Rabble Rants

Canadian Immigration and ICE

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:15:00 -0500

ICE raids, mass deportations and communities resisting it all.

Will the images filling our screens serve as a cautionary tale, or will Canadians convince themselves that those kinds of abuses wouldn't happen here?

Hosts Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLean try to answer that with discussions on recent Liberal legislation (Bill C12), the Safe Third Country Agreement we have with the United States, and the impact its already having on migrants.

Find our written piece to accompany this episode on our SUBSTACK

Calls to ACTION

Tell Senators: Vote No on Bill C-12 - Migrant Rights Network

Resources / Links / Referenced Material:

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This content is a creation of Rabble Rousers Co-operative and is only made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support the work: Patreon

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Deny, Defend, Depose

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0500

What are we to think of the public's response to United Health CEO Brian Thompson's death?

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

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Don't miss our other podcast: Blueprints of Disruption

Resources:

The Haka Disrupts NZ Parliament, Ontario Mayors Against Encampments and more

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Our hosts unpack a few things for November 23rds, Rabble Rants:

Maori MP Disrupts New Zealand Parliament with the Haka

The protest inside the Parliament was directed at the right-wing coalition's attack on Indigenous rights in New Zealand. It was paired with widespread mobilization in the streets. What parallels can we draw from Canadian politics?

15 Ontario Mayors ask Premier to Defy the Charter to Clear Encampments

A growing list of 'Big City' Mayors in Ontario, clearly working in concert with the Progressive Conservative Provincial government, are launching attacks on unhoused people. Twelve of them drafted a letter at the bequest of Doug Ford, and they want to do more than clear encampments...

Calls to ACTION

Sign the Petition to Oppose the Use of the Notwishstanding Clause to Clear Encampments

Resources / Links / Referenced Material:

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This content is a creation of Rabble Rousers Co-operative and is only made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support the work: Patreon

If you don't already subscribe to our other podcast, Blueprints of Disruption, you're missing out!

Democrats Lose. Our Plan Stays the Same.

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0500

We will remember this 5th of November. Our hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero unpack the results of the U.S. President Election and what it means for the movements we're working to build.

While some will blame voters or activists, our hosts examine how the DNC lost this race and why we don't need to despair.

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Liberals, Immigration and the Lies They Tell the Working Class

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Trudeau's Liberals Backtrack on Promises to Migrants, Scapegoating Them Instead of Legislating Status for All.

Hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero unpack some of the worst narratives around immigration in Canada right now. With the Liberals introducing policy that goes along with the Conservative talking points, there is a real danger of the working class losing ground to racism and xenophobia. Both tools of Capital.

Hear about the work being done on the ground to combat this, and what you can do to join those efforts.

Calls to Action:

Boost the STATUS FOR ALL Campaign by the Migrant Rights Network
(ONTARIO) Support the Najawan Support Network, or visit their encampment in Brampton.

Resources / Links / Referenced Material:

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This content is a creation of Rabble Rousers Co-operative and is only made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support the work: Patreon

If you don't already subscribe to our other podcast, Blueprints of Disruption, you're missing out!

the NDP and CASA

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Jagmeet Singh Ends the NDP's Confidence and Supply Agreement with the Liberals

Journalist Scott Martin of The Catch joins host Jessa McLean to talk about the latest political theatrics surrounding the deal that's been central to federal Canadian politics for over two years. Includes analysis on the timing of Jagmeet's statement, the statement itself, the gains made from the deal and the harms done by siding with the Liberals for so long.

Find out more...

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This content is a creation of Rabble Rousers Co-operative and is only made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support the work: Patreon

If you don't already subscribe to our other podcast, Blueprints of Disruption, you're missing out!

CUPE Rank and File Stand with Fred

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 00:15:00 -0500

CUPE National Executives Voted YES to a Motion of Non-Confidence on Fred Hahn

We sit down with CUPE rank and file member and Labour for Palestine Organizer, Anna Lippman to talk about the dangerous precedent being set, at such a precarious time for workers and Palestinian activists.

What does it mean for the movement inside Ontario largest public sector union, who have successfully been advocating for Palestinian liberation since 2005. What does this mean for union democracy?

Listen in and find out.

Call to ACTION: #StandwithFredHahn

Send a Message to CUPE National Execs NOW

Our previous episodes with Anna:

Another episode on the link between Canadian unions and the fight for a Free Palestine:

Disarming Imperialism

Defend Fred Hahn! - Spring

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This content is a creation of Rabble Rousers Co-operative and is only made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support the work: Patreon

If you don't already subscribe to our other podcast, Blueprints of Disruption, you're missing out!

Lipstick on the Same Capitalist Pig

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:15:00 -0500

We need system change, not just a leadership change or political party makeovers.

All of this focus on political leaders and their personalities has our hosts frustrated.

What is it about leadership races and elections that makes people forget about the issues most important to them?

Here are a few episodes related to this discussion:

Leadership Cults in Politics: On the trappings of playing to the leader vs. leader narrative, why they exist and how we can move away from these 'leadership cults' in politics.

Our Leaders Are Landlords: 4 of the 5 federal Party leaders are now landlords. Why do we keep electing wealthy people to lead the working class? Is this what Representative Democracy looks like?

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This content is a creation of Rabble Rousers Co-operative and is only made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support the work: Patreon

If you don't already subscribe to our other podcast, Blueprints of Disruption, you're missing out!

Olympics During a Genocide

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Let us tell you what we really think about the Paris 2024 Olympics...

From the billions of public dollars spent, the 'social cleansing' or displacement of migrants, new surveillance laws, religious moral panic and obnoxious Israeli football fans - there are lots of reasons to rant about the Olympics.

Resources / Links / Referenced Material:

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This content is a creation of Rabble Rousers Co-operative and is only made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support the work: Patreon

If you don't already subscribe to our other podcast, Blueprints of Disruption, you're missing out!

Toronto Floods

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Toronto recently experienced heavy flooding, the images went viral. This isn't the first time - nor will it be the last.

Our hosts discuss the budget decisions made by all levels of government that contributed to the scenes that unfolded at Union Station, on the Don Valley Parkway and even in Oakville and Mississauga.

The failure to protect our wetlands, the generations of prioritizing development over the environment, our refusal to commit to climate justice OR mitigation...theses recent events opened up a few discussion points we unpack here.

Calls to ACTION

Resources / Links / Referenced Material:

David Suzuki Org: Wetlands are Critical to Planetary Health

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This content is a creation of Rabble Rousers Co-operative and is only made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support the work: Patreon

If you don't already subscribe to our other podcast, Blueprints of Disruption, you're missing out!

Defending Public Revenue: LCBO Workers on Strike

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Ontario public sector workers and the revenues they generate are under attack. What does OPSEU do? Stand up fight back! LCBO workers across the Province are on strike for better compensation, but more importantly - they are doing what they can to push back against the Conservative's dismantling of the public sector in general.

Our hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero break down Ford's so-called 'Dry Summer', the deal made with private retailers and the malicious ways in which he's trying to undermine the power of workers.

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

Resources:

Ford’s dry summer begins: LCBO workers start historic strike – OPSEU SEFPO

Lessons from the People's Circle for Palestine

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0500

The University of Toronto student encampment, named the People's Circle for Palestine, dismantled their tents after an Ontario Superior Court judge ordered an injunction against them.

Our hosts break down the ruling, what it means for other encampments and bring up lessons learned from the end of just "one tactic in the toolbox" of students demanding their institutions disclose and divest.

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

Resources:

Forget Stonehenge - The Planet is on Fire

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Special Guest: Scott Martin

With special guest Scott Martin, we unpack the criticism and backlash faced by activists who disrupt and protest against climate change. In this case its Just Stop Oil, orange cornstarch and Stonehenge, but this conversation applies to all that disrupt the status quo.

The repetitive and disingenuous arguments used by politicians and media to discredit these actions just underscore the need for more revolutionary optics and diverse tactics. We also look at the criminalization of indigenous land and water defenders in Canada and around the world, and the lack of media coverage on these critical struggles.

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

Resources:

Mask Bans with Kim Crawley and Bothered Boy

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Two special guests, Kim Crawley and Bothered Boy, join host Jessa McLean to talk about the mask bans being introduced in the United States, the attitudes here in Canada and the recent uptick in activists being charged for wearing COVID protective masks during direct actions.

We keep us safe - wear a mask comrades.

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

Resources:

Labour and Students United

Fri, 31 May 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Topic 1: All Eyes on Rafah

We give an update for the week of May 24th, including the latest attacks on a 'safe zone', the lack of a US 'red line' and the creation of buffer zones that block the border with Egypt.

Topic 2: Students and Labour Unite at UofT Encampment

An Emergency Rally in the face of a possible injunction and police action saw Ontario Labour leaders pledge to "put their bodies between police and students". We give updates on the encampments, discuss the possibilities of escalation and vent about the hypocrisies of our politicians.

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

Be sure to also subscribe to our founding podcast: Blueprints of Disruption

Resources:

Toronto Star: Judge Sets Date to Hear UofT Injunction

The Iranian Response to Israeli Strikes

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0500

The conversation explores the current situation in Israel and Palestine, focusing on the goals and actions of the Israeli government, the role of the US, and the potential consequences of the conflict. It discusses the unwinnable battle Israel is fighting in trying to eliminate Hamas and the need for a way out to avoid looking like their actions were in vain. The conversation also touches on the economic and global implications of the conflict, the delegitimization of leaders as a distraction tactic, and the rise of extreme fascism in Israel. It emphasizes the importance of education and counter-education in the anti-imperialist fight.

Key Takeaways:

Israel is fighting an unwinnable battle in trying to eliminate Hamas and needs a way out to avoid looking like their actions were in vain.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has economic and global implications, and the US is concerned about protecting its assets and maintaining its superpower status.
Delegitimizing leaders is a distraction tactic used to shift the focus away from the systemic issues and maintain control.
The rise of extreme fascism in Israel is a concerning development, particularly among the younger generation.
The anti-imperialist fight is a long one that requires continuous education, counter-education, and re-education.

Chapters:

Introduction and Background
Religion as a Unifying Factor
Iran's Response to the Embassy Strike
Economic and Global Implications of the Conflict
Delegitimizing Leaders as a Distraction Tactic
The Long Fight: Anti-Imperialism and Continuous Education

Resources:

https://rabble-rants.captivate.fm

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

International Law?

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Multiple UN Bodies Pass Motions Against Israel to No Avail

After rulings by the ICJ, and motions passed at the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council, Israel has continued its onslaught of Gaza and its many violations of human rights and international law.

Host Jessa McLean gives updates on the latest rulings and examines the history of the U.N., its failure to prevent other genocides and its true purpose.

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

Resources:

Renters Bill of Rights

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Liberals Announce Plans for a Renters' Bill of Rights

In an attempt to sway young voters, mostly renters, Trudeau and the Liberals have announced what they are calling a Renters' Bill of Rights. It includes some funding for legal aid, plans to tie rental payment history to credit scores and other measures aimed at the landlord/tenant relationship.

Host Jessa McLean goes through the plans, their viability and flags some of the ways these measures could actually harm tenants and their ability to push back against bad landlords and sky high rents.

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

Be sure to catch our other podcast, Blueprints of Disruption. Available anywhere you get your podcasts.

Resources:

Liberals Target Migrants

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Liberals introduce caps and other policy changes related to temporary foreign residents.

In an attempt to further scapegoat immigrants for the 'affordability and housing crisis', federal Liberals in Canada have introduced caps on migrant workers, international students and asylum seekers.

We go over the details of the changes being made and the impact they'll have. We highlight the realities facing 'temporary residents' and the demands advocates have been fighting for, for years. Things like Status for All, an end to deportations and the regularization of undocumented people in Canada.

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Resources:

U.S. Seaport: Gaza

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0500

United States Pledges to Build a Seaport in Gaza.

In his State of the Union Address, President Biden called for a six-week ceasefire and promised to build a seaport to deliver aid to Gaza.

The project will be lead by U.S. troops and a company no-one has heard of until now. Wait until you find out who runs that company and what their aims in the Middle East are.

We also discuss what all of this mean for the Israeli blockade on Gaza and geopolitics in general.

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

Resources:

Events Cancelled for Palestine

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Direct actions work. The past two weeks have seen multiple Palestinian solidarity actions shut down Liberal fundraisers and galas with fascists. They have drawn attention to illegal land sales, Canadian companies arming Israel, and the racist violence of Zionists here in Canada.

Our hosts go over some of these actions, the tactics they used, the responses and the results.

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Resources:

Deceptively Dangerous: Pierre Poilievre

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0500

With the federal Conservatives in full campaigning mode, we thought we'd take a moment to highlight some of the more dangerous aspects of Pierre Poilievre.

Even before he was leader of the CPC, his ambitions were clear, and so were his politics. Anti-democratic, anti-Indigenous, hostile. Now his tactics, coupled with his growing platform, make his approach outright dangerous.

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Be sure to catch our other podcast: Blueprints of Disruption

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

Resources:

Pierre Poilievre defends the Fair Elections Act

Extreme Sacrifice

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0500

The Death of Aaron Bushnell

His last words were "Free Palestine". 25 year old Aaron Bushnell livestreamed what he called an extreme form of protest. In front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, the US Airman and self described anarchist doused himself in an accelerant and lit himself on fire.

In these dark times, many folks may be feeling desperate and looking for ways to make a bigger impact. Our hosts unpack those feelings, share some writings on the issue and implore the audience to find other ways to fight that keep us alive.

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

Resources:

Big Pharmacare Deal

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Canada's NDP Reaches Pharmacare Deal with Trudeau's Liberals

After weeks of leaked deadline ultimatums, Jagmeet Singh announced he'd reached a deal with the Liberals on what he is calling universal pharmacare.

Should people in Canada celebrate this as a first step? Our hosts suggest we hold our applause for the moment.

We go over details of what is included in the deal, what isn't - and exactly what the status of the legislation is. As with all political announcements, we consider the timing and the fact the NDP are describing "intense negotiations" to get to even this point, despite Pharmacare being a part of CASA since March 2022.

Rabble Rants is brought to you by the creators of Blueprints of Disruption.

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

Resources:

CBC: Pharmacare Deal