The Dialog, Oct. 12-15, 2015

THE FEDERAL ELECTION ISSUE Tommy Taylor takes on Bill Blair in Scarbourgh SW

Pg.7 Oct. 12–Oct. 25, 2015

Lawsuit will not impact clubs: SA

Technology fee increasing

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Pg.3 GBC Student Newspaper • Founded 1982

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NEWS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Oct. 12–Oct. 25

Lawsuit against coordinator will have ‘no impact’ on clubs Termination of U of T Students Union executive director sparks legal dispute pact his role or his job then we’ll certainly be there to do our own investigation if needed.”

The SA’s manager of equity and advocacy Rosalyn Miller did not respond to requests for comment from The Dialog by press time.

The defendants have 20 days to file a statement of defense, following the statement of claim being served.

Bollo-Kamara filed a notice of intent to defend on Oct. 15.

DIALOG STAFF

Cameron Wathey is one of three defendants being sued by the University of Toronto Student Union (UTSU). But people who work with him say he’s doing an excellent job as the new clubs coordinator at George Brown.

“He has been amazing,” said Rachel Grace, the Student Association’s (SA) director of campus life. “Cameron hit the ground running when he started here in September. He just jumped right in (and) he was an incredible huge help with the Week of Welcome.”

Wathey was UTSU’s vicepresident, internal and services from 2013 to 2015. The other defendants in the lawsuit include former UTSU president Yolen Bollo-Kamara and former executive director Sandra Hudson.

According to the claim, which has not been proven in court, two weeks before the end of their terms, BolloKamara and Wathey signed a termination agreement with Hudson that provided her with a total lump sum payment totaling $247,726.

The unproven statement of claim, which was first reported by The Varsity, said UTSU executive members had never previously expressed dissatisfaction with Hudson and there was “no plausible explanation for terminating her contract without cause.”

In addition to the notice and severance payments in the termination agreement, the lawsuit alleges that Bol-

CORRECTIONS

Photo: City of Toronto

lo-Kamara and Wathey made no attempt to investigate Hudson’s “suspicious, sudden, and massive claim for unpaid wages” in the form of 1974.5 overtime hours recorded by Hudson in a single entry on April 1, 2015.

“The allegations against our client contained in the statement of claim are without merit,” said Bollo-Kamara’s lawyer Jeff Van Bakel in an email to The Dialog. “This action will be vigorously defended and our client looks forward to being vindicated through the court process.”

Hudson declined to comment on the lawsuit when contacted by The Dialog.

Wathey did not respond to emails requesting comment.

“The SA does not see the need to address this issue

at this time,” said the SA’s interim executive director Lorrianne Gajadharsingh by email. “Together, with the college, we are trusting the legal system to deal with this matter.”

Gajadharsingh said that she has confidence in Wathey’s ability to contribute to the SA noting that the number of clubs has tripled from 8 to 35 since he started.

As the clubs coordinator position is jointly funded by George Brown and the SA Wathey also reports to the college’s department of student life.

Gerard Hayes, the director of student experience at the college, agrees that Wathey had an excellent start. “Certainly we’re happy with how he handled the clubs fair re-

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cently. We had a great turnout of students, he did great advertising for it (and he) understood his role in it.”

As outlined in the SA Clubs Policies, a club must submit a request with receipts, invoices or valid written estimates to the clubs coordinator to receive funds.

The cheque must be co-signed by a full-time staff and one student executive who are signing officers.

“Clubs can rest assured that it (the lawsuit) will have no impact on clubs experience or the life of clubs,” said Grace.

According to Hayes, the college has no plans to address the allegations at this time. “We’re working with the SA and as we find out more information and if it does im-

@dialoggbc

In the article “Drake and Future headline frosh concert,” which appeared in the Sept. 28 issue of The Dialog part of a quote from Rachel Grace was omitted. The quote should have read that it was a student-organized event and not run by professionals. Instead the quote read that they were not professional. The original location of the stage, which was planned to be in Lake Devo, was also incorrectly described and an incorrect date for the concert was printed. The Dialog regrets the errors, we are a studentorganized newspaper and not run by professionals.

The review of the play Blind Date in the Sept. 28 issue incorrectly stated that in a performance in St. Paul, Minnisota out of 48 people in the audience 26 were men who had been in the show. In fact, there were 400 people in the audience.

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OPERATION The Dialog newspaper is published by The Dialog with the support of the Student Association of George Brown College.

The Dialog is responsible for the overall vision and direction of The Dialog newspaper, as it coincides with the larger vision and mission of the Student Association.

The cost of producing a monthly newspaper is in part defrayed by advertising revenue

and largely subsidized by student fees. Occasionally, some advertisers, products and services do not reflect the policies of the Student Association.

Opinions expressed in The Dialog are not necessarily those of The Dialog, the Student Association of George Brown College, or its editorial staff.

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The Dialog is a member of CUP, the Canadian University Press

NEWS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Oct. 12–Oct. 25

3

Enhanced Technology Fee going up $31 Student Association approves fee increase for 2016 ALIONA KUTS STAFF REPORTER

On Sept. 28, the Student Association (SA) of George Brown College’s board of directors voted to approve a $31 increase ($15.50 per semester) of the Enhanced Technology Fee next year.

LGBTQ representative Murray Rowe voted to increase the fee, saying one of his concerns previously was that the SA was increasing the fee without having the total package of information in front of them.

“The last thing I would want to do is add additional costs to post-secondary education. It is high enough,” said Rowe. However, he said the increase was not an unreasonable expectation given all the enhancements that have been done.

Thomas Hadwen, the SA’s director of operations, who was also the only SA member to attend a Q&A meeting

EVENTS LISTINGS Casa Loma office grand opening

Textiles (FASH Oasis Days Tuesday, Oct. 20 – Casa 1107) study Loma campus Student Centre sessions

Oct. 14, 11 a.m. – noon.

Casa Loma student centre, 142 Kendal Ave.

Thurs, 11 a.m. – noon, Weds, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Casa Loma campus, 160 Kendal Ave., D310

Join the Student Association of George Brown as they celebrate the grand opening of their renovated Casa Loma student centre. Ribbon cutting ceremony to take place, with food, cake and drinks to be served.

Therapy dog sessions Oct. 23 & 30 (for October sessions, with repeating events throughout the term) St. James Campus, 200 King St. E., in front of B121 For more information contact Janice Campbell, 416-415-5000 ext.2819, janice.campbell@georgebrown. ca

These sessions are run by a senior fashion student and will give students a chance to review past material, go through tricky definitions and vocabulary, and ask any other questions related to the course.

Wednesday, Oct. 21 – Waterfront campus, main lobby Thursday, Oct. 22 – St. James campus, Kings Lounge: Thursday, Oct. 22 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Exam week can be a stressful time for students, that’s why we have put together a day to help you cope. Hand & back massages; Light refreshments; Tarot card and palm reading.

Conversation Tony Lee circles Mondays and Wednesdays, Hypnotist 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Casa Loma campus, 160 show Kendal Ave., D310 (Mondays); D313 (Wednesdays)

Join an English tutor from the Tutoring and Learning Centre for drop-in Conversation Circles. No appointment necessary!

Thursday, Oct. 22, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

St. James – Kings Lounge

One of the most talked about events of the school year—come out to see why.

regarding the fee increase, said he was vocally opposed to the idea at earlier stages.

He reviewed the technology fee expenditure plan that includes new open access labs, more laptop sign-outs, iPads, longer hours and flexible learning. Although Hadwen said he’s generally opposed to increasing fees, in this case he said he feels the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

With only four board members voting against it, the resolution to increase the fee to $189 was approved in minutes.

Jamie Jamieson, the SA Waterfront campus director, voted against the motion. “I feel the need of technology fee increase is a waste. Students already have difficulties paying it,” said Jamieson after the meeting.

He also mentioned that as a student of the behavioural science technology program, he struggles to pay tuition. “I only use two pieces of technology in college, and so does

Wes Craven marathon for charity From Oct. 21 to Oct. 24 the SA will run a movie week as a tribute to Wesley Craven, best known for creating “A Nightmare on Elm Street”, who died of brain cancer August 30, 2015. There will be a donation box at the entrance of the SA lounge and all the proceeds will go to the Canadian Cancer Society.

The movies will be demonstrated at King’s Lounge, St James campus.

everyone else. I don’t see the point of increasing the fee unless I start seeing students bringing three devices everyday to school. Then I may vote for it.”

Coty Zachariah, the First Nations, Métis and Inuit representative, also voted no to the fee increase.

“I think it is our job here not to raise fees for students,” explained Zachariah. “I think the fact that we charge them less for IT than other schools do is a bonus. I think this is something we are doing right.

Trying to match provincial standards is a mistake.”

The increase of the Enhanced Technology Fee is part of the Student Computing Strategy for 2014-2020.

The strategy aims to “keep students current with emerging trends in technology and the learning environment” as well as “identify and support the college’s IT learning needs and requirements in an increasingly digital learning environment.”

$5,000 for OCMC Twenty GBC business students will participate in Ontario College Marketing Competition (OCMC) Nov. 26 and 27, 2015 at Hilton Toronto.

The competition has been running for 30 years, bringing bright undergraduate students enrolled in business programs together to demonstrate their skills and network with industry professionals.

With 350 participants and 80 volunteers, the two-day event features a jeopardy along with a full-day competition on solving various marketing problems and a closing reception. The Student Association donated $5,000 towards the competition.

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4

NEWS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Oct.12–Oct. 25

College says it plans to support Syrian refugees No numbers given or promotional efforts undertaken

agement at George Brown College.

“It’s a horrible tragedy, and as Anne said in her message, she is very, very committed to supporting everyone in the College that wants to engage and help.”

The University of Alberta, Western University, Algoma University, and the University of Ottawa have all created funds to assist refugees

that have been evacuated from Syria. However, George Brown College has not yet allocated any specific funding.

According to Thomson, this is because the college does not want to put a ceiling on the amount of assistance provided.

“We want to help support any refugees that are coming here and would like to attend George Brown College.

We just haven’t put a cap on that,” said Thomson, noting that the sponsorship process is quite lengthy. “We don’t know at this point how large the need will be.

“We don’t want to come up with an arbitrary number on support. At this point, what we have done is we’ve opened the door, but really, anything can happen once that door is open,” claimed Thomson.

But with no promotion of these initiatives to students or prospective students, they may not be aware of the program.

“In terms of communicat-

ing with the broader student population, our first step has been to connect with the Student Association to become aware of any efforts they may be taking to respond to the Syrian crisis, and then communication with students will take place accordingly,” said Thomson.

When contacted by The Dialog, SA manager of equity and advocacy Rosalyn Miller and SA interim executive director, Lorraine Gajadharsingh both said that they had not heard from the college regarding the efforts.

“I would hope that if there is any awareness or information meant for the student population we would be advised, but so far we haven’t gotten anything to inform us to shed further light on this topic,” said Miller. “It would either be myself or the (executive) director of the student association that would be the main point of contact for this type of awareness on campus.”

Named by Postmedia News as one of “Nine Aboriginal Movers and shakers You Should Know” and as “The Accidental Journalist” by the Globe and Mail, Wab Kinew is a profound name in the broadcasting and journalism industry.

Kinew, who is also associate vice-president for indigenous relations at the University of Winnipeg, came to George Brown College on Sept. 23 as part of the diversity, equity and human rights services speaker series.

He took everyone by surprise when he began introducing himself in his native language of Ojibwe before translating it into English for the audience.

Kinew is an advocate for indigenous people in the country and during the session, he stressed the impact that residential schooling had on his family as well as his own life.

He shared with the audience the atrocities that his ancestors went through in their life when at residential schools, sharing the experience of his father who attended a residential school.

After his father’s death, Kinew learned that his father had been part of a series of nutritional experiments that were conducted on residential school children in the 1940s and 1950s.

“I would ask that you consider what you could do to offset some of the contemporary realities which are a legacy of that history of these lands,” he asked the audience, explaining that abuse and alcoholism within families are ways in which the effects of residential schools carry on today.

Kinew’s forthcoming book The Reason You Walk is based on Kinew and his father’s relationship and how his father was impacted by residential school and the segregation of indigenous people.

“I realized how he was made to feel by the priests and nuns of residential school as a result of discipline and anger with the way they raised him and how he raised me in a very similar way with the harsh discipline and anger. And then, as I was writing this book, I reflected upon how I am raising my son,” said Kinew. The book delves into healing and finding forgiveness.

“Even for a family such as ours, where we managed to be successful, where we managed to participate in mainstream society while still holding on to our indigenous identities, residential school experience still has meaning,” he added.

Kinew also threw light on several important issues like discrimination towards indigenous nations and insufficient availability of clean drinking

water. He noted that this is a crucial time for Canadians to ask election candidates about such topics.

With respect to Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s statement referring to “old-stock Canadians”, Kinew noted that he thought the explanation Harper gave of the phrase was most illustrative and insightful. Harper said that “old-stock Canadians” referred to the descendants of immigrants.

EMEKA IBEH STAFF REPORTER

In response to the current refugee crisis in Syria, George Brown College president Anne Sado sent out a message to all George Brown employees on Sept. 15 stating the acts of violence and oppression in Syria were events that could not be ignored.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Syria and their families at this difficult time,” said Sado in her email to GBC faculty, which The Dialog obtained from the college.

In her message, Sado also stated that the ongoing crisis compels individuals to do whatever they can to help re-

Numerous post-secondary institutions have put funds towards the Syrian refugee crisis Photo: Freedom House

solve such conflicts.

So what is George Brown College doing for Syrian refugees?

“Our entire community is really impacted by this, and many staff have come forward to us and indicated that they really would like to help in some way, shape or form,” said Karen Thomson, vicepresident of marketing and strategic enrollment man-

“Accidental journalist” Wab Kinew visits St. James campus.

Photo: Renuka Malhotra/The Dialog

Wab Kinew comes to George Brown Journalist speaks to students about residential schooling, his new book and politics RENUKA MALHOTRA STAFF REPORTER

“Even for a family such as ours... residential school experience still has meaning.”

“In his vision of what Canada is, he has no place for my people. Because he would have said otherwise immigrants and indigenous people and their descendants,” said Kinew. “When I heard that line ‘old-stock Canadians’ and its clarification I thought to myself that we must be then extra old stock.”

NEWS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Oct. 12–Oct. 25

TRAFFIC LIGHT PARTY

5

Brewskies in the bag Beer to be sold in Ontario grocery stores ZAHRAA ALUMAIRY

taken

THE EYEOPENER

complicated

single

Friday, October 23

St. James, Kings Lounge | 7 p.m.– Midnight

Protein & meal replacement shakes

$4

(CUP)—Beer could be sold in grocery stores before the end of this year. The Ontario government announced on Sept.

23 they will allow some grocers to stock the shelves with beer.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario will award 48 large grocers and 12 small grocers authorizations to sell beer. Twenty five of these grocers will be located in the Greater Toronto Area.

At a news conference on the day of the announcement, Premier Kathleen Wynne detailed this process as a part of “modernizing our province’s beer retailing system to give people better access to the products they enjoy — and doing it in a prudent and socially responsible way.”

Currently, beer in Ontario is sold exclusively at The Beer Store and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) stores.

For this change, the government has made a series of agreements with the company, said Wynne, helping to “level the playing field” for Ontariobased brewers to encourage economic growth throughout the province. The Beer Store retails approximately 80 per cent of the beer in Ontario.

All grocers who plan on selling beer will be making agreements with the LCBO, the sole supplier of beer in all private retail channels.

As such, they must commit to meeting strict requirements in retailing alcohol safely, ensuring that: Beer is not sold to persons under 19 or those who are intoxicated Sales adhere to standard

hours of sale Beer is only available in designated sections of stores All staff are trained to ensure the Ontario standards are met.

Grocery stores interested in bidding to carry beer have until Nov. 6 to submit their applications to the LCBO. The plan will be to have 450 stores carrying beer, 150 by May 2017, distributed province-wide to ensure fair competition.

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OPINION

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Oct.12–Oct. 25 // EDITORIAL

// OPINION

The Conservative Party of Students are Canada thinks you’re stupid not apathetic Niqab talk aims to distract voters from real elections issues SEAN BRADY THE OMEGA

The Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) wants you to think about a tip line to report “barbaric cultural practices.” Oh, and the niqab and how it’s used to oppress women. And yes, it’s more than mere coincidence that both of these issues came up at the same time and are now on the table being subtly twisted before a gazing public.

Simcoe-Grey candidate Kellie Leitch somehow kept a straight face as she stood behind a podium and read the outrageous promise of delivering an RCMP tip line to report barbaric cultural practices. The tip line prompts people to be wary of their foreign neighbours and be on the lookout for things like sexual slavery and honour killings — clearly 9-1-1 just won’t do.

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi called the recent niqab debate “disgusting” and

“dangerous.” In response, Jason Kenney, the former minister of multiculturalism, responded by saying “If anything’s dangerous, it would be legitimizing a medieval tribal custom that treats women as property rather than people.”

Kenney’s concerted effort of showing concern has been effective, but anyone reading between the lines can see the true intent of dividing people.

A pregnant woman wearing a headscarf was thrown to the ground in Montreal.

In Toronto, another Muslim woman in a niqab, claims a man attacked her in front of her two children. Amira Elghawaby, a spokesperson for the National Council of Canadian Muslims, told the Globe and Mail that there’s been a “huge spike” in anti-Muslim sentiment on social media.

Conservative campaign advisor Lynton Crosby has a history of using “dead cat” tactics, where a distracting issue (the proverbial “dead cat”) is thrown down in front of everyone to keep them

from talking about issues that are hurting the political chances of the party.

What is it, then, that the Conservative Party of Canada doesn’t want people talking about? Perhaps it’s Harper’s promise to deliver on a $15 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia. A defense contract to deliver light armoured vehicles to a country with an abysmal human rights record, and one, in fact, that is host to many of the “barbaric cultural practices” the CPC wants you to snitch on your neighbour about. If the CPC’s battle against the niqab and the oppression of women was a genuine effort, would it really make any sense to strike such a deal with a country where women can’t marry, obtain a passport, travel or access higher education without the permission of a man?

A longer version of this article was originally published in The Omega student newspaper at Thompson Rivers University.

// EDITORIAL CARTOON

Young people have good reasons not to vote Every election, there seems to be a widely reported theme around the youth and student vote. That is, that youth, young adults, and students don’t vote and the problem is their apathy.

But the heart of this issue is not student apathy. If students are not tuned into election issues, there are good reasons for tuning out.

It is true that students and youth are less likely to vote. A report from Elections Canada following the 2011 Election noted that voting among young adults in Canada has been “declining for many years” and is a significant cause of general voter decline in Canada.

The main reasons identified for this lack of young voter turnout include: eligible young voters are too busy with work, school, and their families, and some say they don’t know enough about the issues, candidates, and parties to cast a ballot.

Some may argue that if students and young people cared more about political issues, then they would make the time to learn about the campaigns, candidates, and parties.

But when they are not engaged by politicians, young voters feel left out of electoral politics and this is why they choose not to vote.

A 2015 report by Samara Canada, a not-for-profit democracy research organization, is evidence of this. The study shows that one of the

main reasons eligible young voters participate less in voting then older demographics is that voters who are 30 years old and under are far less likely to be contacted and engaged by politicians than voters over the age of 30.

Students and youth are carrying their political weight and then some. Outside of voting, younger Canadians are significantly more likely than their older counterparts to be active politically active, finds the report.

Activities where younger Canadians were found to be outperforming their older counterparts include going to protests, organizing political events, and participating in community-related work.

So let’s drop this idea of disengaged young voters. It does not account for the vibrant political movements driven by young people, such as Quebec’s 2012 student led strike, which garnered worldwide attention while bringing hundreds and thousands of people into the streets. It does not account for the student-dominated fossil fuel divestment campaigns, which have led to 450 institutions divesting around $2.6 trillion from oil and gasrelated funds.

If politicians and political parties want young voters’ support, they have to engage students early, often, and not just at election time. Otherwise, students will put their political energy elsewhere.

— Michael Waglay on Facebook

only occur when good people stand up and make it so.

— @JohnVassal (on Twitter)

Letters and comments RE: A two-bedroom unit will cost $2,225 per month in the new George Brown College student residence What student can afford that?! Certainly not OSAP students, they barely cover

living expenses in low income areas. And don’t bother trying to work while studying because OSAP will always feel you’ve made too much and claw back your payments, so you barely cover rent. But oh well, we have a spiffy new residence for the privileged students!

— Shana Invertabrat Kealey on Facebook

What “regular” person can afford that?

— Andrew Wong on Facebook Yep, for rich students, or students with rich parents.

A shorter commute equals more study and fun time and a higher likelihood of getting a job. Time to reject these injustices.

RE: Campus offices trying to get students to vote this fall Let’s also have more youth run for office. Change can

Send your letters to the editor to dialog@georgebrown.ca.

We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and length and reserve the right not to publish libelous, offensive or incoherent letters.

ELECTIONS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Oct.12–Oct. 25

7

GBC student Tommy Taylor runs for Greens Candidate wants to ‘start fixing some crap’ STEVE CORNWELL STAFF REPORTER

George Brown student Tommy Taylor is one of over 1,000 people who was arrested in Toronto during the G20 Summit and detained in a temporary detention centre on Eastern Avenue. At the time, Bill Blair, then the Toronto Chief of Police, was widely criticized for his role in the unlawful arrests that took place.

Like a revenge plot in a Tarantino movie, Taylor now has the opportunity to regularly challenge Blair, a highprofile Liberal candidate, in interviews, on Twitter, and at the doors.

These are long days for Taylor. His obligations as a full-time student in the community worker program, as well as a Green Party candidate in Scarborough Southwest, have him up early and out late most nights.

“You do class until three o’clock, then you’re canvassing in the riding from four to nine, and there on the weekends as well,” Taylor said.

Taylor did not know he would be running for office when he enrolled as a full-time student. Juggling lectures, assignments, canvassing, and interviews, he said, “makes for some very late nights.”

It’s a big commitment, but Taylor is up to the task.

In one debate, Taylor called out Blair for the controversial practice of carding, which involves police stopping, questioning and taking the information of individuals when they are not under investigation. Critics of the practice have argued that carding disproportionately affects young people of colour.

Blair said that the “Liberal Party thinks that policy should be evidence based,” and Taylor jumped on it.

Taylor (left) greets a classmate after the Mobilize The Vote panel discussion. Photo: Steve Cornwell/The Dialog

“Mr. Blair,” Taylor said, “doesn’t believe that actually. Carding, for example, is not an evidence-based policy.”

Blair tried to deflect the issue and said that the residents of Scarborough Southwest are more concerned with “things that are actually relevant to this election.” Summarizing Blair’s comment, Taylor said, “the message to the black com-

munity is that carding is not relevant and that your civil liberties are not relevant.”

Taylor might be scoring debate points, but his likelihood of winning a seat is low. In addition to competing with Blair’s high-profile candidacy, Taylor is running against incumbent NDP MP Dan Harris. The polling site ThreeHundredEight.com has Taylor in fourth place in the riding.

Being in a fourth place campaign, Taylor’s focus is probably different than the other contenders. “For me,” Taylor said, “I like letting people know that there are people who want to be in office for the sole purpose of impacting all Canadians, not just the middle class.”

Taylor says he likes to focus on marginalized communities in the riding, where the conventional thinking is

that it’s a waste of time for politicians to visit, because those communities have low voting turnouts.

It’s a long shot, but Taylor has plans if elected.

Taylor would work to end the practice of carding in the provinces, and repeal a number of recently passed Conservative bills.

Or, as Taylor puts it, he would “start fixing some crap.”

8

ELECTIONS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Oct.12–Oct. 25

George Brown students on the elections Photos: Steve Cornwell/The Dialog

George Brown College students were asked for their thoughts on the upcoming federal election. Here are some of their responses.

CAC representatives engage students at the Mobilize The Vote talk. Photo: Steve Cornwell/The Dialog

Community Action Centre organizes elections campaign Removing voter registration cards and restrictions on vouching makes it harder for students to vote EDEN MARTIN & STEVE CORNWELL STAFF REPORTERS

Marsha Edwards Community worker program

“Politicians need to live a day in the life of a community to understand and help a community. Kind of like ‘Undercover Boss.’”

Megan Daniels Chef's school

“This is the first time that I get to vote... I know people want Harper out. But I don’t really have a view on it.”

Continued on the next page ->

The Fair Elections Act, or Bill C-23, puts up barriers to students voting in the upcoming federal election on Oct. 19, says staff at George Brown’s Community Action Centre (CAC). The Act, which changes ID requirements for Canadians wishing to vote “makes voting more complicated, and a lot of students have so much going on in their lives already,” said Steff Pinch, assistant at the CAC. “It becomes confusing and a lot of students just can’t have that on their plate. So they end up not voting.”

Voter registration cards, which are mailed out in the weeks before an election, will no longer be accepted as proof of address. Additional ID, such as a driver’s license, is now required to prove a voter’s address, according to Elections Canada’s new guidelines.

Pinch pointed out that students are more likely to change addresses often, making the additional proof of address requirements difficult to meet. “What this means is that a lot of students are scrambling, trying to find a piece of ID that they can use as proof of address.” Requirements around vouching at the polls have also become more stringent. Previously,

vouching allowed a resident of one polling division to make a statement verifying that other people were also residents in the division.

Pinch explained that students could use this option to verify that their roommates shared their address.

For this election, voters can still swear an oath to verify another voter’s address, but are limited to swearing on behalf of one other person. “It’s completely unfair for students,” said Pinch.

The CAC is running a

“Students can change the outcome of this election.” campaign to raise awareness of the changes to ID requirements and mobilize students to vote this election. “(Politicians) are underestimating us,” Pinch said, “and it’s a huge mistake.”

Because students traditionally have voted less than other demographics, Pinch said that Canadian politicians don’t think they have to incorporate student issues into their campaigns. The

CAC campaign aims to shake up that view.

The CAC has organized several events, including panel discussions, art installations, and an Oct. 7 “Vote Mob” mass voting day, where students were bussed from George Brown campuses to the advance polls at Ryerson University.

For the vote mob event, CA C o f f e r e d c o f f e e a n d snacks for voters and chartered a school bus for voting students. CAC members also accompanied student voters to the Ryerson poll on the TTC. “Even though there’s a lot of red tape this election, it’s really important for students to get out to vote.

Students can change the outcome of this election,” Pinch urged.

The Canadian Federation of Students, along with the Council of Canadians, have launched an ongoing court challenge related to the Fair Elections Act. The groups argue that it violates sections of the Charter that guarantee the rights of all Canadian citizens to equal treatment before the law and to vote in federal elections.

While the challenge will not be heard until after the polls close on Oct. 19, if successful, it could still invalidate the results of the election.

According to Pinch, “there is a definite case against it. It’s definitely making it harder for youth, for students, for folks who are marginalized to actually access voting.”

ELECTIONS

FEDERAL

ELECTION 2015

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Oct.12–Oct. 25

9

How are you voting this election?

The lowdown on what party platforms mean for student voters EMEKA IBEH STAFF REPORTER

I

ssues related to post-secondary education, such as rising student fees and debt will have an impact on how students choose to vote for this upcoming election. As election day nears on Oct. 19, here is your student guide to the four main parties’ pledges to students.

Conservative Party of Canada plans to: Add up to $515 million a year to fund First Nations education and another $500 million over three years to fund education infrastructure. Specifically for post-secondary education, it plans to put an additional $50 million a year towards a program that helps aboriginals in post-secondary institutions.

Julian Di Battista, Conservative candidate for Toronto Centre, did not return calls or emails to comment on his party’s policies for students.

New Democratic Party plans to: Spend up to $586 million to help young Canadians get jobs and pay for postsecondary education. This is an increase from the $140 million previously budgeted for young Canadian students.

“The NDP is committed to improving employment opportunities for young people, including those entering the workforce. At a federal level, we will take concrete steps to create 40,000 jobs, paid

internships and co-opportunities,” Linda McQuaig, candidate for Toronto Centre, clarified in an email.

“The NDP is also committed to post-secondary opportunities that are as accessible and affordable as possible. However, as you will be aware, decisions that may help achieve those goals are made at the provincial level. I would urge students to work for the provincial NDP caucus to fight for access to quality, affordable post-secondary education.”

Liberal Party of Canada plans to: Invest $50 million in additional annual support in the post-secondary student support program, providing additional financial assistance to Indigenous students attending post-secondary schools.

Invest $40 million annually to create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and business programs to help employers create new placement opportunities for students.

Pay 25 per cent of a coop placement salary, up to a maximum of $5,000, to an employer that creates a new co-operative placement.

Work with provinces, territories, and postsecondary institutions to develop or expand preapprenticeship Training Programs, providing up to $10 million per year to help young Canadians gain the skills they need to enter trades in high demand.

Bill Morneau, Liberal candidate in Toronto Centre explained that Liberal Party policies are focused on growing the economy and increasing jobs for

youth.

“For youth, we have said that we will invest $1.3 billion dollars over the next three years in youth employment strategies, which is 13 times more than the NDP have said that they are going to invest. And when we say we are going to invest 13 times more than they are, that’s really important for young people to understand, because you can claim that you are going to do something, but if you are not going to put the funding behind it, it’s not going to actually happen.

Green Party of Canada plans to: Develop a Youth Community and Environment Service Corps that will provide federal minimum wage employment for 40,000 youth aged 18 to 25 every year for the next four years, at a cost of $1.25 billion a year.

Award a $4,000 tuition credit to each participant, at the successful completion of each year-long program, that can be applied to further education and training.

“There needs to be a clear understanding that the increasing cost of tuition fees often times is an income barrier,” said Linh Nguyen, Green Party candidate in Mississauga Centre. “What really sets the Green Party apart from all of the other parties is our plan to abolish tuition fees by 2020.”

“If students’ debt upon graduating was capped at $10,000 it is simply giving students a chance to live with dignity. These are some of the things that we plan on doing for current students, so that when they are ready to graduate they are not just trying to survive.”

Andy Burns Chef’s school

“I’m basically against any Conservative Party. In Scotland (where I’m from), we have the Scottish National Party and a much more socialist way of looking at things. Scotland is a very socially aware country. Canada seems the same, it just has a bad government—like a lot of countries, to be fair.”

Cam Jacobs

George Brown student

“I’m more towards anything against Harper at the moment. I think that Trudeau would be a great asset to Canada because we need a younger generation of leaders so the younger people get their voice heard just as much.”

Adele Nichols Plumbing program

“I’m going to look at what the parties are doing for infrastructure. I heard the NDP was wanting to take jobs out of the trades. Obviously, I’m not sure if that’s true, but I’m in the plumbing program, so that’s something I would not support.”

10

SPORTS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Oct.12–Oct. 25

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Strong editing skills and knowledge of CP style. Email application to humanresources@sagbc.ca HOUSING One furnished bedroom ($800 ) clean bright house all inclusive available November 1st at Ossington/Dupont/Davenport, close to Casa Loma Campus. Please call 647 463 6159 E-mail: Larrissa777@ hotmail.com CAMPUS LIFE Want to try a new sport?

Join George Brown Dragon Boat Club.

Visit our website: www.georgebrowndragonboat.club Survey for Trans people at GBC! The Community Action Centre trans identified student support staff are currently asking trans and gender non-conforming students, staff, and alumni to fill out a survey about their experiences at George Brown College. This survey is part of phase 1 of an upcoming workshop series, which aims to create a resource guide for GBC staff and faculty on how to create more trans inclusive campuses and classrooms. Physical copies are available at the CAC (room 165B) or electronically at http://sacommunity.tumblr.com/Trans

Wolfpack Ticker - Scores from George Brown College athletics Cross-country running Sault Invitational Women’s 5 km: Sharlene MacLeod, 7th, 22.47 Evelyn Kokkimos, 17th, 25.21

Men’s 8 km: Mitchell Visser, 24th,34.15 Shaofeng Zhang, 37th, 36.26

St. Lawrence Brockville Invitational

Men’s baseball Fanshawe 6 - George Brown 4 St. Clair 5 - George Brown 0 (Final - 7 Innings) St. Clair 15 - George Brown 4 Durham 6 - George Brown 2 Durham 10 - George Brown 3 (Final - 7 Innings) Seneca 5 - George Brown 3 George Brown 4 - Seneca 4 (Top 8) Humber 13 - George Brown 3 (Final, 5 Innings)

Women’s 5 km:

Men’s soccer

Lucy Muhami, 3rd, 19:33 Sharlane MacLeod, 8th 20:14 Joanite Louw, 14th, 21:15 Adrienne Scott, 26th, 22:26 Evelyn Kokkinos, 28th, 22:42 Anna Maksimova, 51st, 24:35

Niagara 2 - George Brown 1 Sheridan 2 - George Brown 0 George Brown 1 - Seneca 0 George Brown 0 - Humber 0 U of T Miss. 2 - George Brown 1

Men’s 8 km:

Women’s soccer

Cole Sheppard, 71st, 32:44 Shaofeng Zhan, 74th, 32:57

Sheridan 6 - George Brown 0 Seneca 2 - George Brown 0 Humber 4 - George Brown 1

George Brown 2 - UofT Miss. 0 Niagara 4 - George Brown 0

Men’s basketball St. Lawrence Invitational George Brown 87 - Lambton 66 George Brown 62 - Algonquin 54 Huskies win the bronze medal

Men’s volleyball Mohawk 3 - George Brown 0 (Exhibition) (25-15,27-25,25-13

Women’s volleyball Mohawk 3 - George Brown 1 (Exhibition ) (15-25, 25-27, 25-21, 18-25)

Exhibition Games Alumni 79 - George Brown 71 George Brown 84 - Toronto Police 73 Humber 99 - George Brown 80

Women’s basketball Durham Invitational Fanshawe 85 - George Brown 41 George Brown 86 - Georgian 71 George Brown 97 - John Abbot 71 Huskies win consolation championship.

Exhibition Games Sheridan 62 - George Brown 48 Humber 98 - George Brown 39

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SPORTS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Oct.12–Oct. 25

11

George Brown students ready to row Students form rowing group, with eyes on making it official STEVE CORNWELL STAFF REPORTER

A late start, torn down posters, and a desire to get on the water. After a few bumps in the road, George Brown College (GBC) students are looking to wade into the waters of rowing, first to get better, then to compete.

The group members classify themselves as beginners.

But at a practice session— one of three the group runs each week—Chelsea Minkovich and Richard Reis each hint at rowing being in their blood.

Chelsea Fraser, player on George Brown’s women’s soccer team this semester. Photo courtsey of GBC Athletics

Chelsea Fraser newest recruit to soccer team Athlete’s father helped shape her into a strong player EMEKA IBEH STAFF REPORTER

Chelsea Fraser, a 23-year old Grimsby, Ont. native and graduate from the Niagara College dental hygiene and assisting programs is the bright new starting defensive player for the Huskies’ women’s soccer team. Fraser is currently in the restorative dental hygiene program at George Brown.

Fraser attended the same elementary school from junior kindergarten through Grade 8, and Dribble Pass Shoot Soccer Academy in Hamilton, Ont. is where Fraser learned the core of what she knows about soccer now. Her dad, who has been very influential in her life, coached her at Grimsby Secondary School. Fraser’s father taught her from the age of 10 until she was 15. “ H e wa s a d e d i c a t e d parent. His goals weren’t to shape me and mould me into an amazing soccer player. He wanted me to exercise and to take morals

and values from the game,” said Fraser. “Determination, commitment to teams, working as a team, being selfless and working well with others are the key points I have held on to (in order) to stay positive.”

Growing up, Fraser played baseball, volleyball and basketball and did trackand-field and cross-country running. She also played competitively for Hamilton Sparta, Grimsby Wrath and the West Lincoln Wolverines.

Fraser described her family as always wanting her and her siblings to be active, happy, healthy, and doing what they loved. That is the reason why she looks up to them so much; not a lot of families are as encouraging of their children to achieve what makes them happy.

“My folks were always like, ‘go, go, go,’” said Fraser with a smile on her face.

H u s k i e s s o c c e r c o a ch John Williams spoke highly of Fraser. He explained that her composure and positive attitude adds great balance to a team that is only one or

two players away from being competitive. “(The) first minute I saw her I knew she was good. She had good touches on the field and great skills from what I saw. She is also confident and talks a lot out there on the field for someone who just came into the program,” said Williams.

With all of the knowledge that she has acquired during her years as a student, Fraser believes that now is the best time for her to play professionally because she has her education to fall back on.

If a chance to go pro came her way, she would go for it, she said.

“If there is an opportunity that came knocking on my door for a sports career, I would take it because I am educated. I mean, soccer can take you so far, but once you stop playing, where do you go?” said Fraser. “So knowing that I have dental assisting and hygiene and now doing restorative hygiene, plus the fact that I am only 23 makes this the ideal time for me to play professionally.”

“We just went for it because time was running out in the rowing season.”

“My father used to do it when I was younger,” said Reis. “I always had this water aspect in my life.”

Likewise, Minkovich said water sports are a kind of family tradition. For each, joining a club for rowing at George Brown seemed to be a natural step.

The warm sun, calm atmo-

sphere, and placid waves at the Argonaut Rowing Club, where the club trains, hide the somewhat rocky beginning for the group.

Antoine De Vuyst, the captain of the emerging team, is working on establishing the club at George Brown. He acknowledges that the organizing effort started late and with colder weather looming, the window for training on the water is getting smaller.

There was also the matter of the posters.

“We didn’t get permission to put them up from the Student Association (SA),” said De Vuyst—so the posters were torn down.

De Vuyst regrets creating work for the SA staff who had to take the posters down, but said, “we just went for it because time was running out in the rowing season.”

While the group is not officially a SA club, which needs to have at least 10 members to be recognized, De Vuyst said the initiative has garnered a lot interest.

“The focus right now is on learning to row” said De Vuyst. But in the future, the plan is to build teams for competition.

For more information on the rowing club, contact Eva Almeida at georgebrownrowing@gmail.com.

Chelsea Minkovich (left), and Richard Reis (right) at practice for the George Brown rowing club. Photo: Steve Cornwell/The Dialog

12

ARTS & LIFE

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Oct.12–Oct. 25

George Brown College Chef’s House: Review Pleasant atmosphere, but meals a mixed bag ALIONA KUTS & TINA TODARO STAFF REPORTER

On a bustling corner on King Street East is the Chef ’s House restaurant, run by George Brown College (GBC) as a space where chef school students can learn. This innovative, student-focused restaurant also offers the public a relaxed, urban-dining experience.

The Chef ’s House has recently undergone significant expansion and is now a space that can host special events.

There is also a new simulation lab on the second floor, a wine tasting lab on the third floor and a food innovation and research studio on the fourth floor.

For Levi Rivers, a student learning at the Chef’s House, the hands-on experience is what he likes the most. He says the best thing about it is “the fact that students get to actually show the public what we’ve learned so far.”

Chicken entree (top) and peppercorn salmon atop a vegetable salad (bottom) at George Brown Chef’s House. Photo: Aliona Kuts/The Dialog

The Chef ’s House has a prix fixe menu with two courses for $20, three courses for $25 and a daily special with a glass of their featured wine for $18. We took advantage of the two courses, which included an appetizer, main course and dessert.

I chose to try the braised baby octopus, olives, chickpeas and ciabatta as my ap-

petizer. Though the calamari was chewy and didn’t take long to eat, I felt like there was no flavour and that the dish was very bland.

For the main course, I chose the peppercorn salmon atop a light vegetable salad with sweet peppers—red and yellow, mini eggs cut in half, cherry tomatoes, chunks of potato, onions and leafy

greens. My initial thought was that the salmon, of course, would be warm, which it was, and that it would be served with hot vegetables.

While the salmon tasted great, I was not too happy with the cold vegetables.

Overall my experience at the Chef ’s House was a good one as the service was great and the students and staff were happy to help.

Review by Tina Todaro

Being a vegetarian myself, I was stuck with basically one option for an appetizer and nothing for the main course.

Even the daily soup had a chorizo sausage in it.

The desserts, even though

the names were appealing, were not specified as dairy or gluten free, so going for an appetizer and a dessert was not an option either.

I am not a hardcore vegetarian and might occasionally enjoy a bite of an unusual or unique meat dish. In this situation, however, this was not the case. Having chosen a vegetable slaw to start off and a chicken for the entrée, I must admit both dishes were quite tasty.

The slaw was fresh and crispy and had just the right amount of spices to satisfy my palate. The chicken, unfortunately, was not that great. To my taste, it was too fat and oily; I would definitely opt for a healthier option.

The vegetables and the purée in their turn were delicious.

It is worth mentioning the server was always there, refilling our glasses and changing the plates quickly.

I would say that I definitely enjoyed the atmosphere, especially the open kitchen— that drove me as a former cook crazy—and would love to come back but for a more varied menu.

Review by Aliona Kuts

Chef Michael Smith brings homecooking to George Brown People at your table are more important than the food on it: Smith ALIONA KUTS STAFF REPORTER

Owning a low-key restaurant on sleepy Prince Edward Island is a long way from the fame of your own TV show.

Former celebrity chef Michael Smith paid a visit to George Brown College (GBC) on Sept. 25, for a “slightly unscripted” chat about his new cookbook Make Ahead Meals. The event, organised by student chef club Tastes of Tomorrow, gathered a full house, with students, professors, and volunteers from the chef school.

Born in New York City, Chef Michael Smith studied fine arts before he discovered cooking and changed his mind. He has published nine

books, including the Taste Canada award-winning title Family Meals in September.

Smith once cooked for the King of Saudi Arabia, but said the best dish he ever tried was a papaya salad on a street corner in Thailand.

Seven years ago, overloaded with his TV show and media appearances, Smith realised something was missing. “I was so busy being successful that I didn’t have time to cook anymore.”

He has since embraced home cooking emphasizing, “the most important thing in home cooking is not what is on the table, but who is at the table.”

In April, Smith bought the Inn at Bay Fortune in P.E.I. and is now a proud res-

taurateur who “grows every single vegetable served.”

After being in the industry for over 30 years, Chef Smith believes creativity is the most seductive part of cooking, clarifying his ideas do not come from careful research and thinking. “When someone needs something on the fly, that’s when a new idea pops up.”

Chef Smith said the one thing he looks for when hiring is initiative. He also suggested exploring the world upon graduation.

“Don’t go home, go travel and don’t chase the dollar.

Go where you’re respected, where you’re learning because this is the path to success.”

Chef Michael Smith speaks to George Brown students at campus event. Photo: Aliona Kuts/The Dialog

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca //

ARTS & LIFE

Oct.12–Oct. 25

13

Food Court Social Annual event sells out for the second time

Left to right: David Brown, Robin Dawson, Chef David Wolfman, culinary management student Iaonhawinon and Chef Chris Loizou.

Photo: Aliona Kuts/The Dialog

ALIONA KUTS STAFF REPORTER

The second Food Court Social shook the marvellous grounds of Artscape Wychwood Barns on Sept. 24, benefiting the augmented education program (AEP) at George Brown College (GBC) for people who suffer from mental illnesses and addiction issues.

The casual atmosphere of the event included food and wine tasting. It was followed by a live auction and a speech from Ashlie Melvin, one of the AEP graduates.

Melvin said she couldn’t boil an egg before joining the program and it was a great pleasure and honour to study at George Brown. Melvin said she never thought she’d have to make a speech in front of such a huge crowd either.

In a 2014 video for the Food Court Social, Melvin talks about how she was addicted to drugs and alcohol as well as having mental health issues, which resulted in her living on the streets for several months.

When she showed up at her parent’s house one day, it hit her. “My mom just broke down in front of me when I saw her, and I realized that what I was doing was affecting everyone else in my life and I needed to change that.”

Melvin sought treatment at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) where a counsellor helped her apply to the assistant cook extended training program at GBC. After graduating, Melvin worked up to 70 hours a week at a job in a tapas restaurant before being hired as a culinary coach by the college, working with current students in the AEP program.

It was her story that inspired the GBC Foundation to organize the event to support more people like Melvin and give them opportunities to get a post-secondary education.

The food was generously provided by 12 chefs, including a GBC professor and several alumni.

For Chef David Wolfman,

a culinary arts professor at GBC and an executive producer and host of Cooking with the Wolfman, this was the second time participating in the event. “It’s going for a good cause and it’s so nice to do this,” commented Wolfman.

Wolfman, along with his team of four, started prepping four days before the event. The night before the event they cut 450 portions of buffalo carpaccio, sage infused arrows, smoked corn relish and birch and balsamic glaze and plated it during the event.

Chef Mark McEwan, a celebrity chef and an ambassador for Second Harvest, is also a 1979 GBC graduate and a member of the George Brown Foundation. McEwan presented seared yellow tuna with his group.

Chef Rob Gentile, another GBC alumni and a prosperous Toronto restaurateur, was “on the line” outside the main hall, making a wood burning pizza burrata, one of the few vegetarian options

Ashlie Melvin, a graduate of the augmented education program, speaks at the Food Court Social on Sept. 24 Photo: Aliona Kuts/The Dialog

at the event.

All in all, the event was a huge success. Although the food was over by 10 p.m., the bars were open until 11 p.m. and the music was playing, creating an appropriate and pleasant atmosphere for a Thursday night.

This year’s Food Court Social raised $200,000, which means it will cover half of the annual deficit of $405,000. As a result, the partnership between GBC and the CAMH with the augmented education program will be more accessible for future students.

in Toronto. “Be it income as well as precarious work, fragmented school of labour markets ambition and certainly a social safety net that isn’t keeping up to the changes in the economy, which is very much frayed.”

With the Federal election taking place on Oct. 19, the New Democratic Party (NDP) is the only party that has promised to hike the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2019.

“At the Workers Action Centre we see the issue

of unpaid internships as part of a continuum of unpaid work that it’s not just young people facing unpaid wages and unpaid work,” said Deena Ladd, a workers’ advocate at the centre.

NDP leader Tom Mulcair says on the NDP website that all Canadian families deserve a fair wage and a decent living. The NDP says by the end of their first term the federal minimum wage would be $15 an hour and would benefit about 100,000 workers.

Ending unpaid internships New Democratic Party promises $15 minimum wage by 2019 TINA TODARO STAFF REPORTER

Canadian workers have had to settle for less and in recent years part-time workers, many of whom are students, have had to work for low wages and endure unpaid internships.

Students in Ontario are tired of doing precarious work and unpaid internships that should be paid, for exposure and a reference. On Sept. 24 the Interns Connect! forum was held at the Centre for Social Innovation to discuss the issues around precari-

ous work.

In collaboration with the Communication Workers of America (CWA), the Canadian Interns Association and the Workers’ Action Centre, the discussion focused on workers’ rights to organize and the difficulties faced by those in precarious positions.

“I think the concerns around internships are really driven by a larger set of problems in our society,” said panelist Andrew Langille who is a labour lawyer

14

SCIENCE & TECH

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Oct.12–Oct. 25

Sci-fi course teaches students the art of parallel realities ‘I learn from every group of students,’ says Nina Munteanu EDEN MARTIN STAFF REPORTER

“Science fiction is my first love. I teach what I love,” says Nina Munteanu, instructor for the creating science fiction course currently offered through George Brown College (GBC) continuing studies. The course covers the major aspects of writing a science fiction novel, including premise, character, plot, world-building, use of metaphor and theme.

“My classes tend to be small, which is really wonderful. It’s great for the students,” Munteanu explained.

Munteanu runs the class as a workshop and says she tailors the course to the students’ interests, making time for students to read their weekly homework aloud to

classmates. “I learn from every group of students that comes through,” she said.

“The students are so cool.”

Munteanu has taught the 12-week course for the past three years at GBC, and at the University of Toronto previously. The course meets weekly for three hours, and can be applied towards writing certificates offered through GBC continuing studies.

Munteanu’s inspiration to write science fiction comes from her close connection to nature, having studied biology, ecology and limnology (the study of fresh water).

She also draws inspiration from other science fiction writers. “(Ray Bradbury’s) Martian Chronicles made me cry. I just thought, ‘I want to do what he’s doing. I want to write and move someone

like he’s moved me,’” she explained.

“Science fiction is very much a literature of metaphor,” said Munteanu. “It talks about society. It studies people, where we’re going, and where we’ve come from through the encounter of the unknown,” she explained.

Munteanu’s enthusiasm for the subject matter is obvious. “I love teaching writing, period,” she said. Munteanu

has also taught courses on a range of writing skills, including memoirs, technical writing, and resume writing.

Munteanu credits her love of the environment as further inspiration for her writing, pointing out that the theme of environmentalism runs throughout her work. This is an interest she shares with many of her students. “I’m noticing more and more that this is a prevalent

theme, an underlying theme,” she said, referring to her students’ writing.

Munteanu has published eight novels, two writing guidebooks, two non-fiction books and a collection of short stories. Munteanu’s next book, which is non-fiction, is entitled Water Is...The Meaning of Water and will be published early in 2016.

“I describe the weirdness of water. It’s magical. It’s such a unique compound,” Munteanu explained, citing 27 anomalous scientific properties, such as its ability to store information.

The creating science fiction course also benefits from Munteanu’s extensive experience with the publishing business, teaching students about the marketing and promotion of a story and how to pitch a story to an editor or agent.

Munteanu’s advice to aspiring authors is straightforward. “Believe in what you’re doing and believe in yourself.

Make it original and then stick with it, even if someone else says it’s dumb or crazy.

“Find something that’s really of meaning to you, rather than following the market,” she cautioned.

The course will be offered again in the summer term, running from April to June 2016.

George Brown campuses get a charge New wireless ‘ChargeSpot’ devices installed on campus RENUKA MALHOTRA STAFF REPORTER

Students can now plug their iPhones into “Spark” adapters on campus to charge them. Photo: Renuka Malhotra/The Dialog

With the increasing amount of gadgets being used by students everyday, the college is taking several measures to meet the rising demand of charging stations in various forms.

George Brown College has recently installed ChargeSpot devices as part of a pilot project at a few areas on the St. James and Waterfront campuses where students can wirelessly charge their phones.

Students just need to place their phone, as long as it has a built-in wireless receivers, on the ChargeSpot and the phone will automatically start charging.

Phones which do not have b u i l t i n r e c e i v e r s, s u ch as iPhones, will require a “Spark” adapter, which can be borrowed from the library at no cost.

The college campuses also possess a wide range of charging facilities, from multiple smartphone charging stations to basic plugpoint charging spots and USB-charging spots.

“One thing that bothers me about that (multiple smartphone charging station) and I also noticed that someone had a sign up on one that their device was stolen, that you have to hang around that station to make sure that your device doesn’t disappear,” said John Hardy, director of educational resources at the college.

“As well, I noticed that some students are actually standing there using their device while it is being recharged, but it’s kind of awkward.”

I n i t i a l l y, t h e u s e o f

ChargeSpot was limited to boardrooms, but now the company is expanding to educational institutions as well.

Hardy also told The Dialog that the newer phones don’t require the Spark adaptor whereas the older versions of cell phones did.

George Brown student Lynn Lin complained that hanging around the charging station was tiresome.

“I am definitely going to use this (ChargeSpot),” she said.

“We are in the process now of getting some signage,” reported Hardy. The signs would help students recognize where the devices are available.

The next big thing on the agenda for Hardy is to get recharging locker stations.

These lockers are unlike the open charging stations where students may have issues with security, as they are able to keep devices safe and secure while the student goes for lunch or a test.

FUN

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Oct.12–Oct. 25 // COMICS

// SUDOKU

Easy Puzzle 5,620,348,269

8 5

1

Cartoon by: Paige Winkle

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9 1

15

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9 1 2

7

9

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6

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1

8

3 9

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4

// SOLUTION Print another...

Back to puzzle

© Web Sudoku 2015 ­ www.websudoku.com

// CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across

1- Short letter; 5- Island in the East China Sea; 10- On ___ with (equal to); 14- Vocal; 15- Ventures; 16- Microscopic arachnid; 17- Inter___; 18- Panfry; 19- Requirement; 20- Thwart; 22- Having 90 degree angles; 24- Gastropod mollusk; 25- Official count of population; 26- Gumbo ingredient; 28- Wild dog of Australia; 32- Library ID; 35- Actor Byrnes; 37- ’It’s true!’; 38- Up to, briefly; 39- Grenoble’s river; 41- Future flounder; 42- Cricket team; 45- The French word for “no”; 46- E.g., e.g.; 47- It merged with Exxon;

48- Deer sir; 50- Composer Debussy; 54- Dweebish; 58- Ready for editing; 61- Excrement used as fertilizer; 62- Floor model; 63- Vinegary prefix; 65- Buenos ___; 66- Cracked; 67- Garr and Hatcher; 68- Chip in; 69- Numerous; v70- At attention; 71- Flat sound;

Down

1- ___ Ark; 2- Acrylic fiber; 3- Coniferous evergreen forest; 4- High spirits; 5- Gds.; 6- Penlight battery; 7- Armistice; 8- Attack; 9- Consumers; 10- Loss of memory; 11- Yacht spot; 12- To ___ (exactly); 13- Comic Foxx; 21- Class;

23- Au naturel; 25- Heels; 27- Harness part; 29- Workers’ rights org.; 30- Dollop; 31- ___ and terminer; 32- Gossip bit; 33- Farm structure; 34- Air bubble; 36- Bear lair; 37- 1996 Tonywinning musical; 40- Red flower; 43- Triumph; 44- Singer Fitzgerald; 46- Todo lists; 49- Santa ___; 51- Become less intense, die off; 52- Stomach woe; 53- Caterpillar rival; 55- Debris; 56- Mild oaths; 57- Approvals; 58- Mild cheese; 59- ___ vu; 60- ___ old cowhand...; 61- The majority of; 64- ___ tactoe;

"Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com (http://www.bestcrosswords.com). Used with permission."

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