Since last May, five polls have placed the Parti Quebecois (PQ) in third place behind the Liberal Party of Quebec as well as the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ). In addition, the party is now second place among francophones and is no longer first in any demographic category. Since the defeat of the 1995 referendum, the PQ has had all sorts of difficulties.
It has been almost three years since Alberta was shocked by plummeting oil prices in mid-2014. A province booming with industry and employment opportunities was suddenly faced with an economic collapse, characterized by capital flight and unemployment. Despite being responsible for creating 87 per cent of the net job growth in the country in 2013, Alberta has become an industrial ghost town.
The crisis of capitalism has given rise to a mood of questioning and mass movements across the world. Youth are starting to take action and challenge the capitalist system. Spontaneous movements have erupted against many forms of oppression. Inspiring movements such as Idle No More, Black Lives Matter, the worldwide demonstrations against violence towards women on March 8, and elements of the anti-Trump movement are a few recent examples of the increasing desire among workers and youth to fight oppression and discrimination.
Since May 1, tenants in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood have been on a rent strike in response to rising rent costs. Tenants have said that these increases are unlawful, immoral and are ultimately being used to force low income tenants out of their homes.
Forty-five years ago, the largest and most important strike movement in the history of Quebec took place. During this historic episode, the workers of the province stormed onto the political arena to fight against the bourgeoisie. At its peak, workers occupied the factories and mines, and the general strike movement brought the economy of the province to a halt.
As federal and provincial governments prepare to spend $500 million on the celebration of Canada’s 150th “birthday”, Canadian workers continue to be forced to accept privatizations, falling living standards, and austerity.
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45 years since the 1972 Quebec general strike
Canada 150: Erasing struggle from Canada’s past
NDP Leadership: Support Ashton, Fight For Socialism!
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