This presentation was designed to educate Canadians about the events, conditions, and political climate in Bolivia, Cuba, and Venezuela, as well as motivate people to take action to support the revolutionary spirit in Latin America and bring it here to Canada. Jorge discussed the overall political situation in Latin America with a focus on the revolutionary developments in Venezuela, Cuba, and Bolivia, such as the nationalization of firms under workers’ control (e.g. Inveval), as well as the work of the misiones in Venezuela. Also highlighted during the discussion was the revolutionary movement of the masses in these countries and how their demands can be met.
There was a lively discussion following Jorge’s talk, with many people wanting to know more details about the gains of the Bolivarian Revolution, especially in regards to education. There was an emphasis placed on the valuable lessons that the revolutions in Venezuela, Bolivia, and Cuba can give to Canadian workers and youth; Jorge commented that Hugo Chávez stated in the past that the best way to support Venezuela is to build revolution elsewhere.
Over $200 was collected in donations to the Hands Off Venezuela campaign and to fund Jorge’s speaking tour. The event was co-sponsored by Hands Off Venezuela, the Students’ Administrative Council at the University of Toronto, the Toronto Bolivarian Circle “Louis Riel”, and by Fightback (www.marxist.ca).
