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ysa/canada conference
On Sunday, July 29, Youth for Socialist Action held its first day-long educational conference in Toronto. “Socialism 2001” discussed four important topics. “Profits vs. the Planet” featured Larry Dufay, Socialist Action’s environmental columnist (Capitalism Fouls Things Up). On “The New Democratic Party and class struggle”, Sean Cain, NDP Socialist Caucus Steering Committee, and former Ontario New Democratic Youth co-chair, led off the discussion. “Socialism yesterday and today” covering the demise of the USSR and the ongoing advances of revolutionary Cuba, was presented by Dan Lovell, Youth for Socialist Action Federal Organizer. Socialist Action newspaper editor Barry Weisleder spoke on “The Intifadah and Zionism Today”, and which set the stage for a lively discussion.
The conference opened with greetings from John Clarke, organizer for the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, who urged YSAers to get involved in economic disruption actions to bring down the Harris Tory government.
At least 22 participants, including five from Hamilton, participated in the YSA gathering and engaged in lively debates, on these issues and more. Several young people decided to join Youth for Socialist Action to promote and fight for socialism here in Canada, and around the world. A follow up meeting was held for members a week later to plan future activities.
As a result, YSA will be holding forums on a monthly basis, beginning in September.
On Sunday, September 16, Toronto YSA will be holding a public forum titled, “Youth fight Global Capitalism” at 3pm at the Socialist Action Hall, 517 College St. Rm 234 (2 blocks west of Bathurst St.). The meeting will discuss the global resistance to corporate free trade, the YSA’s involvement in this fall’s Ontario Common Front (organized by the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty) to defeat the provincial Tory government, the fight for a workers’ government to replace the capitalist regime, and the need for a socialist youth organization to educate and organize young rebels for these tasks. Everyone interested in invited to attend.
YSA will be holding similar events at McMaster University in Hamilton and in other cities this fall. For details, contact YSA.
Youth for Socialist Action will be active in the months ahead on many issues of particular interest to youth. In Ontario, this fall, YSA will be participating in OCAP’s Fight to Win campaign beginning with the October 16 action to shut down Toronto’s financial district. In November, YSA will be joining Socialist Caucus delegates at the NDP’s federal convention to fight for a sharp turn to the left for the labour-based party. In early December world-wide mobilizations demanding freedom for Mumia Abu-Jamal will take place, and the YSA will be organizing local solidarity actions in this country. Join us today!
The article above was written by Frank Lovell, YSA/Canada federal organizer.
