Issue 10 - November 10 2011 by The Newspaper

THE NEWS ICC the film Page 3

THE NEWS Happy birthday, Insulin! Page 3

THE ARTS

Dunst depressed

Page 7

the newspaper The University of Toronto’s Independent Weekly

Since 1978

VOL XXXIV Issue 10 • November 10, 2011

Government pledges millions for biographical dictionary, may prove Canadian history’s not so dull

see page 2

GEOFFREY VENDEVILLE

With Remembrance Day approaching, the Government of Canada announced that it would donate $3 million over three years to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography, a joint project between the University of Toronto and Laval University documenting the lives of important Canadians, including war veterans. U of T President David Naylor, general editors of the DCB Professors John English and Réal Béllanger, and representatives of Heritage Canada made the announcement at Hart House on Monday. Professor English said the new funding will be used to expand the Dictionary by commissioning biographies into the 1950s and 1960s, and to improve past entries. The DCB comprises more than 8,400 biographies, available in English and French, covering the period between the 11th and early 20th century. There are also a few entries for people who lived after 1940, such as the 18,000-word article on Pierre Trudeau. The DCB chronicles the lives

of historical figures of all backgrounds: politicians, businessmen, explorers, artists, and soldiers - such as U of T graduate Lt. Col. John McRae, author of In Flanders Fields. The Dictionary is also the “single largest source for Aboriginal history in Canada,” editor John English said. The first volumes of the DCB were published in 1966. It went online in October 2003 and now receives more than a million visits per year. President Naylor called the DCP, “A great Canadian resource [made possible by] the close and longstanding partnership,” which began in 1959 between Laval and Toronto. “The dictionary is an unparalleled survey of the men and women who have shaped Canada’s history. It is free, highly accessible and it touches the greater Canadian public,” said Naylor. MP for Oakridges-Markham and parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Paul Calandra, represented the Canadian Government at the event. “The Dictionary of Canadian Biography,” said Ca-

Historians Ramsey Cook (left) and John English chat in Soldiers’ Tower.

Bill Graham (left) listens intently as Omar Samad speculates about Afghanistan’s future MATTHEW D.H. GRAY

by Robby Müff

A long way to go

BODIGEOFFREY BOLD VENDEVILLE

New funding makes history

Former diplomats discuss war in Afghanistan and challenges ahead by Geoffrey Vendeville In July, Canada ended its combat mission in Afghanistan, leaving a small number of troops to advise and train the Afghan National Security Forces until total withdrawal in 2014. Last Tuesday, Bill Graham, chancellor of Trinity College and former minister of Foreign Affairs and National Defence, met with Omar Samad, Afghan ambassador in Ottawa from 2004 to 2009, at the Munk School of Global Affairs to reflect on the war - the longest in Canadian history - and to discuss the future of Afghanistan. The consensus: Despite some flaws in its execution, the war in Afghanistan was certainly justified. Although the country is still a long way from peace and stability, much progress has been made. Samad saluted the Canadians deployed to Afghanistan and expressed his sympathy for the families of the 158 soldiers who gave their lives, including Master Corporal Bryan Greff who was killed in action two weeks ago. After the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Sa-

mad became a political refugee and moved to the United States where he studied at the American University in Washington, D.C. and at Tufts University. However, Samad said, “Afghanistan always remained the focus of my life.” Following his service as the Afghan ambassador to Canada he was appointed ambassador to France. Drawing on years of diplomatic experience, Graham and

Samad untangled the web of complications preventing a firm resolution to the war in Afghanistan: ethnic divisions, corrupt Afghan politicians, incoherent and conflicting foreign policies, and - most importantly - the tension between India and Pakistan. “In my understanding,” Graham said, “a lot of the problems stem from the fact that Afghanistan

Inside this issue...

When U of T went to war Page 4

see page 2

THE NEWS

November 10, 2011 from “New funding”

visit thenewspaper.ca

landra, “is widely recognized as the fundamental research and educational tool as a masterpiece of scholarship. In fact, it is arguably one of the best biographical dictionaries in the world . . .” Calandra continued, “the Government of Canada is pleased to have supported this important project.” With the federal government’s donation, access to the DCB will thankfully remain free ..................................................................................................................................................................... of charge, while equivalent national collections of biography ..................................................................................................................................................................... in other countries require paid ..................................................................................................................................................................... subscriptions. The British Oxford National Dictionary of Biography, for example, costs £205 ..................................................................................................................................................................... ($344) to use per year. Unlike the “free encyclopedia,” Wikipedia, the DCB’s enSpeaker: ..................................................................................................................................................................... tries are carefully researched, Professor Faye Mishna, objective, and parsed for errors. Dean and Professor, Factor Inwentash In addition, many of the DCB Faculty of Social Work, UofT articles are based on original re4:30–6:30pm,

Annual Saul Goldstein Memorial Lecture

November 16, 2011

With each successive generation, communication technology is growing exponentially as a central fixture within our society and is dramatically changing individuals’ social interactions. Cyber space is also becoming a site for bullying, exacerbated by perceptions of anonymity and greater technological knowledge among youth.

Kruger Hall Commons, Woodsworth College, 119 St. George St. Reception follows lecture

Free event

Visit Woodsworth College or phone: on FaceBook www.facebook.com/WoodsworthCollege .......................................................................................

the newspaper is the University of Toronto’s independent weekly paper, published since 1978. VOL XXXIV No. 10 Circulation: 17,000

Editor-in-Chief Cara Sabatini

Copy Editor Talia Gordon

News Editor Geoff Vendeville

Arts Editor Vanessa Purdy

Associate News Editor Yukon Damov

Contributors Aberdeen Berry, Bodi Bold, Dan Christensen, Yukon Damov, Talia Gordon, Robby Muff, Paul Trzaski, Geoffrey Vendeville, Andrew Walt.

Photo Editor Bodi Bold Web Editor Andrew Walt the newspaper 1 Spadina Crescent Suite 245 Toronto, ON M5S 1A1

Editorial: 416-593-1552 thenewspaper@gmail.com www.thenewspaper.ca

the newspaper is published by Planet Publications Inc., a nonprofit corporation. All U of T community members, including students, staff and faculty, are encouraged to contribute to the newspaper.

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search of primary sources. “The Wikipedia biographies are certainly not always reliable,” English said. “It’s not edited in the way we’re talking about... I went to Tony Blair, for example, and read that he had a homosexual love affair with Gordon Brown, and it was all about Iraq. It’s simply not reliable.” The editors of the DCB hope it will help dispel certain misconceptions Canadians have about their own history - most of all, that Canadian history is dull. “There’s a lot of lively people in this biography,” said English, “You’d be surprised going through it. We’ve got prostitutes, miners, Chinese businessmen from 1900. If you sit down a read the biography it will change many of your perceptions.” “We don’t have many projects like this - in fact, this is the only one.”

is caught in the middle of the India-Pakistan rivalry.” Iranian and Chinese involvement in Afghanistan has further aggravated the situation, he added. “You have just described how complex the situation is,” Samad replied. “We in Afghanistan feel that we are seen by strategists in both countries [India and Pakistan] as a side player for their rivalry… Our strategy is not to use any third country against somebody else. We would not like to be a target of the same game - whether it’s the Iranians playing it, or the Indians, or anyone.” Still, Samad remains “cautiously optimistic” that conditions in Afghanistan will im-

prove. “Education, healthcare, civil society – these are all areas in which gains have been significant,” he told the newspaper. The priority now, he argued, is to prevent any backsliding and to resist defeatism. “There is a lot at stake in Afghanistan…We cannot totally dismiss it and say, ‘Well, things are not going to change.’ They will change.” Samad described Canada’s new advisory role in Afghanistan as a “natural transition and essential program, not only for state building, but also for consolidating past gains and making future progress.” At the end of the discussion Samad took questions from the audience. Mohammad Rustam Zadran, an Afghan stu-

dent majoring in International Relations at U of T, asked if the existence of terrorist hideouts in Pakistan is crippling Afghanistan’s foreign policy. Samad agreed that Afghan policy is inconsistent. “That question is on the minds of many Afghan policymakers,” he said. “They are critical of Afghan policy... There seems to be a disconnect in the government somewhere.” For Graham, the war in Afghanistan underscored the need to strike a proper balance between “soft” and “hard” power, moral persuasion and military might. “As we said in the ministry: a robust defense is derivative of foreign policy, but foreign policy is dependent on military capacity.”

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Dear Suzie A stroke of serendipity Got a question for Suzie? E-mail her at: suzienewsie@gmail.com Dear Suzie, Is there such thing as serendipity? This summer I met my “perfect guy” [on vacation]. I felt butterflies. We didn’t kiss or any of that but just hung out. He now lives a good 4-hour flight away from me, and I am left here hoping that one day maybe something will happen. We send emails about once a week...maybe I’m being silly but I just feel like such a hopeless romantic. Should I just let it go? Signed, Maybe Someday Dear Maybe, I wholeheartedly believe in serendipity, and I also am a huge supporter of going with your gut. You had a strong reaction to this guy for a reason, so don’t beat yourself up for wanting something more. Although it is unfortunate that you are so far away, I think you should continue this friendship with him, but for now, don’t expect anymore. Letting go of any expectations will help you see the bright side in not worrying so much about what might or might not happen. If it’s meant to be, it will be. Sincerely, Suzie

THE NEWS

Insulin: U of T’s gift to the world MaRS exhibit celebrates major contribution to diabetes treatment by Talia Gordon

This year marked the 90th anniversary of the discovery of insulin by University of Toronto darlings, Frederick Banting and Charles Best. A new permanent exhibit, INSULIN: Toronto’s Gift to the World opened recently at the MaRS Discovery Centre to celebrate and commemorate their landmark contribution to the world of diabetes. “It’s a very inspirational and exciting story,” said Dr. Gary Lewis, director of the Banting and Best Diabetes Centre. “We’re hoping the exhibit will excite young people, the general public and anyone interested in research,” he added. Until the inauguration of exhibit last week, there had never been a formal display at the University of Toronto, home of the historical discovery. “The discovery of insulin in 1921 is really a huge legacy; it makes Toronto quite famous

in the world of diabetes research,” Lewis said. Located on the first floor of the MaRS Centre, the exhibit is free of charge and open to the public all year round. Lewis described the ex-

“It’s a very inspirational and exciting story. We’re hoping the exhibit will excite young people, the general public, and anyone else interested in research.” hibit as “long, long overdue” and spoke enthusiastically about its attractive potential for visitors. “Certainly, for fundraising it’s important,” Lewis acknowledged. Today, the University of Toronto is a leading centre for diabetes research. Named after the legendary duo, the Banting and Best Diabetes Centre is an extra-

departmental unit that coordinates and innovates diabetes research across U of T. Lewis explained that the Centre is in the process of expanding its academic purview and connecting with other groups not traditionally in the domain of diabetes research. U of T currently has more than 100 researchers involved in diabetes in one way or another. According to Lewis, diabetes is a disease that affects more people than any other, and costs the public a lot of health dollars. Funding is crucial to research, and it is hoped that the new insulin exhibit will raise the public profile of diabetes. “These guys managed to make a huge impact with consequences for human health,” said Lewis. It is hoped that the new insulin exhibit will inspire others to continue the legacy of groundbreaking research at the University of Toronto.

‘It’s very radical, the beginning of a world of government’ Documentary screening features ICC history and chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo by Paul Trzaski As Prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC), Luis Moreno-Ocampo has made inquiries into the alleged war crimes committed in Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda. He has dealt with the genocide of Darfur, and recently led an investigation into the crimes against humanity committed under the Gaddafi regime. Prosecutor, a documentary by Barry Stevens, explores both the exploits of this exceptional man and the history of the ICC. “It’s very radical… it’s the beginning of a world government,” said filmmaker Barry Stevens on the International Criminal Court. “The ICC is permanent and global. No society is stable without law and order. Without these elements, there’s no hope for permanent peace.” Presented by the Faculty of Law at U of T in collaboration with its International Human Rights Program (IHRP), a free public screening of Prosecutor will be hosted this

upcoming Monday evening at the Isabel Bader Theatre. Moreno-Campo himself will be in attendance to take questions from the audience after the screening, as will other prominent figures involved with global diplomacy. “This event will be a fantastic way for the students at the University of Toronto to learn more about the International Criminal Court in an entertaining and accessible format,” said Renu Mandhane, Director of the IHRP. “It will also offer a once-in-alifetime opportunity to hear the Luis Moreno-Ocampo in conversation with Canadian humanitarian envoy Stephan Lewis, and to pose questions to these leaders in the field of international human rights.” Moreno-Ocampo first became renowned for his work in Argentina, where he served as one of two main prosecutors in the Trial of Juntas against members of the country’s de facto military government. His recent work focused on the revolution in Libya, indicting and calling

for the arrest of the country’s previous leader Muammar Gaddafi and his son Seif alIslam, as well as investigating the alleged crimes of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. The film provides a deeper look into the daily life of Moreno-Ocampo, following his activities since 2009, five years after his appointment to Chief Prosecutor. It examines his first case, that of war criminal and Congolese militia leader Thomas Lubanga, and the various difficulties he faced as its prosecutor. The film also considers the ICC operations undertaken since its establishment in 2002, aiming to address the different controversies emerging from its attempts to promote justice around the world. “Students will gain a deeper understanding of international criminal law, including the complexities of the International Criminal Court and some of its challenges and limitations,” Mandhane added with regards to the event’s overall purpose and

message. “We hope the November 14 event will create a space for reflection and debate on the role of international criminal

courts in terms of facilitating transition from dictatorship to democracy and fostering long-term peace,” concluded Mandhane.

GSU ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Graduate Students’ Union University of Toronto MONDAY, NOV. 21, 2011 6:10 p.m. SHARP Sandford Fleming, Room 1105 10 King’s College Road _______________________

Agenda: 2010-11 Financial Statement & Audit Appointment of the Auditor Approval of Minutes By-law Amendments All graduate students have voice & vote

info@utgsu.ca

www.utgsu.ca

THE INSIDE

November 10, 2011

Remembering U of T’s role in WWI ‘Any young man with courage and guts would obviously want to serve the Empire’ tribute something to help the nation in relieving its suffering. The world is in agony, let this agony reach the depths of our nature also, so that it may purge our selfishness.” With sentiments like these echoing across the campus and country alike, U of T and Canada mobilized for the Great War.

GEOFFREY VENDEVILLE

“This is the greatest of moral struggles,” said University of Toronto President Sir Robert Falconer in his commencement address in 1914. “Be ready to defend your life which, with its freedom, has been won for you by others. Live a life of sacrifice this winter and thereby con-

“Any young man with courage and guts would obviously want to serve the Empire,” said historian and U of T professor emeritus Desmond Morton to the newspaper. “If you didn’t want to serve, you lacked guts. We all know how young men respond to that.” In its patriotic fervor, U of T became a hub of military activity between 1914 and 1918. “The university was so heavily involved in the war effort that everyone was focused on one goal, which was to win the war,” said Kathy Parks, chair of the Soldiers’ Tower Committee. Sports seasons were suspended until 1919. Fraternities were closed. The Faculty of Medicine organized two military hospitals and professional faculties such as engineering and dentistry became involved. The Canadian Officers’ Training Corps operated on campus. U of T professors gave hundreds of war-inspired public lectures throughout the city. When the 1915 school term began, enrollment was down by 650 men. Six hundred more were absent by September 1916, and another 600 left by next January. By the time conscription was imposed in 1917 by the Military Service Act, it had little effect because there were so few fit men left to serve. University grounds and build-

ings were heavily utilized by the military. The Royal Flying Corps established a training centre for the Dominion in the spring of 1917 and put its headquarters in Toronto. They took over the front and back lawns, parts of the Engineering Building, Convocation Hall, most of Burwash Hall, and the University Residences. Hart House acted as a kind of epicentre. Even before the interior of Hart House was finished, it was filled with military activity. Five different battalions operated from Hart House, and according to Facilities Manager and resident Hart House historian, Chris Lea, the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery and upper halls were previously used as infirmaries. In the upper gym, workshops were given on how to build planes. Here too was Canada’s first rehabilitation centre, originally designated for returning veterans. And of the honourable and courageous but faceless people whose names are inscribed in the walls of Soldiers’ Tower, some figures stand beside them, and yet above them as heroes in our memory. Men like John McCrae, author of In Flanders Fields, Lester Pearson, Frederick Banting, and Capt. MacDowell, one of two members of U of T awarded the Victoria Cross. Capt. Macdowell crossed into enemy territory and with assis-

tance of two runners, captured two machine guns, two officers and seventy-five men. One of those guns is now in Soldiers’ Tower. As the war came to its end, plans began for its memorialization. Soldier’s Tower formed the centre of these plans, its symbolism heightened by its central location on campus, to link University College and Hart House. In 1918, at his fall commencement address, President Falconer expressed the conflicted nature of his time, which was a mixture of victorious delight and disillusionment. “It came upon us with a terrific suddenness. We had to face it as best we might. We have lost many of our best ... Canadians have clothed themselves with glory until the very end.” Whatever its lasting importance, something of that war is not entirely lost on us. Morton asked, “Who worries about the widows, the mothers, the family members, the children who are left without fathers who can help them in their future?” Lea answered, “Those guys, they gave a big piece of their life, they put themselves in harm’s way -- they did it because they were thinking about me, and they were thinking about you, and we weren’t even born yet.”

LIISA AALTIO

by Yukon Damov

4 1. The Tower, as we know it today

Images two through four are photographs from World War I 2. U of T students drill, 1914 3. Royal Flying Corps tents on back campus, 1918 4. RFC tents, plane overhead, 1918

www.thenewspaper.ca

THE INSIDE

Trashnothing! On St. George Campus

U of T grad’s website now offers St. George students easy way to get rid of junk (and acquire other people’s) for free To a student’s ear, there is no sweeter combination of words than “free” and “stuff.” A few days ago, Trash nothing! (trashnothing.com), founded by U of T grad Andrew Trusty, opened its virtual doors to people at the University of Toronto St. George Campus. Based on the concept of “freecycling” - the act of giving away usable unwanted items instead of sending them to the dump - Trash nothing! lets members post descriptions of things they have (and want to get rid of), and of things they want. In keeping with the principles of freecycling, the site is free to use and prohibits any trading or selling. “We try to make it very clear on the site that everything is free,” Trusty said. “The whole point of the site is to keep reusable things from going to the landfill.” The site is monitored to make sure members are respecting this golden rule. Users

are encouraged to report those who abuse the system by trading, selling, or spamming. Members of Trash nothing! are asked to join their local neighbourhood “group” on the site. The St. George group is the newest in Toronto and already has 136 members offering to give away treasures such as a “women’s small elephant print top” and a pair of “candy striped pajamas.” The Etobicoke, Missassauga, and Scarborough groups have thousands of members each. Trash nothing! now lists more than 1700 groups across the world. Trusty is actively involved in the Ottawa group, which is the largest at 10,000 members. Trusty discovered the freecycling while completing his B.A. in Atlanta. The city had a number of large freecycle groups that each sent out over 100 emails a day. The enormity of these groups and their lack of organization made it difficult for people to follow posts and use the site. “Being a computer scientist

I thought, ‘I’ll just make this easier.’ So it started off as a personal thing, and I kept thinking of more and more ways to make it easier to use.” His site makes virtual freecyling “more of an eBay experience” for users. The website’s straightforward, colour-coded interface (beige posts are “offers;” green ones are “wants”) makes Trash nothing! very easy to use. The site also allows users to join its mailing list indirectly and to access all local freecycle groups at once. Trusty, who studied humancomputer interaction at the graduate level at U of T, sees Trash nothing! as an extension of his Master’s work. The part of the project that most appeals to him is its potential to help people living in the same community get to know each other better. “With freecycling, you can meet someone with the same interests, or spark different types of relationships.” For seasoned freecyclers and newcomers alike, Trash noth-

ing! provides a sustainable and uncomplicated way for people to offload usable things gathering dust in their basement, and to acquire things they want for free. The site also gives people the opportunity to become part of a virtual community. Some people create found-art projects with the things they acquire through the site while others rebuild computers and other electronics for non-profit organizations. “Personally, I find the most interesting things are the things you wouldn’t think would be recycled,” Trusty said.

Balls of yarn, old computer program CDs and other items of seemingly little value almost always find a taker. While Trusty hopes the St George Trash nothing! group will appeal to students, he also wanted to make it clear that it is open to anyone on or near campus, including staff, faculty, and people living in the neighbourhood. Trash nothing! and the freecyle movement confirm the old garage sale adage that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

BODI BOLD

by Talia Gordon

These treasures could be yours. For free.

Macbeth adaptation, ‘full of sound and fury’ Shakespeare’s classic gets the special (effect) treatment, far from subtle Hart House Theatre’s latest adaptation of Macbeth, directed by Jeremy Hutton, opened its curtains on Wednesday, November 9. The show is marked by welldesigned and versatile scenery, stylish costumes, and morethan-adequate use of strobe lights. Imagined as an almost Wagnerian drama, and acted in a style reminiscent of Orson Welles, Hutton’s Macbeth is undoubtedly a thrilling piece. With an evident dedication to well-conceived production values, special effects including coloured lights, fog, sound, and mobile set pieces are incorporated for maximum effect. The disruption of natural order as a dominant theme comes through in Hutton’s emphasis on these stylistic production elements. In the banquet scene where Macbeth believes he is seeing Banquo’s ghost, special effects underscore the main action and create a sense of heightened emotional tension. At times,

ABERDEEN BERRY

by Aberdeen Berry

however, these trappings threaten to overwhelm the actors. For

instance, when Macbeth returns to the witches and demands to

be given further prophecies, the scenes are permeated by an overly effect-laden (and almost incomprehensible) voice, which gives a campy quality to the overall performance. William Foley and Jackie Rowland play the roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth respectively; however Rowland is the standout actor in the show. Rowland’s first monologue is particularly impressive; however her onstage chemistry with Foley was inconsistent, despite Hutton’s emphasis on the sensuality of the couple. Foley’s performance effectively portrayed Macbeth as a sympathetic everyman, caught up in matters beyond his control. Unfortunately, for both actors’ character arcs were limited by the show’s tendency to present an ever-increasing crescendo of madness. However, the stylistic emphasis on madness is effective for the three witches, who are gleefully wicked figures. During Act II, Macbeth and the other players rage across the stage, roaring and grunting and

spilling blood, which signify their insanity. A lack of subtlety was apparent in the incessant droning of the theme music behind almost every monologue. Clearly, there was an effort to convey that something unpleasant and unnatural was afoot. These musical moments often gave way to beautifully choreographed sword fights, one of the few things the director really seemed to relish in this production. In the case of the showdown between Macbeth and Macduff, the music seemed almost an afterthought to a feast of on-stage gore and athleticism. Given the attention to special effects and theatrics, it appeared that what Hutton truly wanted to do was produce a film verison of Macbeth (Braveheart?). While the acting was commendable, this production unfortunately runs the risk of being a tale “full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” Jeremy Hutton’s Macbeth plays at the Hart House Theatre until November 26.

November 10, 2011

GRADUATE STUDENTS’ UNION, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO Notes to Financial Statements Year ended August 31, 2011 6.

Property and equipment Cost Renovations, furniture and equipment Security system Computer equipment

Grant Thornton LLP Suite 200 41 Valleybrook Drive Toronto, ON M3B 2S6

Independent Auditor’s Report

2010 Net

Net

$ 122,366 25,842 31,195

73,626 21,085 26,642

48,740 4,757 4,553

53,170 7,341 7,360

$ 179,403

$ 121,353

58,050

67,871

Deferred income Deferred income received from University of Toronto and graduate students consists of:

T +1 416 449 9171 F +1 416 449 7401 E NorthToronto@ca.gt.com www.GrantThornton.ca

To the Members of Graduate Students’ Union, University of Toronto

2011 Accumulated Amortization

2011

Thesis Cabinet Fund

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Graduate Students’ Union, University of Toronto, which comprise the balance sheet as at August 31, 2011, and the statement of operations and changes in net assets and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Balance, beginning of year Amounts received Amounts disbursed and recognized as revenue

Balance, end of year

1,626 -

Building Fund Thesis Cabinet Fund Directors’ Liability Fund Accessibility Fund Health and Dental Insurance Administration Fund Student Services and Resources Fund

21,341 1,000 40,000 40,000

$ 165,374 185,453

(163,748)

$ 165,606 163,748

(163,748)

(163,980)

$ 185,453

$ 187,079

$ 165,374

Revenue

Expenses

Fund Balances End of Year

7,000

24,000 16,471

7,000

$ 142,812

24,000 23,471 $ 149,812

Auditor's responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

Total

Internally restricted funds Fund Balances Beginning of Year

Management's responsibility for the financial statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Total

$ 163,748 185,453

1,626

2010

Fees

21,341 1,000 40,000 40,000

GRADUATE STUDENTS’ UNION, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO Notes to Financial Statements Year ended August 31, 2011

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

Fees

Fees received from University of Toronto are as follows: September 2010 January 2011 March 2011 May 2011 June 2011 July 2011

$ 3,308,087 1,802,297 482,411 1,772 105,928 52,964 5,753,459

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Deferred fees received from University of Toronto, current year Deferred fees received from University of Toronto, prior year

(150,862) 143,948 $ 5,746,545

Opinion In our opinion the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Graduate Students’ Union, University of Toronto, as at August 31, 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

10. Objectives, policies and processes for managing capital The Union’s capital consists of net assets invested in property and equipment, internally restricted and unrestricted. The Union invests in computer and other equipment as required and in building improvements to improve the office and student areas of the building, which is owned by the University of Toronto. The internally restricted net assets have been set up for specific purposes from the unrestricted net assets. The unrestricted net assets represents the accumulated annual operating surpluses. The Union is not subject to any external capital requirements. Recommendations for new property and equipment purchases are discussed by the staff and the Executive and noted in the annual operating budget. Expenditures from the internally restricted funds are discussed by the Executive and, in most cases, are approved by the Union Council. Property and equipment purchases in 2011 included upgraded electrical and computer equipment for the Union’s office, including the installation of extra plugs and wireless internet. A new grease trap was installed at Sylvester’s Café and the electrical work was upgraded.

Chartered Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants (License Number 18393) Audit • Tax • Advisory Toronto, Canada Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd November 7, 2011

11. Financial instruments

It is management’s opinion that the Union is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from its financial instruments.

GRADUATE STUDENTS’ UNION, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO Balance Sheet As at August 31

GRADUATE STUDENTS’ UNION, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 2011

ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments (note 4) Accounts receivable Loan receivable (note 5) Prepaid expenses

2010

$ 412,938 100,793 35,902 4,800 9,341

$ 480,170 27,304 6,000 17,378

563,774

530,852

Property and equipment (note 6)

58,050

67,871

$ 621,824

$ 598,723

GRADUATE STUDENTS’ UNION, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

Notes to Financial Statements Year ended August 31, 2011 1.

Schedules to Financial Statements Year ended August 31, 2011

Nature of the organization

Health insurance fees Graduate Students’ Union Course Union Head Grants Canadian Federation of Students’ fees - National Canadian Federation of Students’ fees - Ontario Ontario Public Interest Research Group fees Downtown Legal Services fees Bikechain fees Women’s Centre fees Special grants

As a not-for-profit organization, the Union is exempt from income taxes under Part I of the Income Tax Act. Summary of significant accounting policies The statements have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, the more significant of which are outlined below. Use of estimates

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred income (note 7)

70,377 187,079

69,480 165,374

257,456

234,854

58,050 142,812 163,506

67,871 149,812 146,186

364,368

363,869

$ 621,824

$ 598,723

Net assets Invested in property and equipment Internally restricted for specific purposes (notes 3 and 8) Unrestricted

Financial instruments

Revenue Fees (note 9) Sundry and interest

Expenses Grants and fees (schedule 1) Salaries and benefits (schedule 2) House (schedule 3) Donations Amortization Restaurant and bar (schedule 4)

Internally Restricted (note 8) $

Unrestricted $

5,746,545 27,601

Total $

Total

5,746,545 27,601

10 years 10 years 5 years

5,774,146

5,522,614

5,055,850

4,886,199

493,961 197,751 -

493,961 197,751 7,000 13,721

442,072 198,267 38,550 14,026

13,721

7,000 -

7,000

Fees received from the University of Toronto for insurance premiums are shown gross of the related insurance premium expenses. The fees from extended or family insurance premiums are presented net of the related insurance expenses.

5,364

4,801

5,752,926

5,773,647

5,583,915

(13,721)

Interfund transfer Net assets, beginning of year As previously stated Accounting change As restated

(7,000)

3,900

67,871 -

149,812 -

67,871 $

58,050

21,220 (3,900) 146,186 -

149,812 $

142,812

499

146,186 $

163,506

461,075 (35,905)

363,869 $

364,368

GRADUATE STUDENTS’ UNION, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO Notes to Financial Statements Year ended August 31, 2011 3.

Insurance Sundry Repairs and maintenance Contract rebate

The Building Fund was established to finance capital improvements to the facilities of the Union. Thesis Cabinet Fund

Directors’ Liability Fund

363,869

The Directors’ Liability Fund was established to protect the Directors of the Union in the event that the Union ceases operations.

The Accessibility Fund was established to finance accessibility-related improvements to the facilities, communications, and services of the Union.

Net change in non-cash working capital items Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred income

14,026

(8,598) 8,037 897 21,705

(4,460) 38,217 6,483 (232)

22,041 Cash flows from operating activities

36,261

40,008 4 (7,267)

Investing activities Short-term investments Loan receivable Purchases of property and equipment

(100,793) 1,200 (3,900)

404,333 (6,000) (8,332)

Cash flows from investing activities

(103,493)

390,001

Net change in cash and cash equivalents during the year

(67,232)

382,734

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

480,170

97,436

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$ 412,938

$ 480,170

Cash and cash equivalents consist of: Cash Cash equivalents

$ 161,438 251,500

$ 237,954 242,216

$ 412,938

$ 480,170

See accompanying notes

198,267

Schedule 4 2010

6,568 1,000 424 (2,628)

6,272 999 390 (2,860)

5,364

4,801

The Health and Dental Insurance Administration Fund was established to offset the administrative costs of the increased demand on the health and dental plans.

$ (61,301)

(47,275)

197,751

Health and Dental Insurance Administration Fund

2010

14,220

See accompanying notes

The Thesis Cabinet Fund was established to finance the costs associated with the Union’s Thesis Cabinet, including thesis reproduction expenditures.

425,170

13,721

78,602 19,241 12,199 13,975 10,174 8,240 6,495 5,615 5,551 5,153 5,533 3,765 3,619 4,525 3,828 5,156 946 602 195 500 1,323 3,000 30

2011

Accessibility Fund

499

Restaurant and bar

Net assets internally restricted for specific purposes

Statement of Cash Flows Year ended August 31

89,858 19,619 14,456 11,425 7,509 7,134 5,975 5,622 5,498 5,153 4,858 3,953 3,652 3,614 2,835 2,726 1,843 990 472 300 221 38 -

Schedules to Financial Statements Year ended August 31, 2011

The Union has set up internally restricted funds to support the following activities:

GRADUATE STUDENTS’ UNION, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

2011

2010

GRADUATE STUDENTS’ UNION, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

See accompanying notes

Operating activities Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses Item not involving cash Amortization

442,072

(61,301)

363,869 -

Building Fund

Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses

493,961

281,343 87,847 72,882

See accompanying notes

3 5,503,495 19,119

13,721

Net assets, end of year

2010

Schedule 3

Health insurance administration Handbook Professional fees Student conferences General council meetings Travel and conferences Orientation Insurance Office and general Photocopying Duplicating and printing Elections Telephone Sub-committees, caucuses and sundry Communications Campaigns Repairs and maintenance Gym Bank charges and interest Security monitoring Small equipment Women’s caucus Metropass sales contribution Subscriptions

The Union’s financial instruments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, loan receivable and accounts payable. Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities. The loan receivable is recorded at face value, which approximates fair value, as it is due on demand.

The Union follows the deferral method of accounting whereby externally restricted contributions are deferred and recognized as revenue in the period in which the related expenses are incurred.

2011

2010

323,767 89,521 80,673

2011

Fees are recognized as revenue in the fiscal year to which they relate.

Invested in Property and Equipment

House

Revenue recognition

Ann McPherson Internal and Finance Commissioner

$ 4,886,199

The CICA provides a choice for financial instruments disclosure and presentation and the Union has chosen to apply Section 3861, Financial Instruments - Disclosure and Presentation, in place of Section 3862, Financial Instruments - Disclosure, and Section 3863, Financial Instruments - Presentation.

Renovations, furniture and equipment Security system Computer equipment

Externaland Commissioner Statement of Operations Changes in Net Assets Year ended August 31

$ 5,055,850

Schedule 2

Staff Benefits Executive officers

Property and equipment is recorded at cost and is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life as follows:

GRADUATE STUDENTS’ UNION, Daniel Vandervoort UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

$ 4,350,236 224,802 104,083 87,046 65,216 39,129 13,043 2,644

2011

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Property and equipment

On behalf of Council:

2010

$ 4,494,683 232,702 106,085 88,360 66,137 39,682 13,228 13,228 1,745

Salaries and benefits

Cash equivalents consist of high interest savings account mutual funds.

See accompanying notes

Schedule 1 2011

The Graduate Students’ Union, University of Toronto (the “Union”) is incorporated under the Corporations Act (Ontario) as a not-for-profit organization. The Union was established to meet the needs of and provide services to the graduate students of the University of Toronto.

Grants and fees

Student Services and Resources Fund The Student Services and Resources Fund was established with the remaining funds from the 2007/2008 Peer Review levy. A student services and resources working group will make recommendations on the use of the funds. 4.

Short-term investments 2011 Royal Bank GIC, 4.75%, maturing December 7, 2011 Royal Bank GIC, 4.30%, maturing December 12, 2011 Royal Bank GIC, 1.81%, maturing December 14, 2011

2010

24,974 25,777 50,042

$ 100,793

Loan receivable Loan receivable is from a non-related party, is due on demand, repayable in monthly instalments of $100 and is non-interest bearing. 11

www.thenewspaper.ca

THE ARTS

Melancholia goes out in style

New Lars von Trier film leaves you wanting more while if somewhat odd film, though its tendencies towards sparseness will likely leave audiences wanting to see more.

Melancholia will screen Saturdays, November 10 at 6 p.m. and November 17 at 2:45 p.m. in the Ryerson Theatre.

ABERDEEN BERRY

Films about the apocalypse often tend towards hyperbolic acts of heroism and villainy, as people push themselves to the limit to survive against seemingly insurmountable odds. This is not the case in the latest offering from Lars von Trier, Melancholia. By way of of a visually arresting introduction, viewers are informed that despite any doubts characters in the film might have about the impending destruction of Earth by a rogue planet (also referred to as “Melancholia”), the Earth is going to be destroyed, and there will be no survivors. Spoilers now set aside, von Trier gets down to the business of showing a portrait of how the world will end for one family. It appears the world will end very stylishly, indeed. The film begins with an hour-long scene of a wedding of depressed Justine (Kirsten Dunst), which perfectly and

excruciatingly captures her descent into a state of melancholia. The second half is increasingly otherworldly, and mostly concerns Justine’s sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) waiting with her family for the impending apocalypse. Von Trier especially emphasizes the connection between protagonist Justine’s descent into depression during the first half, and Claire’s psychological unraveling of during the second. Melancholia is most successful as an examination of depression – notably in its depiction of the gradual narrowing of the world and a sense of disconnectedness. However, the film suffers from a few flaws, mostly in the second half, where it is somewhat more concerned with genre-bending. These include one or two completely baffling moments, such as Justine’s semi-credible announcement that she has psychic abilities. Ultimately, this is a worth-

Rehearsing’s not for Ratner

by Aberdeen Berry

THE BLOCKBUSTER

Brett Ratner’s Tower Heist delivers on promises (unlike its director at this year’s Oscars) by Dan Christensen

From the opening notes of Christophe Beck’s classy and brassy score for “Tower Heist,” we feel safely in the hands of real blockbuster pros. Project helmsmen Brian Grazer (producer) and Brett Ratner (director) have put their hands out on front street, with the title telling you plainly what to expect going in, and boasting one of the most high-profile casts in recent memory. While each actor is not best known for his comedic chops, casting three of the biggest comedy stars from their respective decades – Alan Alda, Eddie Murphy, and Ben Stiller – makes up for it. Josh Kovacs (Stiller) starts us off with his 4:30 a.m. routine, which is mirrored by that of billionaire investor Arthur Shaw (Alda), proprietor of the penthouse suite in the New York high-rise Josh manages. The pair meet in the middle for an early morning online chess match (a harbinger of things to come) before meeting in person at the Tower,

where Josh fastidiously launches into his workday routine, behind the scenes in the personal lives of the super rich building inhabitants. He does so alongside the likes of inattentive concierge Charlie (Casey Affleck), (predictably) sassy maid Odessa (Gabourey Sidibe, of “Precious” fame), and not-readyfor-upper-class bellhop Dev’reaux (Michael Pena), a new hire forced upon Josh by his boss Mr. Simon, played by Judd Hirsch in a disappointingly humourless turn. With the help of FBI Agent Claire Denham (Tea Leoni), we discover that Mr. Shaw is accused of high-scale investment fraud having stolen $2 billion, including the pensions belonging to the Tower’s staff. Josh, along with a few aforementioned staff accomplices and Mr. Fitzhugh (Matthew Broderick), a Tower dweller and former Wall Street investor on the edge of eviction as a result of the financial crisis, decide to take matters into their own hands and rob Shaw for all that he’s still worth. All rookies in the art of

crime, Josh enlists the help of his street-wise thief neighbour (and, conveniently, childhood acquaintance,) Slide, a role written for Murphy in the best possible ways, which vividly and hilariously recalls his Beverly Hills Cop/48 Hours glory days. Fearing the script was reading like an Ocean’s Eleven knock-off, Ratner hired Ted Griffin, Ocean’s Eleven screenwriter, to take a pass, a strangely backwards effort with backwards results. We get the feeling the film’s humour was injected solely by the actors’ virtuous performances, while the filmmakers focused on crafty plot twists. Despite a sense of predictability that permeates the film, as well as conspicuous shortcomings in the tension department, the heist aspects are pulled off quite well, which in turn play oil to the humour’s water. The filmmakers were unable to combine the two elements in any moment, which left the latter to vastly outshine the former. Alda manages to turn his effortless sincerity on its head, to find effortless taunt-

ing of Stiller’s character on the other side of the coin; he impresses us with his ability to play an insufferable asshole while only adjusting his performance in the smallest degree. In essence, Alda lets our real life experience (and hatred) of Mr. Bernie Madoff – the man after whom Arthur Shaw is most obviously modelled – do all of the work for him. This context is vaguely poignant; it is obvious that the issues were not as near

and dear to the hearts of the filmmakers as they were in other recent films gesturing towards the economic crisis, such as last week’s In Time, or in a more appropriate comparison, last year’s The Other Guys. This is the kind of big budget comedy where the trailer – heck, the poster even – tells you everything you need to know. What Tower Heist promises, it delivers; and you can take that to the bank.

Crime rookies, Murphy and Stiller, take matters into their own hands

THE END

The Crossword

November 10, 2011

Across 1. Floor padding 4. 6 down’s question 7. Feminine pronoun

10. Infantry 13. H in W5H 14. Rip 16. Heat

17. Beastie Boy’s license 18. Too 19. Single 20. Inert

22. Concluded 23. Factual 24. Denouement 25. Make 28. Circle segment 29. Time of life 32. Tangible 33. Exam type 34. Adriatic or Aegean 35. Garbage 36. Not bright 37. Mate, significant ___ 39. Industrious insect 40. What a hammer pounds 42. Looks upon 43. Agree to; say ___ 44. Fasten 45. Travolta film musical 47. That girl 48. Stained, as cloth 49. Vegetable starter 52. Results of addition 53. Opening 56. Sword substance 57. Clear a table 58. Harm 61. Enjoy this newspaper 62. Play partition 63. “___ rather than later” 64. Something or someone at random 65. Archaic pronoun/adjective 66. Attempt Down 1. Mother 2. Appropriate 3. Often free promotional item 4. “___ my guitar gently weeps”

the campus comment the newspaper asked: Are you supporting Movember by growing a moustache?

5. Aperture 6. Nocturnal bird 7. Oppose; take a ___ 8. Restrained; ___ back 9. Difficulty 10. Duet 11. Sprinted 12. Raw mineral 15. Fishing tool 21. Deadline; ___ date 22. Blocked off 23. Skillful 24. Epoch 25. Long-legged bird 26. Takes a break 27. Consume food 28. Equip 29. Cremation creation 30. Canadian flock 31. Aural organ 33. 45 across, alternatively 35. Path 36. Be killed 38. British breakfast beverage 41. Atmosphere 45. Workout facility 46. Hold out 47. Pragmatically gifted 48. ___ Springfield 49. Elton John or Paul McCartney 50. Length times width 51. Unconventional type of shark 52. “___ Great Heights” 53. Pistol 54. “Who do you think you ___?” 55. In itself; ___ se 57. Bruce Wayne’s fear, evidently 59. Neither... ___ 60. Happiness

ASHTON OSMAK

by Andrew Walt

“

BRYAN Economics & Philosophy, 4th year “I’m part of a fraternity and one of our members is indirectly affected by the prostate cancer. All of us are growing our moustaches for charity.

JOHN International Relations, 2nd year “Women would laugh at me, so it would be emasculating

MARGOT Diablo’s employee “We at Diablo’s support moustache growth!”

SHAWN Economics, 2nd year “Biologically, I’m struggling with it. But I would if I could. Awareness is the first step to dealing with a problem.

JON Linguistics, 2nd year It’s more of an excuse for me not to shave. Coincidentally, I’m also supporting the cause.”

BODI BOLD

tOM Computer Science, 4th year “No, I just think it’s a silly idea.”