Kingston May Day 2018!

Posted on 2018/04/17 by End the Prison Industrial Complex

Tuesday May 1st 2018
5pm: BBQ at Skeleton Park
6pm: March!
maydaykingston [at] riseup [dot] net

Since the Haymarket affair in 1886, May 1st has been marked around the world as International Workers Day or May Day. In Kingston, anti-capitalists have been gathering on May Day to share food, hear rousing speeches and hit the streets on May Day since 2011. We’re proud to be a part of this tradition, but also want to make sure we continue to be creative, dynamic and responsive to the current conditions. May Day is an opportunity to gauge and build our capacity, connect our struggles, and have fun together.

There’s no shortage of reasons to hit the streets with enthusiasm this year. Greedy employers respond to a modest minimum wage increase with petty rollbacks. Students around the world mark 50 years since the revolts of May 68. Tenants in Kingston organize to fight back against their landlords. Gentrification continues to displace poor folks and devastate the waterfront. A lawsuit by federal prisoners challenging 30% cuts to already pathetic prison wages is thrown out by a Federal Court, paving the way for unrest. Justin Trudeau proves that he cares more about big business than indigenous consent or the planet, as his government attempts to force the construction of the TransMountain pipeline despite massive opposition. The far right rears its ugly head and gains momentum for its racist agenda, energized by the US election. But as Confederate statues start toppling down south, efforts grow to attack the legacy of the genocidal founding fathers of the Canadian state.

Politicians only offer us empty promises and thinly veiled threats. As the circus that is the Ontario election approaches, we call for people to stay focused on building grassroots and dynamic movements that can effect real change. The system is rigged: every vote is a vote for capitalism.

If this sounds up your alley, or you’re curious to hear more, join us for the May Day BBQ and March on May 1st starting at 5pm in Skeleton Park.

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Under New Management: Resistance to Prisons in Ontario & Quebec

Posted on 2018/03/13 by End the Prison Industrial Complex

We’re excited to share this new article, interview and zine first published by It’s Going Down (Part I – Part II – Zine PDF) with a brief history to some resistance inside and outside prisons in Ontario and Quebec.

Intro from the IGD Bloc Party column:

In an effort to broaden our coverage of prisons across the borders to both the North and South of us, we’ve brought in some comrades from so-called Canada to share a history of the establishment of the Canadian prison system, as well as a history of resistance in Ontario and Quebec.

While we know there is always resistance that we will never hear about outside the prison walls, these folks have done their best to contextualize what resistance has looked like across decades. We’re excited to share this history!

Now for all that history from the bloc…

Continue reading →

Posted in Collins Bay, Construction, Kingston Pen, Local Prisoners, Peter Collins, PJD, research, Strike | Comments Off on Under New Management: Resistance to Prisons in Ontario & Quebec

Hamilton Anarchist Bookfair: March 3-4, 2018

Posted on 2018/02/06 by End the Prison Industrial Complex

The Hamilton Anarchist Bookfair – Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4, 2018 – takes place at Westdale Secondary School (700 Main St. W. MAP) Accessible from the 403 and a quick bus ride from MacNab Terminal in the downtown Hamilton area.

In the venue there are dozens of booksellers, zinesters, distributors and groups from all over Hamilton, Ontario, North America and beyond, sharing their publications and materials, most of which are hard or impossible to find at mainstream book stores. Many materials are available for free, and much is published specifically to be available at the Bookfair. Please note: Booksellers and vendors will be displaying on both days: Saturday, March 3 & 4. Workshops, theme rooms, and more will also take place on both days.

During the weekend, there is an Anarchist Film Room screening videos and documentaries produced by individuals and grassroots collectives.

Free childcare and kids activities are available at the Bookfair in the Kid Zone; kids and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend the Bookfair!

For everyone who attends, there’s also a Chill Space. The Chill Space was created out of the recognition that a Bookfair can be really overwhelming and intense for a variety of reasons, and that folks might need a place to be apart from the main Bookfair without feeling like they have to leave altogether.

There are also workshops and presentations throughout the weekend. Some are intended as introductions to anarchism for those who are new to anarchy, while others explore an anarchist-themed subject in some depth.

In general, during the Bookfair, don’t hesitate to ask members of the Bookfair collective, or folks who are tabling or presenting, any question or inquiry you have about the ideas and practice of anarchism. The Bookfair collective actively strives to create an accessible and safe(r) event.

The Bookfair site is close to a haldful of restaurants, bus stops and a grocery store.

The entire Bookfair is free, and open to all; however, your donations are appreciated so that we can meet our expenses.

Essentially, the Hamilton Anarchist Bookfair is for people curious about anarchism and wanting to learn more.

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October 12th: “No Justice, Just Us” Screening

Posted on 2017/10/09 by End the Prison Industrial Complex

No Justice… Just Us: Movement Defense Against State Repression
Trouble Episode #4 Screening and discussion
Thursday October 12, 7-9pm at AKA (75 Queen Street)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/463282944055640/

AKA and EPIC invite you to a screening and discussion of Submedia’s Trouble #4 No Justice… Just Us: Movement Defense Against State Repression

Description from Submedia:

The struggle for a new, better world is not for the faint of heart. Movements of collective liberation, if they are effective, will inevitably face repression. The institutional pillars of domination and exploitation are well-entrenched in society, well-versed in manipulation, and utterly ruthless in their efforts to crush any and all threats to their legitimacy. At this critical juncture in history, our movements are confronted by incredibly powerful enemies, who use a variety of sophisticated methods to discredit, disrupt and deter resistance. Far-right populist movements, goaded on by corporate fear-mongering and neo-fascist propaganda, are increasingly resorting to violent vigilante attacks against their perceived enemies. And as if this wasn’t enough… standing firmly behind these new reactionary movements lies the naked power of the state – namely its heavily-militarized police, racist legal system and vast network of prisons. Yet despite this terrifying political atmosphere, our movements continue to grow. Our future success and growth demands that we develop the capacity to anticipate the strategies and tactics that the state will use against us, build our own infrastructure to defend against these attacks, and incorporate meaningful solidarity and collective defence into all facets of our organizing. In this month’s episode of Trouble, anarchist media collective subMedia interviews a number of individuals engaged in legal defence and prisoner solidarity, and looks at some of the ways we can begin to build movements that are more resilient in the face of state repression.

This event is free, though donations for subMedia are welcome. Contact germinations (at) riseup (dot) net for more information.

AKA has an accessibility ramp and an accessible single-stall bathroom. Please don’t wear scented products or take photographs at AKA.

Posted in Events, Repression, United States, Video | Comments Off on October 12th: “No Justice, Just Us” Screening

May Day 2017!

Posted on 2017/04/14 by End the Prison Industrial Complex

Facebook event

On May 1st we celebrate May Day – also known as International Workers’ Day – an international anti-capitalist holiday.

May 1st 1886 marked the beginning of a three-day general strike to
demand an eight-hour work day and improved conditions for workers. Half a million people across the United States walked off their jobs to participate in the strike. In Chicago alone, 40,000 took to the streets in what became a week-long struggle between strikers and the police. Ultimately, eight anarchists were arrested, convicted without evidence, and sentenced to death. They became known as the “Haymarket Martyrs” and their executions are widely regarded as some of the most overt political assassinations of radicals in North American history. May 1st has since been marked as International Workers’ Day in their honour, and is a day to amplify the voices of all people struggling for freedom and a better world.

Since 2006, May Day has also been a day to demand
status for all, and to protest racist immigration policies in Canada and the United States.

Strikes, pickets and protests take place all over the world on May 1st to honour and celebrate the struggles of workers, immigrants and poor people. Here in Kingston, for the seventh year in a row, we will be joining in the fun! Meet us at 5 pm in Skeleton Park for a free BBQ and at 6pm for a spirited march downtown. Come hungry, and bring your neighbours, co-workers, classmates, friends and families!

 

Posted in Actions, Announcements, CFRC, Strike | Comments Off on May Day 2017!

Montreal Anarchist Bookfair: May 27 & 28, 2017

Posted on 2017/04/11 by End the Prison Industrial Complex

Mark your calendars …
MONTREAL ANARCHIST BOOKFAIR 2017

Two days: Saturday, May 27 & Sunday, May 28
From 10am to 5pm on both days

The Anarchist Bookfair will take place in two buildings across from each other in Parc Vinet:
– Centre d’éducation populaire de la Petite-Bourgogne et de St-Henri (CEDA), 2515 rue Delisle
– Centre Culturel Georges-Vanier (CCGV), 2450 rue Workman 
A short walk from Lionel-Groulx metro.

No gods, no masters, no bosses, no borders.
FREE. Welcome to all!
For anarchists, and people curious about anarchism.

-> Participants from all over Quebec and North America, booksellers and vendors, workshops, films, discussions, kids’ activities, art exhibits and more!
-> Part of the month-long Festival of Anarchy held throughout May 2017 at venues and locations all over the island of Montreal.
-> During this year’s Bookfair, tabling will take place over two days: May 27-28, between 10am and 5pm.

– DOWNLOADS (posters, flyers, logos, banners): www.anarchistbookfair.ca/downloads-2017

– CALLOUT FOR PROPOSALS (workshops, tables, events, theme rooms): www.anarchistbookfair.ca/callout-for-proposals-2017

– WHAT HAPPENS AT THE MONTREAL ANARCHIST BOOKFAIR: www.anarchistbookfair.ca/about/what-happens-at-the-bookfair

CONTACT INFORMATION:
-> e-mail: info@anarchistbookfair.ca
-> mail: Salon du livre Anarchiste de Montréal
1500 de Maisonneuve Ouest, Suite 204
Montréal, Québec H3G 1N1

FOR UPDATES:
-> web: www.anarchistbookfair.ca
-> announcements list: https://masses.tao.ca/lists/listinfo/salon-annonces

SOCIAL MEDIA:
-> facebook: www.facebook.com/SalonduLivreAnarchisteMontrealAnarchistBookfair
-> twitter:  @BookfairAnarMTL

Posted in Announcements, Art, Events | Comments Off on Montreal Anarchist Bookfair: May 27 & 28, 2017

Saskatchewan Pen Riot Interview

Posted on 2017/01/17 by End the Prison Industrial Complex

Last week, CFRC Prison Radio aired an interview that tells the inside story of the riot on December 14, 2016 that “completely destroyed” the medium security unit at Saskatchewan Penitentiary and resulted in the stabbing death of Jason Leonard Bird and several other injuries from gunshots. CPR spoke with Sherri who runs Beyond Prison Walls Canada and a Facebook group for prison wives. She has been in touch with several prisoners and their families who were present for the massive riot, and shared what she’s been able to find out.

Posted in CFRC, Strike | Comments Off on Saskatchewan Pen Riot Interview

October 18th: Prison Farms Zine Launch and Discussion

Posted on 2016/09/23 by End the Prison Industrial Complex

Reap What You Sow: Prison Farms Zine Launch and Discussion
6:30 PM on Tuesday, October 18th, 2016
AKA – (Red & black house on Queen Street at Wellington)
Free / Wheelchair Accessible

In 2010, hundreds of Kingstonians participated in the “Save Our Prison Farms” campaign to oppose the Harper government’s decision to close down the farm programs at prisons across Canada. Prison abolitionists related to this campaign in various ways. The campaign peaked in August 2010 with a 2-day blockade of Frontenac Institution in an attempt to prevent the prison farm cattle from being sent to auction. Since then, the campaign leadership has primarily pursued a strategy of lobbying opposition politicians, defeating the Harper government in elections and now urging the new Liberal government to follow through with its promise to re-open the farms.

Under Trudeau we face a new political context on the federal level, and it appears the prison farms may in fact be restored. In early 2016 a call-out was circulated to prison abolitionists to reflect on the situation and contribute to this zine, asking the following questions: Is this a victory? What have we gained? What opportunities have we missed? How did or didn’t this movement strengthen our goals as prison abolitionists? How should we relate to single-issue or reformist movements?

The result was a zine called Reap What You Sow: Radicals Reflect On Kingston’s “Save Our Prison Farms” Campaign, which is comprised of five diverse submissions and published by 613 Anarchy in Spring 2016. This event will feature short presentations from some of the zine contributors, followed by a facilitated discussion focused on the lessons of the prison farms campaign, and the sharing of ideas and perspectives on how radicals might relate to similar campaigns in Kingston in the future.

sopf

Posted in General | 2 Comments

Flyering visitors at Collins Bay Institution

Posted on 2016/09/22 by End the Prison Industrial Complex

Last Saturday, September 17th a small group of people wore orange vests and intercepted cars entering Collins Bay Institution at the start of visiting hours for the day. We were distributing flyers to visitors encouraging them to let their loved ones know about the U.S. prison strike and solidarity being organized in Canada, and to get in touch with us if they want to know more or otherwise correspond. We had many short, positive exchanges with visitors over the course of about an hour and a half. A copy of the flyer is pasted below.

vistor-flyer

Posted in Actions, Collins Bay, Strike, United States | 1 Comment

A Major Prison Strike Is On Across the United States

Posted on 2016/09/12 by End the Prison Industrial Complex

Since September 9th, 2016 – the 45th anniversary of the Attica Uprising – prisoners across the U.S. have gone on strike to end prison slavery. This is expected to be one of the largest prison strikes in history, and is being coordinated by groups such as the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee, the Free Alabama Movement, and a diverse network of prison abolitionist and prisoner solidarity groups across the U.S.

In Canada, we have helped circulate a call from La Solide into Canadian prisons to make connections across the border, and a letter of support has been published by the Termite Collective in Quebec. There have been info nights and banner drops in Montreal. If you know someone inside, let them know what’s going on and that we’d love to hear from them.

To stay up to date with what’s happening, follow It’s Going Down, Support Prisoner Resistance, and live updates from Mask Magazine.

 

IG

 

Posted in Actions, Strike, United States | Comments Off on A Major Prison Strike Is On Across the United States