he calls Canada’s “resistance” against U.S. President Donald Trump, fascism, and rising threats to democracy. This week on rabble radio, Charlie Angus joins rabble editor Nick Seebruch to discuss The Resistance, the growing threat of “maple MAGA,” and how everyday Canadians are pushing back against creeping U.S. influence and far-right politics in their own communities. About our guest  Charlie Angus is the former Member of Parliament for Timmins-James Bay, serving two decades from his first election in 2004. He has been the NDP critic for Ethics, Natural Resources, FedNor, Indigenous Youth, Income Inequality and Affordability, and Deputy Critic for Labour. Charlie is a member of the Council of Canadians and was instrumental in developing the Pledge for Canadians. He is the author of nine books, including the most recent, Dangerous Memory. Charlie is a songwriter, musician and lead singer with the Juno-nominated Grievous Angels. He is a grassroots activist leading The Resistance. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts. And please, rate, review, share rabble radio with your friends — it takes two seconds to support independent media like rabble. Follow us on social media across channels @rabbleca.   

On April 28, 2025, Canadians will head to the polls and elect members of the House of Commons to the 45th Canadian Parliament – and with it, a Prime Minister.  Canadians have a lot to weigh in this election—from the cost of living crisis and rising inequality, to the ongoing trade tensions with the United States, and a range of other pressing issues. So, this month on our Off the Hill panel, we discussed Election 2025: What’s next for Canada? Joining us this month were former NDP Member of Parliament for Toronto—Danforth Craig Scott; poet and activist El Jones; community organizer and political commentator Jennifer Arp; and rabble’s senior parliamentary reporter Karl Nerenberg. Hosted by Libby Davies.  About our guests  Craig Scott is a professor of Law at Osgoode Hall Law School of York University and a former Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth from 2012-2015. While an MP, he served as the Official Opposition Critic for Democratic and Parliamentary Reform, during most of which period the government minister for this portfolio was Pierre Poilievre.  El Jones is a poet, author, journalist, professor and activist living in Halifax. She is the author of Abolitionist Intimacies (2022) and Live from the Afrikan Resistance! (2014). Jennifer Arp is a community leader and non-profit professional. Previous roles include interim national president and CEO with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and senior vice-president of the community at MS Canada. She had the privilege of representing her community on the Toronto District School Board as trustee and vice-chair from 2014-2018 where she led numerous initiatives including the Enhancing Equity Task Force. Other experience includes working at both the federal and provincial level for multiple cabinet ministers. She recently completed her Master of Arts in International and Intercultural Communications at Royal Roads University. Karl Nerenberg is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and filmmaker, working in both English and French languages. He is rabble’s senior parliamentary reporter. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts. And please, rate, review, share rabble radio with your friends — it takes two seconds to support independent media like rabble. Follow us on social media across channels @rabbleca.