The clock has ticked into 2025, with the democratic challenges we face feeling heavier than ever before.

Income inequality is skyrocketing, public institutions are eroding under the weight of privatization, and the climate crisis—no longer a looming threat but an immediate reality—demands urgent action. Yet amidst this chaos, the year of 2025 also offers a glimmer of hope and purpose: the opportunity to make this the year of resistance.

For decades, neoliberal policies have dominated Canada’s political landscape. Governments at all levels have slashed public spending, sold off essential assets, and prioritized corporate profits over people’s needs. In 2025, it’s time to reject this failed ideology.

Resistance starts with demanding reinvestment in public services via mass participation drives like organized sit-ins, civilian occupations of public spaces, and even – if necessary – the calling of general strikes.

Healthcare systems overwhelmed by years of neglect, education systems stretched thin, and crumbling infrastructure—these aren’t just unfortunate side effects of austerity; they’re its intended outcomes. Grassroots movements must push for bold investments that prioritize people over balance sheets.

Main Street matters, not Bay Street.

The wealth gap in Canada has reached historic levels, with billionaires thriving while the working class struggles to make ends meet. Resistance in 2025 means organizing for higher wages, stronger labour protections, and progressive taxation that ensures the wealthy pay their fair share – fighting against the anti-worker messaging in corporate Canadian news media. Unions, community organizations, and advocacy groups are essential in this fight. Collective action can challenge corporate power and demand policies that uplift the many, not the few.

One of neoliberalism’s most insidious tools is its ability to frame itself as the only viable option. The myth of the “free market” as the ultimate arbiter of prosperity must be dismantled. Resistance in 2025 involves reclaiming the narrative. Media literacy campaigns, political education initiatives, and alternative platforms can empower people to see through the false promises of privatization and deregulation. The stories we tell shape the world we build, and it’s time to tell stories of solidarity, justice, and collective power.

The rise of the alt-right and fascist rhetoric in Canadian politics is also a stark reminder that democracy is not guaranteed—it must be defended. In 2025, resistance means rejecting hate, bigotry, and authoritarianism in all its forms. Anti-fascism isn’t just about opposing extremists; it’s about creating a society that leaves no room for such ideologies to take root. This requires elevating new progressive candidates who can champion inclusive policies and challenge hate-fueled narratives at their core using modern platforms such as Tiktok, Bluesky, and Threads.

It also means fiercely protecting public institutions against bold political harassment from far-right groups seeking to undermine their legitimacy and function. When fascists threaten the avenues of democracy, citizens must mobilize in numbers to ensure the survival of democracy – the idea of anti-fascism must be mainstreamed, and platformed by political parties that reject the reactionary political violence and harassment that is developing in our country.

For example, the Town of Pickering has had to move it’s town meetings virtually after being bombarded by threats from the alt-right. Threats of political violence are upsetting the political systems of Canada to a tepid response from officials. Make no mistake – this is not normal in healthy democracies.

Equally critical is a commitment to safeguarding press freedom. Journalists must be protected from targeted harassment, ensuring they can report truthfully and without fear of retribution. A free and independent press is a cornerstone of democracy, and in 2025, we must stand united to defend it. By standing together, we can ensure that the politics of fear and division are met with unity, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to justice.

Resistance doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires a united front of workers, activists, artists, content creators, students, and everyday citizens who refuse to accept the status quo or democratic decay.

Resistance is more than opposition; it’s an act of laboured creation. By resisting the forces that seek to divide and exploit us, we build a better, fairer country. Let 2025 be remembered not as another year of complacency or the beginning of democratic backsliding, but as the year we stood together, and fought back.

Resistance is not just possible—it’s necessary. The future depends on it.

-K-