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News, SSMU, The Tribune Explains

Tribune Explains: SSMU health and dental insurance

by Julie Jacques on

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If you are an undergraduate student at McGill from Quebec or another province in Canada, you are eligible for health insurance provided through the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU). The McGill Tribune looked into SSMU’s Health and Dental Plan, what it includes, how students can submit claims, and whether it can be combined with other private insurance plans. 

What is the SSMU Health and Dental Plan? 

SSMU offers health and dental insurance for all Canadian students that costs $345. This plan is administered by StudentCare, a health insurance broker for students in Canada, and provided by Desjardins Insurance—which also reimburses students for claims made. Even if a student is covered by a primary insurance plan under an employer or family member, SSMU’s insurance can be used as a secondary plan for more extensive coverage. 

The SSMU plan for in-province and other domestic students is optional, but students are enrolled by default for the academic year if they are registered in the fall semester. Should a student decide they want to opt out of the plan, they can withdraw through StudentCare during the change-of-coverage and opt-out period, typically from late August to late September. 

Students entering McGill in the winter semester, however, are not enrolled for the plan by default and must opt in for their winter semester before being automatically enrolled the next fall. For these students, the coverage extends from Jan. 1–Aug. 31 and costs $230. Any student who wishes to add a dependent, such as a child or spouse, to their plan can do so during this period for an extra annual fee of $345 per person. 

Although international students are primarily covered by the McGill International Health Insurance Plan, a mandatory plan administered by McGill, they are automatically registered for SSMU’s dental plan. This is because the McGill plan does not cover dental care. 

What does the plan cover? 

SSMU’s health insurance plan covers a vast scope of medical needs outside of those covered by the basic provincial healthcare provided in Canada. The plan covers most dental procedures with a maximum of $750 per person and includes travel insurance, which covers physicians, hospitals, and other emergency services abroad for up to 120 days per trip. As for vision care, the plan provides $75 for eyeglasses or contacts and $150 for laser eye surgery. Other benefits include partial reimbursement for the cost of mental health services and access to virtual healthcare through Dialogue, a telemedicine app. 

How does SSMU decide what is included in the plan?

While SSMU collaborates with StudentCare, the SSMU Health and Dental Plan Committee determines what is included or excluded from the health care plan. In a statement to the Tribune, SSMU vice-president (VP) Student Life Hassanatou Koulibaly explained that through StudentCare, SSMU can consult trends in insurance usage, which allows them to see what coverage would best serve the student population.

“Working with StudentCare, we are able to see where most needs are,” Koulibaly wrote. “Over the past year or two, we have seen an increase in mental health consultations and usage of mental health services, and with these trend recommendations [we] are able to address these needs within the plan.” 

How does one file a claim? 

Starting in Fall 2022, all mobile claims should be made through Omni, an app powered directly by Desjardins Insurance. Claims can also be submitted through the Desjardins web portal or by mail.  

Previously, students had to submit a copy of their medical receipts and purchases to the StudentCare app. StudentCare, acting as an intermediary, then sent claims to Desjardins Insurance, which would reimburse students. 

Jordan Marcus, U2 Science, is hopeful about this change. He found the previous process to be unnecessarily bureaucratic. 

“The claim process is self-explanatory from the app,” Marcus said in an interview with the Tribune. “[Before], sometimes I wouldn’t receive the money, and it was very hard to contact someone who could help [due to] multiple layers of obstruction.”  

Marcus explained that after making a claim through the discontinued StudentCare app and not receiving a reimbursement, he had to contact StudentCare, who then had to contact Desjardins for the reimbursement amount, who would later forward it to him. Marcus hopes that by cutting out the middleman, Omni will make claim processing quicker.

Editorial, Opinion

Say no to the colonial status quo

by The McGill Tribune Editorial Board on

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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 is embroiled in a legal battle with the Kanien’kehà:ka Kahnistensera (Mohawk Mothers) who are attempting to halt construction of the New Vic Project until a Kanien’kehà:ka (Mohawk)-led investigation into  potential unmarked graves on the site is conducted. McGill’s attempts at silencing an Indigenous group in court and disregarding this day of remembrance are glaring reminders that the fight for reconciliation at McGill still has a long way to go.

The Kahnistensera argue that there may be unmarked graves of Indigenous children on the New Vic site—children who were experimented upon by Dr. Donald Ewen Cameron during the 1950s and 60s. Halting construction to allow for a full Kanien’kehà:ka investigation—whose unceded territory the site is located on—is the bare minimum students should demand from the McGill administration. By weaponizing their legal team and wealth of resources against the Kahnistensera, who, not wanting to litigate within the colonial system, have chosen to represent themselves, McGill is fighting an unfair battle to push forward its $700-million-dollar project. McGill’s actions demonstrate that their alleged commitment to reconciliation only stands when their business interests are not threatened.

McGill’s New Vic Project intersects with other forms of colonialism that permeate throughout the university. Most notably, McGill is still named McGill: The institution refuses to sever ties with its namesake James McGill, a slaveholder of two Indigenous children and three people of African descent. Not only has the university kept his name, but is continuing to perpetuate his legacy by using the wealth he created from his colonial businesses, along with the money from the Iroquois Trust Fund—which was never repaid—to create a bureaucratic legal machine that is attempting to stifle and discredit the Kahnistensera. 

By denying a proper investigation of the Kahnistensera’s claims, the university is disrespecting Indigenous knowledge systems and wisdom—a common theme across the university. Indigenous lecturers are underrepresented at McGill, and courses about Indigenous topics are frequently taught by white professors. Paired with McGill’s predominantly white student population, this contributes to discourse on campus that treats colonialism as a problem to be studied retrospectively rather than as an ongoing issue that harms every aspect of Indigenous people’s lives.

The land acknowledgement copy-pasted on most McGill syllabi, for instance, treats Indigenous people and their oppression as bygone relics. As an educational institution, this is unacceptable.  By presenting a static and false narrative while simultaneously ignoring the continued  colonialism and land theft it perpetuates, McGill shows that it does not prioritize reconciliation beyond performative gestures. 

Despite the university’s unfettered colonialism, the annual Pow Wow and Indigenous Awareness Weeks represent steps in the right direction. They provide a much-needed space of joy for Indigenous students on campus and also an opportunity for non-Indigenous students to learn about Indigenous culture. The Indigenous community dedicates resources and preparation towards these events, and many undertake the heavy burden to educate the McGill community in place of the university, which has unequivocally failed to do so. All students have a responsibility to learn about the unceded land they inhabit and take advantage of the incredible educational opportunities put on by Indigenous community members. 

Of course, these events must be paired with tangible action by the university. McGill must give up their harmful litigation and immediately halt construction of the New Vic Project until a Kanien’kehà:ka-led investigation of the site has been conducted. McGill must also address the underrepresentation of Indigenous lecturers, and, crucially, students must enroll in Indigenous-taught courses. McGill should also make an Indigenous studies course mandatory for all students. Lastly, students should have the day off on Sept. 30 to learn about Indigenous culture through the numerous events held in Montreal—and to show Indigenous students respect on this day of remembrance. 

It is high time for the university to change the colonial status quo set by James McGill and for students to recognize that the battle for Truth and Reconciliation is actively taking place on a campus that is still named after a slaveholder. 

Indigenous courses taught by Indigenous Professors:

Interdisciplinary Seminar in Indigenous Studies (INDG 401) taught by Noelani Arista

First Peoples and Social Work (SWRK 445) taught by Cynthia Blackstock

Indigenous Studies of Anthropology (ANTH 338) taught by Leslie James Sabiston

Indigenous Peoples and the State (CMPL 500) taught by Kerry Sloan

Introduction to Indigenous Studies (INDG 200) taught by Yann Allard-Tremblay

Know Your Athlete, Sports

Know Your Athlete: Monty Weatherall

by Sarah Farnand on

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Last fall, the McGill men’s rugby team had an incredibly strong season that ended in heartbreak when they were blanked by Concordia in the RSEQ Championship game. One key component absent from the Redbirds’ playoff squad was star fly-half Monty Weatherall who missed the majority of the season after an injury during the first match-up against the Stingers. 

I sat down with the rugby star in The McGill Tribune office to hear about his rugby beginnings, his season-ending injury, and his goals for the years ahead. 

“My whole family has played [rugby],” Weatherall began. “My granddad played back in the 50s, and my mom’s side of the family all played. I started playing when I was six. I’ve always played sports—I played rugby, soccer, and cricket until I was 15, and then stopped playing the other sports to focus on rugby.”

As for academics, when it came time to decide on a university, McGill was the only school outside of the United Kingdom that Weatherall applied to following a friend’s recommendation. 

“When I got [here] I wasn’t sure if it was going to work out, so I thought I would just come for a year and see how I liked it,” Weatherall said. “And I just absolutely fell in love with being in Montreal and at McGill.”

Weatherall explained that all apprehension disappeared as he immediately felt at home with the Redbirds rugby squad. 

“Coming to McGill, moving to a different country knowing only one other person here, I felt very lucky that I played rugby because it’s just an instant community of 50 people who always have your back,” he explained. 

Unfortunately, after Weatherall’s first season with the Redbirds, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the team from returning to play until his third year. 

After the loss of a season in 2020, the 2021 home-opener was greatly anticipated, especially by Weatherall as his brother was able to fly in from the U.K. for the momentous event.

“I have three brothers and a sister, so I’m part of a big family and we are all really, really close,” said Weatherall. “With COVID, it was tough to see them, so the fact that my brother was able to come out and watch the game and then spend time with all my friends after and get to experience Montreal was really special for me.”

Sadly, Weatherall’s first season post-COVID was not without its hardships as three games into the season, he tore his posterior cruciate ligament ( and his lateral collateral ligament on the inside and outside of the knee, respectively. He also sustained a bone fracture that required surgery and ended his season before it truly even started.

“I spent the whole of this year doing rehab, spending a lot of time in the gym. And from that injury it was 11 months to my first game back against Carleton [in 2022],” Weatherall explained. “The [physiotherapists] at McGill looked after me really well, I am super super grateful for all the support that the McGill Sports Medical Clinic gave, not just to me but to all the other players who get injured because they are absolutely world-class.”

Now serving as the team’s captain, Weatherall has several impressive accolades. But instead of focusing on himself, he highlighted the work of his teammates in spearheading fundraising initiatives.

“Our president, Owen Cumming, is just so amazing with his commitment to things off the field. With Movember, we are consistently one of the highest fundraising groups at the university, and he leads that massively. I think last year we were seventh in the country out of all sports teams for fundraising.”

As McGill’s leading scorer, I expected Weatherall’s warm-up to be rather intense. Instead, he explained that he prefers “chilled” music such as “Runnin’” by Beyoncé and Naughty Boy to keep his composure prior to a match. And so far, the pregame ritual seems to be working.

The Redbirds are currently at a 3–1 record, second in the RSEQ standings backed by Weatherall’s team-leading 38 points. The team hopes to maintain their momentum throughout the season to finally bring the RSEQ Championship back to McGill before Weatherall graduates this December.

“The goal for this season is to win the RSEQ,” concluded Weatherall. “We haven’t done it in [seven] years, so really we just want to win the conference. Every year I have been here, we have come runner-up in the finals, so this year we really, really want to win.”

And with Weatherall as captain, the ‘ship just might be McGill’s for the taking.

Campus Spotlight, Student Life

Bar des Arts is back in all its former glory

by Olivia Taylor on

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The Faculty of Arts’ favourite undergraduate bar reopened its doors on Sept. 22, ready for what might be the first year of regularly scheduled dollar beers since the 2018-19 academic year. After three years of waiting, students rejoiced at the return of Bar des Arts.

Since 2007, Bar des Arts (BdA) has been known for its $1 beers and grilled cheeses offered every Thursday out of the Arts Lounge in the basement of McGill’s Leacock Building. The tradition took a turn in 2019 when BdA was forced out of its home base in Leacock at the onset of renovations in the building. The bar’s student managers worked hard to find a new home for BdA but were faced with high costs and a lack of support from members of the McGill administration. Thus, BdA had to be shut down, and on Oct. 24, 2019, BdA hosted the “BdArtsLounge Funeral.”

The fight was not over yet. On Feb. 11, 2020, over 1,000 students signed an open letter demanding support from the university’s administration to help BdA reopen. Deputy Provost Fabrice Labeau finally agreed to give back the Arts Lounge by Apr. 30, 2020. Students could almost smell the warm beer flowing. 

But in the face of COVID-19 restrictions, BdA has had to wait until this fall to try its hand at another full year of service. Every Thursday, the doors of the notorious Arts Lounge open at 5:30, but dollar beer lovers wait in line starting as early as 4:30, dressed according to that week’s theme. On Sept. 29, BdA hosted “BdAdam Sandler”; the basement of Leacock was buzzing with students in baggy t-shirts, long shorts, and backwards caps to show their dedication to all that BdA stands for—friendship, memories, and tight student budgets.

Campbell Graham, U1 Arts and BdA staff member, chose to work at BdA because of her positive past experiences with the Arts Undergraduate Society.

“Everyone is just so fun—like, there’s no one who is disappointing to work with,” Graham said in an interview with The McGill Tribune. 

Mitchell Horwood, U3 Arts and BdA co-chair, echoed Graham’s sentiments. 

“We’re trying to have all the inclusivity [we can], all the amount of amazing times that people can have [with the re-opening of BdA],” Horwood said.

The vibrant atmosphere in the Arts Lounge certainly contrasts its grey, windowless, and low-ceilinged design. People are meeting new friends, laughing with old ones, or posing for a photo in every corner of the lounge. One alcove is home to a pool table with several students perfecting their game.

In an office adjoining the Arts lounge, some staff are running the grilled cheese station—or rather, a panini press. The line to buy the popular snack extends out of the office and into the lounge. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside: The BdA grilled cheeses make the perfect comfort food. 

Sam Stourton, U4 Arts, points out that BdA’s grilled cheeses come at a great bargain.

“In the times of eight per cent inflation, the fact that you can come here and pay one dollar for a slightly subpar grilled cheese, which hits every single spot you could possibly have […] I mean, I personally couldn’t ask for anything more,” Stourton said. 

It is clear that the anti-luxury regime of Bar des Arts adds to its charm in the eyes of those who frequent it. 

Stourton proudly proclaimed to the Tribune,  “I’m living life at BdA. Life has never been better.”

While most of BdA’s staff and students are newcomers, its atmosphere confirms that student traditions die hard. As always, this generation of Arts undergrads came for the cheap beer and stayed for the community it created. Though we should be wary of making too many predictions, it might be safe to say that Bar des Arts is back for the long haul.

You can find Bar des Arts on Facebook and on Instagram at @bar_des_arts or in the Arts Lounge in the basement of Leacock every Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30.

Arts & Entertainment, Film and TV

Just a bunch of hocus pocus: Another unnecessary sequel

by Aimee DeLong on

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Twenty-nine years after the release of the Disney film Hocus Pocus, the Sanderson sisters are stirring up trouble once more. The first film follows teenager Max (Omri Katz) in the town of Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween. While visiting the former cottage of the long-dead Sanderson witches, Max lights a candle and accidentally resurrects them. Along with his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and crush Allison (Vinessa Shaw), Max spends the following hour of the movie trying to vanquish the sisters once and for all. Like many of its films in the last decade, the House of Mouse has chosen to resurrect the cult classic in the form of a sequel. Much like the Sanderson sisters, however, the franchise should have stayed dead. 

The sequel brings us back to Salem, the town infamous for its grisly witch trials in the late 17th century, following spunky teen Becca (Whitney Peak), a magic-obsessed girl with a Halloween birthday. The only thing more unrealistic than the magic in this movie is Becca’s endless supply of convenient plot devices. She receives all the items that she needs to take on the witches in the first act of the film, complete with direct dialogue and intense stares from Gilbert (Sam Richardson), the owner of a local magic shop, about how useful these objects might be in oddly specific situations. 

Hocus Pocus 2 encourages its audience to be sympathetic towards the Sanderson sisters given the sexism they faced as young women. But it’s difficult to ignore how the trio made a habit of consuming the souls of innocent children. Even with its comedic overtones, Winifred’s attempts at consuming Dani’s soul in the first film always felt a bit dark, and it didn’t feel any better the second time around. The film begs the question of whether a child-based diet can negatively influence one’s mental development; the sisters don’t seem to have the common sense or the deductive reasoning beyond that of a five-year-old.  

Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy’s performances were about as strong as the mediocre script allows. In the first film, Bette Midler, in particular, gave the role her absolute all. Her rendition of I Put a Spell On You by Jalacy “Screamin’ Jay” Hawkins is a musical performance recognizable to even people that have never seen the first film. There is only so much that established actresses can do while acting like immortal witches behaving like kindergartners visiting Toys “R” Us for the first time. While there is a certain appeal to picking up a story 30 years later, it does make one wonder what mountain of blackmail Disney had on these poor actresses to drag them into this CGI-ridden mess. 

In spite of Hocus Pocus 2’s flaws, the movie is not without its redeeming qualities. It is complete with two wonderful musical numbers, including an inspiring rendition of the Blondie ‘70s classic “One Way or Another.” Of course, Becca’s friend Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) questioned why they were breaking into song, joining Flynn Rider as one of the few Disney characters to do so. It is always refreshing to see a character break the fourth wall—given that, in reality, people don’t usually break into song when they successfully make a bowl of cereal. The costume designer mercifully chose outfits for the teens that a real-life high schooler might actually be seen in. The Sanderson sisters’ witchy wardrobe maintained their original appearance, and for good reason—why mess with perfection?

Hocus Pocus 2 does try its best to appeal to fans of the original movie and new viewers alike. However, many of its jokes fall flat and the poor attempts at social commentary are quickly overshadowed by the witches’ evil intentions. It was 103 minutes of my life that I am never going to get back, but it may be worth a watch for those seeking some good old-fashioned nostalgia. Although I should have known better than to expect great things from a straight-to-Disney+ sequel, the original Hocus Pocus gave me high hopes. That, or the Sanderson sisters really did put a spell on me.

Hocus Pocus 2 is currently streaming on Disney+.

Sports, Varsity Round UP

Varsity round up: What you missed in McGill sports

by Tillie Burlock, Sumire Kierkosz-Ueno, Karan Kumar, Dylan Schofield on

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Men’s Lacrosse

On a chilly Friday evening, Redbirds lacrosse fans turned out for the first annual Legacy Game as McGill (4–1) faced off against Queen’s University (2–2). A boastful crowd of 580 watched the Redbirds dominate the Gaels for their third win in a row, spearheaded by first-year midfielder John Miraglia who led the team with five points. Less than two minutes into the first quarter, Miraglia opened up the scoring, giving McGill a lead that they maintained throughout the game. With 4:37 left in the first quarter, fourth-year attacker Cameron McGinnis buried a power-play goal, quickly followed up by fourth-year attacker Isaiah Cree’s first goal of the night, putting the Redbirds up 3-1. As the Gaels tried to battle back, they were silenced by McGill’s unrelenting offence and ended the first half down 6-2 to the Redbirds. McGill blew the game open in the third quarter, scoring four goals, two from Miraglia. With the score at 10-3, Cree potted his third goal of the night, and opened the door for the Redbirds to breeze into a 12-5 victory over the Gaels. 

“I was a little nervous at the beginning considering there was a lot of weight in the atmosphere and everything, but [the win] felt wonderful,” said Cree in a post-game interview. “[We’re] happy to go home with the win and looking forward to the next game as always.” 

The Redbirds dropped their second game of the weekend 8-7 to Carleton and will play next on Oct. 9 at Nipissing.

Men’s Baseball 

(Matt Garies/McGill Athletics)

After losing 3-1 in game one of a double-header against Queen’s University (8–2), ending an eight-game winning streak, the Redbirds (15–5) tried to get back into the swing of things in game two. Starting on the bump for McGill was left-handed pitcher Caden Welch, who settled in nicely after a bases-loaded jam in the top of the first. In the bottom of the inning, the Redbirds’ offence exploded, scoring seven runs with shortstop Milo Young paving the way with a single and a stolen bag. Their lead widened later in the inning when designated hitter Vincent Rizzolo knocked a two-RBI single. After a quiet second, the Gaels began to threaten the Redbirds’  seven-run lead, scoring two in the third and three in the fourth, making the score 7-5. But the McGill offence bounced back, cushioning their lead with a two-RBI double from first-baseman Brad Marelich. The Gaels did not go quietly, scoring one in the fifth and one in the seventh, but left-handed pitcher Nathaniel Factor was able to close out the game and earn himself the save. In the 9-7 victory, catcher Chris Bodine stood out offensively alongside Rizzolo and Marelich, going 3-for-3 with three singles and an RBI. 

“We came out, we played our brand of baseball in that first inning and [although] it didn’t translate to the full game, we were able to get a good clutch hit by Brad Marelich to tack on two more at the end,” said head coach Casey Auerbach. “We’re just looking to find our stride and be as consistent as we can offensively.” 

The Redbirds finished out the weekend picking up two wins in their double-header against the Ottawa Gee-Gees in a couple of tight games, winning 8-7 and 4-3. Their next game will be on Oct. 5 at Université de Montréal.

Men’s Hockey 

On Sept. 30, the Redbirds (2–1) defeated the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) (0–4) 8-3 in a landslide victory. McGill opened the scoring with two goals in the first five minutes, seizing the momentum for a fast-paced, high-scoring game. Over the 60 minutes of play, six different players found the back of the net, with the rookies leading the way—first-year defenceman Maxime Blanchard and first-year centre William Rouleau scored two goals each. With an aggressive forecheck, McGill went four for six on the power-play, scoring all four goals within the first 30 seconds of their one-man advantage. Despite moments of sloppy play, the Redbirds were able to dominate throughout the game, outshooting RMC 61 to 22. In a post-game interview with The McGill Tribune, Rouleau, who was awarded the first star of the game, expressed optimism about the upcoming season. 

“This year especially, I think we have a special group of guys [….] We’re getting really competitive this year so it’s really fun to see our potential,” said Rouleau. “So far in the preseason we have been playing great. We didn’t have the greatest game tonight, but still had a good result. The sky’s the limit for us.”

The Redbirds will play their next game on Oct. 7 against Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières at McConnell Arena.

Women’s Soccer

(Matt Garies/McGill Athletics)

A sluggish first half defined the Martlets’ soccer (4–3–2) home game against the Bishop’s Gaiters (1–4–4). The first 20 minutes saw an aggressive Gaiter midfield trying to dominate possession, while the Martlets’ defence, led by Stephanie Hill, stood up to any scoring attempts, leaving goalkeeper Sophie Guilmette with little work to do. In the first half, the Martlets’ only offensive highlight was a quick counter-attack by forwards Liliane Lefebvre and Giovanna Tiberio that was extinguished by Bishop’s goalkeeper in the 22nd minute. 

Lefebvre, who was voted McGill Athlete of the Week, applauded her team’s performance in the game. 

“I think we were comfortable defensively, but need to be better in scoring. We needed to be confident [going forward] in the final three quarters of the game.”

The second half only began to heat up in the final 10 minutes. Some great ball movement in the final third saw Lefebvre threaten the Gaiters’ defence minutes before the final whistle.

“We got past their press on several occasions but then got too rushed and lacked a bit of composure,” said head coach Jose-Luis Valdes. “The effort is there, [it] just needs to be [supplemented] by quality play.” 

Next, the Martlets play the Montreal Carabins on Oct. 7.

Men’s Basketball 

After a tough start to the pre-season for the McGill men’s basketball team (0–4), the Redbirds were presented with an opportunity to right the wrongs of their opening three games in a difficult fixture against Queen’s University (2–0). From the very first moment of the game, the Redbirds were playing catch-up, with the Gaels winning the opening tip-off and racing away with a 16-0 lead. The first quarter was filled with frustration for McGill as they attempted to kickstart a comeback. Fourth-year guard Zachary Lavoie-Toure, along with guard and graduate student Sam Jenkins, led a spirited, albeit unsuccessful, comeback attempt in the second half. Jenkins also led the team in playing time and points with 34 minutes and 14 points.  

Head coach Ryan Thorne expressed his disappointment in the team’s start, and how that played into the rest of the game. 

“They out-hustled us, they out-muscled us, they wanted it more than us,” Thorne told The McGill Tribune. “We showed some spots of fight, but that’s a good team, I think they finished fourth in Canada last year, so you can’t only show spots, you have to perform the entire time.”

Queens out-rebounded McGill by 43-32 and despite the Redbirds’ best efforts to stay in the game, even cutting the lead to single digits in the fourth quarter, they ultimately fell 71-55 to the Gaels. 

The Redbirds will play their next game on Oct. 14 against the Lethbridge Pronghorns as part of the McGill Redbirds’ Classic tournament. 

Commentary, Opinion

Call it Milton Parc

by Dima Kiwan on

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The six blocks bounded by University, Ste. Famille, Milton, and des Pins form the notorious “McGill Ghetto”, a neighbourhood adjacent to campus, swarming with students and their vices. For first-years eager to integrate into McGill’s vibrant community, this area holds great appeal. It is a hub for young students to run free and make memories for the fleeting years that they are there—but at what cost? Not only does the name “McGill Ghetto” vainly claim this neighbourhood as students’ own, but it also offends the historic struggle to protect this cherished area against gentrification. Language matters. These six blocks are not the McGill Ghetto. They are Milton-Parc. 

Nearly five decades ago, most of the historic buildings in Milton-Parc were purchased by the real estate giant Concordia Estates Ltd. in order to make room for shopping centres, hotels, and new high-rise, high-rent buildings. Local activists protested the construction, seeking to protect the community’s character and residents’ access to affordable housing. The protestors occupied the developers’ offices, and many were arrested and jailed for mischief. Remarkably, their movement to prevent the construction was successful. The familiar LaCité apartment building is the only project outlined in the $250-million development endeavour that was completed. 

The struggle for Milton-Parc was a historic catalyst for similar municipal urban movements around the world and, to this day, it remains one of the largest housing projects in North America. Most buildings are owned by 22 non-profit and housing co-operatives, and community involvement is alive and well, represented by the Milton-Parc Citizens’ Committee (CCMP). 

It is deeply disrespectful for students to ignore the plight of long-time residents considering the rich history of resistance and struggle to protect their neighbourhood. For decades, there has been tension between students ad established residents over the McGillians’ inclination for yelling in the streets at night, throwing loud parties, and recklessly throwing garbage onto the streets. Traditional gentrification harms communities through forced displacement and exclusion. Governments and corporations erase the history of entire neighbourhoods to make room for more profitable developments and demographics. But through so-called studentification, students harm communities through neglect, more so out of immaturity than profit-seeking. 

Not to mention that the term “ghetto” is itself loaded, and its use in any case is inherently insensitive and should not be any student’s vocabulary.  “Ghetto” originated in reference to the forced segregation of Jewish people into closed areas, and is now used as slang for neighbourhoods with high concentrations of ethnic minorities and levels of poverty. For students to distinguish it as such, based on their perception of the area as a playground for university life, further implies that the entire neighbourhood belongs to and revolves around us. 

Paying attention to our language and using the correct terminology for Milton-Parc demonstrates an intention to improve relations with established residents and, ultimately, work together to benefit the entire community. For instance, Mobilizing for Milton-Parc (formerly Meals for Milton-Parc), a meal-share initiative providing food and care packages to unhoused people in the neighbourhood, was developed by former McGill student Sophie Hart (BA ‘22) in 2020. Participating in this initiative is one of many ways that students can shift to a more inclusive perspective of the neighbourhood—one that recognizes its existence outside the McGill bubble.

McGill students spend some of their most formative years in Milton-Parc, and, in turn, build valid emotional attachments to the area and incorporate it into their identity. If anything, it is because of these attachments that students should be more reflective and intentional about the language they use when referring to their neighbourhood. Milton-Parc is an anomaly in the capitalist landscape. It would not exist without residents’ persistent struggle, and they are owed the utmost gratitude and respect for their fight to protect our shared community.

Science & Technology, Science Rewind

Artificial cells offer hope for COVID-19 & cancer patients

by Marie Walker on

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Sixty-five years and four Nobel Prize nominations after Dr. Thomas Chang invented the first artificial cell in his McGill dorm room, the invention is still improving lives in countless new ways. From blood transfusions to cancer suppression and, most recently, COVID-19 treatments, Chang’s invention continues to push the boundaries of medical possibility.

Chang developed the first crude prototype of an artificial red blood cell during his undergraduate studies at McGill. 

“It was back in 1957 and I worked […]  in my dormitory room in Douglas Hall,” Chang said in an interview with The McGill Tribune. “I [did] my research in my bedroom and when people [were] not there, I used the living room.”

Chang’s artificial cells are not just physical entities. They are artificial and modifiable structures that can replace or supplement malfunctioning cells. The cells consist of an artificial membrane made of several types of polymers,, and/or crosslinked proteins that surround typical cell components like enzymes, proteins, other cells, and more. Artificial cells act as mini bioreactors—or reaction chambers—where molecules can enter and react with the contents inside before being exported once again. 

Artificial cells are uniquely useful because their membranes and contents can be modified to suit many needs. 

“We can prepare them to contain cells, stem cells, vaccines, mRNA, DNA, microorganisms, magnetic material, absorbents, hormones, drugs, and other material,” Chang said. “There are unlimited possibilities in variations for the artificial cell membranes and contents.”

According to Chang, artificial cells that contain hemoglobin and other proteins mimic blood cells but do not belong to any blood type group, making them a universal blood substitute. This is especially useful for emergency trauma cases when on-site blood cross-matching is not available, and for people who cannot accept blood transfusions for religious reasons. And since the membranes do not have antigens—which can sometimes cause the body to reject foreign substances—the artificial cells will not be attacked by antibodies or white blood cells. Beyond their use as a blood substitute, this makes them ideal to carry essential enzymes or substances into the body without the risk of adverse effects.

“As a physician-researcher with the aim to do what is best for the patients, my plan has been to continue to do frontier innovative research […] and at the same time to encourage others around the world to develop these ideas for patient use,” Chang wrote in a statement to the Tribune. 

According to Chang, artificial cells have already been used as a delivery vehicle for mRNA vaccines. They have also been used to treat patients with COVID-19. These patients can develop a cytokine storm—a fatal release of excessive cytokines due to an overreaction of the immune system. Cytokines, small proteins that control the growth of blood and immune system cells, are more effectively removed by activated charcoal than traditional hemodialysis. Activated charcoal, however, can release harmful particles into the body and damage red blood cells. By using an artificial ultrathin membrane to coat the charcoal, those negative side effects can be avoided while also increasing the speed at which cytokines are removed from the blood. 

“A problem is a challenge, and challenges mean that you can innovate.”

– Dr thomas Chang

In a 2021 paper, Chang’s artificial cells showed promise in suppressing skin cancer. Inspired by a 2005 study that found that low levels of the amino acid tyrosine suppress melanoma tumor growth, Chang began working on a nanobiotherapeutic PolyHb-tyrosinase, an enzyme that lowers levels of tyrosine in systemic circulation to inhibit tumour growth in mice. Overall, their results showed that nanocarrier PolyHb-tyrosinase suppressed tumour growth in mice and even inhibited tumor cell migration, also known as metastasis. 

“We have only touched the surface of the potential of the extension, innovations and uses of artificial cells,” Chang wrote. For Chang and others working on the cutting edge of biomedicine, there is much more to learn.

Arts & Entertainment, Film and TV

‘Do Revenge’ could do better

by Sofia Stankovic on

More in Arts & Entertainment:

What happens when you throw Gen Zs into a classic revenge plot? Netflix’s new teen drama, Do Revenge, gives us a fresh, yet unsatisfying look: It avoids predictable characterizations while still relying on tried-and-true dramedy tropes. The film enlists actors from a range of successful teen shows—Euphoria, Riverdale, Outer Banks, Stranger Things, and 13 Reasons Why—leaving each of their respective fanbases to converge around the film. Its massive success––topping Netflix’s streaming charts––is no surprise due to its acclaimed cast, contemporary soundtrack, and Gen Z pop culture relevance. The film both honours and pokes fun at Gen Z culture while taking inspiration from iconic teen films from the 90s and 00s. But these triumphs do not prevent the movie’s character development, costume design, and pacing from falling short. 

The film follows queen bee Drea (Camila Mendes) after her boyfriend leaks her sex tape and she becomes a social outcast. Drea befriends the awkward new girl Eleanor (Maya Hawke), who is hesitant to enter the school’s social scene, haunted by a homophobic rumour started by her ex-crush. The girls agree to exact revenge on each other’s enemies by any means necessary. While the scheme for Eleanor’s vengeance is immediately successful, the girls struggle to bring down Max (Austin Abrams), Drea’s manipulative ex-boyfriend. The setback brings up larger issues within the girls’ partnership, revealing even deeper secrets and uncovering the movie’s true, unexpected conflict.

The premise of Do Revenge is enticing and unique because it relies on contemporary struggles created by the internet and social media to fuel the plot. While major conflicts in teen dramas such as Clueless, Mean Girls, and Heathers are often related to bullying and social status, the issues in Do Revenge surrounding homophobia and revenge porn have been scarcely addressed in teen dramas, making it more relatable and intriguing. Max serves as the film’s primary antagonist, twisting the humiliation and slut-shaming Drea faces into a campaign victimizing himself. This allows the film to comment on misogyny in a humorous and bite-sized portrayal of social justice.

The film’s eclectic music and costume design solidify it as a quintessential Gen Z flick. The soundtrack consists of a carefully curated playlist that includes Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, and other Gen Z staples. The soundtrack is one of the better-developed parts of the movie, with just enough songs to not oversaturate the story but to provide relevant and contemporary accompaniment to the plot. 

In contrast, the costume design falls short. Pushing boundaries with its colourful, campy style, the clothing design is eye-catching, but fails to accurately portray modern teen style. This is especially evident with Drea, who––despite being a scholarship student who thrifts most of her clothes––manages to wear the same high-end, modern styles as her trust-funded peers.

Beyond the engaging plot, the movie fails to develop the characters in a way that makes them sympathetic to viewers. Both Drea and Eleanor’s characters disappoint as their flaws are candidly pointed out to the audience, but are not given enough attention or time to make their redemption arcs believable. Mean Girls (2004), which shares tone and plot points with Do Revenge, subverts this well by showing both the main character and her bully facing the consequences of their actions with the help of a well-timed school bus. Conversely, Do Revenge lacks conviction because of Drea and Eleanor’s unconvincing character developments. While the girls do seek to apologize to their new love interests, these resolutions are too rushed to feel compelling. Drea’s interest in her new boyfriend does not seem genuine due to both a lack of chemistry and predictable writing. Eleanor’s eventual girlfriend is barely seen, with their relationship not even getting addressed until the credit scene. 

Ultimately, Do Revenge is a solid entry into the teen film genre thanks to its acclaimed cast and exciting plot. It lacks, however, the character development and thematic wit of its predecessors like Clueless, which inhibits it from becoming a modern classic. The cast and provocative plot are undoubtedly the most thrilling parts of the movie, but the writing serves up a revenge that just isn’t cold enough.

Do Revenge is now streaming on Netflix.

McGill, Montreal, News

Montreal shelters lead the city in second annual Every Child Matters March

by Luce Danglard on

More in McGill:

On Sept. 30, hundreds of people gathered in front of the George-Étienne Cartier monument at the foot of Mount Royal before marching through Montreal to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—also known as Orange Shirt Day. Since 2021, Sept. 30 has marked a federal statutory holiday, although the province of Quebec does not officially recognize it. The event, organized by the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal and Resilience Montreal, featured speeches and performances from many Indigenous community members, such as Kahnawá:ke Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, Inuk musician Elisapie Isaac, the Generational Warriors group, and the Travelling Spirit Drum group.  

Many of those who attended the walk wore orange t-shirts to honour the Indigenous children who were taken from their homes and forced to assimilate under Canada’s residential school system—many of whom were abused and never returned home. Marchers traversed Milton-Parc, where a disproportionate number of unhoused Indigenous people reside, and paused for speeches in front of McGill’s Roddick Gates before concluding the event at Place du Canada. Chants like “no pride in genocide” and the call-and-response “when I say land, you say back” echoed through downtown Montreal. 

Steve McComber, a Mohawk elder from the Kahnawá:ke Nation and a speaker at the event, emphasized that the path towards Truth and Reconciliation requires a commitment to learning about the injustices that Indigenous communities have suffered.

“Becoming aware of what is the truth, is the beginning to reconcil[ing],” McComber said in an interview with The McGill Tribune. “Our people lived under oppressive policies for generations, but people are not aware of that. So once people become aware, [then it will be] the beginning for things to change.” 

Nakuset, the executive director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal and one of the march’s organizers, believes that attending Truth and Reconciliation Day events is a significant first step that non-Indigenous people can take to become educated and more active in the fight against anti-Indigeneity.  

“I want [settlers] to be here so they can listen to the messages that everyone will be giving,” Nakuset said in an interview with the Tribune. “Everyone has a different message […] for people to absorb it and to do better as opposed to deflecting, ignoring, and walking away, which is what we usually get.”

On the same day, McGill’s fourth “We Will Walk Together/Skàtne Entewathahìta” took place at the Education Building from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event featured speeches and performances from Associate Provost (Indigenous Initiatives) Celeste Pedri-Spade, Alex Allard-Gray, and other Indigenous community members. Local Indigenous vendors and artisans and the Indigenous Law Association, which held an Orange Shirt sale, attended to fundraise for organizations such as Resilience Montreal. 

Olivia Bornyi, U2 Arts and a member of McGill’s Indigenous Initiatives Unit, led the programming and the communications committee for the event. Bornyi believes that Truth and Reconciliation Day is “integral to students’ education” and hopes that McGill’s event starts a conversation about the historic oppression of Indigenous peoples. 

“I would have liked to see a little bit more student turnout, but we did get a fair bit,” Bornyi said in an interview with the Tribune.  “It’s a very emotional day for many members of the Indigenous community, which is very important to recognize.”

Philippe Haddad, 2L, used his position as a member of the Rugby Leadership Group to get his teammates to attend the event. Haddad called on the McGill community to become more “active participants rather than complicit bystanders” by engaging in conversations about Indigenous rights. 

“Many [dissociate] from Truth and Reconciliation by regarding it as a legislative issue,” Haddad said in a statement to the Tribune. “As an educational institution, McGill should be highlighting safe spaces for dialogue and storytelling […] specifically for Indigenous folks, providing alternatives to settler-colonial educational structures, and freeing itself from settler-colonial influence in […] governance as a first step to addressing a prevalent imperialist mindset.”

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