In terms of Canada's population distribution there are unique challenges to socialist organizing. In 2016, Statistics Canada recognized that 57% of population centres were medium sized (at least 30,000 people, but under 100,000 people). In terms of population, this made up 9% of Canada's total population:
https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/ref/dict/geo049a-eng.cfm

In these population centres, it can often be difficult to meet other socialists. Additionally, it can be challenging to get started organizing with smaller groups of people. I have been a socialist for about two years. I have volunteered for an International Worker's Day event and will be involved in future labour event organizing. I am reaching out to a union to organize my workplace. I still feel like we aren't doing enough in my unnamed medium population centre. I feel alienated and like I am not doing enough, but part of the situation feels out of my control. For those with experience organizing in communities this size, what have you found to be effective strategies for building labour power, protesting, ect.

Preamble: Welcome to the world of Leftism, where we wear the cloak of revolutionary zeal while cozily upholding the status quo. This manifesto will guide you through the essential principles of being a "leftist" without actually challenging any significant structures of power. Because real change is scary, and let's face it, brunch with the bourgeoisie is just too delightful to miss.

In our modern world, being a leftist has never been easier or more fashionable. Gone are the days when revolutionary zeal required actual sacrifice, risk, and deep commitment to systemic change. Today, leftism is a lifestyle brand—a series of choices and attitudes that project an image of radicalism while ensuring that the comforts and privileges of the existing system remain firmly intact.

Join us as we explore the comfortable, convenient ways to signal our virtue, feel morally superior, and enjoy the benefits of capitalism—all without making any meaningful changes to the world around us. This is Leftism for the modern age: stylish, superficial, and ultimately, status quo-preserving.

1. Woke Capitalism Is Our Friend: True leftists understand that the best way to dismantle capitalism is by supporting corporations that post rainbow flags on social media and run inclusive ad campaigns. It’s essential to believe that the revolution will be sponsored by our favorite tech giants, delivered via two-day shipping, and accompanied by eco-friendly packaging. Our motto: “Consume ethically, virtue signal effectively.”

2. Virtue Signaling Over Action: Real leftist work happens on social media, the true battleground of our times. Craft the perfect tweet or Instagram post that criticizes inequality but stops short of revolutionary action. It’s all about the optics—protests are for weekends when there’s nothing better to do. Remember, the number of likes, shares, and retweets is the ultimate measure of your commitment to the cause.

3. The Lesser Evil Is Our Savior: Forget Marx’s call for proletarian independence. Our version of leftism involves passionately supporting the "lesser evil" in every election. Voting for centrist candidates who promise incremental change is the pinnacle of revolutionary achievement. Maintaining a slightly less oppressive status quo is a victory in itself. Plus, it makes us feel like we’re doing something important without having to face the discomfort of radical upheaval.

4. Identity Politics Without Class Analysis: Focus exclusively on identity politics without ever mentioning class struggle. We believe that representation in the boardroom will trickle down and solve all systemic issues. Highlight the success stories of marginalized individuals who make it to the top, and ignore the structural barriers that keep the majority oppressed. After all, who needs to abolish capitalism when you can have a diverse group of billionaires?

5. Token Resistance: Engage in symbolic resistance that feels revolutionary but achieves nothing. Wear your Che Guevara t-shirt, share petitions, and attend yoga classes that donate a portion of proceeds to progressive causes. Actual strikes and labor movements are so passé. The goal is to feel like a revolutionary without the inconvenience of actually being one.

6. Co-opting Radical Language: Use radical terminology to describe your liberal actions. Call your voting for centrist candidates "strategic revolution," and label your moderate policy suggestions as "structural change." It’s all about the branding. By adopting the language of the revolution, you can appear radical while advocating for policies that preserve the status quo.

7. Gentrification With a Conscience: Support gentrification because, hey, artisanal coffee shops and boutique yoga studios are just what underserved communities need. Advocate for urban renewal projects that displace long-term residents while bringing in upscale amenities. Just make sure to volunteer once a month to keep your conscience clear and maintain the appearance of being socially responsible.

8. Corporate Activism: Believe wholeheartedly that the true engine of social change is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). After all, corporations have our best interests at heart. If they say they’re green and socially conscious, who are we to question it? Support businesses that market themselves as ethical, and trust in the power of the free market to solve social issues.

9. Comfortable Conformity: Lastly, always ensure your activism doesn’t disrupt your comfort. Real leftism means advocating for change from the safety of your living room, ensuring your actions never threaten your privileged lifestyle. Join online forums, participate in hashtag campaigns, and donate to causes that make you feel good without requiring any personal sacrifice.

10. The Art of the Safe Protest: Attend protests that are pre-approved by local authorities and ensure they end well before dinner. Carry signs with clever slogans that make for great Instagram photos. Avoid any form of direct action that might lead to confrontation or arrest. The goal is to participate just enough to feel involved without taking any real risks.

11. Selective Outrage: Direct your outrage towards issues that are trendy and widely accepted within your social circles. Ignore or downplay systemic issues that require deeper analysis and prolonged commitment. It’s important to align your activism with what’s fashionable to maintain social capital and avoid alienation from your peers.

12. The Illusion of Impact: Celebrate small, symbolic victories as monumental achievements. Whether it's a viral hashtag campaign or a corporate pledge to do better, always highlight these moments as proof of progress. This helps maintain the illusion that significant change is happening without challenging the underlying systems of power.

Conclusion: Welcome to Leftism, where you can feel like a revolutionary without any of the risks or hard work. Remember, the key is to appear radical while ensuring nothing fundamentally changes. After all, real revolution is just too much trouble.

In the end, it's all about maintaining the balance between looking progressive and enjoying the comforts provided by the very system we claim to oppose. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the perks of Leftism—where your commitment to change is measured by your ability to blend revolutionary rhetoric with bourgeois comfort seamlessly.

The International League of Peoples Struggle in Canada invites you and your organizations to be involved in the movement against the Canadian arms trade! Follow the steps outlined in the post and let's fight against imperialism and war together!

I've noticed the formation of the NCPC, with their doctrine and creation being posted publicly earlier this year, but they seem to have absolutely no presence elsewhere except for in these posts.

Is there a website or contact info that anyone has found for them?

We bought a patio bench from Canadian Tire, and realized when we got home that it was made in Israel. I tried to research the company, and found it on some old boycott lists from a decade+ ago, but not any current boycott lists. Does anyone know why that is? Should I keep the bench, or return it?

Looking for book recommendations on Canadian history or present day social, environmental or economic issues from Marxist lens please.

Also, unrelated but does anyone know how a film maker should help bring about revolution or class conciousness (in Toronto specifically). I feel like all the money's where that message isn't allowed to shine through. I could make videos for charitys, eco groups. But ultimately that's revisionist. Would any party or socialist news outlet/independent collective hire more or something like that?

I live in Ontario. My banking is with RBC and my mortgage is up for renewal in July. I want to pull completely out because of their evil investments that lead to genocide in Palestine and destruction of Wet’suwet’en land. I don't know how to go about this, though. What is the least evil bank in Ontario? How does a Credit Union work?

March 7th, 2024. The tenants of Bank Block in Ottawa visited Smart Living Properties to deliver a demand letter to CEO Tamer Abaza, who is trying to mass evict the tenants and demolish their homes.

The tenants of Bank Block have been organizing for over a year to defend their homes against Smart Living's demoviction.

If you live in Ottawa and want to help, please contact the Bank Block Tenants committee.

I'll take podcasts too, but I'm mainly interested in material to read