Local 514

Muslim prisoners in Quebec face a compounded type of discrimination. There is the usual deprivation of life and freedom that the public expects prisoners to face. However, there is a rigidity of prison life that is wholly unaccommodating to the Muslim faith, and some are saying it is becoming even worse with budget cuts from both federal and provincial governments that take away educational opportunities from prisoners.Two community organizers are taking things into their own hands with the Eid Card writing initiative for incarcerated Muslims. Local 514 host, Kalden Dhatsenpa speaks to the organizers, Nashwa and Nabeela who have taken on efforts to spread awareness and raise funds for this unspoken issue.They talk about Islamophobia in Québec’s institutions, the broader global uses of prisons to stifle racialized and Indigenous communities, as well as the reception of their initiative by these prisoners.

Should university staff at McGill be allowed to demand students identify themselves on campus? Montreal’s McGill University’s board of governors has voted in favour of a controversial new policy. It’s called the Identification Policy for Access to Properties Owned, Occupied, or Used by the University.This policy was proposed by Professor Fabrice Labeau on January 14, 2026 and it received quick criticism for the power it gives to McGill security and staff to demand identification from anyone on campus grounds.The concerns raised about the policy point to its timing after the pro-palestine encampments. Critics of the policy are concerned about how the policy might be used against protestors trying to protect their privacy, women wearing a veil for religious reasons, and those who wear the mask for medical purposes.To learn more about the policy and the concerns around it, Local 514 host Kalden Dhatsenpa speaks to student from McGill that helped organize an open letter of opposition to the policy back in the winter.

The National Post recently published a column by Terry Newman that referred to an event organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement Montreal as “pro-terror.” The event was intended to share the experiences of former Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons. As Ali Salman explains, PYM aimed to shed light on stories that are often hidden from public view.This framing is nothing new to organizers and activists who are familiar with the narratives that have long been used against Palestinians. What is new, however, is what the article reveals about a Montreal lawyer named Neil Oberman, who wrote to two federal ministers as well as the community centre where the event was held. Oberman’s letter includes many of the usual accusations against PYM, such as calling it “pro-terror” and “hate-promoting.” The most striking passage is where he asks that Minister Lena Diab “ensure that any foreign nationals scheduled to speak at or participate in this event, in particular any individuals described as ‘released political prisoners,’ are denied entry to Canada or refused the issuance of any visa or travel authorization.”This reflects a broader tactic that has emerged in efforts against supporters of the Palestinian movement: the politicized use of the Canadian border. Similar cases have involved the Irish band Kneecap, French parliamentarian Rima Hassan, and representatives from the Palestinian Football Association. In this instance, the same approach was attempted against speakers at a Montreal event, even though they appeared by video rather than in person.Local 514 speaks with Ali Salman to get the full context of the event and to hear his perspective on these efforts to use border controls as a tool against Palestinians and their allies.

In this episode, Local 514 host Kalden Dhatsenpa sits down withvenue owner and former municipal political candidate Sergio Da Silva to discuss his recent criticism of Montreal’s new nightlife policy.Sergio acknowledges that the policy brings some positive developments—particularly for venues that have put in the work to earn special designation allowing them to stay open later. However, he raises concerns about the broader tone of the administration, pointing out that referring to music as “noise” reveals who these policies are really designed to serve.Ultimately, Sergio argues that if Montreal truly wants to support and grow its cultural scene, the most impactful step isn’t regulation—it’s addressing affordability. Lowering the cost of living, he says, is key to sustaining the artists, communities, and spaces that make the city’s nightlife thrive.

In a recent tweet, border scholar Harsha Walia described Bill C-12 as “absolutely horrific,” warning that it could become “the country’s largest machinery of deportation.” As the bill moves from the Senate to the House of Commons, concerns about its potential impact are growing.In this episode, Local 514 host Kalden Dhatsenpa speaks with Mostafa Henaway of the Immigrant Workers Centre in Montreal to unpack what’s at stake with Bill C12. A leading organizer and expert on migrant labour in Canada, Mostafa brings critical insight into the broader implications of the bill.Mostafa and Kalden discuss the dangers posed by Bill C-12, the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment, and how some companies in Montreal are exploiting migrant workers who are increasingly pushed into precarity. These stories of exploited migrant workers might become more common if the bill receives royal assent.

Local 514 host Kalden Dhatsenpa is joined by journalist Katia Lo Innes for a look at the stories making headlines in Montreal this month.The OQLF is planning on unleashing “secret shoppers” across Quebec but more than half of the visits will be in Montreal. The secret shoppers will report back to the OQLF on how often french is used by service staff. The operation will be carried out by a private firm at a cost estimated at up to $350,000.The mayor of Montreal, Soraya Martinez Ferrada is fulfilling one of her campaign promises of cutting 1,000 jobs over 4 years all while mainting a hiring freeze. the union representing the city’s administrative workers decry the move saying it will affect services given by the city.Cheese curds in quebec could soon receive be “protected” so as to maintain authenticity. This move lobbied by the quebec dairy industry aims to secure a geographical indication similar to that for wines from Champagne and Bordeaux. Kalden and Katia discuss the standardization of culture and the stasis it promotes.The episode also touches on a Supreme Court challenge to Quebec’s secularism law, and a recent housing tribunal decision that could make it harder for landlords to enforce no-pet clauses in leases. The two also discuss Montreal’s role in upcoming international defence bank negotiations.

In 2026, 7 women have been killed in and around Montréal. Ruba Ghazal, co-spokesperson of Quebec Solidaire claims that the CAQ government is contributing by underfunding prevention and support systems for women in danger. During a previous femicide spike in 2021 the CAQ promised to expand shelters and funding for services but currently at the time of writing the provincial government is short 33% of its targets.To learn more about the roots of this violence Local 514 host, Kalden Dhatsenpa, spoke to Shennel Hunte and Alham Mahmod, two representatives from Women AWARE, a survivor-led group offering peer-support for people who are and have experienced intimate partner violence.Shennel and Alham detail the work their org is doing as well as their opinion that this rise in femicides….might not be a new trend at all, but rather a crisis that has long gone under-recognized.To learn more tune in for the full discussion.If this discussion resonates with you, support is available. Here are places you can reach out to for support. You are not alone.Women AWAREHotline: 514-489-1110Email: [email protected] resources: https://www.womenaware.ca/en/servicesCAVAC (Crime Victims Assistance Centre)Phone: 514-842-4780Toll-free: 1-866-532-2822Website: cavac.qc.ca/en/SOS violence conjugalePhone (Montreal): 514-873-9010Toll-free: 1-800-363-9010Text: 438-601-1211Email: [email protected]

Islamophobia has long been a recurring instrument in Québec’s political landscape. From the Parti Québécois’s proposed Charter of Values in 2013, which sought to bar public servants from wearing religious symbols, to the passage of Bill 94 in 2010, Muslim communities have repeatedly been cast as scapegoats in a broader culture war. This discourse often amplifies fears around so-called threats to laïcité, despite the tenuousness of those claims.To better understand the current moment in this ongoing trajectory, Local 514 host Kalden Dhatsenpa speaks with journalist Zaineb Karkachi about Bill 94 and the ways it is already reshaping the lives of Muslim people who work—or once hoped to work—in Québec’s public education system.

On this episode of Local 514 we delve into a provocative legal case that has sparked widespread debate across Canada.The case centers around Alexe Frédéric Migneault, a non-binary individual who received $500 in damages from a hair salon after they faced discrimination in booking an appointment. At the center of this story and the wave of angry misinterpretations is the right to accommodation.Lawyers Geneviève Grey and Max Silverman join host Kalden Dhatsenpa to discuss the case details, legal principles, media reactions, and broader implications for human rights and reasonable accommodation.

As much as professional sports tries to distance itself from the political world, politics always finds sports. Recently FBI director Kash Patel and president Donald Trump embroiled themselves in scandal for their ugly gold medal celebrations with the US mens national hockey team. Some of which had to return to their local Canadian teams and answer for their soft support of these authoritarian figures. Even outside of international tensions, policy decisions around sports arenas, recreational centres, and funding for young talent make up many chains of political choices. If it wasn’t clear already sports are tied up with identity, culture, territory, and power in ways we do not always talk about.In Montreal especially, hockey is more than just a game. It is connected to language politics, nationalism, class, and community identity. Governments help fund arenas. Taxpayers pay for transit, infrastructure, and policing around games. National anthems and military displays are also a regular part of the spectacle.In this episode, we talk with Andrew Berkshire, president of the Game Over Network and former managing editor of Habs Eye on the Prize. After years covering hockey and the NHL, he has also spent a lot of time thinking about the politics surrounding the sport.We talk about toxic masculinity, public money in sports, culture wars, and the power structures behind the NHL, and ask a simple question. Are sports are recognized as a public good? and if so should they be administered like one?

So far in 2026 US  Immigration and Customs enforcement, also known as ICE, have killed at least 9 people according to reporting by Al-Jazeera. Two of those were the high-profile killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both Minneapolis residents. Today on Local 514, host Kalden Dhatsenpa, interviews Michael Lipset, who is originally from the Twin cities area where these high-profile killings took place. Michael spoke to us about the motivations behind co-organizing the ICE OUT protest in Montréal.Tune in for the full conversation.

On this episode of Local 514 host Kalden Dhatsenpa speaks to CSU campaigns coordinator Julianna Smith about a 5-day curriculum called Anti-Capitalist week. Julianna describes some of the workshops as well as how the campaign evolved from prior Anti-Consumerism campaigns. Tune in to listen to the full conversation.

AI is everywhere, but can it really fix Montreal? From city permits to urban planning, municipal leaders are betting on artificial intelligence to solve local problems. In this episode of Local 514, Kalden Dhatsenpa talks with tech critic Paris Marx about the hype, the limits, and the hidden social consequences of Montreal’s AI push.

From scandals in the Liberal Party of Québec to an increasingly domineering attitude from the Parti Québecois, to a massive projected crash from the governing Coalition Avenir Quebec this moment marks a tumultuous point in Québec politics where much is uncertain. Editor-in-chief of the Rover, Christopher Curtis joins Local 514 host Kalden Dhatsenpa to make sense of this political mess.

“We are one of the white races with fewest children!” - Lucien BouchardToday’s episode of Local 514 explores the renewed relevance of sovereignty in Quebec at the 1995 referendum’s 30th anniversary. How did that pivotal moment change Quebec and has the sovereignty movement changed as well? One expert suggests a fundamental issue within the movement, whiteness. Tune in for the full discussion.

As Quebec approaches the 2026 provincial election, the government has introduced Bill 9, a legislation that would restrict public prayer in certain settings. Officials say the measure is meant to reinforce state secularism, while civil liberties groups argue it disproportionately affects Muslim communities. To better understand the legal implications and the broader context, Local 514 spoke with Stephen Brown from the National Council of Canadian Muslims. Here’s what Bill 9 proposes, why it’s generating debate, and how it fits into Quebec’s ongoing discussions around secularism.

Nashwa Lina Khan of Habibti Please joins Local 514 host Kalden Dhatsenpa to unpack the recent visit of the Swedish royal couple. They were not here to inaugurate a new Ikea but instead to lobby on behalf of the infamous Swedish defence giant Saab. Tune in to learn more about this shady company and how they want to set up base in Montreal.

Shi Tao Zhang joins host Kalden Dhatsenpa on Local 514 to talk about Chinatown community organizing in Montréal. The neighborhood has a long history of fighting gentrification and racism and unfortunately not much has changed. Shi Tao Zhang details the organizing done by the Resistance Chinatown Mobilization project and their multi-pronged campaign fighting for social justice in the last Chinatown in Quebec.

Local 514 host Kalden Dhatsenpa is joined by regular guest, Katia Lo Innes to help viewers and listeners familiarize themselves with the different options available to them at the ballot box for the 2025 Montréal municipal elections. With new parties, and new mayoral hopefuls what is there to know before casting a vote November 2nd? Tune in to learn more about the different parties vying for your vote!

Sergio Da Silva is one of  Transition Montréal’s star candidates this municipal election. Host Kalden Dhatsenpa sits down with the city councillor candidate for Saint-Jacques to discuss nightlight, expropriation, and some tweets of his that have bothered right-wingers. Listen now to hear the full conversation.

On this episode of Local 514, host Kalden Dhatsenpa speaks to Projet MTL ‘s candidate Logan Littlefield who is running to become borough councillor in the Champlain—L’Île-des-Soeurs district of Verdun. Logan Littlefield is a landscape architect with a vision for Verdun’s future. Can he defend the Projet administration? Tune in to find out.

In this episode of Local 514, host Kalden Dhatsenpa and filmmaker and professor Nicolas Renaud discusses the afterlives of Quebec’s Bill 97, a controversial forestry law prioritizing industrial access over conservation and Indigenous rights. Despite being removed off the table Dhatsenpa and Renaud reflect on land defenders, ecological collapse, and the colonial logic of “Crown land.” Renaud critiques how consultation processes exclude Indigenous authority, turning collaboration into performance while forests, waters, and caribou disappear. The bill exposes the human, cultural, and environmental costs of what Renaud calls “radical capitalism” in Québec.

In this episode of Metropolis, host Kalden Dhatsenpa speaks with Ted Rutland, associate professor at Concordia University, about the resurgence of racist narratives linking immigration and crime in Quebec politics. Following Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s recent comments tying demographic change to rising crime, Rutland traces the long history of such fearmongering in political and media discourse. Together, they unpack how these ideas—once fringe—have entered the mainstream, fueling white supremacist rhetoric, police power, and public fear in Québec.

Montreal’s housing crisis is frequently characterized by simplistic villains and quick solutions. Today’s episode of METROPOLIS, Host Kalden Dhatsenpa is joined by Montréal-based urban planning researcher and housing policy analyst Gavin Armitage-Ackerman to debunk some of the most persistent misconceptions and assumptions of the housing crisis.To set the scene, asking rents in montreal have surged by 71% since 2019, and vacancy rates remain at a worrisome 1%. Consequently, public frustration is palpable. Nevertheless, Gavin contends that much of the prevailing public discourse is misguided.We commence by examining the notion that homeowners benefit from the crisis. In reality, many are heavily indebted: only 23% of Canadians own their homes debt-free, and one in five mortgages at major banks are subject to negative amortization. The “homeowners vs. renters” narrative, Gavin observes, serves as a political wedge rather than a viable solution.Next, we address the claim that foreigners, whether buyers or immigrants, are responsible for the crisis. Non-residents accounted for only 4.9% of purchases in 2019. Blaming them obscures systemic issues and diverts attention from domestic speculation.Government programs designed for first-time homebuyers, Gavin argues, often exacerbate demand in an inefficient market, leading individuals into deeper debt without concomitantly reducing prices. Incentives for developers, such as Montreal’s “20-20-20” plan, exhibit similar flaws. Gentrification and loopholes can erode affordability, as exemplified in Vancouver’s Woodward’s Building project.Finally, we conclude by emphasizing that rezoning alone is not a panacea. It can engender land banking, and supply growth does not necessarily reach the unhoused or low-income populations.Gavin concludes by urging listeners to transcend scapegoats and simplistic remedies. Instead, they should advocate for structural and political transformations that recognize housing as a public responsibility rather than a mere market commodity.

On this episode of Metropolis, host Kalden Dhatsenpa interviews Rose, a housing rights organizer with the Comité de Logement de La Petite-Patrie, about a practical new resource she co-authored: “How to Investigate Your Landlord.“The guide aims to equip tenants with the tools to research landlords before signing leases, empowering them to recognize potential red flags and avoid harmful situations.Rose explains that in housing justice work, it is common to encounter landlords who use deceptive tactics to force tenants out or justify steep rent increases. These abuses often go unpunished due to weak enforcement mechanisms, leaving tenants vulnerable The current rental market in Montréal is a sort of wild west where bad actors operate with relative impunity.A 2020 study by the Comité found that 85% of renovation projects involving repossession or eviction were never completed—suggesting that many landlords use renovations as a pretext for removing tenants. Such findings highlight the scale of fraudulent practices and the lack of consequences for those responsible.Rose argues that part of the solution lies in tenant education and proactive investigation. By understanding their legal rights and researching a landlord’s history—such as past disputes, code violations, or patterns of eviction—tenants can make informed decisions and reduce the risk of exploitation. The guide outlines methods for gathering this information and stresses that awareness is a key defense against abuse. Such information scraping can make for strong arguments if disagreements with your landlord ever escalates to the TAL (Tribunal Administrative du Logement).Ultimately, Rose’s message is clear: tenant empowerment begins with knowledge, and knowing a landlord’s track record can be as important as understanding the terms of a lease.

In this episode of Metropolis, host Kalden Dhatsenpa sits down with journalist Perle-Merode to explore the experiences of the Congolese diaspora in Montreal and the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The conversation centers around Réseau Mayele, a grassroots community organization founded to empower Congolese youth, bridge generational gaps, and foster a stronger sense of identity and solidarity within the diaspora.Pearl shares how many young Congolese in Canada feel disconnected from their heritage due to systemic erasure, lack of representation, and the trauma of displacement. Réseau Mayele works to address this disconnection through cultural education, political awareness, and youth-led initiatives that emphasize community building and activism.Kalden and Pearl also discuss the importance of understanding the DRC’s historical context, especially the colonial legacies and resource exploitation that continue to shape the country’s struggles today. They highlight how this awareness is essential not only for Congolese youth but also for allies who want to stand in solidarity.The conversation underscores that youth are not only the future, they are already leading change. From organizing protests to building safe, affirming spaces, young people are playing a vital role in resisting oppression both locally and globally.Réseau Mayele’s work is rooted in intergenerational collaboration, recognizing the wisdom of elders while championing the energy and vision of youth. Pearl and Kalden stress the need for allyship, political education, and continued engagement to build a stronger, more informed movement that can support justice for the Congolese people, here in Montreal and beyond.

On this episode of Metropolis, we cover some significant developments, including Québec’sQuébec’s controversial Bill 97, Carney’s Bill C-2, and the anti-immigrant sentiment in Montreal, as well as the major strike by STM maintenance workers. Today, host Kalden Dhatsenpa is joined by guest host Nashwa Lina Khan, a community educator and cultural commentator on Habibti Please, a Substack and podcast.Bill 97 has been receiving fierce pushback from Indigenous leaders, conservationists as well as unions. The bill aims to divide all of Québec’s forests into three distinct zones. One zone will be dedicated to conservation, another to timber production, and a third to multiple uses.Nashwa and Kalden point out the larger context of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s drive to turn Canada into an “energy superpower.” This resource drive has empowered provincial governments and extractive industries to walk all over Indigenous land rights. Kalden and Nashwa relay this indigenous resistance as essential to fighting climate change.Anti-immigration policy has led to massive protests across the United States. Notably, the resistance in Los Angeles has caught a lot of attention for its organization and for the volume of resistance reached. Nashwa and Kalden discuss the trajectory of Canada’s anti-immigration policy and the ways that such policies could play out. Nashwa, for one, does not believe the level of resistance in Canada would be the same.It was the first STM strike in 18 years, and it has been incredibly disruptive. Two thousand four hundred of Montreal’s maintenance staff are going on strike from June 9-17, 2025. Employees are fighting for a better work-life balance, stronger safety protocols, and improved wages.Nashwa and Kalden talk about how impactful the strike has been and why we should support these workers despite the inconvenience faced by Montrealers. Especially with metro and bus drivers from the STM looking to strike, the need for solidarity will be tested more.

On today’s instalment of Metropolis, host Kalden Dhatsenpa speaks to CUTV video journalist, Aude Simon, about the murder of Abisay Cruz by Montréal police and specifically how it’s been affecting community workers. Aude begins the segment with a clip of her interview with community worker Stephanie Germain. Stephanie shares the profound challenges of building trust with youth in Montreal’s predominantly black and latinx neighbourhoods following the high-profile murder of Abisay Cruz by SPVM on March 30th in Saint-Michel.Aude and Kalden explore how this violent event has intensified existing challenges faced by marginalized communities, deepening skepticism towards the police and other public institutions. For many youth, Cruz’s death underscores a painful history of systemic neglect and mistrust, making efforts to foster meaningful engagement and institutional trust even more difficult. The two speak at length about other cases of black or latino men in and around Montréal who were experiencing mental health crises but were met by the SPVM with deadly force, rather than the health support they needed.Aude highlights a reflection of Stephanie Germain who asserts that we must see police violence, not as a public safety issue, but one about public health. If health crises are met with institutional force then treatment and rehabilitation and paths towards healing will be delayed and even neglected entirely. By shifting the narrative from policing as security to policing as public health, some community workers believe there is potential to rebuild relationships, create safer environments, and foster genuine trust. This discussion stresses that achieving this requires systemic change, investment in community-led initiatives, and a reimagining of how society supports its most vulnerable members. Ultimately, the murder of Abisay Cruz serves as a catalyst for urgent conversations about justice, safety, and healing in Montreal’s Black and Latino communities.

In this interview, Ivory from QPIRG McGill discusses the McGill university’s recent move to threaten the organization’s student funding unless QPIRG McGill severs ties with the Students for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR) group. McGill has issued a formal notice of default on QPIRG’s Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), claiming that QPIRG has violated university policies by maintaining an association with SPHR. This notice threatens to suspend QPIRG’s essential funding if it does not cut all connections to SPHR.Ivory strongly challenges the university’s claims, describing the harassment allegations against SPHR as baseless and unsupported by any legal or institutional finding. They emphasize that neither McGill’s internal tribunals nor any courts have found SPHR in violation of any policies or codes of conduct. Instead, McGill appears to be scapegoating SPHR for misconduct attributed to unidentified individuals, without clear evidence. The inference by McGill seems to be that protests are tantamount to harassment. If this is legislated there is a huge risk to the right to strike and protest across Québec.The university’s demand places QPIRG in a precarious position: either comply and lose a key alliance in student activism or risk losing their funding entirely, which has long been supported through decades of student referendums. Ivory underscores the power imbalance inherent in McGill’s control over student fees via the MoA and highlights how this financial leverage is being used to pressure QPIRG into compliance with unfounded accusations. The conversation sheds light on broader issues of institutional repression of student activism and the politicization of university governance.

Host Kalden Dhatsenpa is joined by returning guest and Executive Director of CUTV, Dru Oja Jay.This episode unpacks six major developments shaping Quebec’s political and social climate. First up, Quebec’s new language regulations under Bill 96, now in effect, require French to occupy more space on commercial signage. This has sparked trade friction with the U.S.. Kalden and Dru untangle the long history of the language debate here in Montreal. Authorities here mistakenly assume that the vital and needed preservation of the french language comes through surveillance.Second, the defection of Nadia Poirier from Québec Solidaire (QS) to the Parti Québécois (PQ) highlights a broader trend: QS’s weakened appeal as it drifts from redistributive politics toward soft sovereignty. As Jay states, if people want sovereingty they’re going with the classic brand, PQ, rather than QS’s new brand of sovereignty.Third, Premier Legault’s proposed Quebec-Newfoundland power line and the creeping privatization of Hydro-Québec ignite resistance across the province. Unions and citizens alike oppose what they see as a threat to affordable energy and public ownership, warning of rising rates and diminished rural access.Fourth, Quebec’s dispatch of firefighting resources to Alberta and Manitoba amid devastating wildfires reveals national solidarity—but also exposes media gaps. While CBC acknowledges climate change as a key driver, outlets like Postmedia largely omit it, reinforcing climate denial through selective framing.Fifth, former Montreal mayor Denis Coderre’s surprise endorsement of Conservative leader Éric Duhaime in a byelection is examined as a tactical, populist maneuver. Coderre, navigating personal and political instability, appears to be courting Quebec’s growing reactionary right.Finally, Tesla’s 90% drop in Quebec registrations this quarter marks a symbolic decline for Elon Musk’s brand in the province. Once a tech status symbol, Tesla’s fall may reflect broader cultural shifts—and the limits of personality-driven loyalty in a volatile political landscape.

With their Montréal book launch approaching, video journalist Kalden Dhatsenpa sits down with Montreal authors Vijay Kolinjivadi and Aaron Vansintjan to discuss the book they have co-authored, The Sustainability Class: How to Take Back the Future from Lifestyle Environmentalists. The work examines a certain subsection of the population. Environmentalists. Specifically, the ones whose activism lies solely within their consumption habits and maybe even worse, their aesthetics. Kolinjivadi and Vansintjan describe the archetypes of this class of people and the ways that they manifest themselves in Montreal, often with deleterious effect for working-class population. Tune in for the full conversation.

It's been a week since the Canadian federal elections. The dust is settling. The Liberals have clawed their way back into governing despite having been down in the polls at the beginning of the year. How did Montréalers vote? How did the parties fare? and what is next for the metropolis given this new federal context. Dru Oja Jay and host Kalden Dhatsenpa analyze the results by looking at some key ridings in the city. Tune in to hear the full discussion on the future of the city.

CUTV attended the Housing Justice Convergence in Montreal for its latest Metropolis episode, covering an event that brought together over 200 participants to address Canada’s housing crisis. Organized by SEIZE, the convergence aimed to unite tenant unions, developers of alternatives, policy experts, funders, and housing advocacy groups to share grassroots perspectives and encourage nationwide collaboration. The event featured over 60 panelists and 33 community partners, creating an opportunity for knowledge exchange and solution-oriented discussions.Participants came from various cities, including Toronto, New York City, and Victoria, reflecting a broad interest in addressing housing challenges.The convergence placed a strong emphasis on the communities most impacted by the housing crisis, including immigrants, women, single-parent households, elders, people with disabilities, and victims of domestic violence. Organizers stressed the importance of accurately framing the crisis, as how it is defined could shape policy decisions for years to come.The panel discussions covered a wide range of topics, including migrant justice, movement building, housing justice and anti-colonial movements, big tech, homelessness, tenant organizing, and accessibility, among others. The event aimed to move beyond identifying the problems to proposing practical solutions and empowering activists to build power for their policy demands ahead of the federal election.CUTV interviewed several key figures, including Lena, founder of Tenant Rights QC; Olivia, general coordinator of SEIZE; Malcolm, operations coordinator at SEIZE; and Quinn, a tenant organizer and member of SLAM. The interviewees shared tools and strategies for grassroots activism, such as working with media and financing housing projects. Some highlighted successful tenant union initiatives from across the country, and others advised listeners and watchers on how to become more knowledgeable about their rights.

Amidst multiple leadership races across Canadian politics, Montreal's ruling municipal party, Projet MTL, is on the precipice of choosing its next leader. Five candidates believe they are fit to replace Valerie Plante, the party's leader since 2016. Who are they? What are they promising? What could the next era of municipal politics look like in Montreal? Host Kalden Dhatsenpa chats with Dru Oja Jay, publisher at the Breach and CUTV executive director, about this race and the broader municipal context the leader will be entering.

The title of this week's episode is the central question posed by PhD candidate, Concordia public scholar, and tree scientist Alex Pace at “Montréal: 2050: A Climate Haven?”In this week’s episode of Metropolis host Kalden Rangdröl Dhatsenpa speaks with Alex Pace to uncover what exactly is a “climate haven”, Montréal’s performance in achieving its climate targets, and the ways he hopes his event and others like it can relieve the paralysis of eco-anxiety.As Alex describes for the show, a climate haven is a city or region safe from the most extreme weather events caused by climate change. Think forest fires, floods, hurricanes and droughts. According to Pace, the term climate haven is met with hesitation by some as its deployment has been seen as a greenwashed tactic by real estate figures who want to greenwash property sales in their neighbourhoods or cities. Alex uses Asheville, North Carolina, as an example of a supposed climate haven devastated by Hurricane Helene in September 2024.Despite the contention regarding the term, Alex believes it can be a valuable framework to help guide the city toward further building up its capacity to withstand extreme climate events, especially considering some of the more ambitious climate targets set by the municipality in their 2020-2050 climate plan.Hello, Good Byline is back! CUTV’s very own Aude Simon hops on the mic to talk about her recent coverage of protests organized by Sudanese Montrealers who want provincial and federal governments to help reunite the families currently experiencing violence amidst the war in Sudan.

In 1996, at the National Defence University of the United States, Harlan K. Ullman and James P. Wade developed a military doctrine known as "shock and awe." This strategy relies on overwhelming force and disproportionate displays of power to break an enemy’s will to resist. Organizer, author, and former Amazon employee Mostafa Henaway argues that Amazon has employed a similar tactic in its recent decision to leave Québec entirely.On today's episode of Metropolis, host Kalden Rangdröl Dhatsenpa speaks with Mostafa Henaway about the corporate giant’s abrupt departure from la belle province. On January 22, 2025, news broke that Amazon Canada had laid off all 1,997 employees across its seven Québec locations. Henaway believes this decision stems from the successful unionization campaign at Amazon’s Laval DXT4 warehouse last May by the CSN (Confédération des syndicats nationaux).The DXT4 facility was only the second Amazon warehouse in North America to unionize, and it was on track to be the first to secure a collective agreement. Québec’s strong labour standards would have ensured a robust contract for workers, setting a precedent that Amazon may have wanted to avoid.Amazon, however, denies that the union campaign influenced its decision. Henaway remains skeptical, citing numerous instances in which corporations like Walmart and Couche-Tard have closed unionized locations. He suggests that Amazon’s move is a calculated scare tactic designed to send a clear message to its workers worldwide: the company will not tolerate organized labour.Watch the full discussion on Metropolis today.

On this episode of Metropolis, host Kalden Rangdröl Dhatsenpa speaks with public health nurse and community organizer Sasha Dyck about the current illnesses spreading around Montréal, the struggles of ongoing vaccination drives since COVID-19, and local politics in the neighbourhood of Parc-Ex.Kalden Dhatsenpa – Local Journalism InitiativeSasha Dyck works as a public nurse in the Montréal neighbourhood of Park Extension (Parc-Ex), where he is deeply involved in various community projects. His work focuses on issues regarding food security, tenants' rights, and local school. In 2013, Sasha ran for municipal office and has since coordinated several election campaigns at different levels of government. On today’s episode, we fought Sasha on to discuss the challenges facing public clinics in Montréal, especially when it comes to vaccinations. Sasha explains that the pandemic has disrupted vaccination schedules, leaving many people behind on essential vaccines, particularly the measles vaccine. This delay has contributed to the first significant spread of measles since the 1980s.Sasha also reflects on the state of housing and politics in Parc-Ex, where residents are feeling the pressure of rising rents and limited affordable housing options. With three elections approaching, there’s potential for significant change in the neighbourhood, and Sasha offers his insights into how local politics might shape the future of the community. From the struggles of public health to the challenges of local governance, this conversation highlights the complex issues affecting Parc-Ex residents today. Tune in to hear more about the pressing challenges facing public health and their political underpinnings in Montreal's most vibrant communities.

On today's episode of Metropolis, we discuss what kind of policies we expect from a Pierre Poilievre led government. Host Kalden Dhatsenpa, Dru Oja Jay and new journalist and filmmaker Katherine Ottawa-Nequado discuss the policy expectations of a conservative government.Filmmaker Katherine Ottawa-Nequado discusses the policy expectations regarding immigration, housing, media, and indigenous issues.With Justin Trudeau resigning as the Prime minister and as the leader of the Liberal Party, all eyes are on Pierre Marcel Poilievre and the Conservative Party of Canada.Poilievre has been an MP since 2004 and the leader of the Conservative Party since 2022. Some say that he has brought Trump-style approaches to Canadian politics. If elections were held today the Conservatives would win by a huge supermajority, Canada 338 is currently projecting 237 seats for the Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre. Well ahead of the 172 needed to form a majority.A majority Conservative government would represent a total break from the last 9 years of federal policy. The liberals have long touted themselves as champions of immigration. Though recently immigration targets have been reduced by 20%. Expect more of this with Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre has not been afraid to use inflammatory language when discussing issues of immigration. At one rally he said that they would "screen adequately to stop terrorists and others that are against our Canadian values from coming into our country"The language here is very telling, it supposes a significant enough number of immigrants that are coming into Canada are actually terrorists. Or that the risk is high because the border is too porous. This kind of rhetoric is commonplace for right-wing parties around the world. We even see some liberal and left parties begin to fall into the gravity of such rhetoric.

Metropolis Wraps Up 2024: A Year in ReviewAs December arrives, Metropolis closes the year with its final episode for 2024. Host Kalden Dhatsenpa revisits the biggest stories shaping Montréal over the past year, joined by regular contributor Dru Oja Jay, publisher at The Breach and executive director of CUTV. Together, they reflect on pivotal events that defined the city’s landscape.Tragedy at the Old Port: A Housing Crisis ExposedThe episode begins with one of the most heartbreaking stories of the year: the devastating fire at the Old Port that claimed the lives of 43-year-old Léonor Geraudie and her seven-year-old daughter, Vérane Reynaud-Geraudie. This was the second fatal fire in two years at a building owned by Emile Benamour.The previous incident, in March 2023, engulfed a building used as an illegal ghost hotel with rooms lacking windows and fire safety measures, resulting in seven deaths. These tragedies underscore systemic issues within Montréal’s housing crisis, highlighting how negligent landlords profit while skirting safety regulations. “These aren’t isolated incidents—they expose a deeper failure of enforcement and accountability at both the provincial and city levels,” Dru remarked, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.Anti-NATO Protests and Political FalloutAnother major story of 2024 was the Anti-NATO protest that gained international attention. While such demonstrations are a hallmark of Montréal’s activist culture, this event stood out. Dru noted the broader context of growing skepticism toward NATO amidst the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.The protest also became a political flashpoint when Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre falsely labelled it a “Hamas takeover” of Montréal streets, a claim designed to inflame right-wing rhetoric and discredit Prime Minister Trudeau. Kalden and Dru condemned such misrepresentation, highlighting the dangerous polarization it fosters.A Political Bellwether: By-Election ShiftsThe defeat of the Liberals in the federal by-election for Lasalle–Émard–Verdun was another headline event. The Bloc Québécois emerged victorious in a tight three-way race against the Liberals and the NDP. This result may signal shifting dynamics ahead of the federal election slated for October 2025.Missing from the by-election narrative, however, was the Conservative Party of Canada’s growing traction in Montréal’s English-speaking ridings. The CPC’s strategic campaigning and increased turnout in these areas suggest they are positioning themselves for further gains.A New Chapter for Montréal: Mayor Plante Steps DownThe announcement that Montréal Mayor Valérie Plante will not seek re-election in the November 2025 municipal race was another defining moment. Kalden and Dru reflected on her tenure, from her focus on sustainable urban development to her challenges in addressing housing and public transit issues.Attention now shifts to the emerging frontrunners poised to lead Projet Montréal. As the city prepares for a new era, questions linger about the direction its leadership will take.Looking Ahead to 2025As the year ends, Montréal stands at a crossroads. With significant political shifts, ongoing social challenges, and the anticipation of federal and municipal elections, 2025 promises to be transformative.Stay tuned to Metropolis for in-depth coverage and analysis as Montréal continues to evolve. What stories will define the year ahead? Only time will tell.

Welcome back to Metropolis!In this episode, host Kalden Dhatsenpa sits down with Felix Fuchs, a returning guest, labour expert, and professor, to discuss the current labour disputes affecting Montreal. Their conversation dives into recent labour developments, focusing on strikes at Canada Post and broader issues surrounding public services and workers’ rights.Fuchs reflected on last December’s Common Front strikes, during which educators and other public sector workers resisted government austerity measures. "It’s not just about pay," he explained. "It’s about creating better working conditions so we can serve society better."He shared updates on the Common Front’s achievements, including increased support for early-career teachers, pay raises, and strengthened future negotiation strategies, particularly through their collaboration with Dawson College’s union efforts.The discussion then shifted to the ongoing postal workers’ strike against Canada Post. Since November 14, 2024, over 50,000 postal workers have been on strike, demanding better and safer working conditions, wage increases to match inflation, and improved group benefits such as medical coverage, disability leave, and paid medical leave.The strike has drawn mixed reactions from Canadians, including Montreal residents. Some businesses have called for government intervention, though no action has been taken yet.Fuchs criticized portrayals of strikers as disruptive or greedy, emphasizing that many are simply fighting to maintain a decent standard of living amid rising inflation. He also highlighted how management’s push to hire contractors for weekend deliveries reflects a concerning trend toward precarious gig-economy jobs, undermining union efforts and job security for workers."Unions are a tool we can all use to make things better," Fuchs stated, underscoring the positive societal changes unions have driven—from securing maternity leave to establishing minimum wage laws. He urged listeners to view unions as essential to building a more equitable society, especially in an era when public services are often run like businesses.Fuchs concluded by encouraging Montrealers to reframe labour disputes as collective investments in stronger public services for everyone. "Public services shouldn’t be treated like businesses," he insisted. "They’re about serving the community and improving lives."

On today’s episode of Metropolis, host Kalden Dhatsenpa speaks to Duha Elmardi, a Sudanese activist who is a core member of the Sudan Solidarity Collective, about the underreported conflict in Sudan which at the time of writing is the largest displacement crisis in the world with over 14 million displaced. Since April 2023, two military forces, The SAF and RSF have been warring in Sudan. This conflict is often reported as a civil war but Duha tells us that term is inaccurate in describing the conflict.“There are no good guys”. Duha instead considers the conflict as a “counter-revolutionary war”. As Duha states, since the 2019 revolution that led to the ousting of Omar al-Bashir, Sudan’s head of state for the last 30 years, military factions and foreign powers have been invested in suppressing popular will regarding the future of the nation. Duha singles out the sidelining of the “Revolutionary Charter for Establishing People’s Power” as evidence that the conflict is counter-revolutionary. This document was drafted by 8,000 neighbourhood committees. An impressive feat of organizing by itself.Duha makes a special note of Canadian influences in this conflict. Specifically, of the role that a Montreal-based PR firm had in securing funding and military equipment for the anti-democratic Sudanese military. The firm, Dickens & Madsen also was responsible for whitewashing General Mohamed Hamdam Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, the commanders of the notorious RSF militia group. This deal reveals the interwoven nature of colonial institutions and oppressors.Watch the full episode to hear the discussion on Sudan’s crisis.

November is upon us, and so is another episode of Metropolis! Montreal’s premier political talk show where current events and their impacts on the lives of Montrealers are discussed. On this episode released NOVEMBER X, 2024. Kalden Dhatsenpa and guest Katia Lo-Innes discuss the recent election of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States of America, the closure of Concordia’s Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies, the Jacques Cartier Bridge  banner drop by environmentalist activists, and Valerie Plante announcing that she will not be seeking re-election after the end of this current term as Montreal’s mayor.  American presidential elections, perhaps more than any other country, affect the world in a myriad of ways. That of Donald Trump is very likely to shift the political scene once again as it had during his first mandate as president from 2016 to 2020. Katia and Kalden discuss the ways that Trump style politics have infiltrated the Canadian political scene through Poilievre’s cloud and brash approach to politics. What does the election of Donald Trump signal about Canada’s coming elections?  On October 22, two environmental activists with the Antigone collective, and Last Generation Canada were arrested for mischief as they climbed the suspenders and towers of Montreal’s Jacques Cartier Bridge. Their action stopped traffic for hours as they unfurled a banner that read “Oil is Killing Us” written in both english and french. Katia and Kalden discuss the action, the underlying logic of the action, as well as the strong opposition to this protest by elected provincial officials. one of whom called it “reprehensible.”  Valerie Plante made waves for being the first female mayor of Montréal when she and Projet MTL won a sweeping municipal campaign back in 2017. After 7 years in office Plante has announced that she will not be seeking re-election at the next municipal election set for November 2025.  Praised for her work transforming and beautifying the city Plante has been a welcome change of pace to the corruption that usually befalls Montreal’s mayoral past. Though her record is far from spotless. Katia and Kalden reflect on her successes and failures as mayor.  All this and more on Metropolis!

Ali Salman and host Kalden Dhatsenpa discuss the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and some of its most recent shifts, and the repression of pro-Palestine activists by academic and municipal institutions.

Gavin Armitage-Ackerman and host Kalden Dhatsenpa discuss the state of housing as well as the city of Montréal’s plan to build an ambitious 207,000 units of housing by 2050. Are they being over ambitious? Is it a fantasy? Watch the full episode to hear the discussion. Plus: CUTV journalist Savanna Craig's segment on recent developments in Montreal’s Gaza solidarity encampments.

It's with a heavy heart for us to announce that this will be the last episode of Metropolis. In our concluding episode, we bring on Lital Khaikin, a freelance journalist and author based in Montréal, to discuss social and health services in the neighbourhood which are rapidly disintegrating due to gentrification. And on Hello Good Bylines we have Savanna Craig to chat about the hunger strike going on at McGill University. Thanks to everyone over the last few months for tuning in and supporting our show! Make sure to follow Local 514 & CUTV on social media to stay up to date with new episodes and more content: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CUTVmontreal/ YouTube: / @local514montreal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutvmontreal TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutv_? Twitter: https://twitter.com/cutvmontreal

On today's very special episode of Metropolis, we are bringing you a candid conversation with Dru Oja Jay and our host Kalden Dhatsenpa about a flurry of Montreal news. Join us to hear about the recent airbus strike, Valérie Plante's concerns with the lack of public transit budget, and why real estate developers in Montreal are getting a break? Make sure to follow Local 514 & CUTV on social media to stay up to date with new episodes and more content: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CUTVmontreal/ YouTube: / @local514montreal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutvmontreal TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutv_? Twitter: https://twitter.com/cutvmontreal

elcome back to Metropolis! This week we've got Dru Oja Jay back on to talk about car thefts in Montreal and Denis Coderre's intention to hold onto Bill 21 and maintain secularism in Quebec. Next, Kalden and Dru get into a discussion about Quebec's other Denis — filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, delving into Dune's inspiration and influences and the state of the working-class artist. Make sure to follow Local 514 & CUTV on social media to stay up to date with new episodes and more content: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CUTVmontreal/ YouTube: / @local514montreal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutvmontreal TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutv_? Twitter: https://twitter.com/cutvmontreal

Welcome back fellow listeners to today's episode of Metropolis where we are joined by Carl Bystram, a community researcher, organizer, and support worker to chat about the distressing state of trans health across Canada and some recent legislatures that are born out of misinformation and fear. The discussion also dives into the recent $23.7 million that Quebec has committed to combatting transphobia and homophobia, which Bystram hopes will help queer youth specifically in rural regions that are lacking support. Up next on Hello Good Bylines, Savanna Craig comes on to talk about Canada's arms shipments to Israel and the government's hypocrisy in calling for a ceasefire while continuing to send weapons to the state of Israel. Savanna and Kalden also discuss the case of Aaron Bushnell who recently set himself on fire in Washington D.C. in support of Palestinian liberation. Make sure to follow Local 514 & CUTV on social media to stay up to date with new episodes and more content: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CUTVmontreal/ YouTube: / @local514montreal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutvmontreal TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutv_? Twitter: https://twitter.com/cutvmontreal

Welcome back to Metropolis! On today's episode, we have a return guest, our very own, Dru Oja Jay, publisher at the Breach and CUTV executive director. Kalden and Dru talk about the new salary for Quebec teachers, Pierre Poilievre's need for more housing units, and the distressing state of the province's health care system. On Hello Good Bylines, we have Aude Simon to discuss updates on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, the lack of funding for organizations like Resilience Montreal, Iskweu, and the systemic inaction for Indigenous women in need for support. Make sure to follow Local 514 & CUTV on social media to stay up to date with new episodes and more content: Facebook:   / cutvmontreal   YouTube: / @local514montreal Instagram:   / cutvmontreal   TikTok:   / cutv_   Twitter:   / cutvmontreal  

Welcome back to Metropolis and Happy Valentine's Day! We are here with our beloved journalist Savanna Craig who chats with Metropolis Host Kalden Dhatsenpa about her coverage of the Uyghur diaspora in Montreal, their activism in the city, and some backlash regarding Uyghur issues. Savanna discusses how some people have called this issue a "hoax" while others declare that the treatment of Uyghurs should be defined as genocide.