Theses on the class struggle in Canada: Political Perspectives 2013The political situation across the Canadian state is characterized by subterranean moods of discontent that burst out in sporadic explosions. All of these movements are manifestations of the underlying crisis of the system. To help arm workers and young people in the fights to come, Fightback is publishing our political perspectives for 2013.
Is crisis coming to Canada? New figures warn of Europe-style collapseOnce known for providing its workers with a relatively stable standard of living, one European country after another is pushed into crisis and austerity, provoking social explosions across the continent. The Canadian ruling class, on the other hand, has taken a certain satisfaction in asserting that this country is above the European fray. Do these claims actually have any weight? Or, does the Canadian economy have the same underlying weaknesses that have brought European capitalism to its knees? How close is Canada to a Europe-style meltdown? |
Upcoming Events MAR 13 Coffee-shop discussion
MAR 13 Screening: "Land and Freedom"
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Featured AnalysisA socialist view from the 2013 federal NDP convention Venezuela: The presidential elections and the tasks of the revolution Ontario NDP must not be fooled by Liberals' new face: Vote down the Liberal budget! Labour leaders must defy illegitimate laws in fight against austerity Internationalism and class unity on display at Marxist Winter School 2013 XII Canadian Marxist Conference held amidst largest mass movements in Canadian history |
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Over 100 years have past since the first International Women’s Day was organized. Although International Women’s Day (IWD) has, in recent years, become an event that focuses on the celebration of women’s rights and achievements, the socialist origins of the IWD have become lesser known.
It is often the destiny of revolutionary leaders that after death those that attacked and vilified them during their lifetime begin to praise them, while simultaneously distorting their ideas, watering them down, reducing them to impotence, just as one neuters a troublesome tomcat. On the first anniversary of his death, what will be the destiny of Hugo Chávez? Will his ideas be buried with him? Are those who are now delivering flattering speeches about Chávez really defending his ideas and putting them into practice? That is the question that every honest supporter of the Bolivarian Revolution is asking today.
On Thu. 27th Feb., the Socialist Fightback Club, in association with the Hands Off Venezuela campaign, hosted an event at York University titled, “Stop the Right-Wing Coup! Defend the Venezuelan Revolution!” This attracted an audience of about 50 attendees from all walks of life, with the overwhelming majority being youth. 
We lost a spirited voice of the oppressed and exploited on January 27, as Pete Seeger drew his last breath. Pete Seeger came of age at a time when popular music was gaining influence in a commodified form, as recording companies began to assert their dominance over popular culture. He played a central role in assuring that the experiences, hopes, and dreams of generations of working-class people were preserved and spread through the new mass media.
As Ukraine slides deeper into chaos, the sound of war drums gets ever louder. Russian president Vladimir Putin has secured his parliament's authority to send the Russian army, not just into Crimea but also into Ukraine itself. Western leaders shook their heads and said that Russia must not intervene. Moscow held up its hands, indignantly protesting that it would not do so. But the facts seem to indicate otherwise. It would be a fatal mistake for the workers of Ukraine to have illusions in the motives of foreign powers.
On the weekend of February 15th-16th, approximately 60 people participated in the fifth annual Marxist Winter School in Montreal, this year held at Concordia University. Organized by supporters of Fightback (Canada), La Riposte (Quebec), and the Workers’ International League (USA), this year’s school was certainly a big success. Activists traveled from Ottawa, Toronto, New York, and Boston to join comrades in Montreal for enthusiastic discussions throughout the entire weekend. Continuing the tradition from last year, the discussions were held in both French and English, facilitated through consecutive translation which highlighted the unity of English and French-speaking revolutionaries.
To the casual observer, it may seem that organizing high school students is too difficult of a task. High school students are often portrayed as being apathetic and unaware of broader social issues. However, the experience of the author, a high school student in Toronto, shows that this is not the case. Just because high school students have yet to organize themselves does not mean that they are incapable of doing so.
