audio by artist john bonnar

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Caregivers file suit against recruitment agency

October 6, 2009

| On Tuesday, caregivers and community allies announced a legal suit against a recruitment agency

2:04 minutes (1.89 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Nortel retirees rally for pension, benefits, severance pay protection

October 8, 2009

| Nortel retirees gathered at Queen's Park demanding the McGuinty government protect their pensions, benefits and severance pay if Nortel goes into bankruptcy.

9:10 minutes (8.4 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Workers rally in support of anti-scab legislation

October 9, 2009

| Ontario workers rallied Thursday in support of an NDP private members Bill 86, that would ban the use of scab labour during strike or lockout situations.

12:36 minutes (11.55 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Toronto's Gay Village remains vibrant

October 15, 2009

| A recent Toronto Star article implied Toronto's Gay Village is disappearing. On Thursday, I toured the area with Helen Rykens from The 519 Community Centre. She revealed a different story.

43:48 minutes (40.11 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

The 519 Community Centre serves diverse Toronto population

October 16, 2009

| In 1975, the 519 Community Centre opened its doors near Church and Wellesley. Thirty four years later, it still serves the local neighbourhood, integrating all communities, genders and sexualities.

32:08 minutes (29.43 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Sex trade workers challenge Canada's prostitution laws

October 18, 2009

| Sex workers began their lawsuit against the federal government last week to change the laws. Wendy Babcock, a former sex trade worker, explains why changes are necessary.

31:33 minutes (28.88 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Activists demand stop to climate change

October 25, 2009

| At a rally in Toronto on Saturday, the message was clear: Act now on climate change before it's too late.

11:33 minutes (10.58 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Students fight proposed cuts to Disability Studies program at U of T

November 3, 2009

| Equity Studies Student Union representative Isabel Lay talks about the campaign to fight the proposed cuts

12:23 minutes (11.33 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Toronto taxpayers stuck with 2015 Pan Am Games

November 10, 2009

| Oriel Varga, a spokesperson for No Games Toronto, says the city needs a deep investment in public services; not a gamble in a one-time mega sporting event.

11:23 minutes (10.43 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Unions unite to support 'Cadillac Fairview 61' workers

November 12, 2009

| Before a rally Thursday, NDP MPP Peter Tabuns and CUPE Ontario President shared their thoughts on the future of Canada's labour movement.

9:54 minutes (9.06 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Immigrant workers fight to unionize their workplace

November 19, 2009

| UFCW National Representative Kevin Shimmin speaks about alleged health and safety violations, unpaid wages and union busting tactics by Lincare Limited

10:54 minutes (9.98 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Toronto Tamils and supporters demand Sri Lanka open refugee camps

November 21, 2009

| Tamil Canadian Krisna Saravanamuttu, Liberal MP Bob Rae and NDP leader Jack Layton share their thoughts on the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka.

14:04 minutes (12.89 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Frontline worker must move to Scarborough in December

November 23, 2009

| When Gaetan Heroux relocates to Scarborough in early December, his employer said none of the ID clinics will be affected. Heroux disagrees.

15:05 minutes (13.81 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Community groups rally in support of immigrant and migrant workers

December 2, 2009

| At a rally Wednesday, Chris Ramsaroop, Sima Zerehi, Sonia Singh, and Sid Ryan shared their thoughts on Canada's immigration system.

25:35 minutes (23.43 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Climate activists 'noise swarm' Toronto's financial district

December 15, 2009

| Climate activists made noise in Toronto's financial district Monday as part of a global day against the Canadian Tar Sands.

44:58 minutes (41.18 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Community rallies for Street Health workers

December 16, 2009

| For over a year and a half Street Health workers have been fighting for a first collective agreement. On Christmas Eve, they could be locked out.

18:46 minutes (17.19 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Homeless with 'flu-like symptoms' turned away from Toronto shelters

December 24, 2009

| DAMN 2025, a direct action cross-disability coalition, claims homeless shelters are turning away people suspected of having the flu.

29:05 minutes (26.64 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Cathy Crowe named NDP candidate in Toronto Centre by-election

January 19, 2010

| Listen to an interview with Cathy Crowe as she shares her thoughts on the upcoming by-election

17:33 minutes (16.08 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Animal rights activists demand protection for world's whales and dolphins

January 19, 2010

| Animal rights activist and long time Sea Shepherd Conservation Society supporter and volunteer Jules Kaiss explains why it is so important to stop the dolphin and whale hunt in Japan.

50:50 minutes (46.55 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Thousands rally in Toronto 'Canadians against proroguing parliament' protest

January 24, 2010

| In an exclusive interview, journalist and political activist Judy Rebick shares her thoughts on Saturday's protest in Toronto

5:39 minutes (5.18 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

"Green Zone": War resister comments on new Iraq War action film

March 18, 2010

| War resister Chuck Wiley shares his thoughts on the Green Zone, a new Iraq war action film.

20:43 minutes (18.96 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

U of T Scarborough students vote 'yes' to subsidize Pan Am Games facility

March 23, 2010

| "The proponents of a yes-side misinformed students stressing, ‘Vote No and Lose It All'," said Joeita Gupta, VP External of the Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students and Student Governor.

33:17 minutes (30.48 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

East Downtown Toronto organizes to defend neighbourhood services

March 27, 2010

| Gaetan Heroux of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty says the loss of shelters, drop-ins and cheap rooming houses is having a devastating impact on poor people.

14:01 minutes (12.84 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Well-known Torontonians try to survive on emergency food bank hampers

March 31, 2010

| On April 6, ten high-profile Torontonians (and their families, if they're joining them) will pick up a standard food bank hamper at The Stop and live off the contents for as long as they can.

15:08 minutes (13.87 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Coalition celebrates Ontario minimum wage increase to $10.25 an hour

April 1, 2010

| Co-chair Tam Goossen says raising minimum wage isn't the only answer for those having a hard time making ends meet. She says affordable housing and child care need to be considered too.

23:43 minutes (21.72 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

New report says mercury poisoning still a health problem for Grassy Narrows residents

April 7, 2010

| Maude Barlow said the crisis extends beyond Grassy Narrows and accused the federal government of continuing to make the situation worse for all First Nations communities.

5:49 minutes (5.33 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Group rallies against healthcare cuts in Ontario

April 7, 2010

| Ontario Health Coalition director Natalie Mehra told Rabble that major cuts to services will continue as long as a significant gap remains between hospital funding rates and inflation.

6:06 minutes (5.59 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Students rally to fight hunger in Ontario

April 16, 2010

| Fifty-five grade seven and eight students from City View Alternative Senior School in Toronto joined a rally and march Thursday for an increase to social assistance rates.

3:55 minutes (3.59 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Families on social assistance rally against claw-back of Ontario Child Benefit

April 27, 2010

| A single parent on the Ontario Disability Support Plan with a teenager only receives $1 more per month than in 2008.

12:48 minutes (11.73 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Newcomers to Canada face all kinds of discrimination

May 2, 2010

| At Saturday’s 5th Annual No One Is Illegal! May Day of Action, Nanky Rai said there’s a huge difference between what immigrants are told about life in Canada and what they actually experience.

32:41 minutes (29.93 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

New report examines the impact of relocating ID Services out of the Dundas-Sherbourne neighbourhood

May 13, 2010

| Moving ID worker Gaetan Heroux out of Street Health was done because he spoke out in favor of the CUPE unionization drive, three long-time Toronto activists concluded in a report released Wednesday.

12:00 minutes (11 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Coalition opposes Quebec's proposed Bill 94

May 18, 2010

| If passed, Bill 94 would deny access to essential government services to people who wear facial coverings.

46:04 minutes (42.17 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Toronto-based organizations collaborate for world change during G8/G20 meetings

May 21, 2010

| The Toronto Community Mobilization Network (TCMN) held a press conference Thursday to discuss key issues and how the G8/G20 leaders' decisions will affect their communities.

66:08 minutes (60.56 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

No 'Israeli Apartheid' in Parade, says Pride Toronto

May 25, 2010

| The use of 'Israeli Apartheid' will not be allowed in the Parade, Pride Toronto said Tuesday at a press conference outside their office.

49:26 minutes (45.26 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

CAIA opposes McGuinty trade mission to Israel

May 28, 2010

| Jenny Peto, an organizer with the Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid (CAIA), says that Ontario should honour the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign by cutting their ties with Israel.

8:48 minutes (8.06 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Charter challenge could force governments to produce a national housing strategy

May 27, 2010

| Five underhoused and homeless Ontarians have launched a charter challenge against the provincial and federal governments.

7:10 minutes (6.57 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Shut down Ontario coal plants now, says Clean Air Alliance

May 30, 2010

| “We have so much excess electrical capacity online that we don't need to be burning coal any more," says Angela Bischoff, Outreach Director, Ontario Clean Air Alliance.

6:51 minutes (6.28 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Cyclists union debuts Toronto bike service stations

May 30, 2010

| Starting next week, Canada’s first movable bike service stations will be operating throughout the city.

4:09 minutes (3.8 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

ATSA artists urge drivers to think about what it means to drive alone

May 30, 2010

| ATSA produced 500 "Still Alone in Your Car" signs, which cyclists can pick up at no charge at the Toronto Free Gallery from June 3 to July 24 while they last.

2:25 minutes (2.22 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Humanitarian aid convoy attacked by Israeli military: Toronto protests

June 1, 2010

| Amy Gottlieb with Independent Jewish Voices says it’s time to end the siege on Gaza and let international aid activists bring humanitarian assistance to the people of that region.

8:58 minutes (8.22 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Alan Hart: On Palestine and Israel

June 6, 2010

| In his book, Zionism: The Real Enemy of the Jews, he says the western world has been conditioned to believe Zionism’s version of history, which is “a tissue of propaganda lies from beginning to end.”

37:38 minutes (34.46 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Environmental and climate justice activists hold G8/G20 leaders to account for climate chaos

June 24, 2010

| Environmental, climate and mining justice activists took to the streets Wednesday to expose the environmental and social impacts of Canadian extractive industries at home and abroad.

29:15 minutes (26.79 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Activists cry out for G8/G20 leaders to tackle AIDS crisis

June 23, 2010

| AIDS activists called on G8 and G20 leaders Tuesday to take decisive action during their upcoming summits in Toronto to help overcome HIV/AIDS both in Canada and in developing countries.

45:43 minutes (41.85 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Community organizations challenge G8/G20 policies

June 26, 2010

| Toronto communities took to the streets Friday in a massive demonstration against G8/G20 policies.

20:00 minutes (18.32 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Student Christian Movement to hold G20 non-violent prayer vigil

June 26, 2010

| The Student Christian Movement and friends will be holding a nonviolent, prayerful action, on Sunday, June 27 at 2 p.m.

15:22 minutes (14.08 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Indigenous leaders reject G8/G20 decision makers

June 25, 2010

| Indigenous leaders, activists and supporters took to the streets Thursday, celebrating self-determination and exposing Canadian colonialism locally and across Turtle Island.

35:47 minutes (32.77 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Coalition continues fight for free speech, gay rights

June 29, 2010

| The Pride Coalition for Free Speech held a community picnic in Cawthra Square Park on Sunday to celebrate free speech and commemorate the Stonewall riots.

23:21 minutes (21.39 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Toronto Street Medics provide care on the front lines during the G20

July 2, 2010

| Sarah Reaburn, a nurse and volunteer with the Toronto Street Medics, describes her experience on the streets of Toronto during the G20 protests.

30:00 minutes (27.47 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Support group helps activists deal with the emotional trauma of the G20 protests

July 7, 2010

| Sue Brown is one of the counselors helping people cope with the extreme violence and deplorable prison conditions they experienced during the G20 protests in Toronto.

19:14 minutes (17.61 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Amnesty International backs call for independent inquiry into the G20 security measures

July 11, 2010

| Shanaaz Gokool, the Chair of Amnesty International Canada, says what happened over the G20 weekend threatened the rights and freedoms of all Canadians.

7:07 minutes (6.51 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Judy Rebick: On Saturday's G20 arrests and detentions

June 28, 2010

| The author, writer and journalist argues that police arrested "the most important grassroots organizers in the province" on Saturday to try and discredit them.

2:38 minutes (2.41 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Ontario Federation of Labour supports call for G20 public inquiry

July 11, 2010

| “Harper and McGuinty should cut their losses and call this public inquiry,” said Sid Ryan at Saturday’s rally and march in Toronto.

3:10 minutes (2.91 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

G20 detainee shares his story

July 11, 2010

| Tommy Taylor was arrested and detained for almost 24 hours after being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time on Saturday during the G20 summit protests.

8:32 minutes (7.82 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Harper G20 agenda a direct attack on public sector workers, says Labour Council president

July 12, 2010

| Two weeks ago, more than 25,000 people marched in the streets of Toronto, opposing the influence Stephen Harper was hoping to exert over the other G20 leaders.

5:25 minutes (4.96 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Eleven arrested at OCAP Special Diet rally

July 27, 2010

| “The police immediately came in and handcuffed us,” said Marque Brill, of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty. “They didn’t ask us at all, as would be normal, to leave or we will be arrested.”

5:18 minutes (4.86 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Supporters rally for G20 arrestee Kelly Pflug-Back

July 27, 2010

| “Kelly is an amazing person, a good organizer and done a lot for the community,” said Julian Ichim, a friend and organizer with Sense of Security (S.O.S.).

2:50 minutes (2.59 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Ontario workers oppose changes to Employment Standards

August 6, 2010

| If passed, Bill 68 would force workers to fight for unpaid wages before filing a claim with the Ministry of Labour.

18:11 minutes (16.64 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Toronto Vegetarian Association hosts 26th annual Vegetarian Food Fair

September 3, 2010

| From September 10-12, thousands will gather at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre to enjoy products, presentations and cooking demonstrations.

14:30 minutes (13.27 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Five more names added to Homeless Memorial

September 15, 2010

| On the second Tuesday of every month, those who died of homelessness on the streets of Toronto are remembered at a memorial vigil outside the Church of the Holy Trinity.

19:15 minutes (17.62 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Nortel retirees want guaranteed pensions with inflation protection

September 16, 2010

| Nortel pensioners and supporters came to Queen’s Park on Wednesday to protect the handling of their pension funds by the Ontario government.

30:29 minutes (27.91 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

BikesandTransit.com connects cyclists with regional and municipal transit networks

September 18, 2010

| Website encourages bike and transit travel across Toronto, the GTA and the Golden Horseshoe.

32:02 minutes (29.32 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Concerned queers oppose police recruitment in their community

September 20, 2010

| On Saturday, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) hosted a one day symposium at the 519 Community Centre in Toronto to recruit queers to serve in the force.

35:21 minutes (32.37 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Community members demand Ontario Ministry of Labour protect migrant workers

September 25, 2010

| Justicia for Migrant Workers, an advocacy group that advances the rights of migrant workers, held a rally Friday to demand justice for two migrant workers killed at work.

53:37 minutes (49.1 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Greenpeace launches campaign to save Ontario's woodland caribou

October 8, 2010

| Greenpeace brought its caribou caravan and street theatre to Queen's Park Wednesday to demand that the McGuinty government keep its promise to save the threatened woodland caribou.

7:58 minutes (7.3 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Shut down the horse slaughterhouses now, say activists

October 5, 2010

| On Monday, October 4, a demonstration took place outside of the Beer Bistro on King Street East in Toronto as part of a nation wide protest to shut down the horse slaughterhouses in Canada.

17:20 minutes (15.87 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Amy Gottlieb's photo exhibit: FBI Family open November 5, 2011

November 2, 2010

| The show is called FBI Family and the photo-based images layer Toronto artist Amy Gottlieb’s family photos from the 1950s with her mother's FBI file.

33:57 minutes (31.09 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Hotel workers in midst of two week strike

October 31, 2010

| Over 500 members of UNITE HERE Local 75 started a two week strike last Wednesday at the Delta Chelsea hotel in downtown Toronto.

3:04 minutes (2.81 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Phyllis Bennis on Afghanistan, Iraq and Mideast Peace

November 1, 2010

| She offers her thoughts on what our governments stand to gain by “staying the course” in Afghanistan and whether Obama can make a difference in Mideast peace.

42:41 minutes (39.08 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Toronto Labour Council analyses municipal election results

November 11, 2010

| In a one-on-one interview, Labour Council President John Cartwright discusses the factors that led to Rob Ford's victory and the challenges facing labour over the next four years.

29:49 minutes (27.3 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Remembrance day for the homeless

November 11, 2010

| On the second Tuesday of every month, a homeless memorial vigil is held at the Church of the Holy Trinity located behind the Eaton Centre in Toronto.

19:52 minutes (18.19 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Canadian Peace Alliance opposes Canadian troops in Afghanistan beyond 2011

November 12, 2010

| The Canadian Peace Alliance, Canada's largest peace network, condemned the announcement that as many as 1000 Canadian soldiers will remain in Afghanistan beyond 2011.

15:40 minutes (14.35 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Sears warehouse employees locked out since April

November 11, 2010

| Fortunato Furtado was one of several members outside the Eaton Centre on Tuesday urging customers not to shop at Sears until the company returns to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair agreement.

6:48 minutes (6.22 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Proposed immigration bill criminalizes asylum seekers

November 21, 2010

| Abeer Majeed of No One is Illegal - Toronto says Bill C-49 violates international law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

8:07 minutes (7.43 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Canada extends the mission in Afghanistan - again

November 22, 2010

| "It's against a clear majority of Canadians and Afghans that want the occupation to end," says Peter Hogarth of the Toronto Coalition to Stop the War.

3:03 minutes (2.8 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

OCAP challenges the Rob Ford agenda

December 2, 2010

| As Rob Ford began his first day as the new mayor of Toronto, OCAP wasted no time in accusing him of embarking upon a Mike Harris agenda.

42:52 minutes (39.25 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

OPSEU tells McGuinty to cancel the corporate tax cuts

December 3, 2010

| “We’d like to see the money go back into government services that have formerly been slashed,” says Nancy Pridham, OPSEU Executive Board Member.

9:42 minutes (8.89 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Ontario's long term affordable housing strategy falls short of expectations

December 15, 2010

| "It's called Building Foundations: Building Futures but there's not a single cent in here to build new affordable housing," says Yutaka Dirks of the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario.

17:51 minutes (16.34 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Toronto People's Assembly on Climate Justice develops a local response to the global climate crisis

December 9, 2010

| Community organizers and neighbourhood participants gathered Saturday for the second Toronto People's Assembly on Climate Justice at Sidney Smith Hall on the University of Toronto campus.

15:47 minutes (14.45 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Psychiatric survivor says supportive housing saved her life

December 13, 2010

| “It took me a year to unpack because I kept thinking I was going to get an eviction notice,” says Dream Team member Linda Chamberlain, who has lived in supportive housing for the past 15 years.

8:55 minutes (8.17 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Low income Toronto residents still forced to rely on unsafe rooming houses

December 18, 2010

| “We are very disappointed to see the city councillors not addressing the needs for low income tenants,” says Regini David, a community worker with Scarborough Community Legal Services.

3:57 minutes (3.62 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Disability recipient forced to live in 'illegal' rooming houses

December 18, 2010

| Sritharan Kanamuthu came to Canada five years ago from Sri Lanka. He’s been living in 'illegal' rooming houses in Toronto for the past four years.

6:01 minutes (5.51 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Neighbourhood resident recalls the night of the Rupert Hotel fire

December 21, 2010

| Billy Bowe has attended all but one of the memorials for those who died in the Rupert Hotel fire 21 years ago.

9:17 minutes (8.5 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Groups demand free and accessible public transit in Toronto

December 21, 2010

| Members of DAMN 2025, OCAP, the Greater Toronto Workers’ Assembly and their supporters gathered Monday at Yonge and Bloor for a mass leafleting and rally for free and accessible transit.

25:27 minutes (23.31 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Canadians continue to push for U.S. Iraq War resisters to remain here

January 23, 2011

| James Loney is a member of Christian Peacemaker Teams and a former hostage in Iraq. He spoke at the Day of Action in suppor of U.S. Iraq War resisters on Saturday in Toronto.

18:40 minutes (17.1 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Harper government pushes back despite support for U.S. Iraq War resisters to remain in Canada

January 23, 2011

| Alyssa Manning is legal counsel to many U.S. Iraq War resisters seeking immigration status in Canada. She spoke at the Day of Action in support of U.S. Iraq War resisters on Saturday in Toronto.

15:51 minutes (14.52 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Hundreds protest in Toronto over Egypt's Mubarak

January 29, 2011

| Sid Lacombe of the Canadian Peace Alliance doesn’t believe the current regime in Egypt will ever make strides towards a democratic transition.

10:54 minutes (9.99 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

G20 activist Alex Hundert takes a plea bargain, still under strict bail conditions

February 1, 2011

| At a private press conference held Monday, for media only, Hundert explains why he signed a plea bargain with the Crown.

21:07 minutes (19.34 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Optimism quickly turning to fear, says Egypt rally organizer

January 30, 2011

| Ahmed Khalifa, who still has family in Egypt, co-organized today’s rally in Toronto. “The mood of optimism and hope is turning very, very quickly into a mood of fear,” he says.

6:25 minutes (5.89 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Faith-based organization supports Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation in the West Bank

February 13, 2011

| Esther Kern has been to the Palestinian city of Hebron/al-Khalil in the southern West Bank for the past three years as a member of three separate delegations with Christian Peacemaker Teams.

14:17 minutes (13.08 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Egypt regime change could break Israeli siege on Gaza

February 13, 2011

| Prominent Israeli activist Jeff Halper, co-founder and Director of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, spoke at press conference Friday in support of the Canadian Boat to Gaza.

46:27 minutes (42.54 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Locked out Steelworkers take their fight to Bay Street

February 15, 2011

| The Toronto and York District Labour Council organized a rally Monday outside the offices of the Bank of Nova Scotia and Brookfield Asset Management in Toronto.

26:49 minutes (24.56 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Library workers rally to stop the closure of the Urban Affairs Library

February 23, 2011

| In meetings beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 23, City Council will vote on the Budget Committee's recommendation to close the Urban Affairs Library at Metro Hall.

11:10 minutes (10.23 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Forum seeks an end to Canada’s housing crisis

February 25, 2011

| Over 100 people gathered for a forum Friday in Toronto looking for ways to end homelessness and increase the stock of affordable housing in Canada.

56:18 minutes (51.55 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Activists protest against Barrick Gold

April 28, 2011

| On Wednesday, over 100 activists protested against Barrick Gold outside the Metro Convention Centre, where Barrick Gold was holding its annual shareholders' meeting.

45:48 minutes (41.94 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Anti-psychiatry activists demand an end to electroshock therapy

May 8, 2011

| Supporters marched from College and Spadina to Queen's Park on Saturday in support of NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo's private member's bill to defund electroconvulsive/electroshock therapy in Ontario.

53:52 minutes (49.32 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Toronto's homeless death toll continues to climb

May 11, 2011

| Two more names were added at Tuesday's homeless memorial vigil outside the Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto.

15:54 minutes (14.56 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Queer artist fights deportation order

May 18, 2011

| Queer community advocate Alvaro Orozco continues to fight for his release from detention and a stay on his deportation proceedings until his Humanitarian and Compassionate application has been heard.

48:49 minutes (44.69 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

CUPE Ontario wants an end to poverty, more cash for public services

May 27, 2011

| Members of CUPE Ontario took a break from their convention on Thursday to send a message to the McGuinty Liberals.

27:20 minutes (25.03 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Canadian Boat to Gaza sets sail this spring

May 27, 2011

| The Canadian Boat for Gaza, a member of the Freedom Flotilla II, sets sail for the Gaza in June joining at least 10 boats representing nations from around the world.

57:00 minutes (52.18 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Lax employment standards forces workers to sue for unpaid wages, wrongful dismissal

May 31, 2011

| Two live-in caregivers have filed suits against their former employers to recover unpaid wages, overtime and other employment standards entitlements.

25:19 minutes (23.18 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Alvaro Orozco's deportation delayed until June 9

June 1, 2011

| Friends and supporters rallied outside the 519 Community Centre in Toronto to pressure the government to stay the deportation order and grant Orozco residency status.

13:51 minutes (12.68 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Injured workers face reduced benefits

June 2, 2011

| On Wednesday, injured workers came to Queen's Park to demand justice. As the economy improves, they said injured workers still face cuts to their medication expenses, retraining and compensation.

77:59 minutes (71.4 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Transitional housing supports for ex-prisoners can save taxpayers thousands of dollars

June 15, 2011

| Transitional housing and support can save an estimated $350,000 for a homeless ex-prisoner, according to a report launched Tuesday by the John Howard Society of Toronto.

53:19 minutes (48.82 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Lack of child-care spaces frustrates mothers

June 18, 2011

| Toronto mothers are frustrated with the lack of affordable, high-quality child care and with the failure, they say, of all levels of government to listen to the perspectives of mothers.

34:54 minutes (31.96 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

G20 Anniversary Panel: One year after the G20 summit protests in Toronto

June 27, 2011

| Students and community activists from Ottawa and Toronto recalled the way they were targeted as part of the largest mass arrests in Canadian history.

43:34 minutes (39.89 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

G20 Anniversary Panel (part 2): Reclaiming university campuses from the neoliberal agenda

June 28, 2011

| Students and community activists looked at how they have been organizing to reclaim their campuses from the neoliberal agenda of privatization and austerity.

62:11 minutes (56.94 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Groups call for free public transit on smog and heat alert days

July 7, 2011

| Those who can't afford the transit fares to get to and from the cooling centres are put at greater risk of sickness or death on days with high temperatures, humidity and smog.

51:21 minutes (47.01 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Community organizations determined to stop cuts to city services

July 10, 2011

| On Saturday, a mass outreach day was held in the Downtown East End by the Toronto Stop the Cuts Network to stop the proposed cuts and expand city services for all.

57:32 minutes (52.68 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Heat waves can be deadly for psychiatric survivors taking medications

July 23, 2011

| Much has been written about those at risk during heat waves. But few know how lethal high heat and humidity can be for psychiatric survivors taking certain medications.

56:44 minutes (51.95 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Raise the Rates solidarity barbecue feeds over 1200 people

July 25, 2011

| The barbecue was the first of a series in Ontario towns and a way to take forward the fight for the right to an income that lets people pay the rent, eat properly and live with dignity.

33:02 minutes (30.25 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

World Hepatitis Day raises awareness of hepatitis B and C

July 27, 2011

| On Thursday, July 28, World Hepatitis Day will be held in Dundas Square from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. to raise awareness of the diseases.

38:11 minutes (34.96 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Health-care professionals against electroshock form new speakers bureau

August 15, 2011

| Over the decades, many health-care professionals have spoken out against electroshock. But for the first time, an organization of professionals has been formed to expose this treatment.

26:59 minutes (24.72 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Health and safety concerns of corrections workers ignored by Ontario Ombudsman, says OPSEU

August 20, 2011

| OPSEU's Dan Sidsworth said the ombudsman's investigation must take into account a range of ancillary issues affecting conditions that correctional officers face each day.

43:48 minutes (40.1 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Occupy Toronto settles in St. James Park

October 16, 2011

| On Saturday, thousands gathered at King and Bay Streets in downtown Toronto for the beginning of the Occupy Toronto movement.

41:24 minutes (37.9 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto movement gains momentum

October 16, 2011

| On Sunday, several hundred people gathered in St. James Park to decide what to do in the upcoming days.

28:59 minutes (26.53 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto joins Anti-poverty and Good Jobs for All rally at Ryerson University

October 18, 2011

| Occupy Toronto marched from St. James Park to Ryerson University on Monday to join the Anti-poverty and Good Jobs for All rally.

57:37 minutes (52.76 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto Day 4

October 18, 2011

| Listen to part of Tuesday's General Assembly (held every day at noon in St. James Park) as well as interviews with a member of the Medic Team and an artist.

12:21 minutes (11.32 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto Day 5

October 19, 2011

| Listen to an exclusive interview with Niko Salassidis, a volunteer with Occupy Toronto, who shares his thoughts about the Occupy Toronto movement.

39:40 minutes (36.33 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto Day 7

October 21, 2011

| Listen to interviews with people visiting Occupy Toronto in St. James Park and residents of the Occupy Toronto community.

36:30 minutes (33.42 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Women have a right to free abortions, say pro-choice supporters

October 23, 2011

| At a rally Saturday afternoon, pro-choice supporters demanded that the Ontario government continue to fund abortions.

45:09 minutes (41.34 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto Day 10

October 24, 2011

| Listen to two interviews from Occupy Toronto residents who discuss some misrepresentations by a few media about the Occupy Toronto movement.

10:35 minutes (9.7 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto Day 11

October 25, 2011

| Listen to interviews with Occupy Toronto volunteers in Logistics, Media, Medic and Liason committees.

27:39 minutes (25.32 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto Day 17

October 31, 2011

| Occupy Toronto discusses winter survival techniques and how they plan to winterize their community structures to stay safe and warm over the next few months.

29:33 minutes (27.06 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto Day 18

November 1, 2011

| Occupy Toronto responds to local business criticism that the occupation is hurting their businesses, a Sanitation Committee volunteer, an update from the Action and Outreach committee and more.

33:48 minutes (30.96 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Peggy Nash enters NDP leadership race

November 2, 2011

| NDP leadership candidate Peggy Nash shares her thoughts on why she decided to enter the race, her priorities for Canada, how Jack Layton influenced her leadership style and more.

18:22 minutes (16.83 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto Day 19

November 2, 2011

| Listen to interviews with Women's Council, Hotspintv.com, Disability Accessibility committee, a response to Rob Ford's proposed plans for Occupy Toronto and more.

23:56 minutes (21.92 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto Day 24

November 7, 2011

| Listen to interviews with Darryl, a member of the Media Committee, and Antonin, who is a member of the Food Team and one of the police liaisons.

28:16 minutes (25.89 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Disabled resident faces many challenges at #Occupy Toronto

November 8, 2011

| Frank Hull, a resident of Occupy Toronto who has cerebral palsy, talks about the daily challenges he faces in the camp at St. James Park.

22:52 minutes (20.94 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto Day 25

November 8, 2011

| Sakura Saunders has lived at Occupy Toronto for the last week. Previously, she visited Occupy Wall Street and Occupy DC, before spending 10 days at Occupy London (U.K.).

11:45 minutes (10.77 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto Day 26

November 9, 2011

| Listen to interviews with Carly and Ian in the Art Shop/Sign department. Peter talks about the role of the Information Tent and plans to winterize Occupy Toronto and more.

30:40 minutes (28.08 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

#Occupy Toronto Day 28

November 11, 2011

| Listen to interviews with visitors and committee members on Day 28 of the Toronto Occupy movement at St. James Park.

48:46 minutes (44.66 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Former alleged G20 'conspirator' charged for refusing to obey a court order

December 14, 2011

| Three days after starting to blog about his experience at the G20 and with undercover infiltration, activist Julian Ichim was ordered by the OPP to remove a blog post.

15:46 minutes (14.45 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Charges dropped against farm where two Jamaican migrant workers died

January 13, 2012

| Justicia For Migrant Workers believes that this agreement is not a deterrent but instead sends the message that employers will go virtually unpunished for workplace violations.

23:22 minutes (21.4 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Toronto Stop the Cuts fights to retain city services

January 16, 2012

| A series of rolling actions are beginning at City Hall on Tuesday to stop the proposed $80 million in cuts to city services.

34:19 minutes (31.42 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

York Federation of Students protests 'flawed' Liberal tuition grant program

January 23, 2012

| Students are concerned that the Liberal tuition grant implemented this January excludes two-thirds of all students.

23:25 minutes (21.44 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Protesters celebrate 'marriage' between Minister of Natural Resources and Big Oil

January 28, 2012

| On Friday, protesters offered Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver a reception to celebrate his 'marriage' with Big Oil.

13:46 minutes (12.62 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Post-secondary students raise awareness of Toronto's affordable housing crisis

January 28, 2012

| Students representing the Habitat Toronto Campus Coalition occupied Gould Street at Bond Street for 24 hours, starting Friday at 7 a.m.

18:45 minutes (17.18 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Jane Goodall Institute asks Careerbuilder.com to stop using live chimpanzees in ads

February 4, 2012

| The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada is asking Canadians to sign a letter asking Careerbuilder.com to stop using live chimpanzees in its ads.

16:43 minutes (15.31 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Concerned citizens condemn alleged violence by Toronto police against homeless, marginalized people

February 4, 2012

| Thursday marked the first anniversary of Christopher William Gardian's death, early on the sixth day after an altercation with police in Toronto's 14 Division.

22:51 minutes (20.93 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Iranian pro-democracy activist wins the right to remain in Canada

February 5, 2012

| Listen to an interview with Kiomars Soofi, the brother of Kavoos Soofi, an Iranian pro-democracy activist who won a stay on his deportation.

15:32 minutes (14.22 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Groups opposed to the increased criminalization of HIV/AIDS

February 7, 2012

| On February 8, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear two landmark cases about HIV, sex and the criminal law. It is time to stop persecuting people living with HIV who have safe and consensual sex.

34:27 minutes (31.54 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Lack of safe operating procedures at new Toronto jail puts lives at risk, says OPSEU

February 7, 2012

| Correctional officers working at the new Toronto Intermittent Centre are warning that the lack of standard operating procedures at the jail will lead to serious injuries or deaths.

20:33 minutes (18.82 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Activists call for an end to the use of animals in research and education

February 8, 2012

| On February 8, a vigil will be held on the northwest corner of University and College Streets in Toronto to remember the animals trapped in the "dungeons" of the University of Toronto.

33:00 minutes (30.21 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

New campaign aims to make ecocide a crime

February 20, 2012

| In April 2010, international environmental lawyer Polly Higgins proposed to the United Nations a law of ecocide to be classed as an international law.

28:40 minutes (26.24 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

McGuinty's austerity agenda will do nothing to create jobs, says CUPE Ont. president

February 24, 2012

| Listen to an interview with CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn as he talks about the devastating effects cuts to public services and new user fees will have on average Ontarians.

24:40 minutes (22.58 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Gardeners collective plans network of community gardens to feed Toronto's hungry

February 28, 2012

| Inspired by the Occupy Movement, Occupy Gardens Toronto represents the next step in a stand against inequality, corporate corruption, greed and growing hunger.

12:47 minutes (11.72 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

KI Indigenous Nation tells mining company to stop prospecting for gold on their land

March 7, 2012

| At a rally on Tuesday, KI Indigenous Nation insisted God's Lake Resources Inc. stop prospecting for gold on sacred burial grounds in their homeland.

50:47 minutes (46.5 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

OPSEU builds movement to save Ontario Place

March 8, 2012

| On Wednesday, employees and friends of Ontario Place took their campaign to keep the waterfront park open to Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto.

16:57 minutes (15.53 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Community-based agency releases new documentary video to help keep sex trade workers safe

March 10, 2012

| The Safer Stroll project is based on a community capacity-building approach that addresses violence perpetrated against women who work in the context of "street level" sex work.

50:04 minutes (45.85 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

NDP Leadership Convention interviews: Ian Capstick, Sid Ryan and Kathleen Monk

March 24, 2012

| Listen to interviews with Ian Capstick, Sid Ryan and Kathleen Monk on Friday at the NDP Leadership Convention in Toronto.

14:10 minutes (12.98 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Refugee and immigrant rights activists occupy Conservative MP constituency offices

April 5, 2012

| On Wednesday afternoon, refugee and immigrant rights activists occupied five Conservative MP constituency offices to oppose Bill C-31.

9:37 minutes (8.81 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Community rallies to keep harm reduction focused men's shelter open in Toronto

April 14, 2012

| The City of Toronto is planning to close the School House shelter before the end of the year.

35:58 minutes (32.93 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

CAW outlines new proposals to revitalize Canadian auto industry

April 17, 2012

| At a press conference Monday morning, the CAW called on federal and provincial governments to implement new policies that would support and strengthen the Canadian auto industry.

52:46 minutes (48.31 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

CAW demands severance pay for laid off workers

April 23, 2012

| On Monday morning, over 100 CAW members rallied outside the offices of Catalyst Capital in Toronto, demanding severance pay for 40 laid off Snowbear workers.

24:51 minutes (22.76 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Egyptian refugee Mohammad Mahjoub seeks an end to proceedings against him

April 25, 2012

| Mr. Mahjoub has been detained without charge under a "security certificate" since June 2000. He wants his case thrown out after government officials seized documents belonging to his lawyers.

14:08 minutes (12.95 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Angela Bischoff: Dangers of nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons proliferation

April 25, 2012

| Angela Bischoff from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance speaks about the connection between nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons proliferation and Ontario's plans to build new nuclear projects.

51:40 minutes (47.3 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

National Day of Mourning honours fallen workers

April 28, 2012

| Over 100 people gathered Friday afternoon at the Chinese Railway Workers Monument in Toronto to pay tribute to workers killed, suffered disease or injury on the job.

53:02 minutes (48.57 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Protesters rally outside Barrick Gold shareholders' meeting

May 3, 2012

| Protesters gathered in Simcoe Park across from the Metro Convention Centre in Toronto to oppose Barrick's mining activities in foreign countries.

56:25 minutes (51.66 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Yinka Dene Alliance Freedom Train arrives in Toronto

May 10, 2012

| Several hundred protesters marched from Metro Hall to Le Meridien King Edward Hotel on King Street where Enbridge was holding its Annual Shareholders Meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

89:03 minutes (81.54 MB)

John Bonnar Audio Blog

Refugee and Immigrant rights groups demand Bill C-31 be scrapped

May 17, 2012

| Members of No One is Illegal Toronto and Occupy Toronto protested outside Conservative MP Joe Oliver’s office on Wednesday morning, demanding that the Conservatives cancel Bill C-31.

16:07 minutes (14.76 MB)