23. The Future of Socialism in Canada w/ Jasmine Peardon

Mar 18, 2026

45:47

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Canada's proto-fascist scorecard is racking up big numbers. Jasmine Peardon — organizer, policy researcher, and New Democratic Party Socialist Caucus candidate for party president — joins me to discuss this critical turning point.

We look at Mark Carney's Davos speech as a case study in political dishonesty. We trace the NDP's founding compromise: born in 1961 as a merger with the anti-capitalist CCF, the party has always held its socialist roots at arms length.

Jasmine's out to change that. We discuss the presidential vote structure that stacks the deck against grassroots candidates, the Yves Engler vetting scandal, and the concept of movement capture — how progressive energy gets absorbed and neutralized by parties that want your vote but not your values or full-time organizing.

Also: the solidarity economy's double-tax problem: ordinary people paying twice for dignity while their taxes continue to fund war. Part two is on Patreon now.

Sources:

New Democratic Party (NDP)

Once upon a Waffle

Canada's economy lost 84,000 jobs in February, unemployment rate ticked up to 6.7%

The Military Wins and Public Programs Lose in Carney's Budget

Canada releases Budget 2025: Canada Strong

Budget 2025: A "historic moment" for the arms industry

White nationalist fight clubs pose risk for 'extreme violence,' warns government report

'Active clubs' are all over Canada. What are they?

White Nationalism in Canada: Organized, Emboldened, and Growing

RCMP charges military members allegedly plotting to form militia and seize land

How a White Nationalist Club Thought It Found Safe Haven in a Montreal Gym