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Arts & Entertainment, Film and TV

Spike Lee inspires at Montreal International Black Film Festival’s Opening Night Gala

by Mia Zdrale on

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The Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF) celebrated its 20th edition from Sept. 25 to 29, shining a powerful spotlight on the richness of Black cinema and emphasizing the importance of diversifying the cinematic landscape. MIBFF is the largest film event dedicated to Black cinema in Canada as well as the only bilingual Black film festival in North America. This year’s festival aimed to inspire attendees by illuminating Black filmmakers and offering a platform to advocate for Black storytelling within the industry. Academy Award-winning director Spike Lee was named the Honourary President of this year’s festival and took part in an intimate interview for the Opening Night Gala. 

Founded by Fabienne Colas, a director and producer who presides over 12 other arts and film festivals, MIBFF amplifies Black filmmakers and honours diverse narratives. The festival serves as a beacon for the importance of representation and inclusion on and off the screen. At the Opening Night Gala, Colas urged the industry and audiences to continue fighting for equal funding and grants for Black and BIPOC organizations. 

The crowd eagerly welcomed Spike Lee, a renowned filmmaker in the industry for over 45 years, upon his fourth appearance at MIBFF. Known for his thought-provoking body of work, the energy in the audience was palpable as Lee provided insight into the filmmaking process and industry. Lee’s approach is reflected in his unwavering passion to tackle social injustice, an aspect of filmmaking that is often overlooked.

Through his inspiring and stimulating conversation with Colas, Lee highlighted the persistent challenges that Black filmmakers face in gaining visibility for their projects as well as the need for increased representation behind the camera. Lee addressed the systematic obstacles faced by Black filmmakers, drawing parallels between the 35th anniversary of his radical film Do The Right Thing and the ongoing prevalence of racial injustice and police brutality, notably in regard to recent events such as the murder of George Floyd. While Lee’s filmography is distinguished by his urge to confront and raise awareness of social injustices, he also acknowledged the need for contemporary filmmakers to portray what resonates with their personal journey. When asked if he believed filmmakers today have a mission to raise awareness, Lee said that everybody has “different stories to tell.” 

There was a tangible sense of community and a shared purpose felt amongst the audience, with Lee’s candid nature serving as a refreshing view of the current film landscape. Having spent decades pushing the boundaries of storytelling within the industry, Lee shared invaluable advice to aspiring filmmakers, discussing the modern-day tools available to budding creatives as well as the importance of physical screenings. Proclaiming that “you have the tools,” Lee emphasized collaboration, maintaining that community and perseverance lead to success. Furthermore, he honed in on the need for Black creatives to occupy positions of authority behind the screen, rather than being outside the ‘room where it happens’. 

Lee’s personal anecdotes provided a glimpse into his journey, starting from watching classic Hollywood movies with his mother as a child to his current status as a legendary filmmaker. He also shared his most influential movies—highlighting Crooklyn as a personally significant project due to the family effort involved in the writing process and his own upbringing in Brooklyn; Lee confidently proclaimed that “Crooklyn beats everything”.

The festival serves as a testament to the importance of upholding Black cinema and the need to continue pushing for greater inclusion and representation within the film industry. As noted by Lee, events like MIBFF create crucial spaces for celebrating individual voices and serve as a call to action to both filmmakers and audiences to embrace their unique narratives.

Off the Board, Opinion

My support for Palestine is rooted in, not opposed to, my Jewish identity

by Nell Pollak on

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Last year, I was having a conversation with a friend on campus. She shared her sense of internal conflict as a member of Montreal’s Jewish community, and her challenges in reconciling the views she grew up around with the headlines and protests surrounding her. Eventually, she turned to me and said: “But what I struggle with in how you express your views is—do you not care about Jewish people—your people?” 

I was startled. Why did my support for Palestine translate to her as a disregard for Jewish livelihoods? I contemplated how to answer such a loaded question, and was immediately transported back to my hometown in Madison, Wisconsin, seven years ago.

In 2017, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the memorial next to my synagogue was desecrated with swastikas and pro-Trump slogans. At the age of 13, I didn’t fully grasp the gravity of the situation or the degree to which escalating acts of anti-Semitism were fueled by white nationalism. But I felt an intrinsically altered atmosphere as I entered the Gates of Heaven synagogue that year. A temple normally brimming with renewed faith and joy was obscured by fear and apprehension, which persisted throughout the High Holy Days services. 

In my family, as we fast through Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, we each choose a book to read in its entirety as a method of reflection. That year, I opted for The Book Thief, a novel documenting a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany. As I turned each page and the descriptive violence and hatred directed towards Jewish people mounted, tears welled in my eyes. Why didn’t people do more to stop this?

“And that’s why I will always advocate for Palestinians’ right to peace, sovereignty, and dignity,” I responded to my friend. Being Jewish—being a part of a religious group that has been persecuted and targeted time and time again—means we don’t get to just care about ourselves. We know what atrocities can occur with that outlook. Unequivocally standing against any crime against humanity is how I honour my Jewish identity.

Right now—today, and every day until liberation—that means standing in solidarity with Palestine, and against the military state of Israel, as it persists in committing unjustifiable acts of genocide and settler-colonialism, under the establishment of an apartheid system where Jews are granted more rights than non-Jews. I will always condemn acts of antisemitism, but I refuse to succumb to the rhetoric that our safety is dependent upon the oppression of others. And I repudiate the dangerous conflation of Israel and Judiasim, which enables accusations of antisemitism to be weaponized, particularly against those advocating for Palestinian rights.

Equating Israel with Judaism—a logic deeply intertwined with the foundation of Israel and deliberately perpetuated by its leaders—exposes the problematic argument my friend expressed: That criticism of Israel and Zionism is inherently criticism of Jewish people—and, therefore, is an antisemitic threat to all Jews. This oversimplification reduces a diverse, multifaceted religion to the policies of a single country. Unfairly linking Jewish identity to the actions of the right-wing Israeli state manufactures a paradox in which Israel is beyond critique. In doing so, it silences legitimate and necessitated objections to violence, and ironically, fuels antisemitism by using Jewish identity as an impenetrable shield for state-sanctioned brutalities. As Jews, we have a moral obligation to resolutely reject any justification of atrocities committed in our name.
Far from offensive, criticizing the extremist Israeli government should be viewed as an act of care that mutually benefits all; the ethno-nationalist state that subjugates and dehumanizes Palestinians under the pretext of Jewish safety is antithetical to that very purpose. The Jewish struggle should always be for justice, liberty, and life. It cannot be tainted by hatred. As we face acts of antisemitism, we must counter divisiveness with solidarity, and demand collective liberation. Like other forms of nationalism, we should resist a Zionist doctrine that teaches fear, mistrust, and that the best response to Jewish vulnerabilities is more bullets, a taller wall, a more humiliating checkpoint. I cannot selectively care about Jewish people without advocating for a future where Palestinians can live freely, with sovereignty and dignity. Our lives are all inextricably intertwined.

Montreal, News

Hundreds call for greater action on climate change in Montreal-wide march

by Eliza Lee on

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Over 400 people gathered at Monument à sir George-Étienne Cartier for Montreal’s annual climate march at 6:00 p.m. on Sept. 27. Ensemble pour la suite du monde—a collective of unions, activist organizations, and other groups—organized the march as part of a series of demonstrations happening across Quebec that day. 

As the sun set, protestors filled Avenue du Parc, carrying cardboard signs, bikes, and drums. The march took protestors down Rue Sherbrooke, past Roddick Gates, and ended in Dorchester Square at roughly 8:30 p.m., where several speakers took to a small stage to demand that the provincial government pursue democratically-governed action to mitigate climate change. 

A contingent of students from McGill also attended the march. Among them was Rebecca Hamilton, U2 Arts, who called for greater student involvement in climate justice activism at the university. Hamilton went on to stress the importance of community for collective action against climate change. 

“That’s what brought me out—the desire to be together with other people,” Hamilton said. “I feel excited about being at this broader action because it’s bringing together so many different sectors of Quebec civil society united by a shared vision for a democratic social-ecological transition.”

Hamilton urged the university to do its part to ensure a sustainable future through actions such as changing to renewable sources of heating, transforming its food systems, and subsidizing student passes to public transportation. 

Tamara Ghandour, U3 Science, who is involved in climate organizing at McGill, told The Tribune that they have been attending the march for the past several years. Ghandour explained that the climate march is an opportunity to rally students around the cause and to “set a precedent” for such mobilization at McGill. They noted that, although McGill committed to divesting from direct holdings in Carbon Underground 200 fossil fuel companies in December 2023, the university is still indirectly investing in companies contributing to climate injustice. 

“[McGill is] still investing in TD, which funded the Coastal GasLink project and a lot of pipeline projects on Indigenous territories in Canada,” Ghandour said. “Then also, obviously, McGill is investing in the genocide in Palestine, which is causing so much environmental damage. Carpet bombing releases a lot of carbon dioxide.”

In an email to The Tribune, the McGill Media Relations Office (MRO) explained that the university has taken several actions which “demonstrate the University’s environmental commitment.” These measures include McGill’s switch from natural-gas boilers to electric builders, which they estimate will reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 9000 tonnes CO2 equivalent per year. In addition, the MRO highlighted McGill’s support of sustainability initiatives on campus through the Sustainability Projects Fund, and their earning of a platinum sustainability rating under the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, & Rating System in 2024. 

The MRO also wrote that McGill’s Board of Governors has mandated the Committee on Sustainability and Social Responsibility (CSSR) of the Board of Governors to explore divestment from companies that derive the majority of their revenue from the manufacture of weapons. Staff and students can share their opinions on this topic to the CSSR until Oct. 1 through a webform. 

When the march reached Dorchester Square, three speakers took turns addressing the crowd. President of the Fédération du personnel de soutien de l’enseignement supérieur within the Centrale des syndicats du Québec, Anne Dionne, spoke on behalf of the labour movement. Dionne demanded that the provincial government under François Legault listen to citizens and that decision-making surrounding climate justice be democratic. 

“As a society, we have a responsibility to protect our environment while guaranteeing decent living conditions for all,” Dionne said. “Workers’ rights advocates […] play a fundamental role. We have a duty to intervene to ensure that environmental policies are fair, inclusive, and respectful of all.”*

Marie Maltais—a Cegep student at Sainte-Foy in Quebec City—also took to the stage to represent the youth movement. Maltais argued that, although five years have passed since hundreds of thousands of protestors marched in 2019 to demand change, institutions—including the Quebec government—have yet to take action. Maltais also denounced collegiate institutions for failing to draw adequate attention to climate justice in many of their courses.

“Now is the time to stop encroaching on our time and that of the next generation,” Maltais said, “We are asking today that yesterday’s promises be kept, that is, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity, considerably reduce the production and accumulation of waste, and put in place a real energy transition plan for Quebec, in addition to starting a reform of education.”*

*This quote has been translated from French.

News, SSMU

Gerts Bar & Café closed due to safety concerns in the basement space

by Russel Ismael on

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The Gerts Bar & Café under the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) remains closed with the start of the school year because of concerns regarding its space in the University Centre. Expected to open by the end of the semester, the café will move to the Centre’s first floor, where Les fermes du marché previously had its store—the bar will remain in the basement space.

SSMU Vice-President Sustainability and Operations Meg Baltes explained in an email on Sept. 24 to McGill undergraduates that “Gerts underwent significant foundational and structural changes, facing several challenges” over the summer. Gerts was overhauled in the summer after encountering infrastructural challenges with the basement space. She clarified these issues in an interview with The Tribune.

“[Electric and network problems are] big issue[s] in terms of how many things we have operating in one space. Like how many things are connected to the network, how many plugs you have—the building details,” Baltes explained. “A lot of [the reason why] Gerts is closed for maintenance is to make sure we have all of the physical space up to code, getting a new dishwasher, glassware washers, and getting the fridges operational.”

Gerts’ point-of-sale systems, which process payments, are currently at system capacity, delaying the venue’s reopening. According to Baltes, a new McGill regulation is also complicating the systems’ improvement as they are now unable to make purchases under the McGill network. Safety concerns regarding the electric and plumbing infrastructure are further delaying the reopening, as Baltes wants to avoid any harm caused to students by faulty systems. 

Furthermore, Baltes stated that this closure was unplanned and only occurred after assessing what the venue needed, impacting employees’ possible return to their job. Due to the closure’s unexpected nature, Gerts employees were unaware until Baltes informed them over the summer. 

“None of our contracts are guaranteed,” Baltes explained. “So just because you worked at Gerts last semester, we don’t guarantee any contracts for the [next] semester—that’s just the business model. The [former employees] are aware, and they were as up to date as I was.”

Baltes also apologized for not informing students about Gerts’ closure at the beginning of the semester. She stated she hoped to have new information that would inform her and the student body of an exact timeline for reopening. 

Regardless, Baltes stated that she has plans to improve Gerts after it relocates. Her priorities for the new Gerts location are student engagement and safety, as one of the issues Gerts currently faces is the inability to serve anyone under 18, regardless of whether they order alcohol.

“There was a sign next to the register that said ‘please note that we cannot serve under 18,’ even for just the café,” Baltes said. “That was a big barrier to accessibility. If you were a first-year, you couldn’t even get a coffee and hang out in the space.”

Some students worry that Gerts’ closure, which has been a lively fixture on campus for decades, will negatively impact McGill’s student culture.

“I was disappointed when I heard they were closed,” Ryan Dvorak, U2 Science, wrote to The Tribune. “I was looking forward to watching some local bands play on campus this semester and was even thinking about playing on the stage myself.”

Quang-Hai Francis Dinh, U3 Science, shared the same sentiment as Dvorak, emphasizing that Gerts is a place for students to congregate.

“I do recognize the importance of having a bar on campus, for socializing, relaxing, and de-stressing,” Dinh wrote to The Tribune. “It’s definitely not a good feeling to lose one of the few dedicated chilling spots on campus [….] Everyone is definitely slightly bummed by [the closure].”

As a student herself, Baltes is committed to prioritizing Gerts’ reopening to reinvigorate student life. 

“I’m sad that Gerts is closed, but I’m excited for the new opportunities it will bring when it reopens,” Baltes said. “It’s hard losing such a community hub, but I think that when we rectify all of our maintenance issues, it’s going to be able to better serve the student body.”

Student Life

How to stay safe and minimize risk while protesting

by Auxane Bussac and Malika Logossou on

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Protesting plays a vital role in student life. Standing up for your rights, advocating for those of others, and raising awareness for causes that you hold dear are powerful ways to make your voice heard. Currently, we are witnessing one of the biggest waves of student activism since the Vietnam War. Recent movements on campus such as the Palestinian Solidarity Encampment from Apr. 27 to July 10, or the trans-rights protest march on Sept. 20, highlight the rise in student-led protests. Racialized people, queer and trans people, and other minority groups are particularly at risk, especially when it comes to injuries, violent interactions with police, and getting arrested. In response, The Tribune is committed to providing you with the best information and tools to minimize risk while protesting.

Wearing practical clothing 

Wearing comfortable shoes that you can walk and run with is a must. Protesting often requires standing and walking for long periods of time so it is best to be appropriately dressed for movement. Aim for simple and comfortable articles of clothing that covers skin as much as possible—this includes hoodies or long-sleeved shirts as well as pants rather than shorts. This comes in handy in case you fall or get hurt. Bringing extra clothes is important as well, so that you have something to change into if you are exposed to dangerous substances, or are splashed with a substance like paint or water. 

To avoid being recognized for privacy reasons, cover identifiable tattoos or visible marks. If you have dyed hair, you may want to conceal it, and if you have long hair, tying it up can prevent it from getting caught or causing unnecessary discomfort. Wearing facemasks, scarves, or bandanas to cover your face is the best way to protect your identity. 

What to bring to a protest

Always carry water as protesting outside, especially on a sunny day, can be dehydrating. Additionally, if you get hurt during a protest, applying water to your wound will help you avoid infections. Bringing a snack can also be a good idea to avoid fatigue. To carry those items, a backpack is often more convenient than an over-the-shoulder bag for comfort. It’s also a good idea to bring some cash, in case you unexpectedly need it for transportation. 

Make sure to protect your eyes for safety reasons with shatter-resistant eye protection like glasses—they can also help you protect your identity for safety. If possible, avoid wearing contact lenses and makeup, as those can trap irritating chemicals.

If you require any medication, such as an inhaler or EpiPen, make sure to carry it with you in case of an emergency or arrest. Also, you might want to wear a medical alert bracelet with information about any medical conditions or allergies you might have.

Know your rights and protest in group

Last but not least, when attending protests, it is important to always know your rights. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms grants you the right to participate in peaceful protests, protest on public streets, camp in public parks, and wear masks. However, your right to protest differs if you are on private property and does not protect riots or the right to blockade lawful activities. Knowing your rights under the law is crucial, especially if you wind up engaging with a police officer. 

The Tribune also recommends that you avoid protesting alone. Knowing other individuals at the protest is the best way to stay safe, ensuring you have support if any issues arise. It is also a good idea to have a pre-planned location to meet up with others in case anything happens, and to make sure your phone is charged for communication purposes. After the protest, debriefing with your group and talking about what you experienced can be a valuable way to process the event together.

Campus Spotlight, Student Life

Beep! Beep! Why you should be using this bright yellow student service

by Geoffrey Nelson on

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Often, I recall the childhood excitement of the morning before a school field trip. I practically leapt from my bed, because the day was not like most. Quickly, I ran to the kitchen and packed my lunch for the journey ahead. One shoe, followed by the other; I moved through the front door. The morning dew was cold, the sun radiating onto the grass. I walked to the street corner and waited, the excitement making the minutes feel like hours. Suddenly, a large yellow vehicle came to whisk me away from my boring school life and into an adventure. As I embarked, I not only felt the start of a new day but the start of a new journey. I now reflect on that childhood whimsy and recognize how laborious being an adult truly is. Maybe the magic is gone; or maybe it’s just four wheels away.

Leaves changing, chapters turning, and midterms ever encroaching. While it is hard for students to think ahead to the upcoming reading week, here is a service to make transit during breaks easier. MustBus Co-Op is a Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU)-funded student-run transit operation with the goal of making transportation affordable and efficient for McGill students.

If you are from Ottawa, Québec City, Toronto, Boston, or New York, MustBus is offering transportation to and from these cities during reading week. One advantage of taking a MustBus trip is that the service picks you up on Rue McTavish—conveniently close to the center of campus—as opposed to the Gare d’autocars on Rue Berri for Greyhound buses. As Drew Cassetty, U3 Arts, Co-President of MustBus says of his own experiences with Greyhound: “Vibes were just horrible.” The MustBus service also provides the same coach bus vehicle type as Greyhound at a fraction of the price. In addition to the considerable financial and time savings, there is a sense of comradery and safety traveling with a group of McGill students which also makes it a great opportunity to make new friends. 

A trip with Greyhound from Montréal to New York takes 15 hours and costs  around $230 CAD; whereas MustBus takes eight hours and costs $140 CAD. The savings are considerable and worth taking advantage of for students.

If you are not planning to travel for reading week, MustBus also provides Day Trip opportunities. In the past, the organization has gone to Mont-Tremblant, Niagara Falls, Tadoussac, and Sutton for various activities including hiking, apple picking and whale watching. These trips are a great opportunity for international and out-of-province students to explore the vast and beautiful landscapes of Canada. 

Looking to the future, in an interview with The Tribune, Cassetty and the other Co-President, Henry Shapiro, U4 Management, discussed an ambitious plan of action for the organization. The two talked of expanding the service to other universities in Montreal by starting a chapter with motivated groups of students at institutions like Concordia. 

MustBus allows students to travel in large groups, an incentive for students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to because of the cost. Additionally, the service opens up opportunities of travel for international students who aren’t able to rent a car. Shapiro additionally stated that they are trying to increase engagement amongst McGill’s international student population. 

 “[Generally speaking,] international students are more likely to travel solo,” Shapiro stated.

For Cassetty, one of the main purposes of MustBus is for students to form a strong bond around their common McGill identity, which provides a good opportunity for both international and local students to explore Quebec and access affordable transportation, all while meeting other McGillians. 

“Being a McGill student and going on this [MustBus day trip], you already have a base level of things in common,” he added.

Whether you want to explore “la belle province,” return home for school breaks, or just relive high school nostalgia, MustBus provides a service to fit those needs.

Lacrosse, Sports

Redbirds lacrosse plays third annual Legacy Game, reflect on Indigenous roots

by Zain Ahmed on

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Lacrosse is a sport rooted in Indigenous history and tradition, and it has maintained a significant place in Canada’s cultural tapestry since its inception. With its roots intertwined in Indigenous communities, lacrosse has long served as a unifying sport, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity. At McGill, this spirit of unity is honoured through an annual Legacy Game played on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and hosted by the McGill Redbirds lacrosse team. 

The origins of lacrosse can be traced back thousands of years to Indigenous communities across North America; it was played first by the Haudenosaunee. Players participated in the game, often referred to as “The Creator’s Game” or “The Medicine Game,” for spiritual reasons beyond just the physical thrill of sport; they used it as a way to settle disputes and train warriors. The Haudenosaunee believed that the lacrosse stick, a symbol of the sport, had healing properties and used it in ceremonies and rituals.

In the 17th century, French settlers and missionaries witnessed the game and began playing it with modified rules. The 1994 National Sports of Canada Act established lacrosse as one of the county’s national games, along with ice hockey. The legacy and ongoing effects of colonialism—including residential schools and forced assimilation—has had a profound impact on Indigenous peoples and their relationship to their culture and traditions. Lacrosse, however, has emerged as a powerful tool for reconciliation and resistance. 

In the buildup to the third Legacy Game held at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, Midfielder John Miraglia, U2 Arts, of the Redbirds lacrosse team sat down with The Tribune to discuss the depth of lacrosse as a cultural and spiritual sport and the importance of Truth and Reconciliation Day. 

“Celebrating Truth and Reconciliation Day is important to me because it reminds me how much bigger the game of lacrosse is than any individual player or team,” Miraglia said. “It’s part of a culture and helps us spark real conversations about Truth and Reconciliation.”  

Indigenous lacrosse players and teams have played a crucial role in raising awareness of issues impacting Indigenous communities and in promoting cultural pride. They have used the sport as a platform to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and inspire younger generations. Non-Indigenous players must build these relationships by taking a more powerful role in raising awareness and promoting equity within the sport, on and off the field. 

Mirgalia spoke on the energy in the locker room leading up to this year’s match. 

“The Legacy Game first started in my first year at McGill, and every year there is an atmosphere around the game of importance, pride, and excitement,” he said. “We know the varsity lacrosse game is not the same as the traditional lacrosse game, but we hope to honour the sport by playing as a team and for the entire community surrounding the Legacy Game.”

Mirgalia underscored the initiative from Attacker Isaiah Cree in the establishment of the Legacy Games. 

“I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about Isaiah Cree when talking about this game,” he said. “He really took the initiative to get the game started back in 2022 and set an amazing example of educating our team and honouring the origins of our sport. He scored a hat trick in that first Legacy Game, and I will always remember that as a really special moment.”

Following Truth and Reconciliation Day, it is important to recognize the role that lacrosse has played in fostering reconciliation while also acknowledging the road ahead toward a truly inclusive and equitable society. With the role of lacrosse in developing a nation’s spirit, Canadians have a duty to uphold the integrity of Indigenous peoples, their sport, and their cultures beyond designated days of commemoration. By understanding the history and cultural significance of lacrosse, non-Indigenous Canadians can deepen their respect for Indigenous traditions and work towards a brighter future for all Canadians.

The Redbirds (7–0–0) won against the Carleton Ravens (3–4–0) on Sept. 30 in the Legacy Game with a score of (8-4).

Student Life

Budgeting tips for McGill students

by Simona Culotta & Jeanne Le Roux on

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Montreal is a unique and vibrant city filled with countless activities, events, and festivals occurring all year round. The city also contains an abundance of aesthetically pleasing cafés and restaurants, with exciting ambiances and delicious food. It is tempting, when surrounded by energetic city life, to go out and take advantage of the fun every weekend. However, the city’s charms come at the cost of both money and time, making budgeting difficult. 

In particular, students who are transitioning from campus residence to an apartment face significant lifestyle adjustments. Acknowledging the challenges of this transition, we gathered student insights on making the switch, as well as how they budget their money and manage time while handling academic responsibilities.

Nicholas Coffin, U2 Arts, shared how his busy class schedule limits his ability to grocery shop, cook, and clean up. As a result, he says that he often opts for takeout, “less so for the food itself but more so for the convenience of it because I generally don’t have a lot of time to do much of anything due to how busy I am.” 

Meal prepping offers another option, saving both time and money. Though it requires some effort upfront, preparing meals for the week can ultimately save a lot of time. Focusing your cooking time into one afternoon minimizes the number of trips you need to make to the grocery store. Furthermore, the planning involved in meal prep allows you to buy food in bulk, which is more cost-effective than purchasing smaller quantities. 

While cooking at home may be more budget-friendly, it cuts into valuable study hours. By being aware of your workload and keeping up with all your assignments you can not only save time but also easily prepare ahead of time for the expenses you are going to make. 

Similarly, constraints due to students’ academic workload often lead them to spend money on convenience services or quick meals, allowing them to focus on their studies without losing precious time. Ultimately, while choosing between time and money may offer temporary relief, learning how to balance both effectively is a vital life skill that will serve students well beyond their academic years.

Francesca Fogelberg, U3 Arts, stated that she was “working a bit part-time while doing school” and that she “worked during the summer to make sure that [she] can afford to do some fun stuff.” Likewise, Madison Bass, U1 Science, explained how limiting her day-to-day expenses to essential things such as grocery shopping allowed her to save money for other activities such as going out. 

For students facing similar challenges, one approach to stretching their budget for social activities is taking advantage of affordable options on campus. For instance, the General Store in the Engineering Building offers one-dollar coffee and cheap sandwiches. For Bass, taking advantage of her oneCard money has been an important strategy in her budget management. Your oneCard money is a valuable way to save money on campus since many places such as Mezze and the Soupe Cafe offer meals that you can buy with it. You can also use your OneCard to purchase school manuals at Le James, making it a versatile tool for managing both your meal budget and academic expenses—offering a convenient way to save while navigating student life!

One effective way to improve money management is by using a banking app, which offers detailed data and insights into spending habits. By tracking patterns and identifying peak spending periods, students can develop better strategies to manage and control our expenses. However, it can also be easier and clearer to use Google Sheets to track and monitor your spending habits. Another way to be more aware of expenses is to separate your savings and chequing accounts. By weekly transferring your money from your savings into your chequing account, you can control the money you spend and make sure you stick to your budget. Don’t forget to reward yourself from time to time though!

McGill Recommendations, Student Life

Spicing up college cooking

by Tamiyana Roemer on

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After a taxing day of conquering marathon lectures and navigating dense readings, you return to your apartment with a quiet sense of accomplishment. Unfortunately, the relief of your homecoming is short-lived. Student life has yet another trial in store for you: Dinner. For many university students, the never-ending to-do list turns cooking into a tiresome obligation. But what if preparing meals could be a fun and rewarding part of your routine, rather than a chore? Here’s how to transform your next cooking experience into an activity you might actually look forward to.

Cook seasonally

Cooking seasonally can inspire you to connect with the rhythms of the year. As the seasons change, so do the ingredients, inviting you to experiment with fresh produce. Spring’s vibrant greens, summer’s juicy fruits, autumn’s hearty root vegetables, and winter’s cozy flavours each offer a unique culinary experience, turning your kitchen into a celebration of the natural world’s cycles. Seasonal cooking encourages creativity and mindfulness, making each meal an opportunity to savour the distinct tastes and textures that define each time of year. The McGill Farmers’ Market is a great place to discover what’s in season. From July to October, you can find it on Rue McTavish every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have time to take a longer trip, make sure to check out Jean-Talon Market and Mac Market on the Macdonald Campus. 

Pick up a cookbook

The internet is overflowing with recipes, which can lead to decision fatigue. Cookbooks simplify the decision-making process through their curated selections, and further narrow the scope of choices through their organization by theme, cuisine, or meal type. Unlike the isolated TikTok recipe on your feed, cookbooks walk you through a broader culinary journey, which allows you to choose recipes that complement each other. Since cookbooks typically have a central theme, you’ll also find that they not only expand your repertoire of cooking techniques and methods but reinforce them to the point of proficiency. As you start to build confidence in the kitchen, you may even find that the newfound ease allows for some joy in the process.

Set the mood

Your cooking experience doesn’t have to feel like a scene straight out of The Bear. After all, you’re not a fictional chef spiraling into the frenzied rhythm of a professional kitchen. Cooking can be a chance to relax and escape the chaos of student life. Light a candle, play some music, and embrace the potential for food prep to be a comforting ritual. Of course, your schedule may not allow for this luxury every night, which is where meal prepping comes in. One session in the kitchen can yield multiple meals to enjoy throughout the hectic week, and this way, you can preserve cooking as a comfort rather than a draining daily labour. 

Serve with style

A nicely plated dish can elevate the cooking process into a true labor of love. While looks aren’t everything, presenting your meal with care can help you admire your hard work with pride. Arrange your food neatly, add a garnish, or even curate a small collection of thrifted tableware to enhance your experience. This way, sitting down to enjoy your creation can feel like a celebration of your efforts.

Food for the soul

Montreal may have an incredible food scene, but restaurants are not the only place where food brings people together. Inviting someone to cook with you allows your kitchen to transform into a site of strengthened relationships and fond memories. Collaborating on a shared goal naturally fosters communication and support, with easy conversations making their way into the kitchen cacophony of chopping, stirring, and boiling. A shared culinary endeavor can create a delicious meal and a deepened bond, leaving both your body and mind nourished.

Commentary, Opinion

Keep Calm! Carry On Providing Students with Mental Health Resources

by Olivia Wallace on

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As the haze of summer subsides and the anticipation of cold, isolating midterms and finals ensue, maintaining and nurturing one’s mental health becomes both harder and ever more critical. On Sept. 6, McGill informed the student body via email that the popular student services once provided through the Students’ Society at McGill University (SSMU)—Calm, an app designed to improve mental health through guided meditation, and Udemy, which gives users access to thousands of online recreational courses—will no longer be accessible to students. To effectively deal with stress—an inevitable aspect of McGill’s rigorous academic environment—students can benefit from the incorporation of regular mindfulness practices, like those offered by apps such as Calm, into their daily routines, making mental health a priority rather than an afterthought. The benefits of these resources cannot be overstated.

Student Support used to provide access to Calm at McGill, but SSMU announced that it would no longer be continuing its professional relationship with Student Support due to “continuing legal and privacy concerns.” As of Sept. 26, SSMU announced that they have re-secured pre-existing contracts with support services Grammarly and Udemy directly, rather than through a third-party organization. Efforts to finalise a contract with Calm remain stalled. SSMU encourages students to suggest alternative platforms via [email protected].

These resources should be readily accessible if students are being charged for them and contracts are in place. It’s crucial to recognize that mental health support, such as access to mindfulness apps and educational platforms, plays a vital role in students’ overall well-being, affecting not just their stress levels but also their academic performance, sleep, and social lives. Given this, the removal of access to these resources raises questions as to why the responsibility for providing these essential services has fallen on the student union rather than McGill’s administration, which has an obligation to ensure the health and success of its students. The demand for easily attainable mental health services at McGill is high, as evidenced by student feedback shared on digital platforms, with students noting that their sleep has never been better than when using Calm. 

In the future, these services could easily become the foundation for a broader and much-needed improvement in mental health support for the McGill student body. By establishing accessible and reliable mental health resources, the administration would not only address current deficiencies but also set a precedent for how academic institutions can actively prioritise student well-being. This could pave the way for more comprehensive mental health frameworks, fostering an ongoing dialogue about mental health on campus and ensuring that future students benefit from a more supportive environment. However, to ensure successful implementation, our university must guarantee consistency, not only the existence of these services but also the comprehensive use of them. To achieve this, students must act by asserting the value of these services. Increased information on these resources and how to effectively use them put forward by the administration is also critical in spreading awareness and assuring students that these services are for them. While students can appreciate the efforts of SSMU to offer these services, there still lingers an ever-present and legitimate question of dependability. The integration of mindfulness into student’s schedules is difficult without reliable resources at their disposal. Not only does the prevailing uncertainty surrounding these crucial mental health services limit access for students who rely on or wish to use them, but the added barriers of accessibility and potential financial costs actively discourage students from integrating mental health care into their routines. McGill should offer these services to its students, not our student union. The university should not only provide these resources but promote and maintain them for the benefit of the McGill community. 

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