Volume 46, Issue 16

February 3, 2020

THE MEDIUM

The Voice of The University of Toronto Mississauga | themedium.ca

Vol 46, No. 16

Dr. Marc Johnson’s Family of Scientists

Features

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UTMSU and CFS-O host coalition meeting Coaliton meeting attendees discussed OSAP cuts, student rights, and activism ISIK VERA SENEL ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR The University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union (UTMSU) and the Canadian Federation of StudentsOntario (CFS-O) came together on January 23 to discuss student rights and activism.

The meeting began with a question from Atif Abdullah, president of the UTMSU, directed towards the participants, asking them why they were at the meeting.

One student expressed his thoughts with the statement, “we don’t like Doug Ford,” while another participant stated that they were at the meeting because “a lot of students are suffering with OSAP cuts and tuition fees, and we want to try and make a change to that.”

After a brief discussion amongst the participants, Abdullah explained the premise behind the coalition meeting in his speech, as well as the

problems facing current and future Ontario students.

“We’re here today because we saw a lot of cuts happened a year ago,” said Abdullah. “I know we’ve had this conversation multiple times in our campuses, and it’s not the first time you’re hearing about these cuts, but the reality is that the impact still exists even a year later.”

“Even more so now because students are getting their funding and realizing how much of an impact that has made on their finances and their ability to continue their education without having the overburdening reality of having to pay your tuition when you cannot afford it,” said Abdullah.

The meeting continued with a presentation by Kayla Weller, national executive representative for the CFSO. “In 1981, students across this country saw a need for a national student movement to help organize and unite

and mobilize students across this country [to] fight for a free education system that is public,” said Weller.

“Over the past 40 years, we have grown so much. We represent over 550,000 students across the country.”

“Ontario university students actually pay the highest tuition in all the country,” continued Weller. “Whether that is domestic students paying on average $8,000 or international students studying in Ontario paying on average $38,000. So, we know that the education system is highly expensive and inaccessible for people.”

Weller concluded her presentation with a personal and motivational message, highlighting the importance of student action.

“There’s people in the past who fought for the rights that I have now, and that means that I want to continue to fight for the rights for future students, but also for students who are currently studying in school and are struggling with high tuition fees

among the multitude of different issues that students have to face,” said Weller.

“When it comes to building a movement, you always have to start small and start where people are at and then grow it and get bigger,” continued Weller. “And a part of that conversation starts tonight with your coalition meeting here.”

The second half of the coalition meeting was dedicated to brainstorming sessions where participants grouped to discuss the different components of student activism including workshops, teach-ins, action, and a international student approach.

After the brainstorming sessions concluded, group representatives presented the ideas that were discussed in their respective groups and reported it back to all the participants.

The meeting wrapped up with a call to increase participation in coalition meetings and to bring more people to the next session.

Read about the third mandate of the Mental Health Task Force’s final report

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News Harris Watkins reflects on Auschwitz and its meaning for today

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Comment Keep these upcoming films on your cinema radar

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Arts Have questions about coronavirus?

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Sports

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02.03.2020

Editor | Melissa Barrientos

Mandate three of the Task Force’s final report The three recommendations under mandate three include improving external relationships and coordination MELISSA BARRIENTOS NEWS EDITOR Early last month, the final report of the Student Mental Health Task Force was released, as well as the University of Toronto (U of T)’s response to the final report.

The Medium has reviewed mandate one and two, including nine recommendations and the response from UTM student organizations regarding the actions that U of T intends to take and topics some believe were skimmed over in the final report.

The Task Force was created back in March to analyze the delivery and internal coordination of student mental health at all three U of T campuses.

The Task Force was created following the death of a U of T student at St. George’s Bahen Centre for Information Technology on March 17.

After months of consultation with various organizations, students, faculty, and staff, the Task Force finalized their report with a particular focus on four key areas: student mental health delivery, student support coordination, partnership with external organizations, and a review of physical spaces of health organizations.

Mandate three of the Task Force’s final report focuses on reviewing the university’s partnerships with community-based organizations and hospitals. The mandate also puts forth recommendations for strengthening such partnerships.

“To meet the wide-ranging needs of students and to effectively manage the complexity of some cases of mental illness, the university relies on community organizations and hospitals to provide specialized and ongoing support to students,” said the Task Force in the final report.

The problem with community organizations, the Task Force discovered, is that “community services are often overburdened and that community partners often perceive that the university is better resourced or positioned to manage student mental health care.”

Because of this misconception of campus health services being “better resourced or positioned,” community organizations would refer students back to the university when, “in many situations, community supports might be more appropriate for the student’s needs.”

In light of this, the Task Force made three recommendations that focus on continuing to build new partnerships and strengthening the external services they are already aligned with.

Recommendation ten of the final report asks U of T to “continue to invest in and strengthen diverse community partnerships.”

In particular, the Task Force strongly recommended U of T to

strengthen its partnership with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

“Proximity to our downtown campus coupled with CAMH’s leadership in mental health—excellence in research education, group and individual care, and health promotion— make CAMH the ideal partner for U of T,” said the Task Force in the report.

A stronger partnership with CAMH was agreed upon by U of T administration as was reported in the administrative response to the final report released on January 15.

Whether it will remain effective for its “proximity” to campuses further away from the downtown campus, like UTM, remains uncertain.

Under recommendation eleven, the Task Force advised U of T to “increase programs that bring community resources to the university’s campuses to provide services for students and to provide education for students, staff, and faculty.”

“Students would like to see the university collaborate with community partners such as CAMH, local hospitals, [and] Morneau Shepell, (the company that runs My SSP),” stated the report. “This requires prioritizing space for these activities and creating spaces that are conductive to wellness.”

Taking into consideration the distance from community services that some campuses may experience, like UTM and the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), the Task Force sees “on-campus services” to be “particularly evident.”

“Bringing programs to campus alleviates additional stressors for students like commuting time and costs associated with accessing community-based supports,” continued the report. “Students are also more confident and comfortable with practitioners who are connected with the university and are likely to have a better understanding of the university context.”

In accordance with this recommendation, the Task Force added that the university should provide mental health training to “staff members, faculty members, teaching assistants, and mental health counsellors on U of T policies that might relate to student mental health [including] academic policies, code of conduct, [and] sexual violence.”

In the administrative response to the final report, U of T responded to recommendation eleven with a newly established partnership with CAMH and the creation of a Mental Health Services Redesign Team.

The administrative response also stated that the partnership with CAMH will consist of “providing enhanced clinical education programs in student mental health for U of T

trainees in the health professions, as well as ongoing professional development opportunities for staff and students.”

Recommendation twelve, which asks U of T to “improve relationships, case management, access, and navigation support for students being connected with community resources,” concludes the recommendations under mandate three.

This recommendation comes from students, who are concerned with the transition between campus services and community organizations.

“Students experience barriers and issues with accessing off-campus resources; long wait times for referrals or appointments,” said the Task Force in the final report. “[As well as] challenges with location and transportation to off-campus resources, hours of care, and matching care with need; a lack of follow up to make or attend appointment; [and] financial constraints for private services.”

According to the report, transitioning to and from community organizations causes students to feel as if they’re “being shuffled around and experiencing stress and anxiety from having to repeat their story to multiple people.”

To alleviate these issues, the Task Force recommends the university invest resources to hire community liaisons who will “maintain a list of partnerships, make referrals that align with student needs (financial, schedule, location, and language), and support student follow-up and referral.”

The administrative response to the final report accepts this recommendation as well and will put it into effect within its partnership with CAMH. The U of T administrative response stated that the CAMH partnership will also consist of “creating integrated care pathways between campus-based services and CAMH— and other hospitals and agencies in the Toronto region—including crisis management services.”

Yet, the Task Force recognizes that “while relationships with local hospitals have improved in recent years, there are still gaps.”

“Scarce resources at local organizations and hospitals are a pressure point in terms of referring students,” continued the Task Force. “Community agencies are also stretched and often have long waitlists and issues meeting demand that are even more acute than the issues facing the university.”

Concluding the last recommendation under mandate three, the Task Force asked U of T to consider advocating, alongside community organizations, to the government for financial support to provide additional student mental health care.

02.03.2020 THE MEDIUM NEWS

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Mississauga confirms the 2020 budgets The city council approved new budgets that include changes to transportation and public facilities SALEHA FARUQUE DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR Last month, Mississauga’s city council approved its 2020-2023 Business Plan and 2020 Budget on January 22.

The gross 2020 operating and capital budget of $926.1 million will support Mississauga’s corporate priorities and overall Strategic Plan. Changes and improvements will be delivered by funding certain city programs and service enhancements.

The budget approval arrived after a one-month delay due to previous concerns about Peel Region’s proposed budget, which included increased property and police taxes. Council members unanimously agreed in December that reviewing Peel’s fiscal plan was necessary before approving Mississauga’s 2020 budget in January.

Upon approval, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie praised the 2020 budget for achieving “the right balance between keeping taxes around the rate of inflation while ensuring we continue to deliver the high-quality services our residents expect.”

After back-and-forth property tax discussions, the City of Mississauga agreed to a 1.60 per cent residential property tax increase. This will result in approximately an $88 property tax increase on an average residential property valued at $688,000. The property tax portion for the Region of Peel will have a 1.64 per cent increase.

Costs related to construction and maintenance will be rising.

“We are experiencing growing needs in our city including affordable

CITY OF MISSISSAUGA/TWITTER

Initiatives new and old are being introduced and reinvigorated in the 2020 budget plan for the city. housing, more transit infrastructure and funding for growth on the waterfront,” said Crombie in a news release.

The $4.4 million operating budget will target new initiatives focusing on delivering programs and services.

The capital budget, which projects $2.9 billion over 10 years, will focus on “enhancing and maintaining infrastructure.”

City manager Janice Baker estimates $2.4 million in cost savings under the 2020 Budget.

“Our commitment to service excellence, fiscal responsibility and continuous improvement are key elements of our business planning and budgeting activity,” said Baker in a

statement.

Residents, as well as those who study and work in Mississauga, can expect to benefit from some of the following 2020 projections: Transit In 2020, MiWay will add 32,600 service hours to provide “new service, streamline routes, integrate with new transit hubs, improve off-peak service levels and reduce overcrowding.”

Twenty-two new transit operators will also be added. Transit infrastructure will receive more resourcing to ensure stops and terminals are maintained. More MiWay buses will be added to support its service growth.

The city’s transit fare strategy

will continue its “value for money” approach through the U-Pass for University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) transit riders. This includes programs such as the Senior Fare, Freedom Pass (12-14 years) and the Affordable Transportation Program for low-income riders (with Peel).

Libraries Located within a short distance from UTM, the South Common Community Centre and Library will see major renovations. The Central Library will also be revitalized to include “infrastructure for more modern and future-focused digital offerings.”

Part of its expansion will include

adding 6,000 square feet of library space. The budget will also invest in library technology enhancements to modernize its customer service experience.

For example, more programs will be added to “Maker Mississauga,” an existing program that offers library patrons the chance to use equipment such as “3D printers, building kits, robotics, sewing machines, [and] filmmaking tools.”

Public Facilities In 2020, the Churchill Meadows Community Centre will be the city’s twelfth community centre. The centre plans to offer a “triple gymnasium, a six lane 25-meter indoor pool, therapeutic tank, teaching kitchen, and multi-purpose spaces.”

Designs for a newly renovated Cooksville Community Centre will also begin. The Carmen Corbasson and Burnhamthorpe Community Centre pools will be redeveloped.

Roads, Safety, Environment Six new fire stations will also be constructed over the next 12 years.

The city will invest $3.8 million in public safety, including enhanced public education programs and outreach.

Mississauga will continue to design and develop waterfront parks, including the recent Lakeview Development plan. The City will also begin implementing its first Climate Change Action Plan.

2020 investments on similar projects will include continuing the Transportation Master Plan (TMP), the Action Plan, and Mississauga’s Vision Zero Program.

2020 HCC fees will increase by 16.5 per cent The incidental fees for the HCC increased more in one year than the RAWC did in four years ISIK VERA SENEL ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR The Quality Services to Students (QSS) committee approved the 2020-2021 budget proposals for the Athletics departments, the Health and Counselling Centre (HCC), and Student Services on January 22.

The proposed increase by the HCC is particularly significant since it involves a 16.5 per cent increase in current fees for the upcoming academic year. In comparison, the Athletics department saw a 16.3 per cent increase in the span of four years since the 2016-2017 academic year and is proposing an increase of one per cent for next year.

The incidental fee for the HCC is mandatory for all students and will be seeing an increase of $16.74, bringing the annual mandatory HCC fee up to $117.88 from $101.14.

Although the increased fees have

been formally approved by the QSS committee, the budget proposals for the HCC, the Athletics department, and Student Services will require the approval of the Campus Affairs Council, Campus Council, and the University Affairs Board of Governing Council before it comes into effect.

In an email correspondence with The Medium, Erin Kraftcheck, the medical director of the HCC, said that the centre’s delivery of health services for student well-being is “cost-efficient” and “less than other U of T campuses while offering generally comparable services.”

“The increased student fee for the 2020-2021 academic year allows the HCC to add two additional counsellors to address the mental health needs of students,” said Kraftcheck.

“We will be able to further expand the number of same-day and follow-up counselling appointments available, offer more group counsel-

ling opportunities, and expand our Peer Mentorship program,” continued Kraftcheck.

The HCC is also slated for a new space with renovations coming up this winter and is expected to be ready for use by the summer. This expansion is expected to allow for an increase of services, especially those that the centre wasn’t able to initiate in the past due to space limitations.

“The renovation plans include space for additional physician and counsellor availability, improvements for nursing care, enhanced privacy when interacting in the reception area, and space that’s more conductive to the promotion of health and wellbeing,” said Kraftcheck.

Kraftcheck also detailed the evolution of health services at UTM in recent years, including the success of the Be Well UTM: Activity and Resource Fair, which took place last

September. “[Be Well UTM] is a large-scale mental health fair attended by more than 1000 students, staff, and faculty, and helped to increase awareness of on-campus and external community resources to support mental health and wellness,” stated Kraftcheck.

“This event has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, and there have been strong requests to continue this event.”

There will also be a new personal counsellor who will be stationed at the Maanjiwe Nendamowinan (MN) building four days per week.

“This counsellor works with English and drama and political science students, as well as other students who reach out to the HCC for counselling support,” continued Kraftcheck. “This has contributed to increasing the number of sameday counselling appointments available.”

In accordance with student requests, the HCC plans on expanding their health promotion programs in order to increase presence around campus and student awareness of programs.

“The HCC expanded the Health Promotion Team to include a staff member dedicated to mental health and wellness,” stated Kraftcheck.

“We have added drop-in wellness activities and educational events every week, Monday to Thursday, in our new Wellness Hub in DV2077A, near the Davis Building’s lecture halls.”

Kraftcheck also discussed the new programs and initiatives that the department has been pursuing and mentioned the new Peer Support program that will be introduced in the spring. This program aims to support UTM students struggling with issues ranging from general stress concerns to moderate depression and anxiety.

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THE MEDIUM 02.03.2020

UTM receives fair trade award

HUMANS OF UTM

UTM celebrates the silver designation with a Fair Trade Market

PHOTO/FAIRTRADE.CA

UTM’s dedication to being a fair trade school has helped the environment and small communities.

DILJOT BADESHA ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR Last month, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) became the first fair trade campus in Canada to earn the Silver Fair Trade Campus designation from Fairtrade Canada for its social, economic, and environmental sustainability initiatives.

Fairtrade Canada is a non-profit organization that supports local farmers and their food production.

The organization strives to provide farmers with better prices and working conditions by meeting specific social, economic and environmental standards.

Back in 2016, UTM received a bronze designation from Fairtrade Canada. Since then, the campus has continued to grow and improve its fair-trade options and resources on campus.

Currently, numerous fair trade options are available to students, staff, and faculty on campus. Fairtrade coffee, tea, and chocolate are sold at several locations on campus including the Food Court at the William G. Davis Building, the North Side Bistro at Deerfield Hall, and the Fair Trade café at Maanjiwe Nendamowinan.

Fair trade ingredients are also used daily in the kitchen and are offered at catered events.

Andrea De Vito, assistant director of the Hospitality & Retail Services (H&RS) department at UTM, said the silver designation is a “pillar” to UTM’s H&RS sustainability program which promotes the concept of sustainable practice and connects it with education.

“Being the first university in Canada to achieve a Fair Trade Campus Silver Designation shows UTM’s ongoing commitment to expand the positive impact of fair trade on our campus,” said De Vito.

“Committing to fair trade goes beyond our campus borders […] even our country’s borders,” continued De Vito. “By expanding our commitment to Fair Trade, we show support to the growers and suppliers (and their communities) of many products like coffee, bananas, sugar, and spices that we consume daily by continually investing to improve their quality of life and to ensure the sustainability of their livelihood.”

To celebrate UTM’s designation, a

fair trade market was held on January 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Maanjiwe Nendamowinan (MN). The market included several certified fair trade vendors such as Doi Chang, a coffee company.

John McGowan, the territory manager for Canterbury Coffee, a regional coffee company that sells Doi Chang products, has supported Doi Chang since the beginning.

“At the beginning, there were no paved roads up to the village [of Doi Chang]. Since then, a school has been built for the children all over the mountains [and] a coffee academy.

The villages have come an awful long way since I’ve been with Doi Chang,” said McGowan.

McGowan believes campuses that implement fair trade into their food outlet system make a big change in the world.

“I mean it all adds up. It’s going to help sustain these villages, [and] keep them growing for years to come,” continued McGowan. “The more [campuses] that are doing it, the better it will be [for] the world.”

Green Campus Co-operative (GCC), an apparel co-op business started by a York University professor, was also one of the vendors at the fair trade market last Tuesday.

Darryl Reed, a professor who currently teaches the business and society program at York University, founded GCC in 2011. GCC is a nonprofit, co-operative organization run by students and faculty at York University.

The mission of the organization, according to Reed, is “to get more sustainable products on campus, to support supply chains like farmers, and to teach students how to do sustainable business through an experiential educational program.”

GCC’s current project is Green Campus Cotton, a fair trade organic cotton garment company that makes spirit wear like t-shirts and polo shirts for universities, colleges, and other similar organizations.

Reed believes that students play a major role in sustainable initiatives like fair trade because campuses are where they develop their consumer habits.

Throughout the day, UTM students, staff, and faculty visited the market at the MN building. Samples of fair trade coffee were available,

along with organic granola bars and banana bread.

Christina Kokkinis, a second-year student majoring in psychology and criminology, said that she tries to buy “more locally sourced” goods whenever she can because it encourages equality among workers.

“I think the whole purpose of fair trade is paying individuals more money for their exports because they are taking so much time to produce a great product. So, for them to not get the money towards that, it’s unfair,” said Kokkinis.

Capri Contreras De Blasis, another second-year student majoring in psychology and criminology and minoring in women and gender studies, prefers local foods over the popular fast food chains on campus that students often go to like Starbucks and Thai Express. “[Food] tastes so much better when it’s from a mom-and-pop store,” said De Blasis.

De Blasis also stressed the idea of “giving back,” which fair trade promotes.

“I think it is important because you are putting it back into the community. These are actual people and you are giving [workers] a greater amount of money [for their work],” said De Blasis.

Staff at UTM also appreciate the growth of fair trade on campus.

Andrea Bourgeois, a sous-chef at North Side Bistro, believes fair trade will make the same impact as the water bottle stations installed across the university that have encouraged students to bring their own bottles to campus.

She thinks that fair trade is “good for the environment” and will continue to support environmentally friendly initiatives like fair trade on campus.

“Anything that is environmentally friendly, I’m for it,” said Bourgeois.

According to De Vito, green initiatives like fair trade on campus will continue to grow in the upcoming future.

“Hospitality & Retail Services will continue to expand our sustainability efforts because the positive impacts on our society and our planet far outweigh the associated financial costs,” said De Vito, “and because it’s the right thing to do.”

“You see these athletes come everyday, and you see them train for hours. They lift early in the morning. And then they get clowned in games because they don’t win. In reality, they have a lot more on their plates than the average student. They’re worrying about a lot more, like their essays and midterms. I’m sure all the other schools have their school work, but I’m pretty sure we can agree that it’s hard as hell at the University of Toronto. It’s hard being a student athlete at U of T. It’s even harder when you don’t have the love and support of school spirit. Right now our lady’s Varsity Basketball team is killing it, and it should have everyone excited. But school spirit is low. I feel that if we came together as school, like if all the departments bridge together, we could get the stands flooded with students, chanting and cheering. I feel like it’s something we can have in a couple of years. Keep your eyes open for our teams. The UTM Eagles are on their way; we’re flapping.”

January 23, 2020.

Theft.

A student reported someone tampering with a vending machine in the CCT building. Upon investigation, the coin dispenser had been taken.

January 27, 2020.

Police Assistance.

Campus Police attended the Davis building for a student feeling unwell.

January 28, 2020.

Police Assistance.

Three students were trapped in elevator 2 in the MN building. An elevator tech attended and freed the students.

January 29, 2020.

Theft.

Campus Police were advised that a vending machine in the TFC was tampered with. Vending machine staff advised that a bill stacker, coin dispenser and cash box were all missing.

January 24, 2020.

Mischief.

Campus Police staff noticed graffiti on the exterior glass of the Innovation Centre.

January 29, 2020.

Theft.

Campus Police were advised that another vending machine in the CCT building was tampered with. This machine was also missing a bill stacker, coin cassette and a cash box.

January 29, 2020.

Police Assistance .

Campus Police escorted a student feeling unwell to the Health and Counselling Centre.

January 29, 2020.

Police Assistance.

Campus Police attended the Student Centre for a student feeling unwell.

EMS also attended and transported the student to hospital..

These reports are those that have been released to The Medium from Campus Police and do not necessarily constitute an exhaustive list.

Students can contact the UTM Campus Police at 905 828 5200, Peel Regional Police at 905-453-3311, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

02.03.2020

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ASSOCIATES News: Harris Watkins, Isik Vera Senel, Diljot Badesha Satire: -A&E: Shalomi Ranasinghe Features: Latisha Lobban, Bismah Rizvi Sports: Noor Bhatia Photo: Hayden Mak, Kellsy Ann Meneses, Nour Saqqa, Irtaqa Arif

Coronavirus: What you need to know DISAGREE WITH SOMETHING? LETTERS POLICY

Panic over the virus is a human response but not the right one AYA YAFAOUI STAFF WRITER In 2003, the SARS epidemic hit Toronto. Originally from Guangdong, China, the virus was a novel coronavirus, meaning that it was a new virus that was transmitted from animal to human, causing respiratory infections. The virus affected 26 countries and killed 44 people in Canada, with 438 probable cases reported. In Toronto, approximately 25 thousand people were quarantined, and the WHO issued a travel advisory for travellers to avoid the city. Hospitals were unprepared to deal with this kind of virus, and those most at risk were people in hospitals, such as the elderly, the ill,

and health care workers.

Seventeen years later, a new coronavirus has landed in Toronto, but this time Toronto is prepared.

Hospitals have updated their procedures and redesigned their buildings to better contain and control the spread of viruses such as SARS. Governments at all levels have taken the lessons from that crisis and are now using them to inform how Canada deals with this new strain.

However, even though things have greatly improved since SARS, one thing has remained as a by-product of the virus: racism.

At the height of the epidemic, a media storm fueled fear and pushed conflicting information that confused the public. Images of Asian

people wearing face masks dominated the news, and the link between the virus and China was constantly emphasized. ChineseCanadians and Southeast Asian-Canadians lost their jobs, were threatened with eviction, and businesses saw their sales drop by 80 per cent.

People were pulling their children out of school due to fear that their children would catch the virus from an Asian classmate.

At the time, then Prime Minister Jean Chretien and his successor Paul Martin made a public display of solidarity with the Chinese and Asian communities by eating at restaurants in Toronto’s Chinatown to ease fears of SARS. Virus continued on page 6

Letters WE WANT

More OF THIS!

Re: Satire Section, January 27, 2020.

Dear Editor, Upon my visit to campus this morning, I went through my daily routine of getting the weekly issue of The Medium from the Instructional Centre. Instead of buying textbooks, I fill my bag with the weight

of the newspaper, but I was thoroughly disappointed this week to find my bag was as light as a feather. As I read the newspaper, I was firmly saddened and disappointed to find that my favourite section of the newspaper was missing, namely the satire section. I request that this is immediately and professionally resolved. I do not wish to spend my

annual income on such a repulsive and incompetent news outlet. I expect that my next read of The Medium will be one of great respect for your work.

Jonathan Marcantonio First year, Computer science

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«COMMENT

THE MEDIUM 02.03.2020

Let’s calm down about the coronavirus As people are working to preserve humans, let’s work as individuals to defend our collective humanity

Facts over fear Virus continued from page 5

BELICIA CHEVOLLEAU/THE MEDIUM

Hand washing is a better way to protect yourself than wearing a surgical mask.

TOMASZ GLOD STAFF WRITER 2020 seems to have gotten off on the wrong foot. We’re only a month into this new decade and it already appears that a lot of us would like to just fast forward through it. Interestingly, I have come across a number of posts in my timeline where society has been depicted as doomed— many are making this claim as they refer to the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, the spread of the coronavirus and the death of Kobe Bryant.

I find the narratives surrounding these conversations interesting, specifically as it pertains to the spread of the coronavirus. With an increasing number of cases being confirmed within Canada, people are trying to protect themselves. Many are purchasing surgical masks, with stock selling out in cities like Montreal and Toronto. And with the rise of the coronavirus, there have been reports of rising anti-Chinese hate and racism. These two actions speak to the sentiment that exists within

Canada—‘the most diverse place in the world’—which focuses on the self.

In other words, people need to calm down. As it pertains to the coronavirus, health specialists have stated a number of times that the risk it poses to Canadians is minimal, with many also stating that regular hand washing is a more effective way of protecting yourself than sporting surgical masks. Unfortunately, however, washing your hands does not provide some with the material and visual satisfaction that they are protecting themselves.

The convenience of putting on a mask and convincing yourself that you have done your due diligence to protect yourself from others is incredibly appealing. This visual marker, however, contributes to the heightening fear and misinformation surrounding these viruses.

Much of this misinformation has led to discriminatory acts against members of the Chinese Canadian community. These actions act as direct contradictions of Canadian ‘niceness’ and without recognizing

them we silence and disregard the underlying issues that will continue to plague our society. During trying and difficult times, people resort to the values and qualities that they hold closest.

If, while facing a ‘crisis,’ people prioritize themselves and alienate perceived threats, it highlights the true values they hold. The response that health officials and governments provided can be reflected upon and hopefully improve the containment of future health concerns in this interconnected and global society. It can also act as an opportunity for society to reflect on our individual responses—ones that may have seemed rational at the time. And since this crisis has yet to be fully averted, we must focus on the actions that we can take.

What you can do as an individual can collectively have a major impact.

Wash your hands, remain calm, be ‘nice,’ and remember that we’re only a month in. As people are working to preserve humans, let’s work as individuals to defend our collective humanity.

Reflecting on Auschwitz and its meaning for the present HARRIS WATKINS STAFF WRITER In the hearts and minds of many, this past Monday, January 27, was a day of somber reflection and mourning in recognition of the seventyfifth anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp. The case for myself was no different.

On my way home from class that day, I was listening to a CBC broadcast covering the ceremonies being held at Auschwitz with my mom as we drove down the 401. My mom proceeded to tell me a story that I had never heard from her before: she mentioned that, in her early twenties, she got a job while in school at a textile business in Etobicoke. On her first day, she met one of her coworkers, a quiet older woman who

worked in the same department as her. During the day, my mom caught notice of something tragic— a tattoo on the woman’s forearm of a six-digit identification number that was evidently from her time spent at a Nazi concentration camp prior to her emigration to Canada.

My mom remarked that what she felt in seeing this was inexpressible, a feeling characterized by a profound sense of tragedy and sadness in recognition of what this sixdigit number entailed: the horror, the pain, the suffering, and the loss felt at the hands of a cruel system designed to exterminate European Jewry.

Stories like this, holding the same importance and emotional weight decades after they happened, are crucial in reiterating lessons against

the extremism and hatred that ultimately led to the mass-scale killings which defined the Second World War. Ensuring these stories, and the accounts of survivors who spoke extensively on their horrid experiences, continue to be told is even more important in remembering that we are losing many Holocaust survivors to old age.

We must be vigilant of instances within modern discourse that serve to dilute the meanings of powerful words. For instance, calling someone you disagree with a ‘Nazi’ dilutes the evil which is inseparable from the very essence of being a Nazi, thus rendering the word less powerful (and less able to describe evil) than it should be.

Another poignant example is the

Well, they say that history doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.

Amid this new coronavirus outbreak, racism has not only persisted in everyday life but has moved into the digital space of social media— something that wasn’t around for the SARS outbreak in 2003. Fake news has become widespread, memes have been created about the virus, and even conspiracy theories have sprung up about the origin and purpose of the virus. In York region, a petition, with more than nine thousand signatures, called for schools to track students who recently travelled to China and to ask them to stay in self-isolation for 17 days. Another petition with more than 30 thousand signatures on Change.org is asking that all schools and campuses be closed in Ontario to stop the spread of the “Wuhan virus.” On social media platforms, a video of a Chinese woman eating a bat with chopsticks went viral and was picked up by other media outlets, enticing racist and sinophobic comments.

These racist and biased sentiments have not changed, and they likely won’t go away after this outbreak is contained. However, a key difference this time around is that there is pushback against racializing a disease. In Toronto, city councillors attended a dinner to support local Chinese-Canadian businesses. In response to the petition, the York Region District School Board responded by saying, “individuals who make assumptions, even with positive intentions of safety about the risks of others and request or demand quarantine can be seen as demonstrating bias and racism.”

Here at UTM, we need to recognize that making jokes or avoiding sitting next to an Asian classmate is wrong, especially because we have a vibrant international Asian community. I understand the need to protect oneself from a virus that has the potential to kill but let us base our actions on facts and not fiction—we are university students after all.

In Canada and in the GTA, the risk of contracting the virus is low. Unless you have travelled to China recently and consequently developed symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, or been in close contact with someone who has, there is a very low chance that you will contract it.

The best way to protect yourself from the coronavirus is to do what you’re already supposed to do: wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, avoid close contact with those who are sick, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, stay at home if you are sick, and clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently used (especially your phones).

The panic and fear over the coronavirus is a very human response to something with the potential to be lethal, but to put it into context, the common flu kills up to half a million people around the world and about 3,500 people in Canada each year. Yet people still don’t bother to get the flu shot. So please, let’s remember to be diligent with our sources of information and the context with which that information comes from, and let’s try to be kind to one another during a time where division is all too easy.

It is also our duty to prevent such an atrocity from happening again comparison of the Donald Trump administration to Nazi Germany, and its policies being the foundations for another horrific event akin to the Holocaust. When we collectively allow such analogies to be increasingly permitted within modern discourse, their saliency diminishes.

Criticisms of opinions you disagree with and the Trump presidency are undoubtedly legitimate, and necessary in holding such things to account, but if we truly wish to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and the pure evil it brought down upon European Jewry and other groups deemed undesirable

by Nazi Germany, we must reserve these terms to refer to people, ideas, and movements which show a clear affinity for the ideas and persons of Nazism.

Remembering the Holocaust is only a part of our obligation—it is also our duty to prevent such an atrocity from happening again. Being vigilant in the usage of the spoken word—that is, ensuring we call ‘a spade a spade’ and being wary of loaded meanings and the tragic history behind them—in our debates with others is critical to ensuring we are able to identify and counteract the modern forces of Nazism which undoubtedly exist.

In our battle against extremism and hate, we must remember that we champion a cause passed down to us from the survivors of unimaginable horror—the sorts of people who fled such extremism to start a new life in this inclusive place we call Canada.

We mustn’t let them down.

ELECTIONS 2020: CANDIDATE STATEMENTS UTM Campus Council ROSA CIANTAR // Administrative Staff

I am excited to be running for the staff position on Campus Council. My 16 years of experience at UTM spans from undergraduate program administration/support to interpretation and application of institutional policies and governance procedures. The responsibilities that I have held allowed me to develop in-depth knowledge of university policies from a department and institutional level. I strongly believe that the experience and knowledge I have gained will enable me to provide support and insight to the Council in terms of decision-making surrounding academic, budget, and student-related issues and I welcome the opportunity to serve our community on Campus Council.

RON WENER //

Administrative Staff I am excited to put my name forward as a candidate for UTM Campus Council. I have had the pleasure of joining the UTM family five years ago after working at both the St. George and Scarborough campuses. From my first day on campus, I’ve been struck by the incredible sense of community and common purpose. I currently work in the Career Centre as an Employment Strategist. I’ve been fortunate to participate in many campus activities including serving on the UTM Run for the Cure Committee, working out at the RAWC and enjoy my daily nature walks. www.ronwener.ca

AYEZA BASIT //

Full-time Undergraduate Student I am Ayeza Basit. Throughout my years at the University, I have actively participated in various societies such as the University of Toronto Model United Nations, SMA, DEMA, and UTMTV that have equipped me with an extensive knowledge on logistics and matters allowing me to confidently work towards objectives important for students. Now, I take the role of confidently representing you to make sure that the decisions made are in accordance to our needs.

As such, working to remove incidental fees, improving registrar services, providing spaces for praying/meditating in every building, are a few amongst many matters that I will work towards!

MOAZZAM REZA //

Full-time Undergraduate Student Moazzam Reza is a UTM student who wants to improve everybody’s university experience. He hopes that he can fulfill this desire as a member of Campus Council. Moazzam is a SHAD scholar, and was also his high school’s valedictorian.

As well, he loves acting, literature, computer science, philosophy, working out, video games, music, autism activism, and psychology. For Moazzam, these seemingly unrelated interests are united by one thing: his passion for them.

And that passion is precisely what will fuel him as he works to make UTM the best it can be.

Vote Moazzam.

DU (BRYAN) WENCHAO // Full-time Undergraduate Student

My name is Bryan Du, I am in the second year

of my university life. I have served in UTMSU as a first-year representative, a member of the UTMSU Chinese team and I am currently serving as a board member of the UTMSU, many UTM students have shared their thoughts regarding on developing this campus with me and I value every single one of your thoughts. As if I am elected, my goal is to ensure that every thought the students have for this campus can be well-heard by the campus officials so that meaningful campus developments can be achieved with maximum capacity.

2004, I am currently Chair of the Department of Psychology and also serve on the Academic Affairs Committee. Furthermore, the Department of Psychology is not currently represented on CAC and I believe that both my department and the CAC would benefit from having Psychology represented in this governing body. Finally, on a more personal note, I would find this service interesting.

MITRA YAKUBI //

Alysha Ferguson values listening, learning and building relationships, with a vision to advocate and inspire change as a leader and community builder. Since joining UTM’s community in 2015, at the CSE, Alysha has worked hard to develop an understanding of the student and campus community through participation in town halls, events, focus groups, PD workshops and committees. Alysha is willing to ask questions and share her opinion when representing others and ensuring their voices are heard. For these reasons, Alysha hopes to serve as an Administrative Staff on the Campus Affairs Committee.

To learn about Alysha’s platform, values and experience visit: https://alyshaferguson.wixsite. com/campusaffairscouncil.

Full-time Undergraduate Student Hello, My name is Mitra Yakubi. I am a fourth year student completing a biology specialist and a sociology minor at UTM. I am running to be YOUR next full-time undergraduate representative at the UTM Campus Council. Through my experience working with the UTMSU as Orientation and Volunteer Coordinator, I have gained an understanding of the importance of campus life, student voice and advocacy for students on campus. More importantly, these positions have allowed me to have a pulse of our campus and student needs. I am looking forward to representing the interest of UTM students on Campus Council.

UTM Campus Affairs Committee RAFAEL CHIUZI // Teaching Staff

Rafael is a proud Professor and an active member of the UTM community. As a faculty at the Management Department, he mentors our bright students and actively seeks new ways to enhance his organizational behaviour teaching.

His Ph.D. in organizational psychology is also put to good use outside the walls of the University. Rafael managed several large-scale corporate change processes in Fortune 500 companies in North America, South America, and the Middle East. His motivation to engage with the Campus Affairs Committee is to serve UTM proudly and improve our beautiful Campus. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/management/people/chiuzi-rafael

CLAUDIU GRADINARU // Teaching Staff

I have been a Professor of Physics at UTM since 2006 and served as Chair of the Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences between 2014 and 2019. I teach, do research, supervise graduate students, manage a research lab and, as Chair, I ran a large and complex yearly budget and participated in several major planning and renovation projects on campus. I am a big fan of all things UTM and I believe that my experience and my commitment to excellence and accountability will serve me well as member of the UTM Campus Affairs Committee.

ASHLEY MONKS // Teaching Staff

I would like to serve on UTM’s Campus Affairs Committee as I believe that I am well-positioned to undertake this important service. I have been a member of the UTM teaching staff since

ALYSHA FERGUSON // Administrative Staff

STEPHANIE SANTOS // Administrative Staff

From assisting ICCIT students in the classroom for 5 years to working on the front-line in Hospitality & Retail Services, and now supporting the Department of Language Studies in administration, I have served the UTM community from various perspectives. As commitments have evolved, I have embraced the opportunity to give back such as becoming an Executive Committee member for Connections and Conversations, and as a mentor for the UTM Alumni Mentorship Program. I want to grasp this opportunity to keep paying it forward by improving campus life.

ERICA QUILATES // Graduate Student

My name is Erica Quilates, I am currently a Masters student in medicinal chemistry at UofT under the supervision of professor Patrick Gunning. I am running to be a part of the students’ affair committee at UTM because as a part of this committee I would help improve the graduate student experience. I have been a student in UTM for 6 years, so I have experienced the growth of the community and the adversity that come with being a good UTM students. If I am elected to this position, I will represent the graduate community.

MARC YEGANI // Graduate Student

My name is Marc M. Yegani and I’m a first year student in the Masters of Science in Sustainability Management program. I come by way of Alberta, where I completed an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Mathematics. I believe that free and rational thinking followed by courageous action according to one’s convictions offers great value to the individual as well as to society. I have previously put this belief into practice during my undergraduate degree where I was president and founder of an innovative and popular student club called the Idea and Social Club. I am also well experienced in student governance matters.

2020 GOVERNING COUNCIL ELECTIONS: Student Candidates’ Statements Voting Period: Monday, February 3, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. to Friday, February 14, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

Online voting will take place on U-electT at voting.utoronto.ca Full-Time Undergraduate Students, Constituency I (Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto Mississauga, University of Toronto Scarborough) Sophia My name is Sophia Sainee Ayathurai and I am a third year student in the Mental Health Specialist Co-op Program at UTSC. Since starting my undergraduate degree in 2016, I have volunteered on and off campus and am currently the Vice-President of ShareNow, and a successful co-op student.

I learned how to be a UofT representative both on and off campus and navigated UofT relations within the community.

I am passionate about improving policies to aid students struggling with their mental health, female students, and minority students. I want to make being at UofT a fulfilling experience.

Andrea Chiappetta Hi everyone! My name is Andrea Chiappetta, and I am currently a student at Woodsworth College, studying Political Science. With experience on our campus’ Academic Board, the UTSU, and my local college union (WCSA), I feel that I am ready to be a part of student voice as a member of Governing Council. As a member of Governing Council, I would push for reform to the credit/no credit mechanism, so that we can have clarity by having a large portion of a course mark prior to making these academic decisions. I ask for your trust to elect me to the Council!

Aisha Chohan As a Forest Conservation and Environmental Studies student in my second year here at UofT, I believe I have the qualifications, but more importantly, the motivation to represent students on the Governing Council. I have previous experience working in clubs on campus such as the UofT B.E.E.S and have experience working in a community nonprofit organization known as Youth Gravity. I hope to use this position to provide a student perspective based on student feedback and research. I also hope to promote policies in relation to awards, tuition, and grading practices that will benefit students the most!

Valerie Dawe My name is Valerie Dawe and I would like to serve on the Governing Council because the University of Toronto is a large and great institution and it is important to maintain certain facets of our education. The aspects that are the most important to me are equity, inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability with regard to our environmental footprint, and supports for mental health. The University of Toronto has been making steps in this direction and I hope to foster these issues and ensure that everything that can reasonably be done to support our diverse host of students will be done.

Xiaoyi Du Xiaoyi is currently doing PEY till Summer 2020. As a PEY student who also taking course at same time, Xiaoyi strongly encouraging Department of Computer Science and Faculty of Engineer setting up evening course office hour for PEY students. Besides that, as an international student from China, Xiaoyi realizes that not much international student participates in school political events though they are paying a gigantic tuition. Xiaoyi wants to become a voice of international students and will working with international student association to let international students knows what rights they have and how to defending themselves.

Joy Fan To be a clear voice for students amidst within the Governing Council is a critically important role. There have been many calls for change within the past years I have been at UofT, yet few demands from students have been met, and even minor changes have taken much too long. Students’ problems need to be the university’s problems. UofT prides itself on being a first-class institution and needs to start acting like one to its students, rather than to just show the world. This is what I will champion and push for. This is our voice.

Lucas Granger Over the past four years I have had the opportunity to serve three terms on the Innis College Council, and currently as Vice-President, External at the UTSU. Through these experiences I have been able to advocate on behalf of real student issues like housing, transit, and student aid. As a member of Governing Council, I would ensure that students are properly consulted on policy, that the effects of MLAP on students are heard, and that the University of Toronto Act is amended to reflect the current reality that although UofT has three campuses, it only has two full-time student seats. https:// www.facebook.com/Lucas-Granger-for-UofT-GoverningCouncil-109072783953780 Roofaidah Durdana Haque I am a member of the undergraduate class of 2023. I would bring to this position many fine qualities; honesty, cooperativeness and etc. However, the most important one is being the voices of other peers at the University of Toronto. I have many things to share, but so do you. If I do get elected, my first goal is to let others share their experiences, opinions and etc. Make the sharing stage equal for all. I will work alongside my peers to bring focus to the needs of other students. Thanks so much!

You can reach me via email at roofaidah.durdana@gmail.com Jimmy Issa Jimmy Issa is a tall student attending the University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus, and sees his future in the sciences of molecular biology. He’s really interested in the origins of civilization, has done a bit of dancing, and is as confident as he is tall, hoping to represent you on the Governing Council.

Born in Quebec but living close to the campus today, his time for you is all the time, preferably Friday’s. Vote Jimmy.

Laiba Khan Singing out loud is my all-time favorite hobby and embarrassing myself is my forte, therefore if you see me singing, please sing along. Hey UofT, my name is Laiba Khan, I am a first-year student at University of Toronto, Mississauga pursuing Law and criminology as my major. I currently serve as the Division 1 Board of Director at UTM. For the past several years, I have been part of many organizations, clubs and currently serve as a Master Corporal in Cadets. I am running to be a part of the governing council to create a better university year for you!

Yufeifei Lei I used to be a grade 12 Representative in the student council in my high school. I planned many school events, such as Walk for Hope, writing session, and so on. I also entered DECA which is a business contest in North America and successfully reached the second round. In addition, I used to be a math tutor. I helped grade 9 and 10 students do math questions. Furthermore, I was a member of swim team and badminton club in my high school. In conclusion, I really want to join in it and I will make efforts do it.

Brady Liu Dear fellow peers, my name is Brady and I am an undergraduate life science student here at UofT. My primary motivation for joining this organization is to provide the Governing Council with the perspectives of students from the undergraduate student community. My qualifications for this role stem from my student service experiences as a Program Coordinator and Student Leader. More importantly, I possess an intrinsic passion for incorporating student voices into key decision-making processes, enhancing comprehensive support for mental health provisions, as well as improving the student experience overall. Feel free to connect with me at bradyb.liu@mail.utoronto.ca for any inquiries!

Daniel Mau As a fellow undergraduate student, I understand the challenges we face. While I cannot propose policy, I promise I will represent our view and ensure I will post questions to policies that are not in the best interests of us. If elected, I will use platforms where I will engage all of you whenever possible.

I will ensure you can contact me easily so I can represent your view. To address the issue of low student participation, I will use platforms like UserVoice to ensure easy discussion.

Also, I will increase engagement by participating in different platforms, like Reddit AMA. votedaniel2020.wordpress.com Nicholas Pagano My name is Nicholas Pagano, a third year Mathematics and Neuroscience student. I have served in student leadership positions as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Vice President of the St. Michael’s College Student Union, as well as involvement in Orientation planning and execution at my college. I have sat on many administrative boards, and have spent extensive time interacting with students to best represent them. My goal is to provide a voice for the undergraduate students, to ensure their experience at the University of Toronto is amazing, starting from the top down.

Vote for me!

Shayan Salesi I am in my second year studying mathematics, computer science, and economics. I have had immense opportunity to learn leadership through starting numerous companies, student clubs, teaching, and mentorship. I am confident that the skills I have garnered in these positions will carry over in my ability to dutifully represent the university in regards to maintaining and advancing academic quality, and improving the student experience. I am dedicated to creating a connected student body, and creating a community of prosperity and personal achievement. With your trust in me, I will be tireless in creating a University culture embedded with excellence. https://www.shayansalesi.com/Campaign Ralph Sayegh Having recently moved here from Lebanon I am eager to participate in our beautiful university community and give back to my society to the best of my ability. Having had model united nation experience as well as managerial experience through the Rotman Commerce FinTech Association, I believe I would be an excellent representative of the arts and science department as a member of this year’s governing council. As an international student, I believe I bring a new and fresh outlook to the table and the possibility of inspiring other intercontinental students that may be hesitant to voice their opinions.

Haolin Tong Haolin Tong is a second year student at Victoria College studying Political Science. He previously studied at UTSC and achieved Dean’s List in his first year of study. He has actively volunteered for the UTSC Student Ambassador Program as a tour guide since the beginning of his university life, showcasing the university for prospective students. Studying at both campuses has given him opportunity to hear students’ concerns about their studying in both places. He is looking forward to the opportunity to speak on behalf of the students and bringing forth their concerns to the governing council. For more information, please visit haolin-tong.org Marium Nur Vahed After a year of personal loss and struggles, I know firsthand how many UofT policies are unnecessarily stressful and costly to our community. Through my background in policy reform and advocacy, I am eager to represent your voice by pushing for changes on the Governing Council. For years, I have worked to create spaces for marginalized voices to be heard, and I will continue to challenge people and systems that limit equitable representation. I believe that through academic policies that are more forgiving, trusting and empowering, we can move towards a positive campus culture that centres student wellbeing. mariumnurvahed.ca

Manchen Wang My name is Manchen Wang, a second-year undergraduate student studying nutrition and immunology. I am eager to help others from many different perspectives. As the president of IYSS, an NGO which I carried forward and raise more than 5000 each year for local hospitals since 2017, I grow to listen, appreciate and take on actions to every voice. I am also a personal consultant who helps students manage extracurricular and have a fluent transition from high school to university. I want to share all positive thoughts to you and make our university a home away from home :) Aloysius Wong My name is Aloysius Wong. I am entering my fourth year studying Peace, Conflict and Justice and Computer Science.

I am running to become your representative at the Governing Council to become an advocate for you and issues that affect us as students. The mental health crisis and fossil fuel divestment necessitate action by the university, and we must work in solidarity with each other and create a community of collaboration and communication. Speak up and vote, and may we never fall silent at the expense of those who need our help and support. More information at the following link: www. aloysiuswong.ca/uoft-gc Vishar Yaghoubian As the Mental Health Director for Woodsworth College at U of T, I intend to represent YOUR VOICE. I have held roles leading and advocating for students for a consistent seven years, aided in community development in Ecuador, and am an advocate for student health and well-being. My goal as a member of the governing council at U of T is to ensure that student wishes are HEARD and mobilized into prompt ACTION. The U of T student experience should live up to the international reputation of our school, including mental health supports and value for our tuition dollars. http://vishar.tk Ziqing (Justin) Zhao Better Vote for Justin! I am a second-year student at St. Michael’s College studying Economic, Psychology and Computer Science. I did my first year at UTSC, as an international student and having studied in both campus, I know what do we really need, such as smaller class scale, more food court on campus with affordable, delicious food, especially more Chinese food. I will push more scholarships and funds to help you with our high cost. I am passionate about making some real changes to our place UofT. Better vote for me, vote for your better life at UofT.

Full-Time Undergraduate Students, Constituency II (Professional Faculties) Hatem Abdalla I have only been in University of Toronto for one semester, but I already feel at home. I want to give back to everyone by being their medium. As a high school clown, student body president, and a participant in the student council for five more years, I grew to listen and appreciate every voice in the room, no matter how loud or quiet. I plan on being easily accessible in person or through social media, so that I can forward your message. I want to be your microphone, but don’t yell pls :( Abnash Kaur Bassi Abnash Kaur Bassi is a first-year Engineering Science student within the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering.

She is interested in policy-making and previously served on the Constituency Youth Council for MP and Federal Cabinet Minister Carla Qualtrough for three years. Abnash is dedicated to representing the perspectives of students at the University of Toronto, and brings valuable experience from extra-curricular leadership within student clubs. Her community involvement in high school led to Abnash being named one of 35 national Loran Scholarship recipients in 2019. She is currently involved in Engineers without Borders and the University of Toronto’s Aerospace Team.

Charlie Chen To my fellows, I am a third-year engsci in MI major. In the past years, I’ve led students to bring free, valuable events to AI students looking for opportunities and learnings. Now, I want to represent you in the governing council, where I will fight for personalized career planning guidance, opportunities to experience industry and research life as we study, as well as education on healthy and fruitful teamwork. I also care a lot about our mental pressure and will try my best to make mental health supports accessible to everyone in need regardless of their courage to speak up. https://www.facebook.com/ GetASayOnGoverningCouncil/ Spencer Julien Spencer Julien is committed to building a more fair and just University of Toronto. A committed activist and community organizer, Spencer will be a fighter for equity and student concerns on Governing Council. Passionate about education, social justice, and community building, they previously served on the Minister of Education’s Student Advisory Council (2015-16), Nominating Committee, Board of Governors of Scouts Canada (2015-19), and are the Chair of the Coalition for Specialized Schools. Spencer supports climate-focused divestment, real solutions for the campus mental health crisis, and increased equity in university-wide hiring practices they will always prioritize students’ interests. www.spencerjulien. ca/governingcouncil

Continued...

2020 GOVERNING COUNCIL ELECTIONS: Student Candidates’ Statements Full-Time Undergraduate Students, Constituency II (Professional Faculties) Continued

Graduate Students Constituency I (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Graduate Students Constituency II (Physical and Life Sciences)

Chris Kwon My name is Chris and I’m a first-year engineering science student who loves interacting with people and helping them when possible. As someone with a longtime reputation of being energetic, creative and extroverted, I will put my strong interpersonal qualities to use in representing and serving my constituency. ‘Work hard, play hard!’ is the ideal that I personally embody in my own life and how I perceive my school community’s values, and I would love to contribute myself in keeping this a core spirit of our community. (It ain’t much, but it’s honest work)

Ada Adanna Governing Council is an opportunity for us to contribute to the long term vision of this University in our short time here.

I ask to represent you. In my spare time, I enjoy reading up on the history of the university, its many reports and its strategy for the future. I’ve been privileged to have insightful discussions with some of you over these findings. It takes informed research to ask questions, offer feedback and support long-term strategy. I figured I could put all that knowledge to some use volunteering on this council. So, here I am: www.voteADA.ca

Diana Li As a member of the Governing Council, I pledge to represent and voice for students and student groups within the Professional Faculties, especially the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. I commit to improve student experience by contributing to decision-making from an international student’s perspective and being the go-to person for student feedback. I will act upon my experiences as Mental Health and Wellness Director and First-Year Mentorship Director with the Chemical Engineering Council to support students transition into university. I will also relentlessly advocate for experiential learning and more opportunities that bridge the gap between theory and industry practice.

Hanné Becker My name is Hanné Becker, DMA Candidate in Organ Performance at the Faculty of Music. My interest in serving on the Governing Council stems from a desire to more deeply understand and contribute positively towards strategic planning and decision making processes involved in keeping university programs relevant in today’s fast-changing world.

I believe interdisciplinary conversations involving diverse faculties are integral to facilitate collaborative efforts towards building a better future together. Besides being a TA for three consecutive years, I have also been involved in leadership roles on campus as a residence Don and on the Knox College student committee.

Jasmine Carter As a Graduate Student in the Life Sciences Division I would like to run for a position on the Governing Council. Currently, I am a PhD student and Co-President of the Pharmaceutical Science Graduate Student Association in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Faculty of Pharmacy studying human health with focus on pharmacoepidemiology and molecular mechanisms. I have published in Psychoneuroendocrinology, Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine and Clinical Medicine. Formerly, I have been a Governor on the Academic Board and Academic Policy and Programs Board. Outside of my studies, I enjoy rowing and row on the University of Toronto Rowing Team.

Stephane Martin Demers Hello everyone! I am a student at the University of Toronto Faculty of Music. As a Faculty of Music Undergraduate Association (FMUA) board member as well as a Black Future Lawyers (BFL) Program Assistant at the Faculty of Law and a Toronto Pearson International Airport student ambassador for U of T, contributing to the intellectual and administrative growth of this university has been my primary goal and utmost pleasure. If elected, I will use my 3 years of experience on campus to be a trustworthy representative for the student body and a leader for change.

Akshay Mohan A flourishing student community is foundational to academic excellence. As a first year international PhD studying mental health, I have direct experience with and understanding of the financial, social and health needs of our community. For fifteen years, I have held student leadership roles to advance these complex issues, engaged stakeholders, built coalitions and launched initiatives to improve student quality of life, mental health and resource access. Your vote for me is necessary, so I can continue to use my experience and expertise to represent our needs, and ensure university policies and practices are aligned to building a flourishing community.

Sneh Shah Sneh Shah is a first year Electrical-Engineering student at the University of Toronto. He has graduated from ABWA (Alma mater) receiving an International Baccalaureate® Diploma.

Sneh was the captain of the cricket varsity team and has earned a scholarship training from a renowned club. Sneh has imbibed copious knowledge about leadership through the Ilead Troost Leadership workshops at his university. He loves taking up tasks that allow him to impact his surroundings.

Sneh recently led a village adoption project in association with NGOs wherein his team managed to raise $1000 for the provision of sanitation kits for teenagers in rural Maharashtra. www.linkedin.com/in/sneh-shah-13527a1a0 Gary Wei I’m an Engineering Science student dedicated to meaningful and impactful representation of the student body. I currently sit on the Engineering Society Board of Directors as a FirstYear director as well as its Academic Advocacy Committee.

Although I study in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, this isn’t my first year at U of T; last year I pursued a degree in the Faculty of Arts & Science. As such, I bring a significant breadth of perspective to the table and the necessary experience to effectively advocate on and contribute to the Governing Council for our professional faculties constituency. Visit gxwei.ca

Mozynah Nofal I am a third year PhD student in Education Leadership and Policy at OISE. I have a Master’s degree in educational policy from the OttawaU, and a Public Policy Bachelors from Carleton University. Between these three institutions I have a combined experience of 10 years of students’ activism work, and 10 years of training in education policies.

Professionally, I have worked for a scholarship management company, two private schools, the United Nations and the World Bank. Besides my professional and academic training, I am passionate about providing an inclusive campus, with a mentally safe environment and fair policies for students.

Gaurang Paranji I am Gaurang Paranji, and I am a first year Masters in Finance student. As a graduate student I bring to the table experience gained living and working in 4 different countries, including previous leadership experience. I currently hold the elected position of MFin Director for the Graduate Business Council. I have previously acted as a liaison, and I promise to be proactive whenever I see something that could be improved, whether academically or otherwise. I assure you that your trust in me will not be mislaid. Vote for someone who will represent you. Vote for Gaurang Paranji. www.gparanji.com

Amin Kamaleddin “The Highest Result of Education is Tolerance”. Having your trust in me, together with my experience as the President of International Students’ Caucus and contributions to Neuroscience and Engineering communities will enable me to: Improve the mental health resources, Facilitate transparent access to information, and Create an environment where all students can thrive; Assure that UofT continues its efforts toward the improvement of students’ communication and interpersonal skills that are essential to their career development; Build a community of inclusion where EVERYONE is welcomed; and, Consult regularly with graduate students and Coordinate efforts centered around their common interests and concerns. https://www.facebook.com/Aminfor2020/ Sophie McGibbon-Gardner Sophie is a fifth year PhD candidate in Physics. She has served as the Academics and Funding Commissioner for Divisions 3 and 4, and as the Finance Commissioner at the Graduate Students’ Union. She has been involved in student governance throughout her post-secondary education, serving on six university governance bodies. On these bodies, she has focused on environmental justice initiatives, improving supervisory relationships, access to conference funding, and improving student mental health through community building and needs-based solutions. She hopes to continue to advocate for increasing the quality of the student experience as a Governing Council Representative.

Helen Yang I’m Helen Yang, an IMS MSc student. I had the privilege of serving on the A&S council and its subcommittees as an elected undergraduate student representative. When reviewing student appeals and policy changes, I provided a strong empathetic student voice to the faculty and staff. To date, I continue to be an active member on the A&S Mental Health Committee. I am also a Co-Chair on the LMP Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. I will passionately advocate for academic, financial, and mental health support. I will also encourage open dialogue to better represent your voice. Please strongly consider my candidacy.

Branden Rizzuto Branden is a 5th year PhD Candidate in Anthropology.

He has been a student at the University of Toronto since 2008 and has served on over 20 university councils and committees. Currently serving his 5th term on the Arts and Science Council, Branden was also a 4-term Executive at the Graduate Students’ Union (GSU). Branden has played a lead role in the creation of new bursaries and awards for graduate students and currently spearheads the UTGSU’s legal proceedings against the Ontario Ford Government’s “Student Choice Initiative”. He is committed to strengthening graduate student representation and the voices of graduate students broadly.

Students registered at UTM and UTSC are also encouraged to vote in the elections for the Campus Councils and their Standing Committees.

Voting Period: Monday, February 3, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. to Friday, February 14, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Online voting will take place on U-electT at voting.utoronto.ca.

Questions about the Governing Council elections process may be directed to the Chief Returning Officer, Mr. Anwar Kazimi (416-978-8427; anwar.kazimi@utoronto.ca), or the Deputy Returning Officer, Mr. Patrick McNeill (416-978-8428; patrick.mcneill@utoronto.ca).

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SATIRE

Editor | Erin Delaney

Career Centre unveils workshops inspired by Mulan AYA YAFAOUI STAFF WRITER A new report by the Labour Market Information Council (LMIC) and the Education Policy Research Initiative (EPRI) has found that the gender pay gap starts right out of university, with women making an average of $5,700, or 12 per cent, less than men one year after graduation. These results build upon the already robust research on gender discrimination and are reflective of the fact that on average, women make 87 cents on the dollar that men make hourly. The issue is even worse for women with disabilities or from minority groups.

In light of the recent report, the Career Centre at UTM has unveiled a new series of workshops aimed at giving female students strategies to close the pay gap. The series, titled, “Be A Man!”, is a collaboration between the Career Centre and the Drama department, and includes three workshops focusing on three different strategies that will help women during the hiring process and beyond.

When asked about the inspiration

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Femininity has never been so masculine! If you’re a woman who wants equality, be a man! behind the theme of the workshop series, a representative for the Career Centre had this to say: “The Career Centre prides itself on basing all of its workshops on career education and employment. For these new workshops, we consulted the experiences of a very famous figure that has had extensive first-hand experience with being the only female in a male-dominated field, the legendary Fa Mulan.”

The first workshop, named “From Jessica to John,” takes students

through the process of how to change their name to one that will help them in their job search. Students are instructed to pick gender-neutral or masculine names as research has shown that resumes with male names are rated more favorably and given better offers. Students of colour are also encouraged to pick white-sounding male names to maximize the benefit of this strategy.

The second workshop is called “How to Look Effortlessly Mascu-

Bell Let’s Dance!

line,” and focuses on helping female students go beyond changing their names, to the more impactful change of altering their appearance. The workshop presents masculine styles for women to emulate, such as the business staple of the “suit.” For casual Fridays, why not try on the black hoodie, a black t-shirt, a basketball jersey, or a floral button up? However, organizers of the workshop do warn that this strategy is difficult to execute correctly since employers do not look

favorably on those who seem to deviate from the heteronormative golden standard.

The final workshop in the series shifts the focus from superficial change to a deeper, internal transformation. Titled, “Putting the Man in Woman,” the aim of this workshop is to change the attitude women have when going out into the world. Participants are taken through various exercises that are meant to get them into the headspace of a confident, assertive, strong man. Some exercises include: “The Subway Spread,” “The Playboy Lie Around,” and the popular “Enlightenment Tournament,” where participants are awarded points for the number of times they successfully interrupt another student whose talking about a topic, such as their field of study, so as to better explain it to them.

Organizers are hoping that the series will help give female students the tools and confidence they need to smash the glass ceiling by being a part of the group who put it there.

Corona Time at UTM

JULIA HEALY/THE MEDIUM TALA ALKHALDI/THE MEDIUM

Stimulate your serotonin and dance the depression away at the Bell Let’s Dance day!

ERIN DELANEY SATIRE EDITOR With the state of the country’s mental health care in the trusted hands of a telecommunications company, Bell is no stranger to powerful campaigns.

Bell Let’s Talk, established in 2011, has shifted the culture of mental health from something to talk about to something to tweet about once a year and never ever mention again.

Hoping to reinvent the depressed wheel, Bell introduced a new initiative to help people move past their issues.

Bell Let’s Dance!, the new initiative making waves and body rolls across the nation, hopes to encourage Canadians to be more open with their minds, and their bodies. By encouraging Canadians to dance their blues away, Bell Let’s Dance! is setting a new precedent for addressing mental health.

“When we started Bell Let’s Talk, we wanted more dialogue about peoples encounters with mental health,” said Bell CEO George A. Cope to The Medium. “After a few successful years of elevating the conversation around mental illness, we here at Bell are honestly so sick of hearing about everyone’s problems. We just want to party and have fun.”

Here at UTM this past Bell Let’s Talk day, students experiencing mental health issues were urged to seek out the newly established dance floor in the CCT atrium. The dance floor, a result of a six-month study which lead to the creation of a taskforce which produced a faculty-committee to come up with fun ways to be depressed, is only costing the university a gentle six hundred thousand. The floor comes equipped with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) discolights—lights so bright they bleach the mental illness right out of you.

And if you’re worried about having nothing to listen to but the constant un-merry-go-round of your thoughts, Bell Lets Dance! has you covered. They have the best uplifting hits, like “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten and “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake.

Not ready to dance to the sound of your own drum? There were certified dance instructor counsellors ready to assist you developing your choreography and coping skills. Workshops included Anger Management and Krumping, How to Twerk the Trauma Away, Ballet & Bipolarism, Schizophrenia & Shuffling and as the grand finale, U of T president Meric Gertler gave students a demonstration on how to do the Worm.

So, when academic stress and the winter blues get you down, why not booty-pop your way into some serotonin?

ERIN DELANEY SATIRE EDITOR In the wake of Coronavirus’ spread across the globe, with a man and wife confirmed to be infected in Toronto, the UTM campus is gripped by the fear of its spread at school.

The HCC is preparing their defense against the spread of the virus.

After dealing with the mental health issues plaguing the student body, HCC staff says treating a deadly and infectious virus is a walk in a quarantined park.

In order to help students, cope with the Corona Virus, students are able to redeem 1 (one) lime after presenting their T-Card. Lime retrieval times are between 18:20 and 19:20 every century. Therapy dogs in Hazmat suits are available to help students destress with the mounting pressure of possible looming death and upcoming midterms.

For students seeking to reduce the chance of infection, the HCC is only providing their usual affair of con-

doms and dental dams, but students seeking surgical masks are encouraged to seek out recently reopened SPIRIT Halloween stores, as their left over Halloween masks have been reduced in wake of the virus. Who knows, maybe a pennywise mask could be the difference between life and death.

We caught up with a few UTM students to hear how they are coping with the hysteria. Julie Sanders, a fourth-year religion major, sees the Coronavirus as a blessing: “I’ve been looking for an excuse to not go to class and avoid the gym, and it looks like my prayers have been answered. Thank you, Jesus.” Greg Clink, a business management student, is taking the virus into his own hands. “I looked online and it said that alcohol and heat beat the virus, so I’ll be in the RAWC sauna getting my Corona on if anyone wants to bring snacks” Be sure to take it easy this cold & flu & epidemic season, it could be your last!

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Editor | Vinney Wong

Serah Louis on being a student author Louis wrote the story as an assignment but got published in an anthology on Asian-Canadian cultures SHALOMI RANASINGHE ASSOCIATE A&E EDITOR Have you ever procrastinated on writing an assignment for class?

Did you think that last-minute piece would be published? Well, that’s Serah Louis’ story. She wrote a fictional short story for her class, ENG238: Fantasy Literature, less than a week of its deadline. At the age of 21, Louis has successfully become a published student author.

The Medium sat down with the UTM fourth-year biology and professional writing and communications major to talk about her short story “Unveiling the Night,” the publication process, and what it’s like to be a student author.

In September 2019, Louis’ short story was featured in Ricepaper Magazine’s Book Immersion: An Asian Anthology of Love, Fantasy, and Speculative Fiction. “Unveiling the Night” follows 20-year-old Arya, a second-generation South Indian female, who finds out she is a reincarnation of the Hindu goddess Kali, who destroys evil forces.

When asked how she came up with the storyline for “Unveiling the Night,” Louis explained professor Chris Koenig-Woodyard inspired

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her to incorporate culture into her writing. “He said a lot of people incorporated their culture into their writing […] so I thought that was pretty funky,” said Louis. “He explained ways to standout and make your story unique. So, I think drawing from your culture is a cool idea.”

In the summer of 2018, after Louis wrote “Unveiling the Night,” she decided to submit the short story to different publications and “see what happens.” In December 2018, she received an email from Ricepaper Magazine, who were interested in featuring her story in their upcoming anthology which focuses on Asian writers in Canada.

Louis spent “almost a year editing” with the journal. She said that during the publication process, “one of the things [she] had to edit was the ending [as it] was kind of too abrupt.”

“It’s still a cliff-hanger ending but I had to piece it together,” said Louis.

She continued to explain that the ending was the biggest challenge.

“I wanted to keep that cliff-hanger ending but I did not know how to not make it too abrupt; because it can’t just read like the first chapter of a book, it has to be like an actual short story so, there needs to be some sort of closure to it.”

At the launch event Louis had the opportunity to read a chosen excerpt from “Unveiling the Night.”

Louis chose a scene between Arya and her Grandma going through the Hindu gods and goddesses because she “felt that was the aspect of the story that audiences can get to know the culture.” Louis explained that she was the only author of Indian descent that was published in the anthology and “thought it was important to explain that, because you usually don’t know the culture […] it’s kind of cool to just get into what the gods and goddesses represent, and [what] reincarnation [represents].”

Louis chose Arya to be reincarnated into the Hindu goddess Kali because “what she stands for is pretty much the opposite of the cultural expectations for women in the South Asian community. She is very volatile, fiery, and violent.”

When asked about her life influences, Louis said that her Grandma has lived with her family since she was born, so they are “very close.”

Louis’s Grandma told her bedtime stories when she was younger and thought it was cool to incorporate this aspect into Arya’s life. “That is why I kind of wanted [Arya to have] that really close relationship with her Grandma [who] tells her stories about her culture,” Louis added.

As a student author, Louis explained that holding this title is “difficult in the sense that you want to have time to write for yourself, but then you also have to write for classes, in a writing program, so […] I have no time, but now I’m kind of hoping to set aside time to write for myself and not just for class.”

Currently, Louis is writing and editing for English & Drama Student Society’s With Caffeine and Careful Thought. She will also have some scientific pieces published in PWC’s Compass magazine.

Top movies to watch out for in 2020

From horror and comedy to sci-fi and superheroes, these are the upcoming must-sees for 2020 CHRIS BERBERIAN CONTRIBUTOR

You sit in the library, warm coffee in hand, and scour the endless rows of movies on Netflix. Twenty minutes pass. Your eyelids grow heavy and before you know it, you’ve scrolled through Coming Soon for the sixth time. You’d go to the theatres, but you’d rather not spend $14 on a Cineplex dud, only wishing to get your time, money, and brain cells back.

Finding great movies is like unearthing treasure in your backyard. It’s possible but takes time and effort. To ease your search and keep your stresses in the classroom, we’ve rounded up ten must-see movies for 2020. Some blur genres and some are remakes, but all offer unique stories sure to grip and move us. So, take a sip of your now stale coffee and soothe into your seat with these picks.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Feb. 14) After torching the competition at Cannes, Portrait of a Lady on Fire hits big screens this Valentine’s Day. Noémie Merlant plays Marianne, a young woman hired to paint the

wedding portrait of the noble Héloïse (Adèle Haenel). One problem: Héloïse doesn’t want to marry. As intimate embers kindle, the story explores queer love and its oppression in society. Shot with an 8K camera, every strand of hair and smile shimmers in the sun. And if the plot isn’t romantic enough, did I mention it’s in French?

Promising Young Woman (Apr. 17) From Drive to Wildlife, Carey Mulligan knows how to play complex female leads. Here she plays Cassie, a mysterious woman who feigns drunkenness to right her wrongdoers. Newcomer Emerald Fennell directs, and Margot Robbie produces. McLovin (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) even makes an appearance. Judging from the trailer, Promising Young Woman blends satire with sardonicism. Add in cherryred lipstick, sprinkle in some Britney Spears’ “Toxic,” and you get this—a feminist revenge thriller with teeth.

Soul (June 19) You better pack Kleenex because it’s about to get messy. Pete Docter—the man behind Monsters Inc.,

Up, and Inside Out—is back and ready to destroy our emotions. Soul follows music teacher Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) as he lives a meaningless existence. An accident occurs and Gardner loses his soul to an afterlife, where it must develop and transfer into awaiting newborns. It’s an original story, albeit strange, that questions what really matters in life.

If trailers provide any sign, Soul will make you cry, smile, and swoon with its relatable characters, jazzy music, and gorgeous graphics.

Tenet (July 17) July 16, 2010 brought us Inception.

Nearly a decade later to the day, its spiritual sequel drops with Tenet. The film sees director Christopher Nolan back to his patented tricks, shifting time and perspective, jumbling our minds, and scrambling our sanity.

Aside from its cryptic trailer, we know little about Tenet. Robert Pattinson revs it in a backwards car chase. Time slows down. The car crashes, then proceeds (precedes?) to reverse into its unharmed state.

I’m confused too, but Nolan knows what he’s doing. With a massive $205,000,000 budget, epic 70 mm

PHOTO/IMDB.COM

The meaning of life, voiced by Jamie Foxx, is captured in “Soul.”

IMAX film, and blaring synth score, Tenet will make your palms sweat and heart implode.

The French Dispatch (July 24) No listed film is more unknown than Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch. We know it headlines Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet, takes place in a fictional French town, and alternates between three storylines. That’s it. In a year devoid of promising comedies, The French Dispatch is among our lone hopes for laughter. It’s also described as a “love letter” to journalism, and that alone piques our interest.

The Witches (Oct. 9) Remember that “kids” movie where witches turn one boy into a mouse then plot to destroy all children? Yeah, the 90s were weird. But it’s 2020 now and here comes a fresh adaptation of Roald Dahl’s creepy classic The Witches. Anne Hathaway replaces Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch. Robert Zemeckis sits in the director’s chair, a man who’s given us timeless classics from Back to the Future and Forrest Gump to Cast Away and The Polar Express.

If The Witches is anything close to those, we’re in for a wicked treat.

To read the rest of this article, visit themedium.ca.

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Rookies entertain at the Grammys Big winners Lizzo, Lil Nas X, and Billie Eilish performed their biggest hits with Kobe Bryant in mind VINNEY WONG A&E EDITOR The 62nd Grammy Awards had to contend with a lot of baggage when it aired on January 26. Ten days before the show, the Recording Academy removed its chief, Deborah Dungan, over allegations of misconduct. Dungan countered the Academy’s firing by suing them for negligence and abuse of power. “It’s been a hell of a week,” said host Alicia Keys in her opening monologue.

Keys was also tasked with lifting up spirits after the surprising and tragic death of NBA star, Kobe Bryant, who died with his daughter and several other passengers in a helicopter crash earlier that day. “We’re literally standing here, heartbroken, in a house that Kobe Bryant built,” said Keys to a somber crowd inside the Staples Center where Bryant played for twenty seasons with the Lakers.

“We never imagined in a million years we’d have to start a show like this.” Keys was then joined by Boyz II Men for an emotional tribute to Bryant, singing “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.”

After a somber introduction, Lizzo—who had eight nominations— opened the show with an exuberant medley of “Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts.” Joined by a troupe of ballet dancers and a small orchestra, Lizzo commanded the stage, proudly showing off her raw vocals and dance skills. The highlight of her set was when she demonstrated her instrumental dexterity by ripping out a sparkling flute that descended from

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Up-and-comers Lizzo, Lil Nas X, and Billie Eilish perform and take home the top Grammys. mid-air and blowing on it—an entertaining display of her unspoken talents. Lizzo would go on to win Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Traditional R&B Performance, and Best Urban Contemporary Album.

As the show continued, it became obvious that the Recording Academy focused more on celebrating young artists and their ascent throughout the past year. Lil Nas X, whose “Old Town Road” spent nineteen weeks at number one in 2019, giddied up on the stage with K-Pop supergroup BTS, child yodeler Masey Ramsey, and banjo-strummer Diplo. Billy Ray Cyrus who appeared on one of the never-ending remixes also joined Lil Nas X for the performance. It was an unexpected but on-brand performance for the rapper who won two of the six Grammys he was nomi-

nated for.

Another rapper, Tyler, the Creator, turned the Grammy stage into his own apocalypse with a burning house, zombie-walking dancing, and mosh-pitting. R&B staples Charlie Wilson and the aforementioned Boyz II Men joined Tyler for “Earfquake” before transitioning to “New Magic Wand.” The theatrics were reminiscent of Eminem’s satirical MTV Video Music Awards performances and felt a little displaced at the Grammys.

Shortly after the performance, Tyler won his first Grammy for Best Rap Album for IGOR. “I don’t know if he’s here, but I really want to thank Pharrell Williams,” he said in his acceptance speech. “That man has allowed me to be comfortable with myself and has opened up doors

that you guys cannot imagine [...] so thank you, P.” (Tyler was less appreciative in the press room, slamming the Grammys for categorizing his music as urban).

The biggest winner of the night by far was Billie Eilish who swept four of the five major awards: Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Record of the Year, Best Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. Eilish became the youngest artist to win four Grammy awards since Christopher Cross in 1981. The wins capped off a breakthrough year for the eighteen-year-old whose alt-pop album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go received critical and commercial acclaim for exploring themes of drug addiction, mental health, climate change, and heartbreak.

Eilish appeared to be overwhelmed

with her wins, having been caught by the cameras mouthing, “please don’t be me” before the winner of Album of the Year was announced. Eilish admitted that Ariana Grande who performed a medley of hits earlier in the show should’ve won the award. “Can I just say I think Ariana deserves this?” she said before signing off with an awkward “thanks, bye!” on stage.

Other memorable performances included DJ Khaled, who paid tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle, and Demi Lovato, who made a triumphant return to the stage after her overdose two years ago.

Although the telecast was mostly dominated by young artists, groups like Run DMC reunited with Aerosmith to sing their hits “Living On The Edge” and “Walk This Way.” Usher did his best Prince impression with “Little Red Corvette” while Cyndi Lauper ended the show with “I Sing The Body Electric” with Common and a slew of other artists.

Overall, the Grammys did a serviceable job of showcasing all the new talent in music while trying its best not to alienate long time viewers. However, it’s obvious that the Grammys are losing its star power with many big-name musicians like Taylor Swift and Drake skipping the ceremony because of the aforementioned controversies (Swift was rumoured to be a surprise performer but pulled out at the last minute).

It remains to be seen what the Grammys can do to repair its image and relevancy to music audiences, but one thing’s for sure: millennials are the future of music.

The Academy nominations disappoint The nominations are largely white and male-dominated with actors and actresses of colour shut out MAHERA ISLAM CONTRIBUTOR After a year filled with a wide variety of movies and cinematic achievements, the nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards left many audiences surprised. While comic book movies have received some recognition in the past (The Dark Knight, Logan, Black Panther and Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse), Todd Phillips’ Joker broke records after receiving eleven nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, and a Best Actor nomination for Joaquin Phoenix. Following close behind in the race are Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in ...

Hollywood, and Sam Mendes’ 1917, having each received ten nominations in the Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography categories.

Scorsese’s Best Director nomination also makes him the most nominated director with nine in his career. Other Best Picture nominees include Parasite, Little Women, Jojo Rabbit, Marriage Story, and Ford v Ferrari.

Since this past year was filled with many critically and commercially successful films by female filmmakers, the fact that they were shut out by The Academy did not go unnoticed. Greta Gerwig did not receive a Best Direc-

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The Academy has once again forgotten that women and people of colour exist and make movies. tor nomination for Little Women despite the film scoring six nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay.

Florence Pugh, who starred in Little Women and was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, called Gerwig’s snub “a big blow.” Moreover, critically acclaimed films such as Lulu Wang’s The Farewell, Lorene Scafaria’s Hustlers, Alma Har’el’s Honey Boy, Mati Diop’s Atlantics, and many others did not receive any nominations by The Academy.

In terms of the acting categories, there were many firsts this year. Antonio Banderas received his very

first Oscar nomination for his performance in Pain and Glory. Jonathan Pryce received his first nomination for The Two Popes, and Cynthia Erivo received her first nomination for Harriet. Meanwhile, nine-time Oscar nominee Al Pacino received his first nomination in twenty-seven years for his work in The Irishman, whereas six-time Oscar nominee Tom Hanks received his first nomination in nineteen years for his performance in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

Both Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio received their seventh acting nominations this year for their per-

formances in Once Upon a Time in …

Hollywood. And both Saoirse Ronan and Charlize Theron received their fourth Oscar nominations this year for Little Women and Bombshell respectively.

While it is great to see overdue actors and directors receive nominations, many have pointed out the lack of diversity in the acting categories.

While on the one hand, Scarlett Johansson received two nominations in her first year as an Oscar nominee by earning a nod for both Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress for Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit respective-

ly, the lauded performances of Lupita Nyong’o in Us, Awkwafina in The Farewell, Eddie Murphy in Dolemite is My Name, and Jennifer Lopez in Hustlers were overlooked. These snubs were somewhat unexpected as many of these performances received recognition in precursor awards, with Awkwafina even winning a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. The win made her the first Asian woman to win a Golden Globe in a lead actress film category. Even in the case of Bong Joon-Ho’s critically and commercially successful Parasite which received six nominations, including both Best Picture and International Feature Film, none of the actors of the film earned nominations for their performances. Erivo is the only actor of colour to receive an acting nomination this year.

The Academy’s lack of diversity in terms of its nominations is disappointingly familiar to audiences and critics. One might want to ask, is it worth placing so much importance and significance in an awards ceremony which continually refuses to recognize the critically and commercially successful films led and made by women and people of colour? The box office proves that audiences embrace diversity in films and it is about time The Academy catch up.

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The Tiny Fist Gallery is student run Sheridan College and UTM students created the gallery to showcase their work in a professional setting SARA DAVIDE CONTRIBUTOR White walls that were once blank are filled with a six-foot-tall painting of a white silhouette on a black background, mirroring the other wall with a six-foot-tall painting of a black silhouette against a white background, preparing for performance artist Veronica Spiljak’s show “Session One.” A poster of a tiny fist with text reading The Tiny Fist Gallery is plastered on the outer wall of the cubicle in the mezzanine of Sheridan College’s Annie Smith Arts Centre in Oakville. Before the Tiny Fist Gallery opened, students of Sheridan College and University of Toronto Mississauga’s (UTM) joint Art and Art History program had a lack of space to showcase their work in a professional setting.

“Inspired as an act of resistance, trying to build against what the school didn’t want to give them, the Tiny Fist was born,” said Sarah Pereux, a member of the Tiny Fist Collective. The Tiny Fist is a new artist collective that consists of five artists—Angela Clarkson, Mackenzie Boyd, Nada Hafez, Sabrina Bilic and Sarah Pereux; all current students in the Art and Art History joint program at UTM and Sheridan College Trafalgar Campus.

Pereux and Hafez attended an end of the year program advisory meeting for the Art and Art History Program at Sheridan College last year, where they met with outside contemporary arts professionals, professors, and program coordinators to review and discuss the program.

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This student run gallery opens the door to up and coming artists who feel shut out by the art world.

John Armstrong, Program Coordinator of Art and Art History at Sheridan College, said that the voting members of the committee agreed that there should be an independent gallery space available to students that they would manage themselves and that was more formal than the spaces previously available, adding elements of traditional gallery spaces like openings, exhibition statements, and artist talks.

“We didn’t have the space for it, but we’ve been asking for it for a long time. It’s wonderful having the Art and Art History program between two institutions, but in some ways, we can fall through the crack,” says Armstrong.

With the permission of John McCartney, the technologist of the Art and Art History Program, Pereux gave up her cubicle space—a space that upper year Art and Art History students are given to create and store their artwork.

With the repurposed space, the

Tiny Fist Gallery was constructed.

The collective transformed the cubicle into a gallery by adding walls, covering the window on the existing wall, and making it a space to showcase art works of all mediums.

The Art History side of the program is at UTM and the studio practices are at Sheridan College.

The atrium of the Annie Smith Arts Centre at Sheridan College has walls for students to showcase their work and an end-of-the-year exhibition called Project, but nothing like the Tiny Fist Gallery existed before the collective launched the gallery, explained Armstrong.

This is because of the lack of space available at Sheridan College, due to the volume of studio practices offered. There is one gallery at UTM, the Blackwood Gallery, but there are limitations with this gallery for students, as it is exclusive for established artists and not open for student submissions, besides the end-of-the-year graduation shows.

The Tiny Fist Gallery is “a little bit more organic in the sense that it’s tailored more towards finding emerging artists and building artist community instead of catering specific to the public,” said Pereux.

“With the stresses of being an emerging artist comes this feeling of being cut off from the gallery world filled with established artists. Finding opportunities to get into galleries becomes an adversity,” said Jessica Velasco, an artist who showcased her work in The Tiny Fist Gallery in the fall. “The [gallery] is a space [that] breaks the narrative [by] giving young artists the chance to showcase and curate within a space of comfort—art school. It has become a space that is curated by and for emerging artists, allowing for the building of their CVs.” Hafez mentioned that in addition to building up student and recent graduate credentials on CVs, having a space like the Tiny Fist also promotes networking among students

and helps teach the steps needed to have a successful show—something that cannot be done in class, and is easier to learn with hands-on experience.

Armstrong explained that an important part of the Art and Art History program is to help students understand how their work might be read. Having a space like the Tiny Fist allows for students to produce introductory panel text for their exhibitions and communicate their artwork in a concise way.

“Ideally, we would [have a space] like the Tiny Fist always,” said Armstrong. It is not certain that the gallery will continue after the collective graduates in the summer and will be dependent on student initiative, as well as the logistics of the space of the cubicle still being available.

Pereux said that there is student interest in wanting to be involved with running and taking over the gallery space once the collective graduates.

Logistics first need to be figured out.

“It’s more of the space that we want to pass on,” said Boyd. “We might have to do some renaming or revamping.”

There is hope from students and faculty that the space continues to operate after the collective graduates, and there is hope from the collective that the collective stays together after they graduate.

“I love these four girls to death and hope to continue working with them and we hope to continue to find other curating opportunities or create our own, like we have with the Tiny Fist,” said Boyd.

Weathering with You tugs heartstrings The Japanese film tells a different love story with mesmerizing animations and an emotional plot DANICA TENG ASSOCIATE A&E EDITOR “The sky’s a deeper unknown world than the sea.”

Under the heavy Tokyo rain, there’s a story of a boy and a girl. Another love story, for sure, but unlike most you have seen.

Weathering with You is the latest animated film from director Makoto Shinkai. It was released in Japan in 2019, but made its theatrical debut this year in Canada. Though Shinkai was popular for some of his other movies, he became more well-known after releasing Your Name (2016) which became the highest-grossing anime film of all time during its release. He broke many hearts back in 2016 and came back to do it once more as Weathering with You takes the world by storm.

The story takes place in Tokyo under endless rain, where Morishima Hodaka (Kotaro Daigo) runs away to. It’s hard to make a living in Tokyo as a runaway teenager with no identification. By chance, he meets Hina Amano (Nana Mori), a young girl who has a secret—Hina can control the weather. She can make the sun shine down on the dark and gloomy city, bringing smiles to those who

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A boy meets a girl during endless rain, but she can control the weather and bring back the sun. await the bright light and warm sun on their skin. This wandering boy and sunshine girl work to bring happiness to the people, even if just for a few moments. But, at what cost?

When it comes to cinema, I feel as though sometimes animated films are overlooked—often called “childish” or “too cartoonish” by some. But there are whole other worlds out there to be seen in animation. Weathering with You captures beauty in story, writing, aesthetic, and music—not just in one, but in all.

Your Name and Weathering with You are both refreshing stories that

feel unique—it’s young love in its pure innocence and genuineness with fantastical and mythical twists. The dialogue is funny and charming, yet it also has the power to hit you where it hurts. It’s a movie that brings out tears in both pain and joy. But the animation is what captures everyone’s eyes.

Japan puts so much emphasis on its aesthetics in animation and is often very popular for its anime. Not only do the characters excel in that style, but the scenery is where that aesthetic shines. Beautiful colours of the earth, sea, and sky immerse you in their world.

Although the images are not from our reality, it makes you remember the beauty of nature. And in the background, the soundtrack of Weathering with You ties together the whole experience. Songs like “Grand Escape”

by RADWIMPS (ft. Toko Miura) and “We’ll Be Alright” (also by RADWIMPS) intensify your emotions and really complete the overall scenes.

Though I mentioned I felt animated films are underappreciated, I still believe that can change, and that it is changing.

According to Forbes, “Weathering with You grossed $129 million, land-

ing it above and beyond the highest earner out of all domestic and foreign releases combined. Second place went to the Disney film Frozen 2, which grossed $117 million.” Not only did it become so popular and loved in Japan, but this foreign film even succeeded in the global market.

In an interview with HeyUGuys, it was mentioned that Weathering with You is the first Japanese animated film to be officially released in India, thanks to a petition started by high school students that gained over 50,000 signatures. When asked “what is it you think makes it connect with such a wide audience?” Shinkai responded, “I think the theme of the weather is a very topical one now for young people…[and] that feeling that you are not part of the majority. I think that a lot of young people may be able to sympathize with that.

I hope they have found something to sympathize with.”

It’s clear that Weathering with You has exceeded expectations and there’s a market for Japanese animated films—a market that should be explored further by other Japanese animation studios.

You can catch Weathering with You in Canadian theatres now.

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Editor | Fatima Adil

Microplastic pollution everywhere Microplastics can take up to hundreds of years to degrade and are excellent pollutant absorbents DUAA NASIR CONTRIBUTOR

Last Monday, The Medium attended a seminar presented by BIO434 students Lauren Ead, Matthew Chan, and Rashoun Maynard. The project, titled “Microplastics: Micro in Size, Macro in Threat?,” shed light on what microplastics are and what their effect may be on human health and the marine biota.

Microplastics are around 0.1-5 millimeters in size. They appear in the environment through primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are manufactured, such as the microbeads present in cosmetics, while secondary sources arise from the decomposition of larger plastic products. These can include tire dust from the abrasion of rubber tires against roads and synthetic microfibers from clothing in washing machines. According to research done by Dr. Richard Thompson, the director of the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth, up to seven hundred thousand microfibers can be released into a washing machine per each load of laundry.

Microplastics can contaminate the soil and water through natural and

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Microplastics have been shown to have adverse effects on marine life. man-made pathways. Road runoff, wastewater treatment systems, wind, sewage, and littering all contribute to the presence of microplastics in the environment. According to a study published in Environmental Science & Technology in 2015, eight trillion microbeads enter the aquatic environments in the United States every day.

The abundance of microplastics is concerning since microplastics can take up to hundreds of years to de-

grade. Microplastics are also excellent absorbents and carriers for pollutants and contaminants. Harmful pesticides and toxic microorganisms stored in microplastics can accumulate in species at lower trophic levels.

The effect is magnified as these species are consumed by other organisms at higher trophic levels.

There are numerous ways through which humans are exposed to microplastics on a daily basis. These mi-

croplastics are around the same size as dust particles and therefore, can be inhaled or ingested through food.

The average person consumes 272 microplastics in a day, which adds up to over 99 000 in a year. Chronic inhalation can result in symptoms which align with various lung diseases. Other sources of microplastics include sea salt and bottled water. In fact, according to a study conducted

by Dr. Kim Seung-Kyu, an associate

professor at Incheon National University and Greenpeace East Asia, 90 per cent of sea salt samples from around the world were found to contain microplastics.

While not much research has been done to determine the effects of microplastics on humans, microplastics have been shown to have adverse effects on marine life. Microplastics affect the animals’ physical structure, their behavior, and their reproductive success.

Experts recommend covering exposed food to prevent microplastic contamination from the air, reducing sea salt intake, and drinking tap water instead of bottled water. Another thing to focus on long term is to be more cautious about the items we purchase. Purchasing clothing with natural fibers instead of synthetic fibers can vastly reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the oceans.

Using reusable water bottles as an alternative to plastic water bottles is another easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. Whether it is to protect aquatic life or to protect oneself, there are several actions which can be undertaken to minimize exposure to microplastics and reduce their presence in the environment.

Analyzing the 2019 Novel Coronavirus The 2019-nCoV has claimed the lives of hundreds and infected thousands around the world FATIMA ADIL FEATURES EDITOR

At the time of publishing, the 2019nCoV has claimed the lives of at least 305 people and infected more than 14,000 people globally. The Medium consulted Dr. Steven Short, an associate professor of biology and associate chair of research at UTM who studies viruses in aquatic environments, to find out more about how the 2019nCoV surfaced, how the virus was introduced in humans, and how it can be combatted.

As to how the 2019-nCoV originated, Short explains that in viruses such as the coronavirus, “new variants are constantly created when the virus replicates. The molecular machinery coronaviruses encode to make copies of their RNA genome are error prone, so mistakes are made, and mutant viruses are created when the virus replicates.”

The 2019-nCoV was likely transmitted to humans from another species. While Short cannot confirm that the source of transmission were bats, he says it is probable since “dif-

ferent species of bats are known reservoirs of many kinds of viruses that cause zoonotic diseases” – diseases which can be transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans. The 2019-nCoV’s genome sequence is similar to “to a group of coronaviruses called betacoronaviruses, the group that includes SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.” While the evidence “suggests [that] SARS-CoV may have jumped into humans (after a mutation-enabled infection and replication in human respiratory cells) from civet cats [and] camels may be the direct source of MERS-CoV,” the “main reservoir for both [these] coronaviruses” may have been bats who are able to infect other mammals.

When a new virus is discovered, “the first steps are generally to sequence the genome of the infectious agent and rapidly develop diagnostic tools - generally commonplace molecular biology techniques like PCR and Real Time PCR.” Short mentions that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have already “publicly posted some of these diagnostic protocols for 2019-nCoV screening.” A vaccine is currently

being developed; however, it could take more than a year before the vaccine “make[s] it through the rigors of clinical trials.”

Short affirms that “epidemics and pandemics can be resolved through public health interventions such as contact tracing, quarantine, [and] travel advisories that help break chains of infection.” Vaccination is another important safeguard and has “proved to be very effective” in combating the viruses such as the smallpox virus – which was declared eradicated in 1980 - and “a cattle virus [which] caused a disease called rinderpest” and “was declared eradicated in 2011.” Short does acknowledge that “vaccine development is not always successful, and effective vaccines have not been developed for many types of viruses.”

The Medium also consulted Dr. Eleanor Fish, a Canada Research Chair in Women’s Health and Immunobiology, a professor of Immunology at the University of Toronto, and a Senior Scientist at the University Health Network in Toronto to learn what the 2019-nCoV can do to the human body, how the virus is transmitted,

and how hospitals and healthcare officials across Canada are treating 2019-nCoV. As Fish explains, the 2019-nCoV “infects the respiratory tract. The result is an inflammatory response that leads to the lungs becoming occluded.

This is the issue - lack of oxygenation.

Patients require nasal prongs or, in the most severe cases, intubation. If the inflammatory response persists and the lungs become occluded to the extent that oxygenation to the body is drastically affected - then the individual may die as their organs fail.”

However, with the proper healthcare, a healthy human can overcome the 2019-nCoV without a vaccine.

Human to human transmission has been confirmed and the virus can be transmitted through droplets produced by sneezing, coughing, and spitting. So far, the 2019-nCoV appears to be “less virulent than [the] SARS virus” and it “appears that [the] elderly [are the] most susceptible to severe disease [and are] also at higher risk of death.”

Since there are no vaccines or approved therapeutics available, Fish recommends that hospitals provide

“supportive care including nasal prongs or intubation to provide oxygenation.” Fish used interferons – a group of proteins produced and released from cells in response to a virus infection – against “SASRs during [the] 2003 outbreak in Toronto as [a] treatment with positive outcomes.”

The treatment protocol was shared with the World Health Organization (WHO) and could be used against the 2019-nCoV as well.

Fish states that masks are “really only necessary for healthcare workers in direct contact with severely infected and infectious individuals” and that the best strategy to protect oneself from the 2019-nCoV is to “wash hands frequently [and] avoid touching hands to mouth, nose and eyes.”

Overall, Canada is well-prepared to deal with the 2019-nCoV after the SARS outbreak. As Fish details, there is now “better communication across the country and internationally, more rapid virus testing, better screening, more infrastructure in place for infection control, [and] policies in place to prevent transmission.”

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Dr. Marc Johnson’s family of scientists The Johnsons conducted a study on the role of spines in seed dispersal on the Galápagos Islands BISMAH RIZVI ASSOCIATE FEATURES EDITOR

A research paper on the role of spines in seed dispersal was recently published in Ecology and Evolution. The authors: Dr. Marc Johnson, an associate professor of biology at UTM, his wife, Reagan Johnson, and their two school-aged kids, Mae and Oscar Johnson.

Johnson has been working on the Galápagos Islands since 2015. His original topic of study was the coevolution between Darwin’s finches and the food they eat. “Finches can rapidly evolve and adapt to the environment, largely due to the distribution of seeds they eat. It’s one of our best examples in nature of rapid evolution, yet we know little about [the] plant ecology,” he explains.

The plant Tribulis cistoides produces a fruit that breaks into sections called mericarps. The finches must open up the mericarp to reach the seeds; however, mericarps have spines—which are parts of leaves and resemble thorns in their pointiness— to protect them from predation. The mericarp usually has four spines: two upper and two lower, although variations are also common. A bird’s beak size determines which mericarps it can easily open and which it cannot.

Johnson’s research demonstrated that birds can impose natural selection on the seeds since they have less preference for mericarps with long or lower spines. However, Johnson also noticed that the variation in spine characteristics across the different islands was not consistent with predictions based on the predation pressure from the birds.

In January 2018, Johnson, his wife, and their children moved to the Galápagos Islands for Johnson’s research on how cities and towns influence

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Marc, Reagan, Mae and Oscar Johnson have become the Darwins of our generation. the finches and plant ecology. Johnson and Reagan were homeschooling the kids, who, at the time, were twelve and nine years old, respectively. “[Reagan and I] thought this could be a great opportunity to actually do some science with the kids. It could be a part of their learning—their science and math and English and geography,” Johnson relates.

“I started asking the kids, ‘We know that the spines influence the birds, but do you think anything else could be important in influencing this? Do you think these spines could be involved in dispersal?’”

Both Mae and Oscar did think that the spines were involved in the dispersal of the plants’ seeds, so Johnson probed further and asked them how the spines might me involved.

After brainstorming sessions, “[Mae and Oscar] proposed that maybe the spines help[ed] the [plant seed] wedge into things like tires on cars or shoes.” Johnson then asked both kids “how can we test that?”

Together, Johnson, Mae, and Oscar designed three different experiments.

First, they manipulated the spines to resemble those found in nature, by cutting either the upper pair, lower pair, or both pairs. They then tested the role of people’s shoes by walking over the mericarps, the role of towels on beaches by laying out towels over mericarps, and the role of cars by measuring how far the mericarps travelled on a road when they were driven over. In each condition, they recorded how far the mericarps travelled or how many mericarps were picked up by the shoe or towel. They began to see that the presence of upper spines increased seed dispersal in all three experiments. While Johnson carried out the advanced statistics for the research paper, Mae and Oscar formed their own conclusions by plotting and interpreting the data themselves.

The Johnsons also designed a fourth experiment in which they compared the seed dispersal rate in natural areas with the seed dispersal rate in areas of anthropogenic activity. They placed fifty mericarps in three different regions: roads, pe-

destrian walkways, and natural areas with limited human activity. The results showed that the dispersal rate was nearly 90 percent higher on the roads and walkways than in nature— effectively illustrating the role humans play in the dispersal of spines.

The paper describing the Johnson family’s research was published in the journal Ecology and Evolution in December 2019. Johnson shares that they “had a hard time getting the paper reviewed because [reviewers] could see [that the authors were] Johnson, Johnson, Johnson, [and] Johnson” and some reviewers tended to have false perceptions of the work.

However, as Johnson explains, “most journal have criteria for authorship —typically individuals need to have significantly contributed to the ideas, research questions, methods, experimental design, collection of data, analyzing the data, and writing the paper, or at least to a couple of those.”

While Johnson took the lead on the statistics and writing the paper, Mae, Oscar, and Reagan “not only met but exceeded the criteria.” Ecology and

Evolution judged the article based on the quality of the science in the paper and decided to publish it.

“It is a solid and novel piece of scientific work that kids in grades seven and four were able to do, and that’s pretty special. It’s been a privilege to work with them,” Johnson says of the experience. He adds that work-life balance can be difficult, so this “was a once in a lifetime trip.”

Reagan Johnson’s favorite part of the research was when she “took the kids…to collect seeds and other data.” She says it “was neat to see them being real scientists.” Johnson’s son Oscar, who is now 11, loved “recording the data on the laptop” while Mae, who is now 14, says that the part she liked best was “where [the experiment] actually started working.”

She explains: “We were doing a lot of experiments and we didn’t know if it would work or not. When we started getting conclusive results—that was kind of amazing because we had asked a question and we were actually making a discovery.”

Mae also remarks that “it was really nice because [they were] working with people [they knew] and so [she] really enjoyed it. The hardest part of it was being cooped up with the same people for six months, which can be really tough.” Overall, Mae thought that “it was a good experience. [They] got to know each other really well and got a lot closer.” Oscar also thought the experience “was kind [of] nice.” He quips, “We spent all this time together and we got really, really, really close - figuratively and literally.”

Reagan finishes off: “It was very special to share this unique experience. But it was difficult as well to walk the fine line between being a parent, a teacher, and a co-scientist/ collaborator. Some days, we just wanted to go snorkeling.”

Why is the toilet water in MN murky?

Sustainability coordinator Chelsea Dalton explains how the reclaimed water system at MN works REAGAN ROOPNARINE CONTRIBUTOR

Water is becoming more and more of a commodity. It is estimated that by 2025, two thirds of the world’s population will face severe water shortages. For city-dwelling Canadians, the staggering situation might be difficult to comprehend as we expect our taps to deliver clean, drinking water.

The average Canadian uses 329 litres of water each day, and 30 per cent of this large amount is water used for our toilets.

As you may have noticed, the toilet water in Maanjiwe Nendamowinan (MN) is murky yellow in colour.

You also might have heard comments about the water being “dirty” or “gross.” The Medium sat down with Chelsea Dalton, the Environmental/Sustainability Coordinator of Facilities Management & Planning at UTM, to learn how the reclaimed water system works and why the water is not clear.

Dalton explains that the water in the MN toilets is “reclaimed” which essentially means that is rainwater. It falls onto the roofs of campus buildings and trickles down the roof drain. Normally, that water would go straight to the storm sewer. Instead, that water is directed to an underground storage tank where it is used for irrigation and the toilets in Deerfield Hall, the Health Sciences Complex, and MN. Deerfield Hall also utilizes a reclaimed water system to irrigate its green roof.

As for the colour of the water, Dalton explains that rainwater is not perfectly clear. When it falls on the buildings, it can pick up debris and dirt. While the water goes through a filter so that large particles can be removed, it can still retain the colour of whatever it came into contact with.

On the surface, using reclaimed water seems like the perfect solution to household water wastage. However, while installing the system into a new building has a mild upfront cost

and requires relatively low maintenance, retrofitting old buildings is expensive and “simply not feasible.”

Poor planning and a lack of understanding of the climate crisis are a few of the reasons why older buildings have been constructed without this environmentally friendly technology. The Sustainability Office’s philosophy is to “build buildings right the first time” so that water— and costs—can be conserved in the future.

Dalton says that the UTM campus ensures that all of its new buildings are built to satisfy LEED silver status requirements at the very least. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is an organization which awards points to buildings based on their sustainability. For example, points are awarded if a building uses 25 per cent less water than conventional buildings, has a green roof, or was not built over a green field. As Dalton points out, studies show that LEED-certified buildings house happier and more

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The “dirty” water in MN is reducing our overuse of clean water. productive workers who take fewer sick days off.

While the reclaimed toilet water in MN may appear “dirty,” it is reducing the amount of clean water we use every day. People living in

water-sparse communities recognize the value and significance of water, making sure not a drop goes to waste. Even though we don’t live in such conditions, perhaps we should do the same.

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Editor | Sarah-May Edwardo Oldfield

Have questions about the coronavirus?

The coronavirus is now in Canada, here is what you need know about it and how you can protect yourself DUAA NASIR CONTRIBUTOR Ordinary symptoms of a cold that people normally brush off may now be the sign of the possibly fatal and novel coronavirus of 2019 (2019-nCoV).

According to China’s National Health Commission, there have been almost 8, 000 cases and 170 deaths in China as of January 29, 2020.

The 2019-nCoV originated in Wuhan, China with the first case occurring in mid-December of 2019.

Since then, patients have tested positive for this illness in at least fifteen other countries worldwide, with five confirmed cases in the United States and three in Canada. The death rate is around 2 to 3 per cent, with the first death outside of China being reported in the Philippines.

The source of the coronavirus has been identified as a seafood market in Wuhan, which has since been shut down. It is believed that transmission occurred from the animals to workers, who then spread it to other people. Although the exact animal from which the 2019-nCoV originated is not known, the Journal of Medical Virology identifies snakes as a possible source.

Transmission can occur from close person to person contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 2019-nCoV resembles two other coronaviruses, SARS and MERS. This suggests that transmission through droplets when a

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Good hygiene, treatment for flu-like symptoms, and avoiding travel to China are the best practices. person coughs or sneezes is also possible, although more research is necessary. Signs and symptoms currently include cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Symptoms can show up anywhere from two to fourteen days after a person is infected. China has quarantined eighteen cities, restricting over fifty-six million citizens in an attempt to contain the virus. People are being encouraged to avoid leaving their houses and to work from home.

Numerous cinemas, coffee shops, and indoor entertainment areas are being shut down temporarily. Over 4, 000 medical staff from all over China have

come to the Hubei province, where most cases of the virus have occurred and at least two hospitals are being built for the sick. People entering the United States from Wuhan are being brought in through specific airports and screened for signs of the virus to reduce the chances of infecting others.

Originally, the World Health Organization (WHO) believed it was too early to declare a global health crisis. But as of January 30, 2019, WHO has officially declared a global health emergency. Dr. Mike Ryan, WHO’s head of emergencies, stated that “the

virus is showing stability and not showing any unusual activity.” He also stated that 72 per cent of the of people diagnosed with the virus were over 40, and 40 per cent of cases had other underlying symptoms. This implies that older people, or people with other health conditions are more likely to be infected.

Currently, there is no treatment available for the specific strain, however researchers have started to work on a vaccine which may be available within several months. Several countries urge citizens to avoid travelling to China and are in the process of

evacuating their citizens from Wuhan.

Alex Azar, secretary of Human Health and Services, says that “the risk to any individual American is extremely low.” Still, people are advised to wash their hands regularly and avoid travel to China. They are also urged to seek medical help if symptoms of a cold persist for more than a few days.

According to their website, the University of Toronto is “taking its guidance from public health agencies at the local, provincial, and federal level.” Currently students are encouraged to seek medical assistance if they are displaying any symptoms of the common cold and have recently travelled internationally to an affected region. They are also encouraged to maintain good hygiene and rest. As of now, no one is instructed to miss class if displaying symptoms of the flu, unless, of course, they choose to.

While the risk to Ontarians is still low, Erin Karftcheck, the director of the UTM Health and Counselling Centre (HCC) outlined their precationary procedure during the Quality Services to Students (QSS) committee meeting on January 22.

“We’re going to be doing increased screening for students who are presenting with fever and respiratory symptoms and following protocol set up by public health in order to ensure that we’re managing the situation appropriately,” said Kraftcheck.

Losing weight? Here’s how to keep it off A recent health study has identified some of the top strategies for successfullly maintaining weightloss ANDREW STONE ASSOCIATE S&H EDITOR A study from the California Polytechnic State University found that individuals who have a greater quality of life, healthier habits, and better coping and management strategies are better able to maintain weight loss in the long term.

The study was conducted with two groups of participants age 18 or older using multiple questionnaires. The main group consisted of 4786 participants contacted by Weight Watchers.

The individuals were contacted based on their records showing a 20 lb or greater weight loss maintained for over one year.

The second group (found through online advertising) were used as a control, with 528 individuals who reported a BMI of 30 or greater and a stable weight for more than five years.

The participants were asked to

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Frequent long-term rehearsal of healthy eating, positive food thoughts help keep weight off. fill out multiple questionnaires that measured how they self-rated their healthy or unhealthy habits and abilities. These measurements included their coping methods and routines, amount and frequency of physical activity, their ability to accept and deal

with cravings and negative thoughts, their level of self-compassion and self-care, and finally their quality of life based on their general health status.

The results of the study found that the participants who maintained their

weight loss had healthier habits and routines that allowed them to maintain their progress. They reported better quality of life and worked harder to maintain their health. Improved quality of life was correlated with greater physical activity and the prac-

tice of coping strategies (like challenging negative thoughts, thinking about past successes and remaining positive in the face of weight regain) to combat cravings and food-related negative thoughts. The research team found that the longer people practiced and rehearsed healthy habits, the greater they maintained their weight with less effort.

Based on the study’s results, they suggest that reducing the availability of high-calorie foods, creating a calorie goal, and measuring the nutritional contents of your food will allow you to keep the weight off. The reports from the weight loss maintainers show that with these practices, adopting positive coping strategies, a frequent long-term rehearsal of healthy eating, and exercise habits will provide people with the ability to keep the weight from coming back.