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This week on rabble radio, we're bringing you an interview with Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah. Owusu-Akyeeah has been the executive director of the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity since July 2020. The organization is a national LGBTQ organization dedicated to eliminating all forms of bullying, discrimination, and homophobia in schools. She speaks to rabble's national reporter, Stephen Wentzell, about how the 'Don't Say Gay' bill, set to go into effect in Florida, could impact education on gender diversity and sexual orientation of young Canadians. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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. Or, if you have feedback for the show, get in touch anytime at editor@rabble.ca. Photo by: Teddy Österblom on Unsplash // https://unsplash.com/photos/owiVf9bFKHM

This week on rabble radio, we're bringing you an interview with Harley Augustino of Base Building for Power. Base Building for Power is a collective of activists and organizers. The collective offers programs for individuals who wish to become better organizers themselves – notably, through the 'Summer Justice' program. This paid, two-month program provides hands-on training for young BIPOC activists in Vancouver to develop concrete organizing skills. This is Augustino's second year as a trainer for the program. He talks about what he's hoping this summer's students will take away from the program, and what lessons his students have taught him. Augustino spoke to Libby Davies, author of Outside In and former long-time MP for Vancouver East. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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. Or, if you have feedback for the show, get in touch anytime at editor@rabble.ca. Photo by: Tanushree Rao on Unsplash / https://unsplash.com/photos/kYjDNNRmR7c

This week on rabble radio, journalist Wayne MacPhail interviews Deirdre Pike, of the Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters. Hamilton has found itself in the middle of a housing and homelessness crisis. The Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters, or HATS, is a new project inspired by Kitchener's 'A Better Tent City,' to serve as a temporary solution to the housing crisis in Hamilton by providing small homes for people in need. In 2020, the City of Hamilton released a report which set a framework on ending chronic homelessness by 2025. But this goal can't be achieved without concrete plans and real community action. That's where HATS comes in. Pike is a senior social planner at the Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton. Pike speaks with Wayne MacPhail about the challenges the project has faced so far. They discuss what the community has to say about the project, and what services will be available to people who will occupy these cabin community living spaces. "The way things are moving, we're not sure if 2025 is going to be a goal that's met in terms of 'the end of homelessness,'" Pike says. "If it is, then that should mean small communities like this [The Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters] are temporary and would fold up. But in the meantime, we're making sure that people don't live like this next winter … This is really an opportunity to have people live with some dignity and, probably for the first time in many years, an experience that this is their own place." If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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. Or, if you have feedback for the show, get in touch anytime at editor@rabble.ca. Photo by: Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

This week on rabble radio, we're bringing you an interview with long-time British Columbia politician Joy MacPhail. MacPhail is best known for her roles in BC politics - but there is much more to her story. Many will remember her as Deputy Premier of British Columbia. MacPhail is a longtime member of the BC NDP, and member of the BC Legislative Assembly, representing Vancouver-Hastings. Over her ground-breaking, and at times controversial career - that began in the BC labour movement before being elected to politics - she served as Minister of Finance, Minister of Education, Minister of Heath, Minister of Social Services and Seniors, and more. Currently, MacPhail chairs the ICBC board (the Insurance Corporation of BC), and is an owner of OUTtv, the world's longest airing LGBTQ+ television network. She was appointed to the Order of Canada this past January where she was rec​​ognized for her "pioneering contributions to politics and for her tireless advocacy of underserved and marginalized communities". MacPhail speaks to fellow politician and friend, Libby Davies. Davies is also a life long political activist and politician, but at the municipal and federal levels. She was a long time Vancouver city councilor and former Deputy Leader and House Leader of the federal NDP, representing the riding of Vancouver East from 1997 to 2015. Davies is also a member of the Order of Canada. MacPhail reflects on a lifetime of experiences as a woman in Canadian politics. She recounts the gender-biased scrutiny she faced from the media, and shares what it was like trying to balance being a mother while breaking ground for women in politics. She also discusses how she maintains motivation for positive change to this day. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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. Or, if you have feedback for the show, get in touch anytime at editor@rabble.ca.

This week on rabble radio, we're bringing you a segment of our latest Off the Hill political panel which took place on Thursday March 10th. This month, the theme was "In the extreme." It features special guests Seth Klein, Chuka Ejeckam and MP Leah Gazan. They deconstructed the recently released IPCC report, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the visible rise in right-wing populism. They joined regular hosts, Libby Davies and Robin Browne. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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. Or, if you have feedback for the show, get in touch anytime at editor@rabble.ca.

Libby Davies interviews Sophie Harkat, wife of Mohamed Harkat, to discuss the ways life for the couple has been "turned upside down" for nearly two decades. In December of 2002, Mohamed was taken into custody, suspected of being an al Qaeda sleeper agent. Although he denied any involvement with terrorism, he was arrested on a national security certificate and deemed to be a threat to national security. He has been imprisoned, and then under strict house arrest - all while never been shown evidence against him. Despite this, Sophie remains optimistic as the couple fight for the right to "live a normal life." "I still believe justice will prevail eventually. It may take time - it may take [all the] energy I have to get through this … but I feel there's a purpose behind this. I feel we're setting precedence. It's not just our battle; it's a battle for a lot of people." If you'd like to learn more, rabble.ca has featured extensive coverage about Mohamed Harkat's case since 2011, including a piece by Sophie herself in 2015. If you'd like to donate or find ways to support Mohamed and Sophie, visit their website: https://www.justiceforharkat.com. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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. Or, if you have feedback for the show, get in touch anytime at editor@rabble.ca.

This week on rabble radio, Doreen Nicoll interviews environmental lawyer Phil Pothen. Phil and Doreen have been following the ongoing situation in Halton Region regarding the 'Stop Sprawl Halton' movement. 5200 acres of farmland are at stake. Regional council wants to develop this land as part of a 'preferred growth plan'. But Halton Region residents believe there is a better solution. Listen to Phil and Doreen discuss how this proposed growth plan came to be and what residents would like the future of Halton region to look like. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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 have feedback for the show, get in touch anytime at editor@rabble.ca. Photo credit: Allison Batley on Unsplash

This week on rabble radio, Libby Davies interviews Paul Taylor, the executive director of FoodShare Toronto and a lifelong anti-poverty activist. They talk about how the pandemic has encouraged his non-profit to re-evaluate self-care days. They also discuss how activists should allow for room for fatigue and frustration during difficult times. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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 have feedback for the show, get in touch anytime at editor@rabble.ca. Photo credit: Timon Studler on Unsplash

Hello and welcome to rabble radio. It's Friday, February 11, 2022. I'm your host, Breanne Doyle. Thanks for tuning in. rabble's got its finger on the beat of the issues that matter to you. If you're curious about the latest news in Canadian politics, labour, environment, or social justice – you've come to the right place to find the stories that matter. Free of corporate influence. What's on the show today: We're bringing you a segment of our first Off the Hill political panel of the year which took place last night, Thursday February 10th. The theme of last night's show was Whose budget is it, anyway? Our panelists, including special guests El Jones, MP Leah Gazan and David MacDonald, deconstructed the federal budget to help us understand: why is it important and what power does the government really have in designing a federal budget? They also zeroed in on recent events in Ottawa - such as the ousting of Conservative leader Erin O'Toole and the so-called "Freedom Convoy" and the visible rise in right-wing populism. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 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 have feedback for the show, get in touch anytime at editor@rabble.ca.

Hello and welcome to rabble radio. It's Friday, February 4, 2022. I'm your host, Breanne Doyle. Thanks for tuning in. rabble's got it's finger on the beat of the issues that matter to you. If you're curious about the latest news in Canadian politics, labour, environment, or social justice – you've come to the right place to find the stories that matter to you. Free of corporate influence. This week, rabble recognizes the first week of Black History Month. We also continue our coverage of the so-called "Freedom Convoy 2022" as it unfolds in Ottawa. As well, Amnesty International asserts Israel is guilty of the crime of apartheid against Palestinians. Is it finally time for international intervention? We'll dive into all those stories and more, a bit later on our show. First - we present to you a conversation between Professor Amina Mire and documentary filmmaker Jennifer Holness to discuss Holness' new documentary: Subjects of Desire. Subjects of Desire investigates the cultural shift in North American beauty standards towards adopting Black female aesthetics and features. The documentary exposes the deliberate and often dangerous portrayals of Black women in the media. Subjects of Desire attempts to deconstruct what we understand about race and explores the power behind beauty. The film premiered on TVO on February 1. Mire is an associate professor at Carleton University. Her research interests include interdisciplinary analysis and critical research in gender and the cinema, anti-racist/anti-colonial research, political thought, and women and health. Holness is a director, writer and producer living in Toronto. Her recent work includes the award-winning documentary Stateless and the Shoot the Messenger tv series. In 2021, she was the recipient of the Women in Film and Television's Creative Excellence Award. She is a key part of numerous committees including the chair of the Black Screen Office and co chair of The Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators. This week, Mire sat down with Holness to discuss Subjects of Desire, and touched on their own experiences of confronting the beauty standards and harmful stereotypes of Black women. Here is a snippet from that conversation. Take a listen. (interview - 20 minutes) That was Professor Amina Mire and director and writer Jennifer Holness, talking about Subjects of Desire. Thanks very much for that, Amina and Jennifer. If you'd like to know more about this documentary, you can find Mire's review on rabble.ca. Now it's time for In Case You Missed It. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT This week, rabble marks the first week of Black History Month. Markiel Simpson kicks off coverage with a piece that argues African, Caribbean and Black Canadians should be celebrated all year, not only during Black History Month. While the significant contributions made by African, Caribbean and Black Canadians - the ACB diaspora - need to be recognized, undoing centuries of systemic racism and oppression cannot be restricted to only one month. Also this week, Natasha Darling shares how Black sex workers are leading intersectional movements for smashing injustice and the patriarchy, in her must-read column . Also this week, rabble's staff writers and contributors continued coverage of the so-called "Freedom Convoy 2022". Karl Nerenberg, rabble senior politics reporter and Ottawa resident, shares what he and his Ottawa neighbours have been experiencing since the beginning of the protests last week, while the police stand idly by: "Never before has a protest movement in the Canadian capital been accompanied by hundreds of massive, multi-wheel rigs, spewing clouds of noxious diesel fumes, and blaring their oversized horns in a 24-hours-a-day cacophonic symphony," he writes, noting the hateful signage and behaviour of some associated to protest. The presence of all these trucks and protestors poses a challenge the city - one that has experienced thousands of protests - "has never before had to deal with." While local residents fume knowing what would happen to them if they simply parked illegally, no doubt indigenous and other activists are asking where the capitals' usual security forces - so often immediately on the scene for vigils and demonstration - are? Nerenberg points out that the Ottawa police, "with reinforcements from across the country, are claiming that they are doing their best to keep the peace, but are treading carefully in dealing with the protesters." David Climenhaga was one of the first to break the story of the far right involvement in the convoy's GoFundMe page, where this protest began online. This week he ponders whether some of those funds might go towards damages from the protests. Climenhaga has also been keeping the spotlight on Alberta's political leaders - and reporting on their involvement in the protests and in far right ideology. He ponders, for example, whether Premier Jason Kenney encouraged the copycat Coutts blockade which he now condemns? It would be ironic, Climenhaga writes, if Kenney's dubious claim a week ago that Ottawa's vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers was leading to empty shelves in grocery stores, ended up being what is causing real shortages. While the protestors in Ottawa have been calling for Justin Trudeau's departure, it was another leader who was ousted this week. Karl Nerenberg reflectsErin O'Toole's eviction as leader of the Conservative party - and shares his thoughts on the prospects for Pierre Poilievre, the MP for Carleton, who inspires enormous loyalty from a large swath of the Conservative base. Some observers say Poilievre would provide Donald Trump-style leadership in Canada; and like Trump, Poilievre plays politics only in one emotional key – the key of anger. And it seems anger – Nerenberg writes – "is exactly what the Conservative base wants from a leader." Last Saturday was the fifth anniversary of the January 29th Quebec mosque shooting. In her column, Monia Mazigh considers this first National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. Now more than ever, Mazigh says, "it is important to ask ourselves: what has Canada done to prevent future Islamophobic attacks? I am afraid to say: very little." In international news, rabble contributor and board member, Thomas Woodley writes that the report published by Amnesty International on Monday - asserting Israel is guilty of the crime of apartheid against Palestinians - means there should be no further question that international intervention is required. Amnesty joins a long list of Israeli human rights organizations who have also found Israel guilty of the crime against humanity. Those groups include Gisha, Breaking the Silence, Peace Now Israel, and more. Canadian leaders, he argues, must now respond. Also: Don't miss out! rabble's Off the Hill political panel is back on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 7:30pm EST. This month's theme: Whose budget is it, anyway? Join hosts Libby Davies, Robin Browne, and guests MP Leah Gazan, CCPA economist David MacDonald, activist, poet and scholar El Jones and Karl Nerenberg. They'll be taking your questions and discussing the parliamentary agenda including the upcoming federal budget. Will major political moments like the turmoil in the Conservative party or the truck convoy make a difference to how the budget plays out in parliament? Tune in or join the live audience on zoom to find out. Register now to join this free event, via Zoom. The last thing I'd like to leave you with, listeners, is this: we are in the homestretch of our annual fundraiser, and we have a special offer for all of you rabble radio listeners! Support rabble a monthly donation of $8 or more before midnight Saturday, February 5th, and you will receive a free copy of Indigenous activist and author Clayton Thomas-Müller's book, Life in the City of Dirty Water. Clayton's book is one of the top 5 contenders in Canada Reads 2022! EXTRO And that's it for rabble radio this week. Thanks as always for tuning in. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or whatever podcast app you use. 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 have feedback for the show – ideas, stories, opinions you'd like us to cover – I'd love to hear about. Get in touch with me anytime at editor@rabble.ca. Thank you to Amina Mire and Jennifer Holness for their conversation this week. Thank you to Karl Nerenberg for his reporting and for supplying the music for this show. Thank you to all the journalists and writers who contributed to this week's content on rabble.ca. And lastly, thank you to you for tuning into rabble radio. I'm Breanne Doyle, and I'll talk to you next week. Photo credit: Hungry Eyes Media Inc. used with permission.