In this episode of Establish, we speak with community organizer and environmentalist Aliya Hirji about Canada’s 2025 snap federal election, voter turnout, and the challenges of engaging young people in a fast-paced, often overwhelming political landscape. Together, they unpack the structural issues behind voter frustration, accessibility barriers, and what it takes to organize effectively in turbulent political times.

NOTE: This episode of Establish was initially recorded on the morning of April 29, 2025. Though a winner had been declared at this time, Elections Canada was still in the process of finalizing the last ballots. During the initial conversation between host Asha Swann (she/her) and guest Aliya Hirji (they/she), the Liberal Party had won with 168 seats. However, in the days passing, this number increased to 169, then decreased back to 168. In the days after, certain parts were re-recorded, such as the introductory segment, to reflect these new changes. However, because of these changes there are certain points in the episode where host Asha Swann (she/her) says the Liberals are three seats shy of a majority. By May 3, this number had changed once again. Now, as of May 5, a recent recount of one riding has confirmed that the Liberals still have a minority government with the total seat count being 169. Please keep this in mind as you listen to this episode.

For all information on how these votes have been recounted and for all up-to-date information on which parties hold what seats, please visit Elections Canada’s website: https://enr.elections.ca/ElectoralDistricts.aspx

Welcome to Season 4 of Establish, the official podcast by Shake Up The Establishment! In our first episode back, we dive into one of the most pressing and complex issues in environmental justice today: the right to a healthy environment. Joined by Shake Up The Establishment’s Executive Director and Co-Founder Manvi Bhalla and Director of Policy and Research Anna Huschka, this episode unpacks the amendment to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), which now includes the right to a healthy environment. But what does that actually mean—and how enforceable is it? Together, they explore:

• What a "right to a healthy environment" looks like in practice
• The difference between legislation and policy frameworks
• Why youth voices are essential in shaping environmental justice
• Key findings from our youth consultation events across the country
• What comes next as we approach the 2025 federal election

Tune in to hear from the team leading community-based advocacy efforts to ensure this right is more than just symbolic. Learn how young people across Canada are influencing policy and pushing for real change—because a healthy environment shouldn’t be a privilege, it should be a right. Follow @shakeuptheestab to stay updated on future episodes and youth-led climate justice work.

On this episode of Establish, our host Mars Moreira speaks with sustainable business expert Tamara Shulman on all things circular economy. The circular economy, as Tamara explains, prioritizes reusability and regeneration of products at the end of their life. Instead of throwing a ripped t-shirt in the trash, a circular economy approach would find ways to reuse all the scraps in the fabric. Tamara also describes that instances of circular economy are actually more common than we may think. Tune in and hear a great conversation between Mars and Tamara to hear all about this system fits into the climate activism space.

In the news and on social media, we very often hear about the environmental and social impacts of climate change in the so-called provinces of British Columbia and Ontario and the activism that is happening there around these issues. But what about other provinces and territories? What kind of work is happening in those places that aren’t receiving media attention? There are so many youth doing amazing things across the whole country. In this episode, we want to highlight 2 youth climate activists from 2 different provinces in what is currently Canada; stay tuned for a third perspective in part 2! Listen to Annie Martel (Manitoba) and Ella Kim Marriot (Alberta) discuss ways their provinces are being impacted by climate change, what’s being done to adapt to these changes, and how youth are getting involved.

Ever wondered what the term Just Transition really means? Look no further!

This episode is an overview of the research done for the Just Transition ALC module, providing an overview of what Just Transition is, a brief history, key principles and how to take action! This podcast episode is by no means extensive but allows for an introduction to this topic and the resources explored on the virtual ALC module.

As part of our Righting History initiative the Active Learning Club (ALC) was created to ensure that all members of our community are consistently engaged in current events, and are active learners of historic systems of oppression so that we’re all able to dismantle such systems in the pursuit of justice. Integrated alongside topics of social justice, we’ll also be featuring a range of issues related to climate change, environmental degradation, and politics. 🤍

This episode aligns with our Just Transition virtual ALC module that you can view on the Righting History website (https://www.rightinghistory.ca/).

In the final episode of our podcast series, The Voices of the Greenbelt, the host of the series - Atreyu Lewis (They/He), an Indigenous POC Queer Trans youth, shares their experiences as a hiking enthusiast and advocates for Indigenous teachings to be included in nature-based adventures across what is currently Ontario!

Tune in to learn more about the importance of respecting Indigenous laws and history while visiting Greenbelt sites and tours and other outdoor spaces across the province.

This project has been supported by Greenbelt Foundation. Greenbelt Foundation’s grant and research activities are made possible by the generous support of the Government of Ontario. Such support does not indicate endorsement by the Government of Ontario of the contents of this material. This disclaimer informs listeners that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed belong solely to the guest(s) and/or host(s),and do not necessarily reflect the position of the guest's and/or host's funder, employer, organization, committee, or other group or individual.

In the fourth part of our five-episode podcast series, The Voices of the Greenbelt, we are joined by Miranda Baksh in our discussion about nature-based solutions within the Greenbelt and how they improve resilience against climate change. We’ll also delve into current threats that the Greenbelt is facing and realistic options for people who want to get involved in its conservation and protection.

Miranda Baksh is the Co-Founder of the Community Climate Council, a local non-profit organisation focused on climate literacy. Listen to this episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, or at the link in our bio!

This project has been supported by Greenbelt Foundation. Greenbelt Foundation’s grant and research activities are made possible by the generous support of the Government of Ontario. Such support does not indicate endorsement by the Government of Ontario of the contents of this material. This disclaimer informs listeners that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed belong solely to the guest(s) and/or host(s),and do not necessarily reflect the position of the guest's and/or host's funder, employer, organization, committee, or other group or individual.

In the third episode of our five-part podcast series, The Voices of the Greenbelt, we’re joined by special guests Serena Mendizábel and Karahkwinetha Sage Goodleaf-Labelle to discuss case studies of Indigenous land defence, leadership, conservation, and stewardship within the southeastern Greenbelt region of the Haldimand Tract and Six Nations Territory.

Serena Mendizábel is an organiser for Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives and Sage Goodleaf is an Indigenous Kanien’keha’ka and Pueblo activist for land rights, water and land-based knowledge.

This project has been supported by Greenbelt Foundation. Greenbelt Foundation’s grant and research activities are made possible by the generous support of the Government of Ontario. Such support does not indicate endorsement by the Government of Ontario of the contents of this material. This disclaimer informs listeners that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed belong solely to the guest(s) and/or host(s), and do not necessarily reflect the position of the guest's and/or host's funder, employer, organization, committee, or other group or individual.