Perspectives: A Canadian Journal of Political Economy and Social Democracy - Activists Make History: Campaigning for Progress with Alexa Gilmour

Activists Make History: Campaigning for Progress with Alexa Gilmour

02/24/25 • 30 min

Perspectives: A Canadian Journal of Political Economy and Social Democracy

The first-time candidate for Parkdale–High Park says progressive campaigning can be the antidote for despair.

In this episode of Activists Make History, Peggy Nash sits down with Alexa Gilmour, Ontario NDP candidate for Parkdale–High Park, to learn about her journey as a first-time candidate in the 2025 Ontario election. Alexa shares what inspired her to run, the challenges of stepping into electoral politics, and the lessons she’s learned on the campaign trail.

From mobilizing grassroots initiatives to advocating for progressive policies, Alexa’s background as a faith leader and social justice advocate informs her team-driven campaign. Peggy and Alexa chat further on the realities of Canadian electoral campaigns such as door-knocking through snow storms, engaging voters with the issues that matter to them, and the importance of building movements beyond election cycles.

Tune into Activists Make History to learn how progressive campaigning can be the antidote for despair. This series has been made possible with the generous support of Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union.

The first-time candidate for Parkdale–High Park says progressive campaigning can be the antidote for despair.

Previous Episode

Industrial Policy after Neoliberalism with D.T. Cochrane

For decades, social democrats have championed industrial policy, prioritizing the governance of the economy and market regulation as a way to build a more just and democratic society. But as a new era of neoliberalism — or post-neoliberalism — dawns, economist D.T. Cochrane sees Canada at a crossroads, in urgent need of a renewed vision of industrial policy.

The Canadian Labour Congress’s senior economist points to the shortcomings of Canada’s carbon tax and tells us what the future of the Canadian economy could look like as Donald Trump takes office in the US, answering the ultimate question: how can we ensure our markets are healthy and benefit all Canadians?

Notes:

The Great Transformation: The Political and Economic Origins of Our Time, by Karl Polanyi, 1944.
Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism, by Mariana Mazzucato, 2021.
The Fur Trade in Canada by Harold Innis, 1927.
Setting the record straight on Canada’s ‘productivity crisis' by DT Crochane, Canadian Dimension, Dec. 19, 2024
Neoliberalism’s Undead with Alex Himelfarb, Perspectives Journal, Nov. 29, 2024
Is Market-based Climate Action Working for Canadians? with Brendan Haley Perspectives Journal podcast, September 17, 2024.
Is Canada Falling Behind on Green Industrial Policy? with Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood Perspectives Journal Podcast, May 13, 2024.

Next Episode

A Better Way Forward with Liliana Camacho

Liliana Camacho explains that while rising costs are squeezing businesses, increasing wages and capping rent are not the problem—they’re actually part of the solution.

Even Canadian businesses know that low wages and the high cost of housing are two big factors in the cost-of-living crisis, and are hurting customers and business itself. Liliana Camacho, economist at the Better Way Alliance, argues that while rising costs are squeezing businesses, increasing wages and capping rent are not the problem—they’re an investment in better and sustainable business.

Raising wages has a cascade effect, strengthening the economy and benefiting both workers and businesses alike. Housing affordability is not just a crisis for renters—it’s a crisis for businesses too. With rents outpacing wages, and customers being limited in their spending with wages failing to meet the cost-of-living, how are businesses navigating the squeeze? What policies and structural changes could ease the burden? Camacho explores these pressing questions and offers insight into the road ahead for Canadian businesses. Rather than cutting wages to survive, Camacho talks about alternative approaches to adapt to the current economic climate.

Listen to our conversation with Liliana Camacho on how businesses can adjust to rising costs and why fair wage growth is key to long-term resilience.

Notes