VOLUME 1 ISSUE 8
WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
News
News
News
News
Student conduct issues at St. Clair College decreases, Page 2.
A petition against recent class size changes, Page 7.
Windsorites take part in a Women’s March in Windsor, Page 7.
A local company is creating Disney braille colouring books, Page 8.
CASSIDY MCNEA/MediaPlex Examiner
Student at the University of Windsor
Students demand protection for OSAP By Eleanor Dhillon Mediaplex Examiner
Windsor students are preparing for the cuts in the Ontario Student Assistance Program. The 10 per cent cut in post-secondary tuition fees has upset many students and has some worrying about their future. OSAP is focusing on students whose families have an income of less than $50,000. The cut in funds will have an impact on students across Ontario, leaving them in fear of their on-going debt. Nicole Duplessis is a 23-yearold St. Clair College student, who works four hour shifts at the college greenhouse every weekend. When she heard that OSAP
was eliminating free tuition she was devastated. Duplessis said her landscaping and horticulture program requires her to purchase different equipment, such as winter gear, gloves and work boots. Without OSAP she will be forced to come up with the money another way. “Less funding will have me pulling and searching for loans elsewhere,” said Duplessis. After graduation many people will struggle to find jobs and this news made her fear for the worst. “Looking for and finding work is already a huge reality check when you graduate with your diploma,” said Duplessis. “Adding more debt to pay is an even more harsh reality for the
student.” Duplessis is concerned for herself and others who heavily rely on receiving tuition assistance. “We are all in the same boat, so receiving less of a loan than usual will be devastating,” said Duplessis. Raquel Raymundo, 30, an employability skills developer at the YMCA, is currently completing her post graduate studies in human resources. She is concerned she may now be falling into more debt. She also worries about other students who are now in her position. “I feel that students will not be able to complete their studies,” said Raymundo. Raymundo is working on
ways to gather up money for her next semester, but so far, has not seemed to have had a lot of luck. “I will need to take a semester off school to save up for the following semester,” said Raymundo. Raymundo believes the cuts will cause a decrease in the numbers of students applying to college and university due to the short amount of time to pay back the money they have borrowed. “OSAP interest rates are high,” said Raymundo. Understanding when and how OSAP is repaid can also be confusing and frustrating. For more information regarding the OSAP changes visit www.ontario.ca/osap.
LOCAL NEWS PAGE 2
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
Students respond to Ontario government’s proposed 10 per cent tuition cuts Trisha Kundu
Mediaplex Examiner
University and college students in Windsor say they worry about changes to OSAP by the provincial government that could lead to possible struggles in debt payment. The proposed tuition changes will also eliminate free tuition for low-income students and people from families earning less than $50,000 per year. University of Windsor students and graduates held a rally on Jan. 24, protesting changes to the provincial program that makes it easier for students to afford post-secondary education. “We are outraged that (Doug Ford’s government) has decided that it is not worth it to fund our education. We are outraged that he is cutting the budgets of universities across the province ... which here in Windsor means a $10 million cut to our
institutional funding,” said Angela Zhu, one of the organizers of the rally. The recent announcement made by the Ford government has received widespread criticism for making policies favouring affluent students. Activist Bree Arbor said she is supporting and attending the rally on behalf of all those students who drop out of universities because they cannot afford it. “Our long-term goals are not just to overcome these recent cuts to OSAP but to actually advocate for a totally free education and a more democratic university,” said Arbor Merrilee Fullerton, minister of training, colleges and universities announced on Jan. 17 the average domestic college student will be saving $340 per year and university undergraduates will be saving between
$600 to $1,000 for the 2019-20 academic year. However, colleges and universities will have to decide in terms of what they need to do to change, adapt and innovate to cope with the recent cut, said Fullerton. The 10 per cent tuition cut would take about $360 million away from universities and $80 million from colleges. St. Clair College will be losing over $3 million as a part of their revenue collected from student tuition said Vice-President of College Communications and Community Relations, John Fairley. “What we are more worried about is the selection of what students want to pick and choose from our student governments,” said Fairley. “Whether it’s our Student Representative Council here in Windsor and downtown Wind-
sor campus (or Thames Student Inc.) which is the corporate student government in our Chatham campus. So, we are worried because a lot of the things they do is a part of the student experience.” Fullerton also announced on Thursday that students can choose which organizations their tuition fee will go towards, with the exception of health, sports and safety programs. St. Clair College student Tori Roovers said if SRC is not getting the coverage it deserves from the provincial government then it will be very tricky for students to enjoy proper representation and college experience. “It’s frustrating to say the least. It’s very frustrating, but right now what can you do, except to roll with the punches,” said Roovers.
Number of reported student conduct issues at St. Clair College decreases By Cody Wall
Mediaplex Examiner
To some students, harassment and other issues that fall under the student code remain a sensitive topic, but St. Clair College seems to be heading in a better direction. On Jan. 22 the St. Clair College Board of Governors reviewed the number of reported issues under St. Clair’s Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities policy. The number of non-academic issues filed dropped from 21 in Fall 2017 to 14 in Fall 2018. The decrease in reported issues comes at a time when St. Clair has seen a 21.6 per cent increase in enrollment. Issues falling under the Code
of Student Rights and Responsibilities policy are not only non-academic issues such as harassment and or physical assault. For example plagiarism also fall under the code. While the reported number of issues has dropped this fall, many students located on St. Clair’s campuses remain reluctant to discuss the topic. Reeghan Cincelli feels St. Clair has done a good job informing students on ways to prevent and handle issues. “I think it’s pretty safe here,” said Cincelli. “They promote stuff really well around here and they offer services if you are ever in need of them.” Beth Pirouet is a college resolu-
tions officer for St. Clair College who is responsible for ensuring reported issues are handled in an appropriate way. Both sides of the reported issue are given a fair opportunity to tell their side of the story, she said. “I always say to students when they come and see me, ‘I may be a college administrator but my role is very much an impartial one,’” said Pirouet. “I’ve dealt with matters that have been student-to-student, staff-to-student and student-to-staff and I’ve always maintained that middle. There are always two sides to every story.” One of the most common concerns when reporting someone for their behaviour is many peo-
ple do not want to get a peer expelled from the college. However, Pirouet said each case is dealt with differently and the punishment varies on the severity of the actions. “The code is not set up to be a penalty to students but rather it is a tool that we use to help change and adjust behaviour midstream,” said Pirouet. If any student feels they have been in a situation that falls under the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities policy they are able to file the issue with a college resolution officer. With all information discussed being kept confidential unless otherwise required to be disclosed by the law.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
Essex County gains bus service By Pranav Patel
Mediaplex Examiner
The Municipality of Leamington has announced they will soon start an intercommunity bus service. It is receiving $606,000 from the Provincial Ministry of Transportation “Community Transportation Grant Program” stream. According to the municipality’s website, funding for the new transportation will go to Leamington, Kingsville, Essex Windsor. The new bus transportation route will be available from Monday to Friday and will travel to Leamington, Kingsville, Essex and St. Clair College with buses
running twice a day. “Access to transportation significantly impacts the economic development, health and overall quality of life in our community,” said Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “An intercommunity bus service is vital for residents to reach healthcare services, education and employment opportunities and social services. It is also essential for the expansion of our local businesses and labour force.” Chirantan Jikkar, 23, has been studying in the electrical and computer engineering program for the last four months at the University of Windsor. “New bus transportation can be very helpful to me because it will
save money,” said Jikkar. He said he is very happy with this new route and it will have a great impact on students. “If I travel by taxi or Uber it cost, me $200 to $300 every month.” said Jikkar. Jikkar said the bus will take time to reach the workplace because it will stop at several places but it is fair. “New bus transportation will have a positive impact.” Chris Vander Doelen is a retired journalist and currently a member of the Town of Essex Council. He thinks the new bus service is very important. “There are businesses in the county that workers can’t get to,” said Vander Doelen. “At the mo-
ment, the greenhouse industries in Kingsville and Leamington need hundreds of workers and many unemployed people who live in Windsor cannot get there due to a lack of transportation. This new bus transportation will connect employers with hundreds of people who need jobs.” He said the most important things is people can get around without having a vehicle. Buying a vehicle in Ontario is expensive compared to 20 years ago because of government increases in fees and taxes. “I’m hoping it will reduce unemployment in the City of Windsor. It is a powerful boost for the economy,” said Vander Doelen.
Windsor-Essex opts in for Cannabis shops By Max de Liberato Mediaplex Examiner
Several towns in Windsor-Essex County have decided to allow cannabis retail stores. The federal government gave provinces the responsibility for rolling out the sale of cannabis. Essex Town Council member Chris Vander Doelen said a positive impact that comes from cannabis retail stores is the small blip of tax revenue each store will bring. If the business is valued at $1 million then the town could see approximately another $1,000 in tax money. The more separate locations that open the more tax revenue can be collected by the town.
According to Vander Doelen, cannabis retail stores will open up job opportunities, roughly five to eight per location, most of which will be part-time. “(Jobs) which are always good in a small town where there are spouses at home raising kids where they have time for a part-time job but not for a full-time job,” said Vander Doelen. A key argument against allowing retail stores was concern about youth access to cannabis. Reported in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, there was a 27 per cent reduction in the number of adolescents with easy access to cannabis. This study occurred shortly after some states in the U.S.
legalized medicinal or recreational cannabis. “Once there’s one viable, solid, reliable retail outlet, that will knock out probably 100 of those part-time sales people (street vendors),” said Vander Doelen. Municipalities allowing cannabis retail stores must meet all of the eligibility criteria set out in the Cannabis Licence Act of 2018 and its regulations. LaSalle councilor Mark Carrick had this to say about his municipality’s decision to opt out. “It doesn’t make sense to opt in to something you don’t qualify for,” said Carrick. “We’re not in line, we’re not number 10 out of 20.” Carrick said LaSalle does not
qualify due to its small population of just over 30,000 people. The minimum to qualify for a license was 50,000 residents. “It is legal, so if that’s what people want, we’ll apply,” said Carrick, when asked about future changes to eligibility. LaSalle can opt in at any time Vander Doelen said in December only he and one other council member were leaning towards opting in, but after pressure from constituents the vote passed unanimously. Vander Doelen said there have been only 25 licenses issued in Ontario for cannabis retail stores. “It’s an experiment and it will be really interesting to see how it turns out,” said Vander Doelen.
Immigrants talk of experiencing adapting to life in Windsor By Ashley Gholampoor Mediaplex Examiner
A local man has been living in Canada for more than 30 years after fleeing his birthplace in the Middle East. Mohammad Memariani, 70, is originally from Iran but moved to Canada in 1987. According to Memariani there were many problems in his country and the only thing he could do was bring along his family, including his wife and three children. “We left the country to go to Turkey where the United Nations are,” said Memariani. “We gave them our story and they accepted us as refugees. We had to stay there for 17 months.” Memariani said there were many opportunities offered to them and whichever country came first is the one they would
go to. He said Canada was the first country so his family were all interviewed and they moved here. Memariani is not alone. Thousands of people come to Canada every year. Dawn Dhillon, 51, moved toCanada a year and a half ago. Dhillon and her family left England to start her own business and to be closer to her brother and sister. She is currently studying in the landscape and horticulture program at St. Clair College. Canada is giving Dhillon the opportunity to have the education she needs to open her own business of gardening and landscape work. She said she currently does not have a job because it would be too much to manage her family of five children, a marriage and studying
full-time. Not only did both Memariani and Dhillon leave their countries behind, they also left their jobs. In Iran Memariani was working as a chief executive at the Ministry of Commerce. He said when he arrived in Canada, it was a month-long wait to get a job as a salesman. He now owns a convenience store in Amherstburg. “I was a teaching assistant in a kindergarten school,” said Dhillon. “It was a very funny job, lots of great memories.” Memariani said Iran has strict assimilation laws, but his family have been treated wonderfully by Canadians. There were no problems adapting to the small changes and everyone in his family are happy to be here. “I was quite familiar with the situation in this country,” said
Memariani. “Prior to that, I was in Australia and with the way of life everything is practically the same.” Even though Memarani’s family adapted well, Dhillon says her family had a difficult time adjusting. “The hardest thing was the long cold winter last year. I have never seen so much snow or been so cold in my life,” said Dhillon. Dhillon would like to move back, but said she would be quitting and giving up on a new adventure before it has started. Memariani said he would only visit Iran, but moving back there would be a different story. “I don’t know about tomorrow, but I’m 70 years old,” said Memariani. “I don’t know how many more years I am going to be alive.”
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
Government review of class sizes adds fuel to fire
By Madeline Mazak Mediaplex Examiner
A petition sweeping Facebook has received thousands of signatures from educators who oppose larger class sizes suggested by the provincial Progressive Conservative government. The petition gained momentum last week when Education Minister Lisa Thompson announced the government’s intention to review the need for caps on class sizes in elementary levels kindergarten to Grade 3. Class sizes are currently capped at 29 students with a hard cap of 32. The proposal has been met with opposition from educators across Ontario who believe larger classes will reduce the quality of education. “I think the Ford government is robbing Peter to pay Paul and not looking at the big picture when it comes to education,” said Laura Parent-Pearn, an early childhood educator at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School. “If we don’t educate our children properly,in the future we’re going to be in trouble. I think education should be number one. If we don’t have educated people, what will our society be like?” According to WECDSB, the kindergarten curriculum focuses on an inquiry-based approach to learning. The lessons are guided by the interests of the children. Teachers incorporate educational activities into the day to give children the opportunity to explore their interests. Parent-Pearn, who has worked for the Windsor-Essex Catho-
lic District School Board for 25 years said it is already challenging enough for educators to apply the inquiry-based approach with current class sizes. “If you’re missing key points you could be missing a spark of a child’s interest,” said Parent-Pearn. “If you’re not there to ignite it, that spark could be depleted. That’s heartbreaking.” Christina Benneian, an early childhood educator at Sandwich West Public School said she cannot imagine having more children in her class. With three adults in a class of 27, they are still falling short of providing the children with the individual attention they desperately need when they are 3.5 to five years old. “It’s a struggle,” said Benneian who has been an ECE teacher for seven years. “It’s a beautiful program and if it functions properly it works so well, but it’s so hard to get it functioning properly when there’s so many kids.” Benneian said she predicts there will be more behavioural challenges seen in classrooms if class sizes are increased. She said dedicating time to teaching lessons about sharing, kindness and self-regulation will be challenging with more children. “I know this is all about money,” said Benneian. “But I really genuinely feel you’ll save so much money later on in your education if you invest in it early. Money needs to be invested in the little ones. If they don’t have a solid foundation, it makes everything that much harder.”
Lisa Thompson said no decisions have been made yet in regard to cutting the caps on class sizes in kindergarten and primary grades. The Ford government has implemented belt-tightening measures to cut down the deficit racked up by the previous Liberal government. The Tories have pinpointed Ontario’s debt at $15 billion. In the Ford government’s first major fiscal report since taking office in June, the government announced it had successfully trimmed $500 million off the provincial debt The announcement to review the need for caps on class sizes is another blow to educators in a series of financial cuts rolled out since Premier Doug Ford took office. The latest was in December when the Ford government eliminated $25 million in funding for education programs. Thompson said she hopes to have constructive consultations with all education stakeholders to ensure the appropriate decision is reached. The Canadian Union of Public Employee said in a press release Thursday all government MPPs are invited to visit Ontario classrooms to see the challenges education workers face, pointing to a disconnect between government and the reality in classrooms across the province. “The Ford government needs to look at the whole picture before a sound decision can be made,” said Darlene Sawchuck, president of CUPE 1358. “My biggest concern is that they won’t do that. Removing caps on class sizes will be detrimen-
tal to early learners. Without a doubt.” Sawchuck represents over 500 school support workers within the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board. She said the effects of increasing class sizes are more far-reaching than Doug Ford realizes. According to Sawchuck, “piling additional responsibilities onto support staff who are already overworked” could have psychological and emotional effects. She said teacher coaches and teacher-run after-school activities may be lost because teachers will be too burned out. Sawchuck said the quality of education will decline if numbers in classrooms increase. “Teachers won’t have time to tune into what kids are inquiring about,” said Sawchuck. “Will the model change? I think it might. Will the way children experience education in their early years change? Yes, it will.” Sawchuck said removing caps on class sizes is a slippery slope and the Ford government should not make a decision by only considering “dollars and cents.” Sawchuck said there is a school coalition meeting among education workers in Windsor Essex this week to discuss the point at issue. While she will not be attending, other local representatives will. As government consultations with key stakeholders unfold, Sawchuck said she hopes the voices of educators are heard and a decision on removing the caps on class sizes will not be taken lightly.
Exterminators say Windsor, Chatham experiencing bed bug problem By Manvir Kaur Mediaplex Examiner
Bed bugs have become a major concern for many Windsorites and a recent report from Orkin Canada puts Windsor in the top 10 list for bed bugs infestations. According to Orkin Canada, bed bugs often hide in hard to find places and are capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from near freezing up to 50 degrees celsius. A bedbug bite can take as long as 14 days to appear and can happen anywhere on the body. Bites are often found on the face, neck,
legs and chest. Ranupreet Bains, 25, is a student in the International Business management course at St. Clair College. “When I experienced the first bites of bed bugs I assumed that I was getting bitten by mosquitoes, but after some time I came to know about bed bugs from my friends when my whole body turned a red colour and made it itchy,” said Bains. Bed bugs are mostly active at night with peak activity around 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. They typically feed every seven to ten days although some have
survived for more than a year without a meal. According to Orkin Canada, Windsor is in the ninth position on the top 10 for worst cities in Canada for bed bugs. Chris Ortner, 45, is an Orkin Canada branch manager in Windsor. “The main cause behind the increase in bed bugs is people are moving around much more,” said Ortner. “So, people are travelling more and they are bringing bedbugs with them.” According to Ortner, bed bugs are more likely to be found in Windsor- Essex, Chatham-Kent compared to other areas of the
country. Bed bugs reproduce by having a blood meal from humans and are the size of an apple seed. According to Ortner, it does not matter if you are male, female, rich or poor, it makes no difference to bed bugs. “Usually the bed bugs are hosting wherever you are sleeping or resting,” said Ortner.” “So it could be on the bed, couch and chair. There is zero concern if bed bugs bite somebody and then bite you, no kind of disease will be transmitted from one person to another person through bedbugs.”
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
tinue foraging their garden. The Bondys are beginning to experience similar push back from neighbours. “We are sort of an anomaly in south Windsor,” said Jessica. “The (neighbour) next door told us we don’t take care of our yard as well as last year because we let the weeds grow. But really we were observing to see what grows naturally, what thrives … .” Currently, the couple is unaware of any other permaculture enthusiasts in the city and is hoping this blog will connect them with like-minded people and those interested in learning. According to Food Tank there are over one million people certified in permaculture in over 140 countries with approximately 40,000 projects on the ground. Permaculture can be KAMYRN CUSUMANO/MediaPlex Examiner used anywhere in the world Permaculture and sustainable living bloggers Jessica and T.J. Bondy. and can help combat malnutrition in countries like Malawi. Johnstone and the Bondys said they believe the city could stand to benefit from permaculture design especially considering the annual flood damage in the city. By Kamryn Cusumano could benefit from these techHawkes know this contention “There is massive potential Mediaplex Examiner niques. well. The two practiced perfor flood and drought mitiga“It circulates around growing maculture in the west side of tion,” said Johnstone. “One A Windsor couple is hoping food and how we get our food,” Windsor for almost three years of the main problems we face to inspire a cultural shift in the said T.J. “That’s the base of it. before moving to northern Onhere is flooding. Using good city with their new blog. But it also has to do with how tario. Both their front and back permaculture design so much The Border City Hippies blog we interact with the natural yards were stocked full of meof the flooding problems can be was launched two weeks ago world around us.” dicinal and edible plants. Their dealt with.” by Jessica and T.J. Bondy. The Bondy was surprised when her neighbours made two official He said there is massive poself-proclaimed hippies study Instagram story of her hydrocomplaints to the city. tential to using permaculture and implement techniques of ponically grown lettuce gained “I guess you could call it a design to save the city money. sustainable agriculture known so much attention. misunderstanding and not just “You could spend millions as permaculture. Their hope “I made a video about it and letting things go and growing on a new sewer system,” said is to introduce Windsorites to got so much feedback from weeds,” said Johnstone. “We Johnstone. “[That] only covers permaculture, learn from others people being like ‘I didn’t even were growing weeds, but what a small portion of the city, or who are implementing similar think about this,’” said Bondy. does that mean? They were millions of dollars of permaculmethods and invite the com“How many times have you weeds that we knew what we ture design and implementation munity to join them on their heard people saying they can’t were doing with. So there’s a of green spaces. [There is] a journey. afford fresh vegetables. Out of lack of understanding. This ridiculous amount of work you “What can we do to make this $10 lettuce it lasted us three is out of the norm and people could get done that will have our lives more interconnected months and it only died bedon’t really know what it is.” huge benefits.” with this nature and make it a cause we stopped watering it.” Johnstone said the beginning T.J. said he hopes their blog beneficial relationship?” asked The Bondys said a key principhases of growing a forest will spark interest in this lifeBondy. “There’s a sustainable ple in permaculture is allowing garden often look unruly. Acstyle. The couple worries about movement where we’re gonature to grow while limiting cording to Johnstone, good soil the state of the environment ing to continue to not kill our human intervention. In the requires biomass which means and hopes Windsorites will environment and not overuse spring they will refrain from growing a lot of stuff in a small see how much fun and easy resources. Permaculture now is controlling or manipulating space which can look wild. Due permaculture is as a sustaingoing one step further than usthe growth of their yard to an to complaints the couple was able solution to combating ing the word sustainable they’re extent. The Bondys will observe visited by their ward councilor, climate change. Jessica said she using the word regenerative. how nature grows, learn from the local environmental master is looking forward to developActually, growing more natural it and work with it rather than planner, a plant expert and a ing permaculture in the city in environment.” fight it. naturalist from Objibway to hopes that one day there will The Bondys have been studyTheir plans include a forest identify the plants. be a course offered at St. Clair ing and implementing pergarden in their backyard with “The master plan lady was College about these techniques. maculture techniques in their fruit trees and medicinal plants. really digging the whole water “I think the biggest thing we home and yard for the last two The front yard will have ornacatchment mitigation of floods,” can have an impact on is culturyears. Permaculturists study the mental looking plants to keep said Johnstone. “We were also al shift,” said T.J. “These things natural world and use designs up appearances with neighshowing her all these plants matter and we can do things that mimic those processes. bours. A point of contention that were pollinators.” about them and it’s not going With innovative design, permaand a possible barrier permaThe couple sufficiently demonto be terrible. It’s going to be culturists aim to meet human culturists face in the city is how strated their knowledge of these cool.” needs while contributing posineighbours perceive their yards. plants and their use to the city To learn more visit www. tively back to the environment. Simon Johnstone and Ellery that they were allowed to conbordercityhippies.com They said they believe Windsor
Local bloggers hope to introduce permaculture to Windsor
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EMMA BUTLER/MediaPlex Examiner
Students interact face to face with potential employers at annual job fair.
Students gathered at St. Clair for annual job fair By Emma Butler Mediaplex Examiner
This year marked the 20th year in a row that St. Clair College and University of Windsor partnered to host Southwestern Ontario’s largest job fair. On Jan. 23 St. Clair’s SportsPlex housed the job fair which included over 108 employers and more than 3,000 advanced registrations. Job fairs are an opportunity for graduating students to speak face-to-face with representatives and professionals from local, national and international companies. The companies that were represented at this job fair offered a range of opportunities from jobs in farming, medical and engineering to jobs in border security Windsor police and the RCMP.
The Canadian Armed Forces attended the job fair to search for the best recruits. Sgt. Sandra Harding was one of the members assisting with scouting. “In the Windsor location— we have three different units the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment, the 31 Service Battalion and the Windsor Regiment. We have 14 different part-time careers available that we are hiring for today,” said Harding. “We’ve spoken to a lot of people with interest and we keep directing everyone to our Forces.ca website.” Karen Gill-Gore, the St. Clair College associate vice president employment and training Services was happy to announce how successful this year’s job fair was. “This is our largest in terms of employer attendance as well we
are expecting it to be a banner event for our student attendees,” said Gill-Gore. This year, a new way to keep updated on the job fair was introduced— the Job Fair app. It helped students prepare for the event, showed a list of employers that attended and had great details of what happens at a job fair. The app was in place to help students before and after the event. The app helps students post-job fair by allowing them to interact with employers and keep updated on future job fairs. Many students registered in advance for the event however this job fair had more students than expected. Most of these students were coming from the University of Windsor in search for a job right after graduation. Nathan Anthony who studied
four years in engineering at the University of Windsor attended his first job fair hoping to find a good placement. “Looks like there are a lot of companies here which is awesome,” said Anthony. “There are also a lot of students here too, so I think it will be really competitive, but everything is going good so far.” Some graduates have a hard time getting a job right after college or university. The unemployment rate in Windsor in 2018 was 5.9 per cent on average which can have a negative impact on students getting jobs right of school. Job fairs create channels which allow students access to the employer. The 2019 job fair is the largest and most successful job fair since it first according to St. Clair College.
Young councilors needed in Essex Amo Dhillon
their local government operates. The candidate for the position Essex is on the lookout for would have to be under the young councilors. age of 18 and already involved Councilors in the town of Essex with school programs such as are currently in the process of student council. recruiting younger citizens as There are youth councilors all they hope to get new ideas that over Canada who give input will help the community. with education, employment The town has put an advertise- and life experiences. The list of ment in local papers offering current young councilors can any young persons in Essex be viewed on Canada.ca. the opportunity to become a Zander Affleck from Yellowcouncil member for two years, knife and Habon Ali from either for wards 1 and 2 or Toronto are two examples of wards 3 and 4. young councilors in Canada. This is voluntary work alLarry Snively is the mayor of though it will give the chosen Essex. He said he believes this candidate the opportunity to is a great way to find young give their ideas on current people and see what the issues issues at board meetings and are, plus it shows young peoto help them understand how ple how their town works. Mediaplex Examiner
“We’re looking for young councilors/students to get in because we want know what the issues are so we can help then out within the schools,” said Snively. “We want to help them to understand how their towns operate, that’s exactly why we have the councilors.” Snively said young councilors have been put into positions before, providing help with youth programs. “The one youth councilor we had last year had a lot of great ideas. She would come to council meetings, have ideas of how to raise money, fundraising for different charity groups,” said Snively. “She was involved with youth programs which helped us to know what their concerns were
and the next direction council should go.” Jeff Renaud is a councilor in LaSalle. He said all councils should be getting more young residents. “More young people are getting involved every year but the majority of the room is silver, “said Renaud referring to the older population on council. “People are turning to social media and this gives younger people an advantage.” Renaud said that communication and involvement within the community can build a person’s reputation in order to join council as a young individual. Anyone interested in the position should apply online no later than the Feb. 9 through
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Michelle Mainwaring at the Women’s March on Jan. 17, 2019
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
KAITLYNN KENNEY/MediaPlex Examiner
Rights march draws crowds in Windsor, Washington D.C. By Julianna Bonnett Mediaplex Examiner
The overnight journey from Windsor to Washington D.C. for the Women’s March was long and gruelling, but Michelle Mainwaring felt inspired and empowered when she saw the sunrise through the front window of the bus. It was Jan. 21, and Mainwaring, her sisters and dozens of other Canadians were ready to join more than a half-million other peaceful protesters from across North America in a march for women’s rights on the U.S. capital. Mainwaring said she’ll never forget the rush of walking off the bus into a sea of people chanting slogans and bearing signs with important messages about equality and the need for change. She said she felt the energy and the love but above all, she
said she felt she and her sisters were making history and witnessing the dawn of a new era. “I’ve done a lot in my life but I have never experience anything quite like this,” said Mainwaring, who explained she’s participated in a lot of rallies, but nothing quite like the Women’s March. “Each time I’ve participated, whether it was in Washington or Windsor, I felt such a connection to the people that came out.” Over two years ago the Women’s March on Washington saw more than half a million people who pushed for women’s rights and freedoms in a peaceful protest accompanied by a vigil. The idea caught on globally and now hundreds of thousands of people around the world take to the streets in solidarity. The Women’s March in Windsor took place on Jan. 17 with an anti-violence theme hon-
ouring women that have been murdered, gone missing or who have been deported. An estimated 150 men, children and women attended the march that started in front of the Canadian flag on Riverside Drive, many of whom were carrying photos of women to be remembered. Mainwaring was there to show her support. “I started paying attention more to the world around me and the politics of it when I had my son,” she continued. “This year’s big takeaway was unity and passion. I felt the love and support in the air for all these women that have gone missing or been murdered.” According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, on any given day more than 3,000 women and approximately 2,900 children in Canada sleep in shelters due to domestic violence.
Pat Papadeas, a law professor at St Clair College said before they can ensure that the Women’s March is having an effect on the public they must first look at the facts. “With bringing people together we can do what is absolutely necessary and that’s having the needed conversation about women’s rights not only in Canada but worldwide,” said Papadeas. “This year’s turn out for the march was amazing, but we will always have to keep moving forward and look to what charities can potentially help in raising awareness for the rights of women.” The Windsor march continued throughout the downtown area, followed by a silent vigil with participants saying the names of women who have gone missing or been murdered.
University of Windsor hosts Science on Tap
By Alex Scott
Mediaplex Examiner
Science, drinks and music: all available at Science on Tap. On Jan. 24 the University of Windsor hosted its first Science on Tap event of 2019 at the Alan Wildeman Centre for Creative Arts. These events are held approximately six times
per year and are usually conducted in a format similar to TED Talks where the staff and students get up and present their research. This time it was a little bit different. The university’s science department partnered with the School of Creative Arts to explore science through music, while still
including local beer and wine like previous events. Chris Houser who is a professor and dean of science at the University of Windsor hosted the event. “The ultimate purpose is for you to become interested in our research and want to learn a little bit more,” said Houser. The night was kicked off
by Dan Mennill who with the help of music students presented his research on bird songs. Mennill’s presentation was followed by displays of music inspired by physics, artificial intelligence and climate change. Some of the presentations also included assistance from people attending the event.
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Marvel Day display in honour of the event
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
JOYCE ST. ANTOINE/ MediaPlex Examiner
Marvel Day Celebration By Joyce St. Antoine
tivities inside,” said Keith Lessard, a parent who attended the event with his son, who was It was a Marvel-ous Day at dressed as Captain America. the Windsor Public Library. Marvel Comics, officially named On Jan. 7, the central branch in 1961, encompassed publiin downtown Windsor host- cation brands such as Timly ed its fifth fandom day celebra- Comics, Timely Publications, tion having previously hon- Atlas Comics and Magazine oured Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Management. In 1961 the comStar Wars, and Game of Thrones. pany launched The Fantastic Children and their parents Four and other superhero titles came dressed as Marvel char- from Stan Lee and many others. acters including Thor, Black Alexandra Obradovich is a Panther, The Thing, Spi- public service librarian from der-Man and many others. the Forest Glade branch and de“It’s a great idea, it’s so cold cided to take on the role of the outside and it’s nice to have manager for this event. Marvel the kids come out and do ac- Celebration is the newest event Mediaplex Examiner
in the fandom program series. “It’s a great way to get families to come together and to enjoy and have fun. We have a lot of materials in the library that are Marvel-based, so it’s a great way to promote literacy. It’s a great way to get people in the library,” said Obradovich. Activities includedbutton making, crafting Captain America’s Shield, decorating superhero cookies, becoming a comic book artist, a children’s obstacle course and Marvel based trivia. Since October of 2017 the library has found that these
events a popular way to bring more families into the building. “We think it’s more important for families to come and have fun. Come, spend some time together, bond, learn what other people like in your family and just come and have a great time,” said Erin Ritchie, library service representative of the Riverside branch. “It’s also good for promoting literacy and the love of coming to the library. You don’t have to be quiet at the library, you can come, enjoy yourself and make some noise.” It is undetermined what and when the next program will be.
Local company teams up with Disney for braille colouring book
By Cassidy McNea Mediaplex Examiner
A local company is creating Disney colouring books for those with visual impairments. Earlier this year Tactile Vision Graphics partnered with the Walt Disney Company in order top help create braille books for several Disney classics. Since opening the shop in April 2015 owners Rebecca and Emmanuel Blaevoet have produced braille greeting cards, calendars, themed colouring books and maps. The couple approached
Disney in October with the idea. The first book is expected to be released by the end of January and feature classic Mickey Mouse characters along with puzzles and mazes. According to the contract, 15 more books are to follow over a three year period. “My husband has been thinking about it ever since we started this company,” said Blaevoet. “He thought wouldn’t it be great to have braille books that would show what the Disney characters look like. Just because vision impaired people miss out on that and it’s a rich part of North
American popular culture.” I would get lost in the deEach page of every book has tails and get the blind person to be printed separately in a lost in the details as well.” process which raises the lines Fewer than 10 per cent of on the page so they can be the 1.3 million people who felt. A colouring book takes are legally blind in the Unitweeks to create and costs ed States are braille readaround US$15. At the end of ers. In fact, most of the each design stage the colour- Blaevoets’ customers are loing book has to be sent for ap- cated outside of Windsor proval in order to ensure the and the Disney books will be image is Disney authorised. sold across North America. “It requires a lot of concen“For a print reader they’re tration on the computer,” just Disney colouring books,” said Emmanuel who designs said Rebecca. “But for a the books. “I can’t draw to braille reader they’re a chance save my life but I design in to ‘see’ the characters for the a meaningful way for blind first time.” people … if I took an art class