Building Left

Join Kallee Lins and Jaime Frederick as they interview Luke Savage. Luke is a writer whose work has appeared in the Toronto Star, the New Statesman, Jacobin and more. He is also the coauthor of Ed Broadbent’s 2023 book Seeking Social Democracy. Join us for Luke's commentary on the rising popularity of explicitly socialist movements around the world, the failures of Carney's centrism in Canada, and strategies for building broad, bold, progressive political coalitions.  Find Luke on social media: Substack: Luke Savage | Substack BlueSky: @lukewsavage.bsky.social — Bluesky Facebook: www.facebook.com/LukeSavage Background and further reading: How Carney is betraying a vision of a fair and strong Canada: Toronto Star Something's got to give - Luke Savage Mark Carney's "sovereign wealth fund" is a mirage: Luke Savage Reclaiming Socialism in Canada’s NDP Leadership Race: Jacobin  

Hosts Jaime Frederick and Kallee Lins speak with Guerric Haché, an Electoral District Association (EDA) member in Vancouver Centre, about rebuilding and energizing NDP EDAs. Guerric is a designer and programmer with 13 years' experience in the video game industry, alongside being as an independent writer and artist, and a prolific nature photographer. Originally from Gatineau, Québec, they've made their home in Vancouver for well over a decade, where they are a member of the EDA for Canada's New Democratic Party in the riding of Vancouver Centre, and a member of COPE, Vancouver's municipal coalition of progressive electors. Tune-in to hear about practical organizing ideas like member socials, building digital community spaces, and strengthening ties with labour unions and other activist communities. You'll also hear about the rich potential of EDAs to shape party policy, support volunteers, and connect across ridings, without shying away from common structural challenges like generational divides and inexperience with governance practices.  Join Building Left to learn more about concrete ways to connect with your EDA and revitalize the grassroots of democratic socialism in your community.  Connect with Guerric on BlueSky Social: Quillipede (@quillipede.bsky.social) — Bluesky Background/Further reading and listening: Mark Carney runs roughshod over the environment Carney government’s changes to pesticide rules will put safety at risk Carney government plan targets protections for at-risk whales Mark Carney has forgotten who helped get him elected Canadian prime minister Mark Carney is not the climate guy you thought | Seth Klein | The Guardian By hosting a global weapons bank, Carney is setting up Canada for war profiteering ⋆ The Breach Carney government eying curbs on right to strike: Unions ANALYSIS: The anatomy of a stunner in Scarborough Southwest | TVO Today        

In this episode of Building Left, hosts Kallee Lins and Jaime Frederick speak with Trevor McAleese, a Kelowna-based video game developer and former federal NDP candidate who is now running for city council. Trevor discusses why municipal politics matter, and explains how he proposes to tackle issues such as affordable housing, short-term rental challenges, childcare, climate change and wildfire preparedness. The conversation explores campaign organizing differences between federal and municipal races, conservative slate strategies in B.C., and practical solutions like inclusionary zoning, municipally-run childcare, and support for the arts and tech sectors. Trevor shares advice for progressives considering municipal runs and emphasizes the importance of community-focused representation. More info/background: Trevor McAleese for Kelowna City Council Only in Nelson | The feature-length documentary movie Peggy Nash's Women Winning Office – Between the Lines