Episodes

  • Scaling Up: Toronto Tenant Union

    Scaling Up: Toronto Tenant Union
    May 6 2026
    On April 18th, hundreds of tenants gathered inside a school cafeteria to help shape Toronto’s first city-wide tenant’s union – the TTU. There were elections, robust policy discussions and plenty of stories from tenants. Blueprints of Disruption was there to capture it all, and provide analysis afterwards.On-scene interviews from inside the Toronto Tenant Union’s founding Convention start off with Ricardo Tranjan, housing policy expert and author of The Tenant Class. Tranjan talks about his expectations for the day, and his excitement at the prospect of “taking another step” towards building the tenant class consciousness he wrote about in his book.There are also interviews with tenant organizers from different buildings across the city – including Jerry and Steve from 240 Markland. They talk about their saga with an REIT buying their building, applying for five consecutive above-guideline rent increases (AGIs) and trying to push legacy tenants out of the building.We also interview Bridgette, a resident of the Caseway building – outside of which convention participants rallied after the day’s more official proceedings. She talks about why its been such a battle with their landlord, and how she felt about being a part of something bigger.Organizers of the event, and leaders within the ‘parent’ organizations of the TTU also took time to speak with Santiago and Jessa as things wrapped up.Aniket Kali, formerly of Climate Justice Toronto, and Bruno Dobrusin of YSW Tenants Union talk about their new roles (both elected during the Convention), the scaling up of their models, and their vision for the TTU in the years to come.Hosted and Produced by: Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: Sign up for TTU Orientation on May 9th, 2026Related Episodes: Blueprints of a Rent Strike (July 2023) Shifting Gears: Climate Justice Toronto (Sept 2024) CJTO on their decision to transition towards tenant organizing as a means to fight climate change.We also have a TENANT POWER PLAYLIST with more stories of neighbours organizing.More Resources: Can the new Toronto Tenant Union change the tired housing debate? – Ricardo Tranjan for Canadian DimensionWho Controls Toronto? The People or Developers? - ACORN ReportHamilton moves to strengthen renoviction bylaw - via CBCRent Strikes! - The Grind MagazineCanada: How Tenants Fought Back- via Progressive InternationalAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Not in Our Name: Divesting Pensions and Rejecting Carney's War Bank

    Not in Our Name: Divesting Pensions and Rejecting Carney's War Bank
    Apr 22 2026
    How is Carney's War Bank and the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan (OTPP) connected? Through investments in weapons and genocide, as well as the activists and organizations fighting for a Free Palestine.Teacher and organizer with OTPP Divest, James Campbell gives an overview of the movement to get the OTPP to divest from weapons manufacturers.With a collection of success stories, it is clear the campaign resonates with teachers in the Province - with two of the largest unions overwhelmingly voting YES to divestment when given the chance.So where does the resistance come from? Where it usually does - Capital. But also from the CEO of the $300 billion OTPP, Joe Taylor, who has refused calls from the ranks to stop using their name to line the pockets of war profiteers.As it turns out, OTTP CEO Taylor is also a big supporter of the Defence, Security and Resilience Initiative (DSRB), or as second guest Tyler and his fellow activists with Stop the DSRB call it - the War Bank.What is it? Its a project of Carney's to get the G7 nations to sign on to this slush fund for the weapons industry. Its clearly stated purpose is to bypass popular (democratic) demands for social service spending and basic rights, in order to secure an endless supply of 'defence' funding. Its all being sold alongside Carney's Canadian militarism narratives, which has made it easier for him to line up supportive politicians from across the spectrum.This makes the job of activists harder, but not impossible. James and Tyler talk about the tactics they've deployed, and the alliances they are building along the way. There are accessible pressure points to be pushed, tarnishing the reputation of unethical investments being one of them. Another is opposing the pitch for Toronto to serve as the headquarters for the DSRB.Be sure to stay until the end to hear what else these activists have up their sleeve and learn more about the impacts divestment campaigns are having on the economic and political landscapes.Hosted by: Jessa McLeanCall to Action: SIGN ON TO STOP THE WARBANKRelated Episodes:UNIFOR's Hot Cargo: Labour Internationalism (Aug 2025) Labour for Palestine on their campaign to have any goods or services coming from, or going to Israel, declared 'hot cargo'.Nationalism and the Working Class (Mar 2023) Chris Fairweather, academic, activist and labour organizer, talks about the pervasiveness of nationalism and the impact is has on the working class No Arms in the Arts (Aug 2024) Hear how the successful campaign to pressure Scotiabank and the Giller Prize to do the right thing.More Resources: Pension Divestment FAQ - Google DrivePACBI: Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel | BDS MovementReferenced Report: Special Rapporteur Report on GazaVIDEO: World Beyond War Action Reel (IG)Ontario Government's Statement on Bid for DSRB HQTop 100 arms-producing and military services companies in the world, 2024 | SIPRIOur Call to Workers Everywhere – Stop the Genocide — Workers in PalestineFor more content from these creators, be sure to subscribe to the Blueprints SUBSTACK.All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Organizing in a Fascist Canada with the Atlantic Regional Communists

    Organizing in a Fascist Canada with the Atlantic Regional Communists
    Apr 16 2026

    The Atlantic Regional Communists return to Blueprints to talk about their growth as political organization, and share some of the methodology that unpins their work. They obviously take some of their cues from Marx, but also from the Black Panthers.

    "We're here to learn from people. We're here to serve people. And we're here to help people organize towards a revolution." - Comrade M

    One of the things they think sets them apart from other political groups, is the work they do in their communities, and how that work continuously shapes their own organization.

    A large part of what they do is also centred around building knowledge. To that end, Comrades M and E give us a quick study on how fascism presents itself here in Canada.

    They cover class collaboration, the labour aristocracy and the different phases of fascism that co-exist with our so-called democratic state.

    Seeing our typical relationship with the state as being one of "fascist minutemen" - helping to legitimize its domination - their take on 'reforming' the federal NDP, and electoral politics in general, is to be expected.

    It also builds on our first discussion with ARC, where they went into more about how they've structured themselves, and why.

    Hosted by: Jessa McLean. Produced by: Santiago Helou Quintero

    Related Episodes:

    • Reimagining Politics and Demystifying Communism (Jan 2025) Our first discussion with the Atlantic Regional Communists;
    • Canada's Colonialist Imagination (Oct 2023) Professor Tyler Shipley talks about the mindset that aided genocide in Canada and continues to shape politics here.

    More Resources:

    • Fascism: A Scientific Definition - Atlantic Regional Communists
    • Guest Suggested Reading: “A Rethinking of Everything Altogether” – The Red Clarion

    Head to our SUBSTACK for more content, including articles and other resources for activists and organizers.

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

    Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Defending Against Invasion: Lebanon

    Defending Against Invasion: Lebanon
    Apr 7 2026

    Israeli Occupation Forces are attempting to annex Southern Lebanon. They are erasing towns from the map, blowing up bridges and roads, and telling the world they're about to redraw their borders...again.

    Previous guest, Mohamad, returns to the studio to talks about the current situation in Lebanon, what it was like being back home during the latest escalation of violence, and how it felt to leave family behind.

    Hosted by: Jessa McLean

    Related Episodes:

    • Lebanon, Palestine and Resisting Colonialism (Jan 2024) Mohamad's first appearance - just before the 'ceasefire'.
    • Right to Resist (Oct 2024) Journalist and human rights lawyer, Dimitri Lascaris on Lebanon, the resistance and bringing down an apartheid state.

    More Resources:

    • Israel Attacked Lebanon 10000 Times During Ceasefire - New Arab.com
    • BBC: Israel intensifies Lebanon attacks and hits areas not in Hezbollah's control
    • IG: What "How are you?" Costs the Diaspora (video)
    • Al Jazeera - Lebanon daily updates

    Get more of our content, including articles and resources for activists, on our SUBSTACK.

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

    Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • CUPE Ontario: What's Next?

    CUPE Ontario: What's Next?
    Mar 31 2026

    CUPE Ontario, is at a crossroads. Their next convention is just months away, and for the first time in 12 years, Fred Hahn won’t be on the ballot for President. In February, after two and a half years of intensified attacks, he announced this would be his last term leading the union.

    What does this mean for the Province’s largest public sector union? Is this a blow for leftists in CUPE Ontario, or an opportunity? Maybe it can be both.

    Katherine Grzejszczak and Krista Laing, two candidates for the next CUPE Ontario Executive join Blueprints to talk about where things are at right now, and their visions for their union’s future. They talk about the impact Fred has had, but also what they might do differently.

    Despite public sector unions being under attack, both guests share hopeful signs that workers are becoming bolder and more eager to engage politically. They emphasize the need for a more member driven approach, spending fewer resources on electoral politics, and more ways to realize the power of 290,000 union members.

    Hosted by: Jessa McLean

    Related Episodes:

    • Stolen Wages - Featuring the Naujawan Support Network
    • Nationalism and the Working Class

    More Resources:

    • Israel’s supporters attack Ontario trade-union leader | Counterfire
    • CUPE Ontario Convention 2026 - CUPE Ontario

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

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Building Momentum: Canadian Federation of Students

    Building Momentum: Canadian Federation of Students
    Mar 17 2026

    Ontario's Premier, Doug Ford has had post-secondary students, and their unions, in his sights since he took office, but a new round of cuts to OSAP has taken them over the edge.

    On March 14th, 2026, students mobilized at Queen's Park to demonstrate, only to be met by violence at the hands of the Toronto Police Services. This did not deter them.

    Organizers with the Canadian Federation of Students talk about how we got to this point, and what work needs to be done in order for students to be the force of change they're meant to be - including what it will take for a student strike to actually be effective.

    Hosted by: Jessa McLean, and produced by Santiago Helou-Quintero

    Call to Action: Sign the No to OSAP Cuts Petition and Attend Day of ACTION MARCH 24th

    Related Episodes:

    1. Lessons from Student Encampments

    More Resources:

    • Hands Off Our Education! Ne touchez pas à notre système d'éducation!
    • CBC: OSAP Cuts - What you Need to Know

    Be sure to subscribe to our SUBSTACK for even MORE content.

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

    Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Boycott Indigo Books Because...

    Boycott Indigo Books Because...
    Mar 9 2026

    Although using a new URL, activists behind the boycott of Canada's largest bookstore still say that 'Indigo Kills Kids'.

    A representative for the campaign talks about their choice of language, tactics and targets - most notably the CEO of Indigo Books, Heather Reisman. You'll hear how this Canadian oligarch has proudly poured millions into the HESEG foundation, which actively recruits soldiers for the Occupation Forces, and rewards them for their violence.

    This connection to the genocide is important, not only in justifying the boycott, but to refute claims Reisman is being targeted for being Jewish.

    The IKK campaign also respond to critics from the Left side of the political spectrum, and reflects on the work that still needs to be done.

    Hosted by Jessa McLean and Produced by Santiago Helou Quintero

    Calls to Action: Take the Pledge to Boycott Indigo and Demand CRA Revoke HESEG's Charitable Status

    Related Episodes:

    1. Machinery of Suppression: Bill C9 and the weaponization of antisemitism (jan 2026) Jews Say NO to Genocide break down the latest suppressive legislation from Carney and challenge the narratives being used to pass it.
    2. Answering the Call: Labour for Palestine (jan 2024) L4P representative Anna Lippman on the call from Palestinian workers to disarm Israel and Free Palestine.

    More Resources:

    • Rabble: Boycott Israel campaign hits Chapters and Mountain Equipment Co-op
    • Assaulted for questioning ‘charitable’ donations by billionaire - Yves Engler
    • CJPME: More on Indigo
    • Just Peace Advocates: Billionaire couple continues to support genocidal army
    • The Maple: Indigo’s Copyright Victory Opens A New Front In BDS Struggle
    • Indigo Kills Kids Website

    Be sure to subscribe to our SUBSTACK for even more content.

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

    Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky
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    57 mins
  • Making Connections From Salish Sea to Palestine

    Making Connections From Salish Sea to Palestine
    Feb 24 2026

    Sisters in film, Rawan Ramini and Jada-Gabrielle Pape were brought together for the film, From Salish Sea to Palestine. The joined Blueprints to talk about their use of the medium to make connections between movements, and tell the 'true stories' of their people.

    Ultimately though, it is a discussion on what really builds solidarity.

    The most obvious connections between Palestinians and Indigenous Peoples' in so-called Canada are that of colonialism and occupation. Rawan highlights so many of the shared tactics of land displacement, ethnic cleansing and of course, genocide that tie their fights together.

    Despite shared mechanisms of oppression, Rawan and Jada's work serves as a reminder this ultimately, not what should define them and their people.

    "Walking along in solidarity means seeing us as a whole people, not just as a people living in resistance" - Jada

    More on our guests:

    1. Rawan Hassan, Palestinian filmmaker and mother of two. She Directed, wrote and co-produced the Documentary Series: Ana Falastini
    2. Jada-Gabrielle Pape, wu’Was’welam, is Xwelmuxw Mestuyuxw: Saanich and Snuneymuxw Nations. She is the Director of From the Salish Sea to Palestine, and the co-founder of Drawing Wisdom. She also Drawing Wisdom Video Podcast, and is part of the Team at Courage Consulting.

    Hosted by: Jessa McLean

    Produced by: Santiago Helou Quintero

    Call to Action: Help Fundraise for a Full Length Feature Film

    Related Episodes:

    1. Filmmaking Resistance (April 2024) Pier-Philippe Chevigny, writer-director of 'Richelieu', discusses how he uses his skills in filmmaking to shed light on social issues
    2. Canada's Colonial Imagination (October 2023) Tyler Shipley on the ways our view of the genocide of Indigenous peoples here STILL shapes how Canada interacts with the world.

    More Resources:

    • More on the Film 'From the Salish Sea to Palestine'
    • Ana Falastini Trailer (VIDEO)
    • Ana Falastini Canada Wide Tour

    All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon
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    54 mins