Last week, an investigative report by Journal Métro revealed that churches across several Christian denominations in Montreal were enacting sexual orientation change efforts (SOCEs) for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, a practice more commonly known as conversion therapy. Although it was officially criminalized by federal law last year, these churches perpetuate the psychologically[Read More…]
Articles by McGill Tribune Editorial Board
Montreal must offer community encampments anti-colonial housing solutions
On March 22, the Mobile Legal Clinic and associated lawyers went to court demanding that the provincial government stop its eviction of more than a dozen houseless people under Montreal’s Ville-Marie Expressway. The encampment has been occupied for over six years, during which the residents were subject to police raids[Read More…]
It’s time Quebec funds trans futures, not transphobia
Just two months ago, McGill students raised their voices against the Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism hosting a transphobic talk by Robert Wintemute, whose work at the LGB Alliance denies the fundamental rights of trans people under the guise of protection for cisgender gay, lesbian, and bisexual people.[Read More…]
Winter 2023 SSMU referendum endorsements
The McGill Tribune Editorial Board presents their endorsements for the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Winter 2023 referendum questions. Creation of the Legal Essentials Plan Fee: Yes The Tribune endorses a “yes” vote for this $30 per-year opt-outable fee that would finance legal support, provided by Studentcare, “for housing,[Read More…]
Three meals a day keep the protests away
Fifteen dollars for a box of raspberries. Eleven for a slice of pizza. Eight for a package of popcorn. This is the reality for students eating at McGill cafeterias. On March 7, Let’s Eat McGill, a collective of concerned student activists, held an assembly to discuss and mobilize around the[Read More…]
Parliament Hill must address the root causes of the migrant crisis
Last year, around 39,000 refugees entered Canada through Roxham Road, an illegal border-crossing site between New York and Quebec, which requires an extremely dangerous journey on foot. This past January, almost 5,000 were reported to have crossed the site into the province. The situation has sparked heated debate at Parliament[Read More…]
Journalism’s only vocal when it’s local
On Jan. 26, Postmedia, a Toronto-based media conglomerate and the parent company of over 130 local newspapers across Canada, including The Montreal Gazette, revealed its plan to lay off 11 per cent of its total editorial staff. This devastating decision, made in a Toronto boardroom, will put up to 10[Read More…]
Representation, not impersonation
On Feb. 7, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond returned her honorary degree from Royal Roads University. This is the second honorary degree she has returned—one of 11 she received, including from McGill—after an investigation late last year by the CBC called her claims of Indigenous identity into question. The Canadian lawyer and[Read More…]
Targeting Elghawaby is a bigoted political play
On Jan. 26, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Amira Elghawaby as the country’s first federal representative on combating Islamophobia. Within mere days of her appointment, various politicians and Members of Parliament began calling for the resignation of the Canadian journalist, communications professional, and human rights activist. Elghawaby was accused[Read More…]
Stricter bail is a far cry from justice
On Jan. 13, all of Canada’s premiers signed a letter addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging him to take immediate action in enforcing stricter bail measures. Such reform would place the onus on the accused to qualify for bail, increase the number of people held in jail without trial,[Read More…]
Privatizing health care won’t fix a failing system
The Quebec health-care system is in a state of crisis. ER wait times are dangerously high, and there is a chronic lack of staff—including nurses who are exceptionally underpaid and overworked. Amidst a similar crisis in Ontario, Premier Doug Ford unveiled plans to increase the role of private clinics in[Read More…]
In debating existence, expect resistance
On Jan. 10, McGill University’s Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism (CHRLP) planned to host a talk entitled “Sex vs. Gender (Identity) Debate In the United Kingdom and the Divorce of LGB from T.” The debate featured Robert Wintemute, a human rights professor and lawyer with ties to the[Read More…]
The Wellness Hub can’t solve McGill’s mental health crisis
Content warning: Mentions of suicide Funded by a $14 million donation, McGill opened its Student Wellness Hub in 2019. Since its inception, the centre has been understaffed and strained by unreasonably long wait times for students seeking help. At McGill, there is an urgent need for accessible mental health services[Read More…]
SSMU executive midterm reviews
President – Risann Wright (she/her) Risann Wright campaigned on a platform of facilitating policy-driven and equity-focused institutional change at SSMU. Over the summer and Fall 2022, Wright has been actively fulfilling these objectives. She created an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) working group to develop an EDI plan that promotes[Read More…]
Protecting disability rights is the only way forward
On Nov. 16, Quebec’s Health Minister Christian Dubé recommended the use of face masks in public spaces again. In a press conference, he cited the rise in COVID-19 cases as well as the uptick in respiratory syncytial virus and influenza cases as a serious risk to public safety. What is[Read More…]
First, eliminate random traffic stops. Then, abolish the police.
The federal government has until Nov. 25 to appeal a Quebec Superior Court ruling that ended random traffic stops in Quebec—which the court argued is an iteration of racial profiling that disproportionately affects Black people. The case was brought to the court by Joseph-Christopher Luamba, a 22-year-old Black resident from[Read More…]
Unionize McGill
On Nov. 8, the Association of McGill Professors of Law (AMPL) became McGill’s first professor’s union. The AMPL, which represents tenured and tenure-track professors, filed to certify their union in November 2021. However, they faced a combative McGill administration that attempted to discredit the AMPL’s attempts every step of the[Read More…]
Abolish migrant prisons now
On Oct. 25, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) opened a new migrant detention centre in Laval, Quebec. Canadian provinces, often in accordance with CBSA contracts, forcefully detain migrants for “administrative reasons” and continue to incarcerate many for indefinite periods of time. The excuse of administrative detention undermines the violent[Read More…]
Self-determination, not colonial intervention
Content Warning: Mentions of sexual and colonial violence Amidst endemic gang violence, fuel blockades, and a cholera outbreak in Haiti, the United Nations (UN) Security Council is considering a military intervention to support the Western-backed central government. Foreign incursions have already begun, with Canada and the United States sending military[Read More…]
Our unconscionable role in the Uyghur genocide
On Oct. 18, the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) hosted a series of events entitled “Support Uyghur Rights” to raise awareness about the Uyghur genocide and to encourage students to take action. The event highlighted McGill’s involvement in the Uyghur genocide through an examination of the university’s unconscionable endowment[Read More…]
Hockey culture must be dismantled from the bottom up
Content warning: Mentions of sexual violence, hazing, and sexism On Oct. 11, Hockey Canada CEO Scott Smith and the entire board of directors resigned from their positions after weeks of scrutiny over the organization’s handling of sexual assault allegations. Several major sponsors like Tim Hortons and the Bank of Nova[Read More…]
Say no to the colonial status quo
Content warning: Colonial violence The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday honouring those impacted by Canada’s residential school system, was held on Sept. 30. Despite the significance of this day, McGill did not give students the day off school, unlike many universities across Canada. Meanwhile, McGill[Read More…]
Say her name—Jina Amini
Iran is experiencing its second week of protests following the murder of Jina (Mahsa) Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman tortured and killed in Tehran by ‘morality’ police forces for improperly wearing a hijab. Since Jina’s death, dozens of protesters have been killed, thousands more have been arrested, and the government[Read More…]
Show up to the polls—and for your community
On Oct. 3, voters from across the province will head to the polls to elect the new members of the National Assembly of Quebec. After years of public health mismanagement, untenable costs of housing and food due to inflation, and the controversial passing of Bill 96 and Bill 21, the[Read More…]
Mourning the Queen celebrates a violent legacy
CW: Colonial violence On Sept. 8, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom died following a series of health complications. As a member state of the Commonwealth, Canada has commenced a 10-day national mourning period. The House of Commons was convened on Thursday to pay tribute to Elizabeth and to[Read More…]
McGill, what about Pakistan?
Over one third of Pakistan is underwater after devastating floods have killed over a thousand people and left millions displaced. The flooding is projected to worsen in the coming days and over 33 million people left unhoused are in dire need of humanitarian aid. But the McGill administration and student[Read More…]
The Church’s apology requires devoted action
On April 1, Pope Francis made a long-overdue apology to Indigenous peoples in Canada for the role Catholic leaders and administrators played in committing cultural genocide through the residential school system. The Pope called these leaders’ behaviour “deplorable” and asked for both God’s forgiveness and the forgiveness of Indigenous peoples[Read More…]
The Palestine Solidarity Policy must stand
On March 21, in a historic win for student activists, the Palestine Solidarity Policy, put together by Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights McGill (SPHR), passed at the Winter 2022 Referendum with a 71.1 per cent approval. This win came after Elections SSMU initially removed it from the ballot based on[Read More…]
Hear ye, hear ye: Floor fellows’ collective agreement is long overdue
On March 18, nearly two years after the expiration of the Collective Agreement (CA) between McGill and the Association of McGill University Support Employees (AMUSE) expired, a town crier announced that floor fellows would be going on strike to push the administration toward negotiations for better wages and working conditions.[Read More…]
SSMU Executive Endorsements 2022—2023
The McGill Tribune presents its endorsements for the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) 2022—2023 Executive team. President Bryan Buraga If elected, Bryan Buraga’s 2022-2023 term would be his second—he served as SSMU president during the 2019-2020 academic year. His experience is, unsurprisingly, extensive: He has in-depth knowledge of SSMU’s structures,[Read More…]
SSMU Winter 2022 referendum endorsements
Creation of French Accessibility Fee: No The stated goal of this semesterly $0.25 non-opt-outable fee is to promote advocacy, accessibility, and student rights for both Quebecois and international francophone students. If passed, an additional annual $12,000 would be added to the Commission des affaires francophones’ budget—but only five per cent[Read More…]
SSMU executives set a low bar for next year
In the latest scandal in a long line of occurrences that have kept elected student officials from fulfilling their duties, an anonymous Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) director spoke out about blatant racism within SSMU. More concerned with drama and airing out personal grievances, the 2021-2022 SSMU executive team[Read More…]
Decriminalization would place sex work in the foreground, not the underground
On International Sex Worker Rights Day, March 3, Montreal sex workers and advocates organized to call for the decriminalization of sex work in Canada. While the current law governing sex work—the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act, implemented in 2014—has received praise, it ultimately fails to adequately protect sex[Read More…]
McGill’s commitments to Black History Month require sustained action
On Feb. 1, an opening ceremony with keynote speaker Dr. James Jones marked the lineup of events for McGill’s fifth annual celebration of Black History Month. In an email to students, Principal and Vice-Chancellor Suzanne Fortier and Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Christopher Manfredi acknowledged that the work of McGill’s Anti-Black[Read More…]
The cancellation of the Dawson expansion cuts deeper divides
On Jan. 28, the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) government announced its decision to pull the $100-million grant dedicated to funding the expansion of Dawson College. Under the leadership of former Premier Philippe Couillard, the Quebec Liberal Party initially approved the project in 2018 to address the college’s overcrowded campus. Plans[Read More…]
The convoy should truck off
On Jan. 15, the federal government implemented a vaccine mandate for all cross-border essential workers, including truckers—meaning that unvaccinated drivers would have to quarantine for 14 days, and self-test after the eighth day whenever they enter Canada. Backlash has been fierce ever since, marked most obviously by the self-proclaimed “Freedom[Read More…]
Raising awareness will not end the mental health crisis
CW: Suicide, mental illness Jan. 26 marked the 12th annual Bell Let’s Talk day, an initiative designed by multi-billion dollar telecommunications company Bell that fundraises and spreads awareness about mental health. Despite the importance of destigmatizing mental illness, the reality of Bell’s actions cheapen their purported belief in championing mental[Read More…]
Closing the curtain on political theatre
On Jan. 20, Quebec Premier François Legault held a press conference in which he made two statements: First, that citizens should “stand in solidarity” with hospital workers, and second that they should “stay prudent.” Combined with the shifting recovery plans in light of the Omicron variant, these remarks show that[Read More…]
McGill’s rushed reopenings are reckless
On Jan. 6, just two days after the McGill School of Social Work announced that their classes would be held virtually until Feb. 24, the McGill administration sent a follow-up email stating that they had declined the plan. The move came as a surprise to students, especially considering the policy[Read More…]
A curfew cannot get us through the pandemic
Many living in Quebec experienced a sense of déjà vu when premier François Legault announced that his administration would once again impose a curfew in response to a shocking rise in cases of COVID-19. Put into effect Dec. 31, the move came just under one year after the province’s first[Read More…]
Abolish the SPVM
Content warning: Police violence, racism On Nov. 26, bystander video footage surfaced documenting two cases of police brutality against Black youth in Quebec. Pacifique Niyokwizera, an 18-year-old Black man, was waiting outside of a nightclub when five police officers brutalized him. In the same video, the same officers are seen[Read More…]
Students’ Society of McGill University Executive Midterm Reviews 2021-2022
Darshan Daryanani, president Darshan Daryanani’s time as president is difficult to evaluate due to his absence from every SSMU Legislative Council meeting of the Fall 2021 term and from all Board of Directors meetings since Oct. 7. Daryanani did continue to play minor roles on other committees, including McGill’s Centraide[Read More…]
Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Executive Midterm Reviews 2021-2022
Kristi Kouchakji, Secretary-General Kristi Kouchakji inherited a fraught portfolio––the Secretary-General position was vacant for a period of transition for the better part of last academic year, leaving Kouchakji with lots to catch up on. One of her objectives was to change the workplace culture within the Society by hiring more[Read More…]
Valuing equality over equity stunts science
On Nov. 24, The //National Post//’s Michael Higgins wrote an exclusive article titled “Minority professor denied grants because he hires on merit: ‘People are afraid to think.’” The article documents McGill chemistry professor Patanjali Kambhampati’s refusal to take part in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) hiring practices. Instead, Kambhampati wrote[Read More…]
Trans liberation requires multifaceted action
Transgender Day of Remembrance takes place every Nov. 20, and, while not officially acknowledged in Quebec, acts as a dedicated time to reflect on the lives of transgender, non-binary, and two-spirit individuals taken too soon. Trans individuals continually experience higher rates of violence than cisgender people, with racialized trans people[Read More…]
SSMU’s private failings should be public
On Nov. 8, The McGill Daily published an article detailing their efforts to investigate Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) president Darshan Daryanani’s ongoing absence. After reaching out to several councillors and staff as part of their investigation, Daily journalists received a hostile email from vice-president (VP) Internal Sarah Paulin,[Read More…]
U of T’s divestment sets a low bar that McGill refuses to reach
On Oct. 27, the University of Toronto (U of T) announced that it would divest from all its direct fossil fuel investments in the next 12 months, with plans to divest from all indirect investments by 2030. It also stated that it will take steps to curb more emissions than[Read More…]
Quebec’s new program takes an ignorant course
On Oct. 24, the Quebec government unveiled a new education program called Culture and Citizenship in Quebec (CCQ). The new course will take the place of the previous Ethics and Religious Culture (ERC) program. Intended to broaden student engagement with Quebec values, the program is currently undergoing a curriculum drafting[Read More…]
Land acknowledgements are not political, but should be accompanied by political action
On Oct. 16, a Montreal Canadiens announcer read a land acknowledgement aloud ahead of the team’s home opener at the Bell Centre, with the Canadiens having declared earlier that day that it will now be a permanent addition to their home games. On Oct. 20, Quebec’s non-Indigenous Indigenous Affairs minister,[Read More…]
In the minimum wage fight, a living wage is right
On Oct. 7, a group of anti-poverty advocacy groups and unions in Quebec, including La Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ), Syndicat de professionnelles et professionnels du gouvernement du Québec (SPGQ), and Collectif pour un Québec sans pauvreté, sent out a memo demanding that Quebec increase their minimum[Read More…]
Action is due against sexism in SSMU
On Sept. 22, The McGill Daily published an article shedding light on a long-standing culture of sexism and misogyny rampant within the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU). The article featured many accounts of past and present SSMU members who called out a culture of sexism within the Society. In[Read More…]
Quebec must answer for non-consensual sterilizations
Content warning: This article discusses forced sterilization, racism Radio-Canada recently aired an interview with a 44-year-old Haitian woman, Maria*, who claimed she was sterilized without consent at a Montreal hospital in 2018. She was asked if she wanted to undergo tubal ligation to prevent further pregnancies during her emergency C-section.[Read More…]
McGill should stop playing games with sports
Along with the return to classes, September brought with it the return of in-person athletic events. After more than a year and a half of isolation, students can finally unite behind the university’s talented varsity sports teams. Although the McGill community has welcomed the resumption of athletics on campus, many[Read More…]
Take note: It’s time to vote
Millions of students will head to the polls on Sept. 20 to vote in the federal election. With the semester underway and the pandemic here to stay, many people feel lost in a dizzying haze of parties, ideologies, and options. From climate change, to racial injustice, to more efficient healthcare,[Read More…]
Reopen properly or close prematurely
Thousands of students returned to the classroom on Sept. 1, 2021. For the first time in almost two years, lecture halls were packed, podiums were filled, and at last, friends from all over the world were reunited. But as welcome as these nostalgic campus scenes are, McGill’s current safety guidelines[Read More…]
Preventing gendered sexual violence requires systemic solutions
CLARIFICATION REGARDING DECLAN MCCOOL The editorial below, published on April 7, 2021, referred to an anonymous complaint that had been made against Declan McCool in 2020 shortly after he was elected to the position of Vice-President Internal of the Students Society of McGill University Despite reports in other media that the complaint had been[Read More…]
McGill must chart a new course into its third century
On March 31, McGill will celebrate its bicentennial anniversary. The occasion, dedicated to commemorating the university’s 200 years of “impact,” will feature virtual conferences showcasing research, a digital time capsule containing professors’ visions for the future of their fields, and a massive fundraising drive. Although it is important at this[Read More…]
Quebec’s denial of systemic racism impedes progress
On March 17, La Presse reported that a Saint-Eustache hospital had posted job placements for “white only” personal attendants. According to the hospital, a “difficult” patient that refused treatment by non-white individuals, prompted officials to search for a white orderly to cater to the patient’s preferences. Such discriminatory job postings[Read More…]
McGill 24 overlooks student demands
The annual McGill 24 fundraising event took place on March 10, with the university calling on its worldwide community—including alumni, faculty, staff and students—to donate. The funds raised contribute to McGill’s larger fundraising campaign, Made by McGill, which was introduced in September 2019 and seeks to raise two billion dollars[Read More…]
SSMU Winter 2021 referendum endorsements
Increase of the SSMU Membership Fee: Yes The proposed $1.20 increase to the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Membership Fee will go toward hourly wages for student senators and Legislative Council members. Despite dedicating many hours to student government, representatives are currently unpaid, except in cases of demonstrated financial[Read More…]
Meet the 2021-2022 SSMU Executive Candidates
President Darshan Daryanani Darshan Daryanani, U3 Arts, has extensive experience in student government, currently serving as an Arts Senator and a member of 12 different SSMU or AUS committees. As the pandemic continues to restrict on-campus life, one of Daryanani’s top priorities, if elected, is to ensure the successful reopening[Read More…]
Virtual student government elections offer a more accessible framework
As the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) executive election campaign period takes off this week, this year’s candidates will migrate to virtual platforms and social media to campaign. Online elections present new challenges to student engagement and require innovative approaches to campaigning. But if harnessed properly, the remote circumstances[Read More…]
Race-based data is essential to combatting COVID-19
Advocacy groups such as Montreal’s Centre for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR) have been pushing for Quebec to collect and publish race-based data on COVID-19 transmission since the onset of the pandemic. Although the government has refused to even acknowledge the existence of systemic racism in the province, independent studies[Read More…]
Academic freedom does not justify discrimination
*Content Warning: This article discusses systemic discrimination and suicide. On Jan. 19, the Religious Studies Undergraduate Society (RSUS) published an open letter calling on McGill to address discriminatory behaviour by Dr. Douglas Farrow, a faculty member in the School of Religious Studies. The letter describes how Professor Farrow creates a[Read More…]
Beware of McGill’s hazardous reopening plan
Following the Quebec government’s Feb. 4 announcement that universities and CEGEPs would be permitted to gradually reimplement some in-person activities, McGill notified students that Tier 2 academic activities such as some conferences, tutorials, and lectures would resume on campus. Although government officials and members of McGill’s administration have cited students’[Read More…]
Residence exclusions highlight McGill’s negligence
On Jan. 25, between 15 and 20 students were temporarily excluded from McGill residences due to alleged violations of COVID-19 residence safety protocols. They were given less than 24 hours notice and were stripped of their meal plans and student IDs, leaving them without access to McGill buildings, including cafeterias.[Read More…]
Moving past academic austerity
Students returned on Jan. 7 to remote classes and the biting cold of yet another brutal academic winter. Unrested after a break that felt too brief—even after the three-day extension—and unassured by McGill’s short-term solutions, many will continue to suffer from the same predicaments that arose in the fall. From[Read More…]
Pandemic-era activism calls for sustained support
To most McGill students, the annual return to campus after the winter break usually conjures images of the university’s vibrant activist community. From flyers passed out during the Change The Name campaign to Divest McGill’s weekly demonstrations outside of the Arts building, it was hard to miss the advocacy taking[Read More…]
Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Executive Midterm Reviews 2020-2021
Maria Tippler, Secretary-General Despite taking up the PGSS Secretary-General position in early October, Tippler has initiated several advocacy, administrative, and support projects this semester. On the advocacy front, Tippler has focussed on accreditations and tuition fee deregulations, WorkDay HR technical issues, and Bill 21. On the administrative side, Tippler has[Read More…]
The pandemic proves McGill is made by its students
Eight months in from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, McGill students are just weeks away from the end of their first fully remote semester. When the university moved its operations online in March, the shift was jarring: Students had to quickly adapt to a new way of learning, and[Read More…]
Students’ Society of McGill University Executive Midterm Reviews 2020-2021
Jemark Earle, President Jemark Earle campaigned for the position of SSMU president with two major goals in mind: Pinpointing and improving SSMU’s logistical weaknesses and carving out space for under-represented voices in high-level, decision-making arenas at McGill. Over Summer 2020 and throughout the Fall 2020 semester, Earle has proven to be[Read More…]
Can we have an extension, please?
Students received an email on Nov. 20 from Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) Fabrice Labeau announcing that the start of the Winter 2021 semester will likely be delayed. Extending the holiday break, which would have only been 12 days for students whose finals end the last day of the[Read More…]
University should not be financially debilitating
The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) is one of many university student unions taking part in Debt-Free Degree, a campaign organized by the University Students’ Council at Western University and the Undergraduates of Canadian Research-Intensive Universities coalition. The campaign’s goal is to advocate for financial accessibility within post-secondary institutions.[Read More…]
Bill 21 is guilty as charged
The Quebec Superior Court began hearing testimony on Nov. 2 in a civil case against Bill 21, a 2019 policy that prohibits certain public sector employees from wearing religious symbols in the workplace. Although the plaintiffs contend that the Bill violates certain fundamental rights protected under the Canadian Charter of[Read More…]
SSMU Fall 2020 referendum endorsements
The McGill Tribune presents its endorsements for the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU)’s Fall 2020 Referendum. Ambassador Fee Renewal: Yes The proposed renewal of the $2.00 opt-outable fee would continue to fund students’ participation in academic and extracurricular conferences, competitions, and other events until 2025. Although most activities covered[Read More…]
Toward survivor-centric justice in Quebec
The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) announced on Oct. 29 that it had formally signed a petition calling on the Quebec government to amend Bill 64, an Act to modernize legislative provisions as regards the protection of personal information. According to the petition, which was launched in early October[Read More…]
SSMU representatives deserve compensation
Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Vice-President University Affairs Brooklyn Frizzle recently submitted a motion that would have placed a proposed non–opt-outable SSMU Representatives fee to pay SSMU representatives on the Fall 2020 Referendum ballot. SSMU tabled the motion until Winter 2021, and some elements of the fee are still[Read More…]
McGill must address a growing mental health crisis
Since the pandemic struck Montreal seven months ago, McGill students’ lives have changed drastically. Classes are now online, many students are studying from home, and those residing in Montreal are once again subject to strict restrictions on social gatherings to curb the second wave of COVID-19. 2020 has been a[Read More…]
Graduate student workers must not be taken for granted
The COVID-19 pandemic has toppled the higher-education house of cards, scattering vulnerable academic support staff into uncertain workplace predicaments. McGill forced these employees into dire straits well before the pandemic: Overburdened by faculties and underappreciated by students, the university treats teaching assistants (TAs) and other academic support staff like raw[Read More…]
Quebec’s racist health care system needs reform
On Sept. 28, Joyce Echaquan, an Atikamekw woman and mother of seven, livestreamed the moments before her death at Joliette Hospital. The widely-shared video shows hospital staff making racist comments towards Echaquan, and sparked outrage across the country. The horrific situation highlights the deep flaws inherent in the Canadian health[Read More…]
The Royal Victoria Hospital must remain in public hands
On Sept. 4, students joined forces with Milton-Parc residents to protest the privatization of the old Royal Victoria Hospital. The building’s fate has remained unclear since it was decommissioned in 2015. In July, it was converted into a shelter for the unhoused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the City of[Read More…]
PEQ reforms highlight the CAQ’s xenophobia
On Sept. 12, activist group Le Quebec c’est nous aussi held a protest against proposed reforms to the Programme experience Quebecoise (PEQ), a fast-track immigration program for international students who wish to permanently reside in Quebec after graduation. While similar reforms proposed (and later suspended) last November sought to impose[Read More…]
Zoom University threatens to leave students behind
During the last two weeks, students were welcomed back to a McGill that no one had ever seen before. Across time zones throughout Canada and around the world, frantic searching for class locations was replaced with anxious scrambling for Zoom links as students and academic staff struggled to adapt to[Read More…]
Reconciliation must go beyond a toppled statue
The police murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 sparked global protests against police brutality and anti-Black racism, giving renewed momentum to the Black Lives Matter movement. In light of these events, McGill, an institution whose history is rooted in violence and enslavement, expressed its intention to put forward[Read More…]
Isolation Diaries
Members of our Editorial Board share how they’re spending their time in quarantine. Video by The McGill Tribune Editorial Board.
McGill must move carefully into the digital world
McGill students’ lives are shifting entirely online. April 3 marks the end of the first week of classes since the university made course instruction remote. McGill administrators are attempting to provide uniformity to students in all faculties, but even so, professors have been left largely to their own devices in[Read More…]
COVID-19 threatens McGill students’ financial security
As a result of COVID-19, Quebec Premier François Legault has mandated that non-essential businesses and services shut down until at least April 13, leaving many McGill students without work. The cancellation of student internships and entry level jobs have left self-supported students without an income to pay for their tuition,[Read More…]
Keep your distance: students must respect social distancing
Over the last week, the spread of COVID-19 has drastically altered the lives of the McGill community. As we enter the second week of the university’s comprehensive shutdown, the McGill administration has consistently communicated about how to slow the disease’s spread. In addition to cancelling all in-person instruction for[Read More…]
McGill should communicate quickly but carefully about COVID-19
Over the course of the last week, the McGill community has been informed through a series of emails from the administration about how the university is addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 13, the Quebec government announced that all schools in the province would be closing for two weeks. Following[Read More…]
McGill needs to address its colonial legacy
McGill’s Vice-Principal Academic Christopher Manfredi is very proud of his efforts to advance McGill’s academic commitment to equity and inclusion. Manfredi says so in the McGill Reporter’s recent feature interview “Confronting Colonialism”, where he introduced McGill’s new Provostial Research Scholars in Institutional Histories, Slavery, and Colonialism program. The program will[Read More…]
PGSS Winter 2020 Referendum Endorsements
The McGill Tribune presents its endorsements for the Post-Graduate Students’ Society (PGSS) Winter 2020 Referendum period. 1) PGSS Keep.meSafe Fee: Yes The Keep.meSafe Fee proposes to establish a non–opt-outable $2.75 semesterly fee from Fall 2020 to Winter 2024. This fee will provide all PGSS students, at no additional cost, with access[Read More…]
PGSS 2020–2021 Executive Endorsements
The McGill Tribune presents its endorsements for the Post-Graduate Students’ Society (PGSS) 2020/2021 executive team. Internal Affairs Officer: Yes Gustina Giordano is a masters student in Educational Psychology running for the position of Internal Affairs Officer. During her undergraduate years, also completed at McGill, she worked with several campus organizations,[Read More…]
SSMU Executive Endorsements 2020—2021
The McGill Tribune presents its endorsements for the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) 2020—2021 Executive team. To form our judgment, our editors interviewed each candidate, asking them questions regarding their experience, portfolio, and goals for next year. President Jemark Earle Jemark Earle, 2L Law, has been at McGill for[Read More…]
Feminist graduate options are indispensable to McGill
McGill’s graduate studies option in Gender and Women’s Studies (GWS) provides feminist-focussed seminars and thesis options to 16 masters programs and 11 PhD programs at McGill. On Feb. 9, the office of the Dean of Arts suspended graduate studies options in GWS without consulting staff or students. In response, students[Read More…]
Toward a harm reduction approach to drugs
Drug use is common across most universities, including McGill. However, the dialogue about safe drug use and harm reduction in the McGill community is sparse. The administration provides few resources to inform students about the possible effects of using certain substances, and no material resources, such as drug testing kits.[Read More…]
In solidarity with Wet’suwet’en
As of press time, members of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation are struggling to defend their land: For over a decade, Coastal GasLink has been attempting to construct a natural gas pipeline through Wet’suwet’en territory, without the true consent of the Wet’suwet’en peoples. On Jan. 9, students at McGill hosted a[Read More…]
Standing in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en
As of press time, members of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation are struggling to defend their land: For over a decade, Coastal GasLink has been attempting to construct a natural gas pipeline through Wet’suwet’en territory, without the true consent of the Wet’suwet’en peoples . On Jan. 9, students at McGill hosted[Read More…]
Experience does not pay tuition
In exchange for another bullet point on their CVs, many McGill students feel pressured to take on underpaid positions. Participating in an on-campus club or as a non-executive in student government can require hours of labour without compensation. However, unpaid work becomes exploitative when students are expected to do the[Read More…]
Divestment is not “symbolic,” it’s necessary
Following McGill’s most recent refusal to divest, tenured McGill professor Gregory Mikkelson has resigned from his position. Principal and Vice-Chancellor Suzanne Fortier defended the university’s decision to remain invested in the fossil fuel industry, stating that the university’s commitment to decarbonization would be more valuable than a “symbolic” divestment from[Read More…]
International issues have on-campus consequences
Negar Borghei was a human nutrition and dietetic credentialing master’s student at McGill. She was well-connected on the university’s MacDonald campus and adored by her friends and classmates. Along with 175 other passengers, Borghei was on Ukranian International Airlines flight PS752 on Jan. 8 when it was shot down in Iran.[Read More…]
This is not divestment
Climate change devastates human populations, animal species, and entire ecosystems: The fossil fuel industry remains the largest contributor to climate change. Given the circumstances, being complicit in environmental degradation is immoral and investing in fossil fuels is socially injurious. With the urgent threat posed by the climate crisis increasing every[Read More…]
SSMU Executive Midterm Reviews Fall 2019
Bryan Buraga, President In light of the SSMU General Manager’s recent resignation and delays in the University Centre reopening, Buraga has done an admirable job ensuring that there has not been a negative impact on the resources and services that SSMU provides to students. His advocacy for a Fall Reading[Read More…]
Campus should be a safe space
As final exams approach and the sun sets earlier, more students will be walking to and from campus after sunset. The many construction projects around McGill’s campus make navigating the area more difficult and reduce the amount of well-lit areas for students to traverse. Consequently, McGill’s administration has a responsibility[Read More…]
The Wellness Hub needs more than a makeover
Only four months after its official opening, the Student Wellness Hub has received frustrated criticisms, including a recent tweet by a student expressing disappointment about having his appointment rescheduled despite waiting over 80 days to meet with a therapist. Even after receiving a $14 million donation for the Hub, McGill[Read More…]
Anti-immigrant sentiments hurt Quebec
Following through on campaign promises made by premier François Legault, the Quebec government proposed long touted changes to the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) on Nov. 1. The PEQ is a provincial program that offers immigrants to Quebec who are studying at an educational institution fast track to permanent residency following[Read More…]
Fall 2019 referendum endorsements
The McGill Tribune’s editorial board provides its endorsements for the Fall 2019 Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) referendum period. Creation of Indigenous Equity Fund and Fee: Yes The proposed creation of this non-opt-outable $1.00 fee would serve three purposes: Funding the activities of the SSMU Indigenous Affairs Committee, financing projects[Read More…]
Sharing Milton-Parc
Moving away from home, university students experience their first taste of personal freedom. However, having the power to do what they want does not excuse students being disrespectful to others. A drunken fight on Oct. 4 between two students in the Milton-Parc area resulted in $500 in damages to a[Read More…]
The time for Indigenous allyship is now
Last week, in our Oct. 29 issue, The McGill Tribune published an open letter written by Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Indigenous Affairs Commissioner Tomas Jirousek. In the letter, Jirousek explains the events that led him and other Indigenous student leaders to ask for the resignation of SSMU Vice-President[Read More…]
It was the landlord, with the lead pipe, in the moldy basement
Finding housing in Montreal can be a harrowing experience for students who are not properly informed about their tenant rights. For this reason, many students find themselves in illegal renting agreements, a scenario that can lead to serious problems such as costly repairs which should have been covered by their[Read More…]
Construction is inevitable, accessibility barriers are not
The McGill experience would not be complete without campus construction. However, while some campus improvements are necessary, construction should not bar students or faculty with disabilities from participating in classes and campus life. Able-bodied people may see construction as damaging to the campus’ aesthetics, but for disabled McGill students, construction[Read More…]
Racial profiling in Montreal threatens safety of racialized people
A report released by three professors at l’Université de Montreal released on Oct. 7 found that the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) were 11 times more likely to stop Indigenous women on the street than white women, four to five times more likely to subject black[Read More…]
The Involuntary Leave Policy lacks foresight
Content warning: Mentions of mental health issues In September, the Office for the Dean of Students, released an “Involuntary Leave Policy”, the process for which has now been suspended. An “Involuntary Leave Policy” sub-policy would allow the university to place a student who is “in crisis” on involuntary leave until[Read More…]
“It Takes All of Us” needs more
On Sept. 23, McGill released “It Takes All of Us”, its new mandatory sexual violence prevention training program. Those who do not complete the program—which features modules on sexual violence, consent, bystander intervention, and survivor support—will be unable to register for academic courses in the Winter 2020 semester. “It Takes[Read More…]
Climate activism requires institutional support
On Sept. 27, Montreal will host one of the most significant climate activism events of the year. Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish climate activist of notable internet fame, will be in Montreal to lead a march protesting governmental and institutional inaction on climate change. Since Thunberg is expected to lead[Read More…]
Barriers for club execs hinder community on campus
Last week, the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) posted a schedule for a series of mandatory club trainings on Sept. 14 and 15, requiring attendance from between two and five executives or members. These training sessions included workshops on the responsibilities of SSMU clubs, their tasks regarding financial reporting,[Read More…]
I’d rather be a Martlet
On April 12, McGill students received a monumental email: Principal and Vice-Chancellor Suzanne Fortier had reached a decision on whether or not to change the controversial Men’s Varsity Team name. Fortier wrote that, with respect to Indigenous students who felt alienated and disrespected by the name, the Mens’ teams names[Read More…]
Looking back on a year of student activism
The 2018–19 academic year has shown the power of student mobilization, through numerous grassroots campaigns, such as #ChangeTheName and the recent Global Climate Strike, among others. At McGill, activism serves an important role in the community, and student activists are behind most of the social progress that has occurred on campus[Read More…]
Addressing hate is a collective action
On March 28, the Quebec government tabled its proposed secularism law, which would bar anyone working in the public sector in a ‘position of authority’—including bus drivers and teachers—from wearing visible religious symbols such as the hijab and kippah. Like the failed 2013 Charte des Valeurs , Bill 21 is[Read More…]
Base fee increase: Too much, too fast
While students usually skim past referendum questions, on the ballot for the Student’s Society of McGill University (SSMU) Winter Referendum 2019 is a proposal for a significant mandatory base-fee increase. President Tre Mansdoerfer has suggested a $30 increase, which would raise the current fee from $44.33 to $74.33 per term[Read More…]
SSMU Winter 2019 referendum endorsements
The McGill Tribune presents its endorsements for the Winter 2019 Student’s Society of McGill University (SSMU) referendum period. Student Services Fee increase: Yes with reservations In response to the inadequate mental health resources on campus, McGill’s Student Services is investing in multiple large-scale projects and renovations. This includes the Rossy Student[Read More…]
Legal Information Clinic McGill existence referendum endorsement
The Legal Information Clinic at McGill (LICM) provides essential services for McGill students. It serves as a convenient, free resource for those seeking information on legal matters such as housing laws, defamation, and more. Staffed by current students in the Faculty of Law, the LICM gives McGill law students hands-on[Read More…]
Unfair admissions practices go beyond Hollywood scandals
Every spring, prospective McGill students begin to receive their offers of admission. These students will have among the highest grades of their graduating class: The mean grade 12 academic average for an accepted non-Quebec Canadian student was 93.7 per cent in fall 2017. However, McGill’s extremely competitive admissions cutoffs make[Read More…]
Overworked and underpaid: Executive dysfunction in student government
On Feb. 25, Cody Esterle, Student’s Society of McGill University (SSMU) Vice-President VP) Student Life announced that they would be taking time off for an indefinite period due to immense emotional and physical burnout. Similarly, VP External Marina Cupido resigned in Sept. 2018 citing mental health concerns while in office.[Read More…]
Revised sexual violence policy needs more revision
After missing the Quebec government’s Jan. 1 deadline to update their existing sexual violence policy, McGill’s Senate has entered the final stages of approving its newly-revised Policy Against Sexual Violence (SVP), presenting the document at their Feb. 20 meeting. Last amended in 2016, Senate is updating the policy so that it[Read More…]
Don’t overturn a democratic vote for undemocratic reasons
In an ambiguous and poorly-worded email sent on Feb. 12, Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS) executives released a statement announcing that they had overturned the AUS Legislative Council’s decision to withhold approval of the course fee for POLI 339. POLI 339 Comparative Developed: Topics 1 is a two-week summer exchange course[Read More…]
Learning from the successes and failures of AVEQ
Following years of apathy and disengagement, the announcement that the Association for the Voice for Education in Quebec (AVEQ), a provincial student union, had dissolved generated little attention on McGill’s campus. While students are passionate advocates for causes like greater access to mental health services at McGill and the upcoming[Read More…]
In solidarity with Unist’ot’en
Since November 2018, indigenous communities and their allies across Canada have mobilized to show solidarity with the Unist’ot’en camp. The community is part of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation in British Columbia (BC) and has been trying to prevent a natural gas pipeline, Coastal GasLink, from building on their territory. On[Read More…]
Students can’t afford Doug Ford
On Jan. 17, the Ontario government announced multiple financial changes for university students, including the cutting of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). For many students, this means that they might not be pursue or complete a degree, as financial changes will be applied this September. The cost of cutting[Read More…]
Keeping Montreal’s transportation on track to accessibility
Many commuters, including students, rely on infrastructure like public transit, sidewalks, and bike lanes to get around the city. But, sometimes, infrastructure fails: On Jan. 9, three out of four metro lines were closed due to a pepper-spray incident, and, on Jan. 17, the blue line closed due to an[Read More…]
Endless working groups with weak mandates delay progress
For the McGill Redmen, a new year might mean a new name. The Working Group on Commemoration and Renaming released its final report on Dec. 7, closing out a year-long series of consultations with campus stakeholders including students, alumni, community leaders, and indigenous groups. Created in Dec. 2017 at the[Read More…]
Post-Graduate Student Society (PGSS) Executive Midterm Reviews
Helena Zakrzewski, Secretary-General Zakrzewski ran on a platform of improving mental health services for graduate students, increasing support for international students, and re-engaging society members. Over the past semester, she has overseen and supported the initiatives of other PGSS councillors while undertaking an extensive evaluation of PGSS governance bodies. Zakrzewski[Read More…]
Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Executive Midterm Reviews
Tre Mansdoerfer, President Though the executive team faced a significant obstacle this year with the closure of the SSMU building, under Mansdoerfer’s leadership, they have addressed this problem effectively by relocating clubs and securing a lease on 680 Sherbrooke for student use. His continued work on governance reform, a fall[Read More…]
PGSS executive midterm reviews
Helena Zakrzewski, Secretary-General Zakrzewski ran on a platform of improving mental health services for graduate students, increasing support for international students, and re-engaging society members. Over the past semester, she has overseen and supported the initiatives of other PGSS councillors while undertaking an extensive evaluation of PGSS governance bodies. Zakrzewski[Read More…]
Standing with Kagame against police brutality
Social work student and former president of the McGill African Students’ Society (MASS) Jean Kagame is facing charges of stunt driving after the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped him on his way to Toronto on Nov. 21. During the interaction, one of the officers repeatedly yelled and swore at the[Read More…]
The current S/U option is unsatisfactory
As the end of term nears, students start scrambling to calculate the minimum grades they need to achieve on their final exams to pass their courses. Amidst the stress, the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grading option offers some respite. Vice President (VP) University Affairs (UA) Jacob Shapiro wants to incentivize students to[Read More…]
Social work students deserve compensation
Unpaid and underpaid labour is pandemic in university culture; from internships to extracurriculars, students are often encouraged to take on work that pays in ‘experience’ rather than monetary compensation. From Nov. 19 to 23, the Social Work Students’ Association (SWSA) and the Social Work Association of Graduate Students (SWAGS) are[Read More…]
The student Code requires student input
Influencing McGill administration can feel like a futile pursuit, but, this month, students have a tangible opportunity to voice their concerns. The administration is currently revising the Code of Student Conduct for the first time since 2013 and has been seeking student input. Set to be amended by the end[Read More…]
Fall 2018 referendum endorsements
Motion regarding changing the Redmen name: ‘Yes’ Since 1929, the McGill men’s varsity sports teams have been known as the ‘Redmen.’ The name represents centuries of systemic oppression of indigenous peoples, and its negative impacts on indigenous students supercede its debated intent. With repeated calls for a name change by[Read More…]
The Anti-Violence Fee Levy requires immediate support
While the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) is notorious for inaction, SSMU broke ground on Oct. 11 when it became the first student union in Canada to pass a Gendered and Sexual Violence Policy (GSVP). However, the decision was contentious, and the Legislative Council saw lengthy debate about the[Read More…]
#ChangeTheName, and change the norms, too
Thousands of students, allies, and Montrealers have been calling on McGill to change the name of their varsity men’s sports teams. A petition on Change.org has garnered over 8,000 signatures as of press time, and a demonstration is taking place on Oct. 31, due in large part to the work[Read More…]
McGill should blaze a trail in campus cannabis regulation
Hundreds of Montrealers lined up at the Société québécoise du cannabis’s (SQDC) Ste. Catherine and Peel location on Oct. 17, vying to be among the first Canadians to buy legal marijuana. Only a few blocks away, a few new rules were also taking effect at McGill. In accordance with provincial[Read More…]
External affairs require internal dialogue
2018 has seen politics play out on social media, and the world of student government is no exception. On Oct. 2, the day after the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) won a majority mandate in the provincial election, then vice-president (VP) External of the Student’s Society of McGill University (SSMU) Marina[Read More…]
So long, Marie-Anne: Gentrification’s impact in the Plateau
Many McGill students will tell you that they went ‘home’ over the Thanksgiving long weekend. It’s a revealing statement: Despite spending eight months of the year in Montreal, for many, home still means somewhere else. However, the student body’s effect on the city is permanent. Neighbourhoods like the Plateau, Saint-Henri,[Read More…]
Supporting survivors means supporting their allies, too
This past year has seen momentous changes in the way McGill handles sexual misconduct allegations: The university has hired a third-party special investigator and launched an ad hoc committee regarding student-teacher relationships. However, structural issues continue to persist. On Sept. 21, the World Islamic and Middle East Studies Student Association[Read More…]
Toward a more democratically engaged student body
In six days, universities across the province—McGill included—will be cancelling classes for Quebec’s provincial election day. Many students may already be making plans to enjoy the cool fall weather or catch up on the classes they missed during add/drop. Considerably fewer may be actively planning to vote. But, enjoying the[Read More…]
Senate should not have to overstep to amplify student voices
On Sept. 12, McGill’s Senate passed a motion endorsing McGill’s divestment from corporations involved in the production, transportation, or sale of fossil fuels. The Senate’s decision puts pressure on the Board of Governors (BoG), which ultimately has the power to divest, but has already refused to do so twice before.[Read More…]
McGill needs to support its Saudi students
This past August, thousands of Saudi students living in Canada had their futures derailed when the Saudi government ordered them to leave Canada and suspended government-funded scholarships to Canadian schools. The measures are a result of a political feud between Canada and Saudi Arabia, sparked by a tweet from the[Read More…]
Open secrets and closed doors: McGill must do better in handling abusive professors
“After Concordia, McGill faces its own #metoo moment,” an April 4 CBC headline reads. McGill is failing in its response to allegations of sexual abuse. The Students’ Society of McGill University’s (SSMU) April 4 open letter on sexual violence and harassment allegations against McGill faculty names five specific Arts departments in[Read More…]
Behind the picket line: Accessible education requires a concrete action plan
Today’s university graduates are suffocating under record-high student debt. A 2015 survey by the Canadian University Survey Consortium indicates that approximately 50 per cent of graduating students have debt and carry an average of $26,819 in tuition debt. Debt delays or impedes important life milestones, such as buying a home,[Read More…]
Uncontested SSMU executive: Show students why you deserved their votes
The results of this year’s Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) executive elections are out. The short of it: Nearly every candidate on the ballot won, because nearly every candidate ran uncontested. For the presidency—the only contested position—Tre Mansdoerfer edged out Corinne Bulger by only 69 votes. Voter turnout was[Read More…]
Winter 2018 Referendum Endorsements
Motion Regarding the ECOLE Project Fee Levy Renewal: “Yes” The Educational Community Living Project (ECOLE) is an independent student group that provides living and work space at 3559 University Street. Every year, resident facilitators adopt eco-friendly living habits such as sharing vegan meals, composting, and minimizing their heat and energy[Read More…]
Toward a weed-friendly campus: Let’s set the bar high
It’s no secret that many university students smoke weed, including at McGill. With marijuana set to be legal in Canada by the end of the summer, schools no longer need to turn a blind eye. In preparation for the new industry, McGill’s Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has already[Read More…]
Inclusive hiring requires more than a quota
Dalhousie University has recently come under fire for limiting its search for a new vice-provost student affairs to “racially visible persons and Aboriginal peoples,” in an effort to boost minority faculty representation. Critics have condemned the policy as discriminatory against white people, and argue that hiring based on race, rather than[Read More…]
McGill must prioritize learning outside of the classroom
University students often struggle to find stable employment in their field of study post-graduation, but incorporating experiential learning into post-secondary education can give students the marketable skills and valuable experience they need to succeed. In its essence, experiential learning means learning-by-doing, rather than acquiring knowledge through lecture and reading-based instruction.[Read More…]
Textbook costs need more than a textbook solution
Post-secondary textbooks are expensive. Any McGill student can attest to this: For many, spending hundreds of dollars at the bookstore is an unfortunate reality of every semester. Others turn to scouring the internet for alternatives and older editions of required texts, or pawning off last year’s gargantuan, intro-level books on[Read More…]
Renaming buildings: One step toward a more inclusive campus
Recently, McGill struck the Working Group on Principles of Commemoration and Renaming. The group will develop guidelines to consider whether McGill should rename campus buildings that honour historical figures whose legacies no longer seem worth commemorating. As with any debate on how to best memorialize the past, the Task Force[Read More…]
Task Force on Respect and Inclusion must start and end with student experiences
The Principal’s Task Force on Respect and Inclusion held an open forum on Jan. 24. It was the first of a series of student consultations about diversity and respectful expression at McGill, and how to best ensure that student life is inclusive of all students. The Task Force is to[Read More…]
An apolitical BoD is in everyone’s best interests
On Jan. 14, the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Board of Directors (BoD) ratified the Judicial Board (J-Board) ruling on the case of Glustein v. Koparkar. The J-Board received an appeal after the Oct. 23 Fall General Assembly (GA), when students passed a motion to vote on each BoD member’s[Read More…]
SSMU VP Finance By-Election Endorsement
Esteban Herpin, U3 Finance with a double minor in Economics and Political Science, is running unopposed for the office of Vice-President (VP) Finance of the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU), following the resignation of Arisha Khan in November 2017. Herpin was formerly a member of the Management Undergraduate Society’s[Read More…]
In search of better leadership for Student Life and Learning
At the end of the Fall 2017 semester, McGill students learned that Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) Ollivier Dyens will not pursue a second term once his current mandate concludes at the end of July 2018. While there will be an interim deputy provost after he departs, the formal[Read More…]
McGill’s sexual violence policy lacking on professor-student relationships
Quebec’s proposed Bill 151 requires all postsecondary schools to have a campus sexual violence policy by September 2019. Among other things, the bill stipulates that an acceptable policy must provide a clear code of conduct on relationships between faculty members and students. In Fall 2016, McGill introduced a Policy against Sexual[Read More…]
SSMU executive mid-term reviews
President Muna Tojiboeva Prior to her election as this year’s SSMU President, Muna Tojiboeva campaigned on a platform of increased transparency, accountability, and concrete action on behalf of student interests; however, she has failed to uphold these standards. Instead, her first semester as President has been defined by her inability[Read More…]
PGSS executive midterm reviews
Financial Affairs Officer: Matthew Satterthwaite Following the resignation of former secretary-general Jacob Lavigne in September, Satterthwaite took on a number of responsibilities outside of the portfolio of Financial Affairs Officer (FAO) during the Fall 2017 semester, including chairing both the PGSS Board of Directors (BoD) and the Executive Committee. Despite[Read More…]
Student mental health needs admin support, not “hygiene de vie”
In an Nov. 21 interview with the McGill Reporter, Ollivier Dyens, Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning), shut down the possibility of a Fall reading week in the foreseeable future, despite 71.5 per cent of students declaring support for the break in an April 2015 Enrolment Services survey. In the[Read More…]
When educators are undervalued, everyone loses
On Tuesday, Nov. 21, hundreds of thousands of Ontario college students returned to class as the province’s five-week college faculty strike finally came to an end. The 12,000 college faculty—including professors, instructors, counsellors, and librarians—had been on strike since Oct. 16. After all that, it’s hard to say who won.[Read More…]
In countering hate and racism, SSMU must keep local issues at the forefront
On Sunday, Nov. 12, thousands of activists filled Place Émilie-Gamelin for the “Large Demonstration Against Hate and Racism.” A McGill contingent, led by Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Vice-President (VP) External Connor Spencer, joined forces with a coalition of Montreal activist groups to protest hate and the far-right. SSMU Council[Read More…]
Fall 2017 SSMU Referendum Endorsements
Motion Regarding Sustainability Projects Fund Fee Referendum Question: “Yes” The Sustainability Projects Fund (SPF) is an open fund that students can apply to to finance community projects and environmentally friendly ideas, thereby promoting sustainable initiatives across campus. Some projects sponsored by the SPF currently are The Plate Club, Rez Life,[Read More…]
If SSMU Council won’t stand up for campus press, students must
For some, campus publications have become proxies for different opinions on recent Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) controversies, most notably the Oct. 22 SSMU General Assembly and divisions within the executive. The Nov. 2 SSMU Legislative Council meeting saw a surreal turn of events in this trend, when the[Read More…]
SSMU President must step up, or step down
The current state of the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) is disconcerting, to say the least: Executives and employees have resorted to publishing op-eds against each other, and five of the six remaining executives have formally expressed a position of non-confidence in President Muna Tojiboeva, due to a lack[Read More…]
McGill must take a stand against Bill 62
Bill 62 is a xenophobic piece of legislation that is not reflective of the multicultural values upheld at McGill. The bill, passed by the provincial government on Oct. 18, prohibits citizens from covering their faces while giving and using public services. Justified under the guise of religious neutrality and security,[Read More…]
On sexual violence policy reform, it’s McGill’s turn
In the 2018 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, McGill was the second best school in Canada. Maclean’s just named the university the number one medical and doctoral school in Canada, for the 13th year in a row. In contrast, last week the inter-university student group Our Turn gave McGill’s Policy Against Sexual Violence—passed in[Read More…]
It’s time to decide on AVEQ affiliation—whatever that means
If you Google the acronym “AVEQ,” the top result is a Quebec electric vehicle association—Association des Véhicules Électriques du Québec. The website probably saw an unexpected spike in traffic during McGill's 2016 Winter Referendum, when students voted on the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) becoming a member of the Association[Read More…]
McGill residences: More than just a roof overhead
McGill guarantees residence for all first-year students under the age of 22. Yet, the conditions of this guarantee are murky. McGill’s residence system intentionally accepts more applications than it has capacity for, counting on cancellations to accommodate all of the incoming first-year students. This year, without enough cancellations, McGill was[Read More…]
Accessible care or adequate care: Students with eating disorders shouldn’t have to choose
McGill’s Mental Health and Counselling Services face a twofold challenge: Make mental health care efficient and accessible to all students, while ensuring that care is appropriate to each student’s specific needs. Given limited resources, it is not an easy balance to strike. But it is, fundamentally, a balance—not an either-or[Read More…]
Separating criticism from cynicism when evaluating McGill’s student leaders
Often, students at McGill regard the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) as an inefficient, incompetent, and divisive organization. Some of these perceptions are reasonably grounded in SSMU executives’ past mistakes. Last February, campus was rocked by Vice-President (VP) External David Aird’s resignation, following a statement released by the Community[Read More…]
The McGill community must confront the fentanyl crisis—or risk fatal consequences
McGill Frosh week just ended. It’s September’s biggest party, and, for many students, a comprehensive introduction to the school’s drinking and drug culture. Healthy McGill, Floor Fellows, and other student leaders encourage first-years to have fun, but be safe—they acknowledge that some young people do drugs, and emphasize harm reduction over lecturing[Read More…]
2016-2017 SSMU executive reviews
The McGill Tribune Editorial Board reviewed the 2016-2017 Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) executives on their performance. Although these summaries intend to review the executives' entire term, not all information received regarding each executive was published due to space constraints in the paper. In its editorial discussion, the Tribune evaluated each executive[Read More…]
2016-2017 PGSS executive reviews
The McGill Tribune Editorial Board reviews the 2016-2017 Post-Graduate Students’ Society executives on their performance. Although these summaries intend to review the executives' entire terms, not all information received regarding each executive was published due to space constraints in the paper. In its editorial discussion, the Tribune evaluated each executive based on feedback[Read More…]
Searching for McGill pride
School spirit at McGill is an elusive concept. McGill students lack the hallmarks of typical university pride, like packed varsity games and roaring homecoming events. Attendance at McGill varsity games is notoriously low, and our homecoming is a far cry from the raucousness at other universities. That isn’t to say[Read More…]
Beyond zero-tolerance: McGill needs a new approach to deal with hazing
On March 13, The Globe & Mail published an article detailing a hazing incident that occurred in September 2015 involving McGill’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. The piece, based on the testimony of an anonymous member of the Redmen basketball team, alleged that first-year players were forced to drink various[Read More…]
The uphill battle to restoring trust in SSMU
On March 17, the results of this year’s Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) executive elections were announced. The entire process took less than 10 minutes. But brevity was to be expected–as is typical for SSMU elections, many of this year’s positions were uncontested, and the low level of fanfare[Read More…]
Winter 2017 PGSS Referendum Endorsements
Health and Dental Insurance Plan Cost Renewal: “Yes” The proposed changes to the Post Graduate Student Society (PGSS) Health and Dental Insurance Plan (HDIP) include several measures that would benefit those covered by the policy, improving the quality of medical care available to graduate students. In addition to renewing the[Read More…]
Winter 2017 SSMU Referendum Endorsements
Motion Regarding Referendum Question on Constitutional Amendments: Vote “No” The sole question of the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) referendum consists of a series of proposed changes to the SSMU Constitution, as suggested by the Ad-Hoc Democratic Governance Review Committee. The new constitution would contain changes to dozens of[Read More…]
Bingo for the SSMU Debate
McGill should embrace Montreal’s bilingualism
The QS 2017 Best Student Cities 2017 recently named Montreal the best city in the world for students. While this is certainly reason for McGill and its students to celebrate, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the university’s relationship with the predominantly French city that it is situated[Read More…]
McGill administration must support the independence of student societies
On Feb. 17, the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Executive Committee released a statement requesting the resignation of Igor Sadikov from his positions as a director and as an Arts representative to the SSMU Legislative Council. The request comes after Sadikov tweeted “punch a zionist [sic] today,” which the[Read More…]
Winter 2017 SSMU General Assembly Endorsements
Motion Regarding Policy Against Ancillary Fee Increases: “Yes” Ancillary fees are non-opt-outable fees that are charged to students to fund various student service units, including Student Services, Athletics and Recreation, the World University Services Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program, Access McGill, and Athletics Facilities Improvement. Current estimates from the university[Read More…]
Students must hold representatives accountable through appropriate channels
A tweet from Arts Representative to the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Igor Sadikov, reading “punch a zionist today,” has been subject to intense controversy for inciting violence against Zionist students. Thus far, the debate surrounding the tweet and, in particular, Sadikov’s interpretation of Zionism, has been understandably divisive[Read More…]
Disrupting mourning students is no way to protest Trump
On Feb. 1, the McGill International Student Network (MISN) held a rally entitled “United We Stand #NoHate” in order to “reflect [MISN’s] support for the Muslim community” in light of the troubling “recent events” around the world. The event was widely understood as a reaction to the Trump administration’s travel[Read More…]
Editorial: SSMU’s lack of transparency and lagging support leave new ISGs in limbo
On April 7, 2016, the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Services Review Committee changed the status of Organic Campus, the Players Theatre and other student services within SSMU’s structure. In a similar restructuring move on May 24, 2016, SSMU revoked the club status of the McGill Outdoors Club (MOC).[Read More…]
McGill must demonstrate why it matters for millennials
Last week, McGill Principal and Vice-Chancellor Suzanne Fortier attended the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland on behalf of McGill—the only Canadian university invited. In an article for The Montreal Gazette, titled “Why Davos Matters for Millennials,” Fortier discussed the purpose of her trip and the message she[Read More…]
Political conversation must break echo chambers at McGill in 2017
On Jan 12, Conservative Party of Canada leadership candidate Kellie Leitch spoke at a meet-and-greet on Peel St., co-hosted by the Conservative Association at McGill University. In response, members of the Montreal community, including McGill students, staged a peaceful protest. While divisive, both the event and the protest are essential[Read More…]
Editorial: Report on systemic discrimination in McGill faculty reveals the need for action
Last month, the Ad Hoc Working Group on Systemic Discrimination—commissioned by the Joint Board-Senate Committee on Equity—released a comprehensive report based on a survey of tenure-track and tenured faculty at McGill. The report gave a glimpse of the ongoing forms of discrimination, such as racism and sexism, that permeate the[Read More…]
SSMU executive midterm reviews
This week, the McGill Tribune conducted midterm reviews of the Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU) executives. Daniel Lawrie: VP Internal Lawrie’s led SSMU’s shift to playing a more administrative rather than programming role in Froshes. Events were successfully coordinated and executed with various vice-presidents of each faculty’s undergraduate society. A new[Read More…]
Discussing racism beyond Queen’s
Last week, photos surfaced online of a costume party at Queen’s University in which students dressed as various stereotypes of other nationalities and cultures. White students were photographed dressed as incarcerated Mexicans, Buddhist monks, Viet Cong guerillas, and other stereotypical outfits at the event. Queen’s Principal Daniel Woolf and other[Read More…]
PGSS executive midterm reviews
This week, the McGill Tribune conducted midterm reviews of the Post-Graduate Students' Society (PGSS) executives. Victor Frankel: Secretary-General As PGSS Secretary-General, Victor Frankel has had a hand in many projects across all the executives’ portfolios and ensured that the team has worked together effectively and efficiently. Participation in the society from[Read More…]
Streamlining of McGill Counselling and Mental Health Services leaves gaps in medical notes procedures
As part of the integration of McGill Mental Health and Counselling Services (MHCMS), medical notes are no longer available for students who use drop-in appointments unless their case falls under the criteria for the newly designated “Safety Appointment.” Although the change prioritizes support for students who urgently need it in order[Read More…]
Fall 2016 SSMU Referendum Endorsements
The Motion Regarding Free Menstrual Hygiene Products Fee and Health and Hygiene Products Fund: “Yes” As the Tribune has previously argued, the Free Menstrual Hygiene Products Fee would provide significant benefits to all McGill students. By helping to promote equal access to education, the motion effectively benefits all members of the[Read More…]
Quebec must uphold freedom of the press
Last week, the Service de Police de la Ville de Montreal (SPVM) revealed they had obtained a warrant to monitor the cell phone of La Presse journalist Patrick Lagacé in order to determine the identity of his sources for an investigation into police fabrication of evidence. Over the last several[Read More…]
Unacceptable and urgent: McGill must reach agreement with AMUSE
After a meeting with the McGill administration on Oct. 28, the Association of McGill University Support Employees (AMUSE) called a five day strike, which began on Oct. 29. AMUSE is a labour union representing approximately 1,500 casual and temporary employees in both part-time and full-time positions. It has been negotiating[Read More…]
In support of free menstrual hygiene products on campus
At the most recent Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) legislative council meeting on Oct. 13, SSMU President Ben Ger put forward a motion that would—if passed in the upcoming Fall 2016 referendum—have SSMU adopt a Free Menstrual Hygiene Products Policy. The policy would create a $0.90 per semester fee[Read More…]
Clarifying McGill’s communication problem
In a recent sit-down with The McGill Tribune and other campus media, McGill Principal and Vice-Chancellor Suzanne Fortier stated that because McGill is a large community, communication will always be a critique of the administration. While this comment should not be taken out of context, it raises questions about what[Read More…]
Lighting the way to a safe campus at McGill
McGill states in its Charter of Students’ Rights that it is obligated “to ensure that adequate measures are taken to protect security of students on University property.” Montreal may be ranked the fourteenth safest city in the world, but it is not immune to assaults, thefts, or violence. Three other[Read More…]
Broadening the scope of sustainability at McGill
On Sept. 23, McGill hosted the first in a series of open forums to discuss sustainability with members of the McGill community. The forums were agreed to in the wake of Divest McGill’s sit-in at the James Administration Building in Winter 2016. The forums were structured to include segments on[Read More…]
Advertisements in SSMU: Brought to you by lack of funding
Observant students returning to campus this year may have noticed something different about the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Building. In response to continued budgetary constraints, SSMU has—among other initiatives—increased the presence of advertisements. However, the advertisements have been met with backlash from some McGill students, leading some to[Read More…]
In creation of McGill’s Sexual Violence Policy, transparent communication is paramount
On Sept. 12, McGill released a long-awaited Draft Policy for Sexual Violence, a final version of which will be shown to Senate next month. The Draft comes after a student working group’s Sexual Assault Policy Proposal (SAPP) was rejected in March. The administration’s draft is its compromise on the issue,[Read More…]
J-Board decision on BDS requires further clarity in its enforcement
On May 31, the Judicial Board (J-Board) of the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) released its ruling on the constitutionality of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Motion that was presented at the Winter 2016 General Assembly (GA). The McGill Tribune supports the J-Board’s decision, as it places SSMU’s[Read More…]
A safe academic setting need not stifle free speech
As the semester began at the University of Chicago, incoming students received a letter from Dean of Students John “Jay” Elison stating the administration’s staunch opposition to safe spaces and trigger warnings. The letter, and its ensuing criticism, is another example of the polarizing debate surrounding these terms. As the[Read More…]
2015-2016 SSMU executive reviews
The McGill Tribune Editorial Board reviews the 2015-2016 SSMU executive on its performance. Although these blurbs intend to review the executives' entire term not all information received regarding each executive was published due to space constraints in the paper. The Tribune reached out to all SSMU councillors for anonymous feedback on[Read More…]
Editorial: Advancement of McGill’s mission statement in conflict with corporatization of the university
It is difficult for students to comment on the McGill’s behemoth bureaucratic nature. Various administrative levels seem oceans apart from the day-to-day educational pursuits of the student body. As a line gets drawn between administrators on one side, and academics and students on the other, all members of the McGill[Read More…]
2016 Ancillary Fee Endorsements
Ancillary fees are non-opt-outable fees that are imposed by McGill university in addition to tuition costs. Motion regarding the increase to the WUSC Student Refugee Program Fee: “Yes” The World University Services Canada (WUSC) is a non-profit group that operates on various campuses across the country. WUSC leads the Student[Read More…]
Editorial: McGill’s sincere concern called into question by reaction to student pressure
Most of the time, McGill Principal Suzanne Fortier is absent from the day-to-day activities of students. A year ago, students would have been surprised to receive direct emails from her with anything other than updates on the most recent Board of Governors (BoG) meetings. Yet in the span of a[Read More…]
PGSS Winter 2016 Referendum Endorsements
The McGill Tribune gives its endorsements for the Post-Graduate Students' Society of McGill University (PGSS) Winter 2016 Referendum. Legal Information Clinic Fee Levy: “Yes” The Legal Information Clinic at McGill (LICM) provides essential services to undergraduate and graduate students alike. It is completely student-run and provides free legal information. The clinic[Read More…]
Winter 2016 SSMU Referendum Endorsements
Motion Regarding Constitutional Amendments Part 1: "Yes" The revised constitution proposed by the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) includes general syntactical and grammatical changes, as well as clarifications and some vocabulary adjustments. This revision is a useful step towards making the constitution more accessible to students. The Tribune therefore endorses “Yes”[Read More…]
Editorial: More inclusivity needed to improve the Co-Curricular Record
The Co-Curricular Record (CCR) has been available through MyInvolvement since 2013. At the moment, students can track their involvement in athletics, student governance, McGill workshops, and Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) clubs. Administrators are currently discussing ways of expanding the CCR so that it can be used to improve[Read More…]
Editorial: Deregulation at McGill should not necessitate an increase in international student tuition
The Quebec government recently announced a new round of budget cuts to university funding for the 2016-2017 academic year. As a means of mitigating the blow, however, the government is rumoured to also have given Quebec universities the green light to raise tuition for international students to the tune of up[Read More…]
Winter 2016 SSMU General Assembly Endorsements
Editor's note: Ahead of the Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU) Winter General Assembly (GA) the Tribune will be accepting letters on any of the motions being presented If you would like to join the conversation please send a 400-word letter (any letter above the word limit will not be accepted)[Read More…]
Editorial: McGill must address failure in equitable hiring
McGill’s overall failure to fulfill its equity policy is a matter of concern for the university as a whole. In a report commissioned by the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU), entitled “Equity in the Hiring of McGill Academic Staff: An Investigation,” researchers found that although McGill has had an[Read More…]
Editorial: When austerity strikes, McGill turns to crowdfunding
The renovation of the Moyse Hall stage is the most recent in a series of initiatives to crowdfund for university spaces and services. Last year, the Arts Internship Office (AIO) was also crowdfunded following provincial budget cuts. Although many of these campaigns involve reaching out to alumni and philanthropists, in[Read More…]
Accommodations require standardization at McGill University
Following a two-year battle with a student and the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), York University will no longer require students to disclose mental health diagnoses before receiving special treatment for exam writing, assignment extensions, and other accordances. The issue of disclosure is highly contested at McGill, but the more[Read More…]
SSMU Winter 2016 Special Referendum Endorsement
SSMU Membership Fee increase: "Yes" with reservations The Tribune endorses a “Yes” for this quesetion insofar as it will improve the Students’ Society of McGill University’s (SSMU) financial sustainability and maintain its ability to provide services for students; however, the presentation of the motion is currently too ambiguous. If SSMU[Read More…]
Editorial: McGill advising does not provide sufficient tools for students to carve their own path
With add/drop coming to a close, students’ laments of academic advising at McGill are likely to abate. But at the moment, undergraduate students bemoan the bureaucratic advising system. The fundamental flaw with the McGill mindset is that students are expected to be independent without necessarily having been provided the tools[Read More…]
Editorial: For a 21st Century education, McGill must focus on the present
The plans for the new McLennan-Redpath library, referred to as Fiat Lux, are ambitious. Although the university hopes that this impressive crystalline addition will epitomize the 21st century, propelling the university into modernity will take more than a shiny design. The most wide-ranging consultation with students took place on whiteboards[Read More…]
Editorial: Narrowing the scope of student politics in SSMU
Last Thursday, Nov. 26, the Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU) held a forum on restructuring the SSMU executive positions. It has been 10 years since the portfolios of executives were laid out in their current form; in that time, SSMU has grown such that these roles are no longer[Read More…]
SSMU VP Internal byelection endorsement: Omar El-Sharawy
In order to present the most informed endorsements as possible, we reached out to each of the candidates and did research on their platforms and Facebook campagins. The Tribune Editorial Board debated and discussed the candidates in depth and voted on our endorsement for the position. The endorsement required a[Read More…]
Editorial: Contradictory policy in Quebec will enable hate, not protect from radicalization
Cases of xenophobia and Islamophobia have erupted across Canada. Since the terrorist attacks in Paris, a mosque in Peterborough, ON. was set on fire, two Muslim women were targeted on public transportation in Toronto, and a Quebec man has been arrested for threatening to kill an Arab every week. In[Read More…]
Editorial: Unmoderated online culture has become unsustainable in SSMU elections
Candidates for any elected position may anticipate mudslinging, as it is part and parcel of any campaigning process; however, harassment to the point of dropping out is unacceptable, especially at the student level. This harassment does not necessarily take place between campaign teams—it plays out in online forums where anyone,[Read More…]
SSMU VP Internal endorsement: Alexei Simakov
In order to present the most informed endorsements as possible, we attended the debate and conducted an interview in person with the candidate. The Tribune Editorial Board debated and discussed the candidate in depth and voted on our endorsement for the position. The endorsement required a two-thirds majority vote. Should[Read More…]
Editorial: Fall 2015 referendum endorsements
CKUT Fee increase: Yes CKUT provides invaluable services to students, as well as to the wider Montreal community. As the only radio show on campus, it is an invaluable space for training in all aspects of radio production, such as mixing and radio software, and is a source of quality journalism.[Read More…]
Balancing representation and competence in the VP Finance position
The Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS) is currently undertaking a revision of the election process for the Vice-President (VP) Finance position. Given the society’s recent record of high turnover in the position and financial turmoil, the outcome of this revision will be key to defining the sustainability of the VP Finance[Read More…]
Student innovation key to Montreal’s future
McGill is often portrayed as an institution that operates alongside Montreal rather than within it. While its quota system requires approximately 50 per cent of the student body to be made up of students from Quebec, most of the international and out-of-province student body decide to leave upon graduation. Given[Read More…]
Editorial: McGill disregards floor fellows’ requests
McGill has flexed its bureaucratic muscles once again in its negotiations with floor fellows: It has violated Quebec labour law by not paying floor fellows a wage, and gone so far as to appeal a court ruling in favour of the floor fellows. In negotiating a collective agreement with floor[Read More…]
Editorial: Strategic voting influences student voice in 2015 federal election
First-past-the-post encourages strategic voting in multiparty systems, a practice where citizens might base their electoral choice on who they believe has a chance of winning, thereby sacrificing their preferred candidates. Voters will consider who they perceive as capable of forming a government that comes close to their overall preferences. While[Read More…]
Editorial: Reimagining SSMU to ensure future sustainability
In the past six months, the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) has been without the director of its daycare program, faced the resignation of its recently-hired general manager, and most recently witnessed the resignation of the vice-president (VP) Internal. Soon, SSMU’s building manager will be going on paternity leave.[Read More…]
Editorial: The case for a central student hub at McGill
Currently, the University’s academic plan for 2012 to 2017 (detailed in Achieving Strategic Academic Priorities 2012) focuses on improving McGill’s rankings, its research, and thus its attraction and retention of world class students. But such plans do not reflect McGill’s reality as a physical space for students. Despite McGill’s downtown[Read More…]
Editorial: Indigenous issues must become part of campus discourse
Indigenous Awareness Week is now in its fifth year at McGill University. The week showcases local indigenous culture through a series of events, beginning with the Pow Wow on Sept. 18, and concluding on Sept. 25 with a symposium titled Resisting Gendered and State Violence: Indigenous Women’s Activism. The focal[Read More…]
Editorial: On sexual assault, unacceptable gaps remain in McGill’s redress procedures
As McGill works on drafting a new sexual assault policy, one survivor’s experience demonstrated that our administration and faculty associations are failing in their responsibility to provide adequate redress to students who have been sexually assaulted. After an incident at an undergraduate departmental event where the survivor was allegedly sexually[Read More…]
Editorial: Student mobilization key to addressing youth issues in Federal Election
On Oct. 19, Canadians will decide who will form the government for the next four years. At this time, it is critical that students—and the organizations that represent them—remain informed and engaged. The vicious cycle of low youth voter turnout and subsequent shortage of issues affecting youth and students in[Read More…]
SSMU executive reviews 2014-2015
President Courtney Ayukawa Ayukawa has faced significant challenges this year, and overall, she has handled them efficiently. Earlier this year, long-time SSMU General Manager Pauline Gervais resigned, taking with her 10 years of experience and knowledge. Ayukawa was also the respondent in two Judicial Board (J-Board) cases this[Read More…]
Editorial: SSMU membership within federation necessary to advance students’ interests
The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) is currently taking part in discussions to create a new student federation following turmoil within the largest provincial student federation, the Fédération Etudiante Universitaire du Québec (FEUQ). SSMU is currently not a member of FEUQ, but the recent disaffiliation from the federation by[Read More…]
Editorial: Admin’s decision on women-only gym hours fails to engage students
On March 20, Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) Ollivier Dyens released a statement refusing the controversial request of women-only gym hours that has resulted in debate both on and off-campus. The statement, which came as a surprise to many, cited McGill’s nature as a secular, co-educational institution as the[Read More…]
Editorial: Changes at faculty level must be made to make SSMU more representative
In the wake of the recent Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) elections, many students have renewed their complaints of dissatisfaction with what they feel is an insular and inaccessible SSMU. While these feelings are certainly valid, the overemphasized focus on SSMU executives and the concurrent lack of student engagement[Read More…]
Editorial: Winter 2015 referendum endorsements
Question regarding the creation of the ECOLE Project Fee – Yes ECOLE is a sustainability-centred living, learning, and community space. This upcoming referendum question involves the institution of a $2.00 per semester opt-outable fee that will go towards the the Education Community Living Environment (ECOLE) Project. The Tribune endorses a[Read More…]
Winter 2015 General Assembly Endorsements
Motion Regarding Unpaid Internships – Yes with reservations The Tribune supports the sentiment put forward in this motion that advocates for the movement away from unpaid internships, which contribute to social inequalities and to the overall lowering of wages for entry positions and decreasing number of paid positions in the job market.[Read More…]
Editorial: Communication key for student engagement in austerity mobilization
The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) and the Post-Graduate Students’ Society (PGSS) recently adopted a joint anti-austerity stance at a summit in the Thomson House that brought together the two student unions. Both groups have put forward their own motions in Fall 2014 affirming solidarity against Quebec’s austerity measures,[Read More…]
QPIRG 2015 referendum question
The Tribune endorses a “Yes” vote for the QPIRG-McGill referendum question. QPIRG is a student-run organization focused on social and environmental justice, and in this referendum, it is asking for a fee levy that would increase its opt-outable fee from $3.75 to $5.00 per semester for undergraduate and graduate students.[Read More…]
Editorial: Past missteps, fee levies highlight demand for faculty executive accountability
The Management Undergraduate Society (MUS) and the Science Undergraduate Society (SUS) both recently passed motions to institute new student fees aimed at improving the resources and spaces available to students. Due to McGill’s budgetary constraints that prevent the university from allocating money to building renovation and other student services not[Read More…]
PGSS interim secretary-general profiles and endorsement
SATURNIN NDANDALA Saturnin Ndandala, PhD student in Management and Higher Education, currently serves on the PGSS Policy and Structural Advisory Committee. According to Ndandala, his primary goal if elected would be to improve transparency within the PGSS. Other goals Ndandala lists include establishing minimum funding for all post-graduate students, and[Read More…]
Editorial: Debating divestment – Editorial and dissent
Divest McGill, a student group that attempts to lobby the university to divest its financial holdings in fossil fuel companies, recently submitted a proposal to the McGill Board of Governors (BoG) Committee to Advise on Matters of Social Responsibility (CAMSR). This proposal specifically targets the estimated five per cent of[Read More…]
Editorial: Bridging the gap between students and mental health resources
Rates of stress, anxiety, and depression among university students have been increasing, as seen in recent studies conducted by the Cooperative Institutional Research Program, prompting the need for increased access to mental health services on campuses. Although financial constraints have put a damper on increasing mental health support, university-offered resources[Read More…]
Editorial: Tuition deregulation necessary, transparency paramount
At a Senate meeting held on Jan. 21, Provost Anthony Masi stated that McGill is pursuing deregulation of student fees for international students in the remainder of the regulated faculties. The Faculties of Engineering, Management, Science, and Law have already been deregulated, and, as a result, have seen international student[Read More…]
Editorial: Balancing peer support and inclusivity essential for progress
Queer McGill, as a part of its Rad Sex Week, will be holding a workshop on Jan. 28 entitled “Desires: A QT*POC Exploration,” an event open only to those who identify as queer or trans* people of colour (POC). The exclusion of white students in the workshop’s description incited significant[Read More…]
Editorial: Anonymous’ attacks ill-suited to address homelessness in Montreal
In the midst of plummeting temperatures, the Montreal police used bulldozers on Jan. 7 to clear out belongings from a homeless encampment at Viger Square. The police justified this action by asserting that the encampment posed a public health risk, and that it was too cold for the homeless to[Read More…]
Editorial: Dalhousie’s restorative justice – Just in theory, not in practice
Dalhousie University has opted for a restorative justice process to address a scandal in which a group of 13 male dentistry students posted misogynistic comments and photos about several of their female classmates in a Facebook group. The 13 men embroiled in the conflict are now back from suspension, but[Read More…]
PGSS Special Referendum endorsement: CFS
The Tribune gives its endorsement for the Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University’s (PGSS) Special Referendum. Referendum to Consider Membership in the Canadian Federation of Students – “No” This referendum question is being held following a prolonged legal battle between the Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University (PGSS) and the[Read More…]
PGSS Executive midterm reviews
Brighita Lungu Ge Sa Jennifer Murray Juan Pinto Nikki Meadows Julien Ouellet (pgss.mcgill.ca) This week, the McGill Tribune conducted midterm reviews of the Post-Graduate Students’ Society (PGSS) executives. Click on the portraits to learn more. Members Affairs Officer, Brighita Lungu Lungu has been working on several projects, including the #ConsentMcGill[Read More…]
Fall 2014 SSMU Executive midterm reviews
Stefan Fong Kathleen Bradley Claire Stewart-Kanigan Courtney Ayukawa J. Daniel Chaim Amina Moustaqim-Barrette This week, the McGill Tribune conducted midterm reviews of the Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU) executives. Click on the portraits to learn more. VP Clubs and Services, Stefan[Read More…]
Editorial: Sexual harassment, assault cases continue to demand action
Last week, the Crown prosecutor dropped charges of sexual assault against three former McGill students, also previously members of the Redmen football team.
Editorial: ‘Selective memory’ a selective understanding of Remembrance Day
One week ago today, during the annual Remembrance Day ceremony on McGill’s campus, Demilitarize McGill, a group opposed to military research at the university, staged a silent protest.
Fall 2014 Referendum: Endorsements
The Tribune gives its endorsements for the Students’ Society of McGill University’s (SSMU) Fall 2014 Referendum.
Editorial: PGSS healthcare fee reduction highlights benefits of effective representation
In recent negotiations with health care provider Blue Cross, the Post Graduate Students’ Society (PGSS) was able to secure a significant reduction in health insurance premiums for all international students, including undergraduates.
Editorial: Response to university budget shortfalls reflects lack of imagination
On Oct. 27, McGill hosted a ‘town hall’ event to present its side of the renewed budget cuts it is making by order of Quebec’s provincial government, to the tune of 13 to 15 million dollars.
Editorial: Divisive General Assembly yet another sign of SSMU-student disconnect
Last Wednesday’s General Assembly (GA) of the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) was every bit as big an event as anticipated; with an attendance of over 700 students, the GA drew several times the attendance of several previous assemblies—which often hover around the 100 person quorum.
Editorial: Fall 2014 General Assembly endorsements
Tomorrow (Wednesday) marks the Fall General Assembly of the Students Society of McGill University (SSMU). Here are the Tribune’s endorsements on the four resolutions.
Editorial: Mental health initiative raises more questions than answers
Last week, Bell Canada’s “Let’s Talk” initiative announced a $1 million gift for mental health initiatives, to be split evenly between the Universitè de Montrèal (UdèM)and McGill.
Editorial: Bilateral tuition needs upward adjustment to counter underfunding
The Quebec government has had a bilateral agreement with the French government since 1978 to provide discounted tuition for students studying at the other country’s universities.
Editorial: Latest athletics case draws attention to need for continued reform
Last Wednesday, Luis Guimont-Mota, a player for the Redmen football team, was arrested on charges stemming from an alleged domestic abuse incident involving his wife. Much of the discussion of the case since had revolved around the player, with only the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) statement mentioning the[Read More…]
Editorial: SSMU Building Fee essential to continued viability
The University Centre Building Fee question failed during the Winter 2014 referendum period, with 53.6 per cent of the electorate voting “No.” The fee was proposed following the signing of a lease agreement between the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) and McGill, a lease that had been under negotiation[Read More…]
Editorial: Private residences an uncertain addition to student housing market
The start of the new year at McGill has also brought with it the rise of a new form of student residence—several private developments that have been targeting students.
Editorial: McGill demonstrates dubious commitment to sexual health following Shag Shop relocation
The Shag Shop, a sexual health boutique and resource that was originally located in the Brown Student Services Building, has been temporarily closed at the beginning of this year due to the construction of an accessible ramp for the First People’s House next door.
Hypocrisy in police response damages citizens, democracy
In late August, several Montreal firefighters stormed city hall as the city council was starting its session. They then proceded to toss papers around the hall, throw water at councillors, and move through the halls with such force that Mayor Denis Coderre was ushered by security to various rooms around the[Read More…]
Towards a more proactive SSMU
The invalidation of Tariq Khan’s victory in the SSMU elections, and the subsequent outcry, have perhaps served as the perfect summation of the crisis of credibility that has characterized student government. Throughout this year, the councillors and executives of the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) have been far more[Read More…]
In provincial election, student issues absent
On April 7, Quebec will go to the polls to elect a new government. The campaign has been marked by claims and counterclaims of voter suppression, voter fraud, duplicity, and an overall tone of nastiness. What it hasn’t been marked by is attention to issues relating to university students. That[Read More…]
SSMU ‘outreach’ on building fee yet another abdication of duty
“Whereas, without this fee the SSMU would have to cut services to students in order to afford the rent and utilities payments to McGill” This line, snugly hidden within one of the 11 questions posed by the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Winter 2014 referendum and jostling for voter[Read More…]
SSMU and PGSS Winter referendum endorsements
SSMU Winter referendum endorsements Click here for our previous reporting on the questions. Disaffiliation from TaCEQ:Yes This motion seeks to disaffiliate the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) from the Table de concertation étudiante du Québec (TaCEQ), a group intended to advocate for student interests at the provincial level.[Read More…]
Recent rhetoric highlights need for linguistic tolerance
The issue of the flight of anglophones from Quebec returned to the forefront following the release of a study that found that over half of Quebec’s anglophone and allophone (those with a mother tongue that is neither English nor French) population has considered leaving Quebec in the past year. The[Read More…]
Concordia opt-out controversy carries lessons for McGill
The issue of student group fee opt-outs has returned to a university campus, but this time not McGill’s. On Feb. 12, a representative from Concordia’s John Molson School of Business (JMSB) presented two completed petitions to hold referendum questions on student group fees. One of the questions, as reported in[Read More…]
The incredible shrinking university
Last week, the Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS) announced the introduction of a laptop lending program (LLP), similar to the program phased out by McGill’s library system at the beginning of this academic year due to budget cuts. The AUS’ part in this is commendable; they saw a service eliminated by[Read More…]
Equity policy needs more clarity, transparency
The Students’ Society of McGill University’s (SSMU) Equity Policy has come under sustained criticism from both students and members of SSMU Council in the wake of its application against SSMU VP Internal Brian Farnan, resulting in a public apology. As was reported Feb. 4, changes to the policy—some of which[Read More…]
The Tribune’s SSMU Winter GA endorsements
Tomorrow, Wednesday Feb. 5, marks the Winter General Assembly (GA) of the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU). The GA is one of the few places in which students are able to debate, discuss, and directly communicate with their student government in a forum. This week’s event presents us with[Read More…]
Time to leave TaCEQ
Last week the Regroupement des étudiants de maîtrise, diplôme et doctorat (REMDUS), the postgraduate student association of the Université de Sherbrooke, took the initial step towards leaving the Table de concertation étudiante du Québec (TaCEQ), a provincial federation of student associations of which the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU)[Read More…]
York accommodation quandary highlights institutional failure
Religious freedom is one of a host of rights, like freedom of speech and freedom of association, that are protected as “Fundamental Freedoms” under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Like those rights, the neat ideal of religious freedom is frequently confronted with the messy reality of its implementation.[Read More…]
Give students a say in student services surplus
At the end of last semester, an unexpected surplus was announced in the Student Services contingency fund, to the tune of $5 million. In the coming weeks and months, Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) Ollivier Dyens will be faced with the decision of how to allocate these funds. Although[Read More…]