"Review Lays Bare Police Failings" topped page 1 in the Toronto Star of April 14, 2021. The Independent Civilian Review of Missing Persons Investigations report, led by retired Justice Gloria Epstein, falls considerably short of the press headline. While clearly condemning the indifference, bungling and "systemic" errors of police, the Review presents no credible analysis of what happened. Worse, the solution it proposes is no solution at all. It actually urges an increase in police funding to facilitate implementation of the Review's recommendations. (No wonder the Police Services Board welcomed the report and its recommendations!)
Category: Canada
Delegates Pushed Undemocratic NDP Virtual Convention to the Left
It may have been the most undemocratic convention in the 60-year history of the New Democratic Party. Technical glitches (of which there were many) were not the main problem. Political decisions by the party establishment really made it a farce. But repeatedly, waves of rebellion crashed ashore as close to 2,000 delegates struggled to counteract ridiculous time constraints on policy debate and blatant manipulation by presiding officers.
Dump Thug Ford with a General Strike
On a warm, sunny Saturday, April 24 at 12 noon, Socialist Action members gathered at the south end of Queen's Park in Toronto to protest the abominable Doug Ford Conservative provincial government. To be safe, participants employed physical distancing, masks, and gloves.Scores of passing drivers honked in approval. Dozens of pedestrians approached and took literature; some signed up for e-mail contact.
Socialist Action Newspaper March 2021 Edition
Below is the download for the March 2021 edition of the Socialist Action newspaper. March 2021 issue-compressedDownload
WEBCAST: Socialism and Religion
Thursday, April 8 4 p.m. PT, 7 p.m. EST, “Socialism and Religion” with gay rights pioneer John Wilson. Host: Elizabeth Byce. Discussants: Alex Badila in Toronto, Emily Steers in Guelph, and Helen Smith in Vancouver.
WEBCAST: The Struggle for Indigenous Liberation from Colonialism and Capitalism
Thursday, April 1 4 p.m. PT, 7 p.m. EST, “The Struggle for Indigenous Liberation from Colonialism and Capitalism” with Eric Johnston at the Native Canadian Center of Toronto. Host: Elizabeth Byce. Discussants: Agnieszka Marszalek, a teacher at Grassy Narrows, Ontario and Barry Weisleder, Federal Secretary, Socialist Action and co-editor, SA newspaper.
End the US Embargo of Cuba – car caravan in Toronto
Some fifty people in about 20 cars took to the streets of downtown Toronto on March 28 to demand an end to the punishing trade blockade that the United States imposes on Cuba. Braving cool temperatures and a steady rainfall, participants in the car caravan en route waved flags, honked horns and chanted in Spanish "Cuba, Si! Blocqueo No!"