The McGill Tribune Vol. 40 Issue 13

The McGill Tribune

solace

Vol 40 Issue 13 | December 1, 2020 Published by the SPT, a student society of McGill University mcgilltribune.com | @mcgilltribune

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EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief Helen Wu editor@mcgilltribune.com Creative Director Aidan Martin amartin@mcgilltribune.com

Table of Contents News

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Feature

News Editors Maya Abuali, Kate Addison & Sequoia Kim news@mcgilltribune.com Opinion Editors Jonah Fried & Kennedy McKee-Braide opinion@mcgilltribune.com Science & Technology Editors Sophia Gorbounov & Ronny Litvack-Katzman scitech@mcgilltribune.com

SSMU Executive 6 Midterm Reviews

Opinion

Managing Editors Katia Lo Innes kinnes@mcgilltribune.com Nina Russell nrussell@mcgilltribune.com Kaja Surborg ksurborg@mcgilltribune.com

Student Life Editors Alaana Kumar & Leyla Moy studentlife@mcgilltribune.com Features Editor Kevin Vogel features@mcgilltribune.com Arts & Entertainment Editors Vanessa Barron & Jonathan Giammaria arts@mcgilltribune.com

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Sports Editors Adam Burton & Sarah Farnand sports@mcgilltribune.com Design Editors Ruobing Chen & Chloe Rodriguez design@mcgilltribune.com

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Photo Editor Caroline Shelton photo@mcgilltribune.com

Photography

Multimedia Editors Sarah Ford & Alexandre Hinton multimedia@mcgilltribune.com

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Arts & Entertainment

Web Developers Benjamin Alexandor & Sasha Njini webdev@mcgilltribune.com

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Student Life Cartoons

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Social Media Editor Marie Saadeh socialmedia@mcgilltribune.com Business Manager Marilie Pilon business@mcgilltribune.com

TPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Helen Wu, Caitlin Kindig, McEan Taylor, Tara Alami, Yara ShaheenAbuelreish, Deana Korsunsky, Sequoia Kim, Kennedy McKee-Braide, Shreya Rastogi, Marilie Pilon, Heela Achakzai

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Science & 20-21 Technology

Sports

Copy Editor Jackie Lee copy@mcgilltribune.com

STAFF Jasmine Acharya, Sepideh Afshar, Reza Ali, Margaret Askey, Zoe Babad-Palmer, Eve Cable, Rory Daly, Ella Fitzhugh, Defne Gurcay, Signy Harnad, Lucy Keller, Deana Korsunsky, Erika MacKenzie, Maya Mau, Madison McLauchlan, Adam Menikefs, Ella Milloy, Naomi Mirny, Matthew Molinaro, Shafaq Nami, Respina Rostamifar, Brian Schatteman, Noah Vaton, Josephine Wang, Xiaotian Wang, Margaret Wdowiak, Lowell Wolfe, Wendy Zhao

CONTRIBUTORS Valentina de la Borbolla, Meredith Charney, Karan Kumar, Joseph Pappas, Charlotte Power, Michelle Siegel, Mallory Yeates

TRIBUNE OFFICE

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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 theTribune. 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.

The art of obituaries in a world wracked by pandemic Signy Harnad Staff Writer

has survived unchanged, according to Crowther.

“I’m still committed to telling life stories,” Crowther said. “Regardless of what that cause of death is, I’m still writing that story.”

Susan MacKay, a freelance obituary writer for The Globe and Mail, voiced a similar sentiment, one that prioritizes the life of the subject above the circumstance of death.

“The focus is very much on [...] what made [the person]

death notices,” Cowan said.

“That fits in with biography writing more generally, which has a long history. The obituary is a news item, but it’s also a mini-biography; almost a perfect encapsulation of those two genres coming together.”

Professor Cowan also tied the development of obituary writing to the expansion of celebrity culture.

“It fits with fame, too,” Cowan said. “There is this idea of who is worthy of an obituary,

weekend, because news is pretty sparse at the weekend. They don’t always follow those rules, unfortunately.”

This process of ranking deaths by newsworthiness continues to weigh heavily on the minds of obituarists, who must choose who gets featured in the obituary pages and who gets sidelined. This is especially true for local newspapers, which have emerged to provide a sanctuary for the coverage of lost lives during the pandemic, notable

The first wave of the pandemic saw an increase in the number of death notices published by such newspapers as The Globe and Mail and The Montreal Gazette. (Cordelia Cho / The McGill Tribune) and faces to the toll of the pandemic, obituaries can blur the line between statistic and story.

Linnea Crowther, a senior writer for Legacy.com, a global leader in online memorials, has observed a sharp increase in obituaries through her ongoing project that tallies the number of U.S. obituaries in 2020 as compared to 2019.

“Watching the outbreaks travel around the U.S. through obituary publications has been sobering,” Crowther said. “In New York City, in April, there were 85 per cent more obituaries in April 2020 than in April 2019.”

The phenomenon is somewhat reminiscent of an earlier tragedy, the September 11 attacks, when Crowther was part of a team memorializing lives lost in the attack on the Twin Towers. “[9/11] was a gruelling time for anyone in memorialization,” Crowther said. “In many ways, COVID-19 is similar for some people, especially in related businesses like funeral homes.”

Amid the pandemic, the fundamental mission of obituaries

extraordinary,” MacKay wrote.

The art of obituary writing entails a delicate exploration of someone’s life, a teasing out and careful mining of the hidden gems of their experiences, which are then distilled into a few thousand- or hundred-word pieces.

“I tell people that I want the reader to feel as if they knew the person,” McKay wrote. “There’s an obituarist’s joke that the editor asks the writer for a shorter obit, to which the writer says, ‘But I don’t have time to make it shorter.’”

Although the genre dates back to ancient Rome, where obituary notices were published in papyrus newspapers called Acta Diurna, obituaries rose to prominence in the mid-18th century. McGill history professor Brian Cowan charted the rise of obituaries, which surfaced in British periodicals from the 1700s, tying their emergence to biographical writing.

“It’s in Gentleman’s Magazine in the 18th century where you begin to see regular

and who is not.”

The politics of whose death merits coverage and whose does not remains a fundamental challenge for obituary writers.

Nick Serpell, the former editor of obituaries at the BBC, wrote the obituaries of hundreds of prominent figures, from Margaret Thatcher to David Bowie, during his 10-year term. In an interview with The McGill Tribune, Serpell underscored the phenomenon of concurrent celebrity deaths, where famous individuals die in close proximity to one another, often with the death of one figure overshadowing the other.

The death of Princess Diana, for example, by far eclipsed the coverage for Mother Teresa, who died less than a week later.

“There was no way Mother Teresa was going to get on a [U.K. network], because Princess Diana, who died [before Mother Teresa] was just massive,” Serpell said. “If you want to know my rules about getting good coverage when you die, [they are] don’t die when someone more famous than you dies, and try to die on the

and obscure alike. Maureen O’Donnell, an obituary writer at the //Chicago Sun Times//, has covered a wide range of notable lives since the pandemic, from Chicago TV news anchor Joel Daly to Italian deli matriarch Emilia Pontarelli. She discussed how the increased demand for obituaries has impacted her writing.

“Obituary writers are getting a lot more requests to write obituaries due to the pandemic,” O’Donnell said.“You can’t write about everyone who died, but, to many, that one obituary can be universal.”

If there is a common sentiment that unifies obituarists in their craft, it may be the honour of providing a space independent of geography and location, where people can mourn and celebrate the dead, whose stories will remain committed to prose.

“It’s such a gift to be able to tell these stories,” O’Donnell said. “When you can’t be at the funeral home or at the graveside, at least you can read the obituary.”

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

She lived through the Spanish flu. He portrayed a suave MI6 agent on the big screen.

She invented the windshield wiper. He remained a bon vivant into his ninth decade. She came to be known as “the people’s princess.” These are some of the past subjects of the newspaper’s obituary pages.

Since the pandemic began, obituary writers have continued to do what they have always done: Provide captivating accounts of lost lives. To this end, COVID-19 has not upended the art of obituary writing; obituarists are less concerned with the granularity of human suffering and the cause of a person’s death, and more with artfully capturing the essence of a life.

However, COVID-19 has disrupted the obituary industry in other ways. As physical distancing restrictions continue to bar traditional mourning rituals, such as funerals and memorials, obituaries and death notices have emerged as communal spaces for mourners and the curious alike to navigate grief. In a public health crisis of such a magnitude, obituaries give readers the opportunity for a moment of humanity, exempt from abstract statistical projections which enables them to connect to the vibrant stories of strangers, with all their foibles and graces.

Faced with a plethora of life stories to report, obituary writers have had to implement their own form of triage. Danielle Adams, editor of obituaries at The Globe and Mail, described a new normal in the assignment of obituary coverage.

“COVID-19 has had an enormous effect on obituary writers and editors because of the sharp rise in the sheer number of notable people dying,” Adams wrote. “The wave of deaths last spring/summer was absolutely overwhelming. There were too many stories to tell [....] I think the stress of this situation has affected me quite a bit—as it is affecting everyone.”

There’s a fundamental difference between obituaries and daily updated death notices.

Whereas obituaries generally feature the lives of public figures and individuals otherwise deemed notable, it is typically left to families and funeral homes

to write death notices. The first wave of the pandemic marked a sharp increase in the number of death notices published in Canadian newspapers such as The Montreal Gazette and The Globe and Mail. For some, it is in these swelling pages—online and in print—that the pandemic’s impact feels the most acute.

By remembering some of the lives lost to COVID-19, death notices and obituaries have assumed an increased resonance—by putting names

NEWS / 3

Rest in prose: How COVID-19 is affecting the obituary industry

NEWS / 4

Fall 2020 TAs still missing payments as the semester nears end McGill and AGSEM have yet to settle multiple grievance claims Maya Mau Staff Writer

Following various technical issues with Workday, McGill’s new human resources (HR) system, the Association of Graduate Students Employed at McGill (AGSEM) has filed several individual, union, and collective grievances against the university in accordance with their Collective Agreement (CA). Some problems included lack of access to technology necessary to teach classes, incomplete or stalled hiring, payment in the form of cheques rather than direct deposit, and most notably, late payments to teaching assistants (TAs).

On Oct. 30, McGill Student Accounts and HR offered temporary relief measures for those experiencing financial difficulties resulting from the Workday issues. This included automatically deferring unpaid tuition balances without interest until January 2021, reversing interest charges on late Fall 2020 tuition fees, and offering an additional $1,500 in loans also to be repaid by January 2021.

The Post-Graduate Students’ Society (PGSS) University Affairs Commissioner Kristi Kouchakji explained how HR’s

decision to issue cheques without conferring with the union initially sparked confusion among those who received them.

“We had no idea that HR had decided to administer it as an opt-out with no upfront communication until we started hearing (understandably) confused, and in some cases angry, feedback from members,” Kouchakji wrote in an email to The McGill Tribune.

Kiersten van Vliet, who served as the president of AGSEM until the end of Nov. 2020, expressed her concerns regarding McGill’s HR slow response, despite the fact that they have acknowledged AGSEM’s grievances.

“For some context, even this late into the semester, there are TAs almost finished their contracts who are still not ‘hired’ in Workday—and consequently have not

McGill was late to pay 460 TAs their first paycheque, and by the end of October, over 180 TAs had still not received a paycheque. (agsem.ca)

received a single paycheque,” van Vliet wrote. “HR has repeatedly missed their own deadlines for resolving the pay issues—late October has become late November and beyond. We’re already into hiring for next semester and they haven’t yet ‘hired’ some of the TAs this semester. We anticipate many of the same hiring issues again in Winter because the fundamental problems with the Workday system itself have not yet been resolved.”

In response to McGill’s violation of the CA, AGSEM filed several grievances claiming late fees and interest equivalent to what McGill charges for late tuition payments. McGill is currently working through each grievance and AGSEM is still awaiting settlement offers from the administration.

Frédérique Mazerolle, McGill’s Media Relations Officer, stressed that the university is working closely with both AGSEM and PGSS to resolve any outstanding Workday issues.

“Each case is handled individually,” Mazerolle wrote. “Depending on the nature of the problem, communications were initiated with the administrator or the employee or both. In the weeks to come, more robust user support tools and renewed

training will be implemented to support units through the next wave of hiring.”

Despite frustrations with Workday, Grish Balaji, a TA in McGill’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was impressed by the many departments that quickly took action to remedy the issue, and after careful consideration, is still planning on working as a TA next semester. “[Teaching assistants] plan our budget[s] based on the income we receive,” Balaji wrote in an email to The McGill Tribune. “To know that there were delays in payment because the records were not properly processed from McGill’s side breaks the hopes and inner peace of every TA. I have friends complaining about having to work outside campus even though they’re a TA at McGill because McGill hasn’t processed their records/payments.”

The new TA Collective Agreement was ratified in September 2020 and will be signed by mid-December. After that, McGill has 90 days to process retroactive TA raises won in negotiations, which AGSEM says it will be closely monitoring.

The PGSS has released a comprehensive survey on graduate student funding and living, learning, and working conditions in order to better address constituent needs.

Refugee Research Group discusses contemporary refugee issues

Panelists examined COVID-19’s impact on the current global refugee crisis Joseph Pappas & Charlotte Power

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

Contributors

The McGill Refugee Research Group held its latest event in the Contemporary Refugee Issues Fall 2020 Series, “Global Updates: Refugee Protection and Empowerment webinar,” on Nov. 26. The webinar explored both the individual and organizational responses to refugee crises around the world, which the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened. Three McGill Ph.D. students presented their research on the protection and empowerment of worldwide refugees.

Nick Parent, second year McGill PhD candidate in the department of Geography, researches the displacement, encampment, and repatriation of Congolese refugees. Parent believes that Congolese refugees will be essential in redefining the local political landscape in the Congo and negotiating the terms of their return.

“My project is very much about trying to bridge people to systems,” Parent said.

“We’re trying to find ways to create narratives based on this information [regarding the personal experiences of refugees] and [create] a deliverable output that can be forwarded to the refugee management system with consultation with refugees.

[We’re] really trying to make this as much of a bottom-up process as possible, so that whatever management system they do is informed by the refugees themselves.”

Next to speak was fourth-year PhD candidate in anthropology at McGill, Cristina Yépez, who presented findings from her anthropological research, which focusses on Venezuelan migrant and refugee communities in Ecuador. Her recent work has examined how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted 2SLGBTQIA+ Venezuelan migrants. Yépez explained that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as widespread unemployment and limited testing capabilities, have exacerbated the long-standing discrimination of members of the migrant and refugee 2SLGBTQIA+communities, due to the now decreased access

to health care, education, and sources of income. Yépez illustrated how 2SLGBTQIA+ migrants and refugees have often taken up informalautonomous work, such as street vending and sex work, as a last resort given the high unemployment rates.

“Sex for subsistence is highly violent and risky, even more [so] during the pandemic,” Yépez said. “[It] is very often used in exchange for housing because of widespread situations of eviction and expulsion.”

Merve Erdilmen, a PhD candidate in political science at McGill, studies the global governance of international organizations and the effects that refugee-related policies have on female refugees.

Through her research, Erdilmen investigated female Syrian refugees in Turkey and analyzed the impacts of global gender mainstreaming policies.

Erdilmen looked at how these policies have limited women’s access to health and education.

“One of the challenges women in Turkey face are barriers to accessing education and livelihood opportunities,” Erdilmen said. “Only 15 per

cent of women refugees work in income-generating jobs.”

Erdilmen believes, however, that refugee advocacy groups often have different agendas and a limited understanding of what needs to be done to empower and protect women refugees. Erdilmen illustrated this concern by explaining that women refugees are rarely consulted when governments decide to change policies that may affect them.

“This rather traditional understanding of refugee women empowerment often misses the ways in which power politics constrain access for women,” Erdilmen said.

“Overall, my respondents state that strategies to foster empowerment must be locally durable and must consider both economy and local approaches that empower [women].”

Ian Van Haren is a fourth-year PhD candidate in sociology with a specialization in population and health dynamics and is the graduate student coordinator for the McGill Research Group and was the host of the webinar.

He concluded the event by discussing how best to approach

14 per cent of Venuzuelan refugees in Ecuador have suffered physical violence and 20 per cent suffered psychological violence for being perceived as 2SLGBTQIA+.

(Carlos Gil Andreu / Getty Images) the global refugee crisis.

“It’s really [important] to think about whose voices are being heard and understood in shaping the prospects that refugees in different contexts have,” Van Haren said. “It’s a really interesting process [...]. Our examples show us how these three migrant crises have played out and what can be studied in these different locations.”

Varsity, intramural, and club teams find new ways to operate this fall Ella Milloy Staff Writer The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all levels of sports at McGill, including varsity, intramurals, and recreational programs, resulting in a significant negative impact on the McGill Athletics & Recreation’s revenue stream. Quebec’s lockdown restrictions have impacted operations at both the Currie Gym and the Macdonald campus. With fewer people using the facilities and less money to allocate to teams and programs, Athletics & Recreation has had to adapt to accommodate students while respecting provincial public health guidelines.

This year, student fees, memberships and programs, facility rentals, camps, sponsorship engagements, Sports Medicine Clinic services, and other retail operations experienced a decrease in revenue. Senior Communications and Marketing Manager Stephanie Malley explained the impact of COVID-19 on Athletics & Recreation’s budget in an email to The McGill Tribune.

“While much effort has been directed toward reducing expenses through these challenging times, fixed costs including energy, cleaning, maintenance and salaries continue to be incurred,” Malley wrote.

“Athletics and Recreation’s fiscal year 2020 budget will close with a large deficit that will need to be addressed over the coming years.”

To adhere to university and public health recommendations, Athletics & Recreation installed signage throughout the sports complexes to encourage proper physical distancing and have increased cleaning schedules in high-traffic areas.

Athletics & Recreation staff work both on and off campus to ensure that all in-person activities are run safely and effectively.

Lifeguard Robyn Nakano, U3 Arts and Science, discussed her experiences working at the Memorial Pool during the Fall 2020 semester.

“It’s been a [time of] transition,” Nakano said. “We started out originally with three guards [...] which was a change from last year. Now we’re back to two guards, which is fine because we’re a small pool [....] We have had a really tough time this semester getting shifts covered because not as many people came back [to Montreal] in the fall.”

Athletics & Recreation has modified their recreation programs several times since the start of the pandemic to remain in accordance with the ever-changing public health guidelines that regulate physical activities. In the email to the Tribune, Malley elaborated on the popularity of the inperson programming at the downtown and Macdonald campus fitness centres. At the beginning of the semester, while in-person fitness classes, intramurals, and fitness centres were open, they were consistently at or near capacity. Government regulations that placed Montreal into the red zone on Oct. 1 required the department to scale back its operations.

Athletics & Recreation is still able to provide some on-campus activities, including lap swimming, indoor tennis and badminton, track running, basketball, and recreational skating. The department also added an online component to its fitness class schedule, allowing students to take up to 15 online classes for free each week.

Pascal Namia, U3 Arts and Science, is grateful that McGill is continuing to offer recreational activities this semester.

“I’m glad [McGill] opened [the gym] up to allow training,” Namia wrote. “My routine was usually arms/legs followed by cardio, and I would spend all 90 minutes in the gym. I felt safe COVID-wise, but sometimes social distancing wasn’t possible in the weights section [....] Nowadays, I just play badminton in the evenings with a buddy of mine to get a sweat in [....] I’m glad that they’re still offering recreational sports, because if they don’t, I lose something I look

adapted to this semester’s circumstances by moving all of the council’s social events online, promoting its events via Instagram, and looking to start a Strava account in hopes of motivating more athletes to workout. Varsity Council President Evelyn Silverson-Tokalidis, U3 Arts, highlighted the difficulties facing student-athletes due to the pandemic.

“We are a council that focusses on attending [varsity events], promoting and

McGill A&R has received positive feedback and support from students, staff, and the community. (mcgillathletics.ca) participant during previous semesters at McGill, are thankful that some activities are still being offered this semester. Shapiro, a finalist for the inaugural class of McGill’s Intramural Hall of Fame, participated in this semester’s online trivia events. He discussed what he misses most about past intramural activities in a message to the Tribune.

“I badly miss the camaraderie of teams like Jewventus, my co-rec soccer team,” Shapiro wrote. “Thanks to Rene Bondy’s efforts to continue the intramural program through the current semester, however, I have been thrilled to participate as a member of the ‘Follow @ unsoliciteddishpics’ trivia team in the weekly intramural trivia.”

Varsity teams have also faced their share of obstacles this Fall. Due to the current government and league directives, no varsity team events, competitions, or inperson practices are taking place. However, many teams have still found creative ways to stay in shape, such as individual or group Zoom workouts. Martlets soccer player Tia Lore, BA ‘20, spoke to the Tribune about the challenges she encountered this semester. “[One] challenge is just being in one place, for so long,” Lore said. “With classes, you would [go from one class] to a different class and walk outside to go to the gym [....]

We’re so used to having practices every day, or that time restriction where [you have] to get this [assignment] done because [you] have practice, whereas now there’s no time restrictions, so I feel like I have to learn how to manage my time again.”

With the varsity sports season cancelled, groups like Varsity Council say they have had a hard time connecting with athletes this semester. Varsity representatives have

working with athletes, especially during their seasons,” Silverson-Tokatlidis wrote.

“Now, with seasons not happening, it is hard to motivate athletes to stay social and connected during this time. It is hard to plan events and motivate a group of people to work toward a common goal when the very goal that they want to work toward has been taken away from them.”

Athletics & Recreation will continue to adhere to university and public health guidelines moving forward. For the winter semester, the focus will be on the safe return of in-person varsity activities. Looking ahead to the 2021-2022 competitive season, Athletics & Recreation’s efforts will be directed toward RSEQ schedules, hosting protocols and analyzing the delivery of in-person activities such as meetings, educational seminars and sport specific banquets.

With Montreal remaining in the red zone until Jan. 11, 2021, Athletics & Recreation will continue to adapt and improve the activities offered to students.

Malley emphasized the importance of exercise for physical and mental health during the quarantine.

“The health and well-being of McGill students, coaches, staff, and sports complex members has always been a top priority for Athletics & Recreation,” Malley wrote.

“In a time when more and more people are spending their day in front of a screen, our role in keeping our community moving is even more important. The correlation between exercise and mental health is well established, and we want to make sure the McGillians have a variety of outlets to relieve stress and stay healthy.”

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

In-person activities were popular among students prior to Quebec’s red zone restrictions.

(Ella Milloy / The McGill Tribune)

forward to doing at the end of the week. It keeps my mental health in check.”

Additionally, the McGill Intramural Office modified its services for online delivery, offering virtual programming like E-Sports, Strava Run Club challenges, and online trivia. In-person programming included Spikeball and a Lawn Games League, though Winter 2021 intramurals have yet to be announced. Many students, like Josh Shapiro, JD ‘20, an intramural

NEWS / 5

McGill Athletics & Recreation stays strong despite COVID-19

MEET THE EXECS / 6

SSMU

Students’ Society of McGill University

Executive Midterm Reviews 2020-2021 Jemark Earle President

Jemark Earle campaigned for the position of SSMU president with two major goals in mind: Pinpointing and improving SSMU’s logistical weaknesses and carving out space for under-represented voices in high-level, decision-making arenas at McGill. Over Summer 2020 and throughout the Fall 2020 semester, Earle has proven to be an engaged adherent to both of these objectives. At SSMU Legislative Council on Nov. 19, Earle presented his 40-page proposal for a five-year growth plan for SSMU. The detailed document outlines a series of amendments pertaining to SSMU’s handling of its staff, operations, student clubs, organizational finance, and advocacy at McGill. Notable initiatives include the doubling of SSMU’s full-time staff, establishing a streamlined online portal for all clubs at McGill, and a Francization Plan, which would guarantee that all SSMU documents be made available in English and French. Earle has also been a vocal supporter of student advocacy initiatives, such as the “Take James McGill Down” campaign. Under his leadership, SSMU passed a motion on Sept. 24 to create a Black Affairs Committee within SSMU’s Legislative Council.

Ayo Ogunremi VP External

Maheen Akter VP Student Life

Despite being absent from his position for Although many clubs are no longer acSeptember and October 2020 due to an tive due to COVID-19, Maheen Akter illness, Ayo Ogunremi was highly engaged has fulfilled several of her campaign over the summer and has worked on impromises this semester, including faportant initiatives. In July, he campaigned cilitating a successful virtual activities against Bill 21 and changes to the Pronight and helping to implement the gramme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ).

SSMU Clubs Portal to streamline the He also coordinated activism against creation and organization of clubs. systemic racism at McGill, helping to esAkter was successful in her advocacy tablish the Black Affairs Committee and for raising the SSMU daycare fee from helping to lead the “Take James McGill $2.70 to $3.00 and has also organized Down” campaign. Moreover, he forged ties the return of clubs and services to the of solidarity between SSMU and other sturenovated University Center. While dent unions to foster continued advocacy.

Akter has overseen several initiatives Indeed, when Ogunremi returned from his that support student mental health, illness, he helped organize an “inter-assosuch as the keep.meSAFE program ciation” of CEGEP and university student and the October mental health week, unions to facilitate discussion, collaboration, and joint action between student socie- she has not yet significantly increased the Wellness Hub’s accessibility for stuties. At this event, Ogunremi drafted a proposition on solidarity with international dents, as was indicated in her platform, besides creating a survey about student students. mental health during virtual learning.

Gifford Marpole

Brooklyn Frizzle

Gifford Marpole has used the Fall 2020 semester to implement various initiatives. With effectively all campus activity now remote, Marpole and his team have put accessibility, communication, and accountability at the forefront of his work. This semester, Marpole approved credit cards for all SSMU services and oversaw all banking procedures’ transition to remote processes. Perhaps Marpole’s greatest achievement so far is his Investigation into SSMU’s Student Fee Policies (ISSFeeP), which is looking into the current ambiguity of fee levies. Working with the Finance Commissioner and Committee, Marpole plans to establish a process that thoroughly assesses students’ fees for clubs and services and ensures that all funds are transparently and fully re-invested in them. Marpole hopes that these new implementations will be fully integrated and become standard procedure as classes return to in-person, oncampus learning.

Frizzle has been hard at work since their term began, taking on numerous advocacy initiatives. One key area of their work has been library improvement, including working to expand McGill’s collection of free-access course materials and increasing the representation of marginalized authors, and the Open Educational Resources project. On Nov. 22, SSMU announced that coursepacks would be made available free of charge through the library rather than sold by Le James McGill Bookstore starting in Winter 2021—an initiative in which Frizzle played a key role. Beyond the library, they have been revising several policy documents, including SSMU’s Human Resources Policy. With regard to employment equity, Frizzle has also been advocating for SSMU councillors to be remunerated. They also established the Board Ad-hoc Committee on Naming (BACoN), tasked with renaming the University Centre and 3501 Peel, another SSMU building. Beyond SSMU initiatives, Frizzle has been vocal with the McGill Senate to increase student representation within the Senate, address academic racism, and reform the University Student Assessment Policy.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

VP Finance

Photos: ssmu.ca

VP University Affairs

Eight months in from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, McGill students are just weeks away from the end of their first fully remote semester. When the university moved its operations online in March, the shift was jarring: Students had to quickly adapt to a new way of learning, and many faced financial uncertainty and declining mental health. All the while, McGill struggled to support them, from unsatisfactory and inaccessible online learning experiences to insufficient mental health resources. But where McGill has fallen short, student initiatives and organizations have filled in the gaps and have continued to uphold a sense of community. Their efforts demand recognition and gratitude, along with continued material support to allow such initiatives to continue.

One of the earliest pandemic-relief student initiatives to arise was the Montreal Student Initiative for COVID-19 Response and Relief, which was founded in March 2020. The organization delivers groceries and prescriptions to those unable to leave their homes to run errands themselves. Meals for Milton-Parc is a similar project dedicated to serving those in need, providing warm meals to unhoused people and organizing winter clothing drives.

These mutual aid initiatives, through which communities come together to make up for lapses in government or institutional assistance, are manifestations of social cohesion that have persevered even in the face of social distancing

measures. Whereas McGill gratuitously raised international student tuition this Fall, students displayed resilience and compassion by giving up their time, energy, and money to support their communities.

Other student-led initiatives, like the McGill Scientific Writing Initiative (MSWI), go beyond material support. Established in the summer of 2020 by U3 Science students Marine Nystern and Joyce Wu, MSWI offers resources to help students with science communication, since many science courses have replaced traditional multiple choice exams with papers. Similarly, services like the McGill Students’ Nightline and the Peer Support Centre offer on-demand active listening services to help fill some of the gaps in the Wellness Hub’s meagre online mental health care.

Apart from novel support initiatives, clubs and other services have also shown resilience throughout the pandemic. For example, virtual Activities Night in September allowed students to learn about different opportunities to get involved at McGill despite the circumstances.

From online dance classes like those offered by the McGill Recreational Dance Company to remote holiday gatherings like that put hosted by the Indian Students’ Association for Diwali, student groups have brought comfort to their members during these hard times. Activists have also continued to demand more equitable practices from the university even with fewer

Editorial opportunities to gather in person. For instance, over the summer, a group of Black McGill students started the #TakeJamesMcGillDown movement, which gained much traction and support online.

The pandemic has reinforced what students already knew: That McGill students are not Made by McGill. Rather, McGill is made by its students. If the university is reluctant to put its financial interests aside to support its student body, students will always come together to support each other. As the pandemic drags on and the new semester looms ahead, student labour to sustain these initiatives deserve recognition and support through social media promotion, volunteering, or donating whenever possible.

It is still important to recognize, however, that students should not have to take on this work all on their own. It is unacceptable that students are forced to take on this labour with little to no recognition while the university continues to profit off of them.

Regardless, although students may not currently be able to come together in lecture halls and events, the past eight months of hardship have proven that our community can prevail even at a distance. The McGill Tribune commends the efforts of those who have gone above and beyond to serve their communities during what has undoubtedly been the most collectively challenging period in recent memory.

OPINION / 7

The pandemic proves McGill is made by its students

My forgotten wonderful world of model trains Alex Hinton Multimedia Editor

of my imaginary airlines, glued to YouTube videos for hours, tinkering to replicate various designs.

Transportation dominated my childhood. It became part of my identity—yet, as I grew up, my hobby, like many childhood fascinations, started to fade. By the time I was in high school, I was no longer the eager kid standing on the platform, craning his neck to see what type of train was going to emerge. My obsession was buried in high school by all the different activities that defined those years.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I moved back into my childhood home. I was faced with more time in my old bedroom than I could have ever possibly desired. Yet as time passed and I grew restless, I started to go through old belongings stashed in my closet.

As I dug deeper into the assortment of belongings, I dug deeper into my past.

It was an archeological exploration into my own life, first unearthing science projects and later arriving at my miniature trains.

I unpacked my hobby glue and soldering iron and got to work repairing my well-worn possessions. Each one brought up a memory: A steam engine reminding me of a dramatic

family Christmas, a station platform ushering back the moment a raccoon attacked my neighbour’s dog. While a large, frightful hospital tent went up on my block, and my city became the nation’s coronavirus epicentre, I coped by emerging myself in my old hobby.

My miniatures offered solace while the world outside my building grew more terrifying with every passing day.

When summer rolled around, and I was able to start seeing my friends while socially distanced, we began to fly our model planes for the first time since middle school. In the fall, after returning to Canada, I began to explore various hobby shops around Montreal, a warm nostalgic feeling flowing through me as I wandered through aisles admiring the selections—a feeling that I had gotten a piece of myself back.

Sometimes when you stop and spend time with yourself, whether you choose to or not, you rediscover parts of yourself you lost in the process of growing up. Reconnecting with these pieces of our younger selves can be an antidote to processing challenging times. Moments where you remember that you’re never too old to do something that makes you happy are truly wonderful and comforting.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

Two of my first friends were a pair of retirees with Santa Claus-worthy beards who worked in a small model train shop. From the outside, the store didn’t appear to be much: It was on the second floor of a nondescript suburban building marked by a patched, halfilluminated sign. Yet, inside lay a marvellous world of hundreds of interwoven and interconnected model trains.

My trips to the shop were

frequent, as it was just down the road from my grandmother’s house.

Every time I went, the retirees would teach me more about the intricacies of model railroading. I learned about scales, gauges, train maintenance, layout design, and countless other fundamentals. At the end of my lessons, my mom would allow me to pick one train car from the discount box. As my collection grew, so did my fascination with transportation. Unfortunately, my compact New York City bedroom was not spacious enough for my hobby, and it was quickly engulfed within a miniature world.

To stop the overflow, my parents prohibited me from acquiring more trains; however, their plan was quickly foiled by my hobbyist retiree colleagues. To make the space issue worse, I started to collect tickets, timetables, MetroCards, train postcards, and baggage tags. For the tags, I often chased after the conductor to request extra hole punches to add to the rarity of the piece.

From trains, my fascination shifted to the sky. I started using paper towel rolls to build rockets, purchasing engines to add excitement. I spent my evenings drawing hundreds of sketches

OPINION / 8

MK Ultra survivors deserve justice Mallory Yeates Contributor Between 1957 and 1964, McGill was home to a subproject of the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) MK Ultra project. Under Dr. Ewen Cameron’s oversight, researchers conducted studies that subjected unwitting patients to high voltage electroshock therapy, weeks-long drug induced sleep, and large doses of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD). Survivors of the project and their families were forever changed by the lasting effects of this traumatic project and have filed class action lawsuits against provincial and federal governments, as well as McGill—the most recent of which having targeted the Allan Memorial Institute, a part of the Royal Victoria Hospital and the McGill University Health Centre.

McGill’s complicity in the CIA’s violation of human rights, regardless of how long ago these atrocities occurred, is appalling. Students must advocate for the affected families and hold the university accountable for failing to release study documents to survivors.

Moreover, this project demonstrates the need for medical institutions to maintain high standards and ensure that history never repeats itself.

McGill is morally obligated to rectify its wrongdoings. Survivors of the project deserve the release of all details and information at McGill’s disposal, and the university owes the survivors a public apology. This would act as the first step to make amends for such disregard of the livelihoods of the project’s survivors. Financial compensation is

also necessary for the survivors in each of the class action lawsuits.

The MK Ultra project serves as a constant reminder of the power and resources that institutions like McGill possess, and the lack of accountability

Almost all records of the MK Ultra projects were destroyed by the CIA in 1973. (Xiotian Wang / The McGill Tribune)

that often results. Students should apply pressure on the institution to disclose all the details regarding what took place during the experiments and ensure

Commentary survivors are properly compensated. In particular, students in the Faculty of Law can help make McGill answer for its crimes by providing legal expertise to survivors’ families, upholding and continuing the human rights standards the faculty prides itself on. The McGill Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism works to provide students, professors, and the wider Montreal community with resources to engage with the impacts of the legal system on social justice issues. Students within the Centre for Human Rights are in a unique position to lead efforts to prosecute McGill for actions that do not represent the democratic and humanitarian ideals of the law school.

McGill’s law students are not alone in this challenge. Medical students also have the responsibility of fighting for justice on the part of survivors. McGill is home to Canada’s foremost medical school, and it is critical that McGill’s medical students collaborate with law students to confront the atrocities of the MK Ultra project.

McGill has abused this power in the past, and in order to continue to uphold the highest standards of ethics within the institution and among its students, it must address its wrongdoings. Facing the realities of MK Ultra is necessary to produce medical professionals that prioritize their patients’ health over gaining knowledge through unethical means.

McGill’s inaction means that students must step up to continue to voice their condemnation of the MK Ultra project and mobilize to ensure that this act of brutality will never be forgotten or repeated.

Tips to help recreate the dread of seeing your family over winter break, from home!

Laughing Matters

Naomi Mirny Staff Writer

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

Content Warning: Sexual harassment Every year when December rolls around and finals season ends, McGill students have only one thing in mind— winter break. Sadly, due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety concerns, we know many of you are unable to head home to see your families this year. Fortunately, we have developed a list of tips and tricks to help you/simulate the winter break experience from the comfort of your own dorm or apartment.

For starters, whether you’re stuck in residence or a seven-person commune, you can create a festive atmosphere anywhere. We recommend you hang up colourful lights, turn up some Christmas songs, apply makeup to cover your tattoos, remove your piercings, and put on that one degenerate sweater that color-blind Aunt Gladys got you. Remember: Nothing says “Christmas spirit” like silly decorations and the deep, profound dread of disappointing your family!

Homesick and missing conversations with your dad?

Go eat dinner, and while you do, have your roommate sit and watch you eat in absolute silence. When you reach for more food, wait for them to raise an eyebrow and ask if you’re sure you want to eat it.

“What are you actually going to do with that major?” is just one of the many fun conversation topics you’ll cover, in addition to, “Isn’t it about time you got a job?” and “Why is everyone TRANSGENDER nowadays?”

Of course, nothing beats the bliss of reading with the gentle sounds of your mom cooking in the background. To recreate the experience, have your early-riser friend get up at 5:00 a.m. and just fucking clang 50 pots in your kitchen! She doesn’t even have to cook, she simply has to clang, bang,

Disappointing family is a holiday tradition. (Caroline Shelton / The McGill Tribune)

and crash that shit like it’s Armageddon and she’s trying to single-handedly beat 382 tin-men to a metallic pool of silver guts with one noisy-ass ladle! After all, she does need to find her favourite bowl.

And who could forget your lovely siblings. Miss having your sister around? Put up a “thrift shop” sign in your closet! Nostalgic for your brother? Replace the Glade in your bathroom with Axe cologne!

Immediate family is great—but what about extended family? Missing your uncle? Call Steve Who Sold You Weed That One Time! That will remind you of how he is always sure to hug you for just a little too long and a little too low. And no one is more fun to play with than your energetic little cousins! Luckily, Apple has recently created an alarm app that keeps you alert with the sound of three small children screaming and goes off right when you sit down to get work done. It also features cool tracks like 14 hard

knocks on your door, the sound of a soccer ball being kicked around an apartment, and the hit single Got Any Games On That?

Everyone likes watching their obviously gay cousin squirm in their seat at the dinner table. Thankfully, if you’re the gay cousin, you can replicate those horribly uncomfortable conversations with the snap of a finger. Call a friend, who can stop by your dorm to help you rehearse your repertoire of lines!

“I’m just focussing on school right now,” “Well, it’s cheaper if it’s one bedroom,” and “Georgia should totally recount the votes!” are among the most popular.

At the end of the day, we know that the holidays are tough without your family around. So hopefully, whenever you feel homesick, you can try out some of our tricks to remind you of the reason you stayed home this year—your family.

Valentina de la Borbolla, Sepideh Afshar and Rory Daly Contributor & Staff Writers Valentina de la Borbolla, Contributor Talk about the pandemic has been defined by words like “abnormal,” “unprecedented,” and “challenging.” Admittedly, these last months have been all of those things and more, but in the chaos, I have found a sense of normality that I had never-before experienced.

Being alone with all the time in the world has left me craving both flexibility and something constant to hold on to. For me, that became my morning routine. I did have a routine before the pandemic; I am a pretty anxious person, so I usually need structure to function. However, I found that my pandemic routine was a lot more mindful than any of those prior to COVID-19. My morning rituals became a lot more intuitive, and I started doing things that actually made me feel good and not just things that made me productive.

(Erica Stefano / The McGill Tribune)

Sepideh Afshar, Staff Writer I have always found comfort in numbers, in having a group of people around me vulnerable enough to share similar feelings. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many rapidly changing emotions ranging from fear to helplessness but, as the reality of Montreal’s red zone set in, I feel that it has settled on loneliness. Feeling alone is hard, but it’s an inevitable fact of life during lockdown.

I have found solace in building connections within the McGill community and knowing that we are all going through these feelings together. I am lucky to live with six girls. We all act as support systems for each other, bound by our shared feelings. These are relationships I have held close to me, as online school has changed the way we communicate with our peers.

Between Zoom classes and online events, forming friendships looks completely different now. It is hard to really understand how someone is feeling when it is impossible to speak face-toface. However, I find comfort in logging into the Facebook Messenger group chats for my classes and seeing that everybody else is also freaking out, collectively accepting that we are all being penalized 10 points a day for handing in our essays late in the middle of a pandemic.

This online semester has also allowed me to connect with the McGill community in ways I may not have before the pandemic. Together, we have hyper-fixated on the McGill Fight Club incident through memes, and shared disappointment with the choice of the Redbirds as the new name of our Men’s varsity teams. Reactions to these events would not have diffused so far, nor would they have

(Taja de Silva / The McGill Tribune)

attracted the attention of so many different student groups, had they not taken place online. They have allowed for links between students to flourish where they may not have been able to before.

Beyond relationships between McGill students, the accommodation and compassion shown by professors has allowed me to connect with them more than I may have in a classroom setting, where it is much more intimidating to ask a question. I know that most people are not as lucky as I am, but many of my professors this semester have shown that they want to be as helpful as possible—beyond the regulations McGill sets in place for them.

There is a general understanding that we are all going through this together, and will continue to do so until the virus is snuffed out. No one is exempt from the impacts of COVID-19. Instead, we’ve all come together within this common experience and tried to support each other.

Rory Daly, Staff Writer Calling me a David Bowie superfan would not be an overstatement. I am in the top one per cent of his listeners on Spotify, I can sing a good third of his catalogue by heart, and a vintage 70s concert poster of his hangs on my apartment wall.

I can even tell you what songs he sang at that specific concert. Please don’t think I’m crazy—I just happened to be quite sick for much of my childhood, and music provided much-needed relief for the loneliness that chronic illness can induce.

And during this pandemic-enforced isolation, music has continued to serve as a powerful coping mechanism, more so than other avenues like fiction or television.

While I prefer David Bowie, any genre and

(Eve Cable / The McGill Tribune)

any artist can provide an experience similar to the one he does, because the greatest value of music is in hearing the struggles and passions of others.

Compared to the familiar voices of roommates and family that many have become accustomed to in their quarantine bubbles, listening to an artist you love is like a breath of fresh air. Even instruments work similarly if one focusses on how they are played and the number of individuals that are involved in a piece. To a keen ear, a good song can provide company.

I also enjoyed reading as a kid, but reading a great deal of fictional literature fosters feelings of isolation instead of working against it. Wishing to be in the presence of the prodigious d’Artagnan or the resourceful Bilbo replaced the longing to be around friends with a want for more fictional companionship. Most TV dramas work the same way. But there is something grounding in music, in hearing someone describe their own struggles and experiences, that cannot be found elsewhere.

Recently, I have been returning to Bowie’s Blackstar, an album which in many ways is a reflection of his impending death from cancer. It is hard to imagine a man staring his death in the eye and choosing to create something so powerful with it, but he does. Every minute of the album is tinged with his soul, and one might find comfort in hearing something so human. Not only do I empathize, but I feel I know a bit of the man through his work— just as I do Joan Baez or Elvis Costello. I carry their voices with me in times of isolation, and in turn, they provide me with company in a way that a good book or show never could.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

Breakfast was no longer just caloric fuel: It became a mindful half-hour where the most important thing was my milk-to-coffee-ratio and bagel-crispness-level. Listening to the New York Times’ “The Daily” podcast every day stopped being a source of news anxiety; instead, it became a comforting break to hear the same intro-music and anticipate Michael Barbaro’s “Here’s what else you need to know today” at the end of each episode.

But the most important thing about my routine is that I am comfortable changing it. I tend to come up with a routine and stick to it for months on end. However, this is not possible in the pandemic context because now, more than ever, my emotional state is unpredictable. At the beginning of the semester, I was very set on my routine: 7:30 a.m. alarm, have breakfast, shower, make my bed, and start school at 9:00 a.m. Yet, as the months passed and school began to weigh me down, I realized my routine needed to change. This would have been unthinkable a year ago because adapting my routine would have meant being less productive. As I shift my priorities, productivity is slowly losing ground to things like comfort, calm, and enjoyment. So I rejected years of prioritizing academic performance over my health and stopped setting an alarm. I changed up my breakfast; I laid in bed for longer. The Daily stayed, though—that one is non-negotiable.

Although these changes may not seem lifechanging, and not everyone has the privilege to be flexible, I have learned to adapt the expectations I set for myself to prioritize my mental and emotional well-being. The pandemic has shown us that we cannot take our health for granted. To me, that

means never putting school over my health ever again.

OPINION / 9

Student vignettes from a pandemic

Making‌ ‌sense‌ ‌of‌ ‌McGill’s‌ ‌underfunding‌ ‌crisis‌‌ Investigating‌ ‌Quebec’s‌ ‌contentious‌ ‌history‌ ‌of‌ ‌post-secondary‌ ‌funding‌ Jonah Fried Opinion Editor Students come to McGill for many reasons. For domestic students, it is an affordable, high-ranking, historically anglophone university; for international students, McGill’s prestige is comparable to top schools globally. But many students, especially international and out-of-province first years, are surprised to find that McGill’s services and resources are severely lacking. Most visibly, decrepit buildings bear all of the markings of a university in decline, not a top tier school.

Similarly, the Wellness Hub is infamously poorly managed and insufficient. Meanwhile, staff, especially contract workers, are overworked and underpaid. Vastly disproportionate studentto-staff ratios are equally astonishing hallmarks of McGill’s academic austerity.

McGill’s world-class reputation seems to belie this dismal reality. Although the university does not receive enough government funding to maintain its international standing, it may also be deepening its funding crisis by clinging onto its accolades rather than promoting student welfare.

But McGill has lacked sufficient operational funds since the 1960s, when Quebec modernized its public education system. In an interview with The McGill Tribune, Professor Peter F. McNally, director of the History of McGill project, emphasized that the underfunding of universities in Quebec has been a problem for decades.

“Higher education in Quebec is generally underfunded,” McNally said. “In other words, all universities in Quebec are not

as well funded as they need to be or should be.”

This sets Quebec schools apart from similar public university systems in Canada and in the United States, even though they are often compared to them.

“In Quebec rhetoric, sometimes analogies are made between [Quebec’s] university system and the University of California university system,” McNally said. “Well, that's sort of true, it's sort of not true. The University of California system is significantly better funded.”

According to McNally, understanding the Quebec university system’s current financial predicament is impossible without grasping political developments in the 1960s and ‘70s.

During this period, earthquakes of political discord shook the

province as the francophone population demanded cultural self-determination. Above all, the Quiet Revolution—a period of rapid social and political change that loosened the Catholic Church’s hold over Quebec—transformed the province’s education system. However, the implementation of Bill 22 and the violence pronounced in the 1970 October Crisis exemplified the language divide that continues to define Quebec, shaping McGill’s place in its public education system as a leading English-language institution.

McNally traces the evolution of McGill’s revenue sources during this period in his 2013 article, “McGill University and

This trend would continue throughout the decade. At the same time, francophone universities established undergraduate programs, while the government founded the University of Quebec and the CEGEP system. The new CEGEPs instituted a two-to-three year period that students had to complete before university, replacing the Classical college system historically run by the Catholic Church.

Even within the historically affluent anglophone sector, university degrees suddenly became more accessible. As such, McGill’s operating costs increased significantly as enrollment rose and new faculty were hired, McNally notes. Although

Quebec City in the 1960s.”

Although Quebec was notorious for insufficiently funding its higher education system until the 1960s, it reversed its course during the Quiet Revolution, enshrining accessibility to public education into law. After the province resolved a jurisdictional dispute with the federal government, it obtained authority to fund universities at its own discretion. However, the government did not distribute these grants evenly and favoured Frenchlanguage institutions over English ones. In fact, between 1961-62 and 1964-65, the grants issued per student for Montreal’s three French-language universities increased from $977 to $1,295, or 33 per cent, whereas the three English language universities saw an increase of only 11 per cent.

McGill was funded primarily through donations and expensive tuition before 1960, its endowment was no longer sufficient to cover its expenses. Moreover, it had also incurred a deficit by undertaking massive infrastructure projects—including the construction of many of the notable buildings on campus, from Leacock to Otto Maass—with money obtained through initial provincial grants. Consequently, McGill desperately needed government funding to maintain its operations, but the university’s history of exclusionary Anglophone elitism overshadowed its financial distress.

The government excused not providing McGill with necessary funding by arguing that it did not need it, considering that it had the advantage of predating the new francophone systems and that it had received substantial funding from private sources when Montreal was predominantly Englishspeaking and run. Indeed, Quebec’s first Minister of Education, Paul Gerin-Lajoie, argued in a 1971 interview with the CBC that compensation had to be made by the government to the francophone community.

As a result of the government’s policies, university funding remained more or less the same for all universities in the province until at least 2000—without taking into account differential operating costs. The government also repeatedly froze tuition throughout the 1990s and cut funding, and as such, the influx of tuition funds remained the same even as the cost of maintaining public education in the province increased precipitously.

Quebec has repeatedly acknowledged the university underfunding problem. In 2000, then-Minister of Education François Legault conceded that McGill was underfunded by millions of dollars annually in terms of operations. These concerns ultimately prompted Premier Jean Charest’s Liberal Party (PLQ) government to propose to increase fees in 2011, releasing a budget plan that would have hiked university tuition by $325 per year from 2012 to 2017. As such, it would have raised tuition from $2,168 to $3,793—a 75 per cent fee increase for every student.

In seeking to compensate for decades of underfunding by increasing the tuition burden on students, the Liberal Party sparked the most intense period of student strikes in provincial

history: The “Maple Spring.”

During the protests, more than 60,000 students formed CLASSE, or “broad coalition of the Association for Student Union Solidarity,” to trigger a general strike. Soon after, the Fédération étudiante collégiale du Québec (FECQ) and the Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec (FEUQ), the associations representing CEGEP and university students, announced that they would strike as well.

The Maple Spring strikes involved nearly half of Quebec's student population by April 2012, and by its peak, a quarter million had participated. Riding the tide of this political instability and promising to halt the tuition increases, in 2012, the Parti Québécois (PQ) was elected to a minority government.

Some experts, including McGill’s Professor Jacob T. Levy, argued that higher education in Quebec would flounder without tuition increases. Writing in Academic Matters soon after the protests subsided, Levy not only castigated the strikers for coercing students and administrators through intimidation, but also the goal of low tuition for potentially harming the future of higher education in Quebec.

Levy’s concerns were shared by academics at the 2013 Quebec Higher Education Summit.

Moreover, a study published the same year by the Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities (CEPUQ) found that Quebec’s universities were underfunded by $850 million a year.

But McGill Professor Daniel Weinstock disagreed with Levy and the conclusions of the summit, instead supporting low tuition fees. He argued that maintaining low tuition is morally imperative to promote the accessibility of higher education. Further, Weinstock contended that the government must demonstrate that it is using taxpayer funds in the most efficient, equitable manner possible before suggesting a tuition fee increase, writing that taxpayer dollars are Quebecers’ “collective endowment.”

At the heart of Weinstock and Levy’s debate is a clash of countervailing visions for public education, and the question of whether Quebec’s universities, particularly McGill, should be competing internationally at all. It is possible that Levy conflates prestige with education quality, but it may also be the case that Weinstock’s moral treatise in favor of low tuition—and even working towards free tuition—is too idealistic. McGill’s role in public education remains vexing to this day, as it continues to proliferate its international reputation and attracts international students from around the globe.

In fact, the role of international students in Quebec is now inextricable from the philosophical questions underlying the LevyWeinstock debate. Although education in

Quebec remains underfunded, the government seems to have found a partial solution through deregulating international tuition fees, which can range from $20,000 to $50,000 CAD per year. Their tuition dollars are retained by universities rather than diverted to the provincial government.

Some students have decried this policy for making McGill inaccessible to international student populations. But the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) government of Legault may have nationalist incentives in maintaining low provincial tuition for Quebec residents.

After all, low in-province tuition may in part be responsible for the stability of “the French fact” of the province. The period of university studies is a decisive crossroads in demographic change, as students often choose where they want to study according to where they would like to live and work as employed adults.

However, in Quebec, the institution of twoyear CEGEP programs followed by cheap three-year university degrees disincentivizes young francophones from leaving the province in favor of other parts of Canada or the U.S. Considering that a four-year degree can cost anything from twice to 10 times as much at public universities elsewhere in North America, to speak nothing of private schools like the American Ivy Leagues that McGill is sometimes compared to, it is no wonder that even wealthy Quebecers opt to remain in the province.

In this way, steep international tuition, which continues to increase every year, functions as a funding reservoir outside of the “collective endowment” of the Quebec taxpayer. Likewise, the expense barrier may discourage non-francophone immigrants from studying in Quebec, a policy position similarly evident in the CAQ’s reforms to the Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) to streamline Quebec citizenship. Tuition agreements with France and Belgium, which

reduce fees for students from these countries to levels consistent with out-of-province Canadian students, also illustrate the way the government uses public universities to preserve Quebec's demographic composition.

Even so, international tuition hikes are a recent phenomenon, and they will not suffice to reverse the legacy of decades of systemic underfunding. But analogies are made between McGill and elite American institutions for a reason. Although McGill’s funding pales in contrast to these institutions, it has nonetheless remained competitive in university rankings.

McNally argues that this dichotomy makes McGill an anomaly among global universities.

“In 1991, the McGill deficit reached its height of about $80 million,” McNally said.

“Now, 30 years later […] that $80 million would be an awful lot more. That was the largest accumulated debt of any Canadian university up to that time. And in fact, it was one of the largest of any university in the world [....] It was notable, and it was much talked about.”

In spite of McGill’s ballooning deficit that year, when Maclean's magazine did its first survey evaluation of Canadian universities in 1991, McGill was ranked first.

“So here you have the anomaly of a university, which at the one level can justly claim to be underfunded, and has put together a huge debt, but at the same time, it's ranked as the leading university in the country by a national magazine,” McNally said.

Considering that McGill has always suffered from funding debilitations, the university’s consistently high reputation is perplexing, and may indicate that administrators place funding in areas that will enhance its prestige over others.

“I think part of it is that, although McGill was underfunded, it was funded sufficiently well, and it was run sufficiently well,” McNally said.

The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU)’s former Vice President-External, Adam Amsel, disagrees.

“It's important to realize that, when McGill is talking about being underfunded, that’s a relative statement,” Amsel said. “They're going

its world class reputation and the dilapidated state of its student services. Although McNally acknowledged that McGill’s services are lacking, he suggests that the administration may view them as less essential because McGill is located in an urban environment.

“McGill’s attitude has always been that, ‘We're right in the centre of downtown Montreal, we have this huge city right outside on the other side of Sherbrooke street with all these wonderful services [and] students should feel more than free to take full advantage of them,’” McNally said.

Yet without adequate student services, McGill’s reputation has deteriorated as student dissatisfaction has surged. Such support mechanisms are undeniably crucial to helping students cope with the turbulent lifestyle changes and academic anxieties inherent to pursuing a university education.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues for many students.

In an email to the Tribune, McGill Media Relations Officer Frédérique Mazerolle dismissed concerns that the pandemic might be exacerbating preexisting funding shortages and undermining the university’s ability to provide for its students.

“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities all over the world are currently dealing with repercussions on their revenues,” Mazerolle wrote. “McGill University has been working tirelessly since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis to deal with the aftermath, notably by instituting an interim budget that will allow the University to enter the post-

(marxist.ca) to talk about being underfunded in key areas as compared to other units. McGill is insisting on comparing itself to other top schools [....] They try to do the same amount with less money, which is an endeavor that's doomed to fail.”

One of the consequences, Amsel says, is a precarious workplace and an endless tug of war between McGill employees and management.

“Salaries are formed as part of a university budget, and the university selectively makes decisions to cut certain things in order to glorify itself in other areas that are perhaps catchy, […] that encourage international student enrollment,” Amsel said.

For Amsel, this stark disparity mirrors the gap between McGill’s stature and shortfalls, as well as between the administration’s rhetoric and reality.

Another one of McGill’s most visible contradictions may be the juxtaposition of

COVID-19 world in full force, without being limited in its ability to fulfill its core mission.”

Still, Mazerolle acknowledged that with the added financial pressures of the pandemic, donations would not suffice to maintain McGill’s reputation.

“The demand for a McGill education remains high, the global macroeconomic environment has been favourable in recent years, and business and philanthropic partners have expressed a strong interest in contributing to the success of McGill’s students and Faculties,” Mazerolle wrote.

“These conditions have provided McGill with the means to partially offset the impact of underfunding over the past decade but remain insufficient to close funding gaps with national and global peers.”

Design by Ruobing Chen, Design Editor

PHOTOGRAPHY / 12

VIBRANT PASTS

Brian Schatteman, Staff Photographer

Jasmine Acharya, Staff Photographer

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

Caroline Shelton, Photo Editor

Defne Gurcay, Staff Photographer

Caroline Shelton, Photo Editor

Brian Schatteman, Staff Photographer

Defne Gurcay, Staff Photographer

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

Jasmine Acharya, Staff Photographer

PHOTOGRAPHY / 13

INTROSPECTION

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT / 14

The McGill Tribune presents:

THE BEST AND WORST OF 2020 Deana Korsunsky, Erika MacKenzie, Lowell Wolfe, Matthew Molinaro, Naomi Mirny, Vanessa Barron, Jonathan Giammaria, Katia Lo Innes Staff Writers, Arts & Entertainment Editors and Managing Editor

TV SHOWS

MOVIES

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The Queen’s Gambit Netflix’s smash-hit scripted limited series follows Beth Harmon, an enigmatic chess prodigy. The twist? Harmon has had a tranquilizer addiction since she was child, a plot point that carries both her chess career and the binge-worthy nature of the show itself.

2. Normal People Based on Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel of the same name, the limited series revolves around the complex romantic relationship between university students Marianne and Connell. Teeming with captivating chemistry, tension, and a bittersweet, coming-of-age tone, the show sharply sheds light on the messy and emotional nature of relationships and social identity.

3. Betty Betty follows a group of Gen Z gals infiltrating a male-dominated skateboarding scene in New York City. Based on the 2018 film Skate Kitchen, Betty captures the spirit of friendship, skating, and style. Betty is a joyful and vibrant series with in-depth character development that allows each cast member to shine.

4. The Crown Following the most entertainingly controversial royal family from 1977-1990, Season 4 of The Crown adds two dynamic characters—Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Diana Spencer—to the mix.

Emma Another decade, another brilliant adaptation of one of Jane Austen’s most famous novels. With stunningly detailed sets and costumes, Emma. successfully flaunts all the novel’s famous, silly sentiments of love, making for a delightful and lighthearted film.

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2. Palm Springs Two strangers (Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti) meet at a wedding in Palm Springs and get stuck in a time loop—think Forgetting Sarah Marshall meets Groundhog Day. It’s the perfect blend of rom-com and sci-fi.

3. Da 5 Bloods Spike Lee’s latest follows a group of aging Black Vietnam War veterans who return to Vietnam in search of their fallen squad leader and the treasure they buried while serving. Da 5 Bloods is a touching sendoff to the late Chadwick Boseman, who gives a stellar performance.

4. I’m Thinking of Ending Things Back with his imaginative cinematography and meta-surrealism, director Charlie Kaufman confused and dazzled viewers with his new time-bending thriller, I’m Thinking Of Ending Things. With a more existentially nihilistic take on the nature of relationships and time than his previous films, Kaufman once again leaves a stately mark on the cinematic landscape of the year.

5. The Invisible Man Elizabeth Moss attempts to escape her crazed ex-boyfriend—who is invisible—in the 2020 adaptation of the 1897 H.G. Wells novel.

The film retains its classic sci-fi roots while revamping its horror for a modern take.

5. The Mandalorian The second season of The Mandalorian continues to follow the adventures of The Mandalorian and his adorable, meme-able friend, Baby Yoda, as the two adventure through the Star Wars universe.

Worst: Emily in Paris Emily, an overeager girlboss-to-be from Chicago, moves to a clichéd version of Paris to assist a PR firm with her American perspective. The show desperately tries to be campy, but the result is just cringeworthy.

Worst: Hillbilly Elegy Directed by Ron Howard, Hollywood’s worst former child actor, Hillbilly Elegy features truly egregious accent and wig work, on top of being patronizing poverty porn. It is offensive to any one with a moral center or good taste. (variety.com)

SONGS

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ALBUMS

“WAP” by Cardi B, feat. Megan Thee Stallion Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion emphasize their erotic desirability in a love song that favours lustful sexuality over etiquette or gentility.

2. “XS” by Rina Sawayama Rina Sawayama brings rich vocals and a mix of nu-metal and Y2K pop production to this stunning bop—and its message against consumerism and capitalism in the face of climate change is the cherry on top.

3. “hand crushed by a mallet” (Remix) [feat. Fall Out Boy, Craig Owens, Nicole Dollanganger] by 100 gecs 100 gec’s absurd and beautifully chaotic “hand crushed” remix is an emo-poppunk revolution for our times.

4. “Moon Song” by Phoebe Bridgers Bridgers’s soft yet powerful vocals combined with lulling guitar chords produce a dreamlike quality to this hit from her latest album, Punisher. “Moon Song” is a must-add for all playlists pertaining to “chill,” “falling asleep,” “getting over them,” and “songs about the moon”—if that’s your thing.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020

(theconversation.com)

Fetch the Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple Sparsely produced with GarageBand, Fiona Apple’s latest album is a percussive and dissonant look at the confinement of our times.

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2. folklore by Taylor Swift Diving into indie-folk, Taylor Swift astounds with her tour-de-force album, folklore, which features a patchwork of delicate, vulnerable songs coinciding with the rise of Gen Z “cottagecore” subculture on social media.

3. Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers Phoebe Bridgers’ sophomore album blends somber lyricism and haunting instrumentals, making it the perfect album to listen to in a melancholic state on a rainy day. Punisher is Bridgers’ personal diary made public, reflecting feelings of inner turmoil with candid vulnerability.

4. Set My Heart on Fire Immediately by Perfume Genius Ranging from upbeat pop songs to slow, contemplative melodies to explore themes of memory, anxiety, and sexuality, Perfume Genius’ newest album is a unique and multifaceted take on the body and its experiences.

5. “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles In this unbelievably catchy, Grammy-nominated song, Harry Styles sings about lustful, sticky summer desire represented through the use of multiple fruit metaphors. Perhaps fruit wasn’t the only thing Styles was checking out at the farmer’s market.

5. SAWAYAMA by Rina Sawayama Rina Sawayama’s debut LP recreates early 2000’s pop music with stellar production, eclectic vocal mixing, and occasional, well-placed irony.

Worst: Changes by Justin Bieber 2020 had a slew of R&B-inspired pop albums, but none have been as forgettable as Justin Bieber’s Changes.

Intended to be his comeback album, it instead gave us Bieber’s terrible moustache and some clumsy lyrics thanking Hailey Bieber’s parents for “making” her.

Worst: “Yummy” by Justin Bieber Pairing his lifeless vocals with the lyrical genius of a fifth grader, Bieber gives us a mindnumbing track about that “yummy yum”... whatever that means. (allure.com)

(pitchfork.com)

Naomi Mirny, A&E Staff Writer

Montreal Bach Festival - Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montréal Enjoy six classical pieces from Johann Sebastian Bach, live-streamed over Facebook.

Nov. 26 – Dec. 3, 2020 Online $9

Hanukk-Art Creations: Sufganiyot Decorating Workshop Interested in culinary arts? You’re in luck! Come join this interactive, cookalong workshop of turning Hanukkah sufganiyot into works of edible art!

Dec. 6, 3pm – 4:30pm Online $18

CARTE BLANCHE COLORÉE PAR SAMIAN

Watch Canadian rapper Samian perform virtually from Les spectacles Place des Arts.

Nov. 27 - Dec. 9 Online $15

“DÉCEMBRE LA GRANDE FRESQUE DU TEMPS DES FÊTES” Musical, presented by “Québec Issime”

French Canadian Novelist Michel Tremblay will be at Librairie Paulines to meet readers and sign copies of his new book, “Victoire!”

Nov. 14, 2 p.m.

Librairie Paulines Free

The Booker Prize turns a new page

A shifting, representative shortlist for a changing literary world Matthew Molinaro Staff Writer

The debate over acceptance into the English literary canon grows livelier with each new publication. For some, the canon is a tradition—a membersonly club seeking to promote the same trite stories over those centring women, people of colour, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, among other marginalized groups. But the increasing prominence of “outsider” writers on the literary stage throws the dominance of tradition into tension. After a three-month process of longlisting, shortlisting, and finalizing a winner, on Nov. 19, the Booker Prize announced its winner, Shuggie Bain, a debut novel by Scottish writer, Douglas Stuart. Shuggie Bain’s win in a group of striking nominees for one of the literary world’s most acclaimed prizes is part of the new beginnings of representation and recognition by literary establishments.

Shuggie Bain is about family, violence, and sexuality in Thatcher-era Glasgow. Stuart is the first Scot in 26 years and the first gay man since Marlon James’ A Brief History of Seven Killings in 2015 to win the prestigious £50,000 prize. Likewise, the other five shortlisted authors were of diverse backgrounds. For the second consecutive year, no white, cisgendered, heterosexual men were on the Booker shortlist. Three authors, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Maaza Mengiste, and Brandon Taylor, are Black. One author, Avni Doshi, is of Indian descent.

Both Taylor and Stuart are gay, and Dangarembga, Mengiste, Doshi, and Diane Cook identify as women. To see traditionally marginalized individuals recognized at an international scale

shows a shifting approach in highlighting stories—the “modern classic” is growing toward a more inclusive mainstream definition. After years of grassroots work by smaller independent publishers like Canongate Books and Oneworld Publications and other organizations’ awards like the NAACP and the Lamda Literary Foundation, these two years of diverse nominees are a triumphant result of the fight to prove the worth of “outsider” authors in an often unwelcoming, exclusionary environment.

In an industry whose conventional wisdom for female writers, writers of colour, and queer writers is to toe the line, not go too far, and keep expectations low, these authors have written spectacular, innovative novels. Their inclusion demonstrates that the limits and definitions of literary merit are malleable.

Literary award nominees were and still are largely straight, white authors. As authors like Toni Morrison, Salman Rushdie, and Alice Walker blazed trails for people of colour in publishing, prizes across the board are taking authors historically excluded from the Western canon more seriously. Colson Whitehead winning the Pulitzer Prize twice for consecutive novels, the last five winners of America’s National Book Award being people of colour, and 2SLGBTQIA+ writers like Stuart, James, and Taylor flourishing are all testaments to the efforts of past individuals, both authors and publishers, who were ahead of their times.

The question of whether representation by committee matters is a valid one, as the Booker Prize may well shortlist six white, male authors next year.

In fact, it seems like only yesterday when the Booker Prize’s inexplicable choice

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT / 15

could be good

This year’s Booker Prize winner, Douglas Stuart, is the first Scot in 26 years and the first gay man since 2015 to win the prestigious prize. (theguardian.com) to break their own rules in their judging process led to a controversial tie between the first Black female winner, Bernardine Evaristo’s brilliant, experimental novel Girl, Woman, Other and Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments. Further, prizes can act as an elite process of virtue signalling that do not address systemic barriers in the field. Representation in higher arenas of literature can shatter the presumed exclusivity of literary canons and give platforms to shortlisted authors.

Bringing these stories to the forefront of today’s literary scene must, however, lead to action. The blindly held argument that 2SLGBTQIA+ or Black narratives are not palatable to mainstream audiences does not follow. The Booker’s shortlist sends a message to academic institutions, to publishing houses, to magazines, and to production companies that upholding decorum and singularity is a thing of the past.

COVEN brings the witching hour to Twitch

Montreal’s House of Gahd hosts a spooky virtual evening of drag performances Deana Korsunsky Staff Writer

The evening consisted of freaky yet stunning drag looks, performances, and songs. (twitch.tv/houseofgahd) a visually jarring rendition of Röyksopp’s “Running to the Sea,” writhing on the floor, the combination of her KISSesque makeup and an edited doubling of her body creating a spooky, psychedelic effect. Myst set the mood for the show, which escalated with every performance: Anaconda Lasabrosa lip-synced to Evanescence’s “Bring Me To Life,” waking up in a bathtub as a rotting zombie. Demone Lastrange donned a Beetlejuice-green wig as she danced in a kitchen with a knife and pretended to kill someone on what looked like the world’s most violent cooking show.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

In March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic locked down the world. As a result, eight months later on Nov. 28, I found myself standing alone in my room and being sworn into the COVEN by two drag queens on Twitch.

“We are a coven. We are here to support each other, and you’re part of the coven with us. Now, repeat: I solemnly swear to use my power to fuck with the patriarchy,” hosts Selma Gahd and Uma Gahd said.

This delightful induction introduced the intimate audience of approximately 60 Twitch users to the second anniversary of the COVEN Drag Show, an evening of drag performances hosted by the ladies of the House of Gahd— Uma Gahd and Selma Gahd, the show’s producer, who had a few words of warning for the audience.

“This show can be a little intense,” Selma said. “This show is meant to freak you out!”

Selma Gahd went on to describe the potentially triggering imagery that would appear in the evening’s performances, including, but not limited to, blood, gore, flashing lights, and clowns. Yet, despite the show’s creepy and supposedly scary premise, the two Ms. Gahds maintained a morbidly humourous tone throughout.

“Assume someone might get bloodied up and murdered by the end of the night, and it might even be part of the show,” Uma joked.

The show was structured around pre-recorded, homemade videos of Montreal’s biggest drag names lip syncing to various songs, with the common denominator appearing to be, just how creepy of a music video can I make for this show? Opener and chat moderator Sierra Myst performed

Gore and lip-syncing aside, the diversity of COVEN’s performances helped maintain a momentum that ensured minimal boredom amongst the audience. Matante Alex’s unique video editing paid homage to the 8-bit Mario format of the 1980s, depicting a miniature Alex dodging fireballs in Bowser’s castle. Drag King Charli Deville, in turn, presented a montage of himself dressed in different costumes, ranging from a freshly-shaven, winged-eye-liner clad man to a creepy, murderous clown. Without fail, every performer throughout the night brought a fiery dedication to appear as freaky as possible, whether it was through costume, choreography, editing, or bloody props.

Despite the daunting online format, COVEN was a success, spotlighting Montreal’s spookiest drag art. Prior to the pandemic, COVEN took place on Halloween at the Diving Bell Social Club. Yet, like many shows, COVEN had to migrate to the COVID-friendly medium of online live streaming. Twitch, a popular streaming platform, proved to be a phenomenal substitute venue, replicating a pre-COVID drag show with banter between the two hosts and audience crowd work via the chat. Even the act of tipping performers translated into a convenient tip button, a bot that would announce the latest tip in a British female accent—dubbed by the Gahds as “Elizabeth.”

Undeterred by the change of performance venue, producer Selma Gahd adapted to public health restrictions, creating a memorable and delightfully spooky evening.

Performing Queen’s “The Show Must Go On,” Gahd ensured that every performer and every virtual audience member felt the resilience and creativity of Montreal’s queer artists.

COVEN was not just an entertaining evening of drag; it was a celebration of adapting to calamity and a welcome invitation to the COVEN for anyone who feels like a fellow weirdo.

STUDENT LIFE / 16 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

Alleviating the transfer student blues

The case for building community amongst transfer students Lucy Keller Staff Writer There is one thing that all McGill students can agree on: McGill is an extremely challenging school. While the degree of difficulty varies between courses and programs, it is safe to say that it is nearly impossible to find a truly easy class that requires minimal work. This academic rigour, mixed with a highly intelligent student body, can cause students to experience imposter syndrome. Feelings of inadequacy in comparison to their peers can prompt students to question their acceptance or accomplishments at McGill.

Although McGill students differ in their experiences of imposter syndrome, it is particularly prevalent amongst transfer students.

“Imposter syndrome is when someone doesn’t feel worthy of their achievements and feels nervous, particularly before they speak, in front of other people,” Sarah Henning, licensed psychologist, said. “It gets highlighted when people receive an award or receive acceptance into a new and rigorous setting.”

In most cases, students transfer schools because their experiences at their past university did not work out for one reason or another. Whether this is due to academics, tuition fees or other social factors at their previous university, students make a conscious and lifealtering choice to transfer to a new school and acclimate to a new environment for a second time.

McGill’s lack of programming specific to transfer students still unfamiliar with the school can contribute to imposter syndrome. While McGill runs an orientation for transfer students, historically, this program has been only an hourlong non-interactive lecture focussing on transfer credits. While the session provides important information, it can be both overwhelmingly broad and surface-level, consisting of direct screenshots and slides from the McGill website.

Not only does this orientation fail to cover the necessary information on how to navigate the university from a student perspective, it also does not seek to introduce transfer students to their peers.

Gilbert Lin, manager of Campus Life & Engagement (CL&E) at McGill, explained in an interview with The McGill Tribune that the reason behind the structure of this session is to ensure students understand credit requirements for graduation.

“We understand that there are a lot of activities going on on campus, and we do not want to keep students any longer than necessary,” Lin said.

“The transfer program is organized the way it is because of the academic rigour at McGill. Our first priority in this session is to introduce the specific credit requirements for transfer students, which we know is often different from other students, and so we want to make sure we cover that

While imposter syndrome is a common university experience, it is particularly common amongst transfer students. (Rawpixel.com) before touching on other information.”

Lin replaced Leslie Copeland, the former manager of CL&E, last year. Lin said that he had increased the duration of the transfer orientation in an attempt to put more emphasis on building friendships.

The transfer orientation, however, is still only one event and students do not receive any additional, long-lasting support throughout their first year. While CL&E offers great programs such as The Buddy Program, The Student Matching Program, and The First Friend program, which pair incoming first years with upper year students, no CL&E initiative is aimed at supporting and connecting transfer students.

Before Lin took on the role, there was no reception during the orientation event for students to meet, and there are still no specific Facebook entering class pages or social media groups for transfer students to connect.

Mahler Meyerrose, U2 Arts, transferred to McGill last year from St. Lawrence University. Reflecting on her experience in the transfer program, Meyerrose explains how the whole process was quite jarring.

“During the transfer session I was sitting next to a bunch of grad students and PhD students,” Meyerrose said. “The program is not at all just undergrads. I thought it was really weird how it was such a mixed group of students.”

While this experience alone could cause a transfer student to feel isolated, confused, and disoriented, once classes begin and the add/drop period ends, students are buried in work and must begin to learn the social norms of McGill while attempting to keep up with academic expectations. In this process, it is quite

easy for students to not only feel different from their classmates due to their unique educational background, but also to feel confused as to how to access the many resources listed online. Without other peers to relate to due to the lack of a transfer student community, it is understandable that students find themselves doubting their intellect and feeling alone at such a large university.

This experience hits quite close to home because three years ago, I transferred to McGill from Northeastern University.

While I could not be happier today that I transferred, it would be a lie to say that my first year at McGill was easy.

Not only was it hard to make friends during the first couple of months, but I also struggled to learn the ins and outs at McGill. After leaving the transfer students session three years ago, I remember feeling like I was simply a statistic in the eyes of the orientation leader, as if she was just there to make sure that we could swiftly graduate from the school we just enrolled in. From not knowing what to respond when someone asked what residence I was in, to being unsure how to maneuver add/ drop at a new university, my first year at McGill feels like a blur.

Looking back at how I felt during these first couple of months, I remember struggling to find a way to describe my feelings. I was not embarrassed by the fact that I transferred, but I did feel a need to “fit in” with what I always considered “real” McGill students. I was also trying, to the best of my ability, to adjust to the demands of McGill courses, not feeling bright enough to engage with my peers.

In retrospect, I understand that I was experiencing imposter syndrome. In navigating my transfer, I would have appreciated help from McGill through either a more comprehensive transfer programming or more guidance.

While I understand that there are mental health resources available through the Student Wellness Hub and the Healthy Living Annex at the university, at the time, I was unaware that this feeling was abnormal.

M a n y resources, such as the A m e r i c a n P s y c h o l o g y Association and the Harvard Business Review, detail the best way to overcome this syndrome: To begin talking about it with others. For transfer students, this would likely be much easier amongst themselves, allowing them to feel a sense of community amongst 27,000 undergraduates. But without a robust support system offered by the university, this community is unlikely to emerge.

“I know for me, whenever I feel this way, I know it helps to talk to my colleagues and they usually reassure me that this feeling is normal, and can go away,” Henning said.

Moving forward, the McGill Orientation Program should consider these factors when introducing new and different students to the McGill community. In providing support throughout the first year, or even the first semester, the McGill Orientation Program could ease the feelings of imposter syndrome for transfer students and create an inclusive transfer student community.

Program connects older adults with graduate students to build resilience amidst isolation Wendy Zhao Staff Writer Loneliness has touched everyone at one point in their lives. Now, loneliness has paradoxically become a shared experience, with both its mental and physical impacts warranting increased attention. The intergenerational Wisdom Exchange Project, initiated by a team of graduate students from McGill University, Ryerson University, and the University of Waterloo, seeks to foster friendships between two demographics especially vulnerable to social isolation: Older adults and graduate students in Quebec and Ontario.

Sivaniya Subramaniapillai, a PhD candidate in the Department of Psychology at McGill, is one of four team members of the Exchange Project.

In an interview with The McGill Tribune, Subramaniapillai discussed the value of fostering intergenerational bonds.

“The goal is to merge two people who would otherwise not be able to develop a friendship,” Subramaniapillai said. “I think there’s a huge benefit of having an exchange of ideas and wisdoms between people of different backgrounds.

This is what really inspired the project, the focus on exchange between ideas.”

The project’s founders believe the generational differences that seemingly separate individuals can become sources of mutual wisdom. Subramaniapilla discussed the unique possibilities of building intergenerational connections.

“I’m seeing it as a friendship spark that happens because we’re learning from someone else who has had a lifetime of experiences that’s different from our lifetime of experiences,” Subramaniapillai said.

Creating these friendships becomes vital in the face of enduring loneliness, a state that impacts psychological and physical well-being. Recent research connects prolonged periods of isolation to serious health ramifications, including heart disease and dementia. For older adults already at risk of illness, transitioning to retirement, and losing close networks of friendships, loneliness is a particularly crucial concern.

Although they receive less research attention, feelings of isolation among graduate students are prevalent as well.

Due to the secluded nature of research work, experiences of imposter syndrome, and constant deadline pressures, graduate school can damage the mental wellness of students.

Subramaniapillai discussed her own experience working as a graduate student while in social isolation.

“A lot of the time that’s spent doing research is really [lonely] work,” Subramaniapillai said. “Especially with COVID-19, those natural conversations with lab mates [and] with my supervisor are no longer there. I think I really relied on these spontaneous conversations that happened in the lab.”

Despite the dire effects of long-term loneliness, Subramaniapillai is optimistic

STUDENT LIFE / 17

Wisdom Exchange Project combats loneliness through intergenerational friendships

Headed by a group of Canadian graduate students, the Wisdom Exchange Project will foster intergenerational friendship between graduate students and older adults. (uk.cbc.ac) for the future. Increasing levels of social contact are proven to lead to positive health outcomes, showing the crucial role that meaningful relationships have for generations both old and young.

The Wisdom Exchange Project also seeks to spark educational discussions of physical and psychological health.

As a part of the initiative, knowledge translation seminars will be hosted where graduate and postdoctoral trainees share their research on topics of healthy living.

With these conversations, the team hopes to combat a challenge often faced by researchers: Publicly disseminating the results of empirical studies.

Subramaniapillai explained her desire to cultivate opportunities for dialogues that can improve the reception and impact of influential findings.

“The goal of these seminars is

to provide a platform for scientists to communicate their research in a really easy, understandable manner,” Subramaniapillai said. “But they aren’t meant to be a unidirectional format. We really hope that the older population ends up participating in these seminars, actively engaging with these scientists.”

Before the pandemic, the Wisdom Exchange Project was already in progress.

The exacerbated toll of social isolation in recent months, however, inspired the project’s team to kick-start the initiative.

In the coming weeks, the Wisdom Exchange Project will release a questionnaire to begin the pairing process.

Interested students can complete the questionnaire or email wisdom. exchange.project@gmail.com for more information.

The Yellow Door to host physically distanced Annual Benefit Dinner

Virtual concert will bring youth and seniors together to combat social isolation Josephine Wang Staff Writer

Though it will forgo an in-person gathering, The Yellow Door will welcome community members virtually on Dec. 10. (Jasmine Acharya / The McGill Tribune) very different circumstances. On Dec. 10, a team of volunteers and Yellow Door staff will deliver meals to seniors’ doors and host a live online piano concert that allows community members to dine together safely. Dedicated volunteers, local caterers, and donations are making this year’s dinner possible.

“We’ve heard feedback from some of our members that other organizations are simply not having holiday events this year due to the pandemic, so we feel grateful that we can still provide them with a little bit of normalcy and something to look forward

to during these uncertain times,” EdwardsCarreau said. “As much as we are sad that we can’t be together in person, everyone is really excited that we can still celebrate the holidays together.”

If you want to donate to The Yellow Door’s Annual Benefit Dinner, visit their website here. Checks and cash can always be mailed to 3625 Aylmer, Montreal, QC H2X 2C3. For information about volunteer opportunities at The Yellow Door, click here or contact The Yellow Door at info@ yellowdoor.org

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

Due to the pandemic, many people are facing profound hardships, including the loss of loved ones and livelihoods, as well as increased social isolation. In particular, the elderly face special challenges with regard to their mental and psychological well-being. Social distancing, although a crucial strategy to curb the spread of COVID-19, is a major cause of loneliness, particularly in nursing homes. This puts older adults at greater risk of depression and anxiety disorders. Those who do not have nearby family or friends and rely on the support of voluntary services or social care face additional risk.

The Yellow Door is a nonprofit community organization that brings together university-aged students with seniors from the Peter-McGill neighbourhood to combat social isolation and create meaningful connections across generations. Many of their programs, such as their Wellness Groups, are geared towards helping vulnerable seniors stay connected with their communities while promoting mental and physical wellness.

Before the pandemic, volunteers visited senior members of the PeterMcGill neighbourhood in their homes and helped them with appointments and errands. The Yellow Door also hosted many activities that gave youth and seniors an opportunity to be together, including

yoga, Community Hour, and Book Club.

Naturally, the pandemic has drastically changed how The Yellow Door operates, as all activities have moved online and strict safety protocols for in-person visiting have been enacted. Mariel Edwards-Carreau, the administrative coordinator at The Yellow Door, explained how the organization has adapted to the pandemic.

“Our staff and volunteers worked very hard in the spring to help our senior members feel comfortable [using] platforms such as Zoom to stay connected,” Edwards-Carreau said. “We rely on the internet and phone calls a lot these days but have been lucky to have an increase of volunteers willing to help during these times.”

One event still taking place is the Annual Benefit Dinner, one of The Yellow Door’s main fundraising campaigns.

“By donating to this fundraiser, we are able to provide seniors with both a delicious and nutritious meal and a chance to connect with other members during the holidays,” Edwards-Carreau said. “For some of our members, it is the only holiday event they have [....] The Annual Benefit Dinner also helps fund our programming so that we can continue helping our isolated members throughout the rest of the year.”

In previous years, the Annual Benefit Dinner took place in person at a restaurant with the entire Yellow Door team, live music, holiday decorations, and festive food. This year, members will gather under

STUDENT LIFE / 18

Comforting meals for cold days

Simple, healthy, and affordable meals for finals season Fried rice

Maya Mau Staff Writer I love preparing my own food: There is a certain feeling of freedom that comes from knowing that an entire dish can be customized to my liking. Over the summer, I found solace from the hectic developments of the pandemic and politics by experimenting with elaborate meals such as miso ramen with chashu, eggs benedict with hollandaise, and lemon-garlic glazed cod.

However, as the semester comes to an end, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although it might be easier to turn to Tim Hortons and Starbucks for the sake of convenience, preparing our own food is still an important source of comfort. Comfort comes in many forms, and I strongly believe that home cooking even the simplest meals can provide calming relief during stressful times. Cooking produces healthy sustenance, provides a creative outlet of sorts, and offers temporary mental relief from external anxieties.

Below, I have shared four of my favourite healthy, cheap, and flexible meals to prepare during finals season.

Salads Although they have a reputation for being bland, salads can be much more exciting than simply leafy greens. I like to make salads using a base of a combination of lettuce, spinach, and kale, but any greens can work. On days that I am not in the mood to make my own homemade ranch dressing, I use

The great thing about fried rice is that it only really requires day-old rice, oil, and soy sauce for texture and flavour. From this base, you can throw any ingredients you have on hand into the frying pan—the more ingredients, the better it tastes. Besides scallions and scrambled eggs, which I personally feel are a staple for any fried rice dish, add vegetables like broccoli and carrots and protein like ground meat or tofu.

Bean soup

Even though finals season underway, it’s important to keep nourishing your physical and mental well-being. (freepik.com) dressings purchased at the grocery store. I also like to throw in some carrots or cucumbers to add crunch and flavour if I have them on hand. For a heartier salad, toss in a protein such as tofu, smoked salmon, or grilled chicken, which can all add a luxurious element to your meal.

On cold days that leave you wanting something warm, bean soup is a savoury and substantive meal.

Both canned and dry beans are affordable pantry staples. My personal favourites are pintos, limas, lentils, and chickpeas. To prepare dry beans, soak them in water overnight, and from there it is easy to make the soup by sauteing onions, celery, carrots, and garlic.

Then, cook the mixture in water or, for a more hearty soup, try stock. If I have cooked ham, I like adding even more protein to the mix.

Curry For those who enjoy spicy foods, curry is a flavourful option. Personally, I like making homemade curry roux, but most supermarkets also sell inexpensive curry mixes. Curry is an excellent complement to many vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and kale.

For a more ambitious meal, I like to serve with pork or chicken cutlets. Be sure to have some rice on hand to mitigate the intensity that comes from the spice.

Meredith Charney Contributor ACROSS: 1. Tiny islands 7. Takes advantage of 10. *Place to practice your double axel 12. Church songbook 13. To rRefuse 15. Common fried rice vegetable 16. Limit, or slang for falsehood 18. Adversary 19. Ocean (French) 20. Unpaid TV spot (Abbr.)

22. Mode of dress 23. Complete collections 24. As well 25. *McGill building with bovine residents 30. One of three “H2O: Just Add Water” mermaids 31. Singer Bareilles 32. “If it ____ broke…”

33. Parc Avenue pizzeria 34. Graduate students, often 36. NBA award that Michael Jordan won five

times (Abbr.)

37. Bird that’s a real “hoot” 38. U.S. politician from the Bronx (Abbr.)

39. June birthstone 41. Stereotypical Frenchman’s name 44. *Homes for plants 45. Pursues in court 46. Closest to the centre

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

DOWN: 1. Sort of (Suffix) 2. Zoom predecessor 3. Less hip 4. Europe’s highest volcano 5. Madre or padre’s sister 6. Long-running sketch comedy show (Abbr.)

7. Spanish article 8. 2012 Bond film 9. Diorama containers, maybe 11. Telus or Videotron, for example (Abbr.)

14. Like Thor or the Vikings 16. Whistle or shout at on the street

17. Distribute into groups 19. Where to find the starred answers 20. Oft-mocked fall drink offering (Abbr.)

21. Teeter-totter, by another name 22. Disconnect, or a place to buy jeans 26. Not dead yet!

27. Length of an average final paper, maybe 28. Tater ___

29. Chinese communist revolutionary 34. Central segment of a human body 37. Grand ___ Opry 38. SSMU, en Français 40. Four Monopoly properties (Abbr.)

41. Letter after upsilon 42. Charged particle 43. Montreal winter time-zone *Hints for 19 down

Things to clean instead of studying for finals by Eve Cable

CARTOONS / 19

Memory scrapbook by Ruobing Chen

Things I miss by Marie Saadeh

Crossword answers

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY / 20 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

Science education cannot exist in a vacuum Undergraduate STEM courses at McGill fail to address issues of social justice Madison McLauchlan Staff Writer Picture this: In the middle of an auditorium filled with students, a professor describes the process of chromosomal segregation. This professor teaches the students about the stages of cell division, the proteins involved, and what happens when chromosomes do not separate properly; a person can have either XX or XY sex chromosomes, the professor explains, or exceptionally, an extra or missing chromosome.

What students are not taught, however, is the differences between sex and gender—the professor fails to acknowledge that beyond the pages of textbooks, identity is more complex than the makeup of one’s genes. The students in this class would walk away with scientifically accurate information, but an incomplete undertsanding of sex and gender as well as the social implications of their distinction.

Such oversights are common in science courses, where lectures are contentheavy and fast-paced, with barely enough time to cover the materials essential for examination. Faced with an overwhelming breadth of scientific material, students miss out on the larger picture of how science overlooks and, in some cases, exacerbates social inequalities.

At McGill, students in the Faculty of Science are not required to take any courses in ethics or history, nor are they asked to remain up to date on contemporary social justice issues. Many students can complete their degree with no formal instruction on the ways that racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, and colonialism continue to manifest in academia.

Following the precedent of other North American universities, McGill could take concrete steps to incorporate social justice lessons into undergraduate science curricula. At the University of Washington, for example, the faculty offers students an interdisciplinary course titled “Science and Engineering for Social Justice.” With a focus on writing and discussion-based classes, students are taught about the impact of science on diverse populations, inequities in access to scientific information, and how to address implicit bias against marginalized groups.

Likewise, the Ontario College of Art & Design University offers students courses in inclusive design for digital media and was one of the first schools in North America to grant a Master’s of Design in Inclusive Design.

Everything about the

scientific process—from who performs it, to what is researched, to the sources of funding—is bound by political and economic interests. Remaining apolitical and glossing over the dark history of scientific discovery only encourages ignorance by denying students a more wellrounded education.

In the spring of 2020, Alanna Watt, associate professor in the Department of Biology, founded the department’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity Committee, one of the first of its kind in a STEM

background of scientific inquiry must be addressed, Watt believes that modern education runs the risk of distancing these past issues from the current problems in science.

“For me as a professor, I’ve realized that we have a very diverse student body and it’s very important that we address [social] issues,” Watt said. “It’s like anti-racism. Not doing anything is just not good enough.”

The spectre of racism and sexism in scientific fields is pervasive throughout academic

course develops critical thinking skills through discussion and debate.

“One of the most important things I will do as a scientist is teach Evolution and Society,” Abouheif said in an interview with the Tribune. “[Most] people who come out of this course have gotten the chance to see how evolution interacts with politics, medicine, and society as a whole.”

Unfortunately, science courses that address social issues are rare at McGill.

When Abouheif and colleagues

Discussing social issues in science courses can increase student engagement with the material.

(Jinny Moon / The McGill Tribune) field at McGill.

“There’s this aspect that we’re not used to teaching about,” Watt said in an interview with The McGill Tribune. “We do have a huge amount of scientific content we’re trying to put in. If you think about genetics courses, there’s a [dark] history in the field that would be [good] for people to understand.”

Indeed, much of modern genetic theory is based on studies that arose from the eugenics movement, which began in the early 20th century, influenced by the work of Francis Galton.

Galton, a prominent scientist who made a name for himself developing statistical tools such as chi-square and regression analysis, did so in the interest of promoting his racist and ableist ideology of maintaining the socalled “purity” of the British population.

Although the historical

research, publishing, and teaching practices. Critical thinking is a valuable tool in scientific inquiry, but undergraduate courses often fail to foster this skill in social contexts. Studies show that students who are taught about historical oppression are more likely to acknowledge systemic racism and scrutinize their own role in upholding it. Furthermore, relating scientific concepts to social issues can make students more engaged in the material and enhance learning outcomes.

According to Ehab Abouheif, a professor in the Department of Biology, fostering empathy in students is an essential part of training them to be good scientists. Abouheif teaches Evolution and Society (BIOL 436), one of the only biology courses that specifically tackles social issues. Instead of content-heavy evaluations, the

proposed the introduction of BIOL 436 10 years ago, they were met with criticism for proposing a course that was perceived to have too much overlap with anthropology. Abouheif explained that critics voiced concerns over the structure of the course, taking issue with the fact that it is discussion based and commenting that it required too much active participation for a science class. Introducing new courses with themes similar to BIOL 436 will have to come from professors willing to propose and fight for them.

“The next generation of biologists coming up are increasingly more aware of social inequality and justice, and how biology may influence them,” Abouheif said. “We need professors who are better equipped and who [think] more broadly about social change.

For this to happen, we have to

change the way we define the excellence of a [professor].”

Teachers are not textbooks—they are human beings with their own interests, biases, and backgrounds.

Indeed, professors can harbor unconscious biases that leak into their interactions with students and their content.

Students have begun to pick up McGill’s slack in creating equitable spaces for science education at the university.

Initiatives around campus have been created to amplify the voices of Black, Indigenous, and people of colour in STEM and to raise awareness of scientific biases. One such initiative is the podcast Broad Science. Its founder, Rackeb Tesfaye, who is a PhD candidate in Integrated Neuroscience, explained that she was inspired by her experiences as a graduate student.

“What surprises me most is the notion of objectivity in science,” Tesfaye said in an interview with the Tribune. “[We are] taught to think that because we have the scientific method, we are inherently not biased as scientists, which is obviously untrue.”

In fact, scientific and experimental methods are riddled with gender and racial bias: The vast majority of health studies are conducted on predominately white male subjects, skewing their conclusions towards one cohort of patients with sometimes disastrous results.

Undergraduates should be informed of these research gaps so they can make a conscious effort to fill them in their work or at least consider their shortcomings when applying existing research.

Science is a continual search for knowledge; theories are endlessly revised and adapted as new information comes to light.

Moreover, scientific discoveries do not remain isolated within the scientific community, but rather are applied in government policies that can potentially create equitable change in society.

By combining science and society in the classroom, McGill can produce more socially responsible and innovative scientists. Making space for social justice in the classroom is not an exercise in identity validation or an extraneous addition to appease critics, but a more effective way of training future scientists.

“If there’s going to be a truly meaningful understanding of inequity within science, and movements towards rectifying those inequalities, then it needs to be embedded in [what] we learn and [what] we’re taught,” Tesfaye said. “It seeps into every single thing we do in science.”

McGill researcher Michael Jemtrud speaks on the future of decarbonized building materials Sophia Gorbounov & Ronny Litvack-Katzman Science & Technology Editors Nov. 17 marked the end of the “Food for Thought” lecture series’ 21st season.

Hosted by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, this year’s theme was centred on sustainable use and conservation of resources that are otherwise taken for granted.

Michael Jemtrud, an associate professor at McGill’s School of Architecture and director of the Facility for Architectural Research in Media Mediation, delivered the final talk titled “Building Environments: Designing & Constructing Deep Decarbonization Pathways,” in which he focussed on the three initiatives he is a part of and their efforts to mitigate the environmental impacts of building construction.

A holistic approach to building and urbanization is at the centre of Jemtrud’s research, particularly the formulation of “deep decarbonization” pathways for architects, engineers, and construction companies, as well as Quebec’s energy and resource sectors.

“One of the things that has collectively frustrated a lot of us within the [field] is that a lot of upstream [and] downstream impacts within our discipline are not accounted for in our methods and the way in which we design things,” Jemtrud said.

Upstream production deals with raw material inputs needed for manufacturing, while downstream production refers to the process of transforming those raw materials

Jemtrud commented on the important role that the refurbishing of older, inefficient buildings could play in post-COVID-19 economic recovery. (ContemPLAY Pavilion / FARMM) into their final products.

Decarbonized architecture and building (DeCARB) is one of Jemtrud’s initiatives that is taking an interdisciplinary approach to addressing the lack of environmentally sustainable materials in the construction industry. DeCARB methodologies look at all of the components of the built environment and how they interact with the geosphere and biosphere.

“We’re very concerned about how a lot of these issues are routinely externalized in the research and design of buildings and urbanization,” Jemtrud said. “These enabling externalizations are directly responsible for a lot of environmental and social degradations around the world.”

DeCARB focusses on a metric called global warming potential (GWP), which compares the relative impact of different greenhouse gases on the environment. There

is considerable emphasis on revealing the false sense of environmental sustainability touted by greenwashed technologies.

For example, sulphur hexafluoride has a GWP that is 22,800 times greater than that of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas emission. Still, sulphur hexafluoride is frequently used in electrical insulators due to its low conductive potential. Jemtrud explained that although many people think of electricity as a green alternative to fossil fuels, many electric products and the materials from which they are made are responsible for high levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

“The more we ‘electrify,’ we might be saving carbon equivalents on certain levels, but this one [sulphur hexafluoride] is really exacerbating another level of that,” Jemtrud said.

The Quebec Building Energy Retrofit

program (Q:BER) is another one of Jemtrud’s focal initiatives. The program aims to refurbish existing buildings across Quebec in order to reduce their carbon footprint.

“Basically, a deep energy retrofit is wrapping the existing building in a new skin, then upgrading its mechanical and its active systems,” Jemtrud explained.

“For me, one of the main non-energy benefits is the increase in healthier indoor environments and the well-being of its occupants.”

Indeed, this initiative has many potential benefits in helping to solve the current housing crisis in Montreal. Working with the Société d’habitation du Québec, Q:BER’s efforts to retrofit buildings are especially important in maintaining the structural integrity of existing affordable housing units, as well as an important consideration in the process of building new ones.

Finally, Jemtrud spoke about the Building Architecture Research Node (BARN), a new program that would release funding for the construction of a new building on Macdonald campus where students and researchers can test DeCARB technologies.

“Basically, [it’s] a big shop where we can prototype and construct things at full scale,” Jemtrud said.

If approved, the construction of the building would itself become a part of Jemtrud’s research program, allowing Jemtrud and colleagues to test the viability and construction of many of the sustainability concepts presented in his work.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY / 21

Building pathways toward a greener future

McGill Space Institute hosts talk on the new Vera C. Rubin Observatory

Scientists plan to capture images of the southern sky in a decade-long study Kaja Surborg Managing Editor

While many observatories have been built in the northern hemisphere, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory is one of the first to direct its observation efforts toward the southern skies. (Sabri Conde-Yassin / The McGill Tribune) alerts (recorded changes of astronomical objects over time), and catalogues.

Kahn also explained a number of ideas that prompted the building of the observatory.

“There are four main science themes that have motivated the design of this facility: Probing dark energy and dark matter, [...] taking an inventory of moving objects in the solar system, exploring the transient optical sky, and mapping the outer regions of the Milky Way,” Kahn said.

The construction of the observatory and its equipment were delayed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020 when Italian and Spanish construction

teams returned home and laboratories in California were temporarily shut down.

Work on the camera was able to resumed in California in May and the team is hopeful that construction in Chile can resume in January 2021.

“It’s been difficult to maintain morale during this period, but our team is very committed, fortunately,” Kahn said.

Under the new timeline, the observatory is set to begin operations in 2023. The duration of the project is expected to be 10 years in total.

This talk can viewed on the MSI YouTube channel.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

On Nov. 17, the McGill Space Institute (MSI) hosted a special public lecture titled “Surveying the Universe,” given by Steven Kahn, the director of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and a professor of physics at Stanford University. Khan discussed the goals of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) which is, located on the same mountain as the Gemini South Telescope in central Chile.

“The idea is actually very simple,” Kahn said. “We build a telescope that can take large-format digital images very quickly so that the entire southern hemisphere of sky—half the sky—can be surveyed with these images in just a few nights.”

This process will be constantly repeated over the course of 10 years, allowing researchers to observe moving objects in the sky, track how they change over time, and construct some of the most detailed astronomical images ever taken.

“This will yield catalogues of something like 20 billion galaxies and a comparable number of stars,” Kahn said. “It will be the first time in human history that we know of more objects in the universe than there are people on Earth.”

To capture these catalogues of images, the team of scientists at the Rubin Observatory builthad to build the largest ever digital camera and developed a new optical system with a large enough field of view, the

maximum angular size of the object viewed from a given point.

“The field of view for the Rubin Observatory is 10 square degrees, which is roughly 40 times the size of the full moon in the sky,” Kahn said. “The camera for the Rubin Observatory is 3.2 billion pixels.

It’s equivalent to about 1,500 of the highest resolution high-definition televisions.”

Even the telescope’s mount had to be specially designed to facilitate the rapid movement, known as slewing, necessary to capture images of the whole southern hemisphere in just a few nights.

“We’re moving this massive telescope every 30 seconds, and conventional telescopes, as you slew them around, take a while to settle and you can’t take a picture until they’ve settled,” Kahn said. “We set a limit that we needed to be able to slew and settle within five seconds, and that had never been done before with telescopes of this size.”

Ensuring that the vast amounts of data that will be collected by the Rubin Observatory can be easily shared is also a key consideration in the telescope’s construction.

Within 60 seconds of the camera’s shutter closing, all the changes that occurred since the last image of that area was taken will have been detected and the information saved on a central computer system. A system of optical fibre networks will connect the telescope in Chile to processing facilities in the United States and France. A supercomputer in the Rubin archive will then process the raw data to create usable image files, time-domain

SPORTS / 22

10 THINGS:

THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL SPORTS MOMENTS OF 2020 Reflecting on the power of activism in sports

Reza Ali, Zoe Babad-Palmer, Karan Kumar, Adam Menikefs, Sarah Farnand and Kaja Surborg Staff Writers, Sports Editor, Managing Editor WNBA supports Warnock The 2020 U.S. elections have remained heated in Georgia, with Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler facing off against Democrat Raphael Warnock in a runoff in January 2021. Among the groups who helped Warnock advance are WNBA players, including several from the Atlanta Dream, of which Loeffler is part-owner. The players, who participated in some of the most poignant Black Lives Matter demonstrations earlier this year, rejected Loeffler’s claim that sports shouldn’t be political, along with her proposed bill attacking transgender girls in high school sports. Players from all 12 teams in the WNBA wore shirts proclaiming “VOTE WARNOCK” in August—and 32.9 per cent of voters did, propelling him to the runoff against Loeffler, who won only 25.9 per cent of votes.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif helps in fight against COVID-19 As COVID-19 swept through Quebec in March, Super Bowl Champion and McGill medical school graduate Laurent Duvernay-Tardif immediately acted to help in the fight against the pandemic. Duvernay-Tardif was assigned to a long-term care facility near the South Shore and focussed on helping by any means necessary, WNBA players urged fans to vote for Raphael Warnock, a candidate in the ongoing senate race in Georgia. despite playing in the most-watched television program (WNBA.com) in North America just 10 weeks prior. When the NFL Naomi Osaka’s strike gathered widespread support and forced the government decided on plans to return to play for the 2020 season, to reverse its decision. Rashford has also lobbied to Duvernay-Tardif announced that he would opt-out of Star tennis player Naomi Osaka announced on Aug. expand the eligibility criteria for the programme to include playing, citing his understanding of the pandemic’s 27 that she would not play in her semifinal match of the more vulnerable households. For his efforts in mobilizing severity. Caring for patients as a doctor seemed a more Western & Southern Open after the shooting of Jacob support for this noble cause, Queen Elizabeth awarded worthwhile risk than playing football.

Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Rashford with the Member of the British Empire award.

“As a black woman I feel as though there are much Rashford’s petition has started a national debate on social NBA players strike more important matters at hand that need immediate welfare programs in the country, especially those relating attention, rather than watching me play tennis. I don’t to children.

Following the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin, expect anything drastic to happen with me not playing, the Milwaukee Bucks chose to strike during a playoff but if I can get a conversation started in a majority white NWSL and WNBA maternity benefits game against Orlando in protest. The decision prompted sport, I consider that a step in the right direction,” Osaka a chain reaction throughout the NBA bubble in Orlando, wrote in a tweet.

Female athletes have historically faced several with many other organizations following suit, leading to Osaka did not play again until her next tournament, barriers if they wanted to have children without giving the cancellation of playoff games for multiple days. This the US Open, which she won on Sept. 12 in a 3-set up their playing careers. Issues of unpaid maternity leave, type of protest was unprecedented in modern sports. The comeback victory against Victoria Azarenka. Osaka childcare support, and the social expectations that come last NBA team to go on strike for social justice was the brought seven face masks to this tournament, each with being a mother have all been unfortunate realities Boston Celtics in 1961, who refused to play after Black displaying the name of a Black victim of police brutality. in women’s sports. However, 2020 brought promising players were denied service at a Kentucky restaurant. changes to women’s sports leagues that will hopefully Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird’s engagement set a precedent for the continued support of athletes with The Chicago Blackhawks hire Kendall Coyne children. In January 2020, the WNBA and the Women’s After four years of dating, power couple Megan National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) On Nov. 23, the Chicago Blackhawks hired former Rapinoe and Sue Bird became engaged. The two met while reached a new collective bargaining agreement that Olympic champion Kendall Coyne Schofield as the first representing the United States at the 2016 Olympics in included fully paid maternity leave and other benefits female player development coach in the organization’s Brazil. In 2018, Rapinoe and Bird were the first same-sex for mothers in the league. Furthermore, the National history. Coyne Schofield was also the first woman to couple to be featured in ESPN’s Body Issue.

Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) hosted their Challenge participate in the NHL All-Stars Skills Competition in 2019, Rapinoe and Bird are already considered greats in their Cup in a “bubble” in Utah over the summer, making sure coming in seventh in the fastest skater competition, less than respective sports of soccer and basketball. Rapinoe, in 2019 to find a way to accommodate players with children and a second behind the winner, Connor McDavid. The first alone, won the Ballon d’Or Féminin, World Cup Golden ensuring access to childcare. female coach in the 103-year history of the NHL, Dawn Boot, World Cup Golden Ball, and World Cup Final Braid, was hired only four years ago in August 2016. The Player of the Match. Bird’s career is equally as impressive, Katie Sowers is the first female coach in a Super hiring of Coyne Schofield was another step toward equality totalling three WNBA titles, four Olympic gold medals, Bowl and representation in the NHL and the sport of hockey in two NCAA championships, and the all-time assist record in general. Coyne Schofield adds to a growing list of women the WNBA. Rapinoe and Bird’s relationship will continue Another glass ceiling was broken after San Francisco working for an NHL team, including Canadian Hall-ofto break down boundaries for same-sex couples, similar to 49ers offensive assistant coach, Katie Sowers, became not Famer Hayley Wickenheiser, who is the assistant director how they break down the opposing defence in games. only the first female but also the first openly lesbian coach of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs. in Super Bowl history. Sowers is a former professional Marcus Rashford’s School Meal Initiative football player, playing as a part of the Women’s Football Empty arenas find new use Alliance, and led the U.S. to a gold medal in the Women’s Marcus Rashford is currently one of the best players World Championships in 2013. Her journey has not been With voter registration initiatives and early voting in the Premier League, scoring 17 goals for Manchester an easy one. reaching unprecedented numbers in the 2020 U.S. United in the 2019-20 season. However, this year “As I was finishing college, I actually got turned presidential election, sports arenas contributed to making Rashford made headlines for his work off the field. As down from a volunteer coaching job (basketball) because voting more accessible: Over 35 NFL, MLB, NHL, a child, Rashford experienced food insecurity and was I was a lesbian,” Sowers told Outsports in an interview. “I NBA, WNBA, and MLS stadiums acted as polling often dependent on the UK government School Meal was told ‘because of your lifestyle, we ask that you do not stations for both early and Election Day voting. As other Programme, which provides free meals for children come around the team.’” polling locations closed and petitions sought to invalidate in school. When the government decided to pause the Sowers has used this discrimination to motivate her, early votes, these stations proved to be invaluable for the programme in the summer holidays during the pandemic, and she believes that although the hate was tough to deal election.

Rashford filed a petition for its continuation, which with, she would not be where she is today without it.

From novels to detailed histories, sports books have something for everyone Kaja Surborg Managing Editor Fall 2020 was a long and gruelling semester with far too much screen time for many students. For anyone looking to take a break from dense course readings and computers, The McGill Tribune has compiled a list of books about sports that are sure to keep readers entertained over the holidays.

There’s Only Two David Beckhams by John O’Farrell This novel combines the author’s love of English soccer, criticisms of the culture and politics of elite-level soccer, and a sense of humour that is often lacking in the world of sports commentary.

Set during the lead up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and culminating in a final confrontation at the tournament, the novel follows journalist and AFC Wimbledon fan Alfie Baker as he slowly uncovers some of international soccer’s biggest secrets.

O’Farrell not only provides thoughtful insights on the corrupt institutions of the soccer world, but also on the culture of soccer fandom and all the emotions that come with loving a team that never wins. The book takes the all-too-frequent question of what we would do to see our teams win to a new extreme. Written with the wit and nuance that only a soccer fan could provide, There’s Only Two David Beckhams offers the perfect alternate

reality for anyone looking to escape exam season.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman Content warning: Sexual assault

In a remote town in Sweden that has been in decline for years, a youth hockey team with a chance at a national championship title becomes a beacon of hope for the whole town.

Backman’s character-driven novel examines the effect that sports can have on a community and the pressure placed on young athletes.

Following the stories of various town residents as they grapple with the fallout of Beartown’s star player Kevin Erdahl’s actions, Beartown is thoughtful and poignant

in its handling of sensitive topics. The novel weaves together the stories of an immigrant family in a small town, teenagers and adults alike dealing with the consequences of sexual assault, and a teenage boy exploring his sexuality.

As the stories unfold, Backman slowly unpacks the culture of sexism and toxic masculinity in hockey. The account is ultimately one of empathy and healing, with a discussion of intergenerational problems and questioning of why people treat each other the way they do.

Ultimate Glory by David Gessner For anyone who has ever wondered about the origins of competitive frisbee, David Gessner has the answers. Ultimate Glory is

John O’Farrell’s There’s Only Two David Beckhams is set at a hypothetical iteration of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. (bookshop.se)

Gessner’s memoir of his time playing ultimate when the sport was still in its infancy. Chronicling the game’s development, from its origins in a New Jersey high school parking lot to televised international competitions, Gessner reflects on his interactions with some of the greatest players in the game and the culture of a sport born of protest.

The book is equal parts a story about the characters and culture that make up the world of ultimate, and a consideration of the tactical and technical evolution of the game itself.

SPORTS / 23

Book report: The Tribune Sports section’s holiday reading list

Soccerwomen: The Icons, Rebels, Stars, and Trailblazers Who Transformed the Beautiful Game by Gemma Clark

Gemma Clark’s history of women’s soccer is a fascinating look at a game whose growth was purposefully halted and interrupted.

As an introduction to the origins of women’s competitive soccer and its early stars, Soccerwomen sets up a chronological account of how the game reached its current state, with each chapter focussing on a different player.

Through a series of interviews with some of women’s soccer’s biggest stars, Clark unpacks the multitude of experiences from players around the world and discusses the rapid growth of the game in recent decades. Soccerwomen is a holistic view of women’s soccer that looks at both the evolution of playing style and the commercial aspects of the sport.

Finding solace in sports

How sports can help one find comfort and inner peace Adam Burton & Sarah Farnand Sports Editors Skiing Sarah Farnand, Sports Editor

Sports Editor, Sarah Farnand developed a love for waterskiing at a young age.

(Sarah Farnand / The McGill Tribune) however, are positive, from the memories expectations, simply because it is I made with my friends during nordic enjoyable, can be a source of solace and practices to downhill skiing with my dad help heal negative connotations towards during school breaks and waterskiing at sports and exercise. my grandparents’ house over the summer.

Skiing is also a perfect opportunity to Cycling enjoy the outdoors and nature. Looking up Adam Burton, Sports Editor from the snow or the water and seeing the beautiful mountains and trees surrounding Open roads, gentle breezes, and the me as the wind blows in my face is a rhythmic hum of wheels gliding along surreal experience every time. The peace the tarmac: When you’re cycling, there’s that overcomes me while I ski can’t be put nothing but you and the path ahead. into words.

My cycling journey began at Partaking in a sport with no the age of seven, when my dad threw me

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 2020

Since I was a kid, skiing has been a great source of comfort. I began waterskiing when I was five years old, and started downhill skiing shortly after.

After a few laps around the lake and a few trips down the bunny hill in the winter, I was hooked. Unlike other sports I played growing up, I never participated competitively in downhill or water skiing, which made the experience stress-free and therapeutic. Even in high school, when I began competitive nordic skiing, it was never a source of anxiety because I honestly did not care how I did. I was just there to meet people and exercise.

Growing up, especially during my teenage years, I was an extremely competitive person. I hated losing, and I had big aspirations for my hockey and running careers. I was certain that I would pursue one of them in college, so I trained hard and pushed myself to my absolute limits. And while every high school sports movie will tell you that hard work is what it takes to be successful, it also made me hate those sports. I was very close to quitting both hockey and running and, after coming to university, I no longer participate in either at a competitive level.

All of my memories from skiing,

on the back of his tandem and dragged me along for rides all around America. I’ve come a long way since then, and while my dad was my initial source of inspiration for riding, I’ve made cycling my own.

Growing up in New York, I was easily overwhelmed by what was happening around me, whether it was academics, extracurriculars, or navigating the never-ending maze that is the high school social ecosystem. When the going got tough, I always found it easiest to retreat and spend some time alone to ground myself. As I grew older, cycling became my grounding activity. The feeling of focus, control, and isolation is comforting, and taking time for yourself was refreshing, whether it was a 20-minute bike ride home from school, or a four-hour mission to the middle of nowhere and back.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic left many with a wealth of time, and a dearth of activities to fill it with.

Thankfully, riding my bike was still an option. Being able to leave my house every day and explore a new neighbourhood gave me a sense of freedom that the pandemic had otherwise taken away. Going out, visiting random towns, grabbing a coffee at a rural Tim Hortons, and nodding in approval of oncoming cyclists was the most fulfilling part of my summer.

When I’m out on the road, I get into a rhythm, my breathing synchronizing with my pedalling. Everything that burdens me simply disappears, and I come home energized, refreshed, and ready to seize the day.

Fall 2020 Highlights MULTIMEDIA

EDITORIAL

The ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

student #TakeJamesMcGillDown Graduate workers must movement not be taken for granted

Alex Hinton

Pelin Karaaslan’s ‘This Means You Remember’ showcases selfexploration Naomi Mirny

OPINION

The McGill Tribune Editorial Board

The City of Montreal is letting down its most vulnerable

Johnathon Cruickshank

NEWS

Thousands march demanding ‘Justice for Joyce’ Maggie Roberts

SPORTS

Hockey away from home

STUDENT LIFE

Zoe Babad-Palmer FEATURE

Meals for MiltonParc lends a hand SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY to unhoused neighbours When life gives you Lucy Keller data, make visual art Claire Latendresse

The violence of exclusionary design Kate Addison