CSJ Newsletter
September 17, 2026
CALLS TO ACTION
End All Support of the illegal Israeli settlementsToday the Canadian Government ‘announced' they are considering restrictions on settlement goods. Shortly after, Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with France and the UK stated they will “take steps to ban the importation of goods from settlements and enforce targeted measures against settlements and those who facilitate them or profit from them.” While we welcome the step, it is insufficient.
We know many goods are being imported to Canada from illegal settlements. We also know there are many other avenues in which Canada is aiding and assisting Israel's illegal settlement enterprise (in violation of Canadian and international law).
That is why we are demanding the government take fulsome action when it states it will “enforce targeted measures against settlements and those who facilitate them or profit from them” [emphasis added]. The framing of the statement positions the “systematic settlement expansion” as an external issue. In reality, the Canadian government, and many businesses and charities are all actively facilitating the maintenance and expansion of illegal settlements.
actionnetwork.org
EVENTS
OPSEU Strike (week 16)
When: while the strike is on
Doug Ford has underfunded our community services to the point of crisis — and it's pushing workers into poverty.
OPSEU members are now in the ninth week of their ongoing strike. These workers provide critical frontline services that our communities rely on. Stability, dignity, and decent wages for workers will mean better services for all.
opseu.org |
opseu.org
Meditation and Mindfulness for Changemakers
When: Tuesdays Sept 8 to 29, 7pm
For changemakers, caring deeply can be both beautiful and brutal. When the world is on fire, it's easy to get swept into overwhelm, anger, grief, and a nervous system that never quite gets to exhale.
But over time, these patterns can get in the way of cultivating the very love, health, connection, and joy within yourself needed to build a more just, compassionate, and healthy world.
This 4-week online meditation and mindfulness course is to help people who care deeply to strengthen their resilience, focus, and openheartedness — so they can remain effective through these wildly difficult times.
kimberlycarroll.com
Art show: Gang of Five
When: September 9-27
Where: Propeller Gallery, 30 Abell St
The Gang of 5 art collective features multidisciplinary artists: Patrick Jenkins, Al Runt, Randal Gordy Lee, Vince Vaitiekunas and Michael Zaharuk. This eclectic group of artists have come together, uniting in their shared language of cartoons, whimsy and thought-provoking yet gritty storytelling. In this show, the group will be exhibiting original paintings, one-of-a-kind prints, comics, flip books, T-shirts, merch and much more.
propellerartgallery.com
Film: Walter Rodney
When: September 16th, York University 6-8pm
September 18th, University of Toronto 6-8pm
Canadian Documentary Premiere: The Rodney family will be in attendance
Walter Rodney: What They Don't Want You to Know is an original 72-minute documentary featuring a murder, Cold War conspiracies, Black Power, the end of the Empire, and how that connects to the policing, surveillance practices, and social movements of today. This is the first film where Walter's widow reveals the personal impact on the family of Walter's assassination. It feeds a growing global appetite for history from a different perspective, as we grapple with the legacy of empire and colonialism and its impact on the modern world.
caribbeansolidarity.org
Disability Without Poverty townhall
When: September 17, 5pm
We will feature Erica Zacharias as our guest. Articulate and authentic, Erica brings the voice of invisible disabilities forward through her own, lived and living experience. She is building connections and collaborations in the Ottawa community and beyond. Let's learn from her journey today.
hubspotpagebuilder.com
Carceral Roots of the Anti-Trans Backlash
When: September 17th, 7pm
Where: Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave
Join Lamble to discuss their new book
Unsafe: The Carceral Roots of the Anti-Trans Backlash! With Syrus Marcus Ware.
The twenty-first century “gender wars” have been driven by a powerful and seductive narrative: that safety can be secured through exclusion, surveillance, and the policing of difference. These punitive logics have gained momentum across the political spectrum, fueling an anti-trans backlash and distorting the meaning of safety itself.
eventbrite.ca
Climate Film Festival
When: September 18th, 6pm
Where: Friends House, 60 Lowther Ave
Join Toronto Climate Film Festival for a double-feature highlighting the human stories, ecological costs, and critical response strategies driving Canada's wildfires.
climatefast.ca
Film: ¡Salud!
When: Friday, September 18th, 7pm
When: 290 Danforth Ave
Join us in Toronto for a screening of the 2006 documentary
¡Salud!
This film takes us into Cuba's public community-focused healthcare system, and their international efforts to introduce free healthcare and medical training to the communities that need it the most.
Stay for a discussion of how the US economic war has ravaged this system, how Canadians can fight back, and why this bolsters the fight for universal healthcare at home.
threads.com
Seniors Climate Witness
When: September 19-23
Where: Ottawa
You're invited to join the upcoming information sessions to learn about Seniors' Climate Witness, a week of public witness and nonviolent action in Ottawa, from September 19–23, 2026.
Canada is at a crossroads. Even as fossil fuel-driven wildfires force thousands of people from their homes and harm millions across Canada and around the world, the federal government is considering spending tens of billions of public dollars on new fossil fuel pipelines while backtracking on key climate commitments.
instagram.com |
Sat 19th, 9:30
Cut Ties with Genocide, Stand with Sudan
When: Saturday, September 19th, 2pm
Over the past year, the Canadian government has undertaken aggressive efforts to strengthen and expand economic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while it directly enables the genocidal Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. The Canadian government cannot escape the reality that continuing to arm and deepen economic ties with the UAE means deepening complicity in one of the most devastating conflicts and genocides of the twenty-first century.
This call will feature esteemed scholars Dr. Iman, Rania El Mugammar, and Ismail Ahmed, facilitated by organizers with the Sudan Solidarity Collective and World BEYOND War.
actionnetwork.org
Rally and March for Migrant Justice
When: September 20th, 2pm
Where: Pits Park, 750 Bloor W
Migrants make Canada work. We care for children and elders, grow food, build homes, and keep communities running.
But the government is pushing migrants out instead of giving people equal rights. Permits are expiring, being refused, cancelled, or made impossible to renew. Refugees are under attack. People are being deported. Families are being separated. Those who remain are forced to work with fewer rights and more fear.
At the same time, working class people are being squeezed by high rents, low wages, service cuts, and insecurity. Migrants are being blamed for a crisis created by underfunding, privatization, corporate greed, and governments that put the rich first.
actionnetwork.org
Understanding Capitalism
When: September 20th to November 8th
Free/recommended donation: $40
Frustrated with capitalism and its impacts on human beings and the planet? Do you believe that a more equitable, democratic, and liberatory society is possible?
Waking up from the capitalist nightmare requires a clear understanding of what we are up against: how we understand capitalism, how it works, and how it compels us to act in certain ways – these all shape what kinds of strategies will be needed to move beyond it.
This course will approach these questions and others through An Introduction to the Three Volumes of Karl Marx's
Capital by Michael Heinrich, one of most approachable and understandable guides through Marx's masterwork.
Capital remains the most important work of critical analysis of capitalism in history, through its exploration of the economic principles that govern capitalism, and the problems faced by workers and society.
tickettailor.com
Peace Poster Exhibit
When: September 21st
Where: 19 Valleyview Drive, Bancroft
The Canadian Peace Museum is curating an exhibit of peace posters and we invite you to submit a poster for the exhibit. The exhibit will launch on September 21st, 2026.
We are looking for posters from various peace movements, e.g., Canadian Voice of Women for Peace, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, as well as posters related to wealth equality, environmentalism, 2SLGBTQI+ rights, nuclear weapons, Canadian Friends Service Committee, Mennonite Central Committee Ontario, and Medecins Sans Frontières (pending).
canadianpeacemuseum.ca
DSC Orientation
When: September 21st, 9pm
In this one-hour session, you will listen to a brief presentation outlining the DSC's mission, structure, and activities, and learn how to get involved in your local chapter and/or on a national level. Following the presentation, we will have a discussion period and the organizers will answer any questions you may have.
democraticsocialists.ca
Stand with Personal Support Workers
When: September 22nd, 12pm
Where: 777 Bay St
PSWs deserve the same fundamental rights and protections as other regulated professionals in Ontario.
We're rallying to call on the Ford government to change the legislation governing the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA) and ensure PSWs have the right to representation and fair due process in disciplinary matters.
instagram.com
Sudan: Where Is It Heading To?
When: September 22nd, 5pm
Where: OISE, Room 2286
Vladimir Zhagora joined the United Nations Secretariat in June 1988. Participated in the negotiations on the settlement of crises in South Africa, Somalia, conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia. For over 15 years was assigned to deal with the multiple crises in the Sudan, including between Northern and Southern Sudan, in Darfur and Eastern Sudan, in Eastern DRC, Kenya, Northern Uganda and Zimbabwe. In 2010-2012, participated in the activities of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) led by President Mbeki.
scienceforpeace.org
River Run 2026
When: September 23rd, 12noon
Where: Grange Park, 26 Grange Rd
Walk with Grassy Narrows youth and community members to show that we are with them on their path to achieve mercury justice and freedom!
This is a family-friendly event. Rain or shine!
freegrassy.net
Say No to AI Data Centres
When: Wednesday, September 23rd, 7pm
Concerned about AI data centre development in Ontario? Interested in learning more about AI data centres and how to get involved in local advocacy to call on a moratorium?
eventbrite.ca
[Brampton] The State of Healthcare
When: September 24th, 6:30pm
Where: 11 Sun Pac Boulevard, Brampton
Ontario's healthcare system is at a critical crossroads. The State of Healthcare Town Hall brings healthcare leaders, advocates and community voices together featuring panels and audience Q&A on the future of healthcare in Ontario. We'll discuss state of Ontario healthcare as it relates to privatization, long-term care, primary care, and senior healthcare. Join us for an open and constructive conversation about building a healthcare system that works for all Ontarians.
eventbrite.ca |
instagram.com
ARTICLES
Generation Z in Iran: A Contemporary Perspective
By Sharareh Akhavan
More than 15,000 teenagers answered a call from Nima Tekido, an entertainment producer and YouTube personality, to attend an event at Iran Mall in Tehran in July 2026. Although only 4,000 tickets had been sold, thousands more arrived hoping to participate, overwhelming the venue. The event quickly became a social phenomenon surprising not only Iranian sociologists and psychologists but also political observers from across the ideological spectrum inside and outside of Iran.
Source:
The Bullet No. 3319
250 Years of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations and US Independence
By Ingo Schmidt
In March 1776, Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations was published. Four months later, 13 North American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. Both events were in the air. Economists before Smith had already pondered how to explain the then-observable increase in manufacturing and global trade, and what its consequences would be. Smith could not have foreseen that his Wealth of Nations would become, not long after his death, a kind of manifesto for the rising industrial bourgeoisie. First in England, soon after in Europe, the United States, and finally in all parts of the world where capitalists were striving for class rule based on industrial production.
Source:
The Bullet No. 3320
The Realpolitik of the new Combatting Hate Act
By Larry Haiven
On June 18, 2026, the Canadian Parliament passed the Combatting Hate Act, which revises the Criminal Code in unnecessary but dangerous ways. Subject to intense lobbying by pro-Israel organizations, the lawmakers succumbed to a carefully curated moral panic. Though authorities and police already have many instruments to battle hatred, the new changes give them greater discretion to interfere with the freedom of expression of Canadians without making us any safer.
Source:
The Bullet No. 3321
EMPLOYMENT
Full-time Organizer
The Toronto & York Region Labour Council is hiring a permanent full-time Organizer to expand our organizing capacity across Toronto and York Region.
Reporting to the Assistant to the President or designate, this outward-facing role leads affiliate development and campaign organizing and contributes to political action, mobilization, leadership development and field activity. The work includes one-on-one organizing, affiliate meetings, campaigns, phonebanks, picket lines, coalitions, events and disciplined follow-up.
labourcouncil.ca