View the December YCL BC eBulletin online by clicking here.
To subscribe to our monthly eBulletin e-mail ycl_bc@ycl-ljc.ca
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
December 2009 eBulletin
View the December YCL BC eBulletin online by clicking here.
To subscribe to our monthly eBulletin e-mail ycl_bc@ycl-ljc.ca
FYI this invitation from the Communist Party includes YCL members and friends.
ANNUAL WINTER SOLSTICE OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, Dec. 13, 2-5 pm
At the Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver
All comrades, friends and supporters of the movements for peace, democracy, equality, and socialism are invited to join the Communist Party for the annual Winter Solstice Open House at the CSE. We'll have refreshments (by donation), snacks, music, and fabulous prizes for winners of a special quiz about major events of the past year! HINT: the quiz questions will be based on facts and figures from 2009 issues of People's Voice.
For information, call Sam Hammond (604-254-9836) or Kimball Cariou (604-255-2041).
Monday, November 30, 2009
YCL Vancouver December events
1. YCL Dinner & Movie Night Fundraiser
Come support the ongoing work and growth of the Young Communist League!
A night of good food and good, working class, cinema. We will be showing the famous film Salt of the Earth, the true story of miners’ strike in New Mexico.
The film was banned and those involved in its production were blacklisted during the anti-Communist terror of the McCarthy period.
An inspiring story of working men and women uniting to militantly fight for a better life, Salt of the Earth, brings forward many important lessons for working people today.
We will also be showing a variety of show videos produced by the YCL.
All funds raised go towards the publication of Rebel Youth magazine and travel costs to our 25th Central Convention in May, 2010.
Saturday, December 5th, 6pm. Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Dr. Tickets at the door. $25, $15 for low income.
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/event.php?eid=183256741269&ref=mf
2. YCL Vancouver meeting
Our next meeting will be on December 5th, at 1:30pm, prior to our evening fundraiser. The location will be our office in the Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Dr.
Agenda:
Roll call
Adopt agenda
OLD BUSINESS/STANDING ITEMS
-Peace & International Solidarity
-Young Workers & Labour
- Student Movement
- Culture & Agit Prop
- Rebel Youth
- Pro-Choice demo report back
- Silk Screening report back
- Planning for tonight's fundraiser
- Any other business arising from minutes
NEW BUSINESS
- Review of 2009
- Discussion of 2010 (Conventions, WFYS, Low Paid Workers etc.)
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/event.php?eid=218564630287&ref=mf
Monday, November 9, 2009
Protest the Bigoted Anti-Woman, Anti-Choice Agenda!
The following is a re-print of a 2008 pro-choice statement issued by the YCL-BC. It will be used at our upcoming pro-choice demo.
Protest the Bigoted Anti-Woman, Anti-Choice Agenda!
Protect Women’s Right to Chose!
Demand Free, Safe and Public Abortion Clinics, Accessible to all Women!
Stop the Harper Conservative Anti-Choice, Anti-Sex Agenda!
Every year, around the world thousands of women are forced to undertake illegal, unsafe and unhealthy abortions due to bans imposed by the state in their given country. Many die; others suffer severe health issues as a result. Yet, science has long disproved the old arguments which attack abortion with such absurd slurs as “murder” and “genocide”. Women around the world, with their allies, are fighting for their rights; they are fighting for control over their own bodies!
Throughout Canada, abortions have been legal since 1988. Yet, today women’s right to chose are under attack! The Harper Conservative regimes reactionary social policies are anti-women, anti-sex and anti-abortion although their minority position has thus far halted the implementation of many of their policies. Through the continued privatization of health care access to abortion is become eroded, therefore violating the rights of Canadian women.
We need a free, public health care system which includes access to abortion not based on the requirement of a health care plan or payment. Women are also often harassed and intimidated by goons and bullies of the religious right at clinics and hospitals. At the same time, the youth are given inadequate information on birth control options and abortion in schools. Sex education is becoming increasingly fear driven and anti-sex. This continues to help lead to increased teenage pregnancy and violates the separation of church and state since anti-abortion arguments are based solely on religious arguments and are scientifically disproved.
All of this makes up only one component of the over all systematic degradation of the democratic rights of the youth and the people in our country being carried out under slogans of “Free Trade”, the “War on Terror” and so forth.
In contrast, socialist Cuba guarantees the right to abortion to all women as a component of its free, public, universal health care system. Under socialism, social policies are based on scientifically ascertained knowledge and the interests of the masses, not on the petty fringe interests of a hateful minority. It’s time to fight back! Oppose the corporate anti-choice, anti-sex agenda! Oust Harper! Fight for change!
The YCL Demands:
• Free and safe abortions accessible to all women, on demand and without apology
• A ban on anti-choice demonstrations at and around clinics and hospitals
• A ban on all “Crisis Pregnancy Centres” that operate in the interests of the anti-choice agenda
• Sex education including information on birth control options and abortion in schools, no to “abstinence only education”
• Complete gender equality
Protest the Bigoted Anti-Woman, Anti-Choice Agenda!
Protect Women’s Right to Chose!
Demand Free, Safe and Public Abortion Clinics, Accessible to all Women!
Stop the Harper Conservative Anti-Choice, Anti-Sex Agenda!
Every year, around the world thousands of women are forced to undertake illegal, unsafe and unhealthy abortions due to bans imposed by the state in their given country. Many die; others suffer severe health issues as a result. Yet, science has long disproved the old arguments which attack abortion with such absurd slurs as “murder” and “genocide”. Women around the world, with their allies, are fighting for their rights; they are fighting for control over their own bodies!
Throughout Canada, abortions have been legal since 1988. Yet, today women’s right to chose are under attack! The Harper Conservative regimes reactionary social policies are anti-women, anti-sex and anti-abortion although their minority position has thus far halted the implementation of many of their policies. Through the continued privatization of health care access to abortion is become eroded, therefore violating the rights of Canadian women.
We need a free, public health care system which includes access to abortion not based on the requirement of a health care plan or payment. Women are also often harassed and intimidated by goons and bullies of the religious right at clinics and hospitals. At the same time, the youth are given inadequate information on birth control options and abortion in schools. Sex education is becoming increasingly fear driven and anti-sex. This continues to help lead to increased teenage pregnancy and violates the separation of church and state since anti-abortion arguments are based solely on religious arguments and are scientifically disproved.
All of this makes up only one component of the over all systematic degradation of the democratic rights of the youth and the people in our country being carried out under slogans of “Free Trade”, the “War on Terror” and so forth.
In contrast, socialist Cuba guarantees the right to abortion to all women as a component of its free, public, universal health care system. Under socialism, social policies are based on scientifically ascertained knowledge and the interests of the masses, not on the petty fringe interests of a hateful minority. It’s time to fight back! Oppose the corporate anti-choice, anti-sex agenda! Oust Harper! Fight for change!
The YCL Demands:
• Free and safe abortions accessible to all women, on demand and without apology
• A ban on anti-choice demonstrations at and around clinics and hospitals
• A ban on all “Crisis Pregnancy Centres” that operate in the interests of the anti-choice agenda
• Sex education including information on birth control options and abortion in schools, no to “abstinence only education”
• Complete gender equality
Vancouver Event Reminders/Updates
1. Silkscreening Party 2
Since we unfortunately had to postpone our silkscreening party this weekend we will be holding in November instead on the 14th starting at 11:00am. We are currently working on a simple, but attractive design for some flags which we will be silkscreening. These will be a great way to make the YCL visible at rallies in the future. This is our first trial run with silkscreening but we plan to do many bigger and better things, like t-shirts, once we get practiced up. Come join us, it will be a lot of fun. Wear expendable clothes as we will be dealing with ink and other materials which could stain fabric.
NOTE: The time of this event was previously 1:30pm. It is now 11:00am.
2. Take Action to Defend Women's Right to Chose!
The YCL, along with members of the Communist Party, will be taking action in defense of women's right to reproductive choice on November 13th at noon. A group of YCLers and friends dressed in medieval/feudal garb will gather at Commercial & Broadway along side the group of anti-choice demonstrators who inhabit the corner each Friday afternoon. We will be drawing attention to the absurdity of the archaic, anti-women ideas they espouse but also to the danger they pose to womens rights. It won't be the first time we have taken these people on, but the creative twist of the event is sure to get some attention. Some will be just holding signs and leafleting, so feel free to join us even if you don't have a costume.
3. YCL Study Group - Dialectical Materialism Pt. 2
This month we will complete our discussion of Dialectical Materialism, led by Paul Bjarnason of the BC Committee of the Communist Party. It will be Wednesday, November 18th, 7pm at the Centre for Socialist Education (706 Clark Dr.)
Suggested reading: Materialism and the Dialectical Method by Maurice Cornforth. If you would like a .PDF copy of this material, please e-mail redstar@ycl-ljc.ca
Monday, November 2, 2009
Celebrate the October Revolution
The BC Committee of the Communist Party of Canada extends an invitation to members and friends of the Young Communist League to their annual celebration of the October Revolution which led to the establishment of the worlds first socialist state, the Soviet Union. This year is the 92nd anniversary of those "ten days that shook the world."
The event will take place on Friday, November 6th, starting at 7pm. It will be held at the Chilean Housing Co-Op meeting room, 3390 School Avenue in Vancouver.
The featured guest speaker will be Miguel Figueroa, leader of the Communist Party of Canada.
This is a free event (donations welcome). Refreshments and a light meal will be available. For details, contact the BC Committee of the Communist Party at 604.254.9836.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
November YCL Events in Vancouver Area
1. LEFT FILM NIGHT
Sunday, October 25, 7 pm
Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver
(corner of Clark & E. Georgia)
FROZEN RIVER
Written and directed by Courtney Hunt, USA, 2008, 97 minutes
Just before Christmas near a border crossing on the Mohawk reservation between New York State and Quebec, two women - one white, one Mohawk - are faced with desperate circumstances. Ray Eddy (Melissa Leo) is struggling to raise two sons alone after her gambling-addicted husband disappears with the family’s car. Working part-time for minimum wage at the Yankee Dollar store, Ray witnesses a Mohawk woman driving the missing vehicle. When she tries to retrieve the car from Lila Littlewolf (Misty Upham), Ray is drawn into helping smuggle immigrants into the U.S. across a frozen river. Nominated for two Academy awards, Frozen River raises crucial questions: Does the river mark a genuine boundary between Canada and the U.S., or is it simply part of the Mohawk Nation geography? Can the common struggle for economic survival overcome historic barriers of racism and prejudice? Can a human being be “illegal”?
A collection will be taken during this Left Film Night towards the legal defence of indigenous environmental campaigner John Graham. Accused in the 1975 murder of American Indian Movement activist Anna Mae Aquash, John Graham was extradited from Vancouver to stand trial in South Dakota, despite the lack of any credible evidence against him. For updates, visit www.grahamdefense.org.
No charge for admission; donations welcome. Coffee and refreshments available. Left Film Nights are presented by the Centre for Socialist Education, Young Communist League, and the Vancouver East and Montivero Clubs of the Communist Party of Canada. Call 604-255-2041 or email
2. BBQ & Rally for Striking Maple Ridge Extra Foods Workers
Show your support for striking Maple Ridge Extra Foods workers by attending a Barbeque Rally on Saturday, October 31.
These UFCW 1518 members are going into their tenth month on the picket line having been on strike since December 2008. At this point, talks have stalled with Westfair/Loblaws. The main issues are wages, benefits, and job security.
The New Westminster & District Labour Council and the Fraser Valley Labour Council are sponsoring the rally. All union members and affiliates are urged to attend.
The BBQ will be held at Extra Foods at the corner of Dewdney Trunk Road and 224th in Maple Ridge from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM on October 31st.
The YCL supports the struggle of the Maple Ridge Extra Foods Workers and will be attending the rally. Please come join us and show your solidarity.
3. Leafleting at Big Box Stores
The YCL will be lending a helping hand to the efforts of union organizers to take on big box stores in BC. On November 1st we will be taking part in direct leaflet drops at big box stores in the Vancouver-Burnaby area. Since we plan to take the owners and management of these stores by surprise we will provide further information like the meet up place, stores we will visit etc. to you if you contacts us to say that you are attending. It will take place on November 1st starting at 1:30pm.
4. World Peace Forum Teach-In
The YCL will be participating the in World Peace Forum teach-in this year. Details are below. November 11th will be a special series of panels for youth and students. There will also be an activist career fair at which the YCL will be one of the featured organizations. We encourage all of our members and friends to attend.
The World Peace Forum Society presents
1929-1939- FROM CRASH TO CATASTROPHE
A TEACH IN ON WHAT HAPPENED AND ITS LESSONS TODAY
NOV. 7, 8 & 11
MARITIME LABOUR CENTRE
1880 Triumph Street
http://www.peaceforumteachin.org/ or www.worldpeaceforumbc.ca
The 'Great' Depression, the rise of fascism, the debates that shook the workers' movement, the Spanish Civil War, the transformation from coal to oil, the rise of the American Empire, the origins of mass media, the birth of mass industrial unions, youth, anti-war and solidarity movements and much more- the 'thirties' were a decade that had a huge impact on the world we live in today and the tasks that face activists.
Following the success of the first World Peace Forum Teach In in 2008 which looked at the impact of World War I this gathering of academics, artists and activists will discuss and debate the decade between the great 'crash' of October 1929 and the official beginning of the Second World War in September of 1939.
With the goal of supporting peace, economic and social justice and ecological sustainability, the World Peace Forum is creating a program featuring speakers from across North America who will shed light on the roots of the present in the past. In plenary sessions and smaller workshops the lessons of history and the tasks of today will be discussed and debated. On Remembrance Day- November 11- there will be a special series of panels for young people- the generation who will decide what the future of humanity will look like and whether there will be one.
Program information available at http://www.peaceforumteachin.org/
To get involved- info@worldpeaceforumbc.ca
5. Pro-Choice Action - November 13th
The YCL will be taking action in defense of women's right to reproductive choice on November 13th at noon. A group of YCLers and friends dressed in medieval/feudal garb will gather at Commercial & Broadway along side the group of anti-choice demonstrators who inhabit the corner each Friday afternoon. We will be drawing attention to the absurdity of the archaic, anti-women ideas they espouse but also to the danger they pose to womens rights. It won't be the first time we have taken these people on, but the creative twist of the event is sure to get some attention. Feel free to join us.
6. Silkscreening Party 2
Since we unfortunately had to postpone our silkscreening party this weekend we will be holding in November instead on the 14th starting at 1:30pm. We are currently working on a simple, but attractive design for some flags which we will be silkscreening. These will be a great way to make the YCL visible at rallies in the future. This is our first trial run with silkscreening but we plan to do many bigger and better things, like t-shirts, once we get practiced up. Come join us, it will be a lot of fun. Wear expendable clothes as we will be dealing with ink and other materials which could stain fabric.
7. YCL Study Group - Dialectical Materialism Pt. 2
This month we will complete our discussion of Dialectical Materialism, led by Paul Bjarnason of the BC Committee of the Communist Party. It will be Wednesday, November 18th, 7pm at the Centre for Socialist Education (706 Clark Dr.)
Suggested reading: Materialism and the Dialectical Method by Maurice Cornforth. If you would like a .PDF copy of this material, please e-mail redstar@ycl-ljc.ca
8. Fundraising Dinner & Movie Night
We will be holding a Dinner & Movie Night fundraiser in late November to raise funds for our upcoming Convention and for Rebel Youth Magazine. Details TBA shortly.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
LEFT FILM NIGHT: FROZEN RIVER
LEFT FILM NIGHT
Sunday, October 25, 7 pm
Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver
(corner of Clark & E. Georgia)
FROZEN RIVER
Written and directed by Courtney Hunt, USA, 2008, 97 minutes
Just before Christmas near a border crossing on the Mohawk reservation between New York State and Quebec, two women - one white, one Mohawk - are faced with desperate circumstances. Ray Eddy (Melissa Leo) is struggling to raise two sons alone after her gambling-addicted husband disappears with the family’s car. Working part-time for minimum wage at the Yankee Dollar store, Ray witnesses a Mohawk woman driving the missing vehicle. When she tries to retrieve the car from Lila Littlewolf (Misty Upham), Ray is drawn into helping smuggle immigrants into the U.S. across a frozen river. Nominated for two Academy awards, Frozen River raises crucial questions: Does the river mark a genuine boundary between Canada and the U.S., or is it simply part of the Mohawk Nation geography? Can the common struggle for economic survival overcome historic barriers of racism and prejudice? Can a human being be “illegal”?
A collection will be taken during this Left Film Night towards the legal defence of indigenous environmental campaigner John Graham. Accused in the 1975 murder of American Indian Movement activist Anna Mae Aquash, John Graham was extradited from Vancouver to stand trial in South Dakota, despite the lack of any credible evidence against him. For updates, visit www.grahamdefense.org.
No charge for admission; donations welcome. Coffee and refreshments available. Left Film Nights are presented by the Centre for Socialist Education, Young Communist League, and the Vancouver East and Montivero Clubs of the Communist Party of Canada. Call 604-255-2041 or email
Thursday, October 15, 2009
YCL Vancouver Event Updates and Reminders
1. Red Star Club Meeting - POSTPONED
The meeting that was scheduled for Saturday the 17th is being postponed in order to ensure that the majority of members are available to participate. See below for details.
2. Left Film Night: Cocalero & Libertarias
Left Film Night presents a double feature on Saturday, Oct. 17:
COCALERO
(Director Alejandro Landes, 94 minutes, Argentina, 2007, English subtitles)
Starts 7:00 pm
A cocalero is a coca leaf grower from the Andes region of South America. In this documentar, Evo Morales, an Aymara Indian cocalero and trade union leader, travels through Bolivia in his historic 2005 bid to be elected the first indigenous president in the Americas, 500 years after the arrival of Cristopher Columbus. Cocalero documents Morales on the campaign trail, from formal fundraising dinners to mass rallies. It also shows the personal side of Morales, speaking about his life and the reasons for his entry into the political arena.
LIBERTARIAS (“Freedom Fighters”)
(Director Vincente Aranda, 125 minutes, Spain, English subtitles)
Starts 8:50 pm
An emotional film shedding light on the lives of six members of a women’s brigade in Barcelona fighting for the country’s left wing Republican government in 1936.
Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver
No admission charge, but donations towards our costs are welcome. Coffee and refreshments available. Call 604-255-2041 or email
Details: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=656850401&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=8947029929
3. Silk Screening Party/Red Star Club Meeting
Join us for a Silk Screening Party on Saturday, October 24th, 11am, at the Centre for Socialist Education (706 Clark Dr.) The YCL has recently acquired a large amount of Silk Screening materials and plans to get together on October 24th to take our first shot at putting them to use. We plant to make several flags to be used at future rallies and protests and practice our skills for eventually making t-shirts and other items for use in our activities and for fundraising.
We will also have our meeting this day. Here is the draft agenda:
Role Call/Membership
Minutes of September 12th
OLD BUSINESS/STANDING ITEMS
-Peace & International Solidarity (Honduras, WPF Youth Day, Fraser Valley Peace Council, Stopwar Youth etc.)
-Young Workers & Labour (Minimum Wage, On to Ottawa Trek, Wal Mart etc.)
- Student Movement (Campus work, new leaflets, etc.)
- Culture & Agit Prop (Left Film Night, new poster etc.)
- Pro-Choice demo
- Fundraising
- Silk Screening
- Any other business arising from minutes
NEW BUSINESS
- Central Convention
- YCL BC Convention
Friday, October 2, 2009
YCL BC eBulletin October 2009
Check out the October edition of our monthly eBulletin online at the following link and subscribe to receive the eBulletin to your e-mail every month.
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/445432/e744d376d0/1623002805/6c0c9d641e/
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/445432/e744d376d0/1623002805/6c0c9d641e/
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
What's the YCL up to in October?
1. Demand $10 NOW
The Vancouver & District Labour Council' Young Workers Committee is organizing a campaigning blitz at Oakridge Mall on Saturday, October 3rd at 1pm. The event is for the $10 NOW campaign which demands an immediate increase to $10/hour for the minimum wage, a subsequent increase to $11, indexing to inflation and abolition of the "training wage." They will be bringing their demands directly to the mall, where many employer who pay the minimum wage are, and most importantly to the workers at the mall who need this the most. We urge our members and friends to participate in this action.
Details: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=656850401&ref=profile#/event.php?eid=169708145378
2. YCL Discussion Group - Dialectical Materialism
Our next discussion group will be on dialectical materialism, led by Paul Bjarnason of the BC Committee of the Communist Party. It will be Wednesday, October 7th, 7pm at the Centre for Socialist Education (706 Clark Dr.)
Suggested reading: Materialism and the Dialectical Method by Maurice Cornforth. If you would like a .PDF copy of this material, please e-mail redstar@ycl-ljc.ca
Details: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=656850401&ref=profile#/event.php?eid=149267372237&ref=ts
3. Red Star Club Meeting
This months Red Star Club meeting will be held on October 17th at 5pm, before the Left Film Night. It will be at our office in the Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Dr.
Here is the draft agenda:
Role Call/Membership
Minutes of September 12th
OLD BUSINESS/STANDING ITEMS
-Peace & International Solidarity (Honduras, WPF Youth Day, Fraser Valley Peace Council, Stopwar Youth etc.)
-Young Workers & Labour (Minimum Wage, On to Ottawa Trek, Wal Mart etc.)
- Student Movement (Campus work, new leaflets, etc.)
- Culture & Agit Prop (Left Film Night, new poster etc.)
- Pro-Choice demo
- Fundraising
- Silk Screening
- Any other business arising from minutes
NEW BUSINESS
- Central Convention
- YCL BC Convention
4. Left Film Night: Cocalero & Libertarias
Left Film Night presents a double feature on Saturday, Oct. 17:
COCALERO
(Director Alejandro Landes, 94 minutes, Argentina, 2007, English subtitles)
Starts 7:00 pm
A cocalero is a coca leaf grower from the Andes region of South America. In this documentar, Evo Morales, an Aymara Indian cocalero and trade union leader, travels through Bolivia in his historic 2005 bid to be elected the first indigenous president in the Americas, 500 years after the arrival of Cristopher Columbus. Cocalero documents Morales on the campaign trail, from formal fundraising dinners to mass rallies. It also shows the personal side of Morales, speaking about his life and the reasons for his entry into the political arena.
LIBERTARIAS (“Freedom Fighters”)
(Director Vincente Aranda, 125 minutes, Spain, English subtitles)
Starts 8:50 pm
An emotional film shedding light on the lives of six members of a women’s brigade in Barcelona fighting for the country’s left wing Republican government in 1936.
Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver
No admission charge, but donations towards our costs are welcome. Coffee and refreshments available. Call 604-255-2041 or email
Details: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=656850401&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=8947029929
5. Silk Screening Party!
Join us for a Silk Screening Party on Saturday, October 24th, 11am, at the Centre for Socialist Education (706 Clark Dr.) The YCL has recently acquired a large amount of Silk Screening materials and plans to get together on October 24th to take our first shot at putting them to use. We plant to make several flags to be used at future rallies and protests and practice our skills for eventually making t-shirts and other items for use in our activities and for fundraising.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Labour Day Greeting from the Young Communist League of Canada
On the occasion of Labour Day the Young Communist League of Canada greets the young workers with solidarity and militancy. Canada is one of the few countries in the world that does not celebrate the workers holiday on May 1, but every holiday we have fought for and deserve.
On Labour Day 2009 we view the situation of the young workers as very dire. Across our country minimum wages are poverty wages, youth unemployment is the highest since figures began to be recorded, tuition is on the rise, and social services and union contracts are under attack. This is taking place in the context of the sellout of our jobs and our countries sovereignty through de-industrialization, free trade pacts, and deep integration with the United States.
All of this is part of the offensive of capital aimed at making the working people, including young workers, pay for the deepening global economic crisis that they created. This economic crash, which is the worst of its kind since the Great Depression of the 1930’s, is merely a symptom of a system in crisis.
Today the ruling class and its governments and political parties in Canada and around the world are scrambling to find new ways to patch up their crisis ridden system. This Labour Day, while we celebrate the struggles and the victories of Canada’s working class movement, we should do so with a consciousness of the need to continue that movement in a united and militant way today.
Together, the working class, youth, and students, could defeat the anti-worker Harper Tories. Together, we could put an end to this capitalist system and to the exploitation, poverty and misery that is breeds.
We won’t pay for their crisis! Let’s unite a fight back!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Upcoming Events in the Lower Mainland!
1. Labour Day @ Trout Lake
The BC Federation of Labour and Canadian Labour Congress are holding a Labour Day celebration at Trout Lake (John Hendry) Park on September 7th from 11am-2pm. There will be entertainment and food (hot dogs, corn, and drinks for 50 cents each).
The YCL will be present, talking to young workers and distributing leaflets. If you want to meet up with us, e-mail redstar@ycl-ljc.ca
For more information about the event, visit www.bcfed.ca
2. Red Star Club meeting
Our next Club meeting will be Saturday, September 12th, 5pm at our office in the Centre for Socialist Education (706 Clark Dr.)
DRAFT AGENDA
-Roll Call
-Previous minutes
Old Business/Standing Items:
-Peace & International Solidarity (Honduras, WPF Youth Day, Stopwar Youth etc.)
-Young Workers & Labour (Minimum Wage, On to Ottawa Trek etc.)
- Student Movement (UBC, new leaflets, etc.)
- Culture (Concert, Left Film Nights etc.)
- Pro-Choice demo
- Any other business arising
New Business:
- Silk screening
- Fundraising (50/50, other?)
3. Left Film Night: CHE
Join us on September 12th, 7pm, at 706 Clark Dr. for CHE, the 2008 film about the revolutionary Che Guevara best known for his participation in the Cuban revolution, who was murdered by the CIA in 1967 in Bolivia where he was helping to lead a guerrilla struggle against the militarist government of that country.
This is a free event organized by the Montivero Club of the Communist Party of Canada and supported by the Young Communist League.
4. Rally Against HST!
On Saturday, September 19th from 12-3pm there will be a rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby St.) against the HST. Gordo and company are feeling the heat and opposition is growing to this massive corporate handout and attack on the working people. The YCL will be present with copies of our statement against the HST. To join the YCL contingent at the rally, respond to this e-mail.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=109299859454&ref=ts
5. Chilean Independence Day Dinner and Fundraiser
Part of the larger South American Wars of Independence against Spanish colonialism, the Chilean War of Independence began on September 18, 1810, when a national junta was established to govern Chile. The war included the period known as the Reconquista of 1814-17, when Spanish loyalists regained power, punishing rebels and driving more Chileans into the insurrectionary camp. Returning from exile in Argentina, the combined forced of Bernardo O'Higgins and Jose de San Martin freed Chile with a daring assault over the Andes, defeating the Spaniards at the Battle of Chacabuco on February 12, 1817.
After defeating the last large Spanish force on Chilean soil at th Battle of Maipu on April 5, 1818, San Martin led his followers north to help liberate Peru, a key to hemispheric victory over the Spanish which was finally accomplished by Simon Bolivar's forces in 1824.
Each year Chilean Independence Day is celebrated by Chilean-Canadians in Vancouver. The YCL is invited again this year to participate in the event and to fundraise for our political work via a 50/50 draw. Come join us and enjoy delicious South American food and wine, as well as live entertainment. Tickets are $20.
The event is on Saturday, September 19th, 6pm, at the Peretz Centre (6184 Ash St.)
6. Left Film Night: Peter Seeger - The Power of Song
On September 27th, 7pm, 706 Clark Dr. join us for The Power of Song, a film about the famous progressive folk musician Pete Seeger. The film uses interviews, archival footage and home movies to illustrate the social history of Pete Seeger. A fascinating film and a must see for those interested in folk music and peoples culture.
7. YCL Discussion Group - Dialectical Materialism
Our next discussion group will be on dialectical materialism. It will be Wednesday, October 7th, 7pm at the Centre for Socialist Education (706 Clark Dr.)
Suggested reading: Materialism and the Dialectical Method by Maurice Cornforth. If you would like a .PDF copy of this material, please e-mail redstar@ycl-ljc.ca
The BC Federation of Labour and Canadian Labour Congress are holding a Labour Day celebration at Trout Lake (John Hendry) Park on September 7th from 11am-2pm. There will be entertainment and food (hot dogs, corn, and drinks for 50 cents each).
The YCL will be present, talking to young workers and distributing leaflets. If you want to meet up with us, e-mail redstar@ycl-ljc.ca
For more information about the event, visit www.bcfed.ca
2. Red Star Club meeting
Our next Club meeting will be Saturday, September 12th, 5pm at our office in the Centre for Socialist Education (706 Clark Dr.)
DRAFT AGENDA
-Roll Call
-Previous minutes
Old Business/Standing Items:
-Peace & International Solidarity (Honduras, WPF Youth Day, Stopwar Youth etc.)
-Young Workers & Labour (Minimum Wage, On to Ottawa Trek etc.)
- Student Movement (UBC, new leaflets, etc.)
- Culture (Concert, Left Film Nights etc.)
- Pro-Choice demo
- Any other business arising
New Business:
- Silk screening
- Fundraising (50/50, other?)
3. Left Film Night: CHE
Join us on September 12th, 7pm, at 706 Clark Dr. for CHE, the 2008 film about the revolutionary Che Guevara best known for his participation in the Cuban revolution, who was murdered by the CIA in 1967 in Bolivia where he was helping to lead a guerrilla struggle against the militarist government of that country.
This is a free event organized by the Montivero Club of the Communist Party of Canada and supported by the Young Communist League.
4. Rally Against HST!
On Saturday, September 19th from 12-3pm there will be a rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby St.) against the HST. Gordo and company are feeling the heat and opposition is growing to this massive corporate handout and attack on the working people. The YCL will be present with copies of our statement against the HST. To join the YCL contingent at the rally, respond to this e-mail.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=109299859454&ref=ts
5. Chilean Independence Day Dinner and Fundraiser
Part of the larger South American Wars of Independence against Spanish colonialism, the Chilean War of Independence began on September 18, 1810, when a national junta was established to govern Chile. The war included the period known as the Reconquista of 1814-17, when Spanish loyalists regained power, punishing rebels and driving more Chileans into the insurrectionary camp. Returning from exile in Argentina, the combined forced of Bernardo O'Higgins and Jose de San Martin freed Chile with a daring assault over the Andes, defeating the Spaniards at the Battle of Chacabuco on February 12, 1817.
After defeating the last large Spanish force on Chilean soil at th Battle of Maipu on April 5, 1818, San Martin led his followers north to help liberate Peru, a key to hemispheric victory over the Spanish which was finally accomplished by Simon Bolivar's forces in 1824.
Each year Chilean Independence Day is celebrated by Chilean-Canadians in Vancouver. The YCL is invited again this year to participate in the event and to fundraise for our political work via a 50/50 draw. Come join us and enjoy delicious South American food and wine, as well as live entertainment. Tickets are $20.
The event is on Saturday, September 19th, 6pm, at the Peretz Centre (6184 Ash St.)
6. Left Film Night: Peter Seeger - The Power of Song
On September 27th, 7pm, 706 Clark Dr. join us for The Power of Song, a film about the famous progressive folk musician Pete Seeger. The film uses interviews, archival footage and home movies to illustrate the social history of Pete Seeger. A fascinating film and a must see for those interested in folk music and peoples culture.
7. YCL Discussion Group - Dialectical Materialism
Our next discussion group will be on dialectical materialism. It will be Wednesday, October 7th, 7pm at the Centre for Socialist Education (706 Clark Dr.)
Suggested reading: Materialism and the Dialectical Method by Maurice Cornforth. If you would like a .PDF copy of this material, please e-mail redstar@ycl-ljc.ca
Thursday, September 3, 2009
WFDY salutes KSM achieving legal status once again!
The YCL in BC held a number of demonstrations demanding a the reversal of the ban on the Czech Communist Youth (KSM) and helped circulate a petition to that effect. Today we received this news from the World Federation of Democratic Youth that our Czech comrades have succeeded in overturning the ban!
______________________________________________________________________________________________
WFDY salutes KSM achieving legal status once again!
The Supreme Court of Czech Republic has, today, decided to cancel the ban that over the last years has the Communist Union of Czech Republic (KSM) to face the situation of being an illegal organization, deprived from the basic rights that any democratic organization should have.
WFDY considers this a major development and a historical moment. We reaffirm now that, as in the past, this is not an administrative or even legal matter, but a deeply political matter. In the same way KSM was not being made illegal by the pretense “legal” matters in its program, the decision of today is not at all a strict court decision.
This decision is the result of KSM and Czech youth’s struggle, as well as of the intense and worldwide solidarity expressed by the youth of all corners of the world. WFDY and its member and friend organizations have, from the first moment, developped countless demonstrations, petitions and many other means of solidarity, which were surely an important support to the Czech youth.
WFDY considers this moment of victory as another proof that, despite the obstacles, difficulties and attacks, the struggle is the way for victory against imperialism and urges its member and friend organizations to spread the news that will let all anti-imperialist people organizations happy and even more motivated for the struggle for social and democratic rights, freedom, justice and peace, against imperialism and all its expressions!
The CC/HQ of WFDY
Budapest, September 3
www.wfdy.org
______________________________________________________________________________________________
WFDY salutes KSM achieving legal status once again!
The Supreme Court of Czech Republic has, today, decided to cancel the ban that over the last years has the Communist Union of Czech Republic (KSM) to face the situation of being an illegal organization, deprived from the basic rights that any democratic organization should have.
WFDY considers this a major development and a historical moment. We reaffirm now that, as in the past, this is not an administrative or even legal matter, but a deeply political matter. In the same way KSM was not being made illegal by the pretense “legal” matters in its program, the decision of today is not at all a strict court decision.
This decision is the result of KSM and Czech youth’s struggle, as well as of the intense and worldwide solidarity expressed by the youth of all corners of the world. WFDY and its member and friend organizations have, from the first moment, developped countless demonstrations, petitions and many other means of solidarity, which were surely an important support to the Czech youth.
WFDY considers this moment of victory as another proof that, despite the obstacles, difficulties and attacks, the struggle is the way for victory against imperialism and urges its member and friend organizations to spread the news that will let all anti-imperialist people organizations happy and even more motivated for the struggle for social and democratic rights, freedom, justice and peace, against imperialism and all its expressions!
The CC/HQ of WFDY
Budapest, September 3
www.wfdy.org
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Important Updates to Upcoming Events
1. POSTPONED Discussion Group: The Three Sources and Three Component Parts of Marxism
Join us for our monthly discussion group. This month we will discuss Lenin's article The Three Sources and Three Component Parts of Marxism. This article, which outlines the basic origins and fundamentals of Marxism, was first published in1913 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the death of Karl Marx.
We will be joined by a special guest speaker, Paul Bjarnason (CPC BC Committee), for a presentation followed by discussion. Pre-reading optional but suggested. The discussion group will be followed by the Left Film Night.
Wednesday, September 2nd, 7:30pm
Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Dr.
To read the article for free online, visit http://www.marx2mao.com/Lenin/CPM13.html
Or, look for a copy at the People's Co-Op Bookstore.
http://www.facebook.com/share.php?appid=2344061033&src=box&tid=122761566586&u=http%3A%2F%2Fyclbc-lowermainland.blogspot.com%2F#/event.php?eid=122761566586
2. Left Film Night: Milk
LEFT FILM NIGHT presents:
MILK
Sunday, August 30, 7 pm
at the Centre for Socialist Education
706 Clark Drive, Vancouver (corner of Clark & E. Georgia)
If you missed MILK in the theatres earlier this year, here's your chance. Sean Penn deservedly won Best Actor at the 2009 Academy Awards for his portrayal of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to a major political position in the United States. MILK (directed by Gus Van Sant, 128 minutes) presents a fascinating look at two worlds - the flourishing gay and lesbian communities of San Francisco during the 1970s, and the complex and difficult struggle to win progressive reforms through the electoral process at the municipal level. Harvey Milk succeeded in bringing together a broad coalition of gay activists, trade unionists, Latinos and other oppressed minorities, small business owners, tenants, homeowners and other San Franciscans. United, they challenged the city's entrenched elites and undemocratic political structures to bring a powerful voice for the people into City Hall. His tragic assassination sparked a huge upsurge in the struggle for full equality for the LGBT community, a struggle which continues to this day in California and around the world. MILK is both a stunning artistic achievement and a timely political statement.
No admission charge, but donations towards our costs are welcome. Coffee and refreshments available. Left Film Nights are presented by the Centre for Socialist Education, Young Communist League, and the Vancouver East Club of the Communist Party of Canada. Call 604-255-2041 or email for further information.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8947029929&ref=ts
3. Labour Day @ Trout Lake
The BC Federation of Labour and Canadian Labour Congress are holding a Labour Day celebration at Trout Lake (John Hendry) Park on September 7th from 11am-2pm. There will be entertainment and food (hot dogs, corn, and drinks for 50 cents each).
The YCL will be present, talking to young workers and distributing leaflets. If you want to meet up with us, e-mail redstar@ycl-ljc.ca
For more information about the event, visit www.bcfed.ca
Join us for our monthly discussion group. This month we will discuss Lenin's article The Three Sources and Three Component Parts of Marxism. This article, which outlines the basic origins and fundamentals of Marxism, was first published in1913 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the death of Karl Marx.
We will be joined by a special guest speaker, Paul Bjarnason (CPC BC Committee), for a presentation followed by discussion. Pre-reading optional but suggested. The discussion group will be followed by the Left Film Night.
Wednesday, September 2nd, 7:30pm
Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Dr.
To read the article for free online, visit http://www.marx2mao.com/Lenin/CPM13.html
Or, look for a copy at the People's Co-Op Bookstore.
http://www.facebook.com/share.php?appid=2344061033&src=box&tid=122761566586&u=http%3A%2F%2Fyclbc-lowermainland.blogspot.com%2F#/event.php?eid=122761566586
2. Left Film Night: Milk
LEFT FILM NIGHT presents:
MILK
Sunday, August 30, 7 pm
at the Centre for Socialist Education
706 Clark Drive, Vancouver (corner of Clark & E. Georgia)
If you missed MILK in the theatres earlier this year, here's your chance. Sean Penn deservedly won Best Actor at the 2009 Academy Awards for his portrayal of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to a major political position in the United States. MILK (directed by Gus Van Sant, 128 minutes) presents a fascinating look at two worlds - the flourishing gay and lesbian communities of San Francisco during the 1970s, and the complex and difficult struggle to win progressive reforms through the electoral process at the municipal level. Harvey Milk succeeded in bringing together a broad coalition of gay activists, trade unionists, Latinos and other oppressed minorities, small business owners, tenants, homeowners and other San Franciscans. United, they challenged the city's entrenched elites and undemocratic political structures to bring a powerful voice for the people into City Hall. His tragic assassination sparked a huge upsurge in the struggle for full equality for the LGBT community, a struggle which continues to this day in California and around the world. MILK is both a stunning artistic achievement and a timely political statement.
No admission charge, but donations towards our costs are welcome. Coffee and refreshments available. Left Film Nights are presented by the Centre for Socialist Education, Young Communist League, and the Vancouver East Club of the Communist Party of Canada. Call 604-255-2041 or email
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8947029929&ref=ts
3. Labour Day @ Trout Lake
The BC Federation of Labour and Canadian Labour Congress are holding a Labour Day celebration at Trout Lake (John Hendry) Park on September 7th from 11am-2pm. There will be entertainment and food (hot dogs, corn, and drinks for 50 cents each).
The YCL will be present, talking to young workers and distributing leaflets. If you want to meet up with us, e-mail redstar@ycl-ljc.ca
For more information about the event, visit www.bcfed.ca
Monday, August 24, 2009
Stop the HST!
As the economic crisis continues to endanger jobs and force down wages British Columbians are faced with another attack. On July 23th, 2009 the right-wing B.C. Liberal government announced its intention to implement a Harmonized Sales Tax by July 1st, 2010. Despite explicit promises not to introduce such a tax during the last provincial election in May, the Liberal government persists in forcing working class British Columbians to pay for the failing capitalist economy.
The Harmonized Sales Tax combines two taxes, the Provincial Sales Tax and the federal Goods and Services Tax, into one federally administered sales tax. When this takes place, almost everything which PST does not apply to will see a 7% increase in cost. Among these are some of the most important parts a working class family's budget such as: residential fuels (electricity, natural gas) and heating, food products, non-prescription medication, work-related safety equipment, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and household maintenance such as renovations and painting. Even grieving families will now pay 7% more at a funeral home.
The Harmonized Tax system puts a massive weight on working people in British Columbia. Northern B.C.ers who are seeing forestry jobs lost and already pay far more for many essential products will now see home heating costs increase dramatically. Commuters in urban areas will see bicycles and bicycle repairs jump in price, which continues the B.C. Liberal policy of profits before people and the environment.
Youth will be affected drastically by the new system. Movies and theatre tickets, repairs for home appliances, and other costs often born by young people will increase substantially. Even school supplies will see a 7% increase in cost when students already pay a criminal tuition fee to attend college or university. While the Liberals refuse to raise minimum wage or legislate a living wage system they continue to increase taxes on those who fall below the poverty line.
To add insult to injury the B.C. Liberal government will receive a 1.6 billion dollar payout from the federal Conservative government to implement this system. As working people try to balance meager budgets the provincial sellout continues. If it was not clear before, British Columbians now know exactly how much they sell for in the capitalist market.
- Interim BC Provincial Committee, August 2009
The Harmonized Sales Tax combines two taxes, the Provincial Sales Tax and the federal Goods and Services Tax, into one federally administered sales tax. When this takes place, almost everything which PST does not apply to will see a 7% increase in cost. Among these are some of the most important parts a working class family's budget such as: residential fuels (electricity, natural gas) and heating, food products, non-prescription medication, work-related safety equipment, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and household maintenance such as renovations and painting. Even grieving families will now pay 7% more at a funeral home.
The Harmonized Tax system puts a massive weight on working people in British Columbia. Northern B.C.ers who are seeing forestry jobs lost and already pay far more for many essential products will now see home heating costs increase dramatically. Commuters in urban areas will see bicycles and bicycle repairs jump in price, which continues the B.C. Liberal policy of profits before people and the environment.
Youth will be affected drastically by the new system. Movies and theatre tickets, repairs for home appliances, and other costs often born by young people will increase substantially. Even school supplies will see a 7% increase in cost when students already pay a criminal tuition fee to attend college or university. While the Liberals refuse to raise minimum wage or legislate a living wage system they continue to increase taxes on those who fall below the poverty line.
To add insult to injury the B.C. Liberal government will receive a 1.6 billion dollar payout from the federal Conservative government to implement this system. As working people try to balance meager budgets the provincial sellout continues. If it was not clear before, British Columbians now know exactly how much they sell for in the capitalist market.
- Interim BC Provincial Committee, August 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
YCL BC Summer Camp a Big Hit
The Sunshine Coast was a little more Red than usual this BC Day long weekend as the Young Communist League (YCL) held their annual Summer Camp in Sechelt.
Over 20 youth from across the province attended the camp this year where they learned, discussed, and had fun. It was the largest event of its kind held since the YCL began to re-organize in BC over five years ago.
“It can be hard to get young people out to a four day long event,” said YCL BC Organizer Stephen Von Sychowski. “I think the growth can be attributed to the increase in size and activity of the League in BC as well as to the radicalization of youth in the face of war, student debt and the capitalist economic crisis. Capitalism is again producing its own gravediggers.”
At least years Summer Camp, Trail was the newest addition to the list of YCL Clubs being built up across Canada. This year it was Kamloops. Both Clubs sent delegations to this years Summer Camp.
Under the scorching hot sun the attendees studied a variety of topics including the economic crisis and the fightback, the environmental crisis, what socialism is and why it is necessary, current events in Latin America, and more.
But it wasn’t all study, there was also lots of time for fun. After educational sessions were finished it was off to the beach to relax, swim, and enjoy the rest of the day.
“I came here to learn about Marxism,” said one camp attendee, “but I left not just with new knowledge but also with new friends and memories of an awesome weekend.”
The YCL will hold its annual Summer Camp again next year and invites youth and students to contact them for more information at ycl_bc@ycl-ljc.ca
Over 20 youth from across the province attended the camp this year where they learned, discussed, and had fun. It was the largest event of its kind held since the YCL began to re-organize in BC over five years ago.
“It can be hard to get young people out to a four day long event,” said YCL BC Organizer Stephen Von Sychowski. “I think the growth can be attributed to the increase in size and activity of the League in BC as well as to the radicalization of youth in the face of war, student debt and the capitalist economic crisis. Capitalism is again producing its own gravediggers.”
At least years Summer Camp, Trail was the newest addition to the list of YCL Clubs being built up across Canada. This year it was Kamloops. Both Clubs sent delegations to this years Summer Camp.
Under the scorching hot sun the attendees studied a variety of topics including the economic crisis and the fightback, the environmental crisis, what socialism is and why it is necessary, current events in Latin America, and more.
But it wasn’t all study, there was also lots of time for fun. After educational sessions were finished it was off to the beach to relax, swim, and enjoy the rest of the day.
“I came here to learn about Marxism,” said one camp attendee, “but I left not just with new knowledge but also with new friends and memories of an awesome weekend.”
The YCL will hold its annual Summer Camp again next year and invites youth and students to contact them for more information at ycl_bc@ycl-ljc.ca
Minimum Wage Fight Must Go On
Minimum Wage Fight Must Go On
by Stephen Von Sychowski
On November 1st, 2001, BC’s minimum wage increased to $8 per hour. I was working that day. It was at my first job, Super Save Gas. We were minimum wage workers with no benefits, no job security, no paid vacation, and all things considered, this was the best news any of us had heard since we entered the workforce.
Almost eight years later, the wages of BC’s lowest paid workers haven’t increased a single cent. In fact, with inflation sitting just under two percent, their real wages in terms of buying power have plummeted significantly leaving over 350,000 working for poverty level wages.
It’s no wonder that the $10 NOW campaign, which calls for an immediate increase to $10 per hour, a subsequent increase to $11, indexing to inflation, and abolition of the “training wage,” has garnered the support of 80% of British Columbians. Already over 70,000 people have signed the petition for $10 NOW and young workers have organized rallies, pickets, petitioning sprees and other actions to voice their demands.
On May 12th, as the polls closed on another provincial election, minimum wage workers watched in horror as their impoverisher, Gordon Campbell and the Liberal Party, returned to power aided by immense corporate funding, dismal voter turnout, and a weak campaign by the opposition New Democrats characterized by tame, toned-down policies hopelessly aimed at trying to please both the workers, and their bosses.
During the election campaign the $10 NOW campaign was effectively put on hold while the majority of its volunteers flocked to electoral work for candidates who pledged to support their demands. Without the backing of a mass movement of young and underpaid workers demanding an increase during the election the debate was quickly portrayed as an abstract debate between two political parties. Meanwhile Gordon Campbell was represented by the media and the Liberal Party as the candidate to be trusted on economic issues like minimum wage because, ironically, of his business experience. The issue was thus largely disarmed during the election period and was not effectively used to rally anti-Liberal forces to fight back or even simply to vote.
Since May 12th, the $10 NOW campaign has been slow to recover its pre-election energy and exuberance. Yet it is necessary now even more than before to fight for BC’s low paid workers. BC, like the rest of Canada, is in the midst of a global capitalist economic crisis. The temporary boom caused by construction and development for the 2010 “Five Ring Circus” is dissipating, and homelessness is increasing dramatically. There’s no doubt that those living on poverty level wages desperately need an increase.
In four years it will be too late for many of these workers. Furthermore, in four years the powerful corporate forces that Gordon Campbell’s Liberal Party represent may succeed in returning him to office yet again if a mass, militant movement against their policies can be built in advance of the election. One of the most important lessons of this provincial election for young and underpaid workers is that elections are not the be all and end all of political struggle. It’s true that we must fight to elect a progressive, anti-Liberal majority in the next election. But we can and must put political and economic pressure on the Campbell Liberals now in order to force progress on the immediate needs of working people for work and wages. Nobody is going to hand it to us, but together we could take it.
by Stephen Von Sychowski
On November 1st, 2001, BC’s minimum wage increased to $8 per hour. I was working that day. It was at my first job, Super Save Gas. We were minimum wage workers with no benefits, no job security, no paid vacation, and all things considered, this was the best news any of us had heard since we entered the workforce.
Almost eight years later, the wages of BC’s lowest paid workers haven’t increased a single cent. In fact, with inflation sitting just under two percent, their real wages in terms of buying power have plummeted significantly leaving over 350,000 working for poverty level wages.
It’s no wonder that the $10 NOW campaign, which calls for an immediate increase to $10 per hour, a subsequent increase to $11, indexing to inflation, and abolition of the “training wage,” has garnered the support of 80% of British Columbians. Already over 70,000 people have signed the petition for $10 NOW and young workers have organized rallies, pickets, petitioning sprees and other actions to voice their demands.
On May 12th, as the polls closed on another provincial election, minimum wage workers watched in horror as their impoverisher, Gordon Campbell and the Liberal Party, returned to power aided by immense corporate funding, dismal voter turnout, and a weak campaign by the opposition New Democrats characterized by tame, toned-down policies hopelessly aimed at trying to please both the workers, and their bosses.
During the election campaign the $10 NOW campaign was effectively put on hold while the majority of its volunteers flocked to electoral work for candidates who pledged to support their demands. Without the backing of a mass movement of young and underpaid workers demanding an increase during the election the debate was quickly portrayed as an abstract debate between two political parties. Meanwhile Gordon Campbell was represented by the media and the Liberal Party as the candidate to be trusted on economic issues like minimum wage because, ironically, of his business experience. The issue was thus largely disarmed during the election period and was not effectively used to rally anti-Liberal forces to fight back or even simply to vote.
Since May 12th, the $10 NOW campaign has been slow to recover its pre-election energy and exuberance. Yet it is necessary now even more than before to fight for BC’s low paid workers. BC, like the rest of Canada, is in the midst of a global capitalist economic crisis. The temporary boom caused by construction and development for the 2010 “Five Ring Circus” is dissipating, and homelessness is increasing dramatically. There’s no doubt that those living on poverty level wages desperately need an increase.
In four years it will be too late for many of these workers. Furthermore, in four years the powerful corporate forces that Gordon Campbell’s Liberal Party represent may succeed in returning him to office yet again if a mass, militant movement against their policies can be built in advance of the election. One of the most important lessons of this provincial election for young and underpaid workers is that elections are not the be all and end all of political struggle. It’s true that we must fight to elect a progressive, anti-Liberal majority in the next election. But we can and must put political and economic pressure on the Campbell Liberals now in order to force progress on the immediate needs of working people for work and wages. Nobody is going to hand it to us, but together we could take it.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Lower Mainland August Events
1. Under the Volcano Festival
2. Annual People's Voice Walk-A-Thon
3. Global Day of Action for Honduras
4. Red Star Club monthly meeting
5. Red Star Club monthly discussion group
6. Left Film Night
1. Under the Volcano Festival
Join the Red Star Club of the YCL at the 19th annual Under the Volcano "Festival of Art and Change" in Cates Park (North Vancouver) on Sunday, August 9th.
We will be sharing a table in the info fair with the CPC starting at noon.
For more information on the festival check out http://volcano.resist.ca/
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: If you can help staff the table even for only 1 hour please let us know asap.
2. Annual People's Voice Walk-A-Thon
A fundraiser for the People's Voice (www.peoplesvoice.ca) newspaper, Sunday, August 9th at Bear Creek Park in Surrey. The walk starts at 11am and is followed by a potlatch lunch and cultural program.
For more information call Krishna: 604.940.0420 OR Harjit: 604.543.7179
3. Global Day of Action for Honduras
The Coalition Against Intervention in Latin America, of which the YCL is a member organization, will be holding a picket on Tuesday, August 11th, which has been named a Global Day of Action for Honduras.
The picket will start at 5pm at 666 Burrard St. (across from Burrard Station).
The YCL demands an end to the military coup regime in Honduras and the return of the democratically elected President, Manuel Zelaya.
4. Red Star Club monthly meeting
Our next Club meeting will be Saturday, August 15th at 5pm. It will be held at our office in the Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Dr.
DRAFT AGENDA
Roll Call
Adopt Agenda
Minutes of July 12th/25th
OLD BUSINESS/STANDING ITEMS
-Young Workers movement
- Peace movement
- Student movement
- Cultural work
- Summer Camp report back
NEW BUSINESS
- Pro-Choice action
- August 30th Left Film Night
5. Red Star Club monthly discussion group
Our monthly discussion group will be held on August 30th at 5pm. It will be at the Centre for Socialist Education (706 Clark Dr.). It will be followed by the Left Film Night. Topic TBA after the July 30th meeting.
6. Left Film Night
MILK
Sunday, August 30, 7 pm
at the Centre for Socialist Education
706 Clark Drive, Vancouver (corner of Clark & E. Georgia)
If you missed MILK in the theaters earlier this year, here's your change. Sean Penn deservedly won Best Actor at the 2009 Academy Awards for his portrayal of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to a major political position in the United States. MILK (directed by Gus Van Sant, 128 minutes) presents a fascinating look at two worlds - the flourishing gay and lesbian communities of San Francisco during the 1970s, and the complex and difficult struggle to win progressive reforms through the electoral process at the municipal level. Harvey Milk succeeded in bringing together a broad coalition of gay activists, trade unionists, Latinos and other oppressed minorities, small business owners, tenants, homeowners and other San Franciscans. United, they challenged the city's entrenched elites and undemocratic political structures to bring a powerful voice for the people into City Hall. His tragic assassination sparked a huge upsurge in the struggle for full equality for the LGBT community, a struggle which continues to this day in California and around the world. MILK is both a stunning artistic achievement and a timely political statement.
No admission charge, but donations towards our costs are welcome. Coffee and refreshments available. Left Film Nights are presented by the Centre for Socialist Education, Young Communist League, and the Vancouver East Club of the Communist Party of Canada. Call 604-255-2041 or email for further information.
2. Annual People's Voice Walk-A-Thon
3. Global Day of Action for Honduras
4. Red Star Club monthly meeting
5. Red Star Club monthly discussion group
6. Left Film Night
1. Under the Volcano Festival
Join the Red Star Club of the YCL at the 19th annual Under the Volcano "Festival of Art and Change" in Cates Park (North Vancouver) on Sunday, August 9th.
We will be sharing a table in the info fair with the CPC starting at noon.
For more information on the festival check out http://volcano.resist.ca/
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: If you can help staff the table even for only 1 hour please let us know asap.
2. Annual People's Voice Walk-A-Thon
A fundraiser for the People's Voice (www.peoplesvoice.ca) newspaper, Sunday, August 9th at Bear Creek Park in Surrey. The walk starts at 11am and is followed by a potlatch lunch and cultural program.
For more information call Krishna: 604.940.0420 OR Harjit: 604.543.7179
3. Global Day of Action for Honduras
The Coalition Against Intervention in Latin America, of which the YCL is a member organization, will be holding a picket on Tuesday, August 11th, which has been named a Global Day of Action for Honduras.
The picket will start at 5pm at 666 Burrard St. (across from Burrard Station).
The YCL demands an end to the military coup regime in Honduras and the return of the democratically elected President, Manuel Zelaya.
4. Red Star Club monthly meeting
Our next Club meeting will be Saturday, August 15th at 5pm. It will be held at our office in the Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Dr.
DRAFT AGENDA
Roll Call
Adopt Agenda
Minutes of July 12th/25th
OLD BUSINESS/STANDING ITEMS
-Young Workers movement
- Peace movement
- Student movement
- Cultural work
- Summer Camp report back
NEW BUSINESS
- Pro-Choice action
- August 30th Left Film Night
5. Red Star Club monthly discussion group
Our monthly discussion group will be held on August 30th at 5pm. It will be at the Centre for Socialist Education (706 Clark Dr.). It will be followed by the Left Film Night. Topic TBA after the July 30th meeting.
6. Left Film Night
MILK
Sunday, August 30, 7 pm
at the Centre for Socialist Education
706 Clark Drive, Vancouver (corner of Clark & E. Georgia)
If you missed MILK in the theaters earlier this year, here's your change. Sean Penn deservedly won Best Actor at the 2009 Academy Awards for his portrayal of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to a major political position in the United States. MILK (directed by Gus Van Sant, 128 minutes) presents a fascinating look at two worlds - the flourishing gay and lesbian communities of San Francisco during the 1970s, and the complex and difficult struggle to win progressive reforms through the electoral process at the municipal level. Harvey Milk succeeded in bringing together a broad coalition of gay activists, trade unionists, Latinos and other oppressed minorities, small business owners, tenants, homeowners and other San Franciscans. United, they challenged the city's entrenched elites and undemocratic political structures to bring a powerful voice for the people into City Hall. His tragic assassination sparked a huge upsurge in the struggle for full equality for the LGBT community, a struggle which continues to this day in California and around the world. MILK is both a stunning artistic achievement and a timely political statement.
No admission charge, but donations towards our costs are welcome. Coffee and refreshments available. Left Film Nights are presented by the Centre for Socialist Education, Young Communist League, and the Vancouver East Club of the Communist Party of Canada. Call 604-255-2041 or email
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
August 2009 eBulletin
Check out the August YCL BC eBulletin online!
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/445432/c16310457a/1623001961/6c0c9d641e/
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/445432/c16310457a/1623001961/6c0c9d641e/
Monday, July 27, 2009
Statement in Solidarity with the People of Honduras, by Vancouver based Latin American and allied Organizations
Statement in Solidarity with the People of Honduras, by Vancouver based Latin American and allied Organizations
We express our collective outrage and condemn the coup d’état that has taken place in Honduras by leaders of the right wing military junta-that have been trained as mercenaries and dictators in the School of the Americas.
We express our deepest sentiments of solidarity with the people of Honduras, who have taken to the streets to demand their democratically elected president José Manuel Zelaya be allowed to return and finish his term in office. Taking the lead from the people of Honduras, who are defending their democratic rights and the depending of their democratic process, we demand the following from the international community and the Canadian government:
-That they refuse to recognize the de-facto government of Roberto Michelletti or any other government of a similar character.
-That coup leaders recognize President Zelaya as the constitutional president of Honduras and accept his return. If this
does not occur, Canada must withdraw its ambassador, following the example set by Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Nicaragua.
-The immediate lifting of the State of Emergency and the end to all acts of repression again the Honduran people. Canada should demand the liberty of all the democratic leaders that have been detained illegally.
-That Canadian companies active in Honduras, like Gildan Activewear, Goldcorp Inc, Breakwater Resources, and Yamana Gold halt all operations in Honduras until the democratically elected president returns to his post.
- That Canada immediately halt all Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the Central America Four (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador)
Endorsed by La Surda Latin American Collective, Canada-Bolivia Solidarity committee, Café Rebelde Collective, Coalition against Intervention in Latin America, Hands off Venezuela, Code Pink, Vancouver Socialist Forum, stopwar.ca, Communist Party of Canada, Young Communist League
We express our collective outrage and condemn the coup d’état that has taken place in Honduras by leaders of the right wing military junta-that have been trained as mercenaries and dictators in the School of the Americas.
We express our deepest sentiments of solidarity with the people of Honduras, who have taken to the streets to demand their democratically elected president José Manuel Zelaya be allowed to return and finish his term in office. Taking the lead from the people of Honduras, who are defending their democratic rights and the depending of their democratic process, we demand the following from the international community and the Canadian government:
-That they refuse to recognize the de-facto government of Roberto Michelletti or any other government of a similar character.
-That coup leaders recognize President Zelaya as the constitutional president of Honduras and accept his return. If this
does not occur, Canada must withdraw its ambassador, following the example set by Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Nicaragua.
-The immediate lifting of the State of Emergency and the end to all acts of repression again the Honduran people. Canada should demand the liberty of all the democratic leaders that have been detained illegally.
-That Canadian companies active in Honduras, like Gildan Activewear, Goldcorp Inc, Breakwater Resources, and Yamana Gold halt all operations in Honduras until the democratically elected president returns to his post.
- That Canada immediately halt all Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the Central America Four (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador)
Endorsed by La Surda Latin American Collective, Canada-Bolivia Solidarity committee, Café Rebelde Collective, Coalition against Intervention in Latin America, Hands off Venezuela, Code Pink, Vancouver Socialist Forum, stopwar.ca, Communist Party of Canada, Young Communist League
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Celebrating 50 Years of Cuba Revolution!
Celebrating 50 Years of Cuba Revolution!
Moncada Day Celebration TODAY!
Sunday, July 26
2 pm
Chilean Coop
3390 School Ave
Vancouver
Speakers:
Jim Sinclair, President BC Federation of Labour
Frank Kennedy, Secretary Treasurer ILWU Retirees
Ray Viaud, Canada Cuba Friendship Assoc.
Entertainment:
No Shit Shirleys
Tom Hawkins
Hugo Rojas
Food & Cash Bar
-----------------------------------------------------
Celebrating 50 Years of Cuba Revolution!
This July 26, the Young Communist League of Canada - la Ligue de la
jeunesse communiste du Canada, sends its greetings and stands in
solidarity with the people of Cuba. This "Moncada Day" has special
meaning for Cubans and friends of Cuba everywhere, as it is the 50th
anniversary of the victory of the Cuban Revolution. The movement that
grew into the triumphant Revolution was born on the 26th of July, 1953
when Fidel and Raul Castro and around 160 other brave revolutionaries
attacked the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba. This was the first
armed resistance to the corrupt and brutal, US-backed, Batista regime,
carried out by the "Movimiento 26 Julio".
The YCL-LJC Canada wishes to send a special greeting to the Youth of
Cuba and to the Unión de Jóvenes Comunistas. We acknowledge the
vanguard role the youth play in the Cuban Revolution and the Cuban
people's struggle for socialism and against imperialism. This was no
different 56 years ago when the attack on the Moncada barracks was
carried out. The revolutionaries that participated were
overwhelmingly young farmers, workers and students and in unity with
the working-class. The average age was 26, the same age as their
leader Fidel Castro. Today we salute the example set by those brave
revolutionaries.
The Moncada attack was not an immediate victory for the Movimiento 26
Julio, but it was the first battle in a long people's struggle against
the strangle-hold of imperialism. After Fidel was arrested and
imprisoned, he published his famous defence speech entitled "History
will Absolve Me". With 50 years of history written about the heroic
Cuban Revolution, Castro and his Moncada comrades have been absolved
one-thousand times over. By continuing to maintain friendly relations
with Cuba, Canada affirms its sovereignty in foreign policy (which in
all other areas is authored by Washington -- like Palestine, Colombia
or Canada’s imperialist war in Afghanistan).
The bravery and heroism of their people continues, symbolized by the
Cuba Five – five men unjustly imprisoned in US jails for fighting
CIA-backed terrorism on their Island. We salute the Five, reaffirm our
demand to free them, and cheer-on Cuba's achievements in education,
health care and international solidarity which have shown the world
that socialism is both possible and necessary to end war,
environmental destruction and economic injustice.
The Young Communist League of Canada joins the friends of Cuba from
around the world in saying:
"VIVA LA REVOLUCION CUBANA Y EL MOVIMIENTO DEL 26!"
July 26, 2009
YCL-LJC CEC
Moncada Day Celebration TODAY!
Sunday, July 26
2 pm
Chilean Coop
3390 School Ave
Vancouver
Speakers:
Jim Sinclair, President BC Federation of Labour
Frank Kennedy, Secretary Treasurer ILWU Retirees
Ray Viaud, Canada Cuba Friendship Assoc.
Entertainment:
No Shit Shirleys
Tom Hawkins
Hugo Rojas
Food & Cash Bar
-----------------------------------------------------
Celebrating 50 Years of Cuba Revolution!
This July 26, the Young Communist League of Canada - la Ligue de la
jeunesse communiste du Canada, sends its greetings and stands in
solidarity with the people of Cuba. This "Moncada Day" has special
meaning for Cubans and friends of Cuba everywhere, as it is the 50th
anniversary of the victory of the Cuban Revolution. The movement that
grew into the triumphant Revolution was born on the 26th of July, 1953
when Fidel and Raul Castro and around 160 other brave revolutionaries
attacked the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba. This was the first
armed resistance to the corrupt and brutal, US-backed, Batista regime,
carried out by the "Movimiento 26 Julio".
The YCL-LJC Canada wishes to send a special greeting to the Youth of
Cuba and to the Unión de Jóvenes Comunistas. We acknowledge the
vanguard role the youth play in the Cuban Revolution and the Cuban
people's struggle for socialism and against imperialism. This was no
different 56 years ago when the attack on the Moncada barracks was
carried out. The revolutionaries that participated were
overwhelmingly young farmers, workers and students and in unity with
the working-class. The average age was 26, the same age as their
leader Fidel Castro. Today we salute the example set by those brave
revolutionaries.
The Moncada attack was not an immediate victory for the Movimiento 26
Julio, but it was the first battle in a long people's struggle against
the strangle-hold of imperialism. After Fidel was arrested and
imprisoned, he published his famous defence speech entitled "History
will Absolve Me". With 50 years of history written about the heroic
Cuban Revolution, Castro and his Moncada comrades have been absolved
one-thousand times over. By continuing to maintain friendly relations
with Cuba, Canada affirms its sovereignty in foreign policy (which in
all other areas is authored by Washington -- like Palestine, Colombia
or Canada’s imperialist war in Afghanistan).
The bravery and heroism of their people continues, symbolized by the
Cuba Five – five men unjustly imprisoned in US jails for fighting
CIA-backed terrorism on their Island. We salute the Five, reaffirm our
demand to free them, and cheer-on Cuba's achievements in education,
health care and international solidarity which have shown the world
that socialism is both possible and necessary to end war,
environmental destruction and economic injustice.
The Young Communist League of Canada joins the friends of Cuba from
around the world in saying:
"VIVA LA REVOLUCION CUBANA Y EL MOVIMIENTO DEL 26!"
July 26, 2009
YCL-LJC CEC
Friday, July 24, 2009
Important Upcoming Events
1. Action In Solidarity with the people of Honduras!
No to the Coup! The Canadian government must demand the return of
President Zelaya and refuse to recognize the military regime!
Canadian mining companies out of Honduras! Reparations for the
communities in the Siria Valley!
Protest Picket at Goldcorp's head office: 666 Burrard Street, Vancouver.
Thursday July 23
12pm
Bring your banners!
Join us in our continued efforts denounce the coup! Since the June 28
removal of the president of Honduras, grassroots solidarity organizations
throughout the world have protested the overthrow of Honduran democracy.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government and mining companies are complicit
in the military coup in Honduras because of their continued silence
and at times direct participation in supporting the defacto regime
lead by Roberto Micheletti.
Goldcorp, a Vancouver based mining giant, operated the controversial
cyanide leaching, open pit "San Martin" gold mine in the department of
Francisco Morazón in Honduras until 2008. Today, many residents of the
Siria Valley, where the mine is located, are sick and unable to work
because of illnesses linked to Goldcorp's operations. The company
still has a skeleton crew of employees in the country, who according
to community members were bussed to pro-coup rallies sponsored by the
corporate backed "Movement for Peace and Democracy."
It's a lie that Goldcorp doesn't get involved in politics: in
Guatemala, they launched a constitutional challenge against Indigenous
People who organized to say NO to the company's Marlin mine, and in
Argentina, Goldcorp has supported legal actions against tax increases.
The coup in Honduras suits the interests of Canadian mining companies.
Michelletti's military regime promises more profits for the corporate
sector, and lower wages and less rights for workers.
Article about Canadian mining companies and the coup: http://thetyee.ca/Views/2009/07/09/ShameOnCanada/
Video about the San Martin Mine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp4jBtL7kxs
Goldcorp busses workers to pro-coup rally: http://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/photo/1717
Honduras working group at Mediacoop.ca: http://www.mediacoop.ca/group/1670
Organized by, Coalition Against Intervention in Latin America.
2. YCL Discussion Group
The Red Star Club will be holding a special discussion group on the history of the Young Communist movement in Vancouver featuring guest speakers including
former YCL activists from the Vancouver area.
Saturday, July 25th
5pm
Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Dr.
3. LEFT FILM NIGHT presents a double feature on July 25:
7 pm: 638 Ways to Kill Castro
(Dir. Dollan Cannell, UK, 2006, 78 minutes)
This
documentary looks at the incredible story of the 638 alleged plots by
the CIA and Cuban exiles to kill former Cuban leader Fidel Castro. It
reveals every conceivable method of assassination, from exploding
cigars to femme fatalism, a radio station rigged with noxious gas to a
poison pen. If you think this sounds like something out of a James Bond
film, then you’re not far from the truth.
8:40 pm - The Waiting List
(Dir. Juan Carlos Tabio, Cuba, 2001, 105 min., English subtitles)
In this comic hit, set in an isolated bus terminal in the middle of
nowhere, dozens of passengers are stranded when a bus they were waiting
for breaks down and cannot leave. Forced to spend the next few days
together, everyone works together to overcome adversity, revealing
humanity’s ability to overcome the toughest circumstances through
sharing, cooperation and solidarity. Made by award winning director
Juan Carlos Tabio (Strawberries and Chocolate).
Saturday, July 25, 7 pm
Centre for Socialist Education,
706 Clark Drive, Vancouver (corner of Clark & E. Georgia)
No admission charge, but donations towards our costs are welcome.
Coffee and refreshments available. Left Film Nights are presented by
the Centre for Socialist Education, Young Communist League, and the
Latino and Vancouver East Clubs of the Communist Party of Canada. Call
604-255-2041 or email for further information.
4. Moncada Day
Moncada Day Celebration
Sunday, July 26
2 pm
Chilean Coop
3390 School Ave
Vancouver
Speakers:
Jim Sinclair, President BC Federation of Labour
Frank Kennedy, Secretary Treasurer ILWU Retirees
Ray Viaud, Canada Cuba Friendship Assoc.
Entertainment:
No Shit Shirleys
Tom Hawkins
Hugo Rojas
Food & Cash Bar
poster attached - please circulate
For more info call 604-985-6371
for directions
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Chilean+Coop+bc&sll=49.227167,-122.901226&sspn=0.009291,0.027788&g=School+St,+New+Westminster,+Greater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia,+Canada&ie=UTF8&ll=49.231163,-123.027563&spn=0.00929,0.027788&z=16
5. YCL BC Summer Camp
Come out and have fun with YCLers from B.C. Learn a little about Communism while you chill out on the sunshine coast!
Open to YCLers and friends from BC, and Alberta too!
Registration
is $20 which includes food for the weekend. Rides are available from
Vancouver and travel subsidies are available for those coming from
outside of the lower mainland. Registration can be paid to the YCL BC
office (706 Clark Dr., Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1) via cheque or money
order OR paid directly to any YCL organizer.
A brochure and registration form will be available shortly.
You have to provide the following info to register:
Name
Address
Phone #
E-mail
If you are a member of YCL (yes or no)
If yes, what Club?
Do you have a tent you canl bring?
If yes, can you share the tent?
If so, how manypeople can you share it with?
Do you have any special dietary requirements
Topics:
- Is socialism dead? The counter-revolution in the USSR and Eastern Europe
- Socialism or extinction. What is socialism and why is it relevant today?
– The global capitalist crisis and the fight back
– Latin America: At the center of the world revolutionary process
Details: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=9349&post=37944&uid=2239012118#/event.php?eid=72650558068&ref=ts
No to the Coup! The Canadian government must demand the return of
President Zelaya and refuse to recognize the military regime!
Canadian mining companies out of Honduras! Reparations for the
communities in the Siria Valley!
Protest Picket at Goldcorp's head office: 666 Burrard Street, Vancouver.
Thursday July 23
12pm
Bring your banners!
Join us in our continued efforts denounce the coup! Since the June 28
removal of the president of Honduras, grassroots solidarity organizations
throughout the world have protested the overthrow of Honduran democracy.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government and mining companies are complicit
in the military coup in Honduras because of their continued silence
and at times direct participation in supporting the defacto regime
lead by Roberto Micheletti.
Goldcorp, a Vancouver based mining giant, operated the controversial
cyanide leaching, open pit "San Martin" gold mine in the department of
Francisco Morazón in Honduras until 2008. Today, many residents of the
Siria Valley, where the mine is located, are sick and unable to work
because of illnesses linked to Goldcorp's operations. The company
still has a skeleton crew of employees in the country, who according
to community members were bussed to pro-coup rallies sponsored by the
corporate backed "Movement for Peace and Democracy."
It's a lie that Goldcorp doesn't get involved in politics: in
Guatemala, they launched a constitutional challenge against Indigenous
People who organized to say NO to the company's Marlin mine, and in
Argentina, Goldcorp has supported legal actions against tax increases.
The coup in Honduras suits the interests of Canadian mining companies.
Michelletti's military regime promises more profits for the corporate
sector, and lower wages and less rights for workers.
Article about Canadian mining companies and the coup: http://thetyee.ca/Views/2009/07/09/ShameOnCanada/
Video about the San Martin Mine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp4jBtL7kxs
Goldcorp busses workers to pro-coup rally: http://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/photo/1717
Honduras working group at Mediacoop.ca: http://www.mediacoop.ca/group/1670
Organized by, Coalition Against Intervention in Latin America.
2. YCL Discussion Group
The Red Star Club will be holding a special discussion group on the history of the Young Communist movement in Vancouver featuring guest speakers including
former YCL activists from the Vancouver area.
Saturday, July 25th
5pm
Centre for Socialist Education, 706 Clark Dr.
3. LEFT FILM NIGHT presents a double feature on July 25:
7 pm: 638 Ways to Kill Castro
(Dir. Dollan Cannell, UK, 2006, 78 minutes)
This
documentary looks at the incredible story of the 638 alleged plots by
the CIA and Cuban exiles to kill former Cuban leader Fidel Castro. It
reveals every conceivable method of assassination, from exploding
cigars to femme fatalism, a radio station rigged with noxious gas to a
poison pen. If you think this sounds like something out of a James Bond
film, then you’re not far from the truth.
8:40 pm - The Waiting List
(Dir. Juan Carlos Tabio, Cuba, 2001, 105 min., English subtitles)
In this comic hit, set in an isolated bus terminal in the middle of
nowhere, dozens of passengers are stranded when a bus they were waiting
for breaks down and cannot leave. Forced to spend the next few days
together, everyone works together to overcome adversity, revealing
humanity’s ability to overcome the toughest circumstances through
sharing, cooperation and solidarity. Made by award winning director
Juan Carlos Tabio (Strawberries and Chocolate).
Saturday, July 25, 7 pm
Centre for Socialist Education,
706 Clark Drive, Vancouver (corner of Clark & E. Georgia)
No admission charge, but donations towards our costs are welcome.
Coffee and refreshments available. Left Film Nights are presented by
the Centre for Socialist Education, Young Communist League, and the
Latino and Vancouver East Clubs of the Communist Party of Canada. Call
604-255-2041 or email
4. Moncada Day
Moncada Day Celebration
Sunday, July 26
2 pm
Chilean Coop
3390 School Ave
Vancouver
Speakers:
Jim Sinclair, President BC Federation of Labour
Frank Kennedy, Secretary Treasurer ILWU Retirees
Ray Viaud, Canada Cuba Friendship Assoc.
Entertainment:
No Shit Shirleys
Tom Hawkins
Hugo Rojas
Food & Cash Bar
poster attached - please circulate
For more info call 604-985-6371
for directions
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Chilean+Coop+bc&sll=49.227167,-122.901226&sspn=0.009291,0.027788&g=School+St,+New+Westminster,+Greater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia,+Canada&ie=UTF8&ll=49.231163,-123.027563&spn=0.00929,0.027788&z=16
5. YCL BC Summer Camp
Come out and have fun with YCLers from B.C. Learn a little about Communism while you chill out on the sunshine coast!
Open to YCLers and friends from BC, and Alberta too!
Registration
is $20 which includes food for the weekend. Rides are available from
Vancouver and travel subsidies are available for those coming from
outside of the lower mainland. Registration can be paid to the YCL BC
office (706 Clark Dr., Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1) via cheque or money
order OR paid directly to any YCL organizer.
A brochure and registration form will be available shortly.
You have to provide the following info to register:
Name
Address
Phone #
If you are a member of YCL (yes or no)
If yes, what Club?
Do you have a tent you canl bring?
If yes, can you share the tent?
If so, how manypeople can you share it with?
Do you have any special dietary requirements
Topics:
- Is socialism dead? The counter-revolution in the USSR and Eastern Europe
- Socialism or extinction. What is socialism and why is it relevant today?
– The global capitalist crisis and the fight back
– Latin America: At the center of the world revolutionary process
Details: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=9349&post=37944&uid=2239012118#/event.php?eid=72650558068&ref=ts
Left FIlm Night - This Saturday!
LEFT FILM NIGHT presents a double feature on July 25:
7 pm: 638 Ways to Kill Castro
(Dir. Dollan Cannell, UK, 2006, 78 minutes)
This documentary looks at the incredible story of the 638 alleged plots by the CIA and Cuban exiles to kill former Cuban leader Fidel Castro. It reveals every conceivable method of assassination, from exploding cigars to femme fatalism, a radio station rigged with noxious gas to a poison pen. If you think this sounds like something out of a James Bond film, then you’re not far from the truth.
8:40 pm - The Waiting List
(Dir. Juan Carlos Tabio, Cuba, 2001, 105 min., English subtitles)
In this comic hit, set in an isolated bus terminal in the middle of nowhere, dozens of passengers are stranded when a bus they were waiting for breaks down and cannot leave. Forced to spend the next few days together, everyone works together to overcome adversity, revealing humanity’s ability to overcome the toughest circumstances through sharing, cooperation and solidarity. Made by award winning director Juan Carlos Tabio (Strawberries and Chocolate).
Saturday, July 25, 7 pm
Centre for Socialist Education,
706 Clark Drive, Vancouver (corner of Clark & E. Georgia)
No admission charge, but donations towards our costs are welcome. Coffee and refreshments available. Left Film Nights are presented by the Centre for Socialist Education, Young Communist League, and the Latino and Vancouver East Clubs of the Communist Party of Canada. Call 604-255-2041 or email for further information.
7 pm: 638 Ways to Kill Castro
(Dir. Dollan Cannell, UK, 2006, 78 minutes)
This documentary looks at the incredible story of the 638 alleged plots by the CIA and Cuban exiles to kill former Cuban leader Fidel Castro. It reveals every conceivable method of assassination, from exploding cigars to femme fatalism, a radio station rigged with noxious gas to a poison pen. If you think this sounds like something out of a James Bond film, then you’re not far from the truth.
8:40 pm - The Waiting List
(Dir. Juan Carlos Tabio, Cuba, 2001, 105 min., English subtitles)
In this comic hit, set in an isolated bus terminal in the middle of nowhere, dozens of passengers are stranded when a bus they were waiting for breaks down and cannot leave. Forced to spend the next few days together, everyone works together to overcome adversity, revealing humanity’s ability to overcome the toughest circumstances through sharing, cooperation and solidarity. Made by award winning director Juan Carlos Tabio (Strawberries and Chocolate).
Saturday, July 25, 7 pm
Centre for Socialist Education,
706 Clark Drive, Vancouver (corner of Clark & E. Georgia)
No admission charge, but donations towards our costs are welcome. Coffee and refreshments available. Left Film Nights are presented by the Centre for Socialist Education, Young Communist League, and the Latino and Vancouver East Clubs of the Communist Party of Canada. Call 604-255-2041 or email
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Vancouverites picket Goldcorp offices in support of Honduran resistance
http://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/story/1768
July 23, 2009
All out against the Coup in Honduras
Vancouverites picket Goldcorp offices in support of Honduran resistance
by Dawn Paley →Honduras, →Free Trade & Gateway Projects
Dozens of people gathered today for a lunchtime information picket in front of the head offices of Goldcorp Inc in downtown Vancouver, protesting against the company's involvement in the military coup in Honduras.
This is the fourth action in Vancouver against the nearly month-long coup regime of Roberto Micheletti.
"We came here to stand in solidarity with the people of Honduras, who are fighting for democracy in their country," said Marla Renn, co-chair of Stopwar.ca. The group targeted the gold mining giant "because Goldcorp is supporting the coup in Honduras," she said.
Goldcorp has been an active supporter of the coup, providing material support to employees to attend pro-coup rallies. The company operated the San Martin mine, which was Central America's largest, until shut down began last year.
Peter Kent, Canada's Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, emailed a statement on Monday which discouraged the return of ousted President Manuel Zelaya "prior to a negotiated resolution."
"Canadians champion democracy, but the Canadian government is complicit in overthrowing democracy in Honduras, as is Goldcorp," said Andrea Pinochet, who helped to organize the picket.
Though at times they were nearly drowned out by a live jazz band playing just meters away, protesters chanted slogans and handed out leaflets to the people passing by.
"We will continue to protest until Zelaya is back in Honduras," said Pinochet.
July 23, 2009
All out against the Coup in Honduras
Vancouverites picket Goldcorp offices in support of Honduran resistance
by Dawn Paley →Honduras, →Free Trade & Gateway Projects
Dozens of people gathered today for a lunchtime information picket in front of the head offices of Goldcorp Inc in downtown Vancouver, protesting against the company's involvement in the military coup in Honduras.
This is the fourth action in Vancouver against the nearly month-long coup regime of Roberto Micheletti.
"We came here to stand in solidarity with the people of Honduras, who are fighting for democracy in their country," said Marla Renn, co-chair of Stopwar.ca. The group targeted the gold mining giant "because Goldcorp is supporting the coup in Honduras," she said.
Goldcorp has been an active supporter of the coup, providing material support to employees to attend pro-coup rallies. The company operated the San Martin mine, which was Central America's largest, until shut down began last year.
Peter Kent, Canada's Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, emailed a statement on Monday which discouraged the return of ousted President Manuel Zelaya "prior to a negotiated resolution."
"Canadians champion democracy, but the Canadian government is complicit in overthrowing democracy in Honduras, as is Goldcorp," said Andrea Pinochet, who helped to organize the picket.
Though at times they were nearly drowned out by a live jazz band playing just meters away, protesters chanted slogans and handed out leaflets to the people passing by.
"We will continue to protest until Zelaya is back in Honduras," said Pinochet.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
YCL BC eBulletin - July 2009
Check out this months eBulletin online at the following link!
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/445432/496dd662e2/1623001899/6c0c9d641e/
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/445432/496dd662e2/1623001899/6c0c9d641e/
Thursday, June 18, 2009
People's Voice Banquet
The YCL invites you to join us on Saturday, June 20th for the People's Voice banquet. This annual fundraiser will feature a variety of delicious foods, guest speakers and entertainment including music, a short play and more provided by the YCL and others. More than 20 door prizes. Youth under 12 free, price for adults on sliding scale from $10-$20.
Starts at 6pm at the Russian Hall (600 Campbell Ave., Vancouver). For more info call 604.255.2041.
For more information on the People's Voice newspaper check out http://www.peoplesvoice.ca/
Starts at 6pm at the Russian Hall (600 Campbell Ave., Vancouver). For more info call 604.255.2041.
For more information on the People's Voice newspaper check out http://www.peoplesvoice.ca/
Monday, June 1, 2009
YCL BC June 2009 eBulletin
Visit this link to view it online!
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/445432/4fd7b93818/1623001256/6c0c9d641e/
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/445432/4fd7b93818/1623001256/6c0c9d641e/
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
YCL BC Summer Camp 2009
Come out and have fun with YCLers from B.C. Learn a little about Communism while you chill out on the sunshine coast!
Open to YCLers and friends from BC, and Alberta too!
Registration is $20 which includes food for the weekend. Rides are available from Vancouver and travel subsidies are available for those coming from outside of the lower mainland. Registration can be paid to the YCL BC office (706 Clark Dr., Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1) via cheque or money order OR paid directly to any YCL organizer.
A brochure and registration form will be available shortly.
You have to provide the following info to register:
Name
Address
Phone #
E-mail
If you are a member of YCL (yes or no)
If yes, what Club?
Do you have a tent you canl bring?
If yes, can you share the tent?
If so, how manypeople can you share it with?
Do you have any special dietary requirements
Topics:
- Is socialism dead? The counter-revolution in the USSR and Eastern Europe
- Socialism or extinction. What is socialism and why is it relevant today?
– The global capitalist crisis and the fight back
– Latin America: At the center of the world revolutionary process
Check out the Summer Camp Facebook event or contact us at ycl_bc@ycl-ljc.ca for details or to register!
Open to YCLers and friends from BC, and Alberta too!
Registration is $20 which includes food for the weekend. Rides are available from Vancouver and travel subsidies are available for those coming from outside of the lower mainland. Registration can be paid to the YCL BC office (706 Clark Dr., Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1) via cheque or money order OR paid directly to any YCL organizer.
A brochure and registration form will be available shortly.
You have to provide the following info to register:
Name
Address
Phone #
If you are a member of YCL (yes or no)
If yes, what Club?
Do you have a tent you canl bring?
If yes, can you share the tent?
If so, how manypeople can you share it with?
Do you have any special dietary requirements
Topics:
- Is socialism dead? The counter-revolution in the USSR and Eastern Europe
- Socialism or extinction. What is socialism and why is it relevant today?
– The global capitalist crisis and the fight back
– Latin America: At the center of the world revolutionary process
Check out the Summer Camp Facebook event or contact us at ycl_bc@ycl-ljc.ca for details or to register!
Greeting on the Occasion of the 88th Anniversary of the Communist Party of Canada
Central Committee, Communist Party of Canada
290A Danforth Ave.
Toronto, Ont
M4K 1N6
May 28, 2009
RE: Greeting on the Occasion of the 88th Anniversary of the Communist Party of Canada
Dear comrades,
On behalf of the Young Communist League of Canada, we would like to extend our warmest comradely greetings, congratulations and solidarity on the occasion of the 88th anniversary of the Communist Party of Canada.
Throughout the history of the Communist movement in Canada, the relationship between the Communist Party and the Young Communist League, including its various predecessors, has taken on a variety of forms. But this relationship has always been characterized by a strong sense of unity of purpose and ideology, solidarity and friendship.
On this day we are reminded that many of those comrades formed our beloved party so many years ago in a barn near Guelph, Ontario, were young workers inspired by the triumph of the Russian workers and peasants revolution and the establishment of the Soviet Union in 1917.
Throughout history ever since young people have played an important role in each of the most significant struggles taken on by the Communist Party. Some examples include the famous On-to-Ottawa Trek, the heroic Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion, solidarity with the struggles of the Vietnamese people, and the fightback against the NAFTA sellout.
Today the Young Communist League continues to stand with the Communist Party in our struggles for peace, jobs, education, democratic rights, Canadian sovereignty, a democratic solution to the national question, and, of course, socialism.
We look forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship between our two organizations and working collectively to build a strong, united pan-Canadian Communist movement.
In solidarity,
Central Executive Committee, Young Communist League of Canada
290A Danforth Ave.
Toronto, Ont
M4K 1N6
May 28, 2009
RE: Greeting on the Occasion of the 88th Anniversary of the Communist Party of Canada
Dear comrades,
On behalf of the Young Communist League of Canada, we would like to extend our warmest comradely greetings, congratulations and solidarity on the occasion of the 88th anniversary of the Communist Party of Canada.
Throughout the history of the Communist movement in Canada, the relationship between the Communist Party and the Young Communist League, including its various predecessors, has taken on a variety of forms. But this relationship has always been characterized by a strong sense of unity of purpose and ideology, solidarity and friendship.
On this day we are reminded that many of those comrades formed our beloved party so many years ago in a barn near Guelph, Ontario, were young workers inspired by the triumph of the Russian workers and peasants revolution and the establishment of the Soviet Union in 1917.
Throughout history ever since young people have played an important role in each of the most significant struggles taken on by the Communist Party. Some examples include the famous On-to-Ottawa Trek, the heroic Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion, solidarity with the struggles of the Vietnamese people, and the fightback against the NAFTA sellout.
Today the Young Communist League continues to stand with the Communist Party in our struggles for peace, jobs, education, democratic rights, Canadian sovereignty, a democratic solution to the national question, and, of course, socialism.
We look forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship between our two organizations and working collectively to build a strong, united pan-Canadian Communist movement.
In solidarity,
Central Executive Committee, Young Communist League of Canada
Sunday, May 24, 2009
CEC Letter to YCL BC - May 24th
May 24, 2009
Re: May 12 British Columbia Election
Dear comrades,
As you have no doubt heard by now, the British Columbia Provincial election on May 12 returned the Campbell Liberal government to office.
The Central Executive Committee would like to draw your attention to the recent statement of the YCL BC, “After the election the fight back continues” which is attached and posted online on the YCL-LJC web site (tinyurl.com/o6q64m). We fully support their evaluation that this is a very dangerous political development for the youth and student movement demanding a united response by the young people.
This election the YCL BC waged a valiant campaign in support of the Communist Party of British Columbia, the only party demanding a substantive youth agenda including raising minimum wage above the poverty line to $16/h, the elimination of tuition fees, sovereignty and self-determination for Aboriginal peoples, lowering the voting age to 16, and to make BC a voice for peace.
We would like to thank all the comrades who helped with the election, including the Red Star (Vancouver) YCL club, our new Kamloops organizer Kevin Pankewich for formatting a youth leaflet, and Zachary Crispin for running as a candidate of the Communist Party and wining almost 200 votes and 17% of the student vote!
Out of the process of organizing for the election, we are happy to announce that the YCL BC has established a BC Preparatory Committee which the CEC has tasked with organizing a BC provincial convention as well as building and leading the YCL in the interim period leading up to the Convention. We are writing all contacts and members of the League with this information.
The Preparatory Committee consists of three members from Vancouver, one from Victoria and one from Kamloops. A seat is open for Nanaimo. Correspondence with the committee is welcome and encouraged: please write them at ycl_bc@ycl-ljc.ca
The YCL BC is organizing a summer camp in Sechelt, on the weekend of July 31 – August 3. A brochure on this school will be forwarded soon. It will be a great event! In the process of organizing, expanding and strengthening the League in BC, the General Secretary of the YCL,
Warm comradely regards,
Central Executive Committee
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