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Ask Ainsley, McGill Recommendations, Student Life

Winter in Montréaland

by Geoffrey Nelson on

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As we approach the frigid winter months, students from warmer climates who are spending their first winter in Canada may be wondering how to best prepare themselves. 

Gearing oneself up for winter can be anxiety-inducing for many, from the high prices of apparel like winter coats to confusing labeling practices. Figuring out what is necessary is a personal journey, as everyone’s body reacts to the cold differently. Here are the five categories you should focus on to stay warm and cozy in spite of Montreal’s winter.

Head

Overlooking keeping your head warm is a common mistake. A solid piece of headwear can be the difference between a bearable and terrible hike to McMed. Hats, scarves, and balaclavas are good choices depending on the severity of the temperature. An ideal hat should cover your ears and forehead, as those areas get cold faster. When searching for the material, wool is the gold standard. Wool absorbs and releases up to 30 per cent of its weight in moisture, so it will keep you warm or cool depending on the weather. 

Upper body

A good coat is crucial for both comfort and safety. There are three things to keep in mind when determining what coat to get. First, is the coat well-insulated? A quality coat will have an insulation type that can release moisture and retain heat. Generally speaking, wool, synthetic, and down insulation are the most common types of lining in coats. Down or down/synthetic coats can be a solid choice as the material is ultra-light and warm. Down coats are usually packed in a unit called “fill power” which is the volume in cubic inches that one ounce of down fills up. Aim for a fill power of 600-800. 

The second question you want to ask is: What type of coat am I looking for? From parkas to fleece-lined jean jackets, it’s hard to know what the best choice is. Generally speaking, a parka will provide the most warmth as it covers your lower body as well as your upper body. 

The last thing to consider when finding a coat is its resistance to wind. A wind-resistant jacket will provide partial protection from the wind, whereas a windproof jacket provides total protection. A good winter jacket should be windproof, not just resistant. 

Lower body

When it comes to the lower body, it depends on your activity level. If you stay indoors most of the winter, a good pair of pants should be sufficient. However, if you plan on skiing or skating this winter season, snow pants could be a worthwhile investment. Snow pants should always be water-repellent or waterproof. In the winter, getting wet can easily lead to frostbite or hypothermia. I would recommend getting a pair with suspenders; although they aren’t the most fashionable option, knowing that your pants won’t fall down when you’re moving around a lot is comforting.

Hands 

Often overlooked, your hands are some of the most important parts of a winter outfit. Cold fingers can genuinely spoil a good day. When choosing winter handwear, the mittens versus gloves debate can be fierce. They both have pros and cons; however, if I had to pick one, mittens would be the time-tested reigning champion. Mittens keep your fingers close together, and although they restrict mobility, they concentrate body heat, allowing your hands to stay warm. Staying dry is also key in the cold, as it is more challenging to heat your body when wet. A tip is to look for handwear made out of leather and lined with some form of insulation on the inside.

FeetNobody wants to be a flood girl, so choosing the right pair of boots is very important. To keep solid footing, the sole of your boot should be rubber and have a traction-positive lug pattern. If the boot is waterproof, it will most likely be warm; there is not much reason to look for insulation. If the boot is leather or made of Gore-Tex, it will be 100 per cent waterproof. Choose a boot that rises to the middle of your shin to ensure that snow won’t get in when walking home from a night out at Gerts (reopening in January!)

Local Stories, Student Life

Paws and priorities: Navigating pet ownership in university

by Anahi Pellathy on

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Between the lure of companionship and the realities of student life, university pet ownership comes with emotional rewards—but also financial, logistical, and ethical challenges. Here’s what students had to say about the benefits and burdens of owning pets.

For many, pets provide essential emotional support. Kate Rood, U1 Arts, got her kitten, Princess Meow Meow, two months ago after a particularly difficult academic year. 

“School was so stressful last year, I was like, ‘I need a therapy animal,’” Rood said in an interview with The Tribune. “She’s really comforting.” 

While the emotional rewards of pet ownership are undeniable, students like Rajan Duncan, U1 Arts, urge students to consider the significant responsibilities that come with caring for an animal.

“If you’re not prepared to commit yourself to that type of emotional relationship, or the costs that that relationship entails, then it’s wrong to get a pet,” he said in an interview with The Tribune.

On a similar note, Lyna Rochdi, U2 Arts, said pets can benefit mental health, but students must consider their ability to provide proper care. She recommends the therapy dogs at the Student Wellness Hub for those seeking emotional support without the commitment of pet ownership.

Besides ownership, other options such as fostering are available. Avigail Friedman, U3 Arts, has been fostering cats through Heart in Hand Rescue Coeur en Main, a Montreal-based cat rescue, for a year and a half. The process was simple: After filling out an online form, the organization called to discuss the fostering process, and she received cats a few days later.

Friedman, who lives alone, also said her cats offer a sense of companionship around the apartment. Beyond personal benefits, she finds fostering rewarding because she can help cats from difficult circumstances.

The lack of stability in student life seemed to be a common obstacle to getting a pet. Despite her positive experience fostering, Friedman expressed that she isn’t ready to adopt. 

“I’m not going to get a pet until my life is solidified and I’m not moving around,” she said.

Similarly, Rochdi, an international student, also said she wouldn’t consider pet ownership right now. Her frequent travel would make consistent care impossible.

Even students who already own pets acknowledge these challenges. Rood shared that her cat prevented her from doing an exchange semester, but will not hinder her mobility after graduation. 

“I’m just going to take her with me,” she said. “She’s going to have to follow me wherever I go.”

Additionally, several students cited financial constraints as a possible deterrent. According to Global News, the average monthly cost of owning a cat in Canada is $80 to $200 CAD. Initial costs range from $1,875 to $3,345 CAD in the first year, straining student budgets.

“It is definitely a privilege to own a pet,” Rochdi said. “It takes a lot of resources to care for yourself and another being.”

While the fostering organization provided some items for her cats, Friedman said she covers food and litter. 

“I like to think of it like a hobby,” she explained. “Instead of spending money on some hobby, I’m spending it on the cats in my home.”

According to the 2024-2025 McGill Residence Handbook, pets are prohibited from McGill residences unless a student has obtained permission from Student Accessibility & Achievement to keep a service animal. Additionally, many student apartments in Montreal do not allow pets.

For instance, Rood said her apartment complex initially did not allow pets. However, she decided to go forward with getting a cat anyway. 

“I ended up talking to my landlord, and luckily, she was like, the biggest cat mom in the world. She said the cat was so cute and that it was okay,” Rood shared.

Ultimately, Rood maintains that pet ownership is feasible for students, as long as they understand the responsibilities and costs it entails. 

“In university, you get your first taste of independence, and having to care for an animal all the time kind of takes that away a little bit,” she said. “But I would do it 10 times over again. I love this cat.”

Know Your Athlete, Sports

Know Your Athlete: Mika Chang

by Clara Smyrski on

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With 1:50 left in double overtime, Mika Chang, U3 Engineering, found the back of the net to secure Martlets Hockey’s victory over the Montreal Carabins on Nov. 17. The left winger from Toronto sat down with The Tribune to talk about her ice hockey career, balancing athletics with academics, and her goals for the rest of the season.  

Chang first hit the ice at five years old when her parents enrolled her in hockey, following in her older brother’s footsteps. Determined to keep up with him, she developed a competitive drive that sparked her love for the sport. She spent the first 10 years of her hockey career playing on men’s teams and shared how that set her up for a successful future. 

“[Men’s hockey] is very fast-paced and skilled, and everyone holds themself to a very high standard,” she said. “Even 10 years ago, girls’ hockey was a lot less developed than it is now, so there were less opportunities for girls to play. So, I think the opportunity for exposure was greater and there was greater competition because there were so many boys playing minor hockey in Toronto.” 

While playing men’s hockey, her team, Ted Reeve Thunder, won the prestigious International Silver Stick tournament. She started playing women’s hockey in grade nine, and the following year, McGill coaches scouted her at a local tournament. Before coming to McGill, Chang played for the Brampton Junior Canadettes and the Mississauga Junior Hurricanes. She lost most of her grade 11 and 12 playing years due to an ACL tear and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, she earned a spot on the McGill Varsity team as a freshman in 2021 and has been a valuable member ever since, playing 73 games and scoring 5 goals and 7 assists in her first three seasons.  

Chang shared that the Martlet’s victory on Nov. 17 was a team effort and an important win. 

“Our team has […] come so close to winning in so many games but [they] just weren’t going our way,” she said. “To finally secure a win made it feel like all our work was built up for something, and that we are more than capable of beating great teams. It instilled a level of confidence, and it meant a lot to our team. Everyone contributed so much in all different areas; it was a big team effort.” 

As a senior on the team, Chang is a leader on and off the ice. She told The Tribune that her biggest goal this season is to support the younger players.

“I [want] to help foster and develop the younger people into gaining confidence earlier on in their careers,” she explained. “I feel like, for me, this season is the first where I really feel confident on the ice and feel like I can contribute, so hopefully [I can] kind of [spread] that and just [create] a better team environment for everyone.” 

Chang is a talent not just on the ice, but also in the classroom; she was one of the 12 Women’s Ice Hockey members to be initiated into the 2024 President’s Student-Athlete Honour Roll. There is nothing easy about studying bioengineering while playing a varsity sport, but Chang says her support system of teammates and friends has been vital for her success. 

Playing a high-level, highly competitive sport for 16 years teaches an athlete many lessons, and Chang highlights one specifically for young athletes. 

“I think the most important thing that I’ve taken away is always to just have fun,” she said. “Obviously, there are times when you need to take things seriously, but at the end of the day, if you don’t love it, then you’re not going to have fun. And having fun with your teammates […] on the ice is always the most important thing because that can make or break your experience.” 

Local Stories, Student Life

The Montreal Vegan Festival showcases veganism beyond the plate

by Louis Terrien, Auxane Bussac on

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The Montreal Vegan Festival is an event celebrated not only for its culinary experience, but also for its invitation to rethink our approaches to food, beverages, and even fashion, all while supporting local entrepreneurs. From Nov. 9 to 10, the Grand Quai du Port de Montréal hosted this immersive experience into the world of veganism, where speakers shared insightful speeches about their journey. Contrary to common misconceptions, veganism isn’t just about food, and neither is the festival; rather, the event highlights veganism as a lifestyle centred on sustainability that pertains to a broad range of products and choices. Through conferences, culinary workshops, tastings, and local initiatives, the festival introduced attendees to the vegan lifestyle. 

This year, the festival gave the floor to two spokespeople: Marie-Michelle Chouinard and Lloyd Rose. Known as Une Maman Végane on Instagram, Chouinard shares vegan recipes and her journey as a vegan mom and food lover with her followers. Through her blog, cookbook, and strong social media presence, Chouinard has made a name for herself in the vegan world. Rose, a famous vegan chef, author of Crazy Good Vegan, and creator of Plantcrazii, joined Chouinard for a cooking demo.

The festival also welcomed many exhibitors looking to promote their products. This year, over 100 stands offered vegan food and drink samples, as well as vegan cosmetics, clothing, and tattoos—even the Communauté du Droit animalier Québec (DAQ) presented its services. 

Notably, while all of the products sold were vegan, veganism wasn’t the primary concern for all vendors. For example, Ah! Tout Cru dans le bec commercializes organic raw walnut butters and recipes to incorporate them in daily meals. Company representative Philippe Rhinan talked to The Tribune about how the products’ veganism was a happy accident, not a primary goal .

“[Our product] happened to be vegan,” Rhinan said. “I realized that I didn’t engage with the vegan community when they’re the ones who need germinated seeds and nuts, [so] my battle is to make [our product] as available as possible.”

Ariane Boudreau, a representative for Dr. Mist, a natural multi-use deodorant and topical antihistamine, also elaborated on her company’s vision of veganism.

“Vegan people are really cautious about what they eat, but [veganism is also about] what you put on your body. Deodorant plays a role [in that sense],” she stated in an interview with The Tribune. “Because we produce something that fits with vegan people’s values, I think that we belong [in the Festival], and it attracts customers as well.” 

Imagine fresh vegetables and fruits growing on the rooftops of Montreal, just steps away from your apartment: That’s exactly what Lufa Farms does. From an ecological standpoint, the heat saved from the offices below reduces their energy consumption by 50 per cent compared to traditional ground-level greenhouses.

Constantin Schlumberger, a Lufa Farms team member, explained how their online service is truly time-saving—especially for busy students. 

“I can enjoy a beer with friends, pick up my phone, place an order using my favourites list, and have it delivered to my home the next day,” he said.

This eco-conscious approach is also budget-friendly, making it perfect for students: The company offers 30 per cent off your first four orders, including a free tote bag. With just a few clicks, you can stock your fridge with fresh and locally sourced products, all from the comfort of your home. Lufa Farms’ model of responsible consumption illustrates the impact of small and medium-sized companies within a ​​short food circuit.

The festival also enabled consumers to directly engage with producers, something rarely possible when buying products that have traveled thousands of miles.

“When [people] come to the festival, they see where the products come from, and build trust,” Schlumberger shared about traceability.

The Montreal Vegan Festival is an excellent place to take your first step into the world of veganism. With surprising wonders and flavours all around, the festival helps attendees learn about how to be vegan and realize how veganism is everywhere—even beyond your plate! 

Interviews were translated from French.

McGill, News

Staff and students stress the importance of consultation at accessibility town hall

by Eliza Lee on

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Over 100 staff and students gathered on Nov. 22 for a virtual town hall to share their thoughts on the McGill Accessibility Strategy (MAS), the university’s proposed plan to increase accessibility for disabled community members and to address ableism on campus. There, attendees provided input on a draft document outlining the MAS and discussed the institutional barriers that inhibit disabled people from full participation at the university.

The town hall was one of the four community consultation meetings the university convened for the development of the MAS. Meetings for administrative staff, academic staff, and students took place on Oct. 22, Oct. 25, and Oct. 28, respectively. 

Executive Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Christopher Manfredi began the meeting by stressing that the attendees’ feedback matters to the process of implementing the MAS, as they shape both the short- and long-term efforts by the university.

“Your feedback today is key to making sure we’re creating something that has a real impact, something that not only makes our spaces more accessible, but also fosters a community where everyone feels that they truly belong,” Manfredi said.

For the remainder of the town hall, community members discussed a wide array of opinions on the draft document and shared accessibility concerns across the university as a research and learning environment. 

Samuel Ragot, a PhD student in the School of Social Work, drew attention to the language of the draft document. Ragot noted that the definition of disability in the document does not reference “barriers” against people with disabilities or the idea of “social participation,” terminology that is commonly used in disability policy. He also proposed that the draft document incorporate the “nothing about us without us” principle—the idea that decisions should not be made without the involvement of those impacted. 

Ragot went on to speak on the importance of recognizing the societal ableism in Quebec. 

“Disability discrimination is still the number-one cause for complaints to the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse,” Ragot said. “There is huge work on this to be done.”

Some attendees drew attention to the way that disabled graduate students are often left behind by McGill’s regulations surrounding disability. They cited the lack of a centralized way to apply accommodations they receive as a student to work they perform as an employee—for example, in a lab or as a teaching assistant. 

Many also emphasized the importance of giving disabled staff and students the chance to provide input in the creation of the MAS. During the meeting, organizers from McGill clarified that following the town hall, the draft document will be revised and then be sent through the university’s governance structures to be put before the Senate and the Board of Governors for approval. 

Shari Brotman—associate professor in the School of Social Work and the Interim Chair of the Subcommittee on Persons with Disabilities within McGill’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee—urged the university to consider “reintroducing” the document to the community for more feedback before its submission to the relevant governance bodies.  

“It really is my perspective that there needs to be more consistent and ongoing communication with the broader community of people with disabilities at McGill, since there were a lot of important suggestions and recommendations for strengthening the Strategy raised at the Town Hall,” Brotman said.

Assistant professor in the School of Population and Global Health, Ananya Banerjee, underscored the need for the draft document to reflect a disability justice lens. This framework recognizes that those with disabilities are not a monolithic group, and that Indigenous, racialized, queer, and other marginalized individuals are at the intersection of multiple systems of oppression that shape their experiences with ableism. Banerjee also discussed the ways that McGill’s health insurance fails to adequately serve staff and students with disabilities, as those under the plan might still pay significant out-of-pocket costs for medication and other medical needs.

For Banerjee, although equity, diversity and inclusion efforts have done important work at the university, disability remains “an oversight.”

“On paper, we’re trying to be more inclusive […] but the reality is that it depends on our schools and our departments if they are willing to put in the work to support all of us,” Banerjee said.

Behind the Bench, Sports

The rise of YouTube boxing: A golden age or a gilded age?

by Zain Ahmed on

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The recent clash between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson has ignited the debate surrounding the burgeoning phenomenon of YouTube boxing. This peculiar intersection of sports and entertainment has seen a meteoric rise, driven by a blend of celebrity, controversy, and colossal paydays. While some hail it as a renaissance for the sport, others view it as a cynical exploitation of nostalgia and a dilution of boxing’s core principles.

At the heart of this debate lies the economic allure of YouTube boxing. The business model is simple yet lucrative: Pair a popular YouTuber or influencer with a recognizable name from the world of combat sports, hype the fight relentlessly, and rake in the profits. Pay-per-view revenue, merchandise sales, and sponsorship deals form the bedrock of this fruitful enterprise. Paul, the poster boy of the movement, has mastered the art of generating buzz. His confrontational style, coupled with his willingness to take on established fighters, has captivated a massive audience. The fight against Tyson, a legendary figure in the sport, was a masterclass in generating hype. The age disparity, the contrasting styles, and the sheer spectacle of it all made for compelling viewing. 

The first bell sounded, and boxing fans collectively let out defeated sighs across the globe, watching the titan Mike Tyson stumble around the ring—heavily aged and comparatively frail—while Paul taunted, danced, and cackled. Was this really a display of boxing, or just new-age theatre for a $40 million USD payout? With a strong emphasis on trash talk, big noise, and social media buzz, and a neglect of honed skill and the ‘killer instinct,’ influencer boxing portrays a lack of authenticity that seems to offend die-hard boxing fans that grew up watching the likes of Muhammad Ali, who embodied the discipline, charisma, and fortitude that boxing demands of its athletes.

However much money “hype” fights generate, they also raise concerns about the integrity of the sport. Some argue that these exhibition matches, often featuring mismatched opponents, dilute the value of genuine boxing contests. The focus shifts from technical skill and athletic prowess to entertainment value and shock factor. This shift could dilute the sport’s prestige and erode the respect it has earned over centuries.

Moreover, the financial disparities between traditional boxing and YouTube boxing are stark. While top-tier boxers may earn millions of dollars per fight, the majority of fighters struggle to make a decent living, with purses worth next to nothing compared to the one per cent, the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and more. On the other hand, YouTube boxing offers lucrative opportunities to a select group, often at the expense of the sport’s broader ecosystem.

As the dust settles on the Paul-Tyson fight, it is clear that YouTube boxing is here to stay. However, the future of the sport will depend on striking a balance between entertainment and authenticity. By prioritizing competitive integrity and ensuring fair compensation for all fighters, pioneered by Jake Paul and his company, Most Valuable Promotions, YouTube boxing can evolve into a force for good, rather than one of destruction. This means implementing stricter regulations, investing in proper training facilities, and promoting the development of young talent. By fostering a culture of respect and professionalism, YouTube boxing can help elevate the sport and attract a more diverse audience.

Ultimately, key players in YouTube boxing will determine its legacy through their choices. If YouTube boxing continues to prioritize spectacle over substance, it risks becoming a fleeting fad that leaves a negative impact on the sport. However, if it can evolve into a platform that celebrates both entertainment and athleticism, it has the potential to revitalize boxing and attract a new generation of fans.

Off the Board, Opinion

Choosing not to be political is inherently taking a political stance

by Lialah Mavani on

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“I’m not political.” 

Hearing these words spread around campus frustrates me. How can you “not be political” when politics inherently concerns humanity? It doesn’t make sense.  

During nightly family dinners growing up, conversations would start with “How was your day?” but quickly turn into political discussions about current events. My family is very opinionated—my mother an academic, my father an entrepreneur, and my brother a law student. As the youngest member at the table, I was intimidated. For the most part, I would listen but would not contribute. I never felt like I knew enough. Now, I’ve realized that politics concerns everyone, including those of us who aren’t academics or entrepreneurs or law students. Each of our voices can make an impact on our communities. 

So, I can empathize with shying away from the intimidating nature of news and larger political discussions—but politics is more than just media and debates. We should not choose to ignore current events as a whole because we find them too daunting. While genocides, conflicts, wars, and elections are reduced to headlines for us to read—or choose to ignore—they tell the stories that are realities for people all over the world. As students and citizens in the global community, we have a responsibility to participate in these conversations. 

We have the privilege to observe from afar, but our privilege is power. We cannot choose to avoid confronting issues like the genocide in Palestine because we are scared, we don’t know enough, or we find them upsetting. These are the lived experiences that Palestinians are confronting every day.

As students on a politically engaged campus, we have the responsibility to engage in conversations, acknowledge our privilege, and denounce the state of Israel’s cultural and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. The Israeli regime has killed over 44,970 Palestinians: Tens of thousands of innocent people. How can we ignore this? 

What especially frustrates me is those who are not racialized who aren’t openly having discussions around Palestine, or who choose to be “apolitical.” It is no secret that the skin colour you are born with is either one that directly benefits you or one that can limit you. Whiteness can act as a shield that some are lucky enough to hide behind, whereas racialized people are more likely to be at risk of violence when attending protests. For example, the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) targets BIPOC Montreallers, so attending protests or speaking out impacts students of colour in disproportionate ways. It is even more important that white students, teachers, and staff amplify voices of colour in discussions around Palestine.

Reposting the latest infographic circling around Instagram is not enough. It’s about the willingness to engage and learn from others around you. Doing your part can be a range of small day-to-day actions: Staying informed from alternative news sources, being critical of the media you consume, having conversations with those around you, attending protests or strikes, or wearing a Keffiyeh or a pin on your backpack. These small actions make a difference. These acts are small shows of resistance, compelling those around you to take a second to acknowledge the existence of Palestine and McGill’s direct involvement in the genocide. 

Being “apolitical” is no longer a choice when your silence is a complicit act of violence. We must do better.

McGill, News

McGill projects $37 million CAD deficit by 2028 due to government tuition changes, budget cuts

by Oscar Macquet on

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Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic) Christopher Manfredi hosted a virtual town hall on McGill’s finances and the 2024-2025 budget on Nov. 19, addressing the university’s growing fiscal challenges. The meeting discussed McGill’s projected $37 million CAD deficit by fiscal year 2028, driven by governmental pressures on enrollment-driven revenue, including a restructuring of governmental funding policy, tuition increases for out-of-province students, and partial re-regulation of tuition for international students. 

Manfredi opened the town hall by outlining McGill’s primarily incremental budget model, where each faculty is attributed a permanent base budget that is adjusted annually to take into account university policy and salary adjustments. By centralizing faculties’ revenue streams within the university, the incremental budget model promotes fiscal stability, providing a safeguard against sudden changes in government funding policy that could disproportionately impact certain faculties. 

The Provost forecasted that the university’s deficit for the fiscal year 2024 is expected to slightly surpass the provisional budget’s estimated $12.1 million CAD shortfall approved by the Board of Governors in April. With roughly 80 per cent of McGill’s revenue being enrollment-driven, Manfredi emphasized changes in government policies as the main factors behind the fiscal deficit.

McGill estimates the implementation costs of the Canada Award Program, designed to mitigate out-of-province tuition hikes, are $3 to $4 million CAD for this year. Additionally, the partial re-regulation of tuition for international students, which allows the provincial government to claim a larger portion of tuition fees, has resulted in a revenue decrease of $5,000 CAD per student. The Provost highlighted the provincial government’s decision in the spring to revamp the funding formula for universities as the key driver for McGill’s declining revenues in relation to its expenditures. 

“That had an impact of a net revenue loss for McGill for this fiscal year of $9 million [CAD], and as it rolls out over the next four years, that will mean a $37 million [CAD] loss by fiscal year 2028,” Manfredi said. “That’s $37 million [CAD] out of our revenue that we’re going to have to find somewhere else.” 

Manfredi noted that the reduced spending capacity of the university and governmental caps on infrastructure spending have also negatively impacted academic units, forcing the university to cut down on hiring.

“It’s limited the local ability to replace administrative staff, and that, of course, has led to reduced levels of support for students and increases in delays,” Manfredi said.“The cap on capital spending has resulted in delays on construction and renovation projects, and those delays were felt differentially across the university.”

Moving forward, Manfredi has signalled a shift of McGill’s incremental budget model in favour of a hybrid model, geared towards incentivizing individual faculties to increase their revenue streams by increasing productivity and reducing costs. The next town hall on McGill’s finances is scheduled for January 2025, where the fiscal year 2025 budget will be presented alongside detailed plans for expenditure reductions and budgetary reforms. 

Students Society of McGill University (SSMU) Vice-President University Affairs Abe Berglas expressed their concerns regarding cuts to infrastructure spending projects. They stressed the potential discriminatory implications of these cuts on disabled students in particular.

“Whenever you lower service standards, it affects some groups a lot more than other groups. A project that is being limited is the Universal Access Capital Projects Fund, and that’s a fund about infrastructure projects that relate to accessibility for campus,” Berglas said in an interview with The Tribune. “There are other projects regarding accessibility that will also slow down, and it affects everyone, but it also disproportionately affects disabled students.”

President of the Association of Graduate Students Employed at McGill (AGSEM) Magnus L’Argent also raised concerns regarding the announced rising security costs on campus after meeting with Manfredi on Nov. 14.

“AGSEM hopes Provost Manfredi is much more transparent in the future with the security practices and budget of McGill,” Magnus wrote to The Tribune. 

Behind the Bench, Sports

The Tribune’s sports highlights of the week

by Alex Hawes, Zain Ahmed on

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From McGill cross-country to international tennis, staff writers from The Tribune share their sports highlights of the week.

McGill: Cross Country Shines at U SPORTS Championships

In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, the McGill Cross Country team made their mark at the U SPORTS Canadian Championships in Kelowna, BC. The team’s outstanding performance resulted in an impressive haul of five All-Star awards, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in Canadian university athletics.

Sophie Courville, a standout runner, secured a top-30 finish in the nation, with a time of 28:20 in the 8km race, showcasing her exceptional talent. Her impressive performance both earned her individual recognition and contributed significantly to the team’s overall success. Abene Glasgow, a promising first-year, burst onto the scene with a stellar performance (28:54) that earned her a well-deserved spot on the All-Star second team. Her inclusion in this higher-level group highlights her immense potential and bodes well for the future of McGill Cross Country.

The Redbirds also found success at the races. Placing 10th overall in their race, three Redbirds blazed the trail for the team, earning All-Star honours following the race. Luca Messenger-Jones flew to first team status, with a time of 24:50, while the Redbirds winner, Devin Chapple (24:28), and runner-up, Samuel Hepworth (24:33), made the second team. 

The team’s collective effort and unwavering commitment were instrumental in achieving the outstanding result. Their hard work, perseverance, and strong spirit have brought pride to McGill and lit a fire under the whole Martlets and Redbirds track community ahead of the indoor season. 

International: Tennis royalty Rafael Nadal renounces his throne

Rafael Nadal officially retired from professional tennis on Nov. 19 at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, concluding an astounding 23-year-long career. His final match was for Team Spain, though the team was eliminated by the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. After only losing his first match in the Davis Cup tournament, and his final one against Botic van de Zandschulp, Nadal left it all out on the court. He played his last sets with passion, receiving a standing ovation and heartfelt tributes from fans and players worldwide—including close friend and rival Roger Federer, who expressed admiration for Nadal’s achievements and devotion to the sport. 

Nadal leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest tennis players in history. Over his career, he secured 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Open victories and an Olympic gold medal. Nadal’s legendary rivalries, particularly with Federer and Novak Djokovic, defined an era of tennis that brought a global spotlight to the sport. Despite numerous injuries, including a degenerative foot condition, Nadal still amassed 92 titles in total and held the world number-one ranking for over four years. Nadal waved goodbye to his fans with tears in his eyes, stepping off the court for the very last time. 

Reflecting on his journey, Nadal expressed gratitude for his fans, pride in his dedication and continuous love for the sport. His retirement marks the end of an unparalleled era in tennis, as one of the last remaining tennis greats to retire. Nadal leaves behind him an exceptional career, and his impact will last for years to come. 

Commentary, Opinion

Anti-Black racism permeates Quebec’s journalism and legal system

by Malika Logossou on

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Content Warning: Mentions of anti-Black racism and violence.

Last month, an incident in Longueuil—a 20-minute drive from Montreal—shocked me tremendously. On Oct. 2, a 46-year-old woman by the name of Stéphanie Borel threw boiling water at a 10-year-old Black boy, leaving him with second-degree burns on his face, head, torso, and back—injuries that will scar him for life. 

The victim told Radio-Canada that he and his friends were walking home from school through a shortcut near Borel’s residence when she specifically targeted him, the only Black child in the group. Borel claimed she assaulted him because he had been knocking on her door for three years. However, this is impossible considering the boy’s family had moved to the neighbourhood in Jan. 2024, and the victim had been attending school near her home for just one month. Despite the premeditated nature of the assault—Borel boiled water in advance and timed the attack—police arrested and released her on the same day.

The incident initially did not receive the attention and outrage from the Quebec public that it deserved until social media accounts like @wsc.montreal and @wscofficial_ posted about the incident on Instagram, fuelling public outrage. Haitian-Canadian activist Renzel Dashington criticized the police’s handling of the case, highlighting the stark double standard in how they treat Black victims and white perpetrators. Joel DeBellefeuille, Executive Director of the Red Coalition, sent a letter to the Longueuil police chief and mayor condemning the delay in justice and stating that it undermines trust between law enforcement and racialized communities.

Public pressure finally led to Borel’s rearrest on Oct. 11 under the “acquisition of new investigative elements,” over a week after the incident. By Oct. 17, police released Borel again under stricter conditions which included staying away from the victim’s home and school. Her court date is set for Jan. 23, 2025.

This horrific incident underscores a troubling reality: Black lives are not prioritized within Quebec’s justice system, which places the burden on Black communities to bring to light the very injustices they face. They are repeatedly compelled to mobilize and fight for their humanity, a burden no community should have to bear. The reliance on social media platforms illustrates how the Quebec justice system maintains this double burden, failing to prioritize the safety, dignity, and justice of racialized people unless forced by public scrutiny. Without public pressure, Borel might have faced no further consequences. Had the victim not been a person of colour, the police’s response likely would have been rapid, with immediate media coverage and decisive legal action. Had a person of colour committed the crime, news outlets would have emphasized both the crime and the perpetrator’s race. This immediate inaction not only shows the racial biases in media coverage between Black and white crimes—as Borel received a light sentence despite online backlash—but also the undervaluation of Black lives, reflecting systemic racial issues within Quebec’s journalism and criminal justice system. This neglect perpetuates the marginalization of Black Canadians, who, in 2023, were the most targeted group of hate crimes based on ethnicity and race reported to the police.

 The systemic racism embedded in policing and judicial systems must be actively dismantled through improved training, stricter accountability measures, and reforms that ensure equal treatment for all victims, regardless of race. As students and community members, we hold a unique position of privilege in dismantling these biases. Our access to education and resources entails a responsibility to educate ourselves on systemic racism and to confront our own biases to ensure these are not perpetuated in institutions and beyond. It is important to recognize that this discrimination in Quebec affects everyone—not just marginalized groups. For some people, such as Borel, the effect of systemic racism is beneficial due to white privilege. For others, it can be fatal. Failing to address these issues sends a message that people of colour are not worthy of receiving justice and that responding to the crimes they are victims of is not an urgent priority. Supporting anti-racism initiatives, amplifying stories like this one, and advocating for institutional reforms are essential steps forward. Justice should be inherent, not conditional.

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