Common Cause is a newly-formed provincial Anarchist organization. It formed in late September, after a founding conference in Toronto where members decided on a basis of unity and policy. The intention is to begin the process of building an organization of thousands that will have a presence in every town, workplace and neighbourhood across the province.
The first main project of this organization is a website and bi-monthly newspaper. These are entitled Linchpin and can be found online at http://linchpin.ca
The first issue of the newspaper was published in late November as an eight-page pdf file and has also been put into print by Common Cause locals across Ontario. This insert is part of the second, Jan/Feb 08 edition. Copies are regularly available at both OPIRG offices as well as at Exile Infoshop.

The Ottawa local had its first meeting on November 28, and decided to focus on printing the newspaper and in that way recruiting new members. If you are interested in joining or getting more information, please contact a_ottawa@mutualaid.org.

The Ottawa group came together after a couple of visits from Common Cause members. The first was a talk by Andrew discussing his experiences as part of the Workers’ Solidarity Movement in Ireland, as part of the Anarchist Discussion Group series.

The next visit was on November 17, at the quarterly Ottawa Anarchist Assembly. Provincial secretary Mick Sweetman gave a brief summary of Common Cause and its progress thus far. Common Cause Ottawa will be making a presentation at the next Anarchist Assembly, February 24.