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Ask Ainsley, Student Life

Ask Ainsley: How do I overcome the winter blues?

by Ainsley on

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Dear Ainsley,

I'm an international student at McGill and I come from a country that experiences a hot and dry climate for the majority of the year. I felt like the weather during the fall was fine, but I’m having trouble getting through the Winter semester so far. I'm more depressed now than I was a couple of months ago, for what seems like no reason. I’m worried that I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. What can I do?

Sincerely,

Worried About Winter (WAW)

Dear WAW,

I’m glad you wrote in about this, because this issue affects far more students at McGill than most people realize. An estimated two to three per cent of the general population of Canada is diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but many more grapple with its effects during Montreal’s harsh winters, when sunlight is a rarity. Thankfully, there are productive ways to mitigate weather-induced depression, some of which involve gearing up and embracing the cold.

While it is important to stay warm in the winter, it is also necessary to spend time outdoors. Studies show that soaking in even the slightest bit of sunshine and fresh air can make a big difference in improving your overall mental health. Although it may be hard to motivate yourself to do so, try to set aside some time out of each day to go for a walk or run outside. If you normally take the bus or metro to get to school, consider walking or biking instead—or if you have long gaps between mid day classes, take a few minutes to stroll around campus.

You may also consider taking up a winter hobby. Montreal offers many activities to make the most of the season, such as ice-skating on Mont Royal’s Beaver Lake, snowshoeing to class, or learning how to ski with McGill’s Ski and Snowboard Club. Not only will taking up a winter hobby be beneficial to you in fighting SAD this year, it will also give you something to look forward to for winters to come.

Another great trick for combating SAD is to stick to a schedule. While it is easy to allow yourself to stay inside and sleep the day away to avoid the cold, it is essential to maintain a regular sleep schedule and continue embracing what little light the winter does offer. Although waking up daily at, say, 9 a.m. is difficult, especially if your first class doesn’t start until 4 p.m., it becomes easier to motivate yourself to wake up early once you develop habits that will encourage you to get out of the house. If you’re a regular coffee consumer, try going out to buy a warm cup from a café at the same time every morning. Likewise, find activities to do every day after your classes end, such as going to the gym, cooking warm foods, or reading—whatever keeps you awake. A lack of sunlight may lead to vitamin D deficiency, so consider taking a daily supplement or renting a SAD lamp from the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) and sitting in front of it every evening. These habits will help you acclimate to a daily schedule of productivity during the day and relaxation at night, improving your mood in the winter.

Finally, remember to continue socializing. Making plans with friends forces you to leave the house, even when you may not feel up to it. It may be beneficial to schedule a weekly date with a friend, or set a regular reminder on your phone to text friends that you haven’t seen in a while in order to make sure you don’t isolate yourself for months on end. Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends about how you are feeling—chances are some of them may be going through the same things you are. Together, you can hold each other accountable and make a plan to combat SAD—and before you know it, spring will be here.

Warmest wishes this winter season,

Ainsley

Football, Private

For the Cleveland Browns, incompetence is plenty cause for celebration

by Gabe Nisker on

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With a laughable loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ backups in Week 17, the Cleveland Browns joined the 2008 Detroit Lions in an exclusive club: They became only the second NFL team to finish a regular season 0-16 since the league expanded its schedule in 1978. It was an utterly perfect season of utter imperfection and, as Browns fans would have it, cause for celebration.

On Jan. 6, plenty of fans—some clad in paper bags—gathered in the downtown Cleveland core for a parade to memorialize the season that was in Cleveland Browns football.

No jeer was off-limits, as fans’ signs highlighted everything from the team’s poor ownership and management to the dozens of quarterbacks behind centre in the last 20 years. One truck carried a toilet along to equate the Browns to fecal matter.

After a miserable season, fans had gathered to enjoy themselves and mock the laughing-stock reputation that has plagued their beloved franchise for over the past decade. Unfortunately, several Browns players were hurt by the event.

Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah and nose tackle Danny Shelton took to Twitter to voice their disappointment, calling into question the veracity of the Browns fanbase.

“That parade is a joke don’t call yourself a true Browns fan if you go to that thing,” Ogbah wrote.

Shelton added that it’s “funny how these ‘fans’ will be the ones to say ‘i am a die hard browns fan’ but fans don’t disrespect their home team.”

Sure, going 0-16 is a near-torturous experience to the ultra-competitive athletes involved in each loss. They have a right to be annoyed or embarrassed, but fans shouldn’t be reprimanded for having a little fun. When games became miserable to watch, they could have turned off their televisions. But, instead, it’s truly remarkable that Browns supporters continued to tune in game after game, showing their dedication to a franchise that has won only a single game in the past two seasons, and has had only two winning records since 1999.

By parading through the streets, the fans employed their unique ability to turn dreadful misery into entertainment. That’s what professional sport is, after all—entertainment. As Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown told The Guardian on Jan. 9, sports can act as a mechanism of control in society.

“If people didn’t have sports they would be a lot more disappointed with their role in society,” Brown said. “Sports is a way to channel our energy into something positive”.

When the sports on television became less of an escape than they used to be, Browns fans channeled their energy into something positive: A glorious and fun celebration of a difficult season.

The Browns may be a running punchline in the football community, but their fans have developed an endearing sense of humour about the whole thing. Their supporters are great because they embrace their team’s imperfections head on: Because they parade in the Cleveland cold after an 0-16 season. Even better, they’ve already scheduled their Super Bowl parade for 2033—leaving plenty of time to add names to the infamous Browns quarterbacks jersey.

In addition to all the fun media coverage, some good came out of the day, too. Fans raised over $17,000 for a Cleveland food bank and additional non-perishable food items donated will add to a total of over 70,000 meals provided to the community. Maybe Browns fans do have a win to celebrate this season, after all.

Student Life

Landing a summer job: Beyond targeting the resume and dressing for success

by Samantha Ling on

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With the beginning of the Winter semester comes the daunting task of searching and applying for summer opportunities. Yet landing the ideal job can feel like a catch 22: You need work experience to get a job, but without a past job or other opportunities, you can’t get work experience. Beyond the basics of drafting a CV and learning how to shake hands, The McGill Tribune has compiled a few niche tips and tricks for navigating the job hunt that can’t be found in the average ‘How to land a job for dummies’ guidebook.

The application

1. Keep both tailored and ‘master’ CVs

As relevant skills and experiences vary for each position you apply for, it’s important to tailor your CV to each job or internship. Starting with a ‘master CV’ can help you keep track of every aspect of your previous work experience—dates, organization names, and responsibilities. You can refer back to this document with each new application you submit.

2. Start your cover letter with an anecdote

The first paragraph of your cover letter is the most important; it must be clear, concise, and engaging in order to catch the reader’s attention. Start with the key details: State the position you’re seeking and general information regarding your university degree. Then, show the reader your general knowledge of the field in which you are applying to work, while expressing an aspect of your personality. A useful way to do so is to start out your letter with a relevant anecdote from your time in school or in similar positions. If, for example, you’ve ever overcome a challenge or had a troubling experience, describe the measures you took to fix the problem and what you learned from the issue. This will convey honesty and problem-solving skills, and a narrative arc will make your application stand out.

3. Stick to a uniform style

Your cover letter and CV should be in the same format and design style in order for employers to easily identify them as yours. Future employers will appreciate that your documents are easy to follow, and may see the organization of your application as a reflection of your work capabilities. Templates for CVs can easily be found online on websites such as Overleaf and VisualCV.

The interview

1. Use your resources to practice

For many people, no amount of preparation can result in a flawless interview. In order to deliver your points in the most effective and eloquent way possible, practice your public speaking and ensure you’re confident about what you will say in the interview. Make cue cards with responses to typical interview questions, and run through them in front of the mirror or with a friend. CaPS also offers a service called InterviewStream which allows students to practice over 7,000 interview questions and hone their responses. While your interview responses should sound candid—not rehearsed—practicing can give you confidence as you head through the office doors, and ensure you walk out with your head high.

2. Interview the interviewer

The typical interview ends with the prospective employer asking “Do you have any questions for us?” For many people, this  is a nerve-wracking request—but it doesn’t need to be. Ask your interviewers something about themselves and how they got involved in the organization. If you can, use that as a jumping-off point for more questions about their experience in the industry, and turn the interview into a back-and-forth conversation. Not only does this reaffirm your interest in the job, it lets the employer know you care about them as much as they care about you, and shows off your conversational skills.

Basketball, Men's Varsity, Sports

McGill Redmen basketball avenge early-season home loss to Concordia Stingers

by Noémie Briollais on

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McGill Redmen
91

Concordia Stingers
62

On Jan. 13, the McGill Redmen basketball team secured their second win against the Concordia Stingers in three days, taking their season record to 7-1. The Redmen took off with an early lead, and after warding off Concordia’s second period comeback efforts, they finished the game with a comfortable 91-62 score. Earlier in the week, on Jan. 11, the Redmen traveled across town to top the Stingers 88-81. The last time the two teams met on McGill home court, on Nov. 18, had a disappointing result for the Redmen, as the Stingers handed them a 58-70 loss.

McGill started the first quarter with 12 consecutive points, heading ending the period with a 20-point lead.

Concordia’s best effort of the game came in the second quarter, when they narrowed the gap to just 11 points. The half ended 45-29 with McGill still holding a dominant lead. Redmen captain Dele Ogundokun outlined the team’s mentality to start the game.

“We knew it was going to be a battle from the front, but we got off to a good start in the first quarter, and the energy from the crowd kept us going,” Ogundokun said.

Head Coach David DeAveiro highlighted the strength of his team’s start, noting the unevenness between the two sides in the early minutes of the game.

“The score was 29-9 in the first quarter,” DeAveiro said. “Concordia turned over the ball 16 times in the first half.”

This tremendous start set the tempo for the rest of the match, with the Redmen easily containing the visiting Stingers. The Redmen were led by fifth-year Ogundokun, who made four out of seven of his shots from outside the three-point line and went five for five from the free throw line, putting up a game-high 21 points. Ogundokun credited the win to the depth of the Redmen bench.

“We have a lot of new guys, and it gives the older guys a chance to rest,” Ogundokun said.

Sam Jenkins, a first-year guard from Hamilton, Ontario, started the game and spent a total of 16 minutes on the floor. He sunk his first shot of the game from three-point range to help establish McGill’s early lead. To Jenkins, the team’s success was due to their high-pace game.

“Today we really pushed the tempo and got a lot of shots up,” Jenkins said.

The Redmen dominated both the game and the stats with a better shot percentage from both the field and the free throw line. DeAveiro credited the team’s defence as the difference between Saturday’s win and their Nov. 18 loss.

“When you play a team a couple times, you kind of figure out their tendencies,” DeAveiro said. “So we are getting better at knowing what [Concordia likes] to do and taking away some of those things but just focusing really on things that we can improve on. We’ve added this pressure defense that we didn’t really do in the first game, and we’ve gone with a smaller line-up, so we’ve made some adjustments tonight.”

McGill’s next games are against Bishop’s University in a home-and-away series, first in Lennoxville on Jan. 26 and then back at Love Competition Hall on Jan. 27.

 

Moment of the game

Fifth-year forward Francois Bourque boxed out aggressively in the key to snatch a rebound off of Daniel Pieper’s shot, then put the ball in the basket with a casual lay-up.

 

Quotable

“I was really pleased by the way we went into the first quarter. We want to create turnovers and give ourselves opportunities to score some easy baskets.” – Redmen Head Coach David DeAveiro

 

Stat corner

The Redmen scored 31 of 68 field goals—good for 46 per cent from the court.

News, SSMU

SSMU Board of Directors nominees to be ratified a second time

by Kendall McGowan on

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At a meeting on Jan. 14, the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Board of Directors (BoD) voted to ratify the Judicial Board (J-Board) decision released on Dec. 31 on the case of Glustein vs. Koparkar. With five in favour, three abstentions and three absences, the BoD vote affirmed the J-Board’s ruling that it was unconstitutional to vote on BoD members’ ratifications individually at the Fall General Assembly (GA), thus nullifying the split vote to ratify seven out of 10 nominations to the BoD. The decision also absolved Maya Koparkar, SSMU Vice-President (VP) Internal Affairs and BoD member, and Jad El Tal, former SSMU speaker, of blame for the incident.

The case, which went to trial on Nov. 30, addressed events at the Oct. 23 GA, where Koparkar motioned to split the ratification of BoD nominations from one bloc vote for all 12 nominees into individual votes for each nominee. After deliberation, El Tal allowed a version of Koparkar’s motion to be voted on, and it passed. Shortly after the GA, Jonathan Glustein, a former member of the 2017 BoD who was not up for reappointment, filed a petition with the J-Board claiming that this motion was unconstitutional and therefore that a new bloc ratification vote should be taken. The J-Board agreed with him.

“The Judicial Board believes that the Motion Regarding the Nomination of Directors for the Board of Directors should be voted on again at another General Assembly or as a Referendum question—this time, as a whole,” its Dec. 31 decision reads.

The BoD members nominated at the Fall GA were scheduled to begin sitting on Nov. 15, when the contracts of the 2017 Directors terminated. However, on Oct. 28, the J-Board released an interim order suspending the results of the GA until a final decision could be made. SSMU President and BoD Chair Muna Tojiboeva announced at a Nov. 5 BoD meeting that, after consulting with SSMU’s legal team, that the past term’s members would remain on the BoD until the case was completed. Five of the members, including three executives, would be serving on both boards.

(Elli Slavitch / The McGill Tribune)

Per the SSMU Internal Regulations, all decisions made by the J-Board must be approved by the BoD in order to become final. Glustein, Koparkar, and Alexander Scheffel abstained from voting on the final J-Board decision, and Noah Lew was not present for the vote.

Tojiboeva announced at a Nov. 5 BoD meeting that the results of the GA were suspended by the J-Board, and that the past term’s members would remain on the BoD until the case was completed. Now that a ruling has been issued, the new bloc vote will be held via online referendum from Jan. 15 to 18.

In an interview in November, Koparkar noted that she made the original motion at the GA because she was under the impression that the BoD agreed it would improve their democratic legitimacy.

“In September, when there was a lot of controversy over who was on the Board, one of the Board members had said that our board wasn’t democratic because it wasn’t made of fully elected representatives,” Koparkar said. “Someone else said that they were elected because they were ratified at the GA. However, it’s a bloc vote so the first director said that made this not legitimate. Then the General Manager had suggested putting each candidate on a separate ballot in the future and everyone agreed to this. At Legislative Council we [ratified the Board members] with a division of the question as well.”

Although he emphasized his support for all 12 BoD nominees, SSMU VP Student Life and Director Jemark Earle shared Koparkar’s opinion on the democratic merits of individual ballots for each nominee.

“Voting in a [bloc] forces you to either sacrifice your own personal values to let someone represent you who could be problematic or vote against people who you support just because of one or two people,” Earle said. “When the Councillors were being nominated to [the BoD] at Council, it was done individually, [which] I believe was much more democratic than had it been done as a [bloc].”

 
Martlets, Sports, Volleyball

McGill Martlet volleyball sweeps Carabins in Dig for the Cure

by Patrick Beacham on

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On Jan. 12, the McGill Martlets (9-2) came back from winter break to face the Université de Montréal (UdeM) Carabins (9-2) at the sixth annual Dig for the Cure match, a fundraiser for the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. Despite losing each of the season’s four previous matchups to Montreal, McGill led for most of the game, which culminated in a decisive 3-0 victory. Against a strong team like the Carabins, the Martlets were understandably happy with their first performance of the new year.

“[The win] feels very good, especially starting 2018 with this game,” fourth-year middle Myriam Robitaille said. “And it’s the second time, also, that we won Dig for the Cure in [its] history, so that feels good.”

The holiday break was no time for rest and relaxation for either team, as both McGill and UdeM travelled cross-country to British Columbia to train with potential postseason rivals from the West.

“The goal of the training camp was to play against really big [blockers],” Martlet Head Coach Rachele Beliveau said. “We were able to really work hard and be able to hit against those [teams], and as we’re coming back, we’re playing Montreal right from the beginning. For us it was good because we were just coming from training in this situation that we were facing [against UdeM] tonight.”

The trip out West wasn’t the first for McGill to build familiarity with Montreal’s playstyle: Many of the athletes on both teams attended CEGEP together. This shared history enabled each team to effectively read the other, resulting in a game of perpetually changing strategies on both sides. The Carabins couldn’t stay on the ball, however, as the Martlets constantly shifted between long and short spikes. UdeM never managed to keep up, and McGill eventually took off with the third set 25-10.

“We knew we had to be fast against [UdeM], so we just wanted to focus on our passing to capitalize on our play and our speed to destabilize them,” second-year power Claire Vercheval said.

As the game went on and strategies adjusted accordingly, the Martlets continued to drive the tempo. Montreal is a tall team relative to McGill, so the Martlets knew that they had to play quick sets in order to gain an edge.

“That’s our strength,” fifth-year middle Érika Cournoyer added. “We’re a fast team. We try to do fast sets to try to outplay [opponents….] Montreal’s really tall, but they’re not as fast.”

The McGill victory leaves the two teams tied for first place in the RSEQ conference. As the Martlets focus on the upcoming away game against the Université de Sherbrooke Vert et Or on Jan. 19, McGill could be in line to dethrone Montreal.

“We’re gonna work toward [first place], and we just want to keep the intensity very high in-game,” Robitaille said. “Once we get to playoffs, anyone can exceed to the first ranks, so for sure that’s the goal.”

 

Moment of the Game

Fifth-year middle Érika Cournoyer slammed the ball through the Montreal block in the second set to reach a 7-7 tie, closing the last Carabin lead of the game.

 

Quotable

“At the beginning it was tough for us, but we got better and better and felt confident that we can hit the ball, even though we have big blocks in front.” – Head Coach Rachele Beliveau on the importance of the training trip out West

 

Stat Corner

Second-year power Claire Vercheval dominated the scoresheet with 25 total points, followed by second-year middle Elisabeth Perreault with 18.

Science & Technology

The indestructible deconstructed

by Ronny Litvack-Katzman on

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A group of McGill scientists were recognized for their cutting-edge research, an example of innovation at its finest.

“Innovations are the solutions that no one else would think of,” Don Sheppard, professor of microbiology and immunology and researcher, told The McGill Tribune.

Québec Science Magazine recently recognized Sheppard and his team for their revolutionary work on biofilms, following a study they published in June 2017. They are one of three McGill-affiliated research teams to be recognized in the magazine’s “Les 10 découvertes de l’année,” a comprehensive list of the top 10 scientific discoveries of 2017. Sheppard’s team developed a mechanism in which the enzymes used to build biofilms can be reversed upon themselves, producing a self-sabotaging system in which the biofilm destroys itself.

Biofilms are glue-like membranes that exist around populations of microbes, collectively creating a thick layer of slime that is difficult to treat or remove with antibiotics. Many common health issues, such as urinary tract infections, Crohn’s disease, and even dental plaque can be made worse by biofilms.

Biofilms are found everywhere: They make up the mucous layer of lung tissue, and can form in the tissues of post-operative surgical patients, which may further complicate already strenuous and delicate procedures.

For years, biofilms have been virtually untreatable as they do not respond to antibiotics or physical removal. Sheppard’s research may circumvent this problem.

“This [mechanism] turns the problem at 90 degrees,” Sheppard said. “We are not harming the bug at all with our therapy. Instead, we are attacking a structure that the bug makes, we are attacking this biofilm, this wall around the city that the organism makes.”

He refers to the enzymes that compose biofilms as “saws”—tools used to build a wall around bacteria. Sheppard’s mechanism strips the enzymes of their safety features, allowing the enzymatic process to work opposingly, thereby taking apart the biofilms with the same tools used to build them.

Sheppard’s research represents a turning point in the way that medical professionals may tackle the problems presented by biofilms in the effective treatment of patients. The new method’s importance goes beyond its medical implications.

“I believe that the ramifications of this discovery are enormous,” Brendan Snarr, a PhD candidate in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, wrote in an email to The McGill Tribune. “It is suspected that almost all microbes can live in some form of biofilm in the environment, so to have a technology to degrade them could have applications across many fields.”

This technology has potential uses across multiple disciplines, from the health sciences to manufacturing and agriculture. The team has high hopes that this technology will become available for commercial therapeutic use within the next five years, and are currently working toward generating the required data to begin a clinical trial in humans.

McGill microbiologists worked alongside Dr. Lynne Howell, a researcher in Molecular Medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Howell, who specializes in the mechanics of enzymatic function, worked alongside Sheppard and Snarr to create an interdisciplinary answer to the problem.

“This is a great example of the success of interdisciplinary science,” Sheppard said. “We take a group like mine, along with myself, […] an infectious disease doctor, and marry it with a research lab focused on the structure and the function of individual proteins and enzymes.”

Together, in what can only be described as a perfect pairing of immunology and biochemistry, two teams of doctors studying vastly different fields have come together to, in Sheppard’s words, create “A product [that] greatly exceeds the sum of the parts.”

 

Hockey, Sports

NHL window shopping at the 2018 World Juniors

by Jordan Foy on

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Every holiday season, many Canadians watch the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) U-20 World Junior Championships, cheering on the nation’s best young players. The tournament is an exciting time for NHL fans. For those supporting teams near the bottom of the standings, the World Juniors provide an opportunity to scout draft-eligible players that—if the draft lottery works out in their favour—may soon bolster their struggling teams’ ranks. While there were no undrafted players on the Canadian roster, other nations displayed their fair share of young talent.

Rasmus Dahlin — Sweden

Without a doubt, Dahlin was the biggest name of the tournament in terms of draft-eligible players. Dahlin played a huge role on a Swedish squad that dominated its opponents at the tournament, falling only to Canada in the final. Individually, Dahlin made the tournament all-star team, and was named  best defenceman of the tournament with a total of six assists. That performance showed that in addition to being a solid defensive player, he also has tremendous offensive capabilities as a puck-moving defenceman. He is pegged by virtually all scouts as the top pick in the 2018 NHL draft, and his performance at the tournament did nothing but reinforce his reputation.

Brady Tkachuk — United States

A skilled and irritating forward, Tkachuk was an integral part of the American attack, scoring three goals and six assists. In addition, he proved to be a versatile player, defensively responsible and a key component of the American penalty kill unit. When the situation demanded it, Tkachuk proved he could come in clutch: He scored the tying goal in the outdoor game against the Canadians, forcing the game into overtime and allowing the Americans to nab the game in an overtime shootout. While the Americans were ultimately defeated 4-2 by the Swedes in the semi-finals, Tkachuk scored the second American goal in a late-game comeback attempt. Tkachuk is a gritty forward that can get in the face of opponents; however, he has the skill to back up his antics, and is projected to be selected in the top five.

Andrei Svechnikov — Russia

Svechnikov, a Russian winger, is another forward projected to be a top pick. Many rankings have him positioned to be drafted second overall. Unfortunately for those who hoped to see Svechnikov at the tournament, his playing time was limited as a 17-year-old on a team of mostly 19 year-olds. Nevertheless, he displayed his offensive prowess in the ice time he was given, adding five assists and tying for second in team scoring. Svechnikov has undeniable speed and skill, and the potential to bring tremendous offensive power to whichever team selects him.

Filip Zadina — Czech Republic

Filip Zadina was a key member of a Czech team that surprised many with a substantial upset win over Finland in the quarterfinals. The speedy forward exhibited his high level of skill throughout the tournament, tallying seven goals to reach second in scoring, and was named to the tournament all-star team. In the semi-final game against Canada, Zadina displayed his offensive mastery on a beautiful shot that beat goalie Connor Hart cleanly to score the first goal of the game. His performance wasn’t enough to carry the Czechs to the finals, but, in Zadina, teams can expect a defensively accountable, highly-skilled forward with a nose for the net.

While Canada walked away with the gold, hockey fans around the globe enjoyed an exciting tournament that showcased the game’s elite up-and-coming players. Canadians who were exuberant about the win but support currently-struggling NHL teams—such as the Oilers, Senators, Canadiens, and Canucks—may see a light at the end of the tunnel in the form of these young stars.

News, PGSS

Lack of French PGSS communications discussed at final Council meeting

by Ava Zwolinski on

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On Dec. 6, the Post-Graduate Students’ Society (PGSS) Council held its last meeting of 2017, beginning with a discussion regarding translating PGSS emails, which are currently only written in English, into French. Councillors next debated a motion to prioritize PGSS engagement with the Quebec Student Union (QSU) over the Association for the Voice of Education in Quebec (AVEQ).

Council also approved applications by the Appointments Board Committee for various positions, including those of Bruno Belzile for the Council of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and Stephanie Mok for the Environment Affairs Committee. Member Services Officer Jenny Ann Pura discussed the launch of EmpowerMe, a 24/7 accessible counselling service for PGSS members. Council then ratified the resignation of former equity commissioner Emil Briones, who is stepping down due to health reasons.

 

Possibility of translating further PGSS communications into French

Magdalena Kogut, a first year Master’s student representing the French Language and Literature Department (DLLF), opened the discussion on the lack of French versions of PGSS communications.

“We realize that our department is tiny in the scheme of McGill departments, but it nonetheless a certain population of McGill students who are being excluded from important PGSS information,” Kogut said.  “And we believe that every student has the right to liberty of information and to be able to judge information for themselves rather than through interpretation.”

PGSS Internal Affairs Officer Mansha Imtiyaz stated that Council was looking into options to resolve the issue, and added that the PGSS executives planned to discuss it at their next meeting. However, Pura noted that standard prices for translation services cost from 15 to 20 cents per word, with a single email estimated to cost up to $94, based on the length of emails the PGSS has sent in the past.

“We understand that it’s really important to invest in this, but we also understand our financial limitations,” Pura said. “So we are trying to negotiate with other translators, trying to see who McGill uses, and trying to see if we can contract that out as well.”

Council voted to table the agenda item.

 

Discussion concerning the continued prioritization of QSU over AVEQ

After establishing by a raising of hands that the majority of Councillors were aware of the AVEQ provincial student union, External Affairs Officer Hocine Slimani shared his confidence that a Council decision to prioritize the QSU was sufficiently informed. Slimani’s predecessor and former PGSS secretary-general Jacob Lavigne also preferred QSU over AVEQ, after observing both. Chris Erl, a second year Geography PhD student, motioned to table the agenda item.

“This is an incredibly important decision,” Erl said. “They both seem to be organizations that require a little more analysis by this body. Every student association has partisan affiliation. They have their own decisions. They have their own mandates. They have their own directives, and we need to do our research before we can actually make an executive decision.”

The motion to table the discussion passed.

 

Endorsement of open letter on Bill 151

Council also voted on whether to endorse the Students’ Society of McGill University, Our Turn, and AVEQ’s joint open letter on Bill 151. The letter shares these parties’ concerns that Bill 151 is not well-positioned to protect students or survivors of campus sexual violence.

Slimani introduced the item.

“Although I personally think that the letter is written in a very aggressive manner, I think that the message is good,” Slimani said.

Briones believes the open letter effectively highlights the bill’s inadequacies, and is a powerful advocacy tool.

“We all know that the sexual violence advocacy and support and educational infrastructure at McGill is still very inadequate, so there have been very questionable standards that this bill outlines,” Briones said.

The majority approved signing the letter and voted to adopt the motion. Bill 151 was then adopted by the provincial government on Dec. 8.

Student Life

Holiday Affirmations

by Elli Slavitch, Grace Bahler and Audrey Carleton on

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