The McGill Tribune Vol. 41 Issue 3

The McGill Tribune TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021 | VOL. 41 | ISSUE 3

McGILLTRIBUNE.COM | @McGILLTRIBUNE

Published by the SPT, a student society of McGill University

EDITORIAL

FEATURE

SPORTS

McGill should stop playing games with sports

The women behind the headlines

Martlets Soccer earn their first point of the year

PG. 5

PGs. 8-9

PG. 16

(Elissa Dresdner / The McGill Tribune)

Stacey Steers’ ‘Night Reels’ creates a collage of warmth and empowerment

PG. 10

Stabbing outside McGill’s Roddick Gates leaves one dead Students react to the incident, cite concern for campus safety at night Madison Edward-Wright News Editor Content warning: violence and death At approximately 1:45 a.m. on Sept. 18, the Service de

Police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) responded to a call about an assault on Sherbrooke Street, not far from McGill’s Roddick Gates. The SPVM reported that two men, of 20 and 23 years of age, were the victims of a stabbing. The incident may have involved other people; as of yet, there is evidence of three or four suspects fleeing the scene. The two victims

Bringing Pride to Chinatown ‘Sticky Rice’ magazine celebrates one-year anniversary Bronte Li Grimmer Contributor There was once a time when the terms “Pride” and “Chinatown” would not be associated together unless you were talking about a restaurateur’s de-

light in the quality of their har gow (Cantonese dumplings).

However, these days in Montreal’s Chinatown district, pride has a new meaning.

On Sept. 12, queer folks and allies united at Place des Souhaits for “Fierté au Quartier Chinois,”

an event organized

by Sticky Rice magazine, to celebrate what it means to bring “pride” to Chinatown. The event marked the magazine’s one-year anniversary and the first celebration of Pride in Chinatown.

PG. 12

suffered injuries to their upper bodies and were immediately rushed to the hospital. While the 20-year-old is reported to be in a stable condition, the 23-year-old passed away on Sept.

18. The SPVM is currently investigating the details of the event.

PG. 2

Safety concerns loom as WALKSAFE and DriveSafe halt operations Lack of both adequate staff and a working landline cited as reasons for suspension Signy Harnad Contributor Content warning: Discussion of physical and sexual violence.

Two volunteer-based security services on campus

are halting operations, with a firm date for resumption yet to be determined. Run by the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU), WALKSAFE announced the suspension of their regular services on Facebook Sept. 13, following SSMU DriveSafe’s simi-

lar announcement on Sept 3.

WALKSAFE president Leon Picha, U2 Management, attributed the shutdown to limited staffing and phone line complications during the SSMU University Centre’s multi-year closure.

PG. 3

2

NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021

McGill hosts roundtable for Indigenous Awareness Weeks

Leaders discuss implementation of UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Leo Larman Brown Contributor McGill is holding its 10th annual Indigenous Awareness Weeks from Sept. 13 to 24. Among the weeks’ events was an international virtual round table discussing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The round table featured many prominent Indigenous advocates from around the world, including Claire Charters, co-director of the Aotearoa New Zealand Centre for Indigenous Peoples and the Law at the University of Auckland; Eddie Cubillo, senior fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Law School; June Lorenzo, an Indigenous rights advocate, attorney, and chief judge in Zia Pueblo; Sheryl Lightfoot, North American representative to the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and Romeo Saganash, member of Parliament for Abitibi-Baie James-Nunavik-Eeyou between 2011-2019.

The UNDRIP is a piece of international legislation that enshrines the individual and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples. It is almost unanimously

supported throughout the UN: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States initially voted against the UNDRIP, but years later modified their position and expressed support of it. Ever since the General Assembly passed it in 2007, Indigenous populations around the world have pushed their respective governments to adopt the declaration and represent it in legislation.

Panellists overviewed the various issues facing Indigenous communities in their home countries, and also discussed the challenges of properly implementing UNDRIP. “We do not have a written constitution in Aotearoa/New Zealand,” Charters said. “So, it is quite an unusual constitutional situation with respect to rights and not having rights being able to be enforced against the legislature.”

Cubillo explained that Indigenous Australians currently have little sovereignty over their land due to British colonization.

“Australia is the only British colonized country that never formed a treaty with its First Nations peoples when illegally taking [Aboriginal] lands,” Cubillo said. “Australia was claimed under the Doctrine of

Discovery, terra nullius […], a Latin term meaning land belonging to no one […], justifying acquisition by the British occupation without treaty or payment.”

Lorenzo noted that although the U.S. has seen some progress in implementing the declaration, it does not compare to the advancements made in Canada. “[The Biden administration has] not gone nearly as far as Canada has to implement legislation,” Lorenzo explained. “U.S. representatives have just absolutely ignored the UN declaration.”

Through the identification and analysis of almost 200 federal court cases that integrate the UNDRIP into their rulings, Lightfoot’s research team at the University of British Columbia concluded that Canadian courts have made headway in implementing UNDRIP. Saganash pointed to the importance of Bill C-15, a bill passed by the Canadian Senate in June 2021 that requires the government to take all necessary measures to ensure Canadian laws are consistent with the UNDRIP. “C-15 will set an international precedent in terms of the importance of the declaration,” Saganash said.

“It is a big step forward in terms

UNDRIP has been the longest discussed and negotiated human rights instrument in the history of the UN. (mcgill.ca) of recognizing that we respect Aboriginal and treaty rights in this country.”

The round table concluded with the panellists’ expressions of optimism toward the future and toward the recognition of the challenges that lie ahead. YannAllard Tremblay, round table moderator and professor in McGill’s

Department of Political Science, emphasized the importance of acknowledging Indigenous strength.

“You all demonstrate the brilliance of our people,” Tremblay said. “And this is clearly fitting for the theme of this 10th annual Indigenous Awareness Weeks, which is to celebrate Indigenous excellence and resilience.”

Stabbing outside McGill’s Roddick Gates leaves one dead Students react to the incident, cite concern for campus safety at night

Madison Edward-Wright News Editor Content warning: violence and death.

Continued from page 1.

The morning of Sept. 18, many members of the McGill community were surprised to find the lower area of the downtown campus

cordoned off and Sherbrooke Street flooded with police vehicles. Orange police tape ran along the campus perimeter and a police car was parked to block off the Roddick Gates.

The stabbing incident occurred only a few hundred meters from McGill’s McLennan Library. Natali Joma, a U3 Science student who regularly stays at the library late, spoke to The McGill Tribune about the incident.

This incident marks the 21st homicide in Montreal this year. (Sequoia Kim / The McGill Tribune)

“I [am] so surprised because I was here yesterday night, and late as well,” Joma said. “[I] did not see anything. [But] now after what happened, I would not stay too late in the library.”

Joma was one of many students on campus that morning—and was not the only one to express concern about campus safety. Alier Magok, U0 Science, had not heard about the stabbing until he arrived on campus only to find most of it sealed off.

“I did not know what had happened,” Magok said. “But [then], when you first open Reddit and see ‘stabbing,’ it’s crazy.

Nobody knew, the police hadn’t released anything, [...] but you do not feel as safe because [of] everything happen[ing].”

The homicide was not the first violent incident that occurred close to McGill this year. Joma recalled an incident that occurred in May 2021, where a 21-year-old man was stabbed inside the McGill metro station. Despite sustaining injuries to his upper body, the victim survived. Joma reflected on how this increase in violence has made her feel.

“Recently we have been seeing a lot of stabbing occurring especially on St. Catherine,” Joma explained. “Back in May, there was a stabbing at the McGill metro, so that’s why I am not very surprised this is happening. It has been occurring a lot [near campus]. We thought that it was safe.”

Frédérique Mazerolle, McGill media relations officer, relayed the SPVM’s

statement that the Sept. 18 incident did not have any connection to McGill.

“According to SPVM, an altercation unrelated to McGill took place downtown [...] during the very early hours of Sept.

18,” Mazerolle wrote in an email to The McGill Tribune. “For a brief period, the surrounding area was restricted due to the police operation. Despite rumours circulating on Twitter, the investigation presented only [a] minor inconvenience to our community.”

While acknowledging the safety of the McGill community as the school’s first priority, Mazerolle explained that the school did have a department dedicated to safety on campus.

“McGill University, through the Campus Public Safety Department, [...] offers services on a 24-hour basis to all members of the McGill community, such as safety escorts within certain limits to all students and staff at both the downtown and Macdonald campuses.”

Though the Students’ Society of McGill University’s (SSMU) WALKSAFE and DriveSafe services were recently halted, one nighttime security service available to students is the Société de Transport de Montreal’s “Between Stops” program. The service runs as of 7:30 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. at different times of the year and allows bus drivers to let passengers off between stops if bus stops are too far from a passenger’s destination.

NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021

3

McGill’s week-long vaccine registration centre took in approximately 100 students daily

Some students cited wait times up to 6 hours long Lily Cason Contributor McGill opened its second walk-in vaccine registration centre from Sept. 14 to Sept. 17 in Redpath Hall—this time a four-day event rather than a single day. This second installment is part of the university’s sustained attempt to help students register vaccinations received outside of Quebec, and came in response to the high demand for a vaccine registration service

McGill is recommending students make appointments at other Santé clinics due to the on-campus centre’s low capacity to register vaccines.

(Léa_Bourget / The McGill Tribune)

demonstrated at its first on-campus clinic.

Some students, such as Kyle Minnie, U2 Education, appreciated the clinic opening again, but expressed their frustration with the long, slow lines, and low daily capacity.

“I appreciate that [this centre] is being done on campus,” Minnie said. “It is nice that they are doing it again for the whole week, but as you can see from this lineup, I do not think it is as efficient as a lot of students hoped it could be.”

McGill clarified that the centre would be able to register vaccines, but not administer them, in the event’s announcement on Facebook. The registration centre’s web page states that clinicians have the capacity to register around 100 students’ vaccination statuses per the centre’s eight-hour working day.

The page urges students to book an appointment at a different site on the Clinic Santé website, or come back another day, if the line is too long.

Monse Cas, a PhD student in neuroscience at McGill, believes some of the problems with the centre could have been prevented with better planning.

“We have been waiting for too long, and I think [McGill] could have handled it better,” Cas said. “Maybe they should have opened registration [...] so you could arrive at your appointment and not wait for [...] six hours.”

Cas arrived at the centre around 9:15 a.m. on Sept. 15, and said that the centre did not register her vaccination status until seven hours later, around 4 p.m., at which point she had missed a full day of work at her lab. According to Cas, the people in line directly behind her waited all day as well, but did not end up getting their vaccines registered that day.

Minnie was at the centre for a second day, having left after fifteen minutes the previous day to attend class, when he spoke to The McGill Tribune. Though Minnie had planned to block out more time the second time around, he ended up waiting in line for a little over six hours to get his vaccine registered.

“Once inside it was a little more clear why the line was taking so long, since there were only two people doing the actual registration,” Minnie said. “Each registration only took like five to seven minutes, though, so there are still some unanswered questions about why it took six hours to get inside [....] I have to assume that the university was trying to minimize the number of people inside the registration room since there were security guards keeping count of people.”

In an email to the Tribune, the McGill administration pointed out that the centre resembled the typical pop-up vaccination clinics in Quebec and said more dates will be added if the demand for vaccine registration continues.

“Pop-up clinics like these usually average 100 vaccinations per day,” McGill’s media relations officer Frédérique Mazerolle wrote. “We are aware that many international and out-of-province students have experienced challenges with registering their vaccines and getting their vaccine passports [....] If there is still demand for more vaccine registrations at the end of the week, more dates may be added for the following week.”

McGill has since extended the dates for its vaccine registration centre. The centre will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 20 and 21, and will operate out of the Welcome Centre, located at 3415 Rue McTavish.

Safety concerns loom as WALKSAFE and DriveSafe halt operations

Lack of both adequate staff and a working landline cited as reasons for suspension Signy Harnad Contributor Content warning: Discussion of physical and sexual violence.

Continued from page 1.

WALKSAFE president Leon Picha, U2 Management, attributed the shutdown to limited staffing and phone line complications during the SSMU University Centre’s multi-year closure.

“As the University Centre moved, we did not have access to our landline for some time and we actually do not have access to the WALKSAFE phone,” Picha said. “But also we do not have enough volunteers. A lot of our volunteers have graduated and, if we were to operate, we predicted that volunteers would have to do three times their original commitment.”

Tiffany Leung, vice president (VP) operations at DriveSafe, also blamed their services’ suspension solely on their inability to access the landline. The issue of DriveSafe’s hiatus is currently being handled by SSMU representatives.

While both services have been out of

(Sylvie Bourque / The McGill Tribune)

day-to-day operations since March 2020, they have still provided security services by special arrangement, like both services’ helping out during Frosh Week and Drivesafe’s partnership with the Montreal Student Initiative for COVID-19 Response and Relief.

SSMU vice president (VP) student life, Karla Heisele Cubilla, explained that COVID-19 has also played a role in disrupting the operations of services like WALKSAFE. “The pandemic has been really rough on our services and our clubs,” Cubilla said. “The government keeps giving us updates daily, and it takes time to plan how a service is going to be run.”

According to Yossef Levin, Med 3 and former WALKSAFE volunteer, the service suffered internal difficulties such as understaffing even before the pandemic.

“When I was part of WALKSAFE during my bachelor degree, we operated on tight staffing, and often they would ask people to help fill out shifts,” Levin said. “Many of the executives would take on an excessive amount of shifts from what I remember [....] There were days when they had to cancel services because of understaffing. This happened every so often, especially in 2019.”

The shutdowns have left some newcomers to Montreal uncertain of how to stay safe on and around campus. Sarah*, U1 Arts and Science, was disappointed to hear that the security services on campus had been suspended.

“Coming from a small town, my family and I had concerns with a lot of what you hear about the city,” Sarah said. “But then looking at these services that McGill provides, and knowing that they existed, was quite comforting. Getting here, and realizing that they are not in operation, was a bit nerve-racking.”

The announcement coincided with calls for better campus security at Western University.

(Brian Schatteman / The McGill Tribune) Earlier this month, Sarah was walking downtown with her roommates when they witnessed an assault. She attempted to reach WALKSAFE the following evening.

“We saw this girl in front of us get aggressively groped,” Sarah said. “The next day, I had an appointment late at night and thought, ‘I should use WALKSAFE,’ but was not able to.”

The shutdowns come on the heels of grave campus incidents elsewhere in Canada. In the early morning hours of Sept. 11, an 18-yearold student at Western University in London, Ontario, died of injuries sustained in an assault on a street adjacent to campus. In addition, four separate cases of sexual assault were reported to Western campus authorities during the week of Sept. 6.

Lapses in current security offerings are unacceptable, argued U3 Arts student Mikaela Fasold. Remarking on the dwindling security

options available to students, Fasold called on volunteers to rise to the occasion.

“Students now have even fewer resources [...] short of building their own buddy system or gambling that campus security can always be there to provide protection,” Fasold said.

“The onus lies on all of us to step up.”

Emergency aid can be reached through a Security Services Safety Escort (Downtown: 514-398-30000. MacDonald campus: 514-3987777). The Sexual Assault Center of the McGill Student’s Society hotline is 514-398-8500. McGill Students’ Nightline can be reached at 514-3986246. SSMU WALKSAFE and SSMU DriveSafe are actively recruiting, see their respective Facebook pages for more details. *Sarah’s name has been changed to preserve their anonymity.

4

NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021

Activities Night ‘after hours’ party marks return to in-person SSMU events

Approximately 250 people gathered at Muzique Juliet Morrison Contributor The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) held its first in-person event of the Fall term, “Activities Night ‘after hours,” on Sept. 14 at Muzique—a nightclub on St-Laurent Blvd near campus.

“After hours,” promoted as a celebration for the return to student life on campus, was the second part of SSMU’s two-day Activities Night series.

In keeping with Quebec’s COVID-19 regulations for bars and restaurants, protocols included mandatory maskwearing when moving around the venue, enforcement of the Quebec vaccine passport, and fixed seating arrangements at pre-reserved tables. Plexiglass separated the individual booths and tables. Attendees were allowed to visit Muzique’s three rooms: The Main Room, the Hip-Hop room, and the Terrasse.

Although attendees were required to wear masks, many of the Muzique staff, including the bouncers and the DJ, were seen without masks. Nevertheless, many students, like Joey Hershkop, U1 Engineering, said the event’s vaccine policy eased his concerns.

“I feel completely safe, considering the vaccine passport,” Hershkop said in an interview with The McGill Tribune.

“Having the peace of mind knowing that

Though the event was sold out at Muzique’s capacity for 278 people, it operated mostly under-capacity as attendees arrived and left throughout the night. (Zoe Countess / The McGill Tribune) everybody here is vaccinated is crucial.”

Abdel Madrid Rafai, U2 Engineering, agreed that the safety precautions at the event were sufficient. Madrid Rafai expressed his eagerness to participate in student life this year, after completing his first year at McGill entirely online.

“I really do not have many concerns,” Madrid Rafai said. “We did not have many

cases [at] McGill these past few weeks and the regulations were followed [....] I am just excited to be with other students.”

At around 10:45 p.m., Montreal Police (SPVM) inspected the venue to ensure that the venue was adequately enforcing COVID-19 safety regulations. The police found no violations, leaving Muzique after 10 minutes.

“I talked to the police,” Karla Heisele Cubilla, Activities Night organizer and SSMU vice-president student life said.

“They told me that they received a phone call, saying that there was a party and [asking] if [the police] could go check that regulations were being followed [....] The police came in, they found nothing wrong.”

Heisele Cubilla said that while she primarily received enthusiastic responses from the McGill community after the event, she said she also received concerns from SSMU members about how the after party would adequately adhere toCOVID-19 protocols.

“I brought it to [SSMU’s executive committee],” Heisele Cubilla explained.

“The entire team approved this event. I explained [...] all the regulations we are taking, and they said, ‘okay, this seems like it is per Quebec’s laws and regulations.’”

SSMU president Darshan Daryanani looked back on the event as a welcome return to student life at McGill.

“From what I have heard, after more than 18 months of remote learning, students appreciated a venue where they can finally re-engage with each other and restore an experience that students have missed for so long,” Daryanani wrote in an email to the Tribune. “Some students are COVID-19 cautious and prefer online events, so in the near future, we will be planning for both.”

Virtual Activities Night goes awry following technical difficulties

The Gather.Town virtual event platform crashed under high-capacity pressure Dima Kiwan Contributor Major technical difficulties arose during the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU)’s virtual Activities Night on Sept.

13, leaving the approximately 2,000 registered student participants confused. The online event platform Gather.Town crashed due to the high volume of participants, though organizers have since suggested that there is more to the story.

The w platform malfunctioned and experienced a system overload when it opened its doors to the thousands of participants. The system also experienced several glitches—room hosts would frequently freeze and participants struggled to access the different booths.

In an interview with The McGill Tribune, Karla Heisele Cubilla, SSMU vice president (VP) student life, explained that her team chose Gather.Town—as opposed to Zoom or Eventus, which were used for last year’s activities night—to host the event in hopes of delivering a more engaging online experience.

“We need to have a platform that is going to engage students, because really, Eventus did not work,” Heisele Cubilla said. “It was an expensive platform and it did not connect the groups with the students. [An] in-person fair was just not possible. In June, I reached out to McGill, hotels, and the Bell Centre, and everyone said no. [I heard from some of my staff that] Gather.Town was perfect and super interactive.”

Despite discussing capacity limits with Gather.Town executives, who recommended purchasing two spaces for the event, the

platform was overwhelmed within minutes of the event’s start.

“We had around 1,200 registrants two days before the event, but two hours before the event we had a total of 2,267 students registered,” Heisele Cubilla explained. “[Our understanding was that] once capacity was reached in one of the worlds, there would not be a failure of the system, students just have to wait in a waiting room. The day of the event, at 4 p.m., 1,500 people signed in at the same time, we saw major lag, and [the first space] collapsed.”

SSMU organizers immediately began exploring troubleshooting options. Some club executives took matters into their own hands, coming up with alternatives on the fly, to connect via alternative means.

“After talking to many peers and executives from other clubs, I realized that the technical difficulties I faced using the platform were widespread,” said Liam Lynch, McGill Pre-Law Students’ Society Mock Trial president. “Once we realized that we were not able to get to our booth, we quickly set up a Zoom meeting open to all students and shared the meeting invitation through our social media channels.”

According to Heisele Cubilla, SSMU is currently planning a second activities night to make up for the first one’s shortcomings.

“We refunded all the community groups that paid,” Heisele Cubilla said. “I communicated to all the student groups what was happening, and I emailed all the students apologizing. Although there were technical difficulties outside our reach, we are still responsible to make sure that student life

The McGill community has 250+ groups available for students to get involved in.

(Ananya Mohanty / The McGill Tribune) thrives. I have partnered with Campus Life & Engagement, and we have a team of six people working on Activities Night 2.0 for midOctober.”

The reaction to the event among student group leaders varied. Some, like Lea Baroud, vice president media and communications of the Arab Students’ Network, attributed the failure to uncontrollable technical circumstances.

“We found that the initiative of having a virtual [...] booth to interact with students was a really creative one that could have replicated

the experience of an ‘ordinary’ activities night,” wrote Baroud in a message to the Tribune.

Others worried about the impact that a failed Activities Night will have on club recruitment and outreach.

“I’m worried that not every SSMU club had sufficient means to connect with new students or make their name known on campus,” Lynch wrote to the Tribune. “As a result, some new or smaller organizations may have missed their chance to gain valuable new members.”

OPINION

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021

T

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Sequoia Kim editor@mcgilltribune.com Creative Director Ruobing Chen rchen@mcgilltribune.com Managing Editors Kennedy McKee-Braide kmckee-braide@mcgilltribune.com Madison Mclauchlan mmclauchlan@mcgilltribune.com Maya Abuali mabuali@mcgilltribune.com

News Editors Ella Fitzhugh & Madison Edward-Wright news@mcgilltribune.com Opinion Editors Jonah Fried, Matthew Molinaro & Sepideh Afshar opinion@mcgilltribune.com Science & Technology Editors Shafaq Nami & Youssef Wahba scitech@mcgilltribune.com Student Life Editors Holly Wethey & Wendy Zhao studentlife@mcgilltribune.com Features Editor Tasmin Chu features@mcgilltribune.com Arts & Entertainment Editors Lowell Wolfe & Michelle Siegel arts@mcgilltribune.com Sports Editors Adam Burton & Sarah Farnand sports@mcgilltribune.com Design Editors Jinny Moon & Xiaotian Wang design@mcgilltribune.com Photo Editor Kate Addison photo@mcgilltribune.com Multimedia Editors Alex Hinton & Noah Vaton multimedia@mcgilltribune.com Web Developers Abby de Gala & Marwan Shiraz Khan webdev@mcgilltribune.com

Along with the return to classes, September brought with it the return of in-person athletic events. After more than a year and a half of isolation, students can finally unite behind the university’s talented varsity sports teams. Although the McGill community has welcomed the resumption of athletics on campus, many of McGill’s teams are underfunded and underappreciated—a flippant treatment that rebuffs the enthusiasm and value they bring to the university.

The recent cuts to nine varsity teams undermines the rich history of sports at McGill. Dr. James Naismith, BA 1887 and McGill’s first athletics director, invented modern-day basketball.

Likewise, the women’s hockey team played a role in hockey’s gender revolution: From 1921 to 1993, the team took part in one of Canada’s first women’s hockey leagues. As well, McGill’s Hockey Club is the

OFF THE BOARD Xiaotian Wang Design Editor

Copy Editor Jackie Lee copy@mcgilltribune.com Social Media Editor Taneeshaa Pradhan socialmedia@mcgilltribune.com Business Manager Marilie Pilon business@mcgilltribune.com

TPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Angelica Voutsinas, Marilie Pilon, Namrata Rana, Reem Abdul Majid, Sequoia Kim, Shreya Rastogi

CONTRIBUTORS Reza Ali, Léa Bourget, Sylvie Bourque, Lily Cason, Ian Clements, Zoe Countess, Sophia Flaim, Saumya Gogte, Bronte Li Grimmer, Avery Haley-Lock, Catherine Hall, Signy Harnad, Alexandra Jones, Arian Kamel, Dima Kiwan, Leo Larman Brown, Michelle Marcus, Abby McCormick, Ananya Mohanty, Juliet Morrison, Annika Pavlin, Catherine Plawutsky, Dana Prathers, Brian Schatteman, Dylan Schofield, Raymond Tu

TRIBUNE OFFICE 680 rue Sherbrooke Ouest, suite 723 Montreal, QC H3A 0B8 - T: 773.680.8919

The McGill Tribune is an editorially autonomous newspaper published by the Société de Publication de la Tribune, a student society of McGill University. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of The McGill Tribune and the Société de Publication de la Tribune, and does not necessarily represent the views of McGill University. Letters to the editor may be sent to editor@mcgilltribune. com and must include the contributor’s name, program and year and contact information.

Letters should be kept under 300 words and submitted only to the Tribune. Submissions judged by the Tribune Publication Society to be libellous, sexist, racist, homophobic or solely promotional in nature will not be published. The Tribune reserves the right to edit all contributions. Editorials are decided upon and written by the editorial board. All other opinions are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the McGill Tribune, its editors or its staff.

EDITORIAL

McGill should stop playing games with sports The McGill Tribune Editorial Board

This summer, McGill’s Tuesday Night Cafe Theatre, a student-run, anglophone theatre company affiliated with McGill’s English department, screened the short film Where We Were. The film feels reminiscent of the COVID-19 outbreak as the story makes connections between how people process memories of large-scale catastrophes and our current reality.

This film takes on special meaning during the pandemic, as it inspires the viewer to reflect on how to react and live following a world-altering event.

While watching this film, memories flooded back to me of when I first heard about the COVID-19 outbreak in China.

Although I was in Montreal, the shock and fear I felt for my friends

oldest in the world, undoubtedly forging the link between Canadian pride and university athletics. Consider also that McGill boasts 143 Olympians, and has brought home 31 medals since 1904. In the National Football League, the university rightfully celebrates Kansas City Chiefs’ guard Dr. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, MDCM ’18, who opted out of the league to serve in a long-term care facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The great successes spawned at McGill raise questions about their support for the current and future generation of athletes.

Athletic performances should not need to garner international acclaim to maintain sufficient funding from the administration.

Overzealous, frenzied sports culture is not embedded into McGill in the same way that it is in many American schools.

However, the McGill student body still has a sports-friendly attitude—that fact alone should convince administrators to invest in teams. For spectators and athletes alike, sports are

one of the more enjoyable manifestations of McGill’s “work hard, play hard” mindset.

Given the continued cuts to athletics, though, this culture has become less prominent.

Sports in all disciplines benefit athletes’ psychological development and mental health, and the university cutting funding is paramount to shattering the years of training athletes put toward their sport. With seemingly arbitrary cuts, McGill sent a clear message to young athletes: No matter how hard you work for your sport, you simply may not make it at McGill.

The academic environment the university provides does not suffice for the years of effort and career prospects they have foiled. For the athletes excluded and overlooked in sport, like women, racialized people, and lower-income people, lack of institutional support diminishes the unique talents and dreams they bring to their craft. Artistic swimming, for example, a sport dominated by women, got cut this year despite their recent

5

successes and their team’s advertisement in McGill’s jargon-heavy 2020-2025 Athletics Strategic Plan. Fewer sports opportunities means fewer opportunities for an equitable path forward.

To take action, McGill must be transparent about their decisions, and must go beyond the single email justifying the sports cuts. The $200,000 McGill24 campaign for athletics, the milliondollar gift to the now-cancelled lacrosse team from the Généreux family, and the $3.5-million Kerr Family Women in Sport program are much-needed and appreciated contributions from the McGill community.

But there remain significant barriers to entry for different teams—like the baseball team stripped of McGill’s name, despite being self-funded. If the Made by McGill campaign can raise $2-billion, the university, following students’ lead, should reinforce the sports that have “made” and continue to make, McGill.

‘Where We Were’: From reality to memory and family remain deeply rooted in my memory. It began as a terrifying rumour spread on WeChat.

Immersed in the joy of the Lunar New Year festivities, most people did not take the rumours seriously.

But then, the government confirmed the “rumour.” Cities were placed under lock-down, shopping malls and small businesses closed, and my mom even lost her part-time job at the popcorn store. The parallels between the characters and the audience, such as their age and place in the world, immerse the audience in the narrative world of the film.

The Lunar New Year should have been the most delightful and exciting time in China. But instead, the streets laid empty and quiet, deserted because everyone was isolated at home. However, I did not foresee how quickly things would get out of control and how differently people around the world would experience this pandemic.

Although things are slowly getting better in many parts of the world, the shadow of COVID-19 still affects our lives in ways. The various racial, gender, and class backgrounds of Who We Were’s five characters impact the way they experience and remember the same event— also shaping how they react to and process it. The film then explores how reality transitions into collective memory, a phenomenon that we are all undergoing during the pandemic.

There is one character named Nikki that I particularly empathize with. Nikki is an immigrant who

might never get the chance to see her father again due to the undisclosed event in the film.

Similar to the real world, when COVID-19 became a global health crisis, travelling between countries became extremely difficult. Many friends of mine still cannot return to their homes in China because of limited flights and increased prices. Besides, different countries’ policies regarding travelling abroad change so fast that even if one can manage to come home, there is no guarantee that they will be able to return to Canada in time to continue their studies. This is also why I have chosen to stay in Canada since the beginning of the pandemic. I have had to sacrifice the chance to see my family in China to avoid the risk of

not completing my degree on time.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, all productions of the McGill Tuesday Night Cafe Theatre were adapted to virtual formats. Where We Were was an experimental pandemic film production, with intriguing production techniques that combine Zoom recordings and in-person shots. As we move into the postpandemic world, restrictions will ease, and with this comes changes to how this time will be remembered.

Knowing that we have gotten to a point where media and film reflect and represent our lives during the pandemic only strengthens the theme of the film, revealing the plurality of ways different situations can be experienced by different people.

ERRATA A article in the September 14, 2021 issue (SSMU BoD to explore legality of vaccination mandate for SSMU employees) incorrectly stated that ‘Ben Wan’ was the ‘SSMU Medical Students’ Society representative.’ In fact, his name is Benson Wan, and his title is Legislative Council Representative on the BoD. The Tribune regrets this error.

A article in the September 14, 2021 issue (SSMU University Centre reopens after three-year hiatus) incorrectly stated that the SSMU University Centre was located at 3600 McTavish St. In fact, the University Centre is located at 3480 McTavish St. The Tribune regrets this error.

A article in the September 14, 2021 issue (McGill Men’s soccer drops tight affair to Laval) incorrectly stated that Chris Cinella-Faia was the goalkeeper for this particular game. In fact, Victor Henry played as goalkeeper. The Tribune regrets this error.

6

OPINION

COMMENTARY Michelle Marcus Contributor Montreal’s bustle is returning after months of rigid COVID-19 restrictions, yet the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) ridership remains remarkably low. As a result, in August, the regional transit board asked the STM to cut $276-million from its budget over the next three years. Recently, the STM proposed cutting $114-million of the funds currently allocated to operations, a decision that would affect the quality and accessibility of services offered to STM riders. Al-

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021

The social politics of municipal retrenchment though cost-cutting will be necessary to rebuild the economy post-pandemic, underfunding the STM threatens to leave behind regular commuters. The City of Montreal must reconsider its 2021 budget allocation to respect the communities most reliant on the STM. The STM is not without its problems, however: Notoriously inefficient, transit routes have gone largely unchanged over the past decade, resulting in accessibility issues for commuters—especially those from Montreal’s North and South Shores, areas primarily inhabited by low-income and racially diverse com-

munities. Some logistical elements of STM services are outdated as well: To renew OPUS cards, for example, riders must go in-person to a metro station or to select pharmacies. This process is unnecessarily complicated when compared against Toronto’s PRESTO card system, which allows riders to manage their accounts entirely online. With adequate funding, the STM could capitalize on technological advances, make services more accessible, and help restore ridership levels—which would mitigate the transit sector’s current financial crisis.

The municipality’s decision to target

Montreal’s public transport system is notoriously outdated and inefficient. (STM)

COMMENTARY

the STM, a service in evident need of revamping, inspires questions about the depth of Montreal’s commitment to equitable and efficient tax dollar spending.

The proposed STM budget cuts also raise ethical questions regarding the city’s environmental goals.

Montreal is one of Canada’s greenest cities, but cutting funds for a system so crucial to emission reduction contradicts Projet Montreal’s supposed commitment to sustainable development. Even if the STM decided to keep the $114-million in the budget, that alone would not be able to cover the cost of creating new metro lines or implementing long-term environmental projects. Still, allocating funds to green initiatives while reducing the efficiency and accessibility of transit services is counterintuitive—especially given the budget’s three-year timeline.

As universities and businesses resume in-person activity, those living beyond Montreal’s downtown core will rely more heavily on STM busses and metros. The city’s lack of alternate transportation options means that riders will have to deal with the potential consequences of underfunding, including prolonged wait times or outdated service renewal options.

Since high living costs continue to

push some racialized communities away from the downtown core, the effects of slower STM operations will be felt disproportionately. The municipal budgetary plan highlights a troubling pattern of Montreal’s municipal public service policies neglecting to adequately serve marginalized communities.

Attention to budget reform has dominated recent political debates.

Despite outcry from Montreal locals to defund the police in 2020, the city’s 2021 budget boosts funds to the police.

Montreal’s law enforcement and transit systems disproportionately impact marginalized communities, yet the city’s 2021 funding allocation fails to reflect that in their budget. If the city is truly committed to meeting community needs, fiscal policies should support, not hurt, those most impacted by the public service sector.

If Montreal’s budgeting fails to reflect public demand in areas as uncontroversial as transit, the possibility of seeing meaningful structural reform in law enforcement is far-fetched.

City officials must be receptive to the needs and voices of vulnerable community members, even in the face of economic pressure. Otherwise, those most affected by the service sector’s shortcomings will be left to suffer the consequences of retrenchment.

Bill 96 is not the solution to the Anglo-Franco divide

Alexandra Jonas Contributor Starting Sept. 21, Quebec’s National Assembly will debate Bill 96––a proposed amendment to the Canadian constitution that would declare Quebec a “nation” and make French its only official language. The bill has unsurprisingly sparked controversy in a province known for its biculturalism and history of intraregional tension. The English Montreal School Board (EMSB)’s retaliatory statement firmly denying Quebec’s nationhood––which the board withdrew a few days later due to backlash––only fanned the flames. Concerns about constricting teachers’ abilities in the classroom or limiting job opportunities for non-French speakers are just some of the bill’s many points of debate. The new law will only perpetuate existing linguistic divides, and politicians on both sides of the debate should promote individuals’ freedom to choose their language of education—rather than making that decision for them.

Hugh MacLennan’s 1945 novel, “Two Solitudes” is but one example demonstrating how the lack of communication between the anglophones and francophones has jeopardized Canadian political harmony. The novel illustrates the disjointed relations between French and English Canadians through characters who intentionally isolate themselves.

This type of separatist rhetoric has circulated in the political sphere since the Lower Canada Rebellion of 1837. It gained traction again in the 1980s and 90s, dominating the two ref-

Under Bill 96, maximum enrollment in Quebec’s English-language CEGEPS would be fixed at 17.5%.

(SSMU) erenda concerning the question of Quebec’s national sovereignty. Today, it emerges once again in the form of Bill 96. Triggering passions on both sides, the bill makes no real effort to resolve ongoing polarization; instead, it further entrenches it.

In a last-ditch attempt to save face, EMSB chairperson Joe Ortana retracted his denial of Quebec’s nationhood, clarifying that the English-speaking community wants to be a part of it. Nevertheless, Ensemble Montreal dropped him as a candidate for the upcoming municipal elections in November.

Whether Ortana’s declaration was a semantic mishap or a politically motivated jab remains unclear––though in the current social climate, the latter seems most likely.

What is clear is that relations between the EMSB and the native French speakers that attend its institutions will be all the more fractious. Speaking out against Bill 96’s proposed reforms and its potentially detrimental outcomes to anglophones and allophones is entirely reasonable; but attacking Quebec’s distinct nationship in so doing is irresponsible and frankly, unproductive.

Dialogue about the bill’s deleterious implications is absolutely necessary, and the concerns of the anglophone minority are not unfounded. Many parents and teachers alike are concerned about the ramifications this amendment might have in the classroom, given that the bill would require employees, including teachers, to communicate entirely

in French. This would restrict non-French speaking teachers’ abilities and severely limit job opportunities for anglophones.

One of the most disturbing propositions of an otherwise tame series of requests–– such as rendering signs to be completely in French––is its implications for CEGEP applicants. The bill would allow the government to intervene in the affairs and choices of students in Quebec, requiring English CEGEPs to primarily accept anglophones and mandating that no more than 17.5 per cent of the provinces’ students attend English language CEGEPs. Many francophone students feel they have to make the switch to English CEGEPs to optimize their career prospects, and although French colleges’ declining enrollment is a cause for concern, it must remain the student’s decision to attend a French or English CEGEP—not the government’s. No student’s future should be decided based on the vote-pandering movements of sour politicians.

Overall, this bill––and the heavily-biased-and-partisan media frenzy surrounding it––will only further divide the anglophone and francophone populations. Rather than arguing over semantics, unnecessarily attacking the legitimacy of the Quebec nation, or barring French speakers from English CEGEPs, politicians should be trying to mitigate polarization in the province and bridge the gap between the “Two Solitudes.” MacLennan coined the term over 70 years ago and is most certainly rolling over in his grave at the news that, in 2021, we are still squabbling over the same petty argument.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021

7

!

K E E W S I H T 2021

f music, 5 days o , panels, art, films ities kids activ more!

much more

! tickets & info at

It’s okay to spill your drink at Spilt Red Wine Poetry nights Poets share their hearts, souls, and true selves Ian Clements Contributor During Montreal’s strict COVID-19 public health measures in January 2021, close friends Sophia Blackburn, U3 Arts, and Carol Altimas, U3 Science, longed for the intimacy and creativity of poetry nights.

As a remedy, they started their own poetry group, “Spilt Red Wine Poetry.”

Since its creation, writers and listeners alike have congregated monthly over Zoom, and now in person, for vulnerable, raw, and honest poetry nights.

“The name itself symbolizes spilling your blood out into the world, because blood is very near and dear to your body, to your soul,” Blackburn said in an interview with The McGill Tribune. “We just wanted

everyone to feel safe to express their soul in the most vulnerable, authentic way possible.”

It is a tradition for poets to simultaneously pour out some of their wine at the beginning of each poetry night. This act represents the vulnerability and honesty of sharing one’s work, and embodies the name “Spilt Red Wine.”

When forming the group,

Blackburn and Altimas aimed to design a space where people could feel safe, welcome, and at home, and where poets could bond over sharing their art. Central to a supportive environmen, Altimas explained, is the idea of “holding space.”

“I feel like [Spilt Red Wine] allows people to have [a space where] we hear their words, and we’re holding them,” Altimas

Spilt Red Wine Poetry was created in response to the lack of poetry nights caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. (stayhappening.com)

said. “And not necessarily physically, but we are holding space for them emotionally, mentally, and in our hearts.”

Although the group’s poetry nights were hosted over Zoom for the first six months, the last three events have been held in person. This month, over 20 people gathered in Mackenzie-King Park to share and listen to each other’s poetry over snacks and drinks. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, and there was no pressure to perform.

Performers were celebrated not only for their poetry, but also for the act of being vulnerable. One poet recited a love letter about their favourite stock in the stock market, which was met with many laughs; another recited a poem about coffee.

Going forward, the group hopes that pandemic circumstances will allow for a physical sense of community to continue.

“We do prefer in-person events, because we get to meet everyone in person and connect physically,”

Blackburn said. “So hopefully when the weather gets colder [we can move to] a bar or to someone’s apartment.”

On the other hand, Altimas recognized that online poetry nights, too, have the potential to bolster attendance and participation.

“I think if we did virtual events it would be awesome to see some of the friendly faces who can’t attend the in-person events,” Altimas said. “As long as we’re able to connect in person, it’s nice to take advantage of that.”

Spilt Red Wine events are open to all, whether you come alone, with friends, or with family.

“I feel like [Spilt Red Wine] has such a different energy,” Altimas said. “It’s very loving. [It] speaks a lot to the nature of the people that come.”

“You’re very welcome to join exactly as you are in that present moment,” Blackburn added.

Spilt Red Wine Poetry hosts events the first Saturday of every month.

The women behind the headlines

Addressing Quebec’s femicide epidemic Ella Fitzhugh, News Editor Content warning: This article discusses details of sexual and gender-based violence.

S

ince the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, there have been 14 reported cases of femicide in Quebec. A femicide, sometimes called ‘feminicide,’ is the killing of a woman or girl because of her gender. Despite the recent spike in reported femicides, this kind of genderbased violence has occurred throughout Canadian history.

The term femicide entered into public consciousness after Marc Lépine violently murdered 14 women in Montreal’s École Polytechnique in December of 1989—an event now referred to as the Montreal Massacre. Since then, Montreal, along with greater Quebec, has endured and lived with the weight of the tragedy. The perpetrators behind Quebec’s recent femicide cases are striking mirrors of the rampant misogyny that motivated Lépine 32 years ago. The question remains as to why femicides and other forms of gender-based violence continue to happen, and why they have been increasing in frequency since the onset of the pandemic.

In an interview with The McGill Tribune, founding member of Montreal’s South Asian Women’s Community Centre (SAWCC) Dolores Chew explained that the term “femicide” has brought more public attention to the issue . The SAWCC has been pressing for justice for the murder of Milia Abrar since her death in 1998.

“She was murdered in the washroom of [...] Angrignon Park,” Chew said. “She was a student at Dawson College, and to date her murderer walks free. Femicides have been happening in our community [and] also in the wider Quebec society, but I think now with the emergence of the term ‘femicide’ it is much more stark, it’s much more gripping.”

The term femicide paints a stark picture, which perhaps helped spark political action, such as the Quebec government’s

investment of $222.9-million over five years to help prevent domestic violence. Chew underscored the importance of language when bringing awareness to critical issues like these.

“Words that help us cut through and get to the core of issues [are crucial], and vocabulary is evolving,” Chew said.

“Our language evolves to recognize power imbalances, but at the same time to not accept the power imbalances.”

The immediacy of the term femicide pinpoints exactly what is happening: Men are killing women because of the fact that they are women. Kaelyn Macaulay, 3L Law and research assistant with the McGillsponsored iMPACTS project, underlined that femicides should be understood as multilayered acts of violence that also fall along racial lines . Even though the term ‘femicide’ is helpful in understanding the nature of the violence it describes, Macaulay urges an intersectional approach to using the term.

“These generalizations can be really helpful,” Macaulay told the Tribune. “But on the other hand, we have to be really careful to avoid over-generalizing, or allowing these generalizations to blind us to the intersectional nuances that massively influence gender-based violence.”

Gender-based violence is rampant in Canada: Across the country, a woman is killed every 2.5 days. But this violence disproportionately affects younger women and women from marginalized groups.

The president of the Federation of Native Women of Quebec (QNW) Viviane Michel emphasized the need for greater awareness of gender-based violence, particularly surrounding the targeted, pervasive violence inflicted on Indigenous women.

Recent statistics show that 63 per cent of Indigenous women have experienced at least one instance of physical or sexual violence since the age of 15, while 45 per cent of non-Indigenous women have had those experiences. Further, 61 per cent of all Indigenous women have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime.

“The situation of feminicides is very

worrying for us,” Michel wrote in an email to the Tribune. “Our organization denounces the disproportionate violence that Aboriginal women experience [....]

This has to stop and there has to be a real awareness.”

The stresses of the pandemic, which disproportionately affect Indigenous and otherwise racialized populations, have contributed to the rise in gender-based violence. Given the research indicating that unemployment among women contributes to an increase in cases of domestic violence, it is no surprise that instances of genderbased violence have been on the rise—the pandemic has left nearly 500,000 women without work. Further, while social and physical isolation is proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19, these measures can trap people experiencing gender-based violence in unsafe environments. Over the last two years, isolation heightened women’s stress, and made it increasingly challenging for them to seek external aid.

Chew agrees that the recent rise in intimate partner violence is likely due to the situational constraints of the pandemic, such as women being confined to abusive households.

When women are cut off from their friends, co-workers, or extended family, it makes it much more difficult to communicate needs and to seek help.

“We [at SAWCC] had said f r o m the first lockdown in the spring of 2020 there will be an increase in interpersonal violence, d o m e s t i c violence,”

Chew said. “We know from working and experience that when people are all together, tension rises and mounts [....] So, we knew that this was going to happen.”

Macaulay explained that the pandemic has exacerbated unequal power dynamics in relationships.

“The pandemic forced women to spend more time with potential domestic abusers,” Macaulay said. “More women are seeing unemployment, which places them at risk for financial abuse [....] The [effects of the] pandemic [...] put them at more of an unequal footing in power dynamics and relationships, which is the major risk factor [for genderbased violence].”

Chew believes that the overarching systems of patriarchy are at the root of these femicides––as well as other instances of gender-based sexual violence––and argued educators need to do more to help boys and young men unlearn toxic masculinity.

“I think it’s very important for people to see a performance of non-toxic masculinity in interaction [...] and then it can be modeled,” Chew said. “Girls and women can also be frustrated and angry and engage in various mean activities, but we tend not to hit out, and why is that? [....] It is [the] patriarchy which embeds these sorts of behaviours and legitimates certain behaviors.”

The most recent femicide was the killing of Rajinder Prabhneed Kaur, who lived in Parc-Extension (Parc-Ex) with her husband, Navdeep Ghotra, and their two children. After Kaur’s death, SAWCC organized a march this July, bringing the community together to commemorate Kaur and protest against gender-based violence.

“We had this rally [...] soon after the murder of Rajinder Kaur in Parc-Ex,” Chew said. “And every single media outlet was there, which was very good because we really wanted the message to go out in the community: [SAWCC is] here, we can assist, we have linguistic abilities [and] cultural sensitivity.”

McGill, too, has a responsibility to support survivors and victims of gender-based violence. To address the issue of gender-based violence in the McGill context, Macaulay believes that individuals should focus on

education and accountability beyond It Takes All of Us, the online sexual violence prevention program.

“People need to be aware of the impacts [and risks] of gender-based violence,” Macaulay said. “I know that McGill has the mandatory consent training course that you have to take, but I do think that it could be pushed a lot further.”

Macaulay also highlighted the value of holding the people around you accountable when they contribute to the culture of sexual violence, such as the kind that led four women to come forward with reports of sexual violence at Western University this year, and to the many more women at the university who have revealed their own accounts of surviving sexual assault in the past few weeks.

On a national level, as was announced in June 2017, Canada is investing over $200-million over a five- to seven-year period to support survivors and their families, promote adequate and responsive legal systems, and establish a Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre. Additionally, Quebec is giving $20-million to organizations, like À Coeur d’Homme, that provide help to men who behave violently as a preventative measure.

In June 2021, Canada launched a National Action Plan to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. But Michel, speaking on behalf of the Federation of Native Women of Quebec (QNW), argues that the National Action Plan is insufficient and lacks concrete action. In response, the QNW is drawing up its own action plan to end violence against Indigenous women.

“For gender-based violence to end, there must be concrete actions taken to address the situation of family and domestic violence experienced by Indigenous women and girls,” Michel said.

The Canadian government needs to provide support to the specific communities who are experiencing disproportionate gender-based violence, which becomes more clear in the context of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis. The report by the National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, released on Sept. 1,

2016, cites “persistent colonial structures and policies” in Canada as the source of the violence against Indigenous women and girls.

While the government has followed up with some of the recommendations contained in the National Inquiry, 2021 continues to see one femicide after the next.

Preventing gender-based violence starts with holding people accountable and reaching out when they suspect or experience intimate partner violence.

“Part of the accountability is just being aware,” Macaulay explained. “And if you see something in your friend’s relationship and the way that they talk about their partner, address it. Because [it takes] understanding that it’s hard for that woman to speak up and get help.”

Resources if you, or someone you know, is experiencing sexual or gender-based violence: • For emergencies, call 9-1-1 • Office for Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education (OSVRSE) • Sexual Assault Centre of the McGill Students’ Society (SACOMSS) • Montreal’s South Asian Community Centre (SAWCC)

Women’s

10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021

Met Gala 2021 fashion roundup: ‘American Independence’ Highlights from the event’s return, last held in 2019 Dana Prather, Signy Harnad, Sylvie Bourque, Catherine Hall Contributors The return of the Met Gala marked the return of its most classic staples: Extravagant looks, varying adherence to the yearly theme, twitter commentary, and men in black suits.

Quannah Chasinghorse For model and Indigenous activist Quannah Chasinghorse, the gala’s theme of “American independence” was an opportunity to remind everyone of the long-standing history of Indigenous cultures prior to settler’s colonization of the continents. Amidst a troop of red, white, blue and starspangled gowns, Chasinghorse stood out, embracing her Hän Gwich’in (Alaska and Canada) and Oglala Lakota (South Dakota) identity. With traditional Hän Gwich’in face tattoos, turquoise Navajo jewelry, and a dazzling golden dress, Chasinghorse’s look was stunning and poignant. Many people on social media commented that she “understood the assignment,” and I couldn’t agree more. Chasinghorse sent a powerful reminder that Indigenous cultures have been, and always will be, the original “American” fashion. Hopefully, Chasinghorse’s Met Gala debut is only the beginning of her fashion revolution.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez From her politics to her Twitter account, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has maintained a consistent message over the year: Tax the rich. The politician, more commonly known as A.O.C., took this stance a step further at the 2021 Met Gala, donning a white floor-length gown with those three words emblazoned in scarlet across the dress’ back. A matching bag with the slogan written in silver accentuated the bold dress, just in case you missed it the first time. Though some have criticized the politician for sporting the message while choosing to attend an event synonymous with opulence, A.O.C. firmly defended both her look and her presence at the gala.

“Ultimately the haters hated,” Ocasio-Cortez said in an Instagram story from September 14. “But we all had a conversation about taxing the rich in front of the very people who lobby against it.”

Whether an indictment of the upper class or an empty, hypocritical comment, the dress and its message were perfectly on-theme for a country whose fashion industry has consistently catered to the rich.

Ciara Ciara donned a sparkling neon-green, floor-length dress, reminiscent of a football jersey, to the event. On the surface, it appeared to be a tribute to American Football, but upon a closer look, it also referenced American designer Geoffrey Beene’s fall/winter 1967-68 collection. Ciara’s custom dress was designed by Norwegian designer Peter Dundas, who updated Beene’s original look by fitting it, adding a short train, and including cutouts at the waist. As a personalized touch, the dress nods to Ciara’s husband, Russell Wilson, a quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, through its eye-catching neon-green colourway, and the number three—Russell’s jersey number. Ciara’s look fit the theme to perfection.

Grimes

Canadian music sensation and McGill alumna, Grimes, raised the phrase “slaying the red carpet” to a whole new level this year as she brandished a sword to accessorize a sci-fi-warrior look designed by Iris Van Herpen. Grimes, an experimental musician, was inspired by David Lynch’s 1984 film adaptation of Dune—a seminal novel by American author Frank Herbert. Sporting intricate space-age detailing, a silver capsule crystal ring, an anti-gravity ponytail, and a sword borrowed from the Met’s permanent collection, Grimes’ look packed an ethereal punch—par for the course for This year’s theme for the annual event, “American independence,” was high- the genre petitioner. The sword, based on a Western European weapon lighted by the extravagant outfits of attendees. from the end of the Middle Ages, was melted down from an AR-15; and (Sylvie Bourque / The McGill Tribune) what’s more American than that?

THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY

A screening of famed director Inglar Bergman’s 1961 film, presented in Swedish with English subtitles.

Sept. 26, 7:00 p.m.

Cinéma du Musée $13.50/ticket

COVEN Drag Show - Sept.

A screening of famed director Inglar Bergman’s 1961 film, presented in Swedish with English subtitles.

Sept. 26, 7:00 p.m.

Cinéma du Musée $13.50/ticket

Book Launch: Virginia Konchan’s Hallelujah Time The launch of Virginia Konchan’s new poetry collection HALLELUJAH TIME, featuring readings by the author, special guests, and a book give-away!

Sept. 23, 7:00 p.m.

Live via Facebook & YouTube Free

Sashalicious, Blonde Special

A drag show featuring Sashalicious and other special guests!

Sept. 23, 9:00 p.m.

Cabaret Mado $15

Stacey Steers’ ‘Night Reels’ creates a collage of warmth and empowerment The exhibition explores a world of old-cinema-inspired astrological creations Arian Kamel Contributor A young lady’s eyes gently sweep across the floor, lost in thought, only to land on the giant sparrow wrapped deep within her arms. She pats and caresses it as if it were her child, with inexplicable worry escaping her lips. This is but one of the many soul-stirring moments that mark Stacey Steers’ Night Reels, an exhibit on display at the esteemed Cinémathèque Québécoise until Oct. 17. Based on her three previous animated films—Phantom Canyon (2006), Night Hunter (2011), and Edge of Alchemy (2017)—Steers adds a new light to her older stories by incorporating giant sculptures and tiny collages, newly imagined astrological instruments, and nearly forgotten Hollywood starlets.

Each of Steers’ three films tell vastly different stories, from a mother sparrow striving to protect her eggs from a giant

serpent, to a peculiar woman with a honeycomb crown chased by a sea of giant wasps.

What links each story is Steers’ decision to weave together different scenes from classic silent cinema with zoological drawings of different reptiles and insects. The process takes many years, as each film is a mix-and-match of thousands of collages.

Slightly static in motion, the films capture subtle microexpressions, like quick smirks or watery eyes/ that would otherwise escape even the most attentive of viewers.

“I don’t work very methodically. It’s more of an organic process where I try to freely associate with the work I have already created and move forward in a way that’s cohesive,” Steers said in an interview with The McGill Tribune. “This is why I don’t always know where my story will go, even if looking at the film will give off the impression the story is planned out.

It’s very subconscious for me.”

The exhibit itself brings a sense of

Meticulously hand-crafted, this installation is filled with haunting collages of giant snakes and historically inspired telescopes through which to view Stacey Steers’ films (Elissa Dresdner / The McGill Tribune) reality to the films, with their fantastical elements coming to life as sculptures.

The stills from the films line the walls, each lending a certain stagnancy to some of the most important scenes, and displaying the silent actresses’ powerful emotions.

Steers also created new astrological instru-

ments with steam-punk-inspired designs, which visually distort her films through their strange lenses. One of her most eyecatching sculptures features six bed-frames stacked and melded together—with bedframes being a motif from Phantom Canyon (2006)—with a projector hidden inside that casts the film.

Resistance is a central theme of these films and the exhibition as a whole, whether against grotesque monsters or one’s own desires. Steers’ work highlights the feeling of helplessness; of fighting against different elements one cannot control. Steers’ protagonists, all maternal figures, counter this effect with a warmth that holds the audience’s curiosity and engrossment.

“I am making this for people who are introspective, [especially] in a world they know they can’t control,” Steers said.

Night Reels’s mystical and dreamlike exhibition continues until October 17 at the La Cinémathèque Québécoise.

STUDENT LIFE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021

11

Exploring Montreal’s thrifting scene

A tour of the city’s eclectic second-hand and vintage stores Abby McCormick Contributor With the return to campus, many members of the McGill community are meeting off-screen for the first time, finally getting the chance to express themselves through their fashion choices. For the budget-conscious university student, this may sound daunting.

However, Montreal’s wide selection of thrift stores, each with their own unique ambience, offer cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternatives to the big name-brand clothing stores.

resellers all under one roof, Mondry explained, became what is now Marché Floh.

“The environment that we want to offer is very judgment-free, inclusive, [and] expressive [where someone can] look for any type of piece and probably find it,” Mondry said in an interview with The McGill Tribune.

Marché Floh’s stock includes

1. Marché Floh – 4301 Saint Denis Street Marché Floh is a three-story vintage market that boasts 20 different resellers.

Alex Mondry, the market’s founder, has been passionate about thrifting for years. Mondry’s business began as a pop-up thrift shop from her own home, and eventually grew into larger pop-ups in Montreal’s commercial spaces in collaboration with other vintage resellers. The idea of hosting

‘90s and early 2000s streetwear, baby-doll and goth styles, as well as hand-painted pieces.

Key to thrifting’s appeal, Mondry said, is the eclectic flare that vintage pieces bring to one’s wardrobe.

“Thrift shopping simulates a creative style that is different from shopping in a big-box store,” Mondry said. “You’re rarely going to run into someone with the same outfit as you.”

Mondry also recognizes that thrift shopping helps minimize waste in the fashion industry.

“People who thrift are helping us keep garments out of the landfill,” Mondry said.

2. LNF Shop – 5319 Park Avenue

Montreal’s many thrift stores, like Culde-sac on St. Laurent Boulevard, offer an alternative to fast fashion.

(Alex Mondry/ Marché Floh)

For those looking for a thrift shop focussed on ‘90s nostalgia and high-quality brand name accessories, look no further than LNF Shop. Known for its denim, graphic T-shirts, and accessories, the shop is conveniently located within walking distance of the McGill campus.

Charlie Whitley, LNF Shop’s

big-box retailers is encouraging to Whitely, who is happy to see that many have shifted toward a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.

3. Cul-De-Sac – 3794 St. Laurent Boulevard

co-owner, is a former American Apparel employee who was inspired to add to Montreal’s vintage scene––which was lacking when LNF Shop started 10 years ago. “[It’s very] heavy ‘90s nostalgia, while trying to keep up with current trends,” Whitley said.

“The care that goes into the products and the selection process [sets LNF Shop apart].”

Items come from a variety of independent suppliers across Canada and are sold at affordable prices.

The number of students opting to shop at thrift shops instead of

Cul-De-Sac sells a variety of collectable pieces spanning multiple decades. It also boasts an in-house workshop where thrifted pieces can be modified and repaired.

Co-owner and manager Marc Jetté is no stranger to Montreal’s thrifting scene: 17 years ago, he began selling bags made out of recyclable materials, and his business eventually grew to include other accessories and clothing items.

Jetté highlighted that many of Cul-De-Sac’s garments are of high quality because they were made during time periods where production methods were more thorough than they are now in the fast fashion industry.

“When people buy [from CulDe-Sac], they are buying from a time period where things were made better.”

McGill Farmers’ Market creates community for sustainable eating

Connecting with local food and people Holly Wethey & Wendy Zhao Student Life Editors The McGill Farmers’ Market has been a staple of the summer and fall seasons at McGill since 2008. It returns again to McTavish Street this year, open on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Multiple vendors selling their signature products offer students a variety of food and flavour options, from De Sucre & de Miel’s avocado cakes and biscoff cookies, to The Cultured Foodie’s kimchi and pickled carrots.

Jodie Anderson, U3 Arts, and her best friend Aneeka Anderson, U3 Arts, visit the market regularly.

“We met up last week here and we are meeting up again this week to make this a little tradition,” Aneeka Anderson said. “We’re in our final year and, with COVID interrupting these traditions that we were forming [on-campus], we’re

Passing by the stalls at the Farmers’ Market, one might catch the eye of Justin Trudeau in cookie form at a stall for Cookie Struct, a business selling 3D printed cookie cutters.

(Brian Schatteman / The McGill Tribune)

happy to be back and making the most of our last year.”

“It’s hard to shop locally and get such fresh stuff,” Jodie Anderson added. “Otherwise, if this wasn’t here, I might just be going to a big chain grocery store.”

Emma Leaden, MA2 Information Science, who visited the market for the first time, found it conveniently located and easily accessible.

“This was right on campus,” Leaden said. “I know there’s a couple other farmers markets in the city that I haven’t been to because it’s just not as convenient.”

Leora Schertzer, U4 Arts and the coordinator of the farmers’ market, said that the market’s mandate is to provide accessible and sustainable food options to students.

“The goal is to promote local agriculture and local food production,” Schertzer explained in an interview with The McGill Tribune. “I think people like to meet the people who are producing their food as well. It makes it feel more personal. It makes you feel like you have more of a connection to what you’re eating and what you’re putting in your body.”

In addition to connecting students to local vendors, the market team organizes the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, an initiative that offers local and seasonal produce through a weekly basket subscription service. The baskets are sourced from Co-op au Bout du Rang, a farm based in Saint-Felix-de-Valois—approximately an hour away from McGill by car—that grows over 40 varieties of vegetables.

With current agricultural production systems causing substantial harm to the environment, Schertzer said a shift in food industry practices is urgently needed to confront climate change.

“I think, in order for that change to happen, people need to have some sort of personal investment [in their food],” Schertzer said. “It makes people really happy to see the farmers’ market. They recognize familiar faces of the vendors who are super into what they’re doing and care a lot

(Sylvie Bourque / The McGill Tribune) about their projects.”

Among these vendors is Elba Vasquez, owner of Café Elba. Vasquez started her business in 2013 to help struggling farmers in El Salvador.

“I grew up in a small coffee farm in El Salvador, and I know what it’s like to be working there all day long in the coffee plantation,’ Vasquez explained. “When I was a teenager working as a coffee picker, I was making 50 cents for every 35 pounds of coffee that I picked [...] Some people make only $10 a day working all day long.”

The proceeds from the coffee Vasquez sells at the market help communities in Central America. She has recently been sending money to students in El Salvador to help them buy school supplies.

Although she takes part in a number of other farmers’ markets, Vasquez appreciates the student demographic unique to the McGill Farmers’ Market.

“Young people are very interested in [my business],” Vasquez said. “They want to help us by buying [the coffee].

They are very curious.”

12

STUDENT LIFE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021

Bringing Pride to Chinatown

‘Sticky Rice’ magazine celebrates one-year anniversary Bronte Li Grimmer Contributor Continued from page 1.

In an interview with The McGill Tribune, Viet Tran, Sticky Rice’s editorin-chief, explained the importance of the event for Montreal’s queer Asian community.

“It became necessary to break the silence around [being queer and Asian],” Tran said. “What has been expected from Asian folks was to be quiet and to make ourselves discreet.”

Sticky Rice magazine explores what it means to be an Asian Canadian by highlighting the experiences of the Asian diaspora communities accross Canada.

“Fierté au Quartier Chinois” was the first celebration of Pride in Montreal’s Chinatown.

(Kate Addison / The McGill Tribune)

Through essays, interviews, films, and other mediums, the magazine promotes an ever-changing dialogue around AsianCanadian culture and identity.

Sticky Rice was founded in 2020, when anti-Asian hate crimes were on the rise. Amid this difficult period, the team decided it was time for Asian-Canadians to express themselves creatively from a place of vulnerability and authenticity.

The challenge to explain and understand what queer folks experience in predominantly Asian spaces is a difficult one, as Asian cultures are not homogenous. All with their own traditions, values, foods, belief systems, and people, Sticky Rice and its contributors recognize that they cannot speak for the experiences of all queer Asians.

“It’s not a secret that older generations are known to be more conservative with regard to sexual diversity,” Tran said.

“There’s also something to be said about the relative lack of jargon in many Asian languages to address LGBTQ+ issues.

We’re hoping that by giving queer Asians the permission to celebrate themselves in a more traditional neighborhood will inspire them to continue taking up space.”

Tran felt it was important to invite people from all demographics to the event.

“I do think that in any culture in which the pillars of family life sometimes take priority over individual differences, there are more efforts put into calling in people from all generations,” Tran said.

“It was really important that this event be multi-generational, because the goal was to build bridges between younger queer demographics, local business people, and their legacies.”

Last weekend’s event featured performances from Montreal-based artists Hua Li, Waterboi, Miranda Chan, Beau Gomez and Die Nasty, Molly Gum, Frantz Lin, and Kai. Frantz Lin described the significance of the event for him and others involved.

“As far as I know, this was the first Pride in Montreal’s Chinatown, period,” Lin said. “It’s historic. It’s pretty important for Asian and Chinese youth to take our energy and community to

partake in and claim Chinatown.”

Attendees enjoyed Asian street food and drinks provided by the on-site Asian Night Market and also learned about the Chinatown area through community-led walking tours.

Tran described the significance, and importance, of holding this event in Chinatown.

“It’s a neighbourhood that harbours a lot of cherished memories for us and our families, so we wanted to really pay respect to its history and to the resilience of its culture through guided walking tours, and by re-appropriating the space through an Asian-led party,” Tran said.

Sticky Rice’s second volume focusses on opening up the conversation around what it means to be Asian and queer. Titled (BE)LONGING: The Queer Edition, the volume showcases queer Asians from all backgrounds who have not historically been centred in mainstream 2SLGBTQIA+ platforms. “​​As a musician of Asian descent, it also meant a lot to have such a diverse audience full of allies alongside the intergenerational support I felt from other Asians in the audience,” Montrealbased performer Hua Li said. “Sticky Rice highlights the margins of the Asian experience and gives us the space to break free from the model minority myth.”

Showcasing queer culture through cookbooks

Exhibition in Leacock explores the intersection of queerness and food Kennedy McKee-Braide Managing Editor Up until Dec. 20, students walking down the Leacock corridor will notice a new addition to the glass cases lining the wall: The “A Recipe for a Queer Cookbook” exhibition.

Curated by Alexandra Ketchum, a faculty lecturer at McGill’s Institute for Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies, the exhibit showcases more than 20 cookbooks that, for one reason or another, can be described as queer.

Ketchum’s interest in queer cookbooks stems from her research into feminist restaurants.

Her love for the subject was born out of a formative experience from her undergraduate years, when she visited Bloodroot, a self-proclaimed feminist restaurant and bookstore located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Ketchumended up writing about the spot in her undergraduate honours thesis and eventually pursued her master’s and PhD at McGill, where she studied feminist restaurants, cafes, and coffee houses in North America.

The exhibit itself is inspired by lesbian feminist restaurant owners, some of whom put together their own cookbooks.

“Bloodroot [has produced several cookbooks],” Ketchum said. “The first one was in 1980, called The Political Palate. In many ways, it’s like a political manifesto and a cookbook.”

While she has many research interests, Ketchum explained that amidst the difficulty of the pandemic, putting together the project was an opportunity to have fun with her research.

“I’m into these cookbooks as artifacts and what they tell us about history, what they tell us about different cultural movements,” Ketchum said. “It allows me to ask [...] deep questions about identity, queerness, politics, access to publishing and so forth, but it was also just fun.”

When asked what exactly makes a cookbook queer, Ketchum pointed to the importance of the viewer’s own interpretation.

“Part of the exhibit was to [...] invite viewers and readers [...] to think about, ‘what do I think makes it queer?’” Ketchum said.

However, there are some characteristics Ketchum includes in her own personal definition of a queer cookbook. For example, the authors of the book must, in some way, identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and the cookbook should connect to queer communities–– be it through fundraising efforts, raising awareness about queer issues, or gathering recipes from community members.

But overall, the cookbooks vary––some are plant-based, some have religious affiliations, and some emphasize sexuality and include nudity. A few of Ketchum’s personal favourites include The Kitchen Fairy’s Be Gay! Eat Gay!: The Gay of Cooking and Lagusta Yearwood’s

The recipes in Lagusta Yearwood’s Sweet and Salty were developed and tasted by everyone on the Lagusta’s Luscious chocolate shop team. (Léa Bourget / The McGill Tribune) Sweet and Salty.

While most of the cookbooks on display come from her own personal collection, Ketchum also collaborated with the Quebec Gay Archives and Quebec Lesbian Archives, who provided the zines. Beyond loaning material for the exhibit, Ketchum wanted to collaborate with the archives in order to inform viewers that they are available for research on queer history. “[Viewers or readers] can scan the QR codes [in the exhibit] and find out how to make an appointment where they can see what other collections are available, or what’s digitized,” Ketchum said. “And all of a sudden, archives don’t feel like these spaces that are behind locked doors that you can never go to.”

For those who are not able to visit the physical exhibit in Leacock, the digitized version is available online at The Historical Cooking Project, a blog Ketchum has been editing since 2013.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021

13

The social and environmental toll of concrete production

Sand and gravel mining have detrimental impacts on low- and middle-income countries Raymond Tu Contributor Names like McCall MacBain Arts, Redpath Museum, or Stewart Biology may bring to mind lecture halls and study spots, but all these McGill landmarks have at least one more thing in common: They all use concrete in their construction. Just about every infrastructure project in Montreal, and across the world, relies on the sand and gravel mining industry. These materials are used as aggregate—a mixture of sand, gravel, and crushed stone used to produce construction materials such as concrete and asphalt—and are then incorporated in infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, and walkways.

At around 23 billion tonnes annually, concrete is the second most consumed material in the world, after water.

The sand and gravel used in concrete production are the most mined materials globally, with 32 to 50 billion tons extracted each year. Despite the size and scale of this industry, the human and environmental impacts of sand and gravel mining, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), are not yet well understood.

To fill this research gap, Mette Bendixen, assistant professor in the Department of Geography at McGill, and her colleagues set out to review and assess the effects of sand and gravel mining in LMICs, especially as they pertain to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Sand is definitely a complicated topic that interacts with fields including science and health,” Bendixen said in an interview with The McGill Tribune. “It is a global challenge that is often overlooked. So many people don’t know that it’s such a highly used commodity.”

In an article published in One Earth, Bendixen and

other researchers from institutions around the world argue that aggregate mining can alter local topography and damage surrounding freshwater and marine ecosystems. Not only do these mining activities affect the health of the environment and its flora and fauna, but they also affect human health.

Some of the potential health effects of sand and gravel extraction include respiratory diseases from the inhalation of small crystalline particles, as well as exposure to environmental contaminants such as arsenic, lead, and cyanide.

The communities most impacted by sand and gravel mining are often the most marginalized in their local contexts. The article notes that the low-income and uneducated workforce is heavily dependent on aggregate extraction, and that these populations are particularly vulnerable to poor health outcomes such as lung cancer and silicosis. Artisanal and small-scale miners in LMICs, controlled by sand mafias, are often criminalized and subject to violence as well. “[Miners] are not criminals. They are just trying to make a living,” Bendixen said. “Actually, sand and gravel mining can provide a relatively good income.”

Bendixen and co-authors explain that communities, especially in LMICs, need extractive industries to provide jobs and build infrastructure, which are key elements of the United Nations’ SDG. For instance, children from these families can afford to go to school, furthering SDG 4’s goal of quality education for all. For these reasons, Bendixen believes it is not productive to ban mining activities outright, but instead advocate for better solutions, including circular material usage—a concept supporting the necessity of reutilizing already-consumed resources.

“We, in high-income countries, have the moral obligation to reuse the material we already have,” Bendixen said.

“We should try and look for other alternatives.”

Some estimates say sand extraction is a $70 billion USD industry worldwide. (unsplash.com) This call to action begs the question: Do McGill’s buildings and roads use materials that are eco-friendly?

Bendixen thinks not, although she says it is often hard to tell where building materials come from.

“I would be surprised if the resources were sustainably sourced,” Bendixen said. “There are very few incentives to use recycled materials.”

Bendixen compared the situation to the looming threat of climate change, and believes that it is the responsibility of governments to implement solutions.

“We need political leadership,” Bendixon said. “Just as we are committing to limiting global warming to 2°C, we must commit to the circular approach, to reusing materials.”

Leveraging gene editing technology to treat brain cancer Preclinical trial reveals promising results in the fight against glioblastoma Madison McLauchlan Managing Editor In 2020, the Jahani-Asl Lab in the Division of Experimental Medicine at McGill discovered that gene therapy techniques could make certain brain tumours more receptive to radiation treatment. Since then, the team has made yet another groundbreaking advancement—identifying a protein pathway that, when suppressed, could lead to reduced tumour growth.

Glioblastoma is the most severe of all brain tumours; the prognosis is often grim, and treatment typically requires surgery, and a combination of chemotherapy and ionizing radiation. Brain tumour stem cells (BTSCs) are notoriously difficult to manage due to their capacity to self-renew and proliferate.

“Despite these efforts, there are [...] brain tumour stem cells that resist therapy and stay in a dormant state [...] and then after a while, they regrow and they form a tumour,” Ahmed Sharanek, a postdoctoral researcher and co-lead author of the study, said in an interview with The McGill Tribune. “Finding a therapy that specifically targets these brain tumour stem cells will be a great advance in

glioblastoma therapy.”

In a recent study published in Cell Reports, the researchers discovered that the production of galectin-1, a carbohydrate-binding protein, is under the control of the EGFR/STAT3 signalling pathway—a pathway known to promote tumourigenesis. When galectin-1 is being produced, it forms a complex with a transcription factor called HOXA5, and together, they send signals to

pathway.

“We tried to tackle the glioblastoma tumours that are dependent on the EGFRvIII pathway,” Sharanek said. “We did this because it is a major pathway that occurs in 40 per cent of tumours.”

A majority of glioblastomas express mutations in the EGFR gene that activates STAT3—and though researchers have been trying to suppress this pathway,

sion of this protein in the cells of animal models to observe its effect on tumour growth.

Given their understanding of the pathway’s mechanism, Sharanek and his colleagues expected there to be reduced tumour growth in the experimental mice that received the galectin-1 manipulation. But what happened was even more promising—for several months, the tumours did not grow at all. In fact,

The Jahani-Asl Lab discovered that removing a mitochondrial gene can make tumours more responsive to radiation..

(Jahani-Asl Lab) brain tumour stem cells to stimulate growth.

Sharanek explained how the researchers performed next-generation sequencing and biochemical assays to understand the role of galectin-1 in the oncogenic

they have been largely unsuccessful. The next step was to target galectin-1 and to prevent it from binding to HOXA5. Using CRISPR gene editing and pharmacological techniques, the researchers inhibited the expres-

the mice who received treatment lived for 12 months, a significant lifespan by laboratory standards. “[It was] really startling for us,” Sharanek said. “When we deleted this protein in brain tumour cells and injected them in

mouse models, we thought that we were going to decrease the growth of tumours to a certain extent, but what we observed [...] was that they simply did not [grow].”

The results were encouraging, especially given that much of the lab work was slowed by pandemic restrictions.

The paper released last year detailed how the deletion of a mitochondrial gene called Oncostatin M could make stem cells easier to target with radiation.

Since the galectin-1 protein is involved in a separate oncogenic pathway, Sharanek is hopeful that multiple points of attack could improve patients’ responsiveness to radiation therapy.

“In the response of glioblastoma tumours to therapy, these cells are very smart,” Sharanek said. “If you hit one pathway, [...] the [tumours] adopt another pathway to rescue themselves.

So if you are hitting two major pathways at the same time, your chance [of eradicating] them is much higher.”

With galectin-1 suppression as a new weapon in the arsenal against tumour cells, along with the lab’s previous work on gene therapy, the lab continues to make strides in the world’s understanding of glioblastoma.

14

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021

Science Rewind: Eight scientific advances discovered at McGill From Sir William Osler to Ernest Rutherford, a look back at McGill’s scientific contributions Youssef Wahba SciTech Editor Since 1821, McGill University has climbed the ranks and established itself among Canada’s highperforming research institutions. It is no understatement that McGill professors and alumni went on to excel in their respective fields, particularly in scientific domains.

Ernest Rutherford, who was a professor of experimental physics at McGill, conducted world-renowned research on the concept of radioactivity. In 1908, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work, which included coining “radioactive half-life” and distinguishing between alpha and beta radiation. Past these remarkable achievements, The McGill Tribune has compiled a list of lesser-known accomplishments that have irrevocably altered and advanced various scientific disciplines.

The discovery of radon in 1899 Anyone who has taken basic high school chemistry courses will have come across this noble gas in the periodic table. With an atomic number of 86 and an atomic weight of 222, radon sits just below xenon, and forms as a result of the radioactive decay of uranium. Radon was the fifth radioactive element to be discovered, with the first four being uranium, thorium, radium and polonium. Rutherford, after whom the physics building on campus is named, made yet another groundbreaking discovery when he identified the noble gas alongside fellow McGill professor Robert B. Owens.

The development of the first artificial cell Biological cells are the building blocks of life: A group of cells are arranged into tissues, which form the organs that make up nearly every part of our bodies. In 1957, Thomas Chang, a then-undergraduate student in the Faculty of Science, engineered the world’s first artificial cell that imitates one or more actions of a biological cell. Chang developed an artificial cell that was able to carry haemoglobin as efficiently as a red blood cell does.

The world’s first internet search engine Imagine having thousands of files stored on a computer with no way to easily sift through them to find a specific result. Fortunately, search engines exist to avoid this issue. A search engine probes the information stored on a computer to pick up the specific data the user requests. Examples of search engines include web search engines like Google or Yahoo, for example, and are designed to find and display information that

(American Institute of Physics) was already stored on the World Wide Web. The first web search engine was developed by Alan Emtage in 1990, a postgraduate student at the School of Computer Science, after he was tasked, along with a team of other students and staff, to connect McGill to the internet.

The first veterinary pathology course Often dubbed the “father of modern medicine,” Sir William Osler completed his medical studies at McGill, receiving his MDCM degree at the age of 22 in 1872. He went on to complete his postgraduate training and returned to McGill in 1874 to pursue professorship. Osler was the first professor to teach a course on veterinary pathology in North America with the aim of furthering his students’ understanding of the origin and development of diseases. He later joined the University of Pennsylvania faculty, became one of the four founding fathers of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and established the first formal residency program there.

The invention of plexiglass Plexiglass, also known as acrylic, is a chemical compound invented by William Chalmers, PhD ‘30. The material became widely used in the manufacturing of airplane windows during the Second World War and has also seen a revival throughout the COVID-19 pandemic—where it was quickly implemented in vaccination centres and grocery stores to curb the transmission of the virus. Due to its strength and durability, plexiglass is typically sold as a shatter-resistant alternative to glass. Common applications of plexiglass include aquariums walls, building windows, and greenhouse panels.

The discovery of cytokine interleukin-2

McGill boasts 12 Nobel Laureates as well as 147 Rhodes Scholars, the most of any Canadian research institution. (shutterstock.com)

Cytokines are a family of small proteins secreted by cells that send messages to the immune system to perform a certain function, thus playing a pivotal role in regulating the body’s immune response. The ‘interleukin-2’ hormone entered scientific discourse

when a team of researchers were studying the impact of retroviruses on human disease; the hormone was necessary for the maintenance of T-cells in the lab.

This cytokine, later referred to as ‘interleukin-2,’ was discovered by McGill researcher and Royal Victoria Hospital’s surgeon-in-chief Dr. Lloyd D. Maclean in 1965.

The invention of MUSIC/SP Punch cards, physical pieces of paper with lines of code punched into them, were once used to store digital data. However, the Multi-User System for Interactive Computing/System Product (MUSIC/ SP), formerly known as “McGill University System for Interactive Computing,” was invented as a timesharing operating system that allowed students and university staff to enter and extract information from the modern, newly developed terminals. Released in 1972, MUSIC/SP was able to expand globally. By the time the operating system became obsolete due to more efficient methods of data storage, it had already reached 250 research institutions and schools.

The invention of the “Montreal Procedure” The Montreal Procedure, used to treat epilepsy patients, was developed in 1952 by renowned neurosurgeon Wilder Penfield, a then-professor at McGill and founder of the Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute along with neurologist Herbert Jasper, who was a professor of experimental neurology. Epilepsy is characterized by groups of nerve cells signalling in an abnormal manner, causing seizures. The Montreal Procedure is an epilepsy treatment that attacks the nerve cells that cause these seizures. During the operation, patients are given a local anesthetic, thus remaining conscious throughout the procedure.

The surgeon would then use electrical brain stimulation and let the patient inform them of the sensation they receive from such stimulation, allowing the surgeon to identify and remove the tissues affected by the seizure.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021

15

Shaughnessy Cup showdown ends in overtime loss for McGill Concordia Stingers crush in commendable comeback Adam Burton, Sarah Farnand & Madison McLauchlan Sports Editors & Managing Editor On Sept. 17, the McGill Redbirds (1–2) were defeated in heartbreaking fashion by their long-time rivals, the Concordia Stingers (2–1) at the 52nd annual Shaughnessy Cup. The event sold out quickly, with 3,500 McGill and Concordia students clamouring to get a seat for what turned out to be a highscoring, action-packed game.

McGill exploded out of the locker room onto the field, dominating offensive possessions in the opening minutes of the game. The team quickly picked up some points when quarterback Dimitrios Sinodinos lofted up a 60-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Darius Simmons for a quick 7-0 lead with 9:22 left in the first quarter. Both teams played stifling defence for the remainder of the quarter, each forcing the other to take a safety, which brought the score to 9-2 for McGill.

McGill entered the second quarter with the same propulsive energy they brought to the first. Running back Elijah Williams left the crowd in awe with an eight-yard rush toward the end zone that left the Stinger defensive line reeling and the McGill crowd cheering. The Redbirds entered the locker room flying high with a 16-2 lead that seemed nearly impossible to lose.

The Redbirds kept strong momentum coming out of halftime with a 14-point lead. Concordia struck first with a safety, but, less than a minute later, McGill countered with a touchdown by defensive end Joshua Archibald—bringing the score to 23-4. After a Concordia touchdown and a McGill field goal by kicker Antoine Couture, McGill maintained a hefty 26-11 lead heading into the final quarter.

Although the fourth quarter started well for the Redbirds, with a touchdown from tight end Simon Crevier off a pass from Sinodinos, things went downhill from there. The Stingers’ offence, which up until then was passive and lumbering, started chipping away at McGill’s lead, scoring three touchdowns in

not a lot of time. We needed to get at least one more big drive at the end but we couldn’t make that happen.”

Third-year defensive lineman Nassib Hassouna, Jr. was pleased with the team’s performance in the first half and did not want to dwell on the loss.

“For sure, we had some difficulty at the end of the game, but at the end of the day we need to focus on the next game [and] we need to regroup,” Hassouna said. “We will be stronger next week.”

Sinodinos believes the key to victory will be sustaining their momentum until the game’s very last moments.

“It is definitely a question of consistency and being able to finish our game,” Sinodinos said. “So, [we will] continue doing what we did in the first three quarters, all the way to the end of the fourth quarter.”

MOMENT OF THE GAME

The last overtime matchup between the two teams was a McGill 53-52 win in 2013. (Adam Burton / The McGill Tribune) the last eight minutes of the fourth to equalize from a 22-point deficit.

In a stunning turnaround, the Stingers’ offence pushed the Redbirds back to the 14-yard line and kicker Andrew Stevens sealed their fate with a field goal. The McGill crowd looked on in disbelief as cacophony erupted from the Concordia stands.

Sinodinos expressed his disappointment with the team’s inability to maintain their lead in the latter half of the game.

“I feel like we played pretty well up [until] the fourth quarter,” Sinodinos said. “At the end we just couldn’t seal it.

We couldn’t keep our offence on the field long enough. Their offence was on the field for a pretty long time so they got a lot of momentum and were able to overcome a pretty big deficit in

With less than 30 seconds left on the clock, the stadium waited with bated breath as the Stingers quarterback ran straight into McGill’s endzone to complete a two-point conversion, forcing overtime.

QUOTABLE “The crowd was crazy. From all the teams, we appreciate every single one of you and we will make it up for you.” — Third year Nassib Hassouna, Jr. on the lively crowd in attendance.

STAT CORNER McGill running back Elijah Williams rushed for 94 yards in 13 offensive drives, the most running yards for anybody on either team.

Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United is an exercise in spectacle One of the world’s best soccer players restored to his site of original glory Dylan Schofield Contributor At the age of 36, Cristiano Ronaldo is still undoubtedly a superstar of world soccer. Alongside Lionel Messi, Ronaldo has been the joint best player in the world for more than a decade. He has encapsulated fans’ imaginations with a myriad

of iconic moments, spanning his early days as a Manchester United phenom, to his stint as an established talent at Juventus. He has won nearly every accolade, both team and individual, that the sport has to offer. The crowning jewel— or rather, jewels—of his career are the five Ballon d’Or titles he has earned, consistently marking him as

Ronaldo holds the world record for most goals scored in consecutive Champions League matches. (Getty Images)

the best player in world soccer.

In a dramatic turn of events, Ronaldo has returned to Manchester United, the club that first gave him a platform to grow as a young 18-year-old prospect back in 2003.

The move is full of romance, tying Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, and all of the history between them together.

Despite his age, Ronaldo is still an incredible footballer; his physical conditioning and remarkable in-game sharpness is second to none, and he scored a tremendous 36 goals last season.

Despite the romanticized reunion of Ronaldo and Manchester United, this move smacks of desperation on both parties.

If Ronaldo is anything apart from being talented, he is incredibly marketable. His 344 million Instagram followers attest to the scale of his global influence.

Manchester United have already reaped the rewards of the meagre £25-million investment, as they saw Ronaldo’s iconic number seven jersey become the fastest-selling shirt in Premier League history. The famed new number seven jersey has brought in £187.1-million since his number was confirmed.

From a financial standpoint, these sales have more than justified both the fee to bring him to the club, and also the astronomical £500,000 per week he will be earning.

U1 Arts soccer fan Ben Manson thinks the move may be ill-advised.

“He has to prove it on the pitch,” Manson said. “As of right now, the only thing that Ronaldo has brought to Manchester United is an inflated ego and a paycheck.

Ronaldo is a wonderful player, but yes, as of right now this entire transfer is one big circus, especially after the loss to Young Boys.”

The loss came in Manchester United’s match against Swiss team BSC Young Boys Bern in the opening Champions League fixture of the season. Ronaldo scored in typical fashion, but the team failed to keep their composure, conceding a late goal.

Young Boys are not a team Manchester United should ever be losing to. Many believed that Ronaldo’s prowess for the biggest games would elevate United’s game. After all, he is known for his ability to rise to the occasion, often being likened to the Michael Jordan of the soccer community.

Despite this, he failed to infect his

Manchester United teammates with the same capacity for big-game success.

Sam Koenig, U1 Arts & Science, on the other hand, believes Ronaldo’s move is a recipe for resounding success.

“Purely in virtue of the fact that he is such a brilliant player, he will elevate Manchester United to a higher level,” Koenig said.

“That’s why I love Ronaldo. He has proved time and time again that he is capable of making those around him better.”

This will be an important facet of measuring the success of Ronaldo’s move to United.

Although he is but one man, the best players are renowned for galvanizing their entire squad and winning.

As it stands, Ronaldo’s transfer to Manchester United seems nothing more than a sales-driven spectacle.

He is earning an exorbitant amount of money every week, but he is long past the player that rose to fame all those years ago. And crucially, the romanticism of a move back to his boyhood club suggests that this transfer has much more to do with appeasing the fans than it does with succeeding on the pitch.

16

SPORTS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2021

Martlets Soccer earn their first point of the year

Despite high-quality chances, the Martlets were held to a 0-0 draw Reza Ali Contributor A week after their home opener defeat to Laval, the Martlets took to the pitch in hopes of earning their first points of the 2021-2022 season. While they hoped for a win, the Martlets came home with a singular point following a 0-0 draw to

gave us a little more confidence, which resulted in our side getting the ball higher up-field and created more chances to score.”

According to spectator Shaz Kassimali, U4 Science, McGill’s press on offense added an energy in the second half that was noticeable from the stands.

“The girls’ effort was relentless, they

(Reese Ladak / The McGill Tribune) The game was the first of a doubleheader with the men’s team, yet the stands only started to fill toward the end of the Martlets’ game. The men’s team went on to win behind two incredible penalty saves, which are proven to be influenced by crowd noise.

encouraged the guys on the team to keep doing what they do. The crowd’s passion really motivated the team to score that game-winning goal.”

The Martlets began a series of away fixtures with a 3-0 win on Sunday, Sept.

19 versus Université du Québec à Trois-

Third-year defender Ariel Carignan whips in an inswinging corner. (Reese Ladak / The McGill Tribune) UQAM. Similar to the game versus Laval, McGill played well in the first half but lost their shape and patience as the game wore on. UQAM was able to slow down McGill’s build-up and the game entered halftime at a stalemate that neither team seemed ready to break. In the second half,

pushed through till the end, and their resilience is inspiring and admirable,” Kassimali said.

In addition to the team earning their first point of the season, first-year goalkeeper Brenna Bordeniuk earned her first McGill clean sheet. Bordeniuk

(Reese Ladak / The McGill Tribune) “The energy in the stands was impeccable and really affected the outcome of the game,” said Safa Khalifa, U1 Arts, who attended the men’s game.

“Everyone was standing and cheering for even the smallest things, saves, steals, good passes [....] I think it really

Rivières (UQTR). In a little under two weeks, on Oct. 1, the Martlets will return home to face rival Concordia under the Molson Stadium lights at 6 p.m. A packed crowd certainly would help spur our Martlets on to their first home win of the season.

(Reese Ladak / The McGill Tribune) the Martlets came out energized, playing long balls and pressing high. Despite several high-quality chances in front of goal, the Martlets were unfortunately not able to capitalize.

“We deserved a better fate,” head coach Jose-Luis Valdes said in an interview with McGill Athletics. “We didn’t necessarily have a lot of possession and turned the ball over too much, but we didn’t allow them too many scoring opportunities in the first half. After the intermission, we decided to press and that

delivered a commanding display in net, making a key save from close range on UQAM forward Eve Levesque at the end of the first half. Second-year team captain Olivia Mazzarello also spearheaded a talented backline, helping Bordeniuk with added protection.

“I think we were able to create some more goal-scoring chances,” Mazzarello wrote in a message to The McGill Tribune.

“We’re going to continue looking to improve our creativity up top and working on our collective play all around.”

MOMENT OF THE GAME In the 58th minute, first-year forward Annika Schmunk forced a top-drawer save from UQAM’s Andreanne Dubeau to keep the game at 0-0.

STAT CORNER The Martlets went into this fixture having lost their last three contests against UQAM, dating back to 2019.