The Dialog Nov. 12, 2013 by The Dialog

Nov. 12 –25, 2013

SA byelection: One exemption, three acclamations, and only one race P.2 Infographic: A history of SA board hours and pay P.6 Abuse of study drugs: a dangerous new post-secondary trend P.10

SA Elections Insert PHOTO: MARK HILL PHOTOGRAPHY

We discuss high tuition costs and unfair internships with the NDP candidate for Toronto Centre P.4 PHOTO: MARK HILL PHOTOGRAPHY

GBC Student Newspaper • Founded 1982

NEWS

November 12–25, 2013

Exemption and unopposed SA byelections result in acclamations TINA TODARO STAFF REPORTER

An emergency meeting left the Student Association’s (SA) board of directors in confusion when a grey area in the bylaws was discovered; can someone who is not currently a member of the SA sit on the board of directors if they are registered as a student for the next semester? A meeting was called for Nov. 7 after Patricia Bonnaud, who is not a full-time student until January, asked for an exemption to run in the fall byelections, as she did not meet the requirements to be a board member. However, the board granted her the opportunity to run in the fall byelections. On June 25, Bonnaud had previously been appointed by the board as the liberal arts and preparatory studies educational centre representative.

The confusion of board members was due to the election policy, which the board has the authority to change. The election policy states, “Only Student Association members who have paid the SA Student Activity Fee for the current term of study or belong to a category of students in respect of which the corporation has accepted a grant in lieu of such fee will be eligible for nomination as candidates in the elections of the Student Association.” As only full-time students pay the SA student activity fee, only current full-time students are members of the SA. Bonnaud, who is not a full-time student for the current term, was granted an exemption by the board due to already having paid her activity fee for the upcoming winter term. A motion by Julia Mackenzie, the SA’s director of internal affairs, stated, “Patricia

THE DIALOG IS... Managing Editor Mick Sweetman News Editor Preeteesh Peetabh Singh Art Director/Illustrator Samantha Bullis Multimedia Reporter Danilo Barba Staff Reporters Alena Khabibullina Karen Nickel Tina Todaro Follow us on Social Media! Facebook.com/thedialogonline Twitter: @thedialogonline

subsidized by the Student Association. 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. The Dialog will not publish any material that attempts to incite violence or hatred against individuals or groups, particularly based on race, national origin, ethnicity, colour, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability. Contributions to T he Dialog are always welcome. We request that articles be submitted as digital copies in plain-text (TXT) or richtext (RTF) format. Letters to the editor can be sent in an email message to dialog@georgebrown.ca. Images should be in EPS format as vector images or TIF format (Mac or PC).

Drop by or contact The Dialog at: Room E122 - Casa Loma 142 Kendal Avenue Toronto, ON M5R 1M3 www.dialog.studentassociation.ca Tel: 416-415-5000 ext. 2764 Fax: 416-415-2491 dialog@georgebrown.ca The Dialog newspaper is published by The Dialog Collective under the auspices 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 of mission of the Student Association. The cost of producing a monthly newspaper is in part defrayed by advertising revenue and largely

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The Dialog is published by the Student Association of George Brown College

Bonnaud would be exempted from membership requirements for the 2013 elections provided that all other requirements are met.” As there were no other candidates running against Bonnaud for Ryerson campus director, the exemption by the board resulted in her acclamation. Two other candidates were also acclaimed due there being no opposing candidates. They are: Alessia Provenzano for waterfront campus director and Antonella Savino as the health sciences representative. Two candidates are running in the election for GBC’s board of governors. They are Mohammad Ali Aumeer and Shivam Kumar Khullar. Voting concludes Friday Nov. 15 at 4 p.m. For more infor mation on board of governors candidates, please see page 9.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

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

November 12–25, 2013

DAILY CHECK UP

NOVEMBER 12–29, 2013 MONDAY

18 Deal or no Deal 10:30 a.m. Kings Lounge, St. James

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SA Fall Byelections voting week See studentassociation.ca for details

GBC Fear Factor 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Student Centre, Casa Loma

GBC’s Got Talent Auditions 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Boardroom, Casa Loma

Women’s basketball 6 p.m. Men’s basketball 8 p.m. Alex Barbier Gym, St. James

19 Student Association Annual General Meeting 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Kings Lounge, St. James

European Union Film Festival Nov. 14–27 Royal Cinema, 608 College. See eutorontofilmfest.ca

26 Laughter Clinic 6:30 p.m. $20. Centre for Social Innovation, 505 Dundas East. Pre-register at humour-health-house@rogers.com.

Deal or no Deal 10 a.m. 6th Floor SHE Building, Ryerson Latin Fiesta 5 p.m, Kings Lounge, St. James

Ale and Hearty 7 p.m. $10. Tollkeeper’s Cottage Museum, 750 Davenport. Talk about beer and breweries in Toronto’s history.

Friday Night Live @ ROM 7–11 p.m. Royal Ontario Museum 100 Queen’s Park, $10 for students rom.on.ca/fnl

GBC Fear Factor 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Kings Lounge, St. James

Deal or no Deal 10:30 a.m. Main Lobby, Waterfront

Deal or no Deal 10:30 a.m. Student Centre, Casa Loma

GBC’s Got Talent Auditions 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Kings Lounge Events Office, St. James

Throwback Pub Night 7 p.m. Kings Lounge, St. James, $5 for GBC Students, $10 for guest (limit 1 guest) Women’s volleyball 6 p.m. Men’s volleyball 8 p.m. Alex Barbier Gym, St. James

GBC’s Got Talent 5:30 p.m. Kings Lounge, St. James. 1st prize: Trip for 4 Montreal trip (Feb 27– March 2). 2nd prize: Six tickets to Massive (Fri, Dec. 13,). 3rd prize: $25 gift card (Cadillac Fairview)

Bad Santa Cruise 9 p.m. $35. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater. More info can be found at mariposacruises.com.

The Dialog wants you! We are looking for contributors to fill the roles of: News reporters • Photographers • Sex columnists •

• •

Humourists Or...have another idea? Pitch it to us!

Love Sports? We are also hiring for a new paid position of Sports Reporter as part of our core staff. Contact us at dialog@georgebrown.ca to find out how to apply! The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca

NEWS

November 12–25, 2013

Toronto Centre byelection sees writers face off at the polls KAREN NICKEL STAFF REPORTER

How many writers does it take to run for a Toronto Centre byelection seat? The answer is three, but which writer will get the voters’ ‘x’ on election day? Stephen Harper has set federal byelections to be held on Nov. 25 in Toronto Centre for former Liberal leader Bob Rae’s seat which is empty after Rae’s resignation in July. Toronto’s election is being closely watched due to who is running. Three writers are running for the City Centre seat: Chrystia Freeland (Liberal), Linda McQuaig (NDP), and John Deverell (Green). The PC Party chose lawyer, Geoff Pollock; and Travis McRae (Pirate Party), who withdrew for personal reasons. All writer candidates were approached for this story, only McQuaig responded. McQuaig, Canadian journalist and author on income inequality, spoke to The Dialog about decreasing public funding for higher education and unpaid intern programs. “I find it alarming just how high student tuition is these days and how much debt students are expected to carry,” said McQuaig. “Each year we get richer and richer as a society, but we’re told we can afford less and less. It doesn’t make any sense at. It’s bullshit. The money is being diverted to the top one per cent and there’s less money for people like students and it’s wrong on so many different levels.“

“If people can’t access education, it diminishes the ability of the individual to participate in a democratic society and look after their own interests. To me post-secondary education is a public good, it shouldn’t be just regarded as a training ground to churn out people to populate the elite of society,” said McQuaig.

businesses traditionally paid for is highly exploitive,” said McQuaig. “The fact that they are allowed to do it by government through loopholes in labour laws and universities make it a requirement. This makes government, business and universities complicit in the exploitation of students.”

The idea that now students are paying huge amounts of money and they’re expected to do work for free that businesses traditionally paid for is highly exploitive. Talking about unpaid internships she referred to her own experience, “In the seventies, while at U of T, I was able to work one day a week and get paid for it reporting for the Globe & Mail and when I graduated I went straight into a full time job there.” “The idea that now students are paying huge amounts of money and they’re expected to do work for free that PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE LINDA MCQUAIG CAMPAIGN

GBC plans to focus on jobs, research, and programs in the future PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH News Editor

The Ontario government is working towards its plan of creating a differentiation framework which might impact the future of all public post-secondary colleges and universities in the province. According to Ontario’s Proposed Differentiation Policy Framework Draft Discussion Paper, the precarious state of global economy has made Ontario’s fiscal environment challenging. It cited that “Over time the sustainability of postsecondary education might be at risk.” To tackle this problem and at the same time maintain high level of educational quality, the draft discussion paper mentioned the need of differentiating among educational institutions on the basis of their individual strengths. The government had urged all post-secondary institutions to provide a feedback on the framework by the end of October. “George Brown College absolutely agrees with the principle of the government’s view to maintain quality level education. However what they have provided us is very general at this point,” said Brian Stock, director of communications at GBC. The ministry laid out eight components to differentiate upon, Teaching and learning; Student population; Jobs, Innovation and economic development; Strategic enrollment; Research; Program offerings; Institutional collaboration and Sustainability. “Colleges indicated that differentiation should affirm the 4

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role of colleges as institutions offering career-related education, meeting the needs of employers, and contributing to social and economic development.” said Gyula Kovacs, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. In the feedback provided, GBC suggested three main components to focus on, which are jobs and innovation, research and program offerings. “Eight is a lot of components to differentiate on,” said Stock. With each component, the government also proposed evaluation metrics such as identifying niche programs, multiyear enrollment plans, economic and community impact, teaching quality, retention and success. Laura Jo Gunter, senior vice-president of academic at GBC said, “The ministry asked colleges to provide their feedback on very preliminary documents. Colleges in Ontario and GBC provided a similar feedback which basically said that the metrics that we use to measure our outcomes should be consistent and relate to colleges.” With the proposed framework raising questions about government funding, its impact on students particularly living in northern or rural areas and program offerings, Gunter mentioned that GBC has no plans to make any changes in relation to differentiation at this point. “A differentiated postsecondary education system will help facilitate the alignment between regional development needs and defined institutional mandates. This will advance growth

in partnerships and programs that serve the communities to which institutions are connected and broader provincial needs,” said Kovacs. “The government is really trying to look at two things, and we all are. One is to maintain high quality education in Ontario in the post-secondary sector, and the other is they want to make sure there is financial sustainability. What they are doing is that they are looking to ensure that when it comes to program offerings the institutions have a strategy,” said Gunter. GBC already has a strategy in place for the future called strategy 2020. It includes building a sustainable financial and business model, research, innovation, and technology advancements. “One of the pillars of strategy 2020 is to maintain the fiscal responsibility. So, it’s already a part of what we are doing,” said Stock. “GBC at this point of time feels no need to change program mix or student population. We feel like 2020 is focused in the right areas and continue working like the way we are. As far as differentiation is concerned, it’s early on.” GBC is in discussion with the ministry regarding its strategic mandate agreement. The ministry is expected to release its final framework later this fall which will give an opportunity to all institutions to review their feedback and move forward with the discussion.

November 12–25, 2013

SPORTS

Volleyball and a tale of two countries PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH News Editor

When she came to Canada from Portugal last year for a two-week family visit, she never thought that this will be the country she would like to settle in. Back again, now as a student at George Brown College (GBC) taking ESL, Patricia Niengue, 18, wants to make a career in business management. She also plays volleyball for GBC’s varsity team. Niengue used to play volleyball in high school which she thought was not so competitive. So, she started playing for clubs in Portugal and that is how she improved her game. She won the revelation prize in her first year and went on to become the MVP next year. “When I came to know about the volleyball tryout in George Brown, I became excited. I had to go,” said Niengue. “Our team is a very good one. We have many individual talents; we just have to find out the right combination together to make it the best team in the competition.” It’s just her third month since Niengue landed in Toronto, she misses her family back home especially her three year old brother Miguel. She lived with her mother, aunt and two brothers in Portugal. Niengue’s father went to Angola three years ago. “We only get

Left Patricia Niengue at the St. James gym showing off her volleyball skills.

to meet during Easter or Christmas holidays. But we are used to it,” said Niengue. “I do miss home but I try not to think about that. It can distract me from the goal for which I am here,” said Niengue. Playing as a power hitter and a starter for the Huskies, she is having a great varsity season. As a rookie, she has been consistently performing well for the team, recording team highs of nine kills, four digs against Canadore and five kills against Trent. “She is always willing to learn and has lot of potential. Other than that she is a really cool girl to talk to or get along with,” said Niengue’s teammate Anise El Haddad. GBC currently stands in the seventh position of the OCAA east division rankings with two wins and three losses. “I used to be very shy. I had an odd personality, and nobody understood me,” said Niengue. She thanks her aunt Isabel for changing her perception towards life by supporting her and giving her good advice. “Making friends and playing volleyball wouldn’t have been possible without her.” It’s also something about the country that attracts Niengue. “Since I came here, I never felt out of place. Canada is a great country and I feel so lucky to be living here,” said Niengue. “I want to grab this opportunity and enjoy this moment. My family is proud of myself and so am I.” Apart from volleyball, Niengue like to read adventure stories; listen to pop, rap, African and Brazilian music; stay home with family; party with friends; watch movies, comedy shows and soap operas. Niengue adds, “In Portugal we have a tradition to see soap operas. I am addicted to it!”

PHOTO: PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH/THE DIALOG

Sports Score Updates

CCAA Nationals: Women’s Individual 5 kilometre 14. Joanita Louw 20:26 44. Shannon Dyer 21:30 100. Molly Morse 23:56 116. Safia Dhanji 27:47 120. Hannah Turnbull 30:03

109. Mitchell Visser 33:04 110. Wes Correa 33:12

Women’s Basketball: George Brown 52 Georgian 43 Centennial 71 George Brown 59 George Brown is 6th in OCAA East Men’s Basketball:

Men’s Individual 8 kilometre 10. Sean Sweeney 26:31 83. Edgar Malchic 30:21 95. Lyndon Vase 30:53 98. Alex Brown 31:13

George Brown 87 Georgian 63 George Brown 95 Canadore 60 George Brown 84 Centennial 101 George Brown 5th in OCAA East

Women’s Volleyball: Regular Season Games George Brown 3 Durham 2 Canadore 3 George Brown 0 Seneca 3 George Brown 1 George Brown is 7th in OCAA East Men’s Volleyball: Regular Season Games George Brown 3 Durham 1 George Brown 3 Canadore 2 George Brown 3 Seneca 0 George Brown is 1st in the OCAA East

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Cross Country:

A proposal being put forth at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is suggesting major pay cuts for Student Association board members. We have assembled this chart showing recent changes in board member pay to put the proposal in perspective. Students can attend the AGM on Nov. 19 at Kings Lounge (St. James) at 11 a.m. to voice their support or opposition for these proposed changes.

for the Student Association Board of Directors* To be debated at the Student Association Annual General Meeting Nov. 19, 11 a.m. at the Kings Lounge Executive Members

Campus Directors

President/VP Education

Campus Directors

$25,350

$3,960

37.5 hrs./week Executives are paid in lieu for hours worked above this number.

Honoraria maximum based on 30 hrs./month. Includes board and committee meetings

Campus VPs

2006

Educational Centre Representatives Education Centre Representatives and First-year Representatives

$2,640

Honoraria maximum based on 20 hrs./month. Includes board and committee meetings

Constituency Representatives Constituency Representatives

$2,640

Honoraria maximum based on 20 hrs./month. Includes board and committee meetings

$16,900

25 hrs./week Executives are paid in lieu for hours worked above this number.

Directors of Education & Equity, Public Relations, and Student Life

$28,500

Campus Directors

$14,040

Minimum 20 hrs./week.

Education Centre Representatives

$14,040

Minimum 20 hrs./week.

Constituency Representatives

$14,040

Minimum 20 hrs./week.

Fall/Winter minimum of 37.5hrs./week Summer minimum of 40 hrs./week Directors of Finance & Operations and Internal Affairs

2011

$22,800 Fall/Winter minimum of 25 hrs./week Summer minimum of 40 hrs./week

Directors of Education & Equity Internal Affairs, and Student Life

$28,500 40 hrs./week

Directors of Finance & Operations and Public Relations

2013

$22,800

25 hrs./week in Fall/Winter. 40 hrs./week in Spring/Summer

Campus Directors

Education Centre Representatives

Constituency Representatives

$7,000

$2,000

10 hrs./week

No hour requirement, must attend events and board meetings

Proposed changes * All figures are estimates based on official Student Association documentation. These annual estimates are calculated based on the assumption of a full year of work for the purposes of comparison. The 2013 numbers are from a proposal for future changes and have not yet been approved. RESEARCH: TINA TODARO AND MICK SWEETMAN/THE DIALOG

November 12–25, 2013

BUSINESS & TECH

Pitching event at Waterfront showcases digital entrepreneurs PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH News Editor

Gone are the days when a digital sports watch was a prized possession. Today, digital technology plays a humongous role in shaping our lives, it is everywhere. Toronto Digifest 2014, aims to showcase works of innovators and entrepreneurs of the digital world which might prove to become handy tools of the modern society. Digital urbanism and future of cities is the theme for the upcoming festival. Digifest 2014 announced the opening of its second annual It’s a Start pitch competition, Presented by George Brown College (GBC) in partnership with Corus Entertainment, at the Waterfront campus on Oct. 30. The competition is open to start-up companies, professionals, entrepreneurs, students and recent graduates from all over the world who are looking to pitch their creative ideas in front of a jury consisting of industry leaders and venture capitalists. “It’s a great opportunity for all the entrepreneurs to get

their ideas funded and win some cash or space at the incubators,” said festival project manager Alice Lee. The winners of the competition will be awarded space in GBC’s Digital Media and Gaming Incubator and OCAD University’s Imagination Catalyst Incubator in addition to a cash prize which is yet to be announced. Last year’s winner Lily Tse stressed the need for more participation and involvement of women entrepreneurs this time around. “I was the only woman competing with nine men in the finals last year. We need more women entrepreneurs,” said Tse. Tse’s winning app Think Dirty helps consumers to learn about potentially toxic ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products such as soap, shampoo, body lotion, face cream, toothpaste, deodorant or cosmetics and enables them to select a better option. Smartphone users just have to scan the barcode or the products to see the results. Think Dirty is available in Apple’s App Store. “I hope to see more apps that solve problems concern-

ing health, education, equality and environment. It should be meaningful and not just another game,” said Tse who was also one of the recipients of 2013 Spin Master Innovation fund with a start-up package of $50,000. “Do we need another Facebook or Twitter or Candy Crush? Probably not.” said Tse. It’s a Start committee which includes experts from industry; academia and finance will use originality, marketability, market readiness, user friendliness, creativity and design, feasibility and probability of success as criteria to determine the finalists for the competition. Last year’s competition jury member Giancarlo De Lio said, “It has to be something that stands out; little bit different. We have to look at the investment side, product development, and overall market development.” Applications will be accepted until Jan. 17, 2014 and the competition will take place from May 8-10, where all finalists will be pitching their ideas in front of a jury and live audience at the Corus Quay building located at Toronto’s waterfront.

Lily Tse’s app Think Dirty has been popular among consumers looking to use safe, non-toxic cosmetics.

PHOTO: PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH/THE DIALOG

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ARTS & LIFE

November 12–25, 2013

Nicole Buscema and Matthew Shaw in George Brown Theatre’s production of An Ideal Husband.

PHOTO: ANDREW OXENHAM

An Ideal Husband shows political scandals like Ford’s are timeless ALENA KHABIBULLINA STAFF REPORTER

An Ideal Husband, opening the 2013/2014 season by George Brown Theatre students, exceeded my expectations. Brilliantly performed and directed theatre piece is running until Nov. 16 at Young Centre for the Performing Arts. The group of young and emerging actors, directed by James Simon (Artistic Director, George Brown Theatre) has kept An Ideal Husband, which premiered in 1895, staying current and interesting. Written by a considerable contributor to English literature and the master of words, Oscar Wilde, the play sparks with sarcasm, eloquence, deceptively simple language and social entourage of that time. “One of the greatest delights and challenges of a piece of theatre like this is being able to use the play’s powerful language to tell a compelling story,” said Warren Macaulay, playing Sir Robert Chiltern. “Oscar Wilde’s words are full of colour, wit and passion and it’s been a great experience grappling with them, while at the same time, a great pleasure to speak them. The ideas and emotions in the play are not unlike those we think and feel today, while the language demands a certain dexterity and grace.” The play revolves around the lives of two reputable men: successful and respected politician Sir Robert Chil8

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tern (Warren Macaulay) and his friend charismatic dandy Lord Arthur Goring (Matt Shaw). A quiet peaceful life is turned upside down by the emergence of old acquaintance Mrs. Laura Cheveley (Nicole Buscema). Blackmailing Sir Chiltern to reveal the truth of the political scam that brought him wealth and social respect, she also threatens to ruin his friendship with Goring and marital happiness with Gertrude. The secret becomes apparent, impugning the image of an ideal husband that Chiltern was bearing with reverence for years. “The play deals with the way in which women and men love and how we are truly different from each other. The question of morals and what we consider to be ‘the ideal’ are also prominent subject matters,” said Macaulay. Stressing the need to be forgiven for the past sins, Wilde may speak about his own story. Being imprisoned for “gross indecency” for being gay, the writer’s name was publicly taken off the play which didn’t influence its worldwide success. “Although there have been many different versions of An Ideal Husband, each production brings a different interpretation to the piece,” said Nicole Buscema, playing villainous seductress Mrs. Cheveley. “When you approach a character in a play all you can do is bring your own elements of experience and interpretation, which produces a different por-

trayal of the character every time a new actor performs the role. In this sense, even though the play has been performed thousands of times before each new interpretation brings something different and refreshing.” An exciting performance brings the feeling that even conventional theatre can be fun and enjoyable. Uncovering ideas of the position of women in society, political commotion and others makes a spectator compare it with the current reality. “It is a very riveting tale of political blackmail, young love, and high fashion, of all things, all of which are still incredibly relevant today,” said Matt Shaw, playing the most sarcastic character Lord Goring. “Take a look at our current mayor Rob Ford and all of the scandals he is involved in lately. Politicians are still as crooked and easily tempted by money and power as they were one 120 years ago, although I don’t think any of them back then were doing crack cocaine.” To explore very human themes and experience the theatre at its finest, follow George Brown Theatre plays in the 2013/2014 season. “I think that live theatre can be a truly magical experience for people from all walks of life; theatre is able to put a mirror up to society and show us something about ourselves. For these reasons, I think GBC students would really enjoy this experience,” said Macaulay.

STUDENT ASSOCIATION 2013 FALL BYELECTIONS BOARD OF GOVERNORS REP. FAQs WHEN DO I VOTE? November 11 - 14 · polls open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, November 15 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. WHERE DO I VOTE? Casa Loma Upstairs cafeteria St. James Kings Lounge Ryerson SHE building 5th floor Waterfront Main lobby BRING YOUR GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE STUDENT I.D. TO YOUR POLLING STATION

SHIVAM KUMAR KHULLAR RUNNING FOR: Board of Governors Rep.

Lack of confidence: There are many students who do not believe in their ability to do well in college. Rather than focussing on their abilities and what they are capable of achieving, they place more emphasis on what they feel they can’t achieve.

Stress: Students of the present generation are definitely under more stress than they have been in previous generations. I think competition is a big part of that stress. Students not only need to get into college, there is growing pressure to be accepted at a top academic institution.

Failure to seek outside help: Most of the students feel too shy or proud when it comes to seeking help from others. Rather than taking help for a course in which they are struggling, they settle for the failing grade or simply drop the class entirely.

Being a Board Of Governors Representative will help me a lot in addressing these issues, as it will be flexible for me to help students in scheduling appointments with their professors in order to ask for the help to pass in the exams. My friendly nature attracts my fellow classmates a lot. It will help me to interact with more and more peers and ask them to change their thinking in order to gain their confidence, increasing their ability to do well in the college.

MOHAMMED ALI AUMEER RUNNING FOR: Board of Governors Rep.

Three key issues facing students today are quality, accessibility, and affordability of education. Serving on the Board of Governors will allow me to provide a strong student voice and advocate for such things as discounted student transit fares, more affordable food options on campus, lower tuition fees, and 24-hour library access during midterms and exams. I want to use this opportunity to unite students and create a powerful voice that will make post-secondary education a priority.

ARTS & LIFE

November 12–25, 2013

Abuse of study drugs: a dangerous new post-secondary trend TINA TODARO STAFF REPORTER

Have you ever been stuck in front of the computer trying to finish a research paper? Have you received several bad grades on class tests? Well, many post-secondary students in Canada have felt the same way, and it seems that ‘study drugs’ are the new trend. Academic life can be demanding, and many students feel the pressure. Some students turn to liquor, chocolate, and smoking, but others turn to prescription medications to increase their brain power and study time. Students have begun to use Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta, the three most common drugs used primarily to treat children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as brain enhancers. ADHD is classified as a neurological disorder, and these drugs are designed to give an extra calming boost. When these ‘study drugs’ are used for non-medical purposes, they give students the ability to use multiple areas of their brain at a stronger capacity, allowing them to increase the time they spend studying, and in turn receive better test scores and GPAs. In many neurological disorders, the brain is lacking in or has too much of one type of chemical. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, movement and attention in the brain, is the usual chemical associated with most

neurological disorders. The ‘study drugs’ will typically replace the missing dopamine, but for those without neurological issues it will increase the dopamine levels in the brain. As with any medications, a sudden stop in use can have serious withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, depression, disturbed sleep patterns, and feelings of hostility and paranoia. But students seem to be disregarding this. Students have described the effects of study drugs as being ‘phenomenal,’ allowing them to enter a study zone. Though many students do not admit using them, it is clear that these drugs are becoming apparent on-campus. Is that few hours of extreme focus worth suffering in the long run? According to the Canadian Drug Summary provided by the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse, stimulants are classified as Schedule III drugs under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act which means that these drugs are only considered legal when prescribed by licensed practitioners. Use of these stimulants among Canadian youth aged 15-24 in the past year indicate the highest rate of study drug use among all other classification categories. Many of these students are receiving the drugs illegally, by double doctoring, or by mocking the symptoms of a neurological disorder and receiving prescriptions. Often misused for enhancement and recreational purposes, the misuse of these drugs can increase a person’s risk

for adverse effects and harm. The issue of drug use is a widely known problem that has arrived on-campus and new discussions surrounding its use is on the rise.

ILLUSTRATION: SAMANTHA BULLIS/THE DIALOG

Condo community may bring affordable units to Waterfront KAREN NICKEL STAFF REPORTER

The Waterfront campus is getting new neighbours, but it‘s still uncertain as to when affordable housing will be available. On Nov. 13, city council decides if it will approve the $15 million price tag for 71- 75 affordable units in the western section of the East Bayside development instead of where it was initially assigned in the eastern section. Canada’s, Tridell and US firm Hines contracted in 2010

to develop the condo community of East Bayside, a mixture of market rent condos and retail opportunities. In initial talks, council stipulated 20 per cent of units built must be affordable housing. Tridell & Hines proposed the units be built as part of its eastern section of the community. The city asked for an accelerated solution since the east section was not scheduled to be completed for another 10 to 15 years. The 71-75 completed units would only be part of the necessary affordable housing for the development, with the remaining suites to be built in the original eastern

Digital rendering of the development near the Waterfront Campus. Some of the units will be designated as affordable rental housing.

IMAGE: HINES PROPERTIES

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section. Speaking before the affordable housing committee on Oct. 29, Sean Gadon, director of the affordable housing office, said the unique pilot project of “affordable rental housing integrated within the condominium, (was) a new and innovative way to build and operate affordable rental housing.” Meg Davis, vice-president of development for WATERFRONToronto, in charge of revitalization of the waterfront, in a letter of support said, “the Bayside community is the ideal location to fund such a project.” The pilot project will “create a holistic community to live, work and play.” The development will benefit students of Waterfront campus’s WAVE (Wellness, Applied Research and Visionary Education) clinics where students can practice what they are learning in return for lower costs for clients. WAVE runs dental, hearing, fitness studios, health promotion and active living clinics. The project funding proposal, approved by the affordable housing committee, was sent to executive council where it was also approved on Oct. 30, with one ‘no’ vote from Mayor Rob Ford, who told reporters, “you don’t use your waterfront for affordable housing.” The issue is in front of council on Nov. 13 for approval of the $15 million necessary to accommodate the sped-up time frame. If the vote is defeated the agreement reverts to the original east side development proposal with units available 10-15 years from now. Final decisions and approval will happen in the spring of 2014.

November 12–25, 2013

PUZZLES & HUMOUR

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The Dialog

The Dialog is a free, biweekly newspaper available to 24,000 students at George Brown College’s four campuses. To place an ad in our next issue, contact dialog@georgebrown.ca or (416) 415-5000 (ext. 2764)

of the complex relationship between Rob Ford, the truth, and crack cocaine.

I have never, ever, ever smoked crack cocaine.

I’m not smoking crack cocaine right now, am I?

I might have smoked crack cocaine this one time, maybe.

Well yeah, I did. But in my defense, I was in a drunken stupor.

I am currently lighting a pipe on live TV. Suck it, Toronto.

Samantha Bullis

CONTACT Email: gbcskiandsnowboardclub@gmail.com INFO Website: www.facebook.com/groups/gbcskiandsnowboardclub/

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The Dialog • dialog.studentassociation.ca

THE STUDENT ASSOCIATION OF GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE (THE SA) INVITES YOU – THE SA MEMBERS TO OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19 11 A.M. – 1 P.M. GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE ST. JAMES CAMPUS - KINGS LOUNGE 200 KING STREET WEST TORONTO, ON M5R 1M3

LUNCH PROVIDED AT 1 P.M. To inquire about the registration of a proxy vote please contact a Student Association office 416-415-5000: Casa Loma ext. 4730 (room E100) St. James ext. 2455 (room 147) Ryerson ext. 4049 (room 614) and Waterfront (room 033). Bylaws will be available at Student Association offices from Monday, November 4. PLEASE JOIN US, AND LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR STUDENT UNION