#Canada Future Leadership

[hypelens]

Justin Trudeau Faces Intense Scrutiny Amid Resignation Pressure: What’s Next for Canada?

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finds himself at the center of a political storm as speculation about his potential resignation dominates headlines. A combination of mounting domestic challenges, political controversies, and shifting public sentiment has placed his leadership under a microscope. This article unpacks the key developments, public reactions, and potential outcomes as Trudeau faces one of the most challenging periods of his political career.

Resignation Rumors: Fact or Political Maneuver?

Reports of Trudeau's potential resignation emerged following weeks of criticism from political adversaries and even some within his party. These rumors have sparked nationwide debate about the future of Canadian leadership. According to sources, Trudeau is facing mounting pressure from both Liberals and Conservatives to address ongoing issues, including economic concerns, environmental policies, and foreign relations.

CNN reported live updates as political commentators speculated whether Trudeau could weather the storm or step down to preserve party unity. The Wall Street Journal highlighted growing dissatisfaction among Canadians, citing polls that reveal declining approval ratings for Trudeau's government.

Domestic Challenges Amplify Pressure

Trudeau’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements but also numerous challenges. Recent events have exacerbated public frustrations, including:

Economic Woes: Rising inflation and housing affordability issues have left many Canadians struggling to make ends meet.

Environmental Policies: Critics argue that Trudeau's government has failed to strike a balance between promoting green initiatives and supporting the energy sector.

Ethics Controversies: Past scandals, including the SNC-Lavalin affair, continue to haunt his administration and erode public trust.

These issues have provided ample ammunition for opposition parties, who are leveraging the public’s discontent to call for a change in leadership.

Trump’s “Merger” Comment Sparks Controversy

Adding a bizarre twist to the story, former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines by suggesting a “merger” between the United States and Canada under his leadership. Speaking at a rally, Trump claimed that such a union would solve many of Canada’s economic and political challenges.

The suggestion, while widely dismissed as impractical, has drawn sharp criticism from Canadian officials and media outlets. The Hill reported that many viewed Trump’s comments as an opportunistic attempt to undermine Trudeau’s credibility during a vulnerable moment.

Public and Political Reactions

The Canadian public remains divided on Trudeau’s leadership. While some laud his progressive policies, others argue that his government has failed to address pressing national concerns effectively. Social media platforms are ablaze with discussions, reflecting a polarized electorate.

Political opponents have seized the moment to push their agendas. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has called for Trudeau’s immediate resignation, citing the need for “fresh leadership to restore confidence in the government.” Meanwhile, members of the New Democratic Party (NDP) have urged Trudeau to refocus on economic reforms rather than stepping aside.

International Implications of Trudeau’s Leadership

Trudeau's leadership extends beyond Canada’s borders. As a prominent global figure, his decisions impact international relations, particularly with the United States, European Union, and China.

Key concerns include:

Trade Relations: A change in leadership could alter Canada’s stance on key trade agreements, affecting industries on both sides of the border.

Climate Change Commitments: Trudeau has been a vocal advocate for climate action, and his resignation could create uncertainty around Canada’s environmental policies.

Geopolitical Alliances: As tensions with China and Russia escalate, Trudeau’s departure could shift Canada’s foreign policy approach.

What’s Next for Trudeau and Canada?

While Trudeau has not publicly confirmed or denied rumors of resignation, political analysts suggest several possible scenarios:

Trudeau Steps Down: This could trigger a leadership race within the Liberal Party, with key figures like Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney emerging as potential successors.

Trudeau Stays On: He may attempt to rebuild public trust and navigate his government through this turbulent period.

Snap Election: If the political climate remains unstable, a snap election could be called, giving Canadians the opportunity to decide the country’s direction.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Canadian Politics

Justin Trudeau’s leadership is at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will have lasting implications for Canada’s political landscape. Whether he chooses to step down or continue leading, the challenges he faces underscore the complexities of governing in today’s polarized and unpredictable world.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and Canada navigates through a critical chapter in its history.

[immunobiz]

🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 Le pouvoir et le gain personnel ne devraient jamais primer sur le bien-être des citoyens. 🇨🇦 Il est essentiel de tenir nos dirigeants responsables et d’exiger de l’intégrité dans leurs actions. Luttons pour un avenir où l’honnêteté, la transparence et un véritable service envers les Canadiens sont nos priorités ! 💪✨

Power and personal gain should never come before the welfare of the people. 🇨🇦 It's essential to hold our leaders accountable and demand integrity in their actions. Let's strive for a future where honesty, transparency, and true service to Canadians lead the way! 💪✨ 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[intheupside]

Crosby to be Canada's 'security blanket' as captain at 4 Nations Face-Off

Indeed, is anyone more deserving of the title of Captain Canada?

“He’s up there,” Tocchet said. “And look, I don’t want to embarrass Sid. But from sitting in the locker room across from Wayne Gretzky, the way Wayne’s demeanor is, the way he acted around his teammates, the way he acted in front of the public, Sid’s got that.

“And then you’ve got the Mark Messier type, not afraid to say things to your teammates if needed at the right time. And I’ve seen Sid do that too, using his voice to let them know something is unacceptable. He’s willing to do that. That to me is a great leader. In all facets. One hundred percent.

“The bottom line: When he puts that jersey on, you can sense the calmness come over the entire country of Canada. It’s almost like he’s our security blanket.”

“From the time I first met him, it’s just the way he always looks to raise the bar,” Bergeron said. “We’ve been teammates and linemates in a lot of these tournaments, and he’s never satisfied. He’s always looking to the next thing. He’s able to enjoy the success but at the same time wanting more. It’s his drive, his determination, there’s a lot of reasons why he’s been so clutch and so important in, what you could say, [is] history.

“He commands respect. I think the country is proud of who he is as a person and how he represents us on the international stage. There’s no missteps. It’s been going on since he’s been 14 years old when they started aiming cameras on him. He’s never had a misstep.”

Bergeron is considered one of the top leaders of his era and won the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2021, an honor Crosby received in 2010.

“I accomplished a lot in my career,” Bergeron said. “But I have to say, I’m so proud that in my time playing, that Sidney was the face of our league and for Canadian hockey. Well deserved.”

Crosby already had his eyes on the 4 Nations prize five months ago, long before he would officially be given the “C” for Team Canada.

Back in early September, Crosby helped organize an unofficial training camp of sorts under the watchful eye of Andy O’Brien, his longtime trainer, in Vail, Colorado. Among those invited to the event were some of Canada’s top players, including Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, who like Crosby is from Cole Harbour; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid; and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner.

Crosby insists it wasn’t an official Canada team-bonding exercise, pointing out that there were players from other countries there as well. At the same time, he admits it was productive for some of the Canadians on hand to get the opportunity to develop chemistry and play together, something that could come in handy at the 4 Nations and the 2026 Olympics.

Marner, for one, was appreciative of the invite extended him by Crosby and O’Brien.

“It was great,” he said. “Getting to know Sid and some of those guys both on and off the ice, well, I was grateful that they asked me to join them.

“You get to know them on and off the ice a bit. Such great guys. And so much talent out there with guys like Sid, MacKinnon and McDavid.”

And, according to Team Canada and Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper, it was just another example of Crosby’s leadership ability to bring players together for a common goal.

“It’s what he does,” Cooper said. “It’s who he is.

“Look at what he did [last] month when we were in Pittsburgh.”

Cooper was referring to a postgame scene after his team had defeated Crosby and the Penguins 5-2 on Jan. 12, a game in which Tampa Bay scored three goals in the final 3:03 to break a 2-2 tie. The uber-competitive Crosby was upset that victory had eluded the Penguins, but still took time to see Cooper afterward to chat about the 4 Nations.

At one point, Crosby asked Cooper to bring out Lightning forwards Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli, his future 4 Nations teammates, to talk about the upcoming tournament.

“He here is, angry that his team had just lost a game, and he put that aside to talk Team Canada with them,” Cooper said. “They sat there for 20 minutes. They were like kids in a candy store.

“That right there is what true leadership is.”

And, according to Tocchet, what Crosby is all about.

“It’s unbelievable,” Tocchet said. “He’s a guy that carries the torch, and is willing to pass the torch on when he’s done.

“That’s what he’s doing with Cirelli, Hagel, those guys. He basically comes in and says, ‘Hey, you guys are my teammates in a month, I just want to get to know you real quick and let you know what’s at stake.’ He’s done it with other players. I just think it goes so far with his teammates. They legitimately badly want to play with him, to be his teammate.”

[unsuitablepet]

If you are Canadian:

Please, for the love of God, write your MP, your MPP, and all the relevant cabinet ministers, and ESPECIALLY the premiers of Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec (where most of our critical minerals are), and beg them - actually, demand that they cut off critical minerals to the United States.

This is not about tariffs or a trade war. It is about crippling their military as best as we can and ceasing their supply of the uranium required to build bombs. We as their neighbours are not safe and we are currently actively supplying them with the materials with which to hurt us. Much more immediately - their own people (and I am especially counting undocumented migrants and indigenous people who are currently being sent to camps) are not safe and we are supplying them with the equipment with which to oppress and commit horrific acts of violence against them.

This isn't a game, this isn't funny, and it isn't theoretical. Fascism has arrived in America and it keeps teasing genocide. They have announced the plan to create an Iron Dome for America - something that they would not at all need if it they weren't concerned about foreign intervention... if they weren't planning on doing something worth intervening on. So long as we are fueling the growth of their military, we are complicit in the horrors that they are hoping to inflict on their people and eventually on ours. There are limits to what we can do from here, but we can demand this.

I have drafted a template letter below. Please feel free to use it and share it as needed.

To the Honourable [Representative's Name - use their honorarium],

I am writing to you as a concerned Canadian citizen to urgently request that the Government of Canada, in collaboration with provincial leadership—especially in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec—take immediate and decisive action to halt the export of critical minerals, including uranium, to the United States.

This appeal is not driven by economic considerations or trade disputes but by a profound moral and security imperative. The current trajectory of political developments in the United States poses an escalating threat to both regional and global stability. The militarization efforts south of our border, particularly the proposed establishment of an "Iron Dome" and the amplification of their military capabilities are deeply troubling. This, in combination with the dismantling of women's and LGBTQ rights, the establishment of offshore "camps" for migrants, and the surrender of classified information and critical government departments to an unelected oligarch, signal preparations for actions that could have devastating humanitarian and geopolitical consequences.

Canada's critical minerals are integral to the United States' military-industrial complex. As one of their largest suppliers, we are inadvertently enabling the potential for domestic oppression within the U.S., including actions against marginalized communities such as undocumented migrants and Indigenous populations, and increasing the likelihood of future aggression that could extend beyond their borders, directly impacting our own national security.

History has shown us that the facilitation of authoritarian regimes through resource support can lead to dire outcomes. As a nation that prides itself on upholding human rights, democracy, and international peace, Canada must not be complicit in actions that contradict these values. In continuing to supply their military with materials critical to their growth at this time, we are actively acting against these values, to potentially devastating consequences.

I respectfully but firmly demand that:

The Federal Government initiate immediate discussions to suspend all exports of critical minerals to the United States.

Provincial governments in all provinces collaborate to enforce these measures, recognizing their pivotal role in critical mineral production.

A comprehensive review be conducted to assess the ethical implications of Canada’s resource exports in relation to global security and human rights.

This is a matter of urgent ethical responsibility and national security. The time to act is now, before irreversible harm is done.

I look forward to your response and urge you in your capacity to take leadership in driving decisive action on this critical issue.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[jackied0minguez]

Remote Work Redefined: TopDevz CEO Ashkan Rajaee on the Future of Flexible Business

In a world where remote work has rapidly shifted from a temporary solution to a long-term strategy, TopDevz CEO Ashkan Rajaee is leading by example. Speaking ahead of the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, Rajaee shared insights on how his company has seamlessly integrated remote operations into its DNA—and why he believes this model isn’t just a passing trend.

A New Kind of Software Solutions

TopDevz isn’t your typical tech firm. Comprising an elite team of software developers, designers, project managers, and quality assurance specialists based in the United States and Canada, the company tackles the unique challenges that conventional off-the-shelf software can’t resolve. Rajaee explains that while standard solutions can cover 80–90% of business needs, the remaining nuances often cause significant inefficiencies. TopDevz fills this gap by offering custom solutions designed to address those critical details, ensuring that their clients achieve peak operational efficiency. With an impressive 96% workforce retention rate and 63% of their business coming through referrals, the company’s model speaks volumes about its effectiveness and employee satisfaction.

Mastering Remote Operations

Long before the global pivot to remote work, TopDevz was already thriving in a fully virtual environment. Rajaee emphasizes that the success of remote operations lies in having the right infrastructure and clear communication channels. “Working remotely isn’t as simple as logging in from home,” he notes. “It demands disciplined processes and a commitment to best practices—elements we’ve honed over the years.” His team’s seamless transition during the pandemic only reinforced the idea that a well-organized remote workforce can outperform traditional office setups.

The Indefinite Future of Remote Work

For TopDevz, remote work isn’t a temporary workaround��it’s the future. Rajaee envisions a business landscape where companies can lower overhead costs while empowering employees to work from anywhere. This flexible model not only drives client satisfaction by reducing expenses but also enriches employees’ lives by allowing them to choose environments that inspire creativity and well-being.

Rajaee even shares a personal touch: his passion for working from a yacht. Equipped with reliable Wi-Fi and satellite services, his unconventional workspace symbolizes the freedom that remote work offers. “If your current job doesn’t support the lifestyle you aspire to, it’s time to consider other opportunities,” he advises. His own journey from renting a yacht to eventually making it part of his regular work life underscores the importance of aligning one’s career with personal values and ambitions.

Empowering the Next Generation of Remote Entrepreneurs

Beyond leading TopDevz, Rajaee is passionate about sharing his remote work philosophy. Through his “RemotePreneur” initiative, he provides aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals with a playbook for building successful remote companies. This resource addresses the nuanced challenges of remote business management—from overcoming financial stagnation in traditional roles to confronting the inevitable criticisms that come with venturing off the beaten path. Rajaee’s message is clear: true freedom in work comes from rethinking established norms and embracing the possibilities that remote operations can offer.

Embracing a New Era

As businesses around the globe continue to navigate the evolving work landscape, Ashkan Rajaee’s vision serves as a powerful reminder that remote work, when executed with precision and passion, can unlock unprecedented opportunities. His leadership at TopDevz demonstrates that with the right approach, remote operations can not only sustain but also drive innovation, employee satisfaction, and overall business growth.

In a time when flexibility and adaptability are more important than ever, Rajaee’s insights offer a compelling roadmap for companies eager to thrive in a remote-first world.

[eretzyisrael]

By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

The bestial crimes carried out by thousands of Hamas-led terrorists on October 7, 2023, were unspeakable – but the authors of a newly released 79-page report want the world to speak about them and spread the word.

Writing for the Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children, they have even given it a name because at no time in history had this exact type of crime been committed. They called it “kinocide” – the targeting of families, calling it a new crime against humanity.

In preparation since February 2024, the report is authored by Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, Dr. Michal Gilad, and Dr. Ilya Rudyak from the civil commission. The Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights (RWCHR), under the leadership of former Canadian justice minister Irwin Cotler, with whom Elyakim-Levy decided on the term “kinocide.”

The horrific assault in southern Israel resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of more than 250 people, including men, women, children, infants, the elderly, and disabled people, all in one day. The heinous acts of murder, torture, gender-based violence, and abduction spurred the immediate formation of the commission.

What is Kinocide?

By coining the term kinocide, the report exposes the deliberate, widespread exploitation and destruction of familial bonds to intensify victims’ suffering, highlighting the profound and lasting harm inflicted on individuals, communities, and societies. She noted that the Dvora Institute calls for urgent international recognition of the term as it describes a new, distinct international crime against humanity and presents legal and policy recommendations to close gaps in international criminal law, ensure accountability, and prevent such atrocities in the future.

GENOCIDE, AS practiced by the Nazis, is directed against a group of people – “national, ethnical, racial or religious,” according to the UN’s 1948 Genocide Convention – but kinocide is a specific type of assault against a group, using the relationship between family members and their emotional, identity, cultural, symbolic, material and other bonds, as a way to maximize the intended harm of the attack.

In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Elkayam-Levy – a leading international law expert who teaches at Reichman University in Herzliya and who founded and chairs the commission – said that the world must know. This includes government and religious leaders, the UN, parliamentarians, legislators, and members of the Hague International Criminal Court, which has castigated and “tried” in absentia Israeli leaders and threatened them and IDF officers with imprisonment.

She has already presented the report to 300 very influential leaders at the Halifax International Security Forum, an annual summit for international government and military officials, academic experts, authors, and entrepreneurs, held in Nova Scotia, Canada.

The acts of terrorist inhumanity included cutting women in their homes, murdering them, forcing their children to watch or coercing parents to watch what was done to their children, and then sending photos and videos to all the contacts on the victims’ mobile phones. There were 17 minutes of video in which families were murdered at a balloon-and-blood-filled party for a daughter’s 18th birthday.

Elkayam-Levy said that the commission is assembling an archive of videos, texts, photos, and more – many produced by Hamas – to document these crimes, giving a voice to the victims and raising awareness of war crimes committed against women, children, and families. For this work, she was awarded the prestigious 2024 Israel Prize, Israel’s highest civilian honor in the field of Solidarity, topping many other prestigious awards she has received.

The archive, she declared, will serve as a vital resource for research, education, and advocacy, ensuring that the stories of those impacted are preserved, recognized, and remembered for generations to come. “We will bear witness! The murders weren’t random but carried out systematically to create the most vicious effects,” she said.

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will face mounting pressure from his caucus this week to step down from the leadership of the Liberal party. A group of backbench MPs, primarily from Atlantic Canada and southwestern Ontario, are in discussions to formally release an ask for the prime minister to consider the future of the Liberal party in making a decision about whether to stay at the helm of it. Though MPs for months have lamented behind closed doors, and yes even to reporters, that they were resigned in their belief the prime minister was staying on, things changed this week during caucus Wednesday.

Continue Reading

Tagging: @newsfromstolenland

[mariacallous]

As Moldova hurtles toward critical elections on Sunday, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Malicious actors, bankrolled by foreign sources, are working to sway the country’s public. And their target? President Maia Sandu — fighting not only for reelection but for her country’s future as a European democracy.

 As Moldova’s first female president, Sandu’s candidacy has become ground zero for a flurry of gendered disinformation attacks, all designed to undermine her leadership and derail the nation’s EU membership referendum, which coincides with the election.

This is no ordinary election. It’s an all-out assault on Moldova’s sovereignty, and at the heart of the battle lies one simple truth: Whoever controls the narrative determines Moldova’s future.

In a crowded field of 10 candidates, Sandu’s still expected to win the first round, despite being buffeted by efforts to weaken and discredit her and the women serving in her administration. These attacks are gendered, insidious and relentless, looking to exploit traditional gender norms in a country where 97 percent of the population believes women should be “cherished and protected by men.”

But this isn’t about traditional values — it’s about manipulating them to maintain Russia’s grip on Moldova.

Disinformation targeting female leaders isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s a democracy issue; it’s a human rights issue; and in the digital age, it’s also a matter of national security. These weaponized lies are meant to fracture the foundations of participatory governance and erode trust in democracy.

Our organization, #ShePersisted, has been tracking these toxic trends since 2022, identifying common gendered narratives aimed at women in politics across major digital platforms in countries like Italy, Hungary and Ukraine. Now, it’s Moldova that’s become the latest battleground in Russia’s destabilization playbook.

The parallels to the U.S. are striking here. Much like Vice President Kamala Harris, who has similarly been the target of disinformation campaigns, Sandu’s candidacy has been a lightning rod for misogyny cloaked in political rhetoric. And just as we’ve seen false claims about Harris’s identity and qualifications, Moldova’s social media platforms are awash with deepfake videos and conspiracy theories aimed at the sitting president.

Both women have dealt with an onslaught of digital attacks designed to weaken the public’s trust in their leadership — attacks that are gendered, racist and xenophobic — and it’s no accident these narratives spread so easily. Social media algorithms reward the most divisive content. For the Kremlin, manipulating online discourse by gaming algorithms is as easy as shooting fish in a barrel, all thanks to the oligarchs of tech that foster this environment, where digital distortions flourish in the name of keeping users hooked and advertisers paying.

In Moldova in particular, the malign actors are explicitly pro-Russian, using inauthentic and coordinated behavior to seed and amplify their attacks. And the campaigns are part of a broader strategy to destabilize the country, oust pro-European Sandu and drag Moldova back into Russia’s orbit.

The Kremlin’s use of deepfakes and false narratives — claiming Ukrainian F-16s will soon land on Moldovan soil and fabricating stories about compulsory EU-mandated “sexual education” — mirrors the chaos it tried to sow in the 2016 U.S. election. Its methods, however, have become more sophisticated. According to a joint statement by the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., Russia is now actively using “disinformation, criminal and covert activities, and corruption to undermine sovereignty and democratic processes” in the upcoming Moldovan elections.

Despite the red alert, though, it’s still largely U.S.-based digital media companies that are acting as modern-day conflict profiteers.

Earlier this year, #ShePersisted combined social listening with forensic data analytics to understand the toxicity directed at women leaders in Moldova. The results? A chilling glimpse into the future of global disinformation campaigns.

From deepfakes of Sandu resigning while wearing a hijab to offers of bribes for voters to reject Moldova’s EU integration, the manipulation is as multifaceted as it is dangerous.

In one case, exiled oligarch and opposition leader Ilan Shor — widely seen as “Moscow’s man in Moldova” — used Facebook to run hundreds of ads that were viewed 155 million times. And the fact that he could do this while not, in fact, being in Moldova is a testament to the power online infrastructure afforded him, as Meta has repeatedly failed to track and remove these coordinated campaigns.

But the threats aren’t confined to political manipulation. Human traffickers and scam artists are leveraging these same platforms to victimize Moldovans too. In a country where 80 percent of the population is deeply concerned about human trafficking, social media platforms have become the primary tool for traffickers, targeting vulnerable women and girls.

And what has Meta done? Almost nothing. Regardless of clear abuse, social media giants continue to prioritize profits over safety, allowing both gendered disinformation and criminal exploitation to thrive.

For Moldova, the road ahead is now fraught with peril— it’s a path the U.S. knows all too well. And as Sandu prepares for a tight election, the parallels between the challenges faced by women leaders worldwide are impossible to ignore.

Whether it’s Harris or Sandu, gendered disinformation is among the most powerful tools bad actors use to erode democratic progress around the world today. And if social media platforms don’t step up to enforce their own rules — removing posts inciting violence, disabling accounts that spread gendered falsehoods and curtailing the amplification of disinformation — they’ll continue to be complicit in corrosion of democracy.

Moldova’s election isn’t just a fight for one woman’s political future, it’s a fight for the future of democracy itself. Like any good fight, it requires action — in this case, both online and off. And if we fail to address the weaponization of gendered disinformation now, the next battlefield could be much nearer to home.

[warrioreowynofrohan]

Books That Make You the Writer You Are

Thanks for the tag, @melestasflight!

I’m not sure how to answer this because I’m not used to thinking of myself as a writer! I never wrote fanfic or fiction of any kind until I fell into the Silm fandom in 2019 (like, I’d read the Silm many times before then, but I hasn’t discovered the online fandom), so I’m not really sure where it came from!

I’d have to say three big ones are 1) all of Tolkien’s works, especially The Silmarillion itself; 2) Jane Eyre; and 3) Les Misérables. All three are books that I reread regularly, and all three are ones thatI love for the combination of their prose, their themes, and their characters. A fourth is, honestly, The Bible, both in its themes and message and how The Silmarillion and Tolkien’s entire world is embedded in them, as well the effect of some of the writing (the Doom of Mandos feels like it could be from one of the prophets like Jeremiah).

Often the thing that will get me writing again if I’ve been stalled for a while is reading good prose. While I wouldn‘t say any of the following have necessarily made direct, specific impacts on my writing, some of my favourite books with great prose are Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, Piranesi by Susanna Clarke, The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, and parts of The Once and Future King by T.H. White. And in terms of poetry, the epic poetry of Sir Walter Scott (Marmion, The Lady of the Lake, The Lay of the Last Minstrel, Rokeby) has inspirational cadences, word choices, and images, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnets from the Portuguese has leant many vibes (not to mention a title) to my sole completed longfic, The Ashes at Thy Feet.

Though it’s less relevant to my fanfiction writing, I also love well-written non-fiction, so I’m just going to give a shout-out to some good ones. I wish we could recapture the old belles lettres style of historical writing that was meant to be beautiful rather than just informative, and combine it with the present day’s greater (in some cases) historical accuracy and rigour. Some of the better ones the present day has to offer are James McPherson’s Battle Cry of Freedom, on the American Civil War; Margaret MacMillan’s Paris 1919, on the negotiations at the end of the First World War and how they have shaped the modern world; Pierre Berton, Canada’s historian (the two best of his that I’ve read are Klondike, a great tale of the personalities and upheavals of the Klondike Gold Rush, and The Great Depression, an impassioned accounting of the failures and brutalities of governments – and the travails and achievements of regular people – in 1930s Canada; the latter will also give you an appreciation of FDR by showing a parallel case of a country that was in similar circumstances but lacked creative leadership); and pretty much anything by Ta-Nehisi Coates. For one piece of older writing, if you haven’t read Ulysses S. Grant’s Personal Memoirs, and you’re even slightly interested in the American Civil War, it’s a treat.

[whencyclopedia]

Embattled Nation: Canada's Wartime Election of 1917

In the midst of one of the most turbulent periods in Canada’s history, Patrice Dutil and David Mackenzie delve into what they deem as the most significant and tumultuous elections since confederation. Their work, 'Embattled Nation: Canada’s Wartime Election of 1917 ', meticulously explores the 1917 election between Conservative leader Sir Robert Borden and the Liberal opposition of Sir Wilfred Laurier.  

Patrice Dutil and David MacKenzie provide a detailed and well-researched account of Canada's political and social landscape during World War I, focusing on the 1917 election and the issue of conscription. The book is commendable for its extensive use of evidence and meticulous documentation of events, offering readers a thorough understanding of the period's complexities. Their use of diary entries and personal accounts from Borden, Laurier, and those around them gives a sense of authenticity to the events being described. The book also provides a thorough context for the period with extensive maps, statistics, election information, and statistics of the war effort that effectively paint the scene of 1917. Finally, this book helpfully contextualizes the existing linguistic and cultural divides between French and English Canada which would aid readers greatly in future discussions.

However, despite its solid evidentiary foundation, the book falls short in convincingly arguing that the 1917 election was the most contentious in Canadian history and that it nearly saw the collapse of the confederation. The authors emphasize the deep divisions between English and French Canadians and describe how conscription became a central and divisive issue. Yet, they also acknowledge that there was majority support for the Union government and conscription, which complicates their argument about the election nearly breaking up the country.

Portraying the election as a moment that almost led to the dissolution of Canada seems somewhat overstated. While the authors provide ample evidence of French-Canadian opposition and the resulting social unrest, they do not fully reconcile this with the broader national support for the Union government and the conscription policy. This oversight weakens their central thesis about the election's unparalleled contentiousness. While it is true that perhaps this election did deepen the divide between French and English Canada, it did not do so to the extent to which one could say that the country was near collapse, at least not with the way this book presented its evidence.

While it is true, by the provided evidence, that much of French Canada vehemently opposed conscription, they did not oppose the country as a whole, with a referendum to succeed, having only marginal support and never actually making it to a vote on the Quebec parliamentary floor. There were indeed protests and riots during the time. Still, they were fed by feelings of alienation and betrayal by the Borden government, not the Confederation, with Laurie receiving much support from French Canada. It is accurate to say that both the Liberal and Conservative governments were almost torn apart, yet, in the end, both parties survived relatively unscathed under the united leadership of Laurier and Borden, respectively.

Patrice Dutil is a Professor in Toronto Metropolitan University's Politics and Public Administration Department while David Mackenzie is a Professor in the university's History Department. Overall, Embattled Nation is a valuable resource for understanding the political dynamics of wartime Canada and the cultural rift between English and French Canadians. It provides an often unexplored context to the First World War in Canada, giving insight into the French-English divide, one of Canada's most prevailing conflicts. To understand the impacts of the First World War on Canada, one must first understand how the war impacted the home front. However, its assertion that the 1917 election was the most divisive in Canadian history could have been more convincingly articulated, given the authors' admissions of widespread support for the Union government and conscription from a majority part of the Country. Perhaps refining the thesis to focus more on the French-English connection rather than the election itself with an increased focus on the protests and riots would make for an overall more convincing argument. Meanwhile, it is accurate to say that the 1917 election was pushed by issues surrounding conscription; the election itself was fairly unanimous thanks to the political maneuvering by the Borden government. With more focus on those aspects and a closer examination of the reactions to said maneuverings, the argument that this period in Canadian history was the most tumultuous becomes more evident and more convincing.

Continue reading...

[fastenoffyal]

"Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future"

December 3 is the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. This day promotes an understanding of disability issues, and mobilizes support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of people with disabilities. We're big into this kind of support - it's one of the principles (perhaps the most crucial principle!) upon which our event was founded. Accessibility - true accessibility - is so much more than wheelchair ramps and alt text on webpage images. We encourage everybody to learn more. To that end, we're highlighting some terrific relevant resources, including resources related to the fibre arts, and some links to help you search for makers with disabilities.

The UN's webpage on the IDPD

Accessibility resources from Accessibility Services Canada (tons of great resources linked to from here)

W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0

Accessibility & inclusivity articles from Digits & Threads

Why accessibility is important in the crafting world

Accessibility resources from experts and PWD

Return on Disability's 2024 annual report

FOYAL 2024 participating designers with disabilities

Yarn Database's designer search (you can filter for designers with disabilities)

[persistresist]

Left and Center-Left Politics

Welcome back to Persist and Resist! This is the blog where I try to make sense of what is happening in America and the world around me. Our last post took a look at far-left governments, and we found that Democrats in America do not really resemble the anarchist or communist governments of the radical left.

The “far-left radicals” in America align more with liberal left and more moderate, center-left politics.

Left and Center-Left Politics

Progressivism

A strong example of a progressive government is New Zealand under Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern from 2017-2023.

Ardern’s leadership focused on social justice, environmental sustainability, and inclusive leadership. They prioritized science-based policies, community welfare, and strong public healthcare.

Democratic Socialism

Norway is a prominent example of democratic socialism which combines capitalism with strong government involvement to ensure workers’ rights and economic equality.

Democratic socialists want universal healthcare for all, free education, and strong labor rights. Notice this is different from the socialism found in Venezuela in the early 2000s. Democratic socialist countries rank among the top countries for quality of life and happiness.

Modern Liberalism

Canada under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reflects a modern liberal government.

Modern liberals want a capitalist, free-market economy with government regulation to prevent abuse. They emphasize civil rights, universal healthcare, and climate action. Modern Liberal countries also rank high in quality of life.

While Republicans might think that they see a lot of similarities between Democrats and real far-left governments, the only true similarities I can see are that the American left does want to think of the collective, or community, first rather than the individual or the corporation being first. They don’t want collective ownership of land or businesses, and they don’t want a classless, stateless society like you might find in a communist country.

Democrats still support a capitalist economy, but they want to ensure that workers are treated fairly. They emphasize taking care of our planet and our people for future generations.

So why do you think Republicans oppose these ideologies?

[canuck-off]

Ontario Election 2025 Masterpost!

Alright Ontarians, we got our SNAP provincial election coming up on February 27, 2025

In the 2022 Provincial Election, only 44% OF THE VOTING POPULATION VOTED!!! Let’s NOT have those same numbers again, ok?!?! (Those are rookie numbers, you gotta bump them numbers up!!)

Elections Ontario is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know, from registering to vote, to where you’ll go to vote!

Here is the link to check your registration to vote. I voted in 2022, got my $200 cheque a week ago, and STILL wasn’t on the list! Granted, I moved but my partner was still on the list, but I wasn’t!! DEFINITELY CHECK, EVEN IF YOU VOTED IN THE LAST ELECTION!!

You can also sign up to vote by mail… you don’t even need to leave your house! You just need to register by the date, and send your ballot in before the deadline.

For those who are undecided, need to do some research, here’s the websites for all the major political parties running in the election:

That’s it, HAPPY VOTING!!

[toffee-and-tandoori]

hiii! if you want to: 3, 15 & 16 for the 2024 season asks <3

for the f1 2024 season asks! feel free to ask me more questions <3

hello caitlin my beloved - thank you for the questions!

before i get started i still have the pierresteban pseudo-ficlet we were discussing in my drafts that i will eventually get back to...i've just had this wicked combination of busy with real-word responsibilities and lacking motivation with alpine's fuckass treatment of esteban. only alpine could somehow luck into one of the most wholesome moments of the season and then fuck it up :(

anyways without further ado here are my answers!

3. funniest thing that happened this year.

i know i'm forgetting a ton of hilarious moments from this season but off the top of my head i have to go with george steven bradburying his way to the win in austria. that was truly some slapstick comedy and not only did we get a classic russelism on the radio, it exposed two of my greatest on-the-grid enemies for...subpar racecraft let's say...

15. a prediction for next year.

this may be wishful thinking on my part but i predict that all of the rookies (or novices in the case of ollie and liam) will score points next year!

16. what you're most excited to see next year.

i SHOULD be most excited for lewis and charles at ferrari together next year. and to be clear i can't wait for them to be teammates and hopefully crush the competition. but as someone who is both a chirlie and a...lewirlie (???) i am also TERRIFIED of the inevitable pitting of two bad bitches against each other :(

but luckily for me i have haasteban era to look forward to <3. and all of the snippets we've been lucky to receive so far just make me more and more excited! laura mueller supremacy (seriously though the first female race engineer in f1 history!!!). esteban looking hot af in the haas gear. esteban...being treated like a human being? having competent leadership? a car that doesn't completely suck? what novel concepts! esteban taking ollie under his wing (like 2021 estenando). future chesteban interactions through shared custody of ollie???

a part of me will miss pierresteban teammates era but honestly i think it's for the best for it to end on the insane high of the brazil double podium. those two have been pitted against each other from their earliest karting days by SO MANY FORCES because of all the similarities they share and clearly alpine doesn't know how to handle...well anything. we would've had more incidents like australia 2023, suzuka 2023, monaco 2024, canada 2024, austria 2024 etc. and i just know it wouldn't have ended well. to paraphrase casablanca...at least we'll always have são paulo <3.

[head-post]

UK voters prioritise relations with Europe over US

Voters believe the UK should prioritise relations with Europe over the US, a poll has revealed.

Some 44% of people believe the UK’s economic future lies with its immediate neighbours in the EU, compared to 19% who think the government should prioritise ties with the US, a YouGov poll commissioned by Best For Britain has revealed.

The poll, which polled more than 4,300 people, was conducted between 25 and 27 November, as President-elect Donald Trump looks set to raise trade tariffs on goods imported into the US. He has already raised the threat of tariffs with his closest neighbours, Canada and Mexico, in an attempt to curb migration, and has also imposed new duties on Chinese goods.

The blow to the previous government’s Global Britain strategy, which aimed to expand Britain’s trading partners to fast-growing economies around the world, has caused voters to view these countries unfavourably.

China, India, Saudi Arabia and Brazil all received 12 per cent or lower confidence scores from respondents.

Voters who previously supported the Tories but switched to Labour in the summer were among those who backed closer ties with Europe, suggesting the government can be confident it will not split its electoral coalition by prioritising trade with the bloc. Some 160 people surveyed were part of this group of voters.

Although polls show that the public favours closer ties with Europe over the US, Sir Keir Starmer has rejected suggestions that Britain should make that choice, recently calling them “simply wrong.” The Prime Minister sought to lay the groundwork for a warm relationship with the Trump administration by meeting the president-elect in New York in September.

Since coming to power, he has also tried to repair Britain’s relations with European countries, meeting leaders from across the continent during his five months as prime minister.

A test of whether his strategy will bear fruit will be the renegotiation of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement – the bedrock of UK-EU relations after Brexit – in 2026.

The influential commission, made up of MPs and business leaders, which made recommendations on the UK-EU relationship after Brexit, will reconvene. The UK Trade and Business Commission will sit under the new leadership of Labour MP Andrew Lewin.

Read more HERE

[nora-durst]

A list of national grassroots feminist organizations that are going to be looking for membership right now:

Young Feminist Party (formerly known as Generation Ratify): founders of the #ERANow movement, a student-run organization trying to get the Equal Rights Amendment finally published to enshrine the rights of women and gender expansive folks in the Constitution. I know personally that they are going full throttle ahead in the next couple of months to try and get Biden to do this before Trump takes office as our surest bet to protect trans and abortion rights. Most of their membership is based on the East Coast but they are a national organization that anyone can join from anywhere.

The Feminist Front: an organization of youth 15-35 advocating for feminism that fights back (hence the name “front”). They organize around reproductive rights, protecting trans youth, prison abolition, combatting disinformation in immigrant communities, and Palestinian freedom. They work closely with the Young Feminist Party. Their leadership is located in LA and NY but they are a national organization that anyone from anywhere can join and they are eager to expand to more local chapters.

Palestinian Feminist Collective: an intergenerational body of Palestinian and Arab feminists that centers the Palestinian struggle for social and political liberation through anti-colonialism. Their current project is the Palestinian Feminist Futures Calendar & Program, where they created a calendar of Palestinian feminist art and have a monthly Zoom event centered around the activist principles of each art piece.

Black Feminist Future: a political hub of Black feminists focused on galvanizing and harnessing the social and political power of Black women and gender-expansive folks. They are focused on developing Black feminist leaders, disrupting the culture of misogynoir, and improving the material conditions for Black women, girls, and gender-oppressed people. They host town halls, raise funds for Black reproductive justice organizations, conduct labs and trainings, work to get out the vote for Black feminist candidates, and organize in-person socials for Black feminists to meet and build organizing power. They are mostly based in the Southern United States but you can join from anywhere.

Af3irm: An organization of women engaged in transnational feminist, anti-imperialist activism and dedicated to the fight against oppression in all its forms through militant movement-building and grassroots organizing in the United States. They have local chapters in LA, San Diego, Hawai’i, Boston, and New York/New Jersey.

Radical Women: a socialist feminist collective of cis women, trans women, and nonbinary people united by anti-capitalist feminist ideals engaged in multi-issue organizing for social and economic justice. They are a national organization based in Seattle; they have national online meetings on the 4th Saturday of each month at 2pm PT/5pm ET. They also have an Australian chapter.

Gender Liberation Movement: a volunteer-run national collective centering bodily autonomy and self-determination in the face of gender-based sociopolitical threats; specifically, abortion and trans healthcare access. In September, they organized the first-ever Gender Liberation March and are currently organizing an action that will take place in Washington D.C. in December as the Supreme Court hears the case that is challenging Tennessee’s trans-affirming healthcare ban. I believe they are mostly located in NY but you can join from anywhere.

The Ruth Project: a youth advocacy organization fighting against gender discriminatory policies. Their big initiatives are fighting sexist school dress codes, protecting Title IX, and promoting sexual harassment education. They are a national organization with members all across the US; they also have initiatives in Canada and Europe.

UltraViolet: an intersectional community working for feminist cultural and political change. Right now they are focused on expanding and protecting reproductive healthcare, ending sexual assault and harassment (including SA in the cyber sphere and AI), and fighting back against sexism and disinformation in the media. They work through social media campaigns, online petitions, and by leveraging connections to influence and pressure journalists, executives, board members, elected officials, and celebrities to make decisions that improve the material conditions of women. They’re a national organization that can be joined from anywhere.

I also want to shout-out Rising Majority, which is actually a collective of organizations that several of the above organizations are a part of. They host lots of great Zoom and in-person events across the country where you can meet folks from the above orgs as well as other like-minded folks, and learn more about organizing in general. They are built around long-term strategies for the next 25 years to build a united front of progressives and leftists and bring more people into the movement.

Lastly, a few things:

This list is not exhaustive by any means! I will likely be reblogging this with additions in the coming days. I wanted to specifically list feminist orgs because that is the organizing space I am most familiar with; I also wanted to only list non-local organizations that the highest amount of people would be able to join. I will probably update this list at some point soon with more local feminist orgs.

Please reblog with your own additions if you have any!

Many of these organizations focus on different specific issues, have different org structures, and use different strategies; some may be a better fit for you or more in alignment with your specific beliefs than others, and that’s okay! We need all kinds of people utilizing all kinds of strategies to build out our power.

You don’t need to know the first thing about organizing to join these orgs! They need volunteers and people on the ground. They will train you and guide you and help you and will take whatever you might bring to the table, even if it’s just attending their monthly calls. They just want people who believe in their cause and are willing to stand with them.

If for whatever reason you can’t join them, donate to them! Many of these orgs are very small and need all the help they can get.

Now is the time to get off your phone, get involved, get organized. We are stronger together, in community.

Feel free to DM me with any questions!