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McGill, News

McGill’s ROAAr unveils its fully functional 19th century printing press

by Hannah Murray on

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Patrons of McGill’s Rare and Special Collections, Osler, Art, and Archives (ROAAr) filled the fourth floor of the McLennan Library Building on Jan. 30 for the unveiling and demonstration of the earliest surviving Columbian printing press in North America. The event also launched the library’s Book Arts Laboratory, which will use the press as an educational tool for several faculties across the university. 

McGill’s printing press, first invented by George Clymer of Philadelphia in 1813, is the earliest surviving model of a Columbian press in North America. The library’s copy was manufactured in England in 1821 and obtained by McGill in 1958: The principal and director of libraries at the time, Cyril James and Richard Pennington respectively, spearheaded the printing press’ acquisition. 

Now that it has been renovated, the reveal was the first in a series that will focus on the press itself held in the Book Arts Lab.

“The press was gathering dust in the library’s basement until [the library received a grant] a few years ago allowing the press to be restored,” Book Arts Lab librarian Lauren Williams said. 

The press operated at McGill from 1957 through 1965, and was integrated as a part of McGill’s teaching program, until the library put it in storage in the 1970s. 

“It has been almost 50 years since [the press] has been functional, [and] this is what we’re celebrating today,” ROAAr librarian Anne Marie Holland said. “It is [a part of McGill’s] William Colgate History of Printing Collection […] one of the largest subject specific collections [in North America] and a practical, rich universe for the study of the history of books and print culture in general.”

Professor Eli MacLaren of McGill’s English department, whose teaching focusses on Canadian literature and poetry, spoke next. MacLaren discussed how our understanding of the power of books can influence how we learn not only about literature, but also about other cultures.

“Seeing how books are made, preferably with a glass of red wine in hand […] is really a priceless way to begin to discover what [books] mean and what they have meant at different times and places,” MacLaren said.

Speeches were followed by a demonstration of the printing press, led by Jennifer Garland and Williams, two of the Book Arts Laboratory librarians. The hosts allowed guests to handle the press themselves and create a print with details of the event. 

“It’s so easy to use,” Garland said. “But it is literally back-breaking work!”

Restored to its black and gold gilt colours, the press was shiny and ornate, with a large sculpture of an eagle sitting atop one of the main levers, moving with the lever as it is pulled. This design was very distinctive during the 19th century, and was often known as the ‘eagle press’ by those working in the printing industry. Operating thanks to a weighted lever system, the press applies an enormous amount of pressure, making it easier for those pulling the lever to create numerous copies of a design. 

With plans to use the press for many events in the upcoming Winter 2020 semester, the lab has been equipped with a number of primary type supplies in order to truly promote the usage of the press. Through these actions, the ROAAr hopes to educate both students and staff on the importance of such historic literary tools, creating a unique interactive learning opportunity.

“Using primary sources to show and not tell is the hallmark of any great university,” MacLaren said. “Hopefully, this press will do just that.”

Basketball, Sports

2020 NBA trade deadline predictions

by Adam Burton on

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With the NBA trade deadline quickly approaching on Feb. 6, the window for teams to make last-minute moves is closing. While most executives and analysts predict a fairly uneventful buildup to the deadline, The McGill Tribune sees the potential for things to get spicy this season, like they did two years ago when Blake Griffin was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Detroit Pistons. Here is the Tribune’s list of the most intriguing trade possibilities in the coming days.

 

Joel Embiid

At first glance, trading Joel Embiid might seem absurd. However, in light of Ben Simmons’ recent offensive explosion as a direct result of Embiid’s injury, it has become increasingly obvious that Simmons’s and Embiid’s style of play are not necessarily compatible. Because of Embiid’s inconsistent health and spotty record in the postseason, it seems ever more likely that he might be the player on the trading block in favour of building around the younger Ben Simmons. 

In exchange for Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers would hope for an elite shooting small forward to compliment the drive-first, slash-and-kick style of play of Simmons; Jason Tatum, of the Boston Celtics, would fit that role perfectly. Jaylen Brown’s formidable improvement, Gordon Hayward’s full return, and Kemba Walker’s meteoric rise as the centre of the franchise make the Celtics a contender looking to make a move for a title. While the Celtics have previously described Tatum as “untouchable,”it seems possible that they would be motivated to sacrifice Tatum to complete their roster with a dominant centre like Embiid.

Frank Ntiklinka

Currently trapped on a dysfunctional roster with the New York Knicks, Frank Ntiklinka has had a dismal offensive performance this season, averaging 31.7 per cent from three, and 37.8 per cent overall, for only 5.9 points per game. These statistics, however, distract from his actual value as a supremely athletic 6’4” guard, capable of defending multiple positions and running a pick and roll.

With an all time low trade value, it is possible that a more savvy organization in need of his defensive prowess will acquire him. Don’t be surprised to see him bought low by the Golden State Warriors or the San Antonio Spurs, who could develop his offensive skills and plug him in to a well-run system.

Bogdan Bogdanovic

Small forward Bogdan Bogdanovic is an oft–overlooked player, but his recent promotion over Buddy Hield in the Sacramento Kings’ starting lineup has demonstrated that he’s a skilled, clutch player, who also led a Euroleague team on a deep playoff run. Additionally, Bogdanovic has the advantage of having an ownership-friendly contract at $17 million a year. 

With his playoff repertoire, versatile playstyle, and desirable price point, it is likely that championship contenders will be looking to add him to their rosters in the coming days. The Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers seem likely destinations for Bogdanovic, as they will be looking to add depth to their benches going into the postseason.

Andre Iguadala

Veteran Andre Iguodala found himself on the Memphis Grizzlies this season after an off-season trade. The Grizzlies, feeling no need to add Iguodala to their roster of young talent, came to a mutual agreement, saying they would trade him before the deadline. 

A former finals MVP and elite perimeter defender, Iguodala will be highly coveted by championship contenders. This is complicated by his burgeoning veteran contract, however, which will make him inaccessible to teams close to the salary cap. The Houston Rockets may be a destination for the accomplished veteran, as their defence is lacking, and he would fit in nicely with their catch-and-shoot style of offence.

Ask Ainsley, Student Life

Ask Ainsley: Should I be worried about the coronavirus?

by Ainsley on

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Dear Ainsley,

I’m very scared of this emerging coronavirus that’s been spreading around the world and killing people. My friends tell me that I’m the type of person who thinks of the worst case scenario when it comes to my wellbeing. Whenever I am near people who cough, I get worried that I might catch something. I hear this disease started in China. Should I be avoiding eating Chinese food or going to places frequented by Chinese people? What can I do to prevent getting this virus?

Sincerely,

Worried Sick About Getting Sick (WSAGS)

 

Hi WSAGS,

It is normal to feel a sense of panic when there seems to be a constant stream of sensationalized information being flashed on our screens. The first thing to address is your fear of illness itself. It is okay to be worried about being sick, but if you or your friends are noticing that your health is causing an excessive level of anxiety, it may be time to see a doctor. Not only will a checkup with a physician give you an actual indication of any illness, they can also refer you to a mental health professional if this worry has been causing problems in your life. This type of worry is known as illness anxiety disorder and is a real issue that can become debilitating if left untreated. 

With regard to the coronavirus, it is important to know that while the World Health Organization (WHO), has described this epidemic as a global health emergency, the risk to students at McGill remains low, according to federal and provincial public health organizations. At this point, protecting yourself means washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, as well as sneezing or coughing into your arm to reduce the spread of microbes. These pieces of advice are always good to follow even in the absence of the coronavirus outbreak, since there are other more commonplace illnesses that are caught in the same way as this virus, such as the common cold or the flu.

An even more contagious aspect of this virus is the spread of disinformation on the Internet. Social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, have historically done very little to stop the spread of false information and, with this outbreak, the issue of falsehoods is no different. Many reports have exaggerated or falsified claims on the origins and reach of this virus so make sure that any news about the virus that you are getting is from a credible, primary source, such as the WHO or the Public Health Agency of Canada.

A particularly appalling result of this hysteria and disinformation that needs to be addressed is the rise of racism against Chinese people. It is easy to get caught up in all this fear-mongering and start panicking but being mindful of those who are most affected by this outbreak is as important as ever. They are as scared of this virus as you are and offering support through solidarity in this difficult time is key. This means not fuelling attitudes around this outbreak that exclude or harass Chinese communities. A prominent example of this prejudice is the one surrounding the ‘bat soup’ theory, which supposes that the virus came from the alleged ‘bizarre’ delicacies of Asian people. These stereotypes are based on a form of Western exceptionalism and disregards the fact that many diseases come from contact with animals that North Americans eat everyday, such as the swine flu, which comes from pigs, and diarrheal E. coli, which comes from eating unwashed meat. Another aspect to note is that Asian-run businesses here in Canada are at no greater risk of having this virus than other businesses, so you have nothing to worry about when eating Chinese food here in Montreal. In a time that can be distressing for those who have ties to China, you have to remember to be kind. What is more dangerous than spreading sickness is spreading hate. 

Stay well,
Ainsley

Do you have questions about love, life, and other things? You can Ask Ainsley in this anonymous form (link) for a chance to be featured in an upcoming article!

McGill, News

Faculty Club hosts discussion on the future role of Trudeau’s government

by Savannah Sguigna on

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In an evening of discussions, a panel organized in collaboration with the Institute for Research in Public Policy welcomed a full house at McGill’s Faculty Club. Titled ‘Justin Trudeau and the Politics of Federalism’, the event extensively examined Ottawa’s interprovincial policies entering the new year. Chantal Hébert, a political journalist at the Toronto Star, began the night with a show of candor, challenging the other panelists to maintain a balance of hope and concern. 

“This parliament is opening 2020 on an incredible show of federal [and] provincial unity,” Hébert said. 

Hébert revealed that she was impressed by the unanimous support for the United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA), but is still concerned by the ways that progress can be inhibited by a minority government.

Daniel Béland, a McGill professor of political science and the Director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, was the first to introduce the rising concern of Albertan separatism, noting how the division of right-and left-wing politics has manifested in geographical conflict.

“This issue of fairness and trust within our federal system [reveals how] partisan divides [have become] way stronger now,” Daniel Béland said. “[…] The times have passed and now we live in a different context [….] These elections at the provincial level [have] change[d] the partisan map across the country.”

At the opposite end of the table, Christopher Ragan, Director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy and a McGill professor of economics, steered the topic of ‘Wexit’ instead to the movement’s relationship with Ottawa. An Alberta native, he reasoned that there is more concern for self-preservation in Western Canada than for federal opposition.

However, the event moderator, Charles Breton, was quick to challenge this view. An Executive Director of the Institute for Research in Public Policy, Breton restated his suspicion of the West during the question and answer session.

“As someone [who has] lived in Vancouver for 10 years before coming here, when we talk about Wexit, there’s only one part of the West that wants out and it’s not British Columbia,” Breton said.

The panel addressed how the disparity between British Columbia and Alberta indicates the necessity of proceeding with the interests of each province in mind. In examining the intricacies of interprovincial negotiations, the panelists emphasized the consequences of categorizing conflict.

“For as long as I have been in politics, Alberta has been all in or all out,” Hébert said. “[…I] don’t think that the kind of debate over Québec’s place in Canada really parallels the current debate about Alberta and Saskatchewan alienation. Both are very real, but they’re grounded in very different phenomena.”

Hébert and Ragan described how ‘Wexit’ will be dependent on the federal government’s course of action, but could create further division in Canada as political and economic fluctuations prove inversely proportional.

“One of the lovely ironies is that […] the decline in the price of oil, which is a big and negative shock in Alberta is a positive shock to the economies of Ontario and Québec,” Ragan said. “So I’m actually surprised that this hasn’t been a point that has been picked up as something that’s adding to the political tension.”

 Despite the challenges facing the minority government, the panel easily identified where Canada is capable of growth, and the possibility of unity.

 “In the end, federalism is not for or about those political actors—it’s supposed to be about the people. It’s an institutional arrangement that’s there to increase accountability,” Breton concluded.

As this parliament moves forward, the audience reflected the developing curiosity of the changing political climate.

“It was a good catch-up […] there hasn’t been a whole lot going on in politics right now,” Nathan Collett, U2 Arts & Science., said. “It’s good to see so much interest.”

Student Life

Dates and mates

by Janine Xu on

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With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, many students may find themselves reaching for Tinder or Grindr. These dating apps have exploded in recent years: Tinder alone boasts over 50 million active users worldwide since the app was founded in 2012. While such apps offer a large pool of people to choose from, niche dating apps have been gaining popularity, each with unique features to fill unmet needs. Here are four alternative dating apps to try out this Valentine’s season.

Happn: Finding love next door

Similar to Tinder, Happn is a dating app that uses GPS services but takes a far more extreme approach to location-based match-making. Boasting a unique concept of “missed connections,” Happn only shows the profiles of people who have recently been in close proximity to each other, claiming that users should “live in the moment.” Unlike Tinder, Happn displays multiple profiles at once, based entirely on location, and can even alert you if you’ve recently been in the same grocery store as someone. This can be a good way to start conversations. Happn also includes a voice messaging feature so users can talk to each other in a more intimate setting. Its location-based algorithm may cause safety concerns, with reports of the app being used for stalking purposes. However, Happn now allows users to switch to “invisibility” mode to hide their location.

HER: For femme-identifying folks

While mainstream apps such as Tinder and Bumble offer categories for 2SLGBTQIA+ users, these digital spaces are often dominated by a heterosexual audience. HER is a dating app that provides a safe space for queer women and non-binary femmes to connect. The profiles on the app are generally more expressive than other dating apps, allowing users to post multiple pictures or interests that are “likeable” by others. There are multiple categories that can be filled out, including diet preferences and star signs, but HER avoids putting people in a box by having multiple options for categories such as gender identity and sexuality. A recent update in June 2019 included a ‘What does this mean’ field across the sexuality, gender, and pronouns categories to help users understand each other and support queer identity.

Blued: An Asian alternative to Grindr

While Grindr is one of the most popular dating apps for queer men, it also contends with  issues of racism, often in the form of dating preferences. Many men of colour have reported racial discrimination on the app, with profiles that list preferences such as “No Blacks, no Asians.” Blued, a replacement to Grindr, is a Chinese dating app for gay men, created in 2012 by Ma Baoli to normalize same-sex relationships in China. The app boasts over 40 million users, and while it caters toward an Asian audience, it has rapidly gained popularity all over the world. Unlike Grindr, which is primarily a dating app, Blued also has traditional social networking options, giving users the ability to broadcast videos, start group chats for a more social experience, and “follow” each other.

Tastebuds.fm: Music is the food of love

For those people for whom music is the way to their heart, then Tastebuds.fm is the perfect dating app. While dating apps like Tinder and Grindr offer integration with Spotify, Tastebuds.fm places music at the forefront of dating, which attracts those who normally don’t use a dating app. Building a profile on Tastebuds involves selecting artists or importing an account from either Spotify or Last.fm to generate a musical profile. The app not only finds potential romantic matches but also suggests musical artists that the pair would have in common. Currently, Tastebuds is working on adding features to connect its members offline through musical gigs or meetups.

Arts & Entertainment, Music

Thursdays (a) Live makes its debut of the decade

by Kate Addison on

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On a chilly Thursday night, a small crowd of student musicians and their supportive fans filed into the basement of The Yellow Door. With enough Tim Hortons’ hot chocolate to fuel a small army and a “shoes off at the front door” policy, Jam for Justice and McGill radio station CKUT’s Thursday’s (a) Live offered students both a cozy reprieve from the biting January cold and a chance to support up-and-coming talent.

Considering McGill’s history of notable musical alumni, CKUT’s monthly showcase is intended to provide a platform for emerging student musicians to perform for a live audience. Mariam Salaymeh, the outreach and events coordinator for CKUT, explained why live events such as Thursdays (a) Live are an important resource for the musicians at McGill. 

“[At CKUT we] have the resources to support and promote student artists. I wish we were a not-for-profit record label personally, because back in the day we would have had Arcade Fire, we would have had Grimes, so many people that we could have given [a]  voice to,” Salaymeh said. “[Students] have so much with academics to juggle, [CKUT] can support them with a venue and the tec [they need].” 

Opening what would prove to be an acoustic guitar-heavy evening were the musical stylings of Johnathon Webb, U3 Arts. Somewhat timid but undoubtedly friendly, Webb was a crowd-pleaser, turning to the audience for requests. Featuring acoustic covers of classics from David Bowie to Bob Marley, Webb delivered a charming performance punctuated by adventurous vocals such as a brief moment of falsetto during Space Oddity. Wrapping up his set, Webb performed an original, jokingly titled “Long March of the Red Army.” While his emotional ode to a nameless lover lacked the communist overtones one might expect of such a title, it was nonetheless entertaining. 

Up next was the duo Moosehowl, made up of U3 Science student Jacob Sanz-Robinson and U2 Engineering student Anthony Porporino, two talented guitarists with a mutual love for classic rock. While the duo performed only Pink Floyd covers with a Grateful Dead song thrown in for variety, they played well together, providing some much-appreciated 1960s hits to a night dominated by folksy love songs. 

As Katie Harbour, U2 Science, took the stage the already crowded basement began to get uncomfortably full. Having recently released her first E.P., titled ‘EP,’ on Jan. 26, Harbour’s performance drew a crowd. With nothing but a guitar to accompany her, she put on a captivating performance of several of her recently released songs. While her music, which focuses mainly on the turbulent world of young love is unquestionably catchy, Harbour’s rich and clear vocals truly set her apart from the previous performers. In particular, her original song “Useless,”  a Rex Orange County-inspired tune, sounded just as polished in person as it does on her album. 

On fourth was Maria Graham, U3 Science. Unlike the other performers that evening she lacked instrumental accompaniment instead relying solely on her powerful vocals to carry her performance. Though Graham initially gave off a subdued impression, the strength of her voice was put on display during a cover of Chet Baker’s “My Funny Valentine.” 

Closing the show was U3 Arts student Sarah Krier, a self-described bedroom pop artist who already has three albums under her belt. With just her guitar, Krier was unable to deliver the full experience of her synth-heavy repertoire, yet her acoustic performance felt like a comforting conversation with a good friend. Her short and often gentle songs feel much like a diary entry made privy to an audience. When combined with Krier’s laid-back stage presence, listeners could not help but feel at ease. Though Krier’s performance differed from the signature neo-psychedelic style of her online discography, her acoustic renditions were a perfect end to the night. 

By 8:45 p.m., the show had wound to a close and the acoustic guitars were shut away. The crowd emerged out from the basement of The Yellow door with the peaceful feeling that only a night of dreamy music and good company can provide.  

Recordings of Thursdays (a) Live are broadcasted on CKUT 90.3 FM.

governance
McGill, News

SSMU Legislative Council discusses mental health policies

by Deisha Paliwal on

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The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Legislative Council reconvened on Jan. 30 to debate new motions regarding communication between SSMU and the community, as well as new proposed health policies.

The second council meeting of the year saw the passing of the Motion Regarding Amendments to the Effective Committees Policy,  aiming to improve the communication between student groups on campus. The policy also affirms the role of SSMU committees and commissioners in discussing with groups that are involved with equity and community engagement. 

Ariana Kaye, SSMU Clubs Representative, expressed concern with the section of the motion involving the “Equity Caucus.” 

“The motion, as it currently stands, makes reference only to groups that represent a limited segment of the McGill student body, and there is no guarantee that other groups will be invited, represented, or consulted,” Kaye said. “Only one of the official member groups of the Solidarity Alliance of McGill (SAM), who was consulted, represents an ethnicity, while all others represent political opinions.”

SSMU Vice-President (VP) External Affairs Adam Gwiazda-Amsel, who proposed the motion, addressed Kaye’s concerns by clarifying the roles of certain committees. 

“This is a difficulty which needs to be addressed specifically within the Equity Committee and with the Equity Commissioners, [rather than] the Community Engagement Committee,” Gwiazda-Amsel said “There are certain groups that are generally not included in McGill conversations about equity. This [amendment] requires the Equity Committee, which currently has the problems you are citing, to [enter] into dialogue with those committees and work towards improvements.” 

The motion carried with 21 in favour, two opposed, and six abstaining. 

The council proceeded to discuss the Motion Regarding Adoption of the SSMU Mental Health Policy and Plan 2019-01-09, moved by VP Student Life Billy Kawasaki. The policy presents long-term goals for improving SSMU’s approach to student mental health and wellness. 

Kawasaki also proposed an amendment to the motion: Changes included the formation of a health and dental review committee, enhanced specialization of care for marginalized student populations, and the collaboration of the advocacy projects of mental and physical health of student groups. 

SSMU Mental Health Commissioner Olivia Frank gave an overview of the drafting of the policy.  

“We did a lot of work with various stakeholder groups across campus to try to create a policy that is as well-rounded, appropriate, and representative of what mental health is like on campus and what we hope it will be,” Frank said. “Most importantly, we amended the structure of what the mental health committee and commissioner would look like, as well as decreased it to a three-year plan, because mental health changes rapidly across campus and Canada.” 

The motion carried with 26 in favour, none opposed, and one abstaining.

Council will reconvene on Feb. 13 in McConnell Engineering 603 at 6 p.m. 

Soundbite

 “Historically, there has not been a commitment to representing the full diversity of the student body at this university within the equity circle. We need clarity to understand which [populations] will be included in these committees, and the assurance that this will not be used to represent certain groups of the student body and systematically exclude other groups.” – Ariana Kaye, on the proposal of an “Equity Caucus” 

Moment of the Meeting 

To mark the last SSMU Legislative Council meeting of Husayn Jamal as Speaker, Andrew Chase, Arts Representative to SSMU, distributed buttons to the council and members of the gallery to honour him.

Student Life

Ditching busy culture for wellness

by Laura Yudo on

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Conversations around campus are often focussed on the busy nature of our lives, with a subtle competition on who is the busiest; being busy has become a major status symbol in university culture today. At a prestigious institution like McGill, ‘busy culture’ is certainly not an uncommon phenomenon. There always seems to be a constant pressure to have overloaded course schedules and engage in a long list of extracurricular activities. 

Busy culture is a product of several factors—necessity, FOMO, escapism, and the digital era in which we live. It becomes an issue when it gets in the way of wellness. Engaging in busy culture can mean sleeping less and having little time for self-care, which are essential for a healthy mind. With midterm season already here, here are three ways to prioritize your wellness as the semester gets busier.

Say No

Don’t feel pressured to always say yes. Contrary to popular belief, being busy is not equivalent to being productive. While being busy focusses on the number of activities one is engaged in, productivity is measured by the quality of the results produced. Prioritizing your wellness means choosing productivity over being busy.  It is so easy to get caught up in the countless opportunities to get involved and beef up your resume. However, being productive means limiting the time you spend on things that matter, because it is important to be intentional with the little time and energy you do have. There will always be clubs to join, projects to latch on to, and positions to apply for. 

One way to prioritize what is urgent is by eliminating what’s not with a  “To-don’t list,” a list of engagements and commitments that are not beneficial. Set boundaries and take only what you can handle. It is okay to be choosy and say no. 

Mindfulness

Guilt always finds a way of creeping in when time is spent resting or recharging. With days of consistently jumping from one commitment to another, there is little room to slow down and be mindful. Using apps like Morning! allows students to set reminders throughout their days to practice gratitude and reflection. Even amidst the constant grind, you should spend time to focus on satisfying all aspects of life. Taking care of yourself could mean going to the gym when you don’t feel like studying rather than forcing yourself to get through your work, having regular days off, or simply squeezing in time for a nap. Make space to check in with yourself, connect with people, and recharge.

Let go of perfectionism

Busy culture is a manifestation of perfectionism. It is easy to feel disappointed when you don’t finish every item on your to-do lists. Despite what the loud voice of perfectionism may say, this is the reality of most days: Unfinished tasks, glaring deadlines, and feelings of unproductivity festering even after hours of hard work. To fight this, you must realize that your definition of a productive day might look different from yesterday’s, just as it might look different from others’: Some days,  the schedule could be full of club meetings, classes, and work, while other times, it can just be a tough day you need to push through.

While the pervasive notion is that the amount of work one puts in defines their worth, this is not the case. Fighting busy culture means going against an ingrained norm which can be difficult, but it can also be empowering. A successful person is someone who is content, not someone who has the most commitments.

McGill, News

SPHR hosts talk to explore the presence of racism in Quebec

by Victor Wang on

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The Islamic Studies Library hosted “Islamophobia as Racism,” on Jan. 31, a talk that focussed on the phenomena of racialization and racism, especially with regard to Muslim women. Organized by the Students in Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR) McGill and the World Islamic and Middle East Studies Student Association (WIMESSA), Associate Professor of Philosophy at McGill Alia Al-Saji was the featured keynote speaker. 

The event began with an introduction from Ehab Lotayef, organizer of Muslim Awareness Week, who reminded the audience about a commemoration event for the 2017 Québec mosque shooting victims.

“We decided to launch Muslim Awareness Week […] to express to society the concerns and contributions of the Muslim community [and] to connect as human beings,” Lotayef said.

Al-Saji started by discussing US president Donald Trump’s travel ban between 2017 and 2018, highlighting how the system that had been used to determine which countries were included on the ban list, and pointing to her own experiences as an Iraqi woman. She noted that Pakistan had been omitted, despite its majority-Muslim population, while Iranian people were subjected to intense scrutiny at the border as new versions of the travel ban were created.

“The ban was designed to […] train and habituate the discretionary gaze of border agents to exclude through a peculiar othering lens,” Al-Saji said. “The ‘enhanced vetting’ to which Iranians are submitted is […] a way of hiding their racialization under the guise of reasonable criteria of security and risk.” 

Al-Saji pointed to a number of additional factors that better capture the process of racialization in today’s society, including clothing, gestures, and practices. 

“Racialization is […] the historical and social process by which races are constructed, perceived and […] lived,” Al-Saji said.

Al-Saji also expressed concern over Premier François Legault’s comments claiming that Islamophobia did not exist in Quebec. 

 “François Legault later specified that […] there had been isolated incidents but no ‘current of Islamophobia’ systemic in Quebec society,” Al-Saji said. “Commentators hastened to add [that] Quebec was not a racist society.” 

 In response to Legault’s remarks, Al-Saji argued that the term ‘lone gunman,’ Al-Saji said is used to link independent cases of mental illness to white terrorists, causes a problematic sense of active ignorance. 

Additionally, Al-Saji disputed the claim that cultural racism, a term she gives to anti-Muslim hate, should be considered as distinct from mainstream conceptions of racism, as it considers more than skin colour. 

“This response seems to freeze the concept of race in its 19th and 20th century scientific form,” Al-Saji said. “Race is itself a historical and contextual concept.” 

The final component of the talk explored the oppression against Muslim women. Al-Saji focussed on the concept of unveiling, and explained that women are often blamed for choosing to commit to their cultural practices. 

“Culture is […] represented as supplementary to the body,” she said. “Muslim women who [wear a] veil are seen not only as victims but as complicit pawns of their own oppression.”

To Al-Saji, the argument that changing one’s cultural practice, behaviour, and clothing can prevent cultural racism is wrong and problematic. 

“Veiling forms an [integral] part of one’s bodily sense of self that cannot be removed without violence to that self,” Al-Saji said. “One’s lived body cannot be disentangled [from] biological and cultural elements.”

The talk was well encompassed by the words of Michelle Hartman, director of the Institute of Islamic Studies.

“I wanted to put this commemoration [in] the context of [Bill] 21,” Hartman said. “Our institute has come together, and […] pledged to fight against this law.”

McGill, News

McGill commemorates the 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting

by Margaret Askey on

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McGill’s Associate Provost (Equity and Academic Policies) Angela Campbell, the Institute of Islamic Studies, and the Muslim Students Association (MSA) held a commemoration event for the victims of the 2017 Quebec City Mosque shooting on Jan. 29, exactly three years after the incident.

The ceremony began with an introduction by Ehab Lotayef, a Canadian Muslim and an IT Manager at McGill University. Lotayef expressed his desires to see more engagement from non-Muslim Canadians with the Muslim community moving forward.

“[This event is] part of Muslim Awareness Week, an initiative by the Muslim community to go beyond just compassion and sympathy after what happened in 2017,” Lotayef said. “[We want to] build bridges and connections and get the whole society to know more about Muslims, as, I hate to say it, but as normal people.”

Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Christopher Manfredi was in attendance on behalf of McGill’s administration and led the audience of approximately 50 people in observing a minute of silence for the six victims. 

Regarding McGill’s commitment to addressing issues like Islamophobia, Manfredi cited the University’s continued support of Muslim students and faculty. 

“As we remember them, we also renew McGill’s profound and shared commitment to an inclusive campus, wherein diversity is not merely tolerated, but welcomed and celebrated,” Manfredi said.

Manfredi expressed his gratitude towards those in attendance for gathering in a time of mourning to support one another.

“I deeply appreciate our coming together today to mark this important moment, as a gesture of remembrance and of our community’s steadfast commitment to openness, belonging, and inclusion,” Manfredi said.

Manfredi’s remarks were followed by those of Caroline Savic, representing the office of Jennifer Maccarone, member of the Quebec National Assembly for Westmount-Saint-Louis. She stressed the significance of commemorating the shooting. 

“It is our duty to remember, so that it never happens again,” Savic said. “It is an important reminder of the dangers that await us when ignorance, fear, and hatred take hold of people.”

MSA President Hamza Lahmimsi shared his perspective on the subject and underlined the impact that the shooting had on the community.

“Ibrahima, Mamadou, Khaled, Aboubaker, Abdelkrim, and Azzedine were brutally murdered that day, [and] 19 others were left injured,” Lahmimsi said. “It is important to remember that no such tragedy occurs in a vacuum. Women were left widowed, children fatherless. A whole community was wounded by the loss of their beloved friends.”

In his speech, Lahmimsi emphasized that attacks of this kind are inherently tied to Islamophobia and that they should always be regarded as such.

“The shooter’s […] intentions were terror,” Lahmimsi said. “He would have wanted for us Muslims to live in fear, to be scared of the community we have loved for so long. His message was clear [that Muslims] are not welcome here. It is becoming increasingly difficult to say whether he was right or wrong. It is truly a tragedy to question whether you are a guest in the country you were born in, and or have lived in, and contributed to for so long.”

Khalid Medani, professor at the Institute of Islamic Studies, concluded the commemoration by discussing public accountability. He reminded the audience that actively working to confront these issues is paramount.

“It is only when we come together, and are vigilant about understanding that this is really a national and global issue, that we can really make some inroads into dealing with these types of issues,” Medani said.

At the end of the event, the attendees visited the memorial tree planted in honor of the six victims near the entrance of the James Administration building, placing one rose at the memorial for each of the lives lost.

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