1/ Prime Minister @mark-carney.bsky.social and I had a warm and productive first conversation today.
I shared the NDP’s concerns about the cost-of-living crisis facing Canadians, including the creepy practice of surveillance pricing.
2/ I raised the urgent need to stop the privatization of health care by dusting off and actually enforcing the Canada Health Act. And I reiterated our position that Canada must take a clear moral stand against illegal wars (and the countries that start them) in this age of impunity.
3/ It was a forthright and friendly exchange — and it made me feel encouraged about the prospects of a little old school respectful political debate in this country.
4/ Maybe I’m just nostalgic for the kind of politics I’ve watched my parents practice throughout their lives — always soft on people, hard on the issues. I think that’s what the country needs right now.
5/ But honestly? I don’t see politics in terms of access to the powerful. Making the changes we need depends on how much momentum we can build behind solutions that confront power and benefit the 99%.
That’s the real work. And it’s going to take all of us.
Follow-up reply in thread: My whole point is that it’s not about trust or individuals and their relationships. It’s about a kind of political debate that is non-toxic and can reach people (the comms battle) while we build real power on the ground for massive change (organizing!)