The Fulcrum - Vol 75 Issue 23

VOL. 75 ISSUE 23 | MARCH 12 ,2015

IN THIS ISSUE For a little less controversy P.6

Meet the grad student election candidates

Female leadership P.7 Politicians talk women in politics at iVote

Sing along to the opera P.10 School of Music performance with audience participation

Juggling his way across the globe P.13

Acrobat performs in UCU

Heading to national P.17 Men’s basketball team wins OUA bronze

Gear business on track P.18

Student startup bring hard-to-find track spikes to Ottawa

Forget the commies P.20 Memorial needs to be rethought

Dispute over dance space P.23 UCU the site of territorial tangoing

NEWS

NEWS EDITOR

Nadia Drissi El-Bouzaidi news@thefulcrum.ca (613) 562-5260

A glance into the U of O’s future University unveils ambitious expansion plans

Redevelopement of the FSS parking lot is the first major change the University of Ottawa is planning, with construction expected to wrap up by the fall.

Nadia Drissi El-Bouzaidi News Editor

D

ue to the University of Ottawa’s rapid expansion over the past two decades, alumni who visit campus often say they have trouble recognizing their alma mater.

There’s more soon to come.

On March 10, the university unveiled its master plan for future development, promising current students a similar shock.

Urban Strategies Inc. held consultations with students

the week prior, showing off new plans that include thousands of new residences, academic buildings, green spaces, and even campuses.

Several core facilities have been slated for demolition in the coming years, including the current University Centre, Brooks residence, Thompson residence, and much of the property along King Edward Avenue.

The university centre, named after the former student federation president Jock Turcot, who died in a car crash in 1965, was completed in 1973, and is one of the first buildings currently on the chopping block.

The first major change students will see this fall is

a complete renovation of the central core of campus that includes the removal of the FSS parking lot, similar to the work done on the Tabaret lot.

“The university has quite high standards for green buildings,” said Tim Smith, senior associate at Urban Strategies, pointing to added green spaces, walkways, and cycling paths in lieu of existing asphalt roads.

Smith said “there shouldn’t be too many disruptions for students” while the project is in development.

There are no plans to add parking elsewhere, he said.

Any new parking would “most likely be underground,” beneath buildings that will eventually be built along

Photo: Urban Strategies Inc.

King Edward Avenue.

“Students and faculty and staff here use transit so well that there’s actually more parking on campus than what’s really needed, than what’s actually being used,” he said.

Other short-term projects are the new learning centre to be built next to Lamoureux, a consolidated health sciences building on Lees campus, the residence on Henderson Avenue currently under construction, the Arts Court redevelopment, additional development at Roger Guindon Hall, and a new university centre.

The university’s new plans also address its shortfall of residences on campus.

Smith said they hope to have 6,400 total residences in the next few years—3,000 more than they currently have. The construction will be mostly along King Edward and near Lees campus, he said.

The Henderson residence will house almost 200 students. The university is also competing with several private developers in the area who have taken advantage of the high demand for student housing in the downtown core.

Long-term, the university is aiming to have up to 13,000 residences on its various properties.

The university has also set aside room for new athletic services, although it hasn’t

set out any clear-cut plans for the near future. They do eventually plan to add several buildings with new gyms and facilities on Mann Avenue across from the Minto Sports Complex.

The master plan also aims to create more “complete” facilities at Lees, Alta Vista, and Robinson precincts, which includes services and businesses in addition to academic spaces. The city’s forthcoming light rail transit will help connect the separate campuses.

While the university’s plans aim to improve student experience at the U of O, current students will be long gone before most of the plans are implemented.

Inside the campus, there will be more sidewalks, and the university will be adding roads in the surrounding area.

Photo: Urban Strategies Inc.

Both sides of King Edward Avenue will be redeveloped with academic buildings, businesses, and residences.

Photo: Urban Strategies Inc.

The university will be removing all paved roads on campus, opting for walkways and cycling lanes.

Photo: Urban Strategies Inc.

University properties near the River precinct will be developed, and linked to the main campus by light rail transit.

Photo: Urban Strategies Inc.

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NEWS | 5

Grad students head to the polls

The University of Ottawa’s graduate students will have a turn at the polls next week as the Graduate Students’ Association (GSAÉD) elections take place March 17–19.

Eight candidates are running for seven positions, with the science student representative of the university Senate remaining vacant.

Last year’s election saw a single slate claim all five executive positions. This year, only one independent candidate will challenge a five-person slate called Alliance.

Lindsay MacMillan, Associate News Editor Photos: LINDSAY MACMILLAN

Finance commissioner

Matthew Lafrenière

University affairs commissioner

William El Khoury

Giancarlo Cerquozzi

Internal commissioner

Antoine PrzyblakBrouillard

Matthew Lafrenière is running for a second term as finance commissioner. The chemistry PhD candidate said he believes this year’s experience will allow him to continue improving the “efficiency, financial function, and budget lines of GSAÉD.” He said he wants to continue improving communication.

One of Lafrenière’s goals is to revamp the “archaic” budget, which he said hasn’t been updated in a decade. Additional objectives include reducing tuition fees and finding accessible insurance for graduate students.

Lafrenière is also running for the Liberal nomination in the Simcoe North riding. He said during the debates that he would resign from GSAÉD if he were to win the nomination.

If he could meet anyone, Lafrenière said he would want to meet Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier. Before he was decapitated during the French Revolution, the renowned French chemist had numerous accomplishments, including naming oxygen.

William El Khoury, who's working toward a master's in chemical engineering, said his first foray into student politics has been a long time coming.

“I always really wanted to be involved in student movements, GSAÉD especially,” he said.

“Anything that concerns fighting for equality interests me,” he said, adding he has participated in women’s rights marches in his home country of Lebanon.

El Khoury’s main concerns are improving communication and social events and adding services for students with children. With the possible dismantling of the Faculty of Graduate and Post-Secondary Studies, transparent communication with the university and students is especially important in order to keep them rightfully informed, he said.

If El Khoury could meet anybody, he said it would be the fashion illustrator David Downton, a lifelong source of inspiration.

Giancarlo Cerquozzi, a veteran of the Students’ Association of the Faculty of Arts (SAFA), said he wants to continue working for students now that he’s pursuing a master’s in women’s studies. “I’ve always been dedicated to campus life and community,” he said.

If elected, he aims to increase face-to-face interaction between GSAÉD and its students through faculty meetings, create personalized emails to cater to students, and have more inperson and digital interactivity.

As the only independent candidate running for the GSAÉD executive, Cerquozzi noted that he’s a good candidate because of his versatility, experience, and dedication. “I don’t want students to pass me over because I’m not currently part of a slate,” he said.

Cerquozzi calls himself a history nerd, saying he would want to chat with Pierre Trudeau if he had the chance.

Antoine Przyblak-Brouillard cited his experience with other student groups as a reason why he would be suited for the position of internal commissioner of GSAÉD. He’s the current vicepresident of the Student Anthropology Community of Ottawa and the vice-president of external affairs for the Sociology and Anthropology Graduate Students Association of the U of O. “I hope to communicate with other executives and members of the graduate council to help them navigate the university system a little better,” said Przyblak-Brouillard, who’s studying for a master’s in anthropology.

Other goals include discussion about the restructuring of the Faculty of Graduate and PostSecondary Studies, bilingualism within GSAÉD, and advocating to the Board of Directors against implementing post-residency fees.

Przyblak-Brouillard would want to meet Kevin Spacey if given the chance because of the passion and conviction he brings to every acting role.

External commissioner

Student life commissioner

Board of Governors

Senate

Kelly-Dawn Clarahan Kelly-Dawn Clarahan is working toward a master’s in public and international affairs with a specialization in environmental sustainability.

Clarahan said her experience with the Make Poverty History campaign taught her “how to collaborate with institutions, organize events, and mobilize people.” At the U of O, she has worked with environmental groups and the Board of Governors coalition.

She plans to continue building on what GSAÉD has already accomplished by organizing more events and outreach programs. She said she wants to make campus greener by introducing composting stations and working with the healthy transportation coalition. Clarahan also said she’s “passionate” about pushing for post-residency fees to make tuition more affordable.

Clarahan would want to meet Emily Murphy of the Famous Five because she was “pretty badass.”

6 | NEWS

Nicolette Addesa Nicolette Addesa said that since she’s pursuing a master’s degree in communication, she knows the importance of face-to-face communication.

Addesa said she will also work on GSAÉD’s social media, including building on its Instagram account, to improve relations with students.

She previously serving as the Hyman Soloway building representative on the residents’ association. She said she has also worked with the university administration at all levels through her experience on the Board of Administration and as SAFA’s vice-president of university affairs.

She said that poor working conditions for teaching assistants is a “systematic problem across Canada,” and that she will work in solidarity with CUPE 2626, the TA union, to ensure wages and hours remain fair.

Addesa said she would want to meet Audrey Hepburn because of her “elegance and extensive humanitarian work.”

Robert Head Robert Head said that accessibility is going to be a cornerstone of his term as graduate representative on the Board of Governors. “Academically, I’ve had a varied career, so I can bring this varied experience with me,” he said.

Head said he has vast experience both inside and outside the university. He was the president of the research and marketing company Groupe Head Gagnon, he taught in Taiwan for eight years, and is a learning specialist for the U of O’s Student Academic Success Service.

Head is finishing up a master’s in education and will start his PhD next fall. Head said if he could meet anyone, he would meet God, “not to ask questions, but to listen.”

Ali Shaker Ali Shaker has served as this year’s graduate student representative on the Board of Governors, and now he’s turned his attention to the U of O Senate.

Shaker, who is studying for a master’s in education, said he attempts to interact with graduate students regularly to get an idea of the different issues that are most important to them.

Shaker said he’s worked hard over the past year to convince the administration to freeze tuition fees, and will continue to advocate for government funding to cover the majority of university costs.

He said maintaining a good relationship with the university is vital because that’s how students get their voices heard.

Shaker said he would love to have a discussion with Ghandi, one of his role models.

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Women in the running Acclaimed female politicians invited to U of O to inspire students Savannah Awde & Allegra Morgado Fulcrum Staff

The 2011 federal election saw a record-breaking 76 women elected to Canadian Parliament, though it still represented only a quarter of the 308 total seats.

While the country braces for an October federal election, a variety of female politicians spoke at the University of Ottawa last week hoping to break another record.

Ontario’s first female premier speaks at iVote Premier Kathleen Wynne began her speech at iVote’s Women in Politics event on March 5 with a question.

“Who are the Mothers of Confederation?” she said while presenting a photo of the male founders of Confederation.

Wynne, the first female and lesbian Premier of Ontario, traced the various issues that women have faced since the photo was taken.

“The danger is in silence,” she said, such as dealing with catcalls in Parliament, the struggles of maintaining a family, or sexual violence.

Wynne also emphasized the sexual violence barrier that many women in Canada face, and spoke briefly of her recent $41-million, three-year plan to reduce it, revealed the next morning. The plan requires that Ontario universities implement a sexual assault policy, with updates made every four years. It will also standardize public reports on rates of sexual violence from each university.

Caroline Andrew, U of O professor and recently appointed

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member of the Order of Canada, hosted a panel of academic experts earlier in the day to discuss strategies to encourage female participation in politics.

The main iVote event also featured another panel with Katie Telford of the Liberal party, Michele Austin of the Conservatives, and Anne McGrath of the NDP, moderated by Maclean’s journalist Anne Kingston.

Despite coming from different political backgrounds, the women were unanimous in their call for a Parliament representative of the population.

McGrath said that having proportional representation is fundamental, and it’s “what democracy is supposed to be about.”

The panel also emphasized support for women through the contested nominations stage, as this is where most women tend to bow out.

Telford said she hears about doubts in potential candidates’ ability to run due to family commitments from women far more often than from men.

Austin said that “women candidates need to stop thinking about themselves as women, but as candidates and winners.”

Fourth-year international development and globalization student Stefanie Di Domenico said that although these events are necessary “to help inspire change to a highly patriarchal system,” she noted a lack of diversity.

“Women are not a homogeneous group,” said Di Domenico, referencing the fact that the panellists were all white. She said racialized women face even greater challenges.

“There need to be opportunities for diverse experiences to be shared, so that all women feel they can engage in politics,”

she said.

The event was well attended by both male and female U of O students.

“A question we should ask more often, especially as guys, is how can we help,” said Philippe Garcia-Duchesne, a second-year conflict studies and human rights student.

Coming from a male perspective, he said he now has a better idea of how to advocate for gender equality in politics.

Equal Voice discusses why women should run The She Will Run conference hosted by the U of O’s Equal Voice chapter on March 7 also featured distinguished women of different political backgrounds: Conservative MP Kellie Leitch, the minister of labour and minister of status of women; Green Party candidate Lorraine Rekmans, the shadow cabinet critic of indigenous affairs; and Lynne Steele, president of the Ontario Women’s Liberal Commission.

Each recounted her journey into Canadian politics, what Canada has achieved in the fight for equality, and what work still needs to be done.

Dr. Leitch, an orthopaedic pediatric surgeon by trade, said she became involved in politics after much convincing from the late finance minister Jim Flaherty. She said she entered politics because it “allowed (her) to have a broader reach.” She emphasized the need for politicians in general to be experienced in a field other than politics to make them more useful as public servants and to keep them grounded.

Rekmans, the first woman to run for the Chief of Ontario,

Anne McGrath, left, Katie Telford, and Michele Austin shared several common opinions on how to get women more involved in poltiics.

Photo: Nadia Drissi El-Bouzaidi.

shifted the discussion to the experience of indigenous women.

The continuous portrayal of indigenous women as victims is discouraging, she said. “I don’t want my granddaughter to in-

herit that story of victimization.”

Steele’s speech also emphasized the lack of equality for women in Canada. She advocated for a change of political structures so that they’re

“friendlier to the family.”

“History proves time and time again that women are a force to be reckoned with united, but next to powerless when we’re scattered,” she said.

Controversial Liberal hopeful Nour El Kadri’s green light turns red Janice Dickson iPolitics

OTTAWA (CUP)—Months after an anonymous website attempted to link Liberal “green-lighted” nomination hopeful Nour El Kadri, with a right wing Syrian political party—the high-profile academic’s green light turned red.

El Kadri is a professor at the University of Ottawa’s electrical engineering and computer science faculty, and management faculty, who unsuccessfully sought a Liberal nomination in 2011, and who was seeking federal Liberal nomination in the riding of Nepean-Ottawa.

But this week, the Liberal Party’s “green light committee” decided El Kadri wouldn’t be permitted to run.

A spokesperson for the Liberal Party wouldn’t confirm whether El Kadri’s name was pulled because of his alleged relationship with the Syrian Social Nationalist Party, which was reported by iPolitics in January.

“I can confirm Nour El Kadri won’t be a candidate.

His name won’t be on the ballot,” said Olivier Duchesneau.

The Syrian Social Nationalist Party is linked to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, and has been linked to suicide bombings and assassinations.

The website – linking El Kadri to the Syrian party – is sophisticated in the delivery of its content. The site manages to smear El Kadri, but instead reads as though it’s an endorsement.

Amongst political endorsements from Sheila Copps and former Speaker of the House of Commons Peter Milliken are broken links to Syrian Social Nationalist Party websites, and a Google-translated article from Shabanews.com that alleges El Kadri is pro alAssad.

El Kadri told iPolitics in January that he has never had any involvement in the Syrian Social Nationalist Party.

Until now, El Kadri has been actively campaigning.

He attended “An Evening With Marc Garneau” held at a pub in Nepean, where the

veteran Liberal MP introduced El Kadri alongside his competition, Kevin O’Brien, Rasheda Nawaz and Chandra Arya, who are the remaining contestants in the riding.

El Kadri had been using his social media sites to leverage his klout, it appears. His profile picture on his personal Facebook page is of him and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau—his official page has much of the same information as his personal one, including photos from events with Liberal MPs including Garneau, liberal candidate Lt. General Andrew Leslie, and Liberal Senator Joseph A. Day. “With my Liberal friends MPs and Senators. What a wonderful celebration of the Chinese New Year Centre Shaw Centre. Happy New Year to all. Year of the Goat! (some say Sheep or Ram). 新 年快乐,” El Kadri posted to his official Facebook page on Feb. 18.

El Kadri’s profile has been removed from the federal Liberal riding association of Nepean’s website

NEWS | 7

U of O Innovations:

A link between obesity and anxiety Appetite suppressant can also control anxiety: study

News Briefs

Student launches government transparency campaign

A not-for-profit organization created by University of Ottawa students recently launched its website and first campaign.

Matters, founded by third-year public administration student Olivia Dorey, announced its launch on March 3. The campaign, called “Why it Matters,” advocates for clear and accessible budgetary information for citizens.

This year, the campaign aims to build a website with “personalized accounts” to simplify financial legislature. Regional teams of students across Canada are being formed to help spread awareness.

Dorey said her experience as a page being

unable to completely understand financial legislation in the House of Commons inspired the idea. “I expected to find numbers, but didn’t see any until the budget came out,” she said, adding that it seemed like very few people outside of government would be able to comprehend the document. The website will allow Canadians to give feedback on different policies.

Currently 90 per cent of the team is U of O students, with mentors and supporters in the form of professors and MPs. One of Matters’ main goals is to network to find additional support networks.

—Lindsay MacMillan

Funeral held for Canadian war hero Dr. Hsiao-Huei Chen is hoping to start clinical testing soon on whether Trodusquemine can treat both obesity and anxiety.

Allegra Morgado Staff Contributor

A study by University of Ottawa researchers at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute has found a link between obesity and anxiety—and they may have also found a drug that helps with both.

Dr. Hsiao-Huei Chen, an associate professor in the department of medicine at the University of Ottawa, and her colleagues made the discovery while conducting tests on mice in their lab.

The project Over the last three years of observation, one of Dr. Chen’s students, Zhaohong Qin, discovered that some of the mice were behaving abnormally and later becoming obese and diabetic. The researchers determined they were feeling anxious.

“These mice had late-onset obesity and diabetes, and an early onset of anxiety, so we asked the simple question of if the cause for this similar pathway is shared between both diseases,” Dr. Chen said.

She and her team had started using a drug that is an inhibitor for the enzyme PTP1B, called Trodusquemine, on the obese mice. After learning that the drug was able to help regulate appetite in these mice, they were curious to see if it could help with anxiety as well.

The result The researchers found that the enzyme’s activity can cause a resistance to insulin, which resulted in obesity and Type 2 diabetes. This activity can also affect the brain’s production of its own cannabislike chemical, which regulates neuron activity. Drugs that are commonly prescribed for anxiety, such as Xanax, are called benzodiazepines, and they help shut down the overactive neuron activity in the brain.

Dr. Chen said that “when you take this drug orally, it will reach every part of your brain.” This presents a problem because it not only calms the necessary activity, but can also affect your memory and concentration. This could be a challenge for stu-

dents who are trying to cope with anxiety, but don’t want to see their grades suffer as a side effect.

Trodusquemine, the subject of the study, “lets the brain fix itself,” said Dr. Chen, because it focuses its effects on one area of the brain. Dr. Chen said she believes this makes it “quite safe,” and hopes these studies will help Trodusquemine become the drug of choice for patients with anxiety.

What’s next?

Mental health issues, including anxiety, have become a pressing issue on university campuses in recent years. The Canadian Alliance of Students Associations released a report last summer calling for better mental health services on Canadian campuses.

The drug is currently in clinical trials for appetite control, weight loss, and its possible effect on breast cancer. With the recently discovered link between obesity and anxiety, Dr. Chen said she hopes its effects on anxiety will be tested separately soon.

“THESE MICE HAD LATE-ONSET OBESITY, AND AN EARLY ONSET OF ANXIETY, SO WE ASKED THE SIMPLE QUESTION OF IF THE CAUSE FOR THIS SIMILAR PATHWAY IS SHARED BETWEEN BOTH DISEASES.” —DR. HSIAO-HUEI CHEN 8 | NEWS

Photo: Rémi Yuan.

Canadian veteran, Ernest Côté, passed away on Feb. 25 from natural causes at the age of 101.

Ernest Côté, a World War Two veteran who helped plan the Normandy landing, has died at age 101.

According to his family, Côté died from natural causes on the evening of Feb. 25.

The celebrated veteran received France’s Legion of Honour in 2004 for his service.

After his retirement from the army Côté focused his time in the federal government as a diplomat, and eventually became a senior official. He also was involved in the first meetings of the United Nations General Assembly, where he assisted in drafting the World Health Organization charter.

Côté made national news when he was a

Photo: junobeach.org

victim of a home invasion in December. He was robbed and left with a plastic bag tied around his head. Côté freed himself and called the police. His alleged attacker, Ian Bush, was arrested and charged for the incident, and was more recently charged with three counts of first-degree murder.

Members of Parliament took a moment to honour Côté with a standing ovation in the House of Commons after hearing the news.

His funeral was held on March 7 at NotreDame Cathedral in downtown Ottawa.

Côté’s family is asking for donations to be made in his name to the Montfort Hospital.

—Jessica Eritou

Jim Watson fractures pelvis in snowmobile accident A snowmobiling event on Feb. 28 resulted in a fractured pelvis for Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.

Watson was taken to the QueenswayCarleton Hospital where he received treatment. A letter from Watson’s chief of staff Serge Arpin said his recovery is expected to take between four to six weeks.

There has been no need to appoint an acting mayor, Arpin told CTV News, because the mayor has been in constant communication with his office and other members of council. However, Watson will have to miss a few community events in the coming weeks.

Rideau-Vanier Councillor Mathieu Fleury

said he, Watson, and Councillor Michael Qaqish were being shown how to use the snowmobiles by Osgoode Councillor George Darouze. Fleury administered first aid to Watson following the accident.

The snowmobile club denied claims that the accident was a result of any wrongdoing or recklessness.

“It was a very slow-moving accident and people were actually surprised there was any kind of injury,” said Ryan Downing, a member of the club’s executive, on the CBC program Our Ottawa. Downing also said Watson apologized to Darouze for the negative attention.

—Nadia Drissi El-Bouzaidi

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National News

CFS hopes to halt Fair Elections Act National student group says new laws will put a chill on youth voting Alexis Stockford The Omega

Premier Kathleen Wynne met with Ontario university and college representatives in January at Queen’s Park.

Photo by Tristan Simpson/The Ryersonian

Kathleen Wynne announces plan to combat sexual violence ‘Assault and harassment are too prevalent’ on university campuses: report Farnia Fekri The Eyeopener

TORONTO (CUP) — Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne’s newly revealed plan to combat sexual violence includes commitments to address sexual assault policies on post-secondary campuses.

“We want to improve safety on our campuses, where assault and harassment are too prevalent and often go unreported and unchecked,” a report about the plan said.

Wynne unveiled the strategy, a 36-page manual titled “It’s Never Okay: an action plan to stop sexual violence and harassment,” on March 6.

The $41-million plan aims to increase support and education against sexual violence and harassment over three years. Some of the included approaches are an improved health plan teaching students in Grades 1–12 about consent, legislations to speed up the process of dealing with sexual

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assault claims, and policies on sexual violence and harassment in the workplace and on campuses Another part of the plan is an awareness campaign called #WhoWillYouHelp which includes already-released advertisements about bystander intervention.

Po s t-s e c ond a r y-s p e c i f ic commitments include introducing legislation that will require colleges and universities to adopt sexual assault policies “developed with significant input from students” that are renewed every four years, requiring schools to publicly report sexual violence as well as initiatives to address sexual violence and ensuring that campuses have around-the-clock support for survivors.

The premier’s announcement comes after a Toronto Star investigation published in November revealed only nine of more than 100 post-secondary institutions in Canada have

defined policies about campus sexual assaults.

The University of Ottawa was not one of the nine, but has since announced in January that it will accept all the recommendations made by the university’s task force on respect and equality, including the implementation of a new sexual violence policy and protocol.

In a lead-up to the launch of the Ontario government’s plan, Wynne held a roundtable with members of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) Ontario on Jan. 14 to hear their thoughts on sexual assault policies on campus.

Ryerson Students’ Union (RSU) vice-president of equity Pascale Diverlus attended the roundtable.

“When we met with her she was really adamant in pushing us to push our administration to put our voices at the table,” Diverlus said. “It doesn’t make sense for a policy to be made for us without our input.”

KAMLOOPS, B.C. (CUP) — The Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) plans to take the federal government to court before the next federal election.

CFS, along with the Council of Canadians and three independent citizens, recently filed a constitutional challenge against the Fair Elections Act, claiming new identification requirements violate the right to vote.

As of last June, voters are no longer able to prove their residence by having another registered voter vouch for them at the polls or using their voter identification cards. Instead, voters must provide government-issued identification with a local address.

According to CFS national chairperson Jessica McCormick, the new measures make voting unattractive to students attending school away from their home riding since they often lack local identification. She said the new laws would only lower an already low youth voter turnout.

“If youth vote in more significant numbers, we can have a significant impact on the outcome of an election for any of the parties, and that’s why it’s so important that we (make it) easier for people to vote, not more difficult,” she said.

According to Elections Canada, less than 39 per cent of Canadians aged 18 to 24 voted in 2011, 22 per cent lower than the total voter turnout.

McCormick said she herself is one of the more than 120,000 Canadians to use vouching in the last federal election.

More than 2,000 pages of evidence are now before the Ontario Superior Court, including testimonies from voters who say they were turned away from polls in the last federal election, evidence from CFS on low youth voter turnout, and evidence from civic engagement group Apathy is Boring and former B.C. Chief Electoral Officer Harry Neufeld.

Kamloops Conservative MP Cathy McLeod said she cannot comment on CFS’s challenge since it is before the courts, but said she fully supports the Fair Elections Act. “The Fair Elections Act will make our election laws tougher, clearer and easier to follow.

It will also ensure that election lawbreakers face the consequences for their actions,” she

said in an email to the Omega.

McLeod maintains that eliminating vouching and voter ID cards decreases voter fraud. And while these two options are off the table, McLeod pointed out that there are 39 other options for government identification, including library cards, Indian status cards, and utility bills.

In place of vouching, voters can now sign an oath of residence at the polls, provided another registered voter living in the same polling area signs a similar oath to back up the claim of residence.

Anyone voting outside his or her riding (such as out-oftown university students) can also apply for a special ballot through Elections Canada. The ballot will be mailed to the applicant and must be mailed back by Election Day. Under new legislation, Elections Canada can no longer encourage people to vote, although later amendments allow it to run educational programs for high school students.

“If Elections Canada is just limited to telling people when and where and how they can vote, that doesn’t really provide the extra motivation that’s required to get first-time voters out to the polls,” McCormick said.

“I think if we want to encourage participation in our democratic structures here in Canada, that work needs to come from Elections Canada as well as other civil society organizations and political parties.”

According to McCormick, Elections Canada has been working with CFS to develop educational programs and to research possible locations for campus polling stations. Under new legislation, these programs will not be able to run.

McLeod did not address the limits placed on Elections Canada in her email.

With the possibility of an election being called anytime from now to October, time is running out for CFS to get their day in court.

McCormick has said that if the election is called before their case is decided, CFS is ready to apply for an injunction, which would “hit pause” on disputed measures of the Fair Elections Act until the court case could be heard.

Before getting the green light the injunction would first have to convince a judge that it represents a serious issue to society and irreparable harm might occur without the injunction. The judge must also weigh any inconvenience the injunction would put on the parties involved.

A poster prepared by CFS to in protest of the Fair Elections Act.

NEWS | 9

ARTS &CULTURE

A&C EDITOR Jessica Eritou arts@thefulcrum.ca (613) 562-5260

Opera Confections offers art and charm

School of Music’s latest opera features double-header of Mozart, Bizet

Hyundai Song, left, Sebastian Romanutti, and Rebecca Gray prepare for their upcoming production at U of O.

Jessica Eritou

Arts & Culture Editor

I

t was not your typical Friday night in Tabaret Hall.

As students and staff left their last lecture of the evening, there was a certain sound projecting through the walls.

“Charm all the ladies,” Sandra Graham called out to two men surrounded by three women in bedazzled and lace gowns in Huguette Labelle Hall, as a strident piano score played in the background.

Graham has been busy directing her University of Ottawa music students for their upcoming production called Opera Confections. A mezzo-soprano herself, the well-versed professor has won a multitude of international vocalist awards, and has appeared on operatic stages in Canada, the United States, Germany, Holland, and China.

During the dress rehearsal Graham demanded the very best from her students. She was busy encouraging them to strut the stage in their heels for more emphasis and to push

their acting ability so her students would shine in their operatic performance.

“Art stands for artificial, after all,” she said.

The show will feature excerpts from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro and Bizet’s Carmen with the help of pianist Paula Lin. What makes the production unique is the encouraged audience participation element, with a sing-along for the popular “Toreador” scene in Carmen with lyrics projected during the chorus.

“Marriage of Figaro is

Grayson Nesbitt, left, Hyung Song, Marc Lussier, Rebecca Gray, Samara Garfinkle and Sebastian Romanutti practicing. Photos: Rémi Yuan

more of a comedic opera, and Carmen is more of a mishmash of curious and sexy,” says third-year performance student Grayson Nesbitt, a tenor singer and soloist in Marriage of Figaro and chorus performer in Carmen.

Marriage of Figaro is a continuation of the opera The Barber of Seville, in which the same characters now face the schemes of their troubled marriage commitments, with multiple plot lines of betrayal and revenge.

“They are two of the most popular operas in the repertoire,

and if any of our singers go on to a career, they will most likely perform a role in one or both of the operas, and will have this experience as a starting point,” said Graham. “Also, both of these operas are very popular with the public, so everyone is happy.”

Nesbitt said he loves working on his craft with the U of O’s musical productions.

“It’s an outlet for my emotions, really. Acting on stage, playing a character, it’s just a lot of fun.”

Graham said she chose an excerpt concert style of production to give less experienced singers a chance

to perform more solo work and to learn from the more advanced singers.

Nesbitt said he looks forward to entertaining the crowd, thriving on their energy, and especially, being able to sing along in Carmen.

“It’s what it comes down to,” he said. “If I’m having fun, the audience is having fun.

If we’re all having fun, it’s a good time, right?”

Opera Confections will be presented on March 14 at 7 p.m. and March 15 at 2 p.m. at Huguette Labelle Hall in Tabaret.

Turning a page on future book publishing

Publishing guru Cynthia Good visits U of O to talk about writing’s new era Chloee Detchou Staff Contributor

Good says writers now need to be involved in all aspects of the publishing process.

Photo: Chloee Detchou

10 | ARTS & CULTURE

Book publishing has entered an exciting new chapter.

The digital age and the rise of the e-book has prophesized the demise of the physical novel—but the reality is much more promising.

Physical books still account for 82 per cent of book sales in Canada. Technology hasn’t changed the format in which we prefer to read—not yet, anyway—but rather has transformed the relationship between publishers, authors, and their audiences.

Cynthia Good is a leader in the Canadian publishing industry who was appointed the first editorial director-turned-

president at Penguin Books Canada. Good now teaches at Humber College, and stopped by the University of Ottawa for a guest lecture on March 5.

Her talk was directed at students who are interested in a writing career to provide insight on how the publishing business has changed dramatically in the last decade. Good described how technology has created a platform on which authors and readers can exchange ideas and create stories that go on to become bestsellers.

She said YouTube, Wattpad, GoodReads, and Twitter are essential Internet tools for aspiring writers to connect with an audience and establish a fan base that can provide them with feedback. It’s a phenomenon

called consumer insight; readers are now able to play an active role in the types of stories and novels that are being published.

“It’s a return to traditional storytelling,” Good said during her talk. “The audience can be involved in the development of the narrative.”

Amazon has been the catalyst for this new collaboration between authors and their fans.

The retailer has become the authority on many aspects of the industry including sales, book pricing, and what goes to print.

Publishing companies like Penguin Random House and Harper Collins had to refocus and change their branding.

Publishing houses are no longer searching for a good story— they want instant bestsellers.

Good said amateur authors should not only hone their skill, but also share their work with the public and build a media presence before their work is even published. Authors now have to be willing to take a proactive role in editing and marketing their book before sending it off to any publisher for review, she said.

“We no longer want hard copies of the manuscripts,” said Lara Mainville, director of the University of Ottawa Press, in an interview. “We want copy editors to track changes, and authors to approve these and comment them in on Word.”

Mainville said there’s indeed a shift in the industry with how work is sent to their publishing house, and how it is

stored for future editions.

“We are looking at various options to fully take advantage of technology which would enable us extract print files, e-book files in various formats, and future-proof them for when we need to … create new editions.”

Long gone are the days of hastily stapling together your first draft and sending it off in hopes of it becoming a bestseller. Authors are expected to be involved an all aspects of the process, Good said. And business intellect plays a crucial role, keeping the author in control of his or her work throughout the publishing process. It means authors, readers, and publishers come together with one voice to make stories stand out from the page.

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Pop hits help spread the word about abuse

Behind Those Eyes musical features top 40 songs to spread the word about violence Jessica Eritou

Arts & Culture Editor It’s hard to believe that Akon’s song “Smack That” could be an educational tool.

But a student group at the University of Ottawa has partnered the R&B artist’s 2006 song with a choreographed number to educate and spread a message to students.

Unity for Action is a studentrun organization that connects, motivates, and inspires individuals to promote positive change in the community. The group hosts various events throughout each year to raise money for different charities each year.

Their next production Behind Those Eyes, showing March 14–15 at the Alumni Auditorium, is an original musical that touches on themes of domestic violence, abuse, and unhealthy relationships by using pop music and flipping traditional gender roles.

President and fourth-year criminology and psychology student Andrea Polgar said she wanted to do something unforgettable for her last year with the organization. Polgar said awareness on domestic abuse was her goal, but the translation into a musical was the tricky part.

“It’s kind of weird when you hear ‘domestic abuse’ and ‘musical,’ like who’s singing about violence?’” she said. “I think we really addressed it and made it a powerful message without being insensitive to the actual topic.”

The musical features a cast of more than 20 people set in an alternate reality. While watching a television show, the characters find themselves in the show itself and experience reversed gender roles.

They incorporate the pop music to illustrate gender issues in a more familiar medium.

The character named Girlkon reflects the real-life artist Akon. “We took his character

and feminized it and changed his songs so that it was a woman singing about a man, instead of a man singing about several women,” Polgar explained.

Proceeds from the musical will support the Susan Shirley Program, a Smiths Falls maternity house. The centre provides resources for vulnerable young women during and after their pregnancy.

Although the show’s issues are quite serious, the group promises a night of fun and entertainment.

Lead actress Ashana Sivalingham, a fourth-year criminology and music student, said she believes the pop music that will really resonate with the audience. “I think that familiarity with the role reversal will spark that,” she said. The group hopes students will then view violent and derogatory circumstances differently.

Emily Cordes, vice-president of operations, choreographer,

The Fulcrum 2015-16 editorial board hiring The Fulcrum is looking to hire an editorial board for 201516. If you have a passion for student journalism, we have the opportunity for you!

Candidates must must prepare a platform outlining their visions for the role they would like to play next year. The platform must be submitted along with a resume and writing/editing/art design samples. Candidates who meet these requirements will be required to both write and pass a knowledge and editing test. All editorial board applicants must have Fulcrum staff status.

The following Fulcrum staff are eligible to be candidates for hiring: Omar Abdikader, Savannah Awde, Garry Balaganthan, David Campion-Smith, Varsha Carpen, Menrika Christian, Jesse Colautti, Justin Dallaire, Kyle Darbyson, Eric Davidson, Chloee Detchou, Tori Dudys, Nadia Drissi El-Bouzaidi, Jessica Eritou, Adam Feibel, Adam Gibbard, Tima Hacini, William Hume, Diyyinah Jamora, Marta Kierkus, Amy Leppanen, Annalise Mathers, Lindsay MacMillan, Emily Manns, Chelsea McManus, Allegra Morgado, Spencer Murdock, Sabrina Nemis, Sarah Nolette, Stephanie Piamonte, Julia Riddle, Héloïse RodriguezQizilbash, Moussa Sangare-Ponce, Miriam Saslove, Jasmine van Schouwen, Raghad Sheikh-Khalil, Chantale Streeting, Spencer Van Dyk, Jennifer Vo, Janoah Willsie, Rémi Yuan, Christian Zapata-Prado

Khadid Thomas, center, who plays “Greg” in the production leads the crowd during rehearsal.

and a fourth-year communication student, said she’s pleased with how the musical has come together.

“Everyone in the group is really open to the topic, and open

with each other,” she said. “If we didn’t have this great team we wouldn’t have been able to do it. We’re lucky that way.”

Behind Those Eyes shows on March 14 at 7:30 p.m. and

Photo: Rémi Yuan.

March 15 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., both at the Alumni Auditorium. Tickets are $10 in advance through Unity for Action’s email unityforaction@gmail.com, and $12 at the door.

Fulcrum FICTION CONTEST On April 8, the Fulcrum will be releasing its firstever fiction issue and we want your short stories and poetry to be a part of it.

Along with the help of the University of Ottawa English Students Association, we will be judging all submissions and handing out prizes for both the best poem and short story.

All poetry submissions must be under 300 words, and all short stories must be under 1500 words.

The deadline for the contest is March 26 at 4 p.m.

Please send submissions to features@thefulcrum.ca

Applications for the position of Production Manager are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20 and should be emailed to manager@ thefulcrum.ca.

Applications for the positions of Managing Editor, News Editor, Arts & Culture Editor, Sports Editor, Features Editor, Opinions Editor, Online Editor, and Visual Editor are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 27 and should be emailed to manager@thefulcrum.ca.

Candidates can apply for more than one position. For more information on the positions, contact Sabrina Nemis at editor@ thefulcrum.ca.

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ARTS & CULTURE | 11

U of O grad crowdfunds photography project Spencer Murdock Staff Reporter

A University of Ottawa alumnus has put her photography skills to the test in hopes of putting a true face to the streets of the capital.

Stéphanie Houle is behind one of the city’s latest successful Kickstarter campaigns, a project named FACES. Houle has had early success in the arts community leading into her newest photography project.

Houle graduated in 2008 with a degree in general arts and immediately began working on her passion for photography. She has had her work displayed at the National Arts

Centre, where she has worked for six years, but FACES is undoubtedly the biggest undertaking in her career to this point.

The project began as a set of 20 photos, all shot in the same manner where Houle would draw out a genuine emotion in her models’ faces. They’re all portraits with three-quarter composition in black and white against a dark backdrop.

“It makes everything more poignant,” says Houle. “I didn’t want them to be about clothing, fashion, garments, and culture. I wanted it to be about that moment where my model starts trusting me and I start to see what person they actu-

ally are.”

As Houle finished the first 20 photos, she felt the project wasn’t complete, so she extended it to 100. From there, she started a page on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter to help fund a hardcover edition containing all 100 portraits. Houle hit her $1,000 goal in a month’s time.

The project is an exposition of raw moments of personality, from the smallest to the most obvious—on display are the traits that make each person unique.

“It’s about the little head tilt they do when they listen to you, or the sort of shrug when they’re too modest,” says Houle. “It totally defines who

they are without even noticing it. It’s not depressing, sad, black-and-white photos, it’s about the emotion.”

The project’s backers will receive different rewards based on their contribution, such as a thank-you mention or a copy of the book itself.

Houle is expecting shooting to be finished this summer, followed by editing and publishing in hopes of having the books delivered by December.

“I’m hoping that I do it right and I satisfy,” she says. “We’re artists and we’re always questioning the purpose of our work and if it’s relevant, but whenever people support and participate, it is always a bonus.”

"I wanted it to be about that moment where my model starts trusting me and I start to see what person they actually are."

—Stéphanie Houle For Houle, raw emotion and trust are two elements in which she feels she can get a sense of who people are, when taking a photograph.

Project photos: Stéphanie Houle.

12 | ARTS & CULTURE

Photographer Stéphanie Houle in front of her project FACES.

Photo: Crian Mech

thefulcrum.ca

Suited for the job How the Free Store can help you dress for success

Stylist Luce Papineau say it’s possbile to dress stylish and work appropriate on a student budget.

Andrew Hawley General Manager

Half a second.

That’s how little time it can take to make a first impression.

According to personal stylist Luce Papineau, that’s why it’s so important for students to bring the right clothes to a job interview.

Papineau elaborated on this topic during How to Dress for a Success, a lecture organized

by University of Ottawa’s Community Life Service that took place on March 5 in the University Centre.

She said what you wear can sometimes be the difference between landing a job and landing back on the couch.

“Company bosses have told me that (when there’s) equal competency between candidates, the better dressed candidate will get the position,” she said. “The managers’ thought is, ‘If they take care of themselves, they can take care of my company.’”

When assembling an outfit for an interview, there are some ground rules.

For women, Papineau said that skirts are preferred over

pants, though they shouldn’t be more than an inch above or below the knee. Less is more when it comes to accessories, and the shoes and purse should match. Above all, the look must be professional.

“Do not wear anything too short, tight, or revealing,” she said.

For men, turning off the interviewers can be avoided with proper matching colours.

The suit should be navy blue— an “efficient colour,” said the stylist—and fitted. The socks must match the pants and the belt must match the shoes.

Lastly, the tie must go down to the belt.

Once students know what to get, the issue becomes paying for it. Papineau provided two ways around the high cost of good clothing.

One is to accessorize so that several looks can be created with just one dress or suit, akin to the 365-day strategy done by the Uniform Project’s Sheena Matheiken, and Australian television anchor Karl Stefanovic. The other is to reduce spending by purchasing clothes that are on sale or out of season.

Another option for U of O

students is the Free Store, located at 641 King Edward Ave. Run by the Office of Campus Sustainability, the store is full of items that are donated by students to be picked up for free by other students.

Erin Johnston, a communication student and coordinator at the store, said that formal wear often comes in and students can build a work wardrobe with key pieces.

“We have brand name stuff from Banana Republic, H&M, Zara, Hugo Boss, and others,” she said. “We sort all donations to ensure the clothes on the racks are in good condition. Anything with rips or stains is put aside.”

Johnston described how her roommate wasn’t having any luck finding a blazer for an upcoming interview—but the coordinator was able to find her one at the Free Store.

“It fit perfectly, and she got the job.”

So before you decide to drop a wad of cash for your next interview or even when you’ve landed the job and need an entire new work wardrobe, there are a number of ways to dress for success on a budget.

The Free Store features racks on racks on racks of shirts, blazers, pants, and shoes free for U of O students.

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Photo: Andrew Hawley

Photos: Marta Kierkus

Joey Albert has been working as an acrobat for 10 years, travelling the world to perform for audiences.

Balancing life as an acrobat

Photo courtesy: Joey Albert

Full-time solo acrobat crosses U of O off long list of worldwide performances Moussa Sangaré-Ponce Assistant Online Editor

In the middle of the Jock Turcot Universtiy Centre stage, a man balanced on his bare hands on tall beanpoles with great ease as a crowd cheered him on.

While most of us struggle to juggle two things at once— whether it’s school and work, or more likely, coffee and a phone—Joey Albert’s job is to do just that, and more.

The acrobat performer stopped by the University of Ottawa on March 4 to perform his latest routine for students as part of the month of La Francophonie.

Albert started out as a juggler in high school in Timmins, Ont. He said he felt different from his classmates as most of the boys in his classes were into hockey and the girls were into dance. Rather, his dream was to travel the world to amaze crowds, pulling acrobatic stunts and showing off his juggling skills full-time. He eventually left his hometown to pursue his dream in Montreal at the Na-

tional Circus School.

“It was really intense for a (performance) school,” he says. Albert loved the ability to be surrounded by talented performers but also became a challenge, as it was intimidating. He used the intimidation as motivation to push himself further.

Though what he does is extremely risky, Albert said he learned to internalize his fears so they don’t affect his performances. He still goes into each performance realizing that every stunt could be very harmful.

“It rarely happens that I think of that during a show,” said Albert. “When I train, that’s when I have my fears.”

Albert has performed for 10 years now and has travelled to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Australia, and undertaken two cross-Canada trips.

He also lived and performed in Los Angeles in the early stages of his career.

He first performed with three American acrobats, but found it to be an issue having to constantly travel across the border.

This led him to create his own

solo act, and has performed in French for the last four years.

“It’s really the only job I have done,” he said.

Though he performs in both languages, he said the French crowds are typically more responsive to his routines. “French crowds are always ready for a good laugh.”

He prefers indoor venues, partly because the sun won’t get in his eyes and partly because of the more established crowd atmosphere, he said.

“People know when to clap.

Outside you got to put them in that mood and gain their trust.”

Le Cirque du Soleil is often associated with the crème de la crème of acrobatic performances. Despite the company’s reputation, Albert declined to join the Canadian super troupe when they approached him.

“People often think that’s what I aim to do,” he said. “It’s actually the opposite.”

Rather, he said he enjoys being his own boss. Performing on his terms means more liberty.

“It’s less stable,” he said, “but it is worth it.”

ARTS & CULTURE | 13

Open for rent

Justin Dallaire I Staff Contributor

Life in private housing

Inside a construction site trailer at 45 Mann Ave., Barry Hauer examines the floor plans for the ninestorey, 120-unit student housing building that will neighbour the Minto Sports Complex come September 2016.

He pinpoints the location of what will be the gym, before flipping to the games room, then the business centre, then the rooftop terrace. There are even plans for a free coffee bar in the lobby.

“If you’re designing a building from scratch, and you have in mind that it should be for students, you design things differently,” he says.

The building’s one- to four-bedroom units will each have a full kitchen, laundry machines, and the same number of bathrooms as there are bedrooms.

Everything about it has been expressly designed for students. Hauer says he hopes this will attract the business of those who are struggling to find decent accommodations near campus.

And he’s not the only developer with his eye on this part of town. Many others are looking to capitalize on the University of Ottawa’s burgeoning student housing market.

It all started in 2013 with the closing of a retirement residence at 353 Friel Street. The building was gutted and rebuilt into Sandy Hill Apartments, “the latest in luxurious studio apartments.” The pitch? Semifurnished, high-end finishes, all-inclusive rent.

Others have been doing the same ever since.

At 111 Cooper St., just over the Corktown footbridge, an old Holiday Inn is being converted into 1Eleven, a 220-unit apartment building that will welcome as many as 420 tenants in September.

To the east, a block and a half from campus, lies the future home of another housing project. Following a protracted battle with the city, Viner Assets recieved permission from the Ontario Municipal Board to proceed with replacing the six buildings on the corner of Laurier and Friel with one nine-storey housing facility covering one acre of prime Sandy Hill real estate. It’s set to open sometime in 2017.

Together the Mann, Cooper and Laurier-Friel buildings will add more than 1,200 private housing beds within walking distance of the university over the next two to three years. And that doesn’t account for the many small-scale housing projects that continue to sprout up like dandelions.

This comes at a time when the university has struggled to find space on campus for new housing projects that

would allow it to continue guaranteeing residence to first-year students. “For every piece of open property you see on the campus, we have something in mind,” U of O president Allan Rock told the Fulcrum last year.

While each building promises to be different than the others, all of them are part of a recent housing trend aimed at upper-year university students as they transition out of residence. Hauer says he expects firstyear students will continue wanting to live in university residences, and he’s OK with that.

“We don’t look for first-year students at all,” he says.

“We are looking for people leaving residence who want to still live in student housing as opposed to living by themselves.”

The three properties will be privately owned and managed, meaning they can rent to anyone who’s willing to pay. Henry Morton, president of Campus Suites, one of the co-developers of 1Eleven, says they would welcome students from other schools or Ottawa residents looking for short-term stays.

“Our focus is really student-oriented, but we are indifferent whether we’re appealing to University of Ottawa students, Carleton students, or even Saint Paul students,” says Morton.

While private developers have come to see the U of O as a golden opportunity, they aren’t the only ones looking to relieve the school’s housing shortage. The university’s Housing Service continues to do its part as well. In September 2014, it opened a residence at the intersection of Friel and Rideau Streets. It has also invested $17.5 million in a new four-storey residence on Henderson Avenue, which is expected to open this coming September. By then, Housing Service alone will have added close to 600 university-run living spaces since 2014.

All of this suggests things are changing—and changing fast. When all is said and done, the U of O’s student housing market will have undergone a dramatic transformation. While the university’s shortage of oncampus real estate has opened up fruitful opportunities to private developers, it’s the students who stand to profit the most.

Barbara Nzigiye is an international student who has been working as a community advisor in Marchand for the past two years. Although she has never lived off campus, she has friends who have lived in apartments around Ottawa. Nzigiye says she has heard really good things and really bad things.

“That’s where I think the gamble is,” she says. “And that’s why I would prefer personally to be somewhere more structured. Especially as an international student.”

While the private housing projects on Mann, Cooper, and Laurier-Friel have no affiliation with the U of O, they nevertheless promise to offer structure and a studentfriendly environment to their tenants. Hauer says that from a management perspective Mann will resemble university-run residences, but that it will be less strict when it comes to its clients and operations. The same goes for 1Eleven.

“You’ll see a lot of the same characteristics,” Morton told the Fulcrum last month. “But a lot of it is in the fact that this is not the university, so we do not have the same true guidelines as the university does.”

Another benefit to prospective renters is that the new buildings will be just that—new. Whereas many U of O residences date back to the ‘60s and ‘70s, the new housing projects will be modern and trendy and will come equipped with numerous amenities.

Doris Riznavolli, a U of O alumnus who has looked into 1Eleven, says the building seems spacious and modern.

“I also think the prices and locations are perfect,” she wrote to the Fulcrum. “I feel like student residences on campus often look rundown and dated, not to mention how small some of the spaces are in square footage.”

Fully furnished, all-inclusive rentals in residencestyle apartment buildings can be particularly advantageous for students who are from out of town.

Those like Nzigiye who have never needed to purchase furnishings of their own may now never need to.

“I’m probably not going to be staying in Ottawa after my studies, so not needing to buy furniture would be helpful,” she explains.

As a community advisor, Nzigiye provides a lot of information to first-years regarding their off-campus housing options. She says students take into account a variety of factors when choosing where to live after first year, and that it “really depends on personal preferences.” She says proximity to the school, price, and student environment are all important factors. In some ways, the new properties will appeal to some of these factors.

“The thing that people I know who lived in residence miss the most is that student environment, and having that at a different level is super interesting.”

Of course, it all comes at a price. Students moving into 1Eleven, for example, can expect to pay between $750 and $1,475 per month.

Private developers see a golden opportunity in Ottawa’s student housing market. But is the pace at which buildings are going up sustainable?

An evolving housing market The city of Waterloo offers a glimpse into what might be in store for the U of O. There was a time when the students at the University of Waterloo and Laurier University would cram into dilapidated housing conversions much like Sandy Hill in Ottawa. Today, the scene is rather different.

Of the approximate 20,000 beds of private student housing in Canada, about half of them are in Waterloo.

Another 4,000 beds were planned or in construction at the time of an August article published in the Toronto Star. The buildings have done a lot to improve housing conditions in the city, but the market may be reaching a saturation point.

“There are mounting concerns that it’s simply too much student housing for the demand,” the article states. “Some Waterloo developers have started cutting rents, or offering grocery vouchers, to keep good tenants.”

Whether Ottawa is heading in the same direction depends on whom you ask. Karen Rowan, who has been with Fleming Property Management for 16 years, says she believes the added spaces will merely satisfy a growing need.

“I would say that there’s not near enough housing for students. Every September we get calls and people are desperate for places, so I don’t see it having any negative impact on our business here at all.”

Of course, the owners of the large-scale housing developments also believe the market is worth entering.

Despite the competition 1Eleven will be facing down the road, Morton says there continues to be “a place for all of us.” Similarly, Hauer says he believes that shabby apartment conversions may suffer, but demand for good spaces will continue to exceed the number of available beds.

“It should compress to a certain extent the student area,” he says. “I don’t think there will be a situation where people are going to have vacant apartments.”

Michel Guilbeault, director of Housing Service at the U of O, says he doesn’t believe a comparison can be drawn between Ottawa and Waterloo. It’s hard to compare the two, he says, when Ottawa’s campus is in the downtown core. “You can get from here to Gloucester in a 10-minute bus ride.”

Nevertheless, Guilbeault says he does believe we might eventually hit a saturation point. Considering that last year the university was looking to add just 1,200 beds, “we may have hit it already.” The buildings on Henderson, Rideau-Friel, Cooper, Mann, and LaurierFriel alone will have added close to 2,000 new beds come 2017.

He says the addition of the residence on Rideau and Friel has already had a “huge impact” on Sandy Hill.

Typically first-year students who do not enter into residence spill over into the neighbourhood. But Friel has taken 400 of those students out of the community.

“You just had to drive or walk around Sandy Hill and see the ‘for rent’ signs,” he says. “We had landlords calling us in September saying, where are the students?

It’s really changed the dynamic in a positive way. People are thinking twice about conversions now, because the demand is not what it used to be.”

For Action Sandy Hill (ASH), the neighbourhood’s town and gown committee, this should come as good news. The group has been opposed to increasing student occupancy in Sandy Hill, which it says “has already borne much of the impact of increased student numbers.”

However, ASH is also against herding students into large-scale developments, which have the potential of undermining the neighbourhood’s historic character. In fact, the group opposes the construction of any off-campus residences, a position Rock called “unreasonable” last year. ASH representatives did not respond to requests for further comment for this story.

Despite these hurdles, Guilbeault says he’s convinced the new housing projects will only benefit students in the long run.

“This is a good thing for students,” he says. “For one, it is giving them more choice, and having more choice means it will improve the conditions of housing available to students and have a positive impact on price.”

As the U of O finalizes its Campus Master Plan this year, Guilbeault has commissioned Housing Service to prepare its own housing strategy that will look at long-term demand, market competition, and deferred building maintenance. He says he wants to have a housing strategy in place before looking at any additional projects or partnerships in order to judge if they would be financially viable.

However, Guilbeault says a number of lands were acquired in negotiations with the city around the area of Lees Avenue, which means there’s potential for future development. He says he will also keep an eye on what is happening in the private sector.

“It’s important to think, what are they doing in the private sector?” he says. “I think it’s healthy and forces us to take a step back. Is our game where it should be?”

Whether the university’s housing strategy will reflect the growing interest of private developers in the student housing market remains to be seen. For students, a shift could further corporatize the university experience. At the same time, allowing developers to reap the benefits of a bloated housing market could prove advantageous for students. More options could mean better housing at lower prices. And it could redefine the very meaning of living as a student.

SPORTS

SPORTS EDITOR Sarah Nolette sports@thefulcrum.ca (613) 562-5260

“The focus of our motivation was the fact that it was Gab and Johnny’s last game here tonight. What those two guys have done for our program and for our school can’t be measured.”

—James Derouin

Men’s basketball holds third place for Nationals

Gee-Gees win OUA bronze after stunning loss to Windsor in semis

Photos: Rémi Yuan and Marta Kierkus

Spencer Murdock Staff Reporter

A

state of shock befell screaming fans at Montpetit Hall as the seconds ticked away in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) men’s basketball quarterfinal.

Usually the Gee-Gees’ losses only come at the hands of their familiar foes the Carleton Ravens, but this time it was different.

The Windsor Lancers have been the fifth-ranked team in the country for most of the season, but people began to pay closer attention when they handed the Ravens a loss in late January. The Lancers

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upset higher-ranked McMaster in the first round of the playoffs leading into their matchup with the Gee-Gees.

The Wilson Cup Final Four transformed Montpetit Hall into an energetic decked-out environment, as hopes of securing a second trophy filled the air.

That excitement was diminished as Windsor out-rebounded and overpowered the GeeGees, stealing an 85-80 win from the top-ranked team.

Sadness and frustration was the tone immediately after the loss. Gees point guard Mike L’Africain put it simply, only saying “we need to be better.”

After Ryerson played a close game and nearly defeat-

ed the Ravens, the Gee-Gees would get their opportunity to be better and punch their ticket to nationals with a statement.

The Gee-Gees came into Saturday’s game against the Rams with an unbreakable focus. They made sure their seniors Johnny Berhanemeskel and Gabriel Gonthier-Dubue would not step off the floor at Montpetit for the last time empty-handed.

The third-ranked team in the nation played the GeeGees close until the third quarter when Berhanemeskel showed everyone why he should be the country’s player of the year as he poured in 13 straight points, completely taking over the game.

The shooting guard’s efforts would not go without assistance as the team tightened defensively and became increasingly efficient on the offensive end. Before long, the Rams could no longer stay close and succumbed to a score of 79-66.

Berhanemeskel finished with a staggering 39 points, six rebounds, and two steals.

The Gees’ second leading performer was GonthierDubue with 11 points and six rebounds, as the program’s leaders walked off to standing ovations.

“The focus of our motivation was the fact that it was Gab and Johnny’s last game here tonight,” said head coach James Derouin. “What those

two guys have done for our program and for our school can’t be measured.”

Berhanemeskel spoke of the feeling of closing out his chapter at the U of O before attempting to win a national championship.

“I got goosebumps. I just wanted to make sure it was a perfect day today, especially after how last night ended,” said Berhanemeskel. “I woke up at five o’clock in the morning, I thought yesterday was a dream, I didn’t even believe what happened.

“It was a tough night, but I got to reflect on it and made sure that didn’t happen today.”

The Gee-Gees gained a berth into the Final Eight hosted by Ryerson, to compete

as the third seed. Their path back to the national championship final will go through Bishop’s in the first round on Thursday, March 12, followed by either Windsor or Ryerson, and potentially Carleton again in the final.

“We need to come out and fight,” said third-year Caleb Agada. “Everybody wants to beat us, and we have the biggest target on our back. We have to know that and go into every game knowing that they’re coming after us.”

Sports Services will send a fan bus to Toronto for the semifinal and final games. The cost is $25 for bus and tickets, not including accommodations. Contact ggpromo@uottawa.ca for more information.

SPORTS | 17

Gee-Gee’s business hits the ground running

Sophomore runner’s startup looks to fill Canadian track gear market “I don't have the greatest stuff, but I still have the stuff to help out the community.

People are so surprised, they are excited that they’re actually getting their stuff here.” —Kevin Nault

Kevin Nault began his business One Track Mind in September 2013.

It’s surprisingly difficult to find track and field spikes here in Canada.

It’s been a regular annoyance for Kevin Nault, who has been training with the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club for more than a decade.

There are no specialty stores in the region with a large enough selection for local customers, he says.

That means there’s a gap in Canada’s sporting retail market—and Nault’s looking to fill it.

“It’s really hard to get them in Canada. Usually you have to go through the States,” he says. “There was a local guy who used to sell them—he was actually my old coach.

He was able to give me the spikes for a good price, but he stopped doing it. He got busy with life, so I decided to take over what he did.”

The second-year Gee-Gees pentathlon and decathlon ath-

lete launched his own startup business called One Track Mind in September 2013.

It’s not necessarily the biggest market out there, though. Track and field isn’t exactly the coolest or most admired sport in the country, says Nault. Most kids get into hockey or basketball—track products, he says, are harder to sell.

“People weren’t bringing in the products. Mizuno pulled out, Adidas pulled out of Canada, and just stopped selling stuff. No one really wants to bring spikes in because it’s not profitable.”

To that end it’s been hard for One Track Mind to wind up on the plus side of the balance sheet over the last year and a half. But Nault says he’s more concerned with helping people get a proper start in track and field.

“I started with the lowest quality spikes, and now I can buy a little better. I’m not making a huge profit, but if it’s done right then it can be a

profitable business and work in the future,” he says.

He began by purchasing his first order of equipment, and last January started to sell his inventory at pop-up shops at track meets. Now, his catalogue is available online at otmcanada.ca and pop up shops at most track meets around Ottawa.

“I don’t have the greatest stuff, but I still have the stuff to help out the community.

People are so surprised, they are excited that they’re actually getting their stuff here.”

He’s also begun to make connections with other people around the country who have similar goals. “My plan is to really just start building it,” he says.

Eventually, he says he’ll want to find an investor and build a delivery and distribution system to take his business nationwide, starting with Ontario. While his business has had a slow start, the young entrepreneur is in it for the long run.

“U23 players have the option of investing into an ultimatespecific training program if they don’t already have one,” said Innes. “But overall everyone spends quite a bit of time in training, whether it’s weight training, agility, speed, plyos, even practising with the other

teams that we’re on.”

Practising with the GeeGees has offered advantages for the group’s training, including more gym time as well as dome time at Lees. Cowan credited the Gee-Gees women’s ultimate program for giving her the necessary foundation

to play for Team Canada.

“The women’s ultimate program at our school has consistently produced high-level ultimate players,” she said. “I think this has a lot to do with the dedication of our coaches, past and present, coupled with the eagerness of our players.”

Sarah Nolette Sports Editor

Photo: Marta Kierkus

The U23 players are now training for the World U23 Championship on July 12-18 in London, England.

Photo: Courtesy of Ultimate Frisbee team

National ultimate players kick off in Las Vegas

U23 Team Canada athletes find success at year’s first tournament Tima Hacini

Staff Contributor Six athletes from the University of Ottawa were part of the U23 national ultimate team’s first tournament of the year on the weekend of Feb. 28.

Gee-Gees Jeremy Hill, Kinley Gee, Nick Boucher, Kristina Cowan, Hannah Dawson, and Sarah Innes travelled to Las Vegas with the 80-member group for some teammate bonding and preliminary play.

Team management hadn’t set out rosters for the different teams yet, so the match in Vegas gave the players an opportunity to compete in both the male or female and co-ed divisions, explained Cowan, a cutter who has played for the Gee-Gees since 2011.

“This year’s team consisted of 40 women and 40 men who could be placed on any

18 | SPORTS

of the rosters,” said fellow cutter Innes. “For the first couple of months there was only one Team Canada.”

The national team held tryouts in mid-September in four cities across Canada: Vancouver, Winnipeg, Montreal, and Toronto. Cowen, Innes, and Dawson all tried out for their first time in Toronto.

The weekend showed great potential for this year’s U23 team. The women’s squad placed first with 7-0, while the mixed team were just shy of first place with 7-1. The open team scored 5-2 and finished ninth.

For the Canadian team, it was even exciting just to be playing outside on real grass.

“Getting field time in the winter is really hard,” Cowan said of practice at the U of O. “We have one turf practice a week and one other indoor practice.”

Being part of a national

team also means the players have access to a more cohesive management, and coaching team and sponsors that help pay for better gear, physiotherapy, and travel expenses. But the downside lies in the limited training time, since many of the players live in different cities across Canada.

Training is key these next few months, because the team’s focus now is on the 2015 World U23 Championships held in London, England on July 12–18.

“We are expected to be training independently for the most part to prepare ourselves for London,” said Cowan. “Everyone has their own pod of roughly six players nearby that they can train with.”

While the team has yet to have a team tournament, Innes said everyone still puts a lot of time into training.

thefulcrum.ca

Ryerson testing new exercise program on athletes Getting the best out of an athlete with the VO2 test

Garry Balaganthan STAFF Contributor

OUA ALL-STAR HOPES TO CONTINUE HIS FENCING CAREER AFTER GRADUATION

M

eet Nicholas Wagman, captain of the men’s fencing foil team.

This first-year master’s of physiotherapy student is a veteran of the sport, having fenced for 17 years. He has accumulated numerous accolades and awards, including an Ontario University Athletics all-star selection this season, and is currently the national university champion for men’s foil.

The Fulcrum: When did you start fencing, and how did you first get introduced to the sport?

The VO2 test can take up to 40 minutes per person, but they’re much more precise than a beep test.

Photo: Jeff Werner, CC, flickr.com

Josh Beneteau The Eyeopener

TORONTO (CUP) — The jocks and geeks of Ryerson University have found something to work together on.

The school of nutrition and the varsity athletics department have partnered on a program to increase the efficiency of athlete exercise.

The Nutrition and Exercise Testing Lab (NExT) has state-of-the art equipment to find data that they can use to provide more accurate recommendations to athletes’ training schedules.

“At the end of the day, you have to train on a regular basis, but if you can train smart, then you’re going to end up with athletes who are better athletes,” says Nick Bellissimo, assistant professor at the school of nutrition.

Bellissimo has been working with Sam Walls, the strength and conditioning coordinator for the athletic department, on the pilot program. They run athletes through a few tests including the most important one, called the VO2 max test. VO2 is the rate at which your body uses oxygen.

Athletes are hooked up to a machine with a mask, which has two tubes running to a computer.

The athletes then run on a treadmill and every minute, the speed and incline of the treadmill increase. With the increased workload, the athlete’s

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breathing and heart rate rises.

“It’s a weird feeling, because your nose is plugged and you have the mask on,” says Keneca Pingue-Gilles , a fourth-year women’s basketball player. “It’s not really how you would play basketball.”

Walls says when the athlete crosses their peak heart rate, called the ventilatory threshold, they suddenly become really exhausted. So the heart rate can then be used to recommend how much exercise should be done.

“That’s a very valuable number,” he says. “Now we can take this information and be much more accurate in the prescription of their training program.”

In past years, Walls says he would recommend a percentage range for ideal heart rate based solely on the age of the athlete. Now, with each athlete getting their own specific number, his recommendations can be more beneficial to each person.

The program has only been tested on the women’s basketball team but Walls says they are looking to run the men’s soccer team through it soon.

The main purpose of the pilot stage is to see how efficiently the VO2 test can be run.

Previously, athletes would be tested together with the beep test. They would all line up in the gym and run back and forth.

As athletes would hit their ventilator threshold they would stop running and the

test would go until everyone had reached their peak. That test would take 15 minutes and cover everyone on the team.

The VO2 test can take up to 40 minutes per person.

With close to 20 or more athletes per team, it could take up to a week for everyone to do the test.

Walls says that even though it may be time consuming, they are moving forward with the project.

“Our optimal vision is to have it where we test them right at the beginning of the season, and right at the end of the season, to end up seeing what particular qualities are lost, and what are maintained,” he says.

Bellissimo doesn’t run the tests himself; he lets his undergrad and graduate students get the experience.That way, both the athletes and the nutrition students get first-hand experience with technology used almost exclusively at the highest levels of sport.

Ryerson’s athletic director Ivan Joseph says any way an athlete can get an advantage in the third period or fourth quarter is worth pursuing.

For Pingue-Gilles and the other women’s basketball players, knowing they could get an advantage from these extra tests is exciting.

“It’s supposed to be hard but everything is analytical and statistics now,” she says. “I think it will help us get better.”

Nicholas Wagman: I started fencing at the age of 10. My mother’s a teacher and towards the last two weeks of summer vacation she would have to return to the classroom to set up for the upcoming school year.

I would register for a day camp, and this particular year my first choice, ball hockey, was full, so I had to register for fencing and almost immediately fell in love with the sport.

Nicholas Wagman

How have you personally improved throughout your years of competing?

From a physical point of view, I think I’ve developed into having strong, fast legs, which I definitely like to use to my advantage. I’ve also developed a really good feel for reading other competitors’ timing, and I definitely like to use that to my advantage to allow situations to open up.

What’s your favourite meal for a day of competition?

I package a huge container of vegetables—carrots, peppers, and cucumbers— for the day of competition.

I can’t eat anything besides that; it makes my stomach feel weird. I know it’s not a lot of calories, but at least I eat something. Pre-tournament I have even a harder time eating, but I try to eat a muffin, or a bagel.

Do you have a precompetition ritual?

Yeah, I have a ritual. I have a training log where I break down every minute

Photo: Marta Kierkus

from the time I wake up to the time I get on piste for my first bout. Usually men’s foil we start at 8 a.m. So from 6:30 a.m. until eight I go through a minute-to-minute breakdown of what I need to do to get prepared. It takes a lot of the stress out of the competition because I know I’m prepared and I’ve done everything I need to do without wasting energy on thinking if I’ve missed anything, or what’s next. I also like to listen to Blink-182, or some crazy hardcore techno stuff, which I normally wouldn’t listen to.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I like to read a lot of autobiographies and fiction. My favourite books are The Firm

by John Grisham and Sacred Hoops by Phil Jackson.

I love the way Phil Jackson approaches sport through a mental perspective. I would say fencing is 70 per

cent mental, 30 per cent physical, and I try to use the mental aspect of the game to establish an advantage against my opponent, reading their moves and tendencies within the bout.

What’s next for you?

For me it’s definitely finishing up this physiotherapy degree while maintaining as much fencing as possible with the workload. Once that’s complete, I plan on picking up a heavier training schedule and seeing what kind of doors I can open heading down that road.

Also with my sporting background, I would love to pursue physiotherapy working with amateur sport at the national level and give back to the sporting community, which is responsible for a lot of the person I am today.

SPORTS | 19

OPINIONS

OPINIONS EDITOR Kyle Darbyson

opinions@thefulcrum.ca (613) 562-5260

Memorial to victims of communism sends the wrong message

Proposed monument should be terminated or, at the very least, moved

According to the Tribute to Liberty charity, 8 million Canadians can trace their roots to countries that suffered under communism.

Cassandra Richards Contributor

W

hile it is beneficial for Canadians to understand the history of communism, the issue is better left as a chapter in a history textbook rather than embodied by an enormous concrete block in the parliamentary district of the capital.

In September 2009, the Tribute to Liberty charity was given authorization to construct the Memorial to the Victims of Communism between Library and Archives Canada and the Supreme Court of Canada.

Ottawa’s judicial precinct is prime real estate for the establishment of cultural touchstones and it should be reserved for a building or monument that speaks to some kind of national experience. Instead, this area is going to be used to build something that will only divide Canadians along political and ideological lines.

The political element of this

20 | OPINIONS

decision is especially obvious in an election year. Among many peculiarities of the memorial is that the government has close ties to the project, which, according to some experts, is very unusual.

Tonya Davidson, an assistant professor of sociology at Ryerson University, notes that special interest groups are normally the majority of proponents of monuments in the capital region. This time around, members of the Conservative government, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper and former Minister for Multiculturalism Jason Kenney, have been a part of the project since its inception. Outside of these questionable connections, the federal government will also be financing $3 million of the $5.5 million required to build the memorial.

Hence, it’s no surprise the memorial has been deemed a Conservative project. As eight million Canadians trace their origins to communist countries, the memorial could be a tool to garner votes in the upcoming election.

And the politics behind this project take another unsightly

Photo: tributetoliberty.ca

Why construct a memorial to the victims of communism and leave other repressive regimes untouched? turn when you realize that the construction of this memorial has moved ahead without much, if any, local oversight.

Mayor Jim Watson has already objected to the construction of the memorial, stating that the project was given a green light without the consultation of the City of Ottawa. This kind of grievance is echoed by the student group behind the Move the Memorial campaign, who say that “the process through which this monument was approved highlights a neglect for dueprocess and public consulta-

tion that, if left unchallenged, has the potential to become a key characteristic of the decision-making process of the Canadian government.”

Ideologically speaking, the monument is also problematic.

The Communist Party of Canada has already argued that the memorial “is intended to intimidate and isolate progressive parties and movements, and to limit the free expression of ideas.” Building a monument dedicated to the victims of a specific ideology opens up a morally dubious can of worms.

Why construct a memorial

to the victims of communism and leave other repressive regimes untouched? Movements like capitalism and colonialism have been similarly oppressive throughout the years, yet no one is chomping at the bit to commemorate victims of these ideologies.

Despite these widespread public concerns, the monument is still firmly set to take root this summer. As such, if the Harper government and Tribute to Liberty are unwilling to halt construction of the memorial, a change of location would be a fitting compromise.

The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada has already suggested the Garden of the Provinces and Territories would be a suitable replacement site. Not only is this park located only 300 metres away from the original location, its four acres also give the monument more room to breathe without obstructing two prominent local landmarks.

The memorial’s proponents ought to take this advice and spare the people of Ottawa a giant, politically divisive eyesore this coming summer.

thefulcrum.ca

An Ipsos Reid poll recently found that 85 per cent of the disabled community approves of some form of assisted suicide.

Photo: Calleamanecer, CC, Wikimedia Commons

Facts instead of conjecture With assisted suicide, disability advocates rely on emotional blackmail Stuart Chambers Professor

Soon after the Supreme Court of Canada found that the prohibition against assisted suicide was unconstitutional, disability rights advocates responded with alarm, alleging that the disabled will experience even more oppression and injustice. From the activists’ point of view, the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision was nothing short of a betrayal.

For instance, in the Winnipeg Free Press last month, University of Ottawa professor Michael Orsini and postdoctoral fellow Christine Kelly forwarded a rather unique position: Liberals who exhibit compassion for those with terminal illnesses are “contributing to a long-standing tradition of relegating disability to the political margins.”

Upon examination of the “compassion equals oppression” paradigm, it is clear that the authors’ assertions—as well as those of disability rights advocates in general— are based on pure conjecture.

Orsini and Kelly insist that a Supreme Court victory is short-sighted. The authors note that while charter-loving liberals celebrate the court’s judgment, their attitudes constitute a “blatant disregard for how such a decision might be interpreted by people with disabilities.”

This begs the question: What is the position of the disabled on assisted suicide?

An Ipsos Reid poll this past fall showed that 85 per cent

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of the disabled community approved of some form of assisted suicide. According to Orsini and Kelly, this would mean the vast majority of disabled Canadians—including Conservative Member of Parliament Steven Fletcher, himself a quadriplegic—are co-conspirators in their own oppression.

Moreover, an Angus Reid poll published in December found the majority of Canadians support assisted suicide for the terminally ill and those experiencing intractable pain (82 per cent and 76 per cent, respectively). In other words, there is a broad consensus among Canadians—disabled and nondisabled—that extreme suffering should be dealt with compassionately.

The authors also ignore the preponderance of evidence presented by the Supreme Court in Carter v. Canada (Attorney General). Referencing statistics from Oregon and the Netherlands, the court noted how “a system can be designed to protect the socially vulnerable” and that expert evidence established that the “predicted abuse and disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations has not materialized” in these jurisdictions.

When discussing the efficacy of safeguards, the court recognized how they work well in “protecting patients from abuse while allowing competent patients to choose the timing of their deaths.” The court eventually concluded that since prohibition “catches people outside the class of protected persons”, the ban on assisted suicide was overreach-

ing. In other words, there is no open season on the disabled.

Orsini and Kelly simply overlooked opposing viewpoints that challenged their oppression model, relying instead on the moving testimonials of disabled rights advocates.

One such poetic example was provided by activist Catherine Frazee, who insists on the value of living with profound disabilities: “The slings that lift us, the tubes that feed us, the instruments that fill our lungs with air and empty our bladders of urine are understood as tools for living, rather than as markers of spoiled life.”

Nancy B., Sue Rodriguez, Gloria Taylor, Dr. Donald Low and other assisted suicide advocates would have probably disagreed with Frazee’s definition of “living.”

If disability rights advocates wish to enlighten their audience about the plight of the vulnerable, perhaps they

should rely more on scientific studies and less on emotional pleas.

Here is what we know as fact: Canadians overwhelmingly support assisted suicide for consenting adults with terminal illnesses, permissive states are not plagued by abuses, and empirical researchers have acknowledged the reliability of safeguards.

Since the Supreme Court’s recent decision was unanimous, it’s safe to say that our present justices were not fooled by the rhetorical strategies surrounding identity politics, and neither were the majority of Canadians—including the disabled.

Stuart Chambers, Ph.D., is a professor in the faculties of arts and social sciences at the University of Ottawa. As a paraplegic, he has also been a member of the disabled community for 30 years.

If disability rights advocates wish to enlighten their audience about the plight of the vulnerable, perhaps they should rely more on scientific studies and less on emotional pleas.

OPINIONS | 21

Academic writing desperately needs some humanity

This impersonal style is more isolating than educational

Use of personal pronouns can help clarify your text and avoid instances of vagueness.

Opinions Editor

It’s getting to be that time again when the writing and submission of dry, tedious academic essays is at an alltime high. I would know, having written plenty of them myself.

This is not the fault of students. From the first day of university—or high school, for some people—they have been taught to maintain a flat, totally detached tone throughout their scholarly writing. The world of academia claims that this kind of writing style is used to cultivate an objective voice, which is supposed to make your paper more persuasive and compelling.

Instead, all it succeeds in doing most of the time is eliminating any trace of humanity or accessibility from your text.

Much of this problem can be summed up through the debate over the use of personal pronouns. Such a thing is heavily frowned upon, especially for those who teach in the sciences.

But more expressive language can enhance the clarity of your text. By using the first person in a few strategic spots you can avoid awkward constructions and instances

22 | OPINIONS

of vagueness, allowing you to take a more authoritative stance on the subject at hand.

It’s especially effective when you want to avoid something like the passive voice, an evasive construction that makes you sound like a weakkneed public relations drone.

Little touches like this can also help inject a spark of humanity into your research paper, which is, despite what many academics will suggest, not a bad thing. Writing a short personal anecdote or stating your own opinion in relation to others can allow you to connect with the reader on a human level and encourage them to keep reading.

Exercising empathy is another thing that’s lost in academic writing, mostly because it encourages writers to get lost in complicated terms and “10-dollar” words. While this language might appear to be more professional on the surface, it is also alienating, and it runs the risk of creating a barrier between the reader and the subject matter. So, while it is tempting to try and dazzle readers with fancy wordplay, simplifying language and taking the time to explain things to readers is always better.

For the most part, scholarly articles are rife with

Should we feel guilty about watching porn?

Photo: Rémi Yuan

There ought to be a happy medium between cold, factual analysis and personalized critique.

Kyle Darbyson

Philosophical Sh*t

lifeless jargon, loose punctuation, and unnecessarily complex sentence structure, almost like they were written by an emotionless computer or some kind of observant extraterrestrial.

This is a real shame because the driving force behind any academic research— to explore evolving ideas and concepts—is an inherently worthy enterprise. As such, this kind of literature should be comprehensible to as many people as possible.

By sticking to this convoluted, inaccessible writing style—and passing it down as scripture to impressionable young students—it seems like academics are only interested in showing off their own smarts to their insular group of similarly informed specialists.

Now, I’m not suggesting that academic writing should be severely dumbed down, or that students should start to include hashtags to highlight parts of their text. But there ought to be a happy medium between cold, factual analysis and personalized critique.

Besides, anybody can open up a Word document and fill it with terms and phrases. It takes quality writing to make those words clear and engaging—so much so that they leap off the page.

Cassandra Richards Contributor

Although many viewers of mainstream erotic entertainment like 50 Shades of Grey are probably guilty of running from the cinema to their bedrooms (or wherever their fantasies allowed), a 2014 study from the Public Religion Research Institute concluded that most people “simply don’t approve of porn.”

Pornography has been and continues to be a contentious debate in our society. Although porn is widely viewed by people in all walks of life, many still believe that viewing erotic material is morally wrong. Why do some people feel guilty, yet still tune into the groaning and grinding on porn websites?

The issue with this kind of erotic entertainment isn’t necessarily the sexual acts depicted, but rather the issues of

consent and power dynamics underlying mainstream porn.

With titles like Three Men and a Little Whore or She Needs the Cash, He Needs the Pussy, it’s hard to ignore the pervasive objectification and humiliation of women. Most porn largely follows a storyline of male domination and can often come across as extremely misogynistic, especially when it comes to disrespecting and arguably abusing the bodies of the female actors.

There’s nothing wrong with experimenting or enjoying porn, domination fantasies, or any BDSM interests. People shouldn’t be marginalized for not adhering to what society deems as conventional sexual norms. However, the importance of pushing boundaries and exploring kinky practices is that it encourages discussion about issues like consent and communication. Porn videos often fail to show any form of

communication or negotiation between the actors.

As such, people need to be educated on these taboo issues if we ever hope to shed this widespread squeamishness about eroticism. On his blog, sexologist Charlie Glickman asks, “How is anyone supposed to know that some activities require practice and skill to do them safely? How are people going to learn the difference between consensual, negotiated, and bounded fantasy play and real-life humiliation and abuse?”

Still, the same study which emphasized the guilt felt by many porn-viewers also emphasized a general disregard by most people to have legal restrictions on pornography.

Hence, ending our guilt will not be achieved by banning or restricting porn, but rather having better education concerning relationships and sexuality.

The issue with this kind of erotic entertainment isn’t necessarily the sexual acts depicted, but rather the issues of consent and power dynamics underlying mainstream porn. thefulcrum.ca

UCU erupts into beautifully choreographed violence Dance groups fight over who gets to perform in front of big mirror Kyle Darbsyon Tomato Editor

The recent UCU brawl resulted in over a dozen injuries that included broken bones and bruised egos. Photo: Rémi Yuan.

Students who regularly pass through the University Centre (UCU) are still reeling from a violent brawl that resulted in more than a dozen injuries.

The roughhousing involved the various groups that normally use the large hallways of the UCU to practise their funky dance moves. Reports vary on what exactly triggered the incident, but several eyewitnesses claim it was caused by a turf dispute.

“It was definitely our turn to practice in front of the big mirror, and they knew it,” said Casey Nicholls, head of the University of Ottawa’s unisex twerk team. “There was no way that I was going to back down from a bunch of lousy swing dancers.”

Things escalated quickly

“My people have been banished to the outskirts of the Alumni Auditorium for far too long. It was about time someone shook up the established order.” —Jason Wise, Jazzercise expert when each side decided to call for back-up, which drew the attention of various groups, including local breakdance crews and the U of O’s pole dance society.

Innocent bystanders report that once the brawl got underway, a variety of dance-based fighting styles were deployed to maximize the level of carnage.

These ranged from Zoolanderesque breakdance fighting techniques to the aggressive ballet moves from West Side Story. Some students even recalled seeing hints of Michael Jackson mimicry in the melee, with some taking cues from hard-edged music videos like “Bad” and “Smooth Criminal.”

“It sure sucks that people got

hurt, but you still had to admire the artistry and athleticism on display,” said student Mark Jacobs, who recorded the entire event on his phone. “It was like watching a fight scene from a Jackie Chan movie.”

The event marks the first time the various UCU dance groups have decided to take up arms since the Great Macarena Massacre of 1996. Ever since then, these groups have been kept in fragile harmony through the signing of a peace treaty that partitioned out different areas of the UCU to the various dance crews.

But for some, this division was deemed severely unfair.

“My people have been banished to the outskirts of the

Alumni Auditorium for far too long,” said Jason Wise, leader of U of O’s Jazzercise club. “It was about time someone shook up the established order.”

As punishment for breaking the 19-year truce, all the individuals involved are expected to undergo the university’s extensive dance rehabilitation program.

“This mostly involves forcing them to listen to and perform ‘The Safety Dance’

by Men Without Hats over and over again,” said the head of the U of O’s disciplinary committee. “This might be a little harsh, but it is the only way to guarantee that this kind of thing will never happen again.”

Subterranean real estate takes over Ottawa region Realtors look to break new ground with ‘true man caves’ Kyle Darbsy on or Tomato Edit Starting this spring, local real estate agents will abandon their practice of selling houses and will focus most of their attention on selling holes in the ground instead.

This new paradigm shift towards the sale of “true man

caves,” as described by one major Ottawa realtor, has been on the rise since the discovery of Toronto resident Elton McDonald’s secret tunnel near York University. McDonald’s desire to abandon the surface world in favour of a rugged, selfmade manctuary has captured the imagination of thousands of Canadian males and has inspired them to seek out their

own subterranean reprieve.

“To be honest, the market value for modern man caves has kind of plateaued in the last couple of years,” said local realtor Mark Diggler. “But thanks to visionaries like McDonald, the game has changed and men’s desire to isolate themselves from their wives or girlfriends is on the rebound.”

Diggler and his colleagues

The buying and selling of man caves is set to dominate the Ottawa real estate market this coming summer.

Edits: Marta Kierkus

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are already in the process of drawing up media strategies on how best to advertise these new trendy holes. Preliminary research has indicated that key phrases like “shabby chic,” “fixer-upper,” and “handy man’s dream” are likely to attract buyers.

“I’m glad they’re bringing back real man caves, like the ones they had in my day,” said Art Codger, a registered old person and tobaccochewing enthusiast. “There’s nothing more relaxing after a long day of work than sitting in a hole in the ground and thinking about how you’re going to die.”

This kind of sentiment has been a boon to local gaudy novelty shops, as the sale of vintage pinball machines,

Playboy bunny-themed poker tables, and taxidermy animals is at an all-time high, local retailers report.

However, future Ottawa man cave residents like Codger remain suspicious of the contractors who have been assigned to dig out these tunnels in the spring. Outside of standard concerns about structural integrity and satellite TV reception, he isn’t sure they can provide the proper fart ventilation he’s looking for.

“That’s the kind of freedom that only the man cave can provide. The freedom to let it rip without your significant other getting on your case,” he said.

“So hopefully, the builders will take that into consideration and I won’t suffocate on

my own gas.”

Despite some widespread concerns that this new underground man cave real estate craze will put an unnecessary strain on relationships, some experts say the opposite is true.

“Every intimate relationship can be strengthened by taking time apart,” said Dr. Smarty Pants, a clinical psychologist who teaches at the University of Ottawa.

“In fact, I’ll warrant we can get the national divorce rate down by 50 per cent if enough people decide to dig their own manctuary in their back yard.”

As for Codger, he’s just looking forward to dusting off his old “no girls allowed” sign and putting it to good use once again.

“There’s nothing more relaxing after a long day of work than sitting in a hole in the ground and thinking about how you’re going to die.” —Art Codger, old person THE TOMATO | 23

DISTRACTIONS Dear Di,

Why does everyone hate on the good old missionary position?

I feel like it gets such a bad rap. The problem is I love it but often my partners don’t. Call me lazy— I always feel really comfortable being on the bottom in this position—but my partners often seem reluctant or don’t want to stay in that position very long.

What gives?! This old style is such a goodie, and I wish more of my partners were on board with it.

—On a Mission

Dear OM,

Dear Di

Many believe missionary was originally the only position in which Christian missionaries believed people could engage in sex. This is actually a myth, but its popularity as an origin story reveals just how little most think of the position.

But I’m with you all the way, OM: Just because there are a million and one ways to position yourself for pleasure, it doesn’t mean missionary should be ignored. It’s still the most commonly used position today, despite its reputation as vanilla. The beauty of this position lies in its accessibility to both hetero and homosexual partners. It also has lots of options for depth of penetration and stimulation, as well as participation for both partners.

Let’s not forget, missionary is a pretty intimate position. There’s a lot of skin-to-skin and eye contact involved. Depending on your level of intimacy, this may explain why your partners are shifting into other positions if they’re feeling the heat a little too strong. It may also just come down to the fact that your partner wants to try a little adventure and experimentation rather than the tried and true missionary.

Use a little body language—let your partner know that you want to take a turn controlling the speed and rhythm in missionary. If you’re committed to pleasing yourself and your partner in this position, I doubt your partner will object. You can also add in a few little twists to missionary like different elevations of your partner’s body or the use of sex toys for some stimulation on the side. As Rebecca Archer put it in her article “In Praise of the Missionary Position,” it’s kind of like tofu: You have to add your own flavour. So, get cookin’!

Love, Di

Distractions Getting the goods: The U of O’s research on sex

24 | DISTRACTIONS

Sex Researcher Profile

She’s known as the Love Nurse: Dr. Viola Polomeno is an associate professor in health sciences and nursing. This sex researcher’s work focuses on the intimacy of parenting couples, and the relationship

Dear Di,

I have a really bad allergy to condoms. And I mean all condoms— I’ve been around the block trying different fits, materials, styles, you name it.

What else can I use?

I’m running the risk of being lonely in love unless I can come up with a way to keep my partners—and myself—safe in sex.

—Claritin for Condoms

FEATURES EDITOR Jesse Colautti

features@thefulcrum.ca (613) 562-5260

Dear CFC,

Condoms are definitely a university student's best friend. Being allergic to them can seriously hinder your ability to get safely laid, so I would like to loudly and proudly commend you on taking the responsibility and initiative to have safe sex. There’s nothing sexier than caring for yourself and your partners. So, let’s talk rubber.

Luckily for you there are both non-latex and nonpolyurethane options, and some new condom technology that has recently appeared in the market that should enable you to tango sans-allergy.

One option—and it may not sound as pleasurable as it will feel—is to try condoms made from lambskin.

These have a natural look, feel, and sleekness, but unfortunately do not protect against STIs. It could be beneficial to you if you find yourself in a committed relationship with another partner and you’ve both gotten the coital clearance. These condoms have a really low allergy rate.

Another choice is the polyisoprene condom, fairly new to the scene but still a solid option. These condoms are made from a material like latex but that should prevent the irritation you’ve been feeling from latex. Another bonus is their stretchy and snug fit. Lifestyles SKYN condoms are your best bet here, and are comparable in price to your average condom.

Take a visit to some local sex shops. Some stores let customers do a touch test to check out different condoms. You will also be able to speak to experts who are in the know and may have encountered your sexual dilemma before. They’ll do their best to help you—no one likes a cock block!

Finally, watch for any condoms containing spermicide. This agent, often added to your rubber, is used to kill sperm but also can irritate your genitalia. Best of luck in your search for the perfect condom option, and here's to an allergy-free sex life!

Love, Di

between love, intimacy, and health in marriage relationships.

She also looks at francophone parenting in Ontario and training of healthcare professionals who work in sexual health.

thefulcrum.ca

Mar.12 to Apr.1, 2015

THRYLLABUS

MUSIC arts Sports

Thursday, Mar. 12 The Canada Revenue Agency’s Tweet Chat, Twitter— 2 p.m.

Find out all the details about filing taxes as a student, and ask any questions you may have.

Tweet @CanRevAgency to participate.

Selma, Mayfair Theatre — 4:15 p.m.

The Strengths and Weaknesses of Canada’s Anti-Terrorism Act, Bill C-51, Faculty of Social Sciences Building — 11 a.m.

Thinking

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Free, but registration is required. Visit uocal for more information.

Wednesday, Mar. 18 Dealing with Procrastination, 100 Marie Curie, Room 43 — 12 p.m.

Free workshop, but registration is required. Visit uocal for more information.

Cake, Bytowne Cinema — 6:40 p.m.

One Bad Son, The Wild, Iconoclast, Mavericks Bar — 9 p.m.

Friday, Mar. 13

Thursday, Mar. 19

Punk Cover Night, House of TARG — 9 p.m.

The Naughty Bits Book Club, Venus Envy — 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 14 Festa Italiana, Laurier Social House — 7 p.m.

A celebration of Italian culture. Free beverage and food available with $5 admission.

The Steadies, Heart & Crown — 8 p.m.

Free gathering to discuss the best of Venus Envy’s guides, fiction, and erotica.

Friday, Mar. 20 The Royal Streets, Weird with Cats, The Brook, Zaphod Beeblebrox — 8 p.m.

Electric Pow Wow, Babylon Club — 10 p.m.

Mo Kenney, National Arts Centre — 8 p.m.

Sunday, Mar. 15

Saturday, Mar. 21

Ottawa Senators vs. Philadelphia Flyers, Canadian Tire Centre — 7 p.m.

All-You-Can-Eat-Cereal Cartoon Party, Mayfair Theatre — 10 a.m.

The Once, Neat Coffee Shop — 8 p.m.

Oscar Nominated Animated Shorts begins at the Bytowne Cinema

Monday, Mar. 16 World Water Day Celebration, Faculty of Social Sciences Building, Room 4004 — 4 p.m.

Free documentary and discussion about the right to clean water.

Blue Hills, The Rainbow Bistro — 8 p.m.

FUN

3D Printing Workshop presented by uOttawa Makerspace, Colonel By Hall, Room B109D — 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Mar. 23 Google Tech Talk with alumnus Patrick Wisking, SITE, Room A150 — 6 p.m.

Free, but registration is required. Visit uocal for more information.

Tuesday, Mar. 24 VERSeFest, Ottawa’s International Poetry Festival begins across the city Visit versefest.ca for more details

Thursday, Mar. 26 Doctors Without Borders Canada presents : Ebola Frontline, Mayfair Theatre — 6:30 p.m.

Kenny vs. Spenny, Algonquin Commons Theatre — 8 p.m.

Friday, Mar. 27 Timbuktu begins playing at the Bytowne Cinema The Campaign Against ISIS, Faculty of Social Sciences Building — 12:30 p.m.

Who Are You: The Music of Tommy by the Who, Centrepoint Theatre — 8 p.m.

BA JOHNSTON + Dead Weights + Sailor Jupiter + The Unknown Wrestler, House of TARG — 9 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 28

The Marriage of Figaro begins its run at the National Arts Centre

90s Punk Cover Night, House of TARG — 9 p.m.

DIGICOM Ottawa | How to Be Heard in a Digital World, Algonquin College — 1 p.m.

Sunday, Mar. 29

Seminar and networking event for those interested in working with social media, $30 for students.

The Slackers, The Beatdown, Cardboard Crowns, & The Sentries, Mavericks Bar — 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Mar. 17

Sunday, Mar. 22

Wednesday, Apr. 1

Vulnearable Infrastructures and the Impact of Climate Change, Colonel By Hall, Room A04 — 12 p.m.

12 Monkeys, Bytowne Cinema — 9 p.m.

Patrick Watson, Black Sheep Inn — 8:30 p.m.

Free, but registration is required. Visit uocal for more information.

Lisa LeBlanc, Ritual Nightclub — 8:30 p.m.

DISTRACTIONS | 25

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Proud to be bottled-water free Thanks to the tireless work of student activists, the University of Ottawa became the first university in Ontario to put a complete and immediate stop to the sale of bottled water on its campuses in 2010. The Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) Sustainable Development Centre has recently re-launched the Back the Tap campaign. Back the Tap is a movement to end the sale and distribution of bottled water in public buildings and facilities, and promote access to public tap water. In the coming weeks, you’ll find informative posters all around campus that help us remember why we should fill-up at public water fountains.

Some troubling facts about the multi-million dollar bottled water industry:Bottled-water is often shipped around the world before it makes it to you, burning millions of barrels of oil in the process. Public tap water, on the other hand, typically travels less than 10km to make it to you. Twenty-five per cent of bottled water is just public tap water repackaged and sold at 2000x the price.

It takes 3 litres of public tap water to produce 1 litre of bottled water. 2.7 million tons of plastic are used to bottle water each year, 99 per cent of which is not recycled. For many of us, we can access clean drinking water at the nearest faucet or fountain, but over 100 First Nations communities lack access to safe and reliable drinking water.

This campaign is about more than the plastic bottles, it’s about stopping the privatization of public resources and ensuring all people can exercise their human right to water. On Monday, March 16, join us for World Water Day in the Faculty of Social Science building (FSS) 4004 from 4–6 p.m. as we celebrate this monumental study victory five years later with a documentary, stimulating conversation, and free snacks. As always, all students can get a free re-usable water bottle anytime from the SFUO Sustainable Development Centre in UCU 215-F. Emily Niles Fourth-year political science student Campaigns Organizer, Sustainable Development Centre

26 |

thefulcrum.ca

EDITORIAL

Volume 75, Issue 23, MARCH 12, 2015 Running the world since 1942.

Phone: (613) 562-5261 | Fax: (613) 562-5259 631 King Edward Ave. Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Recycle this or we’ll let power go to our heads.

Bring more to the table

staff

Sabrina “Merkel” Nemis Editor-in-Chief editor@thefulcum.ca Adam “Wajed” Ashby Gibbard Production Manager production@thefulcrum.ca Adam “Johnson-Sirleaf” Feibel Managing Editor content@thefulcrum.ca Marta “Fernandez de Kirchner” Kierkus Visual Editor visual@thefulcrum.ca Nadia “Rousseff” Drissi El-Bouzaidi News Editor news@thefulcrum.ca Jessica “Grybauskaite” Eritou Arts & Culture Editor arts@thefulcrum.ca Jesse “Jahjaga” Colautti Features Editor features@thefulcrum.ca Sarah “Persad-Bissessar” Nolette Sports Editor sports@thefulcrum.ca Kyle “Park” Darbyson Opinions Editor opinions@thefulcrum.ca Spencer “Bratusek” Van Dyk Online Editor online@thefulcrum.ca Spencer “Siber” Murdock Staff Reporter Remi “Thorning-Schmidt” Yuan Staff Photographer Lindsay “Touré” MacMillan Associate News Editor Moussa “Solberg” Sangaré-Ponce Associate Online Editor Annalise “Simpson Miller” Mathers Associate Features Editor Savannah “Straujuma” Awde Staff Proofreader Chantale “Samba-Panza” Streeting Webmaster Deidre “Bachelet” Butters Ad Manager ads@thefulcrum.ca Andrew “Coleiro Preca” Hawley General Manager manager@thefulcrum.ca

Contributors L. A. “Kopacz” Bonte Allegra “Windsor” Morgado Chloee “Louisy” Detchou Garry “Gunell” Balaganthan Tima “Dlamini-Zuma” Hacini Cassandra “La Grenade” Richards Stuart “Turanskaya” Chambers

Cover art Adam ASHBY Gibbard Rendering

by Urban Strategies Inc.

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T

he strikes at the University of Toronto and York University have brought widespread attention to an issue that has been bubbling just beneath the surface of Canada’s post-secondary institutions for quite some time.

On Monday, March 9, York teaching assistants voted not to accept the university’s proposed deal, having been on strike since March 3. Meanwhile the TAs at U of T have been on strike since Feb. 27.

But this isn’t a Toronto problem. It’s something more widespread and systematic and it threatens the quality of both our education and the students who come after us.

In September, the CBC reported that across Canada, undergraduate students are more likely to be taught by contract faculty than by anyone with tenure. At the University of Ottawa, your chance of being taught by contract faculty alone is just under 50 per cent. Add TAs to the equation, and well more than half of the uni-

Photo: Mallika Makkar, The Varsity

versity’s teaching staff are not full-time employees.

administration has been unwilling to discuss a change.

Universities are hiring fewer full-time professors, instead opting for having contract professors and TAs to do a large part of the teaching. An overabundance of qualified candidates for any academic position has created a job market where universities may feel they can afford to offer less and ask more.

What we should know from the frequency of teacher strikes at every level is that anyone running a classroom is working hours that are not accounted for in their pay. Between answering student emails and calls and marking exams and papers, teachers spend a lot of time working for free.

At the U of T, graduate students are striking because they are being offered a wage that sits well below the poverty line. They are making $42.05 an hour and the university has offered to raise that to $43.97. However, they are currently capped at 210 hours a year, and they can only make $8,965.06 a year.

The “better” offer involves a cap of 180 and they can make $8,231.18. The “raise” work out to a pay cut of more than $700.

Further, their minimum funding package of $15,000 has outlasted several raises to the minimum wage, and throughout negotiations, the

This is made more difficult for TAs as they are expected to simultaneously perform well as students. They are often making up for the lack of pay with scholarships that are dependent on maintenance of marks.

Those of us doing undergraduate studies are getting some of the least experienced, most stressed out professors available, and those people aren’t even being fairly compensated.

While we may not attend these schools, we should be watching what happens there with interest. Only last year, the U of O was in negotiation with its own TAs. If either York or U of T offers

something that can change the system for the better, we should be lobbying to adopt that system here.

It’s a systemic problem that cannot be solved by making small appeasements and hoping the TAs and contract professors will go away. It isn’t a problem between administration and teaching staff. It’s a problem that impacts the way we choose to define post-secondary education.

If tenured professors are busy doing research and universities are choosing to invest in that research, it’s not a bad thing. But the other function of a university is teaching its students. If the administration chooses to do so with contract faculty and TAs, then they need to offer them a way of doing so without having to live in poverty.

Reports from the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star suggest that TAs want to get back to work and they are willing to negotiate with the administration. But first, they need to get an offer that isn’t an insult.

EDITORIAL | 27