Building Left Podcast

What did you think of the debate? Let us know your thoughts!

Join us as we highlight key moments from Avi, Tanille, Tony, Rob and Heather, and touch on recurring themes throughout the evening, including the party's future in Quebec, reconnecting with labour, and climate action. #NDP #cdnpoli @comradefrederick.bsky.social @kalleelins.bsky.social

New episode! Join Kallee & Jaime as they break down the last Thursday's #NDP leadership debate in Montreal. Despite policy discussion feeling thin, the event provided a strong snapshot into candidates' personalities and priorities.
www.podbean.com/eas/pb-egiz8...

Thanks to the organizers and to the candidates for making an effort to speak French. Not sure there was a clear winner but it's interesting to see each of the candidates' true character shining through. #NDP @buildingleft.bsky.social

Closing remarks highlighting the need for a government that works for the people and nurtures solidarity. #ndp

Another pointed question: Can one of these five people become the next Prime Minister of Canada? @buildingleft.bsky.social #NDP

"The Labour Code is not written for labourers, for workers!" --Rob Ashton #NDP

Here are the answers, who are the candidates: Liquidation/ Dairy Queen/ Sold cars in the street/ Swimming instructor/ Arborist. Who's who at the Zoo? #NDP @buildingleft.bsky.social

Candidates closing with the core values of the NDP: love, anti-racism, anti-hate, anti-fascism, anti-capitalism, connection to our roots, and how to build a just sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. #NDP @buildingleft.bsky.social

"Sellout of the century" - Avi calling the pipeline MOU a "distraction" that's really about creating dirty electricity that feeds AI. He alluded to this distraction idea earlier in the debate. #ndp

Tanille empowering the grassroots: "You are our party... We are just the conduits who bring ideas forward. The people need to see and hear themselves in this party" #ndp

Rob and Tanille applauding the NDP provincial governments for pushing back on hate showing we can respect each other while governing. Tanille talks about BC pushing back on pipeline threats and anti-trans legislation attempts.

@buildingleft.bsky.social "Pierre Poilievre cosplays as a worker" -- Rob Ashton's nailing descriptors for the other party leaders! #NDP

Learnings from the provinces... Tony says policies are enduring when they're crafted with the people they serve. Avi lauding Wab Kinew for running on principled stances even when they're not popular. Heather highlighting Rachel Notley's work to cut child poverty in half.

Tony calls for stronger support for riding associations. Tanille points to the successes of student organizing. Avi calls this a false dichotomy. Heather says we're stronger working with provincial counterparts (calls her riding the "strongest seat" in the NDP).

Big props to Tony McQuail for foregrounding pro rep again. Second time in this debate and given the move today for BC to have a Citizen's Assembly on Electoral Reform the NDP needs to keep this front and centre. #NDP

Another pointed question for dippers: party of power or conscience of parliament? #ndp

Rob urges changes to amend the Canadian Labour Code to better protect workers safety. Going to work shouldn't feel like "walking into a casino." #ndp

"Pierre Poilievre cosplays as a worker" -- Rob Ashton's nailing descriptors for the other party leaders! #NDP

Tony tables a conversation about doing away with first-past-the-post. Tanille agrees before returning the conversation to the current question about organized labour. She focused on healthchare and the needs of nurses. #ndp

@buildingleft.bsky.social
As the candidates reveal little snippets of their personalities, I'm always struck by how gosh darn nice NDPers are. #NDP

Favourite city? Here are the answers, you guess the candidates: Goderich, ON / Montreal / TO, Vancouver, QC City... all 3 / Tofino / Montreal (because of the strong longshoreman and dockworkers) #ndp

Kallee here: big musical fan... not sure I feel about Avi's laughter in the face of show tunes! Love Heather's idea of protest cookies. #ndp

Avi acknowledging l'elephant dans la chambre: none of the candidates are up to the challenge of winning Quebec since they don't speak fluent French. #NDP

Tanille has discovered it's better to speak English and communicate her understanding of the issues, rather than continuing to butcher the language. She's not alone. But the only candidates who are showing that they really understand the specific concerns of Quebec voters are Avi and Tony.

Great question on how to rebuild the party in Quebec. #NDP