SINCE 1944
VOLUME 79 ISSUE 3
October 2nd, 2023
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Student run since 1944
All the latest with your fellow Gaiters: 2 Students learn, ask what is next, during Truth and Reconciliation Week 5 The importance of volunteering 7 Three in a row for the Gaiters 8 Allyship year round 11 What’s buzzing at the art hives? 12 BUCS tees off their first annual golf tournament in style!
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NEWS
THE CAMPUS OCTOBER 2, 2023
Micah Della Foresta, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.com
Students learn, ask what is next, during Truth and Reconciliation Week
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By Gabrielle Liu Editor-in-Chief
he last week of September marked Truth and Reconciliation Week, finishing with an “Every Child Matters” march on Saturday, Sept. 30. The Indigenous Student Support Centre (ISSC), grounded the week’s activities on a large atlas map of Canada without colonial borders. Students from the education department facilitated interactive events at the map throughout the week, many of whom were students of Professor Colette Yellow Robe. Remy Gehmaire, a liberal arts student working in communications for the ISSC, is from the Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nation in Mayo, Yukon territory. Gehmaire noted that “[Truth and Reconciliation Day] is a national holiday, but not everywhere does a lot about it”, commenting that it was beneficial that Bishop’s had a week of activities. Tuesday’s interactive activity invited conversation about Indigenous selfgovernance. Students located and discussed how various communities, like the Sechelt Band in B.C., had only limited authority over self-governance. The special advisor for Indigenous Student Support, Vicky Boldo, emphasized how far away Ottawa is from the people it governs. The ways of life up in the North are entirely different from what people in the South experience, she noted. Drew Henkel, the Indigenous students representative of the SRC and member of the Saugeen Ojibwe Nation expressed that he hopes students “approach the week with an open mind for learning”. He commended learning about history during the week but also wishes for consideration about what we will do going forward. He suggested revisiting progress made on campus each year, like with Kwigw8mna, and reflecting on what we’ve learnt in the past. Henkel said that he understands that people make mistakes, but the apologies that follow don’t always touch on the real issue
Photos courtesy of Gabrielle Liu at hand. He says he has seen promotional material of the week using the image of a First Nations headdress “with the best intentions”, but that the headdress is not representative of all nations. He highlighted that the SRC was making meaningful progress in reconciliation. “They have tools for good reflection,” he said, citing SRC vice-president of student life Olivia Wood’s training about making land acknowledgements with reflection and purpose. While emphasizing that sporting events are great spaces for the community, he mentioned that when students sing the national anthem after little focus during the land acknowledgement, “you can see the disconnect”. Around 50 students gathered at the large map on Wednesday to hear Elder Roger Echaquan from the Atikamekw Nation of Nehirowisiw share words of wisdom. Fourth year student Antonia Driscoll spoke of the ceremony being one where “we’re healing with [Indigenous students] and recognizing the truth”. She expressed that it allowed her to feel grounded. Explaining the emotional intensity of the week, she said, “they shouldn’t have to advocate for their own rights. Non-indigenous people should.” Several more students met at the map on Thursday for an activity about
movements of people. Special advisor Vicky Boldo emphasized that today, many Indigenous people relocate because of a lack of sufficient resources like healthcare or economic opportunities. During the activity, students mapped forced relocations of Indigenous communities, such as the Sayisi Dene in northern Manitoba. The government relocated the Sayisi Dene in 1956 because of the incorrect assumption that their hunting practices were to blame for a drop in caribou numbers. Shawna Jerome, coordinator for the ISSC, drew on anecdotes about salmon fishing in her Mi’kmaq community in Gesgapegiag and the 2020 Mi’kmaq lobster dispute to illustrate ongoing misconceptions about Indigenous resource management. “We know what is sustainable because of years of years of knowledge passed down,” she said. Alex Kovalchuk, a first year student in psychology at Thursday’s activity, said, “Coming here and learning about the present situation, I thought this was in the past.” He was shocked to hear about the 2020 Mi’kmaq lobster dispute. “[The activity] gives me the motivation to learn more”, he said. Friday’s engagement at the map had students educate each other about treaty territories, such as the Peace and Friendship Treaties and the Nunavut Land Claims Act. Yixin Zhang, an education student who the activity, expressed that when participants stood in a circle during the event, “we feel each of us in the circle has a role.” After Friday’s activity, education student Twaihiba N. said that from the events of the week, “People get interested in wanting to educate themselves.” The larger Sherbrooke community convened in front of Sherbrooke City Hall on Sept. 30. Several members of the community delivered speeches, including Lois Dana, student life counselor at Champlain College; Jacques T. Watso, Odanak Council member; and Abel Bosum, former Grand Chief of the James Bay Cree. Several Bishop’s
and Champlain students recounted the intergenerational impacts of the residential schools and Indian day schools, conflicting identities and challenges of learning far away from home in a different culture. Shawna Jerome introduced each speaker, and Vicky Boldo provided a steadying presence to the speakers before closing out the speeches in the song. Attendees walked as an orange wave through the streets of downtown Sherbrooke to the Marché de la Gare, encouraged to use the time to silently honor those lost and impacted by the residential school system.
Vicky Boldo speaks to the crowd before the march. Julie-Ann Vollant-Whittmore, BU student, stands beside. In the original version of this article published on October 2, pg. 2, paragraph 2, Prof. Colette Yellow Robe’s name was incorrectly written as as Prof. Colleen Yellow Robe. The Campus takes responsibility and apologises for this mistake. This version online has been corrected.
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he Campus Newspaper acknowledges that it operates on the traditional territory of the Abenaki people. As a student-run newspaper, we have the responsibility to uphold the principles of Truth and Reconciliation. As students at Bishop’s University, we are committed to furthering our education regarding the truths of the land, peoples and languages that we reside. Our team is devoted to using our platform to amplify the voices, stories and resources of Indigenous students. —The Campus Team
NEWS
SINCE 1944
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Micah Della Foresta, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.com
Building on a vision - A closer look at the SRC’s 2023-2024 strategic plans
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By Jayme Marteniuk Staff Writer
he Student Respresentative’s Council’s (SRC) executives shared their annual strategic plans at the SRC general meeting on Sept. 26, which touched on various aspects of student life, including governance, mental health, sexual culture, transportation and more. This year, the executive council, led by president Sophia Stacey, is eagerly working towards the SRC’s five-year strategic plan, meticulously curated two years ago. The annual plans presented at the meeting contained objectives from the five-year plan and executives’ individual goals as well. Last week, Sophia Stacey outlined several key priorities on her agenda for this upcoming year. First, she aims to revisit the SRC’s internal structure to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, she’s committed to promoting mental health awareness and holding the administration accountable for implementing the Student Mental Health Policy. Overall, she shares: “My role is to continue building on this work, and approach setting the stage for a better experience here at Bishop’s; to improve the school and the SRC for next year’s team to continue building upon when they come into office.” In addition, her vision extends beyond the campus, as she seeks to build a strong relationship and reconciliation
with the Odanak community. At the general meeting, she expressed that she is determined to create a safe and reliable transportation service for students, especially during late hours. The plan is to provide a safe drive-home service, potentially through a dedicated app, involving student drivers with full licenses and designated vehicles. The vice president of academic affairs, Christina Lépine, has her sights set on improving student access to essential information about university scholarships, awards and bursaries. The goal is to simplify the process and make these opportunities more visible and accessible to students. Moreover, there are plans to enhance awareness about volunteer opportunities through a SRC ambassador and volunteer program. This initiative aims to help students gain valuable experience and position themselves for future roles within the SRC and other organizations. Brandon Leblanc, the director of finance, has a multi-faceted strategy for the year. He aims to contribute towards the first draft of renovation plans for the Gait, an essential campus hub. To support initiatives, Brandon is exploring the possibility of increasing student fees by a minimum of six per cent and adding an SRC extra fee and a student safety fee. These fees aim to enhance clubs’ sustainability and contribute to funding the safe transportation service and other future plans. Brandon shares: “The increase of
fees is in accordance with our five-year plan. It was put in place in order to ensure the long-term financial health of the SRC, which allows us to use these funds to continue fostering an exceptional student life experience in the forms of our staple events”. Brandon also seeks to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of events like Winterfest while increasing event participation. By optimizing events, the SRC can potentially reduce costs while ensuring that they continue to contribute positively to the school community. As the year progresses, students and faculty can look forward to the implementation of these initiatives.
Photos courtesy of Emily Crunican
Leaders adopt political declaration at SDG Summit
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By By Angus Whyte Contributor
rom Sept. 18 to 19, world leaders gathered in New York for the 2023 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Summit, where they adopted a political declaration intended to accelerate the achievement of the 17 SDGs established in 2015. This summit is held every four years to reevaluate and reaffirm the United Nations’ commitment to their SDGs. Unsurprisingly, due to COVID-19 and the resulting contraction of global economies, progress on SDGs has slowed and even reverted in some areas. The Sustainable Development Solutions Network showed that progress stalled on responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), life
below land (SDG 15) and life below water (SDG 14). The political declaration takes a pessimistic tone stating: “The achievement of the SDGs is in peril. At the midpoint of the 2030 agenda, we are alarmed that the progress on most of the SDGs is either moving much too slowly or has regressed below the 2015 baseline”. The political declaration goes on to emphasize climate change and the eradication of extreme global poverty as persisting challenges. This summit placed a heavy focus on the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on developing nations. The UN intends to reinforce multilateral efforts to strengthen developing nations, representing a no-one-left-behind philosophy as the 2030 deadline quickly approaches.
Although the UN faces challenges post-pandemic, there exist many positive and hopeful declarations resulting from this SDG summit. Despite slowed progress, the UN asserts its commitment to accelerating and ultimately achieving the SDGs by 2030. This exemplifies the unity and cohesive effort that will be required to accomplish such a momentous task. “We remain resolved, between now and 2030, to end poverty and hunger everywhere; to combat inequalities within and among countries; to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies; to respect, protect and fulfill human rights and achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls and to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources”
The Campus is hiring! Features Editor Position
The features editor writes, edits, and finds contributors for the features section of the newspaper. See page 9 for more details.
Photo courtesy of PMO Barbados
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OPINIONS
THE CAMPUS OCTOBER 2, 2023
Annabelle McIntosh, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
Newfound pathways: A traveler’s treasure By Braeden Ozechowski Contributor
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hen I was in high school, my literature class studied Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. As part of this study, we discussed the parallels of Caravaggio’s painting Calling of Saint Matthew in relation to the story. I remember studying the expressions within the painting as its grainy image was projected onto the board. However, I struggled to grasp the meaning of the work and how it related to my studies. A couple months later, I found myself strolling through the streets of Rome with my father, searching for what would have been pizza number 12 of the trip, when we stumbled upon the immaculately adorned doors of San Luigi dei Francesi. My father, overcome with curiosity, pulled me out of my mozzarellacrazed trance and through the doors of the church. As my father studied every plaque he could find to read, an extended index finger caught my eye. After popping a euro into a donation bin in the corner, a light flipped on and illuminated Carrivagio’s Calling of Saint Michael. My dad and I stood in surprise at what we had discovered. “Hey dad, isn’t that the painting from
your English class?” It certainly was. He and I stood a long time gazing upon what seemed like miles of canvas, discussing what it meant and how it connected to themes we studied in class. After an evening of English nerd talk, not only had I discovered the answers to the questions I had in class, but I’d also discovered a love for the arts that I had no idea existed within me, a love of arts that I pursue to this day because of it. Rugby is a passion of mine. This past winter I uncovered entirely new
experiences within the sport I love while in Lyon, France. Sporting events in Canada tend to follow a common pattern – a large stadium outside of the city, a huge parking lot, a concourse inside the stadium selling $13 dollar beers and junk food. Watching rugby in Lyon immerses you into a group of dedicated and passionate fans. There is a special metro line that runs exclusively on game days directly to the Stade de Gerland. Once past the gate, fans are able to wander the large outdoor park with numerous tents,
shops and activities for fans to take part in. Players and members of the club can also be found milling around interacting with fans. Before kickoff, you’ll find people settling in with their pretzels, crepes and wine. You may even see mothers sharing pitchers with their kids. Once the game begins, everyone is engaged. From the young fans shouting “Allez le Lou!”, to the old men singing songs arm in arm, everyone is there for their team and the people standing beside them. After the conclusion of the match, instead of filing out the door, fans stay and socialize at concessions and areas within the park that remain open for this reason. Leaving Lyon, I had a whole new idea of how sporting events can be enjoyed. As a sports studies student, I’m ecstatic to bring this philosophy into my work and studies. A vacation may leave you rested and rejuvenated, but the best form of travel should keep you busy and moving, spending every last bit of each day’s time and energy. The true purpose of travel is to enrich one’s understanding and providing new perspectives to shape education, career and outlook.
Photo courtesy of Braeden Ozechowski
Homecoming 2023 returns with new, old traditions
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By Annabelle McIntosh Opinions Editor
omecoming, or hoco, has always been my favourite event at Bishop’s University. Seeing the purple community come together and show off their school spirit is an amazing feeling. That has always stood out to me. Sept. 15-17 weekend brought on the 2023 Hoco celebration.
Those who have been at Bishop’s for a while may have noticed that this year was different from previous editions: no Friday night party in the backyard of Animal House, no outdoor concert at
Haunted, few varsity sports teams took to the field (the absence of the Friday night rugby double header was disappointing for me) and the Hoco event was quite early this year. In the past, Homecoming has been in late September rather than the second week of school. So, how did this Hoco compare to others we have seen in the past? Even with all these changes to the typical itinerary, Bishop’s students displayed that they truly know how to keep the Hoco spirit alive. The end of Animal House did not mean the end of party life. There was certainly no lack of this with a street party hosted by the residents of Reed Street, and house parties hosted by Ten Man and Haunted. There was a sea of purple everywhere you went in Lennoxville all weekend. On Saturday, the annual pre-football game tailgate returned strong with dozens of BU alumni and current students taking over the Coulter field parking lot. Alumni hosted tailgate barbecues, with snacks, drinks and stories to share with other alumni and current students. This personally has always been one of my favourite parts of the weekend. It is a great way to bond with former students and catch the contagious enthusiasm for the football game.
Although it was a different Hoco, I had an overall very possitive experience. Although it was a different Hoco, I had an overall very positive experience. Many of my friends that I have spoken with thought so too. There was never a dull moment with all of the events going on through the whole weekend. Each year, Hoco makes me so proud to see all students, new and past, bleed purple and enjoy this awesome weekend with friends and family. I can’t wait to see what next year has in store.
Hoco 2021. Photo courtesy of Emily Crunican
SINCE 1944
OPINIONS
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Annabelle McIntosh, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
The importance of volunteering By Annabelle McIntosh Opinions Editor
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n Wednesday, Sept. 27, Bishop’s Career and Transition Services hosted a volunteer fair in the Gait, a very important event I believe all students should try to attend as volunteering is a rewarding activity. The venue was filled with dozens of opportunities for Gaiters to help out with on campus or in the Eastern Townships community. As someone who has volunteered thousands of hours in different organizations, I knew the importance of giving back. Today, I wanted to talk to others to see why they believe it is important to volunteer. Some examples of the groups present were Grace Village, Bishop’s Bees, BU Community Cupboard, Mae Sot Education Project, Bishop’s Alumni Association, Gris Estrie, Phelps Helps and the Lennoxville Youth Center. I visited every booth and spoke to most of the representatives at the event. It was very interesting and exciting to see all the different opportunities the Eastern Townships have to offer that I had no idea about. All were
very passionate about the groups they represented. It felt very inspiring to hear about the change volunteering can bring, no matter how small the position may seem. Phelps Helps is an organization that provides students in Stanstead free tutoring and guidance support. I asked Phelps Helps representative, Kristy Pyle, why she believes it is important to volunteer. “Finding a place that you are passionate about volunteering is not only good for yourself, but it’s just another step in building that amazing Townships community”, says Pyle. She mentioned that volunteering is also great for personal development and “the job skills and intrapersonal skills that you can develop through volunteering are going to be so beneficial to your future career and look really good on a CV too.” “A lot of organizations are struggling to find younger volunteers right now”, explains Pyle. “I think younger people in the Townships have so much to offer.” Since students are the future, more young people should step up and keep all these amazing initiatives alive.
Students should take advantage of events like this and seek various volunteer opportunities. This event truly showcased the impact that students can have on their school and local community, and I believe it can inspire more Gaiters to want to get out in their community and make a
difference. There are so many different opportunities to find an organization that clicks with your goals and beliefs. It is very rewarding, helps with personal and career development and looks great on a resume. You never know what new connections you might make.
Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Liu
Climate protest in Sherbrooke: A fight for a better future
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By Diane Drak Alsibai Contributor
riday, Sept. 29 marked the annual Climate Walk organized by the Coalition Étudiante pour un Virage Environnemental et Social (CEVES) from the Université de Sherbrooke. Various environmental organizations, students, and residents around Sherbrooke gathered to protest for the climate and social justice. This was under the context of a climate action week – Semaine de la Rage Climatique – where various activist groups held similar events throughout the week. Students from Bishop’s University also attended and showed support, as well as the Sustainable Development (SD) office and the Environmental Club. The SD office also distributed free single-use tickets to encourage sustainable modes of transportation. The Environmental Club made sure to send out instructions on the meeting place at Bishop’s University and the protest’s destination. Along with our signs and passion, we met the crowd at Parc Jacques Cartier where speeches were being presented. A lot of people expressed their rage that action is still not being taken to reduce carbon emissions and prevent biodiversity loss. According to the COP 27, Canada was supposed to end fossil fuel consumption
we want?” – “Change!” and “When do we want it?” – “Now!” Along the way, we protested near the CIBC which is one of the five major banks in Canada (others being RBC, Scotiabank, TD, BMO and RBC) investing in fossil fuel companies. Once we made it to the Sherbrooke Town Hall, young students expressed their sadness about no longer being able to live out their lives normally as global warming continues intensifying. Pandemics, diseases, forest fires, natural hazards, poor air quality and other climate
and become carbon neutral by 2050. As we are approaching 2024, we are failing to meet this goal. Once the heartfelt speeches were given, we began our walk from JacquesCartier to L’Hôtel de Ville on rue Wellington. Plenty of people held up signs related to environmental awareness as we all shouted and expressed our rage to be heard. Some chants included “What do
change outcomes might be our cause of death. There was smog the day the walk was held. Attending this event was truly eyeopening and made me realize that there is still a lot to be done, as Fridays for Future walks have been happening since 2018, and we are still not being heard. However, it was inspiring to see such a diverse group of people from different ethnicities, educational and professional backgrounds and ages come together in solidarity for the same goal: a greener planet!
Photos courtesy of Diane Sibai
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SPORTS
THE CAMPUS OCTOBER 2, 2023
Owen Kitzan, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com
Women’s rugby team eyes win on the horizon Gaiters fall short against Carabins, Ravens
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By Reece Bastien Contributor
fter starting off the season 0-2 at the hands of McGill and Concordia, Bishop’s was looking to bounce back. The Gaiters’ third game of the year would take place in Montreal against the Université de Montréal Carabins. Hoping to secure their first win, the girls took the bus ride down ready to come out to play. The game proved to be a hard fought battle between two fierce competitors, and it was an all out war until the very end. Sadly, the Gaiters were unable to get over the hump in this one, losing by eight points, with a score of 25-17 in favor of the Carabins. The women then reared up to head to Ottawa a couple days later. Their opponents, the Carleton Ravens, waited for them, a team that was 2-2 on the year. With Bishop’s heading into the match 0-3, the Gaiters were aiming to get their first win. The Ravens stood on TAAG Park waiting for the Gaiters, hoping to improve their own season to above .500. With
both teams wanting a win badly, it was sure to be a ferocious matchup. Sadly, the Gaiters would once again fail to prevail, falling 47-5 at the hands of Carleton in a devastating loss. With an 0-4 start on the season the Gaiters are certainly hungry for a “W” in the win column. The team has two remaining games this year at home on
Gaiters Basketball By Rowan Halpenny Contributor
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n Saturday, Sept. 23, the Gaiters men’s and women’s basketball teams traveled to Brockville, Ont. for a doubleheader matchup against the Guelph Gryphons. Promoted as “The Battle of the St. Lawrence’’, the event was a huge success and drew large crowds for both games. The event was organized by the local Brockville Blazers organization, and many young hoopers had the chance to partake in high level USPORTS preseason action. The women tipped off in the first of the two games. Their team graduated four key starters from their powerhouse team last year, and this game was the first of the season with a very different lineup. There will be many different players taking new, and more important roles this season. Before the game, Gaiters’ rookie Kyla Perkins was given a special shoutout in front of her home crowd, as she is a Brockville Blazer alum. Due to multiple injuries, Bishop’s was short handed, and ultimately dropped a tight battle 73-63. As a defensive battle, the game stayed close for the majority of the time. Guelph’s ability to make shots at key times ultimately pushed them to victory.
Third year forward Victoria Guana was a bright spot for the Gaiters, scoring a game high 21 points. She can score the ball well in different ways, and is also a capable defender. Marianne Boithias, a rookie from France, had a strong debut, scoring 10 points of her own. The Gaiters will be back in action when they take on the University of Ottawa in Mitchell Gymnasium on Oct. 5. On the men’s side, the Gaiters started their preseason with an 89-83 win. Bishop’s often had leads that ballooned to twenty points, but their inability to shut the door on a gritty Guelph team led to the game ending closer than it could have. Third year forward Charles-Andre Robert netted a team high 23 points and gave the Gaiters huge boosts on both sides of the floor. His fellow front court partner and reigning Bishop’s Rookie of the Year Etienne Gagnon contributed 17 points as well. Stalwart guard Carl Dubois scored a career high 19 points while performing his usual outstanding job on the defensive end. The Gaiters’ game plan was to take advantage of their stature as often as possible, and it paid off. Guelph did not have the size or strength to slow down the men’s powerful frames. Next, the Gaiters travel to Victoria, B.C. on the last weekend of September to play three more preseason games.
Oct. 1 and 8. They will face off against Université Laval first, a team that is 4-0 on the year with 191 points for and only twelve against. Their final opponent of the year will be University of Ottawa on Coulter Field. The Gee-Gees started off their season 3-1 with their only defeat being a riveting 14-12 loss against Laval.
As the season nears its end, how will the Gaiters’ game go for the two powerhouses they have left to face? Will they be able to overcome one of these two giants and earn their first victory of their campaign? Whatever the case, may the school be cheering the women til the end. We are eager to watch them earn a win on home soil.
Photo courtesy of Juan Alchourron
Photos courtesy of the Brockville Blazers
SPORTS
SINCE 1944
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Owen Kitzan, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com
Three in a row for the Gaiters
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By Dylan Monico Contributor
t certainly wasn’t easy, but the Gaiters’ football team won their third game in a row on Saturday Sept. 23, defeating the Mount Allison Mounties 18 - 10 in Sackville, N.B. The Gaiters traveled to Sackville for another AUS matchup looking to win their third game in a row for the first time since 2013, back when they were led by Hec Crighton-winning quarterback Jordan Heather. Oliver Burnett (Fredericton, N.B.) would open the scoring just seven minutes into the game on a 12-yard pass from Justin Quirion (Saint-Georges, Que.). Quirion finished the game 22/31 with 258 passing yards and a touchdown. He added 30 yards on the ground as well. Xavier Gervais (Ottawa, Ont.) would kick a 25-yard field goal late in the second quarter as well as kicking a rouge in the fourth quarter. The play of the game emerged with just under 12 minutes left when fifth year defensive back Alexandre Prévost (Gatineau, Que.) knocked the ball out of the hands of the Mount Allison running back. Bishop’s own Yani Gouadfel (MitryMory, France) would then pick it up and return the ball 43 yards for a Gaiters
touchdown, putting them up 18-10. Gouadfel would make another play with 14 seconds left in the game when he intercepted a pass in the endzone, clinching the Gaiters their third consecutive victory. Quirion continues to sparkle for the Gaiters he’s collected 941 passing yards and four touchdowns with a 61 per cent passing rate over just four games. Another player making a strong impression on the AUS has been second year receiver Gabin Leux (Vannes, France). Leux is currently leading the AUS in receptions (18) and receiving yards (264), as well as catching one touchdown pass so far this year. The Gaiters biggest game of the year took place on Friday, Sept. 29, when the sixth-ranked St. Francis Xavier X-men visit Lennoxville for a night game. The Gaiters, who were currently ranked 10th in the country, looked to beat the X-men for their first time since 2019. Winning this game would have been huge for the rest of the Gaiters’ season as it would have increased their chances of finishing first in the AUS for the regular season, a standing that would give them home field advantage throughout the entire AUS playoffs. However, the team fell short of a fourth consecutive win on Friday night, losing 34-31 to the X-Men. This brings Bishop’s to 3-2.
Upcoming fall home games Come cheer on your Gaiters! Please consult gaiters.ca for updated locations, times, and dates of all games. Men’s Basketball (Mitchell Gym) Oct. 5 vs Ontario Tech – 8 p.m. Oct. 6 vs Queen’s – 4 p.m. Women’s Basketball (Mitchell Gym) Oct. 5 vs Ottawa – 6 p.m. Oct. 6 vs Queen’s – 2 p.m. Women’s Soccer (Coulter Field) Oct. 6 vs McGill - 7 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Heather McKeen-Edwards
Gaiters women’s hockey soars through preseason
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By Owen Kitzan Sports Editor
he Gaiters women’s hockey team started off their season with a clean sweep of their pre-season games. Bishop’s had the opportunity to face off against three teams with a visit in Montreal to play against McGill University and two home bouts, playing against Queens University and the University of New Brunswick. Bishop’s looked to build upon an impressive RSEQ campaign in the program’s second year, desiring to come out and prove they were back to win. Bishops would start off their year with a road trip down to McGill where the Gaiters would once again show their fierce competitiveness against an opposing RSEQ squad. As the game wore on, it eventually became apparent that the Martlets side simply could not contain the Gaiters. When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read zero for McGill and seven for Bishop’s. After a dominant first game on the
road, the Gaiters would look to continue gearing up for their season with a twogame weekend at home. Bishop’s first opponent would be the University of New Brunswick’s Reds, a team from outside their conference, meaning fresh competition. This matchup would prove to be a much more even matchup for the women as both teams came out strong. The game went down to the final wire, making its way into overtime. The Gaiters would once again prove victorious coming out of the extra frame with a 4-3 win. The women’s second game would come later that weekend with a matchup against the Queens’ Gaels, another team from outside their conference. Bishop’s eyed the chance to finish their preseason undefeated and came into the final game ready to play. However, the Gaels were also prepared and kept the game close the whole way. The Gaiters strived to keep the Gaels just out of reach. The scoreboard read 3-1 for Bishops as their pre-season wrapped up with them coming out triumphant. Following a near perfect start against
their pre-season competition, it will be exciting to see what’s in store for their upcoming campaign. The women will look to turn intensity up a notch and prove that they are here to stay as one of the
fiercest competitors in RSEQ. The team will play its first game of the year on Oct. 13 at Carleton followed by their home opener against Concordia on Oct. 21.
Photo courtesy of Emma McGregor
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FEATURES
THE CAMPUS OCTOBER 2, 2023
Manu Bissonnette, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
National Truth and Reconciliation Day: The importance of demonstrating allyship year-round By Mikayla Geraghty Staff Writer
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ith National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Indigenous awareness is pushed to the forefront of Canadian views. Students, beginning at four years old, spend weeks leading up to Sept. 30 learning about Canada’s dark history and allyship to Indigenous communities; the population wears orange shirts; news outlets are flooded with images of Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals marching in solidarity; Indigenous voices are broadcasted and celebrated. But what happens after? While showing support to the many Indigenous communities on Sept. 30 is crucial, it is essential to remember that allyship is ongoing and should not be extinguished after a day of solidarity. In an interview with Bishop’s professor and Kanien’kehà:ka woman, Curran Jacobs, we discussed the importance of non-Indigenous individuals demonstrating daily allyship beyond Sept. 30. Allyship is a relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples that must remain ongoing. It is the responsibility of non-Indigenous individuals to dedicate themselves to a lifelong journey of continuing education. Allies commit to
well-rounded learning about not only the history of Indigenous peoples, but also current events and influential people from Indigenous communities. Jacobs stated that we should commit ourselves to “learn about the beautiful, positive stories of Indigenous peoples, but not expect them to be our teachers”. There are many resources that individuals can consult before asking Indigenous people to educate them. Allies should take time to visit, learn and understand. Committing oneself to a constant learning journey will not only enrich understanding but also foster stronger allyship with the many Indigenous communities. The idea of being a good ally is one that goes beyond performative activism and is instead rooted in one’s daily life as a promise to deliver social justice on all levels. To create fundamental change, allyship must be ongoing on a personal, institutional and national scale.
an identity that can be “self-appointed”, and instead “requires you to show your understanding through actions, relations, and recognition by the community”. When asked how the student body can improve allyship and the lives of Indigenous students on campus, Jacobs highlighted that activism “needs to be run by students and not just Indigenous students, because reconciliation is about two groups reconciling. In order to not learn on the backs of Indigenous people, it needs to be possible for all students to take the bull by the horns and spread knowledge
or awareness”. The efforts of reconciliation are meant to be shared amongst all people as a partnership, working together to right the wrongs and create a more equitable and socially just environment for all. While this may seem daunting, it is a crucial step towards allyship. Mistakes may be made along the way; however, as Jacobs said, “You are going to remember that lesson forever. Part of reconciliation is misstepping, apologizing but getting back on the horse and moving again”.
“ally” is not an identity that can be “self-appointed”
In a guide published by the Montreal Aboriginal Network, professionals highlight the fact that the term “ally” is not Graphic courtesy of Mikayla Geraghty.
Climate change: Do people notice it? By Rachel Gold Contributor
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hen most people hear the words: climate change, they tend to panic a little. This topic can cause drastically opposite reactions – fear, mockery, disbelief… you name it. Of course, all those endof-the-world movies don’t help with the fear. Arguably, they serve the purpose of presenting a dramatized irreversible catastrophe. By the time the world does end in that fashion, there will be no humans left on earth to witness it. So, we have nothing to worry about, kind of. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns (UN). These changes can be natural or manmade. Fossil fuels, for example, have always been a part of the planet. According to Scientific American, one factor for the end of the Ice Age – the real Ice Age, not the movie – was the rising use of natural fossil fuels. However, with the Industrial Revolution, Graphic courtesy of Leea Rebeca Ruta the course of fossil fuels’ history
was altered with an extreme rise in the burning of oil, coal, and gas. The UN estimates that since the 1800s, climate change has had a single main driver: human activities. The leaders of the Industrial Revolution and its evolution didn’t realize what they were doing. It was only in the last 50 or so years that people started to realize the damage that humans have done to the Earth. Societal efforts are being laid out to find solutions, but we’re not quite there yet. However, people have plenty of things to say about climate change. There are monumental gaps in terms of beliefs about climate change. Scientists undertake innovative research to measure the damages of climate change, and they attempt to find solutions. A significant portion of society supports them, whether fervently or distantly. On the other hand, some people have argued that climate change is a hoax and a way that the government is trying to trick and control us. So, do people notice climate
change on a day-to-day basis? I know I do. The weather in Montreal this summer, for example, was out of the ordinary. It was either raining and cold or a heat wave with no inbetween. I spoke to some fellow Montrealers who mentioned their concern and frustration regarding this issue. I also asked international students about how the summers were where they lived, and the common answer was “bad”. Most people attested to extreme weather just like here. So, based on these simple conversations, my conclusion is that people around the globe feel the effects of climate change. Just because it’s a global feeling, doesn’t mean it will last forever. There is more and more research being done on how people on Earth can help limit their tracks; more and more countries are creating laws that will try and limit the amount of pollution they emit. I like to take an optimistic stance: Things are looking up for the Earth and the way we take care of the planet we call home.
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Guardians of the purple bubble: Bishop’s Student Safety team ensures a secure and fun university experience By Chiara Bondi Junior Copy Editor
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tudents at Bishop’s understand the importance of having fun and receiving an excellent education, but most of all, they deserve to feel safe while doing so. The student safety team pursues this mission by ensuring that students are safe both on and off campus. This extremely important program seeks to bring Bishop’s students the best experience possible while they participate in events or nightlife, because they have a team of dedicated students they can turn to during times of need. I sat down with Jaclyn Dykstra, the Student Safety manager, to discuss how she and her staff work diligently to foster an environment of safety for all students. As the manager, Dykstra acts as the representative for Student Safety while actively collaborating with management, security and the university to advocate on behalf of students. Dykstra describes student safety as “a three-pronged program”. The first prong of this program is first aid. If you are hurt, Student Safety is there to help patch you up. If you, or someone you know, is dealing with an overconsumption of alcohol or drugs, Dykstra and her team are trained to ensure you are safe and cared for. Each member of Student Safety carries a naloxone kit with
them in the case of an opioid overdose. Furthermore, if a student is dealing with a mental health crisis, student safety can provide students with a safe place and the care that they require. The second prong of this program is patrol, which takes place on and off campus. The team’s work is essential on weekends, when students go out to various parties, the Gait or the Lion. They look out for students who require care or need someone to talk to. They also work to de-
escalate situations that may be potentially dangerous for students. The third prong of the program, which Dykstra believes is the most important, is Safe-Haven. Although not used often, Safe-Haven, located under the Gait, provides a secure place for students to rest if they need a break from the commotion of the Gait or require medical attention. Safe-Haven even provides snacks and a place for students to sleep should they require that. This is an excellent resource
From left to right: Ali Housain Ali, Jaclyn Dykstra, Yoan Berger and Alexander Sorial. Photo courtesy of Jaclyn Dykstra
The Campus is Hiring! Features Editor Position Approx. 5 hours/week Honorarium: $900 ($225 paid at the end of the Fall term, $675 in Winter) Term: October 2023 - April 2024 Deadline to apply: October 16 The features editor writes, edits, and finds contributors for the features section of the newspaper. The section is a creative and flexible space for articles about student life, initiatives, and people-oriented stories. If interested, please submit: - A CV/resume - A writing sample between 400-600 words - A letter of intent Send your application package to thecampus.editor@gmail.com by October 16
for students to be aware of, as they can even take a friend here if they are unable to care for the friend. To enter Safe-Haven, there is a doorbell outside of the locked door, and either Dykstra or one of her employees will be there to ensure you are safe and taken care of. Student Safety works from 10 p.m. until 3 a.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Student Safety also provides a safe way for students to get home from class, a party or the bar. Students can call (819)-822-9711 to reach campus security, who will send student safety employees to the caller’s location, happy to walk them home or to their next location. Dykstra and her employees are also students – who provide confidential services – so students can feel comfortable talking to them or asking them for help. The diligent work that Student Safety does can go unnoticed, but they are essential to promoting a safe environment on the Bishop’s campus and in the “purple bubble”. They deal with difficult situations and sometimes may risk their safety to ensure that students are safe and cared for at any given time. Dykstra is very proud of her team and how the team has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the student body. The Safe Gaiter app is an excellent tool for students to have on their phones. This app provides a direct line to campus security, first-aid resources, maps, a “friend walk” program and other valuable resources for students.
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ARTS & CULTURE
THE CAMPUS OCTOBER 2, 2023
Caitlyn Gerrish, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.artsculture@gmail.com
Chapter two – the beginning of another year for Wit and Whimsy
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By Emmett Tinning Contributor
s the 2023-2024 year marches forward, my co-lead Arielle Leclerc and I were thrilled with the turnout at the first meeting of Bishop’s poetry club, Wit and Whimsy. The cozy atmosphere was complete with snacks, music, sharing and most importantly, writing. Old and new members alike quickly found common talking points. They made friendly introductions, giving us a happy kickstart into the new year ahead of us. Founded in the 2022-2023 school year by English student Colin Ahern and psychology student Isabelle Callan, Wit and Whimsy was nothing short of a huge success. The club met bi-weekly for brainstorming, writer’s cafés as well as other activities. They succeeded in creating a safe and creative space for Bishop’s students to admire, share and explore literary art in all its forms. Events like open mics as well as larger-scale concert-style performances complete with guest performers gave the club big shoes to fill for the year to come. Through the useful knowledge left to us by our predecessors, Wit and Whimsy hopes to continue the tradition of an exploratory creative space at Bishop’s. It is somewhere people are free to share work, ideas, stories and thoughts, as well as create
a meaningful community and a love of poetry. Already after the first meeting, we are discussing plans for more events resembling last year’s successes. With help from professors and mentors such as Prof. Shoshannah Bryn Jones Square, writer’s cafés, open mics and even another event similar to the inspiring “Empathy, Social Justice and the Arts” are in the works. We discuss possibilities for further exploration and collaboration between Wit and Whimsy and other clubs, departments and organizations. There is, for example, potential for partnership with the Foreman Art Gallery’s Community ArtLab - another beautiful and thriving space devoted to the arts on campus. This partnership could include a wide variety of public art, visual poetry and more. Workshops from professors or guest artists also remain firm goals, as opportunities for professional feedback, advice and inspiration are incredibly valuable. For these projects to function and flourish, a wide array of students, faculty and community engagement is required. We look forward to working with a variety of people in the years to come. We graciously thank every current member of Wit and Whimsy. We also encourage anyone with any amount of experience to inquire with us and come to our meetings to join in on the collective love of poetry.
Graphic courtesy of Leea Rebeca Ruta
A Nighttime Walk Down McKinnon Drive By Colin Ahern Contributor
Shadowy puddles hold the witching hour like tumors in the bosom of an asphalt body. Drifting along the industrial carcass, a thin yellow glow drips out of street lamps. The glow hangs, suspended in the air, a glimmervoid trail left by a seraphim with a swinging lantern. Slouching buildings hug this asphalt corpse like the boundaries of a coffin etched with crumbling brick and apathetic lattices.
Comic By Leea Rebeca Ruta Graphics Editor
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What’s buzzing at the art hives?
Photos courtesy of Gabrielle Liu
By Gabrielle Liu Editor-in-Chief
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he experience of creating with others is healing,” says Foreman Art Gallery’s ArtLab coordinator, Camila Vásquez. The ArtLab has revived its art hives, a space where community members can enjoy the art studio for free twice a week. Art hives are run through donated materials and supported by student facilitators who can guide your session. They run every Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This fall, the ArtLab plans on
meeting the Bishop’s community through pop-up art hives – mobile art stations that offer the community a taste of their regular sessions. “We felt that lots of people didn’t know what the ArtLab is,” said Vásquez. These pop-up art hives will have a selection of materials brought from the ArtLab. The pop-up hives’ sessions will be different each time, such as a fabric and sewing-based station one time, but a cardboard-based session for another. The ArtLab has created pop-ups in partnership with the Lennoxville Library, Bekkah’s Bakery and the Carrefour jeunesse-emploi de Sherbrooke. The pop-ups on campus
are still under development, but Vásquez emphasizes that the hives are developed through dialogue with their venue hosts. The Lennoxville Library hoped to engage adults in art, so the ArtLab chose magazines as the craft supply – a more challenging material to work with. Each art hive session is staffed by a facilitator who is a fine arts or psychology student with an interest in art therapy. Facilitators are not teachers who will tell you what to do, but they can guide personal projects students want to develop, Vásquez said. She adds that “the facilitator is there to develop her own creation” too. Art hives run on the belief that everyone has something to teach and something to learn. The art hive movement was built on the philosophy that artistic creation should be a human right. According to Vásquez, the movement in its modern form began with
Professor Janis Timm-Bottos’ work in the US during the ‘90s. TimmBottos eventually moved to Montreal and began her research at Concordia University. Since then, her work and students have launched a network of art hives across the country. The goal was “to create a space that will allow people to build community and build art,” said Vásquez. According to Vásquez, Foreman’s ArtLab was one of the first art hives in the region, established in the early 2010s. Now, there are many hives across the Eastern Townships. The ArtLab even hosted the Spring Institute of Art Hives during the summer, a three-day intensive training for art hive leaders. The ArtLab’s art hives are always free, and students are welcome to work on projects that last more than one session. The ArtLab is located in Centennial Theatre, below the Foreman Art Gallery.
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THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS: -Angus Whyte -Braeden Ozechowski -Diane Drak Alsibai -Rowan Halpenny -Reece Bastien
-Dylan Monico -Rachel Gold -Colin Ahern -Emmett Tinning -Sara Scafuro
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ECONOMICS & BUSINESS
THE CAMPUS OCTOBER 2, 2023
Joseph Aubert, Economics & Business Editor » thecampus.businesseditor@gmail.com
BUCS tees off their first annual golf tournament in style!
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By Sara Scafuro Contributor
n Sept. 30, at the Lennoxville Golf Course, the Bishop’s University Commerce Society (BUCS) hosted its inaugural golf tournament. The event teed off at 3 p.m., promising a thrilling Vegas-style nine-hole competition that brought together golf enthusiasts from all corners of the Bishop’s campus. The Lennoxville golf course provided the ideal setting for this tournament with its lush fairways and greens. Ten groups, each consisting of four players, created fierce competition while fostering a strong sense of camaraderie. As golfers gathered on the course, the anticipation was palpable. The first annual BUCS golf tournament promised not only a competitive round but also a chance for participants to network and engage with their fellow competitors. It was more than just a golf tournament; it was an opportunity to connect with the vibrant Bishop’s community. The tournament featured nine holes, each sponsored by a different entity, making it an unforgettable experience for all participants. The opening hole, proudly presented by BUCS, marked the beginning of an eventful journey across the course. Hole two, sponsored by GURU, offered all participants a refreshing GURU drink
to keep their energy levels up for the challenges ahead. Cineplex took center stage on Hole three, generously gifting 20 IMAX free admission passes as prizes for business students. Hole six brought a delightful surprise for all players as Dominos sponsored it, offering slices of delicious pizza to recharge golfers’ spirits. Meanwhile, hole seven, sponsored by Coaticook Ice Cream, provided a sweet treat that kept participants cool under the heat of the sun. The highlight of the course was hole nine, the “longest drive” hole. Here, one lucky golfer from each group had the chance to win fantastic prizes, courtesy of Doolittles, which offered gift cards or merchandise to those achieving the longest drives.
bonding. It was an opportunity to toast to the day’s accomplishments and discuss memorable shots and near-misses with fellow opponents. Cleo Wulder stated, “I am so happy with how our first major event of the year went! We had such beautiful weather and a great turnout. [I’m] very happy all of the hard work from the summer finally came to fruition. I cannot wait for next year’s event!”
Because of the BUCS golf tournament, I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming events. This tournament not only showcased our golf enthusiasts’ talents but also underscored our commitment to nurturing a closely-knit and inclusive community. As we look ahead, these events promise to be milestones in our journey, reinforcing our dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and the enduring bonds that define Bishop’s University.
The highlight of the course was hole nine, the “longest drive” hole.
However, the festivities did not end with the final putt. Following the tournament, all participants gathered at the clubhouse at 6 p.m. for a well-deserved happy hour. The clubhouse buzzed with excitement as attendees enjoyed drinks and food, creating an atmosphere ripe for networking and
Analysis: Canada’s economic resilience shines amidst global uncertainty
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By Joseph Aubert Economics & Business Editor
nflation concerns, tight monetary policies and housing market challenges, to name a few, have all been issues the Bank of Canada officers have monitored closely over the past years. As the world grapples with the ongoing challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and other geopolitical tensions, Canada’s economic performance remains a source of optimism. In this article, we will delve into the current state of the Canadian economy and analyse a variety of challenges that continue affecting households from all over the country on a daily basis.
At the beginning of September, the Bank of Canada released a statement announcing its decision to maintain interest rates at their current level. The Bank of Canada has been raising rates since March 2022 to combat inflation. This decision to maintain came as the central bank carefully assessed economic conditions and recovery progress. With a focus on supporting
economic stability and growth, the Bank of Canada opted to keep interest rates unchanged to provide continued support to the Canadian economy amid ongoing global uncertainties. The decision reflects the central bank’s commitment to a balanced approach in navigating the
Inflation continues to dominate discussions in the global economic landscape
evolving economic landscape. Inflation continues to dominate discussions in the global economic landscape. While inflationary pressures are subsiding within the G-7 nations, advancing core metrics has proven to be a challenging task, thus reinforcing central banks’ inclination towards implementing further interest rate increases. Statistics Canada recently released its consumer price index for August. It posted an inflation rate of four
per cent over 12 months, slowly going back to its target level of two to three per cent. The housing market has presented challenges as well. Skyrocketing home prices in most cities, particularly Toronto and Vancouver, have raised concerns about affordability and the risk of a housing bubble. Government intervention measures, such as stricter mortgage regulations and increased housing supply initiatives, aim to address these issues without destabilizing the market. The continuous interest rate hikes have also impacted mortgage owners’ ability to pay. One of the main indicators of a resilient Canadian economy is its robust labour market. Statistics Canada posted a recent unemployment rate of 5.5 per cent, holding steady after three consecutive monthly increases from May to July. The current unemployment rate is lower than the pre-pandemic averages, straying away from the recession scares experts predicted at the same time last year, perhaps a testament to effective
income support measures and a flexible job market. Canada’s commitment to sustainability and addressing climate change has led to substantial investment in the green economy. The government’s focus on clean energy initiatives, such as electric vehicle infrastructure and renewable energy projects, positions Canada for long-term economic growth while reducing its carbon footprint. High borrowing costs contribute to declining gross domestic product growth. Demand is set to cool in the Canadian market for goods and services. Despite challenges in the housing market and inflation concerns, Canada’s relatively steadfast recovery from the pandemic, a robust labor market and investments in the green economy are testaments to its strength. As the nation continues to balance economic growth with sustainability and navigates evolving trade relationships, Canada’s economic future is under close watch.