We’re almost ready to say goodbye to 2024 and usher in a new year. Before we do, however, let’s review some of the biggest news stories of this year.
Our columnists kept us up-to-date this year on Canadian agricultural news, Indigenous issues, labour and environmental fights and much more. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Cathy Crowe – Is Finland’s Housing First really the miracle cure for Canada?
In this piece, Cathy Crowe criticizes Canada’s reliance on the Housing First model, arguing that it has failed to address homelessness and housing issues over the past 20 years, while advocating for a return to a robust national housing program. Crowe highlights Finland’s success in combining Housing First with affordable, mixed-income housing and a strong social safety net, and calls for Canada to prioritize building inclusive, supportive housing for all.
Read the full column here.
Charlotte Dalwood – Trans Albertans aren’t going anywhere
In 2024, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced her government would be enacting an array of anti-trans policies and legislation – specifically around health care, sports and education and gender identity at school.
On rabble.ca throughout the year, Dalwood, along with rabble staff and other columnists and freelancers spoke to a number of 2SLGBTQIA groups why this proposed legislation is incredibly harmful – and in some cases deadly.
In this column, Dalwood writes: “The time has come for every Canadian with a conscience to stand up and be counted. You are either for the Government of Alberta’s death-dealing policies, or for a future that has trans people—trans children included—in it. There is no middle ground.”
Evelyn Lazare – Climate change and human health
From food security to air quality, so many of the basic human needs we take for granted as available in Canada are at risk in the face of climate change.
In Lazare’s column, she argues that the time to understand, prepare and adapt to the effects of climate change is now. Read her full column here.
Erin Blondeau – Fascist movements are growing strong in Canada
In February, Blondeau argued that if social solidarity is not rebuilt, the far-right (led by Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party) could gain more support, leading to a decline in human rights and climate policy.
In this column, Blondeau also critiques the Conservatives’ messaging, which resonates with many working-class voters, especially younger ones, by highlighting elite failures while ignoring their own role in fostering division.
Blondeau writes: “It’s time to intentionally rebuild and strengthen our communities that are being severed by capitalism, conspiracies and fascism. Of course, this is no easy feat when we are continually disoriented by political gaslighting and paid disinformation campaigns while struggling simply to pay rent and buy food. But perhaps it is one small step we can take toward resistance.”
Judy Rebick — Today’s youth uprising for Palestine will bring fundamental change
“I have no question that this recent youth uprising will be as transformative as was the youth uprising of my generation.”
In this piece, rabble founder and columnist compares the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) protests at universities this past year to the anti-war protests of the 1960s and 70s – both causes led by students. Rebick explains that, like the anti-war protests she was involved with as a young person, the BDS protests will be remembered for shifting public opinion towards the Palestinian cause and for being a defining moment in the lives of many future life-long activists.
Read Rebick’s full column here.
Lois Ross – Depth of Field: Celebrating sustainability one farm at a time
This column showcases The Depth of Field documentary project, supported by the National Farmers Union: a unique series of 40 mini-documentaries based on the stories of small farmers across Canada. The documentary series highlights diverse farming practices, from small-scale operations to urban micro-farms, emphasizing the importance of sustainable agriculture and the impact of food choices on the planet.
Learn more about that project, and Ross’ take on it, here.
Natasha Darling – Canadian writer explores coming-of-age through sex work
This year, as a part of her column, Natasha Darling submitted an array of book reviews on new works by Canadian sex work-activists. In this review of All Hookers Go To Heaven by Angel B.H., Darling praises the author for expertly blending magical realism with the exploration of sex work, queerness, and the challenges of capitalist society.
Read Darling’s full book review here.
Ole Hendrickson – A unified approach on biodiversity and climate
In this piece, Hendrickson outlines a report from Policy Horizons Canada, which highlights potential future disruptions, titled Disruptions on the Horizon, with a focus on climate change, biodiversity loss, and misinformation.
With the report and his own experience in the public service addressing biodiversity loss and climate change, Hendrickson emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental issues and critiques current policy approaches, suggesting that governments should adopt a more holistic, ecological perspective. In the column, Hendrickson also recognizes the importance of empowering Indigenous governance to address these challenges. Read the full version of this piece here.
Shreya Kalra – How I stay hopeful during messy times
“The world can often feel like a pressure cooker ready to burst. Where’s hope to be found in all this messiness?”
In this personal column, Shreya Kalra shares how, despite the world being a complicated and oftentimes scary place, she chooses to remain hopeful. Read her full column here.
Tom Sandborn – Stop the impunity! The ruling class is getting away with murder
In late stage capitalism, “getting away with murder,” isn’t just a metaphor.
Work-related accidents, disease, and even death have been on the rise around the world the past years. What small gains have been made in workplace safety are due to organized workers putting pressure on the system – so for the sake of the safety of all, Sandborn suggests this pressure continues. Read his column here.
If you’d like to review more of the top stories of 2024, please check out our latest Off the Hill panel, listen to ‘Best of rabble radio 2024,’ or read Nick Seebruch’s “Year in Review” coming soon.
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