I’ve been associated with rabble.ca one way or another since its founding in 2001.
I recall being in Quebec City protesting the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas with Judy Rebick as she launched rabble that year, and with Kim Elliott who shortly after became rabble’s intrepid publisher for 19 years (and my partner!). In many ways, my journey through federal politics has unfolded alongside Kim and rabble. Our paths have been deeply intertwined, each experience enriching the other. rabble became a constant presence in my daily life, as I watched Kim and the rabble team build something truly remarkable and enduring.
I didn’t know much about online media in those early days, and watched with surprise and awe, as rabble forged ahead, always breaking new ground, in live-streaming, podcasts, diverse news coverage and political news commentary —both nationally and globally.
What I’ve always loved about rabble it’s is adaptability in an ever changing media world and its willingness to try new things and keep afloat at the same time. That’s not easy to do. A successful, independent, progressive media source is precarious at best to keep going. Yet somehow this small organization and community of people who make it happen, have filled a large and important space in Canada and our communities. I deeply appreciate the hard work that goes into rabble and the sacrifice too. It is at the end of the day, a labour of love and commitment, otherwise it could not have endured these 24 years.
It’s not only the people who work at rabble, contributors and writers, who make rabble special, it’s also the strong base of readers and supporters like you. Over the years, rabble has built a community of people who recognize the uniqueness and resilience of rabble, and who are committed to its continuing role to cover the news and movements of change that affect us all.
It’s strangely comforting to know that an organization like rabble can keep going despite the odds of not making it in today’s world of financial uncertainty for media platforms and the massive dominance of corporate media.
If you wonder why that is, you’re not alone; I think about it too. How has rabble managed to not only survive but grow itself into a reliable media source that is relevant and principled?
Here’s the answer: rabble is grounded in strong journalistic principles, delivering news and analysis that are thoughtful, credible, and rooted in fact. It’s the opposite of sensationalist or fly-by-night media. With a progressive lens, rabble isn’t afraid to speak out—inviting debate, discussion, and deeper understanding. It’s built on a model of engaged readership and remains open to new technologies and evolving media landscapes, ensuring it stays relevant and responsive.
I have been delighted to contribute to rabble in a variety of ways, as a long-time monthly donor, volunteer co-host of Off the Hill with Robin Browne, occasional writer over the years on many topics, and guest interviewer on rabble radio. It’s always been in the spirit of telling the stories out there, and a desire to ensure we are informed and engaged and can see our way forward, to bring about transformative change.
Essentially this is what rabble means to me personally: it’s part of a larger effort to amplify Canada’s voices for change.
I hope this strikes a chord for what rabble means to you too. I want to see rabble continue what it does so well. I want rabble.ca to develop as much financial stability as it can and I know this means we all have a role to play. As readers, and as members of diverse communities who see more of what we have in common.
I hope you’ll join me in celebrating 24 years strong for rabble.ca. Let’s keep it going.
If you’re not a monthly donor please consider becoming one — it’s the foundation of rabble’s future.
Libby Davies
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Whether it be a one-time donation or a small monthly contribution, your support is critical to keep rabble writers producing the work you’ve come to rely on as a part of a healthy media diet.
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Nick Seebruch, editor
