Hi friends and neighbours,

Happy Lunar New Year and Ramadan Mubarak. I hope you enjoyed the long weekend if you you had the extra time off. The weather is getting warmer again, which makes going outside slightly less miserable but doesn't actually make living outside any less dangerous. For one, the sidewalks being a slushy mess means that tents, clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags get soaked, which elevates risk of hypothermia. For another, it's now no longer cold enough for the respite warming centres to be open??? Which is a truly unhinged sentence when it is still sub-zero every day. The Shelter and Housing Justice Network is asking everyone to contact their City Councillors and demand that winter respite centres remain open until at least April 15th—you know, for the duration of winter. They've put together a great email template with resources.

In better news, Scotiabank has fully divested from Israeli military supplier Elbit after sustained backlash from activists, many of whom faced repression and persecution for their work. Every action, from ongoing branch protests across the country to the No Arms in the Arts campaign that disrupted the Giller Prize and the Scotiabank Photography Award, contributed to this outcome. There are ten thousand lanes to fill when it comes to social change and I hope this helps you find yours.

Finally, today is the National Day of Action on the No More Loopholes Act (Bill C-233), which aims to close the loopholes in our arms export controls that allow Canadian companies to continue to supply arms to the genocide in Gaza despite an alleged embargo by routing through the US. (Military exports to the United States don't require permits or human rights assessments, lol, lmao.) These loopholes also allow Brampton-based dillweeds Roshel to take rush orders supplying ICE with armoured vehicles to carry out their fascist regime. Find an action near you today, or use this great guide from Creators 4 Humanity to get involved.

Thanks for showing up.

Jenny

Events this week

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 🔗

12PM — No More Loopholes Phone Zap (Virtual)
Parkdale-High Park for Palestine - Canadian-made explosives and aircraft parts are flowing to Israel through a U.S. loophole, fuelling the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Let's phone zap our MP and demand No More Loopholes!

4PM — Davenport Action to Close Loopholes Now (1202 Bloor St W)
Davenport 4 Palestine - MP Julie Dzerowicz must pick a side: keep arming warm crimes and genocide or vote yes on Bill C-233! Join Davenport 4 Palestine at her constituency office as part of the National Day of Action to Close the Looopholes Now to apply pressure.

5PM — Danforth Action to Close Loopholes Now (1028 Queen St E)
Climate for Palestine - Join Climate 4 Palestine in solidarity against Julie Dabrusin’s decision to vote NO on the No More Loopholes Act. No peace for ‘the Minister of Environmental Destruction,’ we demand Climate Justice now.

6PM — History of the Canadian Seamen’s Union (Virtual)
Toronto Workers’ History Project - What happens when a militant, democratic union takes on powerful shipping interests and wins? What happens when those interests try to take their power back? Come learn about the rise (and demise) of the Canadian Seamen’s Union and the explosive 1949 strike that shook waterfronts from Halifax to Vancouver.

6PM — Ethics in Action with Animal Justice (192 Spadina Ave)
Animal Justice - A reading and engaging conversation exploring the ethical questions surrounding animal research and advocacy featuring animal rights experts, as Ontario moves toward prohibiting invasive research on cats and dogs.

6:30PM — Filipino Community Info Session (Hybrid)
TAMA NA - As we approach the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Uprising, inviting all Filipinos who advocate for transparency, accountability, and good governance to a community info session.

6:30PM — Library Workers 4 SCS Open Meeting (Virtual)
ON Library workers for SCS - If you are a library worker who is curious about who Library Workers 4 Safe Consumption Sites are and how you can get involved, please join this open meeting!

6:30PM — Harm Reduction Advocacy Open Meeting (College St United Church)
Harm Reduction Advocacy Collective Toronto - A working meeting open to all, including newcomers to HAC! This week, hear a report back and breaking out to get work done with MVV working group, HAC $$, Art Collective, and teach-in working groups.

7PM — East End Acts Canvassing Training (Virtual)
East End Acts - Curious about canvassing but not sure where to start? East End Acts’ online training will cover everything you need to know to feel ready to hit the streets. No experience needed to participate! Help advovcate for ending Canada’s role in arming Israel.

7PM — Civic Meetup - Power Equity in Toronto’s Rental Market (Hybrid)
Civic Tech Toronto - Civic Tech Toronto's weekly meetups bring together Torontonians who want to improve the city through design, tech, and data. This week, Deneille Macas, the lead Admin of Toronto Home Zone will highlight the city’s most active community rental space and how it enforces transparency and accountability. Followed by project breakout sessions.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 🔗

12PM — U.S. health care comes to Canada: What to know and how to fight it (Virtual)
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives - An urgent discussion of Alberta’s Bill 11 and the dangers it poses to public health care in Canada. Experts expose Bill 11’s creation of a private health insurance market and its encouragement of US investment interests to establish a for-profit health care system in Canada.

2PM — Living in Colour: Black Life, Law, and Belonging in Canada (89 Chestnut)
Black Legal Action Centre - Join the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) for a Black History Month symposium bringing together legal practitioners, advocates, scholars, and community leaders for an afternoon of dialogue on Black history, legal advocacy, and belonging in Canada. Hybrid option available.

3PM — Prison Health Research Council Launch (Virtual)
Prison Health Research Council - Introducing PHRC, a group grounded in critical prison health research, experts with lived experience, and commitments to health equity, accountability, and human rights within carceral systems. Come learn about the foundations of this work, current areas of focus, and how collective, community-engaged research can create change in carceral approaches to health.

5PM — Wednesdays 4 Palestine (Danforth and Pape)
Wednesdays 4 Palestine - Every Wednesday afternoon in East Toronto. Flags and signs are provided.

5:15PM — Doorknocking for Palestine (Available upon RSVP)
Davenport 4 Palestine - Davenport 4 Palestine is doorknocking in the neighbourhood to mobilize neighbours in support of a real arms embargo. No experience is necessary, you'll be paired up with a seasoned doorknocker. RSVP by emailing at davenport4palestine@gmail.com.

6PM — Community Art Social (The Hub)
Scarborough Environmental Association - Looking for dedicated time and space to work on your art? All skill levels are welcome to create, stay motivated, and connect with fellow creatives.

6:30PM — Grief Skill Building & Discussion Group (452 College St)
Radical Intersectional Grief Support - In-person grief support group for people impacted by the drug poisoning crisis. Pay what you can – trades welcome!

6:30PM — Resisting Anti-Black Racism as Non-Black Racialized folks (Virtual)
BIPOC Death & Grief Talk - One of the ways in which grief is complicated is by the lateral violence Black/African/Caribbean people experience at the hands of other non-Black racialized folks. This is a space to discuss combatting anti-Black racism, the ways in which it causes grief, and how to resist the push towards being absorbed into whiteness.

7:30PM — Making Room: Citizen’s Developer Guide (It’s Ok* Studios)
More Neighbours Toronto - Toronto’s housing crisis can't be solved by one big project. but it can solved by thousands of small ones, led by everyday Torontonians. Making Room: Citizen’s Developer Guide is the launch event for a new, practical guide that shows how everyday Torontonians can help create more homes across the city.

Thursday, February 19, 2026 🔗

11AM — Hands Off Our Education! Mobilization (Virtual)
CFS Ontario - The Ford Government has made a number of announcements that actively make education even more inaccessible than it already is. Join this province-wide call to learn about your students’ union’s strategy on combatting these upcoming attacks on post-secondary education, build organizing capacity on campuses, and rally students across the province!

12PM — Power Hour: Anti-Oppression for Artists & Cultural Producers 102 (Virtual)
Brampton Arts Organization - This free workshop explores both the challenges and possibilities for artists seeking to navigate cultural institutions and landscapes while maintaining their focus on anti-oppression and social justice based practices.

5:30PM — Reimagining Heat Information in Toronto (192 Spadina Ave)
Toronto Climate Observatory and Climate Resilient Communities - When heat waves hit Toronto, who gets warned? Whose knowledge counts? And why do heat alerts so often fail to reach the people who need them most? Come help redesign heat safety for Toronto with U of T and Climate Resilient Communities.

6PM — CivicTechBrampton: Water Quality Workshop (8 Queen St E, Brampton)
CivicTechBrampton - Concerned about water quality? Want to learn about Citizen Science based solutions? Inviting all technologists, students, and citizens interested in working on Water Quality and Open Data projects to come learn about Open Water Data.

7PM — Nuclear Is Not the Solution Webinar (Virtual)
Northwatch - The climate crisis has provided new cover for the promotion of nuclear power, but this is naive and dangerous. Beyond the horrific risk of severe accidents and the intrac­table problem of waste disposal, nuclear energy fails the two key tests for any climate solution: cost and time. Come hear about why nuclear is not the solution.

Friday, February 20, 2026 🔗

11AM — United Immigrant Workers Front Rally (2933 Queen St E, Brampton)
Workers Alliance GTA - An attack on immigrant workers is an attack on the entire working class. Let’s build a political workers movement that fights for the interest of all workers regardless of citizenship status. Join this rally for immigrant workers!

12PM — Indigenous Vendors Market (16 Spadina Rd)
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto - Celebrate community, culture, and creativity at the Indigenous Vendors Market! Come shop with purpose and support Indigenous entrepreneurs - everyone is welcome.

3PM — Fridays 4 Palestine (Yonge and Bloor)
Fridays4Palestine - Come show your support for Palestinians every Friday at the Israel Consulate. Stand up for human rights and say no to genocide.

5:30PM — Awareness to Action: World Social Justice Day (Virtual)
Sustainable Community Aid Network - What does social justice really have to do with climate action and poverty? Everything. Join this webinar to hear from inspiring speakers working at the intersection of equity, sustainability, and economic justice.

6PM — Toronto Spring Monthly Meeting (720 Spadina Ave)
Spring Magazine - February edition of Spring Magazine’s monthly chapter organizing meeting in Toronto. Come hear about current campaigns and actions and discuss key political issues and socialist strategies and tactics for becoming effective organizers.

6PM — Abolition Workshop: Collective of Child Welfare Survivors (Virtual)
Disability Justice Network Ontario - The workshop opens a critical conversation about family abolition, examining how the privatization of care within the family obscures collective and state accountability, and what this means for those without families, particularly child welfare survivors who are institutionally managed for a finite period and then abandoned when they age out.

6PM — The Story Of Regis Korchinski-Paquet (24 Cecil St)
Regis4ever Foundation - A documentary screening and panel discussion of The Story of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, a 29 year old Canadian Indigenous-Black woman whose life was cut short because of the harmful actions of the Toronto police. Admission includes a meal and a panel discussion with the Korchinski family, community advocates, educators, and people with lived experience.

6PM — Mahjong for Gaza (It’s OK* Studios)
Four Winds: Toronto Chapter - Hosted by Chinese Feminism Toronto, Four Winds Toronto, and Thank You Chinatown. A fundraiser for Gaza, with 20 mahjong tables, raffle prizes, lion dance, food, art, tarot, karaoke, and more!

Saturday, February 21, 2026 🔗

1PM — BDS Leafletting (900 Dufferin St)
Davenport 4 Palestine - Join Davenport 4 Palestine for the weekly BDS leafleting campaign at Dufferin Mall. Meet outside south entrance and buddy up – no experience necessary!

2PM — Caribbean Community Study Circle (A Different Blooklist)
Caribbean Solidarity Network - Discussing the importance of studying and organizing around the lessons of the The Grenada Revolution. Please read Chapters 1-4 of In Nobody's Backyard: Selected Speeches of Maurice Bishop 1979-1984.

2:30PM — NDFP Conference Report Back (427 Bloor St W)
CPSO Toronto - CPSO connected with anti-fascist parties, organizations, and individuals from across the globe to strengthen its shared movement at the the National Democratic Front of the Philippines conference. Come hear a summary of what happened, discuss what we can do to combat fascism in Canada, and how to get involved.

3PM — Mining and Militarism Teach-In (33 Cecil St)
Mining Injustice Solidarity Network - A future focused on mining is one which poisons the land and water, violates the sovereignty of Indigenous nations, and fuels Canadian military violence abroad. Join an teach-in, art build, and dinner on the link between mining and militarism, Canada’s role in the global mining industry, and how to take action.

7PM — Take Action for Conservation Authorities (Virtual)
Ontario Nature - The Ford government wants to dismantle Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities (CAs) and replace them with seven much larger ones directed by a new provincially-appointed agency. Come hear about how this would affect the Hamilton Conservation Area, among others, and learn about what actions to take to fight this.

7PM — CUPE Know Your Rights Workshop (Virtual)
CUPE Childcare Workers - Are you a childcare worker? Join a free online workshop with the CUPE childcare sector to learn about how you can improve working conditions, wages, benefits, job security, and more!

Sunday, February 22, 2026 🔗

10AM — Virtual Tech Worker’s Coalition Coffee (Virtual)
Tech Worker’s Coalition Canada - Drop by for a virtual coffee hour on Sunday mornings to chat with fellow tech workers about what’s on your mind and to learn more about the Tech Worker’s Coalition. TWC considers anyone who is involved in the production and maintenance of digital technology to be a tech worker, whether you are a bike courier working at a food delivery app service, a designer, a software engineer, a product owner, a data labeller or a content moderator. Hope to see you there!

11AM — Gaza Square (371 Wallace Ave)
Davenport 4 Palestine - Daveport 4 Palestine invites you to come hang out at Gaza square on Sunday mornings with hot chocolate and coffee, buttons and posters, lawn signs and colourful chalk. Come say hi and meet your fellow neighbours/organizers as they make their presence known and continue to build safety in their community!

11AM — Sundays 4 Palestine (Bathurst and Sheppard)
Sundays4Palestine - Weekly counterprotest to the Zionist community that comes out to celebrate the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Flags and signs provided.

12PM — Civic Space Sunday (2567 Dundas St W)
1RG - 1RG is opening their space to folks working on projects addressing civic challenges with technology. Whether you're already involve in an existing project, or you're looking at finding one to contribute to, join in for an afternoon of building.

1PM — Rally for Cuba (360 University Ave)
Coalition of Anti-Imerialist Groups in Toronto - Monthly rally in solidarity with Cuba and against the illegal blockade to demand an end to the decades-long blockade and economic war on Cuba, as well as the most recent egregious actions perpetrated by US imperialism against the island nation.

1PM — Labour Zionism and the Struggle for Palestine – Part 2 (Virtual)
Labour for Palestine - Part 2 of a 3-part speaker series on the struggle for Palestine in the labour movement. Activists and academics Katherine Nastovski and Kevin Skerrett will discuss the Canadian labour movement’s relationship with Zionism and the Histadrut, and strategies for building new relationships of genuine solidarity.

2PM — Introduction to Socialism (Available upon registration)
Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education - Session 1 of the Leo Panitch School’s flagship 8-week course Introduction to Socialism, designed for both those experienced activists always looking to learn more, and those newer to socialist ideas and full of questions.

2:30PM — Let Cuba Live People’s Tribunal (25 Cecil St)
Canadian Network On Cuba - A People’s Tribunal in Toronto (livestream option available)! We the people the charge the U.S. government with violations of Cuban sovereignty and universal human rights – Let Cuba live!

3PM — PHP4P Door Knocking (Available upon registration)
Parkdale-High Park for Palestine - Doorknock in Parkdale-High Park every Sunday in February to let your neighbours know how to stop Canada from arming Israel! Parliament votes on The No More Loopholes Act at the end of February, so now is the most critical time to pressure our MPs.

3PM — SOLIDARI-tea: Community Potluck & Heart Art (Old’s Cool General Store)
Old’s Cool General Store - Join an afternoon of shared tea, cookies, real conversations and 
creative connection. Bring something to share & come talk about what’s been happening in your world.

3PM — Rally for Ukraine (Nathan Phillips Square)
Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Rally to mark the 4th anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The heroic Ukrainian people continue to fight through the freezing winter, cities are under relentless missile and drone attacks, and civilians are left without electricity, without heat, without hot water. Ukraine needs your voice now.

4PM — Parkdale Community Food Bank Anniversary Party (5 Brock Ave)
Parkdale Community Food Bank - Parkdale Community Food Park is excited to celebrate its 1-Year Anniversary at the new location and all of the past years' accomplishments and milestones! Join for an afaternoon of snacks, button-making, and karaoke.

5:30PM — Congo Fundraiser Concert (901 Yonge St)
How Dare You Care - How Dare You Care invites you to celebrate a night of live music in support of humanitarian efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Proceeds from this event will be directly donated to Goma Actif and The Future of Congo, and in line with HDYC's mission, 10% of proceeds from this event will be donated to Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction.

6PM — Evening for Tigray (13 SUNS Café & Eatery)
Horizon Academy - A lovely, intimate evening music of live music, great food, and warm vibes, all for a great cause. Pay what you can, all proceeds go to Adey - an organization supporting displaced women and children in Tigray.

6:30PM — EDSA@40 Commemoration (720 Spadina, 221)
Coalition of Filipino Organizations - Join a discussion on the current political situation of the Philippines for the 40th anniversary of EDSA People Power. Featuring community speakers and cultural performances, come together to mobilize on the issues affecting the Filipino people!

Monday, February 23, 2026 🔗

12:30PM — Weekly Phone Zap for Palestine (Virtual)
Toronto Zaps For Palestine - Join with organizers from coast to coast in calling, emailing, and faxing demands to elected officials for a full two-way arms embargo to stop Canada's complicity in the genocide.

Down the road

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 🔗

12PM — Salt Pollution Rally (Queen’s Park)
1PM — Perspectives on Prison Programs (Virtual)
1PM — Liberated Land Trusts (Virtual)
2:30PM — Black Muslim Refugee (Hybrid)
6PM — Draw the Line Against Transphobic Violence in Schools (Virtual)
6PM — Transform Symposium (Centre for Social Innovation)

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 🔗

7PM — Civic Meetup - Toronto Drop-in Recreation Finder (Hybrid)
3PM — Buxton’s Black History (1499 Queen St W)
6PM — Resisting Erasure Book Launch (45 Willcox Street)
6PM — Wayfinding: Teenhood (1RG)
6PM — Documenting Protests (Virtual)
6:30PM — Where do we go next? (Virtual)
6:30PM — Discussion: Aro Visibility and Awareness (Virtual)
6:45PM — FilmSocial: The Organizer (Eyesore Cinema)

Thursday, February 26, 2026 🔗

12PM — Rock Solid: A scientific review of radioactive waste (Virtual)
5:30PM — Illuminating the Path to Justice Iftar (Zafoon Middle Eastern Restaurant)
6PM — Abolition Pub-Ed with Amy Smoke (Virtual)
6PM — Harm Reduction Is Love (College St United Church)
6PM — CivicTechBrampton: Open Data Workshop (8 Queen St E, Brampton)
6:30PM — Scarborough Environmental Association Comedy Fundraiser (1085 Bellamy Rd N)
6:30PM — Action Safety & Marshal Training (Virtual)

Friday, February 27, 2026 🔗

7PM — That Colossal Wreck Screening (252 Bloor West)
8PM — Prisoner Correspondence Project Volunteer Info Session (Virtual)

Saturday, February 28, 2026 🔗

7PM — Oil Capitalism and Climate (454 College St)
8PM — Sounds of Jamaica Fundraiser (Society Clubhouse)
10AM — Coldest Day of the Year Ride 2026 (Sugar Beach Park)
10AM — Scarborough Tenant School (Available Upon Registration)
1PM — No War Bank in Toronto (Bathurst and Bloor)
2PM — Noname Book Club Toronto – Map to the Door of No Return (24 Cecil St)

Sunday, March 8, 2026 🔗

1PM — Friends and Families for Safe Streets Peer Support Meeting (401 Richmond St W, Room 375)
1PM — Strong Towns Toronto’s Monthly Meeting (The 519)

For the full up-to-date event listing, visit the Show Up Toronto website. If you find this newsletter useful, I would love for you to:

• Forward it to a friend
• Tell me if you go to an event
• Send me other organizing events in the city I may have missed

You can reach me by replying directly, or by emailing organize@showuptoronto.ca.