The Dialog, Sept. 14-27, 2015 by The Dialog

CONSENT IS SEXY Campaign combats sexual assault on campus

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Smokin’ poutine hits St. James

Orientation week in photos

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NEWS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Sept. 14–Sept.27

Stopping sexual assault and violence at George Brown College George Brown College and the Student Association taking efforts to protect staff and students TINA TODARO STAFF REPORTER

“Students who have experienced sexual assault should do what they think is best. Sometimes that means reporting it, sometimes it’s reaching out to community services and sometimes it’s getting peer support,” said Steff Pinch, Community Action Centre (CAC) assistant. In March, George Brown College (GBC) released their Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy and Protocol. A separate policy was created by the Student Association (SA) in May. Since then, both organizations have been working on prevention efforts to ensure the safety of all staff and students at George Brown. At this year’s Week of Welcome the CAC did an interactive demonstration for students using a giant bed. Students were able to write what good consent means and looks like to them on pillowcases—a creative way to engage students and to start conversations around consent. The CAC will be taking part in other campaigns by the Canadian Federation of Students like “No Means No,” and “Consent is Mandatory,” and are currently gearing up for a “Consent is Sexy” week happening later this year. This fall the SA provided over 100 student staff with

Community Action Centre with their display bed - Photo: Alok Anand

sexual assault training done by METRAC (Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children) and the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres. On the college side, Jennet Cox, human rights adviser at GBC reported that five college staff attended trainings in June and July on how to run bystander intervention trainings that educate students on how to recognize situations that could lead to sexual assault and violence.

They are planning to implement a bystander-intervention campaign this fall. She added that the LCD screens across the three main campuses will also continue to provide information for students on where to access supports at the college as well as continue offering free women’s self-defence classes to students, staff and faculty. “Wen-Do is an effective class for women and we will offer introductory and intermediate levels,” said Cox. Students and staff are

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EDITORIAL Managing Editor Mick Sweetman. . . . . . . . . communications@sagbc.ca Ad Sales Riddhi Modi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dialogads@sagbc.ca Assisant Editor Carmelle Wolfson . . . . . . . . . . . . dialognews@sagbc.ca Online Editor Alok Anand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dialogonline@sagbc.ca Art Director/Designer Michael Shea . . . . . . . dialogdesign@sagbc.ca Videographer Valerie Myronenko. . . . . . . . . . . . . dialogvideo@sagbc.ca Staff Reporters Aliona Kuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dialogreporter3@sagbc.ca Tina Todaro, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dialogreporter@sagbc.ca Emeka Ibeh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dialogreporter2@sagbc.ca Eden Martin Kaitlyn Fifield Renuka Malhotra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dialogreporter1@sagbc.ca Contributors Paige Winkle

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able to take part in the basic Wen-Do sessions in the fall on Tuesdays from Sep. 22 to Oct. 20. The basic winter session runs Jan. 26 to Feb. 22, 2016 and an intermediate session will be announced during the winter semester. Cox said George Brown will also be continuing its anti-sexual harassment campaign this fall and continuing to work collaboratively with the SA on awareness campaigns to ensure that students will be provided with the resources and support

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they need no matter where they are at school. “Understanding our Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Protocol and supporting our students who have experienced sexual violence is a college community responsibility,” said Cox. “We will and can work together to ensure those who need our support find it quickly and are supported in a manner that is respectful and responsive to their needs.” With files from Eden Martin

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OPERATION The Dialog newspaper is published by The Dialog Collective with the support of the Student Association of George Brown College. The collective 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 Collective, the Student Association of George Brown College, or its editorial staff.

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NEWS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Sept. 14–Sept.27

SMOKE’S POUTINERIE OPENS AT ST. JAMES CAMPUS Weinerie serving up more than just potatoes RENUKA MALHOTRA STAFF REPORTER

Popular Canadian poutine franchise Smoke’s has opened up shop at George Brown. Smoke’s Poutinerie and Weinerie began operations on September 8 at the St. James campus. The company is hoping to reach its target audience —youth—through its new college and university campus locations, said Smoke’s founder and chief executive officer Ryan Smolkin. Geetha Ramasamy, general manager of Chartwells

at George Brown College, spoke with The Dialog about her excitement to bring the brand to the campus. “Smoke’s Po u t i n e r i e i s inventing and leading the quick-serve poutine ind u s t r y, ” she said. “The goal is to bring this authentic, quality Canadian classic dish to our campus in their own original and unique way.” Smoke’s Poutinerie has added to the traditional notion of poutine,

giving it a different form and shape with over 30 core poutine menu items to choose from. You also have the option of creating your o w n poutine. A l l of Smoke’s poutine dishes include hand-cut yellow-flesh fries, seasoning, Quebec cheese curds and homemade gravy with toppings to serve a variety of taste buds. And Smoke’s will be serv-

ing food beyond just the traditional fries, cheese curds and gravy. “We are also introducing a Weinerie menu for the first time in any campus setting,” noted Ramasamy. Smolkin stressed the uniqueness of his brand. “With the word ‘Poutinerie’ we have created a whole new food category,” he said. “Poutine has been in existence for 60 to 70 years, but we have recreated the entire category by bringing excitement to the traditional-style poutine.” Smolkin has given a new definition to junk food. “Junk is the luxury of food. It is poutine.” He also thanked George Brown College for their love and for making the effort to bring them to campus.

Keep an eye on belongings, warns college Over 126 reported thefts at George Brown last year MICK SWEETMAN MANAGING EDITOR

If you aren’t careful, you might find your cell phone, laptop or other property stolen this year at George Brown College (GBC). According to Stacey Andrews, manager of public safety and security at GBC, the biggest problem with thefts at George Brown are people leaving their belongings unattended. “Students who are coming from high school are used to a more closed environment. We are really open to the public and I don’t think people realize that sometimes,” said Andrews. Between September 2014 and April 2015, there were 126 reports of theft and two

reports of “break and enter” according to documents obtained by The Dialog through a Freedom of Information request. “Individuals are trusting other individuals more than they probably should,” said Andrews. “They’ll leave items on a desk in the library and go to the washroom and when they come back their stuff is gone. Or they’ll ask someone next to them to watch their items (and) they don’t have a clue who the person is.” Andrews said that she has even seen students plug in their phones at charging stations and then walk away. “It’s basically people leaving their things and not real-

izing that you really should be keeping an eye on your personal property or (have) someone you know keep an eye on your personal property.”

“If they don’t secure their lockers they may not have anything in there afterwards.”

Locker thefts haven’t been a problem recently, but two years ago there was a rash of them, said Andrews. Sometimes security will find lockers unlocked or even without any lock. In those cases, security guards will close the lock and leave a note reminding students to secure their belongings. “If they don’t secure their lockers they may not have anything in there afterwards,” cautioned Andrews. An information pamphlet published by security recommends that students use a lock with anti-shim technology, like the Master Lock 1500iD, which is being sold in the GBC bookstore.

NEWS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Sept. 14–Sept.27

12th annual President’s Breakfast GBC employees celebrate the start of the new school year ALIONA KUTS STAFF REPORTER

President Anne Sado speaks with Marilyn McNeil Morin, chair, school of fashion and Andre Fraser, manager, business development & industry liaison. - Photo: Courtesy of George Brown College

About 1,000 George Brown College (GBC) employees gathered at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Aug. 31 for the 12th annual President’s Breakfast to celebrate the ways they contribute to student success. The theme of this year’s breakfast was “Today I take the lead”, while the motto was “innovate, educate, empower and encourage,” according to GBC president Anne Sado. Jen Gould and Adam Lawrence, former students who have gone on to work at the college, were this year’s hosts. Gould, a graduate of the GBC graphic design program and a winner of the Juno Award for Children’s Album of the Year for Music Soup, will be teaching Design Principles this

fall. Lawrence, who graduated from the Theatre School is an on-campus liaison. According to Lawrence, his main goal as an on-campus liaison is “to give students support”. He ended his speech by calling on all colleagues to “inspire that same greatness in everyone you see every day.” Another GBC graduate, Masini McDermott, was a special guest at the event. The bright and fun-loving soul singer performed a few songs throughout the morning. She was followed by The Browns, a band formed by GBC employees, who closed the event. The winners for the Achievement Awards were also announced during the breakfast. The Innovation Award went to professor Ashley Booth, who brought the Good Food Market to the college. The Leadership Award went to the research and innovation project management team, which has completed 480 projects since 2009. The inaugural International Award, introduced for the first time this year, went to Colette Kane from the centre for community services & early childhood education. Other staff members recognized with awards included: Jules Lewis at the centre

for construction and engineering technologies (CCET) and Richard Almonte at the centre for business for Excellence in Teaching and Learning; Maria DeNotaris (career services), Michelle Lynch (CCET) and Akihiro Nakamura (disability services) for Support Staff Excellence in Service; and Jennifer Goheen (CCET) for Student Service and Experience. At the event Sado noted the merits of professors such as Mike Avis, who is helping to promote the culture of learning innovation in the centre for preparatory and liberal studies, as well as Barb Pimento, who initiated the oral health promotion in action program, which has helped students feel more ready for and less anxious about their future jobs. Sado also praised the social media team, whose work brought 43,000 subscribers to the GBC Facebook page and resulted in 10,000 Twitter followers. “These are examples of purposeful action we welcome at GBC,” she said. “There was purpose and there was action in every case. “It’s not about someday, it’s about today. It’s not about someone else, it’s about me, and I am taking the lead,” concluded Sado.

Students drowning in debt: report Gov’t policies leading to student financial burden, claims CFS EMEKA IBEH STAFF REPORTER

The provincial government has done a poor job of mitigating student debt loads, which has led to increased financial burdens on students, according to a report from the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS). The report Private Student Debt in Canada: Ten Year Trends from 2000 2010 says the percentage of students with large debt

($25,000 or more) at graduation increased 33 per cent among college graduates, 24 per cent among those with bachelor’s degrees, 37 per cent among those with master’s degrees, and 40 per cent among those with those with doctoral degrees. This increase is happening because tuition fees in Ontario are higher than they have ever been and it is forcing students to go into debt, both through charging payments to credit cards and bank loans as well as through accessing government loans, according to Rajean Hoilett, Ontario chairperson of the CFS. “We’ve seen chronic underfunding of post-secondary education that has seen Ontario become the most expensive province in which to study or access post secondary education,” said Hoilett. “Our stu-

dents are also graduating with ballooning debt loads, into a very unstable job market. So students are forced to take on both public and private debt in order to be able to finance their education.” Hoilett also added that students have very few opportunities to finance their education while they are in school because most are working minimum-wage jobs, and are trying to pay for other expenses simultaneously. Students in provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador, however, have been successful in lobbying consecutive governments to freeze and re-

duce tuition fees. In 2007, the provincial government implemented an up-front needsbased grant program. As a result, student debt in Newfoundland and Labrador has decreased significantly. “The government needs to commit to making post-secondary education more accessible and affordable on a whole, and they can do that by reinvesting into the sector, to be able to see reductions in tuition fees, but also looking at provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador, which just turned their loans system into a grants system in working towards making education

more affordable for students.” Bilan Arte, CFS national chairperson, also feels that the government should focus on universal access to education and that it should re-invest in education so that students aren’t taking on these burdens to fund postsecondary institutions. “It’s important that students are getting involved in sharing their stories about not being able to find ways to fund their education and also not being able to both study and work in order to afford their education,” said Arte. “So it’s really important that students get drawn in with their student unions, getting involved with the Canadian Federation of Students or reaching out to their local MPP’s to continue to have this issue on their radars and to make it a provincial issue.”

NEWS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Sept. 14–Sept.27

International student orientation Most important things international students should know ALIONA KUTS STAFF REPORTER

Submit a copy of your study permit to the International Centre as soon as possible. If you do this before 5 p.m. on Sept. 11 you will be entered in the draw for a chance to win an October TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) Metropass.

Always update your contact information (mailing address and email) through StuView or at the International Centre.

Be aware of the expiry date of your passport and renew it before applying for Citizenship and Immigration Canada documents.

Founders Lawrence Alvarez and Ryan Dyment in their newest tool library location, partnering with the Toronto Public Library, in Downsview - Photo: Justin Arjune

Apply online (cic.gc.ca) for study permit extensions or post-graduation work permits as it is the fastest and easiest way.

Taking your tools to task

Be aware of your study permit expiry date and submit an online renewal application at least 90 days before the expiry date.

The Toronto Tool Library creates an affordable solution for student home repairs

A co-op work permit is required for any field education components, such as co-op, externship, clinical or practicum placements.

Pay school fees by the due date to avoid a $150 late payment fee.

The international centre can provide you with proof of enrollment letters (for co-ops, study permit renewals and re-entry visas). Plan for two business days’ processing time. Letters will only be issued after the withdrawal deadline.

You have two types of insurance coverage: by AZGA (hospital and medical plan) and by Green Shield (drugs, dental, vision and travel benefit and professional services). The Student Association deals with insurance-related issues.

Oct. 1 is the deadline to opt out of insurance (for example, if you have other coverage). Oct. 8 is the deadline for family insurance enrollment (for spouses and children only).

Oct. 31 is the deadline to apply for scholarships for international students. Sept. 30 is the deadline to apply for scholarships through GBC Awards.

Become an international student ambassador to get involved with school events. Contact Yun Woo atywoo@georgebrown.ca for more information.

TINA TODARO STAFF REPORTER

Need a tool? Why not rent it? The Toronto Tool Library is not only making tool-sharing more accessible, it is maintaining a culture where people fix what is broken instead of tossing things away. “We are one human family. We are a flicker in a much brighter light that goes on, and we do not have the right to take away from people who are born after us,” said Lawrence Alvarez, a co-founder of the Toronto Tool Library. As an environmental activist, Alvarez was motivated by a concern for the Earth. After working with different environmental organizations, he became part of a team motivated by the same concern. “Our mission was to challenge people’s perceptions of ownership and their relationship to the Earth’s resources,” said Alvarez. After some research Alvarez, along with with his friend and business partner Adam Dymen, found the existence of tool libraries in the United States. Inspired, they founded the Toronto Tool Library to

make tools more accessible and affordable in Toronto. Since its inception in 2013, the library has opened three locations: Parkdale, Danforth and Downsview. Their first location in Parkdale is used for housing tools. But after repeated calls from customers unable to do projects at their residences, their second location in the east end near Coxwell Station was opened with a “makerspace” allowing projects to be done on-site. The makerspace, according to information from the tool library, is an “innovation and technology hub to turn any project into a reality.” It is also a place for sharing ideas and working on projects together, said Alvarez. In April 2014, the tool library opened its third location in Downsview after partnering with the Toronto Public Library — a big step for them. “Our vision is much larger than tools; you do justice to the process, justice to the energy that was used to make it. The oil, the copper, the rare earth minerals, the aluminium. All these things, they have an end date and they should not end with our generation,” said Al-

varez. Through gracious donations from community members the tool library has exceeded 3,000 tools. “Ninety-five per cent of all the tools in the tool library were donated,” said Alvarez, adding that almost every day they receive a new donation. Community members must purchase a membership for $50 in order to take out tools. Alvarez stressed that while there are many people who cannot afford the yearly membership fee, he doesn’t believe that people should be held back from doing their own projects because of economic reasons. Makerspace memberships are also available for $100 per month with a one-time $200 registration fee. Members will get 24/7 access to the space, ability to borrow from over 3,000 tools, free skills-training on tools, as well as discounted rates on 3D printing materials and a complimentary tool library membership. Students interested in becoming members will receive 10 per cent off both monthly and registration fees. For more information go to torontotoollibrary.com for locations and hours of operation.

NEWS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Sept. 14–Sept.27

VoteNote: a new age for campaigning Concordia students launch mobile app to inform youth on election RACHEL MUZAIC THE CONCORDIAN

MONTREAL (CUP)— Voting in Canada’s upcoming federal elections has just been made easier thanks to the creation of VoteNote, a free mobile application that not only holds information about each party’s candidates, but tells you exactly where you need to go. Created by Concordia University journalism student Matthew Heuman in Montreal, VoteNote provides information related to the federal election including: which riding you belong to, which candidate is running in your area, where your polling station is, and what documents you need to vote, all at your fingertips. The inspiration, Heuman said, came from his dismay at how rarely young people

participate in politics, particularly in elections. “Trying to figure out how to motivate youth to vote has been a huge issue for me over the years, as I see it as the only way to have a true democracy in this country,” Heuman said. “When only a certain segment of the population votes, the balance of views will tilt and, as a student, many of the issues that affect my age demographic were not being represented.” Heuman—seeing the app as the perfect opportunity to reach out to young adults who spend lots of time on their devices—worked with Devin Calado to bring the idea to life. By paying a $150 fee, party candidates are able to set up a profile on the app that is separated into subsections including About Me, My Party and Me, My Riding, and Additional Information.

Thierry Tardif, also a Concordia journalism student who jumped on board the project to translate the document into French, and later became the media spokesperson, said that by digitizing campaigns, they hope to move out of what he called a “dinosaur era.” “A lot of Canadian citizens, particularly youth, just see billboards in the street. They see a party but don’t actually know what they’re all about,” said Tardiff. “So what we’re trying to do is put all that information in one place that can be consulted anytime, anyplace rather than waiting until receiving mail telling them the procedures to vote or where to vote.” The VoteNote team already has working relationships with a variety of groups. This includes I Can Party, a website that showcases each party’s stance on any particular issue so that people can compare their approaches. VoteNote also has an Uber

Canada button, which allows those who click it to arrange for a ride to and from a polling station in their riding. Despite the complexity of creating an app, Heuman said the support has been great. “The best support has come from people all across Canada who are telling us we are doing a great thing.”

A “club” is a group of 10+ students, who come together for one purpose.

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 1. Find a common interest or belief that you share with at least ten other students. 2. Pick up a clubs package at any SA office. Make sure to make two copies. One to keep for your records and one to submit. 3. Submit your completed package to any of our four Student Association offices, or contact our clubs coordinator: clubs@sagbc.ca

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twitter.com/sagbc

facebook.com/runyourfuture

instagram.com/sagbc

Tardif said they are hoping to work out a similar project for municipal elections. “We have big plans for the future of VoteNote, but for now we’re keeping quiet on those and just focusing on this election,” said Heuman. This article originally appeared in The Concordian.

OPINION

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Sept. 14–Sept.27 // OPINION

Attack ads have no place in Canadian politics NATASHA LOMONOSSOFF THE FULCRUM

If you’ve been paying attention to the current federal election campaign, chances are that you’ve seen the Conservative ad mocking Justin Trudeau at least once. You’ve seen the office setting, and heard the cringe-worthy “Nice hair, though”. The ad ends by concluding that he is “just not ready” to lead in the political arena. While this particular ad seems rather tame by today’s standards, it is indicative of a growing nastiness within Canadian politics. Attack ads in this election not only target parties’ policies, but the leaders of the parties as well. It’s one thing to attack someone’s policies or ideas – it’s another thing entirely to directly attack their character or personality. Consider the “just not ready” ad, where the Conservatives manage to accomplish both. Trudeau’s policy proposals are characterized as amateur, and are depicted as a reflection of who he is as a politician and a person – an immature rookie. Attack ads such as these are particularly mean-spirited, in that they try to completely denigrate a candidate’s character, in addition to their political abilities. This new approach will likely serve to further alienate Canadians from participating in the political process and reinforce the stereotype of politics being a nasty, dirty business. // TOP TWEETS

In fact, it may already have helped in doing so. Voter turnout consistently reached at least 70 per cent from 1957 to 1992, but dropped all the way to 58.8 per cent in 2008, and 61.1 per cent in 2011. While there are likely a number of factors at play, the possible correlation between increases in both negative political campaign tactics and voter disengagement is hard to ignore. It is interesting to note that in many European countries, there are fairly strict regulations on political messaging. In the UK, Ireland, and Switzerland, there are bans on attack ads and both the UK and Ireland had higher voter turnout rates in their last elections than Canada. In other countries, such as Japan and Australia, electoral regulations discourage negative ads against candidates and parties. Perhaps it is time for Canada to bring in similar regulations. If the public were presented with fair political advertising, it would go a long way towards changing our perceptions of the political process in general. In the meantime, all of the political parties should take a moment to think about the message they’re sending with their ads. If Canadian politicians want to inspire intelligent discussion and optimism, they would do well to drop the negativity from their campaigns. This article originally appeared The Fulcrum.

// EDITORIAL

Refugees welcome here Credit: Mahnaz Yazdani

he lifeless body of three-year-old Alan K u r d i wa s f o u n d on Sept. 2, when it washed onto a Turkish beach. His family were Syrian refugees, attempting a harrowing escape from their war-torn home in Kobane. His brother Ghalib and his mother Rehanna also died at sea, leaving a grieving father as the sole survivor of the family. Photos of Alan rapidly circulated, dominating headlines the world over. The reverberations of this child’s death were also felt in Canada, where Immigration Minister Chris Alexander faced public outcry and condemnation. This graphic image has jolted Canadians from complacency on the Syrian refugee crisis, with many demanding immediate action. Canada must act now to change policy and accept more Syrian refugees. As a country with relative peace and prosperity, a fairly stable economy, and enough space and resources to share, Canada certainly has the capacity to take in more refugees.

In 1956, Canada accepted 37,000 refugees from Hungary, reports the Canadian Council for Refugees. According to the government’s own statistics, Canada accepted 60,245 people fleeing Vietnam between 1978 and 1982. Then between 1991 and 1993, Canada accepted 137,000 refugees in the wake of the brutal wars in the former Yugoslavia. We have done it before, and there is no reason we cannot do it again. Canadians have the desire to take in more refugees. Over the Labour Day weekend, Canadians gathered in protests across the country, chanting “refugees welcome.” In the days since that dramatic photo of Alan was published, the CBC reported that the top Google search in Canada pertaining to the crisis was “How to sponsor a Syrian?” There has been an outpouring of public grief and frustration over the lack of governmental response both on social media and in the mainstream press. The NDP has suggested

they would accept 10,000 government-sponsored refugees from Syria in the next year and 65,000 over the next five years, while the Conservatives say they would resettle 10,000 refugees from Syria and Iraq over three years. The Liberal Party is in the middle, saying they would immediately resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria. This is still grossly inadequate for the three million refugees that have fled Syria and the 6.5 million who have been internally displaced. Canada’s political parties must stop squabbling and begin to truly address the scale of this crisis. Canada is a country of immigrants and refugees. The experience of fleeing violence is something these Syrian refugees share with many Canadians. Turning our backs on Syrian refugees would be a rejection of our own history. These memories must serve as a call to embody the best we are capable of being: an open, diverse, and welcoming society to those who need it the most.

// EDITORIAL CARTOON

Cartoon by: Mike Shea

PHOTOS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Sept. 14–Sept.27

TOP LEFT: Students in the culinary management program buy their aprons and steel-toe boots at the bookstore TOP RIGHT: Students from the school of business wear their branded T-shirts at orientation MIDDLE: Artists draw at the centre for arts, design and information technology orientation BOTTOM: Winners of the competition at the centre for arts, design and information technology

Photo: Alok Anand

DEAN’S ORIEN

What are you most looking forw Photo: Mick Sweetman

Photo: Mick Sweetman

PHOTOS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Sept. 14–Sept.27

Photo: Alok Anand

NTATION

ward to this year?

Photo: Alok Anand

TOP LEFT: Students attend the Dean’s Welcome To check out more photos use the QR code above or go to our Facebook page.

TOP RIGHT: An Aboriginal drummer performs the Song for the Mississaugas BOTTOM: Student Association staff welcome new students at orientation

Photo: Alok Anand

SPORTS

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Sept. 14–Sept.27

Brand new state-of-the-art gymnasium floor at Casa Loma campus - Photo: Courtsey of MHPN Construction & Gerard Hayes

New gym opens at Casa Loma campus Millions of dollars poured into improved sports facility EMEKA IBEH STAFF REPORTER

Students at George Brown College’s Casa Loma campus will soon get to appreciate the fruits of $5 million worth of labour, as the Casa Loma gymnasium reopens after a facelift. The Casa Loma gymnasium took a timeout for some above-par renovations that will truly set it apart from gymnasiums province-wide for years to come, said Gerard

Hayes, director of student experience at George Brown College. “Re-opening with stateof-the-art flooring, unique workout facilities, including a new fitness centre built in a mezzanine overlooking the gymnasium, the Casa Loma gymnasium is no longer an old relic in dire need of a makeover,” he said. The Casa Loma gym is primarily for student athletes and staff, and in order to meet everyone’s needs, George Brown College had

to consult with each group at length. Every year the school measures student satisfaction, responding to the needs and requests of students, which helped inform them of the importance of building a more modern athletic facility, according to Hayes. “If you’re an older user of the gym or someone who is walking into the Casa Loma campus for the first time, you’d say ‘wow!’ You wouldn’t believe that we can do what we did with that space to get it modern,” said Hayes. “All the latest equipment will go in there, all the latest flooring. You’re going to see TVs up in the fitness room. It’s simply going to be a mod-

ern space.” With the new fullregulation-sized gym at the Casa Loma campus, activities can be done that were not possible before, he added. No discussion has taken place regarding the name of the new gym. “We leave that with our foundation,” said Hayes. Last year students campaigned for the new gym to be named after Albert DaSilva, a long-time athletics staff member at the college. Almost 400 people signed a petition in support of calling on the college to name it the Albert DaSilva Athletic Centre. “They are in the process of naming the residences and a few other places, but the foundation does all of our

outreach for naming donors and naming opportunities,” said Hayes. Some of the major changes to the over 30-year-old centre include: installation of new flooring, improved equipment, state-of-the-art scoreboards and newer more attractive washroom facilities. “The flooring in the fitness centre is all the latest technology. The carpet that we used and the flooring is all green technology,” said Hayes, adding that George Brown is becoming more conscious about energy efficiency. “I think we’ve nailed it because it’s going to be absolutely beautiful to look at, but it’s also going to be very practical for users as well.”

George Brown College Varsity Tryouts Schedule Badminton Tue, Sept. 29, 8 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Mon, Sept. 14, 5:30 p.m.

Casa Loma Gym

Tue, Sept. 15, 8:30 p.m.

Thu, Oct. 1, 8:30 p.m.

Wed, Sept. 16, 5:30 p.m.

Alex Barbier Gym (St. James)

Sun, Oct. 4, 7 p.m.

Alex Barbier Gym (St. James)

Coach: Kim Ng

kimng1215@yahoo.ca

Coordinator: Wendy Roberts-Simpson wroberts@georgebrown.ca (416) 415-5000 ext. 3335

Thur, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. Sun, Sept. 20, 3 p.m. All tryouts at:

Alex Barbier Gym (St. James)

Cross Country Running Mon, Sept. 14, 6 p.m. Monarch Park Stadium

Tue, Sept. 15, 6 p.m.

Riverdale Park East, meet @ track

Thur, Sept. 17, 6 p.m.

Riverdale Park East, meet @ track

Coach: Michael Lavigne

Coach: Fatih Akser

mlavigne@georgebrown.ca

Coordinator: Deanna Oliver

Coordinator: Tammy Nopuente

fatihakser@hotmail.com doliver@georgebrown.ca (416) 415-5000 ext. 2177

tnopuent@georgebrown.ca (416) 415-5000 ext. 4068

Men’s Volleyball

Women’s Volleyball

Mon, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.

Mon, Sept. 14, 8:30 p.m.

Wed, Sept. 16, 8:30 p.m.

Tues, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.

All tryouts at:

Wed, Sept. 16, 7 p.m.

Alex Barbier Gym (St. James)

All tryouts at: Coach: Josh Nichol

Alex Barbier Gym (St. James)

Coordinator: Wendy Roberts-Simpson

(dana.cooke@georgebrown.ca)

joshnichol@hotmail.com

Coach: Dana Cooke

wroberts@georgebrown.ca (416) 415-5000 ext. 3335

Coordinator: Deanna Oliver (doliver@georgebrown.ca); (416) 415-5000 ext. 2177

ARTS & LIFE

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Sept. 14–Sept.27

The Corktown Kitchen A cozy home-style restaurant run by GBC alumni ALIONA KUTS STAFF REPORTER

Book Review: Just Kids, by Patti Smith Touching tale explores the power of emotional connection KAITLYN FIFIELD STAFF REPORTER

The first page of a novel sets the tone for the ride the reader is about to take. In Patti Smith’s Just Kids, she well prepares us for a deeply emotional journey. Focused on Smith’s unique friendship and romance with provocative, legendary blackand-white photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, Just Kids is the story of what it meant to be young, poor, artistic and in love in New York City circa 1970. Heavily centred around New York’s famous Chelsea Hotel, the book describes how the pair spent their years as mutual muses for each other’s creativity – Smith a poet and Mapplethorpe a budding photographer with a special interest in Polaroids. As they bonded through various expressions of art, the story

Smith paints is a hopeless romantic art lover’s dream. Smith and Mapplethorpe were great lovers up until he came out as a homosexual, after which they remained close friends. Although Smith was able to move on, having various partners over the years, her love for them never quite measured up to her feelings towards Mapplethorpe. As deep as Smith gets into the details of their story, she stays on track with the focus of what attracted the pair in the first place—emotional connection. Smith holds back from bringing the reader into the more intimate side of her relationship with Mapplethorpe, seldom sharing anything sexual between the two. In a millennial world so intrigued and driven by sexuality, Just Kids is a refreshing reminder of where the most beautiful and genuine connections stem from—the heart. S m i t h ’s p o e t i c p r o s e makes every thought she brings to paper sound utterly mystical. The conversations and heart-punching one-liners Smith embeds in her memories of Mapplethorpe make Just Kids one of those stories you just can’t put down. Hear Patti Smith read from her memoir M Train on Oct. 13 at Toronto’s Design Exchange.

Chef Matt Griffiths lives an exciting life. He graduated from the food and beverage management program at George Brown College (GBC), did a one-year training program at Algonquin College in Ottawa, got into a pre-health science program at GBC, travelled to Australia, Vietnam, Bermuda and worked at noted hotels in New York City and London, England. Now he is back to Toronto, running his very first homey restaurant, The Corktown Kitchen. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to open a restaurant or not. I was tired of working for other people, putting my heart into it with no real return. It was just a lot of hours and a lot of headaches,” said Chef Griffiths. Open since June, the restaurant is a cozy and convenient place in the heart of the Corktown neighbourhood. Matt and his father did the renovations themselves in just a few months, which adds comfort and charm to the 30-seat hall. The authentic menu was created by Chef Griffiths with several items being inspired by his journey to Vietnam.

As winter approaches, a couple of changes will be made to the menu. Everything is made in-house, beginning with local fish dishes to desserts and syrups for mojitos. Being the only cook in the kitchen, Griffiths takes special pride in his sauces, some of which take up to five days to prepare. The Corktown Kitchen is a bistro-style restaurant with good, simple food. Griffiths says basic menu is always going to be easy to prepare. “I try to keep simple flavours and simple product.” Griffiths says renovations and waiting were the most difficult part of opening a restaurant. “You have a deadline you want to set and then time just creeps up on you. You want to be open but you can’t because some little things keep popping up – that’s the most frustrating part. Once we opened, it was easy for me as I knew what I was doing.” Griffiths thinks the best part, on the other hand is just “being open. You put so much time and effort into it and get so stressed along the way that opening becomes the easiest part since cooking in a restaurant has become natural to me.” The Corktown Kitchen

Former grad opens resturant in Corktown - Photo: Aliona Kuts

is currently open Tuesday to Saturday and the closing hours are quite flexible. From June until mid-July they were doing very popular Sunday brunches. “This area is difficult during the summertime,” said Griffiths, “because many people leave the city for summer cottages. The Pan Am Games was another issue.” However, the brunches will start again in

“I try to keep simple flavours and simple product.” mid-September. “If this restaurant is successful, in three to four years I can take a step back and become a restaurant owner as opposed to a chef/restaurant owner. But until that happens I’m here 80 hours a week,” said Griffiths. Griffiths said he will be approaching George Brown College for possible internships at The Corktown Kitchen, so keep your eyes open.

ARTS & LIFE

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Sept. 14–Sept.27

Photos: Renuka Malhotra

Clothing for everyone at Ryerson University

Shoppers browse the selection at the all-gender clothing swap.

Ryerson holds Commnity Closet clothing swap for all genders RENUKA MALHOTRA STAFF REPORTER A participant uses the onsite alteration facility.

The Community Closet offered a variety of clothing to choose from.

Stress-free shopping for people of all genders is the idea behind the Community Closet. The group, which held its first all-gender clothing swap at Ryerson University on Aug. 28 and 29, describes itself as “an epic coming together of clothes and community.” Held at the Ryerson Student Centre’s Oakham Lounge, the event was open to the black community on Aug. 28 and to all communities on Aug. 29. Using fashion as a medium, the Community Closet offered interactive sessions like a discussion on fashion, a sewing 101 workshop and it even included

The brains behind the event: Tumaini Lyaruu (left) and Afi Browne (right).

dance breaks. Donations for Black Lives Matter were also collected on-site. When planning began for the clothing swap in May, the major challenge faced by organizers Afi Browne, Fonna Seidu and Tumaini Lyaruu was finding a place that had gender-neutral washrooms and that was also accessible to people in wheelchairs. That is when RyePRIDE came into the picture. The organization is an equity service group at Ryerson University that provided space for the event. Other supporters of the event included Krafty Queers, the Racialised Students’ Collective and Nia

Zamar. The day open exclusively to the black community did not generate a huge crowd. But Browne noted that the number of people who donated items to the event outnumbered those who came to get clothing. “The drop-off locations were flooded with clothes and we expect to have enough leftovers by the end of the event,” she said. Ly a r u u wa s a l s o n o t deterred by the outcome. “Though the turnout is less than expected, it’s good that we were able to make the event happen, which is a big thing!” she said.

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca //

ARTS & LIFE

Sept. 14–Sept.27

Award memorializes photojournalist killed in Syria Deceased freelancer Ali Mustafa helped establish York campus paper As a student at York University, Mustafa helped launch the YU Free Press in 2008. Mustafa was also involved in independent media as an editor of New Socialist Webzine and advisory board member of Upping the Anti. Between 2008 and 2014 Mustafa travelled to Brazil, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Egypt and Syria documenting the resistance of social movements and struggles for social justice. His work has been featured in The Guardian, The Times of London, Le Nouvel Observateur, The Dominion and Briarpatch Magazine. The Ali Mustafa Memorial Award for People’s Journalism seeks to support freelance photojournalists like Mustafa who lack institutional backing, by providing onetime funding to carry out a photojournalism project that helps expand public understandings of a contemporary social issue or contributes to social justice activism.

CARMELLE WOLFSON ASSISTANT EDITOR

Toronto photographer Ali Mustafa, killed in Syria, is seen here fanning out masks used by protesters in Cairo to filter tear gas. Photo: Zack Helwa

Ali Mustafa was in Aleppo, Syria photographing the destruction caused by a government barrel bomb and assisting Syrians who had been hit by the explosion, when the fatal blow was inflicted that ended his life. Mustafa, who was 29 years old at the time, was killed after government forces dropped down a second barrel bomb on March 9, 2014. Following the death of the Toronto-based freelance photojournalist, Mustafa’s friends came together to create the Ali Mustafa Memorial Collective to preserve and celebrate his life and work. The collective is now announcing the establishment of a photojournalism award to memorialize the student reporter, freelance photographer and social activist.

“Ultimately, the award seeks to honour Ali’s unwavering belief in a journalism that both popularizes and contributes to social justice struggles around the world,” said a statement from the collective. To be eligible for the annual award, which will be valued at a maximum for $3,000, applicants must reside in the Greater Toronto Area, be under 30 years old and not be employed on a full-time permanent basis by a media organization. The award is funded by the Canadian Media Guild, News Photographers Association of Canada, Canadian Journalists For Free Expression, Mayworks Festival of Working People and The Arts, Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, No One Is Illegal – Toronto and individual donors. Applications for the inaugural award will be accepted starting on Sept. 1 until Nov. 1. Visit rememberingalimustafa.org for more information.

CAREER CHOICES OPEN UP WITH

PSYCHOLOGY AT YORK Some of the many careers our grads have gone on to:

• • • • • Allison Fujs BA Psychology (2013) Teacher, York Region District School Board

Learn more at: yorku.ca/health

• Applied Behaviour Analyst* • Child and Youth Worker • Community Justice Worker • Corrections Officer • Counsellor* (schools, substance abuse, bereavement, immigration) • Developmental Disabilities Services Worker • Early Childhood Educator • Educational Administrator • Family Therapist • Human Resources Specialist • Labour Relations Specialist

• Lawyer* • Marketing Manager • Mental Health Therapist • Policy Advisor • Professor* • Psychologist* • Public Relations Specialist • Rehabilitation Manager • Research Assistant • Social Worker* • Speech Language Pathologist • Teacher* * With further postgraduate training

More course selections than any other university in Canada York Psychology rated among the Top programs for Psychology in Canada and the World (QS World University Rankings, 2015) Experiential Education and research opportunities York-Seneca Rehabilitation Certificate Program More than 60 per cent of Ontario college students who transfer to York receive credit for between four and seven full courses

SCIENCE & TECH

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Sept. 14–Sept.27

George Brown halls take students on a treasure hunt GBC Quest: an entertaining and rewarding way to do a self-guided campus tour ALIONA KUTS STAFF REPORTER

A new amusing alternative to campus tours has been developed by a team of seven staff members from student life, marketing and information technology services to familiarize students at George Brown College (GBC) with the campus. Launched on Sept. 8, GBC Quest can be done in two ways: through the official George Brown College mobile app or by picking up a printed booklet at any welcome desk. Filled out booklets can then be dropped off at the welcome desk or the student service centre drop box. Joseph Stapleton, a manager of student life at the college, described the new service to The Dialog. “The Quest is basically a scavenger hunt and is designed to help students, much like the campus tour, to learn where the services are and what the services do,” stated Stapleton.

The idea is simple: a student starts with a clue for the first location. If they cannot figure it out, then an easier clue pops up in a few minutes. When the location is spotted, the student will have to look for a GBC Quest sign, which will usually be attached to the wall near the service office. The beacon around the sign will then send a transmission to the phone that checks that service location off as completed. In case the transmission fails, there is a QR code and a four-digit code on the sign you can use. For those filling out a printed booklet, the four-digit code must also be used. In addition to the app showing that the clue has been solved correctly, the service information will also come up for the location. “As we continue working to make our George Brown website more and more mobile friendly, the solved clue will take the student to a direct link to a mobile-friendly

website,” noted Stapleton. Patient and meticulous students are rewarded with bronze, silver and gold prizes. This can get you anything from a Tim Hortons gift card or a George Brown hoodie to an iPad mini. Each campus has its own individual quest. Students who complete all three quests are eligible for separate prizes. The more quests you do, the more familiar with college services you become and the higher your chances of winning are. Although the app runs year-round, the prize-winning period is only open during the start up times in September, January and May, as its main purpose is orientation for new students. Students who answer all the required questions will be eligible for the draw once it opens. However, the quest can be done by returning students as well and the results are cumulative. Students who begin the quest digitally but have not finished it will receive a friendly email reminder inspiring them to continue and discover all the services and opportunities the college has to offer.

Photos: Aliona Kuts

Mobile app aims to protect users from sexual assault People will be able to get relevant prevention and service information sent directly to their cell phones EMEKA IBEH STAFF REPORTER

Sexual assault victims are left with many long-term mental health ramifications, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, flashbacks and triggers says Andrea Gunraj, spokesper-

son for Metropolitan Action Committee on Public Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC).

METRAC will be launching an application for all device platforms later this semester. Anyone can subscribe to and download the app, which will launch on Nov. 25 and provide critical support and information to people who have been sexually assaulted. “The whole idea behind this app is that we will help people understand where the risks really are and give them

those resources, support, education and information,” Gunraj said. “Mainly to help them know the balance that, yes, ‘stranger danger’ can happen, but really, you have to think about your workplace, your community, your place of worship, all those things you have to know the warning signs of, and this app will help.” Gunraj clarified that the app aims to raise awareness about the resources available to victims of assault because a lot of people simply do not know. In addition to informa-

tion about sexual assault services, prevention information will also be sent to subscribers. The app will be run by METRAC staff who will gather information from the police, other app users within the community and sexual assault services, explained Gunraj. Some of the main services she believes should be taken advantage of through the METRAC app is the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre, Family Services of Toronto, David Kelly Services, and the Fred Victor Centre. The Rape Cri-

sis Centre, she noted, is free, anonymous and you can call at anytime. “I think that it’s really an excellent service that is available to people,” Gunraj said. Gunraj went on to say that we all have a responsibility to stop sexual violence because often there is someone looking on, or someone who sees a warning sign and doesn’t do anything. “All of us who see sexual violence happening, we need to know the warning signs to see when somebody needs our support.”

GAMES

The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca // Sept. 14–Sept.27

Cartoon by: Paige Winkle

// COMICS

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facebook.com/runyourfuture

instagram.com/sagbc

// CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across

1- Egyptian cobra; 4- ___of Two Cities; 9- Lovers’ lane?; 14- Lilly of pharmaceu ticals; 15- Fax forerunner; 16- Short letters; 17- Action of a siphon; 19- Sign up; 20- Concert hall; 21- Rate; 23- Chipper; 24- Chairs; 27- Architectural pier; 30- Letter opener; 32- French possessive; 33- Faint reddish star; 37- PortauPrince is its capital; 39- Unity; 40- Interruption; 42- Bristlelike parts; 43- Terran; 44- Funnyman Philips; 45- Tend; 48- Harmony; 50- Iota preceder; 51- Sat on the back of a horse;

55- OldFrench expression meaning “goodbye”; 57- Femme fatale; 58- Back in; 60- Schedule; 64- Crazy as ___; 65- Mimicry; 66- Comparative suffix; 67- Standards; 68- ___ Dame; 69- General on Chinese menus;

Down

1- Author of fables; 2- Slip; 3- Scottish musician; 4Energy source; 5- X; 6- Menu words; 7- Lower limb; 8- Puts forth; 9- Work without ___; 10- Ancient Greek colony; 11- Metallic element; 12- Composer Delibes; 13- Night school subj.; 18-Simple shelter; 22- ___ see it...; 24- Oceans; 25- “…countrymen, lend me your ____”;

26- Comics bark; 28- Aquarium fish; 29- Continental identity of a Chinese person; 30Nerd; 31- Role for Clark; 33- Thorny flowers; 34- Foe; 35- Device for triggering explosion; 36- Kind of fingerprint; 38- Bat wood; 40- Dramatic troupe; 41- Oratorio highlight; 43- Organ of sight; 46- Broke bread; 47- Kingdom in the Himalayas; 49- PC storage medium; 51- Narrow inlet; 52- Planet’s path; 53- Strikes out; 54- Diciembre follower; 56- Charged particles; 57- Eyesore; 58- Managed; 59- “ Hold On Tight” band; 61- Wall St. debut; 62- Assembled; 63- Make a booboo; "Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com (http://www.bestcrosswords.com). Used with permission."

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