Québec solidaire activist speaks in Toronto

by James Clark

Québec solidaire (QS) activist and organizer Benoit Renaud recently addressed a meeting of the Greater Toronto Workers’ Assembly (GTWA).

Over 50 people packed Beit Zatoun in downtown Toronto for a coffeehouse called “Québec solidaire: On the ballot and in the streets.” Palestine solidarity activist Art Young, an assembly member, introduced the meeting by giving a brief history of Canada’s oppression of the people of Quebec. Benoit spoke next, explaining how QS came together, its history and its successes.

His talk inspired a rich discussion that covered many topics: the national question in Quebec and how it affects the left, how QS organizes as a party and works within the movements, and the tactic of standing in elections and how it raises the profile of local struggles.

“Our goal is not to take power,” said Benoit, “but to change the structures of power in Quebec.” QS has one member in Quebec’s National Assembly, Amir Khadir, who helped provoke the deepening crisis in the Parti québécois that led to the resignations of four MNAs. QS participates widely in the social movements—from opposing the war in Afghanistan to building the global BDS campaign in solidarity with Palestine—helping to organize the left into common struggles.

“Being rooted in the social movements is the best antidote to sectarianism and divisions on the left,” Benoit explained.

Find out more about QS: www.quebecsolidaire.net. If you’re in Toronto, get active in the GTWA: www.workersassembly.ca.