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News, SSMU

SSMU Board of Directors discusses constitutionality of current membership at public session

by Domenic Casciato on

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The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Board of Directors (BoD) held a public session on Sept. 24 to discuss the constitutionality of the composition of the current membership of the body, among other agenda items. SSMU Vice-President (VP) Finance and Director Arisha Khan introduced a motion to add the discussion to the agenda, and explained her stance that the BoD’s current 12 director membership is not in accordance with the SSMU constitution. 

“As of right now, we have a composition of three officers and nine members-at-large, which is not in line with the constitution,” Khan said. “Any potential decisions that have been made by the Council with this composition […] could also be up for contention.”

Section 6.2 and 6.4 of the SSMU Constitution stipulate that the BoD has up to 12 voting members: Four Directors from the student-elected SSMU executive, four Directors from the student-elected Legislative Council, and four members-at-large who are appointed through the BoD Nominating Committee. The eight non-executive Directors are then approved by student referendum or at the SSMU General Assembly. The President, VP Finance, and VP Operations and Sustainability automatically sit on the Board, while the fourth executive is nominated by SSMU Legislative Council. 

Jonathan Glustein, a member-at-large of the BoD, pointed out that the Board could not maintain its stipulated composition.

“It is impossible, within the parameters of reality, for the Board to be at 12 members all the time without appointing members-at-large,” Glustein said. “I think it's pretty evident that not only was the Board acting within the best interests of the Society by filling it to 12 members, but in fact it would have been unconstitutional for the Board not to put 12 members in the Society.”

Section 7.4 of the SSMU constitution defines quorum for the BoD to be seven Directors, a simple majority of the voting members. Khan stated that the constitution does not explicitly mandate the BoD to fill all 12 of its seats at all times, and raised concerns about the accountability of a Board with many appointed members.

“I think the discussion item here is, while the constitution may be murky, is it ethically murky,” Khan said. “In order to meet quorum, [it would only require] seven Directors such that Legislative Council could appoint members come the first Council meeting, specifically the […] executive because that is quite important [….] Right now we are a Board of nine [members-at-large.] So these are members that have not been elected by the membership [to the BoD] and are not accountable to the membership in the same way that elected Board members or officers should be.”

Given that all 12 seats of the BoD are currently filled, one of the members-at-large must resign in order for the constitutionally-mandated fourth executive to be nominated. On Sept. 14, the Legislative Council met, but a motion to elect a member of the SSMU executive to the Board was not presented.

Glustein reiterated that keeping a Board of only seven members would be of detriment to the SSMU membership.

“I think, considering the fact that we had five resignations in a month's time [in Winter 2017…] and the fact that if the Board falls below seven members we cease to function as a Society, […] it would be extremely imprudent […] to keep that number at seven and […] hope that someone doesn’t have any extenuating circumstances,” Glustein said. “One resignation would render the entire Society ineffective.”

SSMU General Manager Ryan Hughes, who was also present at the meeting, recently consulted the Society’s legal team to review the constitutionality of the BoD’s current composition. The legal opinion he received stated that, while falling in somewhat of a constitutional grey area, the membership is in accordance with the SSMU constitution, but that the BoD, along with Legislative Council, will be in violation if they fail to expeditiously nominate and appoint a fourth executive member at the bodies’ next meetings.

“I will concur with the rest of the Board that [the situation] is murky,” Hughes said. “This is what happens when you have a constitution that is as complex as ours [….] It is very difficult to navigate sometimes, and sometimes you may make an oversight [….] When it gets discovered, it is your obligation and duty to repair it, to address it. This is what this Board needs to do, this is what Legislative Council needs to do [….] It's known, we’re going to repair it, and get back to business. That’s it.”

SSMU VP Internal and Director Maya Koparkar said that the most pressing matter for SSMU going forward is re-establishing trust with its membership and that she intends to begin the fourth executive nomination process at Council’s next meeting on Sept. 28.

“I’m actually bringing a motion to Legislative Council next week to nominate a fourth [executive] from SSMU to the Board of Directors,” Koparkar said. “I don’t know what happened [this summer], would it not have been possible to just have 11 members of the Board of Directors?”

Commentary, Opinion

Talk is cheap: Canada must act in response to DACA debate

by Caitlyn Atkinson on

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On Sept. 5, in one of his cruellest acts yet, US President Donald Trump ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA was an immigration policy enacted by the Obama administration that allowed individuals who moved to America illegally as minors to remain in the country, given a certain set of conditions that ensure they make productive contributions to society. If Congress doesn’t find a way to legalize DACA and develop a plan in which DACA participants—affectionately known as “Dreamers”—can apply for US citizenship, upwards of 800,000 individuals face possible deportation to countries they barely know.

While Trump’s actions have led to an emotional outcry both within the US and internationally, at the same time, there exists a rising unwillingness to accept immigrants among Canadians. Under the presumption that an influx of Dreamers will attempt to migrate to Canada, some believe that the Canadian government should have the absolute power to admit only those with high academic or economic abilities. However, Canada’s approach to accepting thousands of Dreamers must reflect the diversity that Canada claims to embrace, and go beyond allowing only those the government subjectively deems as ‘the best.’ As Trump tries to rip these young people from all that they have ever known, Canada—and particularly its universities—has the humanitarian duty to provide a safe place and a legal channel for Dreamers to become citizens.

Though Canadians who oppose the northward immigration of Dreamers argue that it will overwhelm the country’s immigration system, it is incredibly unlikely that all 800,000 individuals in the DACA program will relocate to Canada. In a quote in a Vice article, Ontario Independent Senator Ratna Omidvar suggested that Canada should look to welcome 10,000 to 30,000 Dreamers. Canada, she argues, must capitalize on the opportunity to welcome a new wave of skilled workers, who will help to boost the economy.

Canadian post-secondary institutions should support the aspirations made possible by the DACA program in the first place, by accepting and helping to fund Dreamers’ transitions into Canadian society.

McGill students can surely empathize with the plights of Dreamers, especially those who are in the process of completing university degrees. Dreamers have spent the majority of their lives in the United States, and many have come to hope for the same type of social and financial success that McGill students aspire to. Now, they face the possibility of deportation, compromising their futures. Canadian post-secondary institutions should support the aspirations made possible by the DACA program in the first place, by accepting and helping to fund Dreamers’ transitions into Canadian society.

Huron University College in London, Ont. has already set an important example, offering $60,000 in scholarships to students affected by the overturn of the DACA program. At McGill, compensating for an increased number of transfer applicants when planning classes would allow for more space in programs to accommodate Dreamers. To further ease the transition, McGill students can start groups that lobby the administration to take action and recognize the unique circumstances of Dreamers and work to welcome them into the McGill community. By removing barriers to Dreamers’ enrollment in Canadian universities, Canadians can help to reverse the damage being done by the Trump Administration, and help to give these young adults a third chance at a future. Those who have already dedicated their time and energy into their schooling have a right to finish their education.

Morally, Canadians need to recognize the inherent abuse of power in the argument that the Canadian government should be highly selective in choosing which Dreamers have sufficient test scores or employability, and thus the right to immigrate to Canada. All should have the opportunity to apply and be fairly considered, without the constant paranoia of fitting narrow acceptance criteria. While, opposers of immigration harshly critique prioritizing citizens of other countries over born Canadians, its supporters argue that it is necessary for growth. What critics must recognize is the need for empathy, and to recognize the injustice that will occur if Canada does not provide social and economic opportunities.

Given that none of these individuals have criminal records, nor histories of violence, they deserve the opportunity to continue on their quest to achieve their goals, just like those fortunate enough to be born in Canada. Canada and its universities have the capacity to welcome Dreamers, and as a country that prides itself on compassion and diversity, we have a responsibility to protect the dream that Donald Trump is so desperately trying to crush.

Commentary, Opinion

Airbnb short-term cities are impacting long-term rentals

by Thea Borck on

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Most students I know have at some point benefited from the services provided by Airbnb, whether for travel, a night out, or to make some extra cash on the side. However, in recent years, the rapid increase of Airbnb listings has become cause for concern for the housing market, as it hinders the ability of local residents to find affordable long-term rental locations. Left unresolved, this problem will cause the already severe housing crisis in major Canadian cities to get further out of hand. The main debate is whether it is the housing shortage or the proceedings of a free market that should be protected. Ensuring citizens can put roofs over their heads should be the priority, and provincial government regulation is crucial and needed immediately to this end.

This summer, I found myself without a place to live in the town of Tofino, B.C., largely due to impact of Airbnb. Tofino is a small fishing town which has become a world attraction for surfers. As a result, the tourism industry has taken over the town and with it has come the convenience of Airbnb. I went to Tofino wanting to work and experience Western Canada; however, it was impossible for me to find a place to stay. Long-term renting was impossible in Tofino—locals blamed it on a housing shortage—yet there were over 250 listings available on Airbnb. The truth is that it was more lucrative for locals to post their empty rooms on Airbnb than it was to have seasonal workers rent the space for the whole summer—homes that would otherwise be available as long-term rentals were being listed on the home-sharing site, aggravating the lack of supply. As a result, the seasonal workers, many of whom came from Eastern Canada, resorted to living in tents or garden sheds.

Megan Dolski reported in The Globe and Mail that the town is unsure of how to handle this growing issue. According to Dolski, the town is focusing on adding new housing but has yet to discuss the ramifications of excessive Airbnb listings. This is a band-aid solution to a problem that demands to be properly confronted.

The situation in Tofino is not an isolated incident. As a recent McGill Urban Politics and Governance research group report shows, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver are having similar problems, even without the significant influx of seasonal workers looking for housing each summer. These three cities alone totaled 81,000 active Airbnb listings this year and garnered $430 million in revenue last year, with every listing receiving roughly $5,000 per year.Of those active listings, there are around 13,700 properties across all three cities, serving as “de facto hotels” instead of as residential homes, meaning that no one uses that property as a residence. The number of Airbnb listings and the number of available rental spaces is almost equal, at close to two per cent. This heavily impacts the housing market, due to these “de facto” or entire-house listings taking away possible rental space from long-term residents. These “de facto” hotels are using Airbnb as a loophole to forgo the hassle of tourism regulations. The number of listings on Airbnb and number of new construction listings in some parts of Vancouver and Toronto are at a ratio of two to one. According to the report, the rapid growth of Airbnb listings has now outpaced new construction, thus impacting the net available housing stock.

The report makes it clear that the current regulations—or lack thereof—are putting the housing market in danger. So far, Quebec has been the only province to introduce legislation to control the number of listings by taxing revenue and making licenses mandatory for “regular users.” Unfortunately, Quebec forgot to define the difference between what a “regular user” and “occasional user” of Airbnb is. Fewer than one per cent of Montreal’s 6,356 full-time listings have acquired the license and are paying the 3.5 per cent revenue tax, making the law pretty useless.

In comparison, Berlin handled its Airbnb dilemma by completely banning most entire-home rentals. This approach is more concerned with the well-being of its citizens than the survival and flourishing of Airbnb. Canadian provinces must adjust their priorities to mirror  those of Berlin’s policy, and protect their own residents from homelessness or from being driven out of city centers. Airbnb was created to provide an alternative to hotels, and therefore it would not be out of the scope of reason to heavily regulate the entire-home rentals now serving as “de facto” hotels.  

Housing shortage must take precedent over the free market, as shelter is a necessity for life. A focus on the well-being of the state, and not just on the well-being of the economy, should be the Canadian government's priority. That said, it isn’t Airbnb’s responsibility to react to this dilemma, for their main function is to provide a platform. It is up to the municipal and provincial governments to regulate it, in ways such as licensing limits and restriction on entire-home listings.

Thea is a U2 McGill student majoring in Political Science and minoring in Philosophy and German Studies.

 

@mcgilltribop | [email protected]

 

 
Recipes, Student Life

Brace yourselves, breakfast is coming

by Kelly Panichnantakul on

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It has been scientifically proven that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only does it replenish the body with essential nutrients after a good night’s sleep, it also gives you the energy needed to get through your morning classes. Yet, many students resort to skipping breakfast when pressed for time in the morning. The McGill Tribune has compiled four nutritious mug-recipes that can be made in a microwave in less than five minutes, to ensure that you’re getting your nutrients on even the most rushed of mornings.

Peanut Butter Mug Cake

(kitchentreaty.com)

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 egg (for a vegan version, substitute the egg for 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk)

  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter or any other nut butter

  • 1-2 tablespoon sugar/sugar substitute  

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe mug and mix with a fork until thoroughly blended. If you’re hoping the mug cake will taste like a Reese’s Cup, add chocolate chips to the batter before microwaving.

  2. Microwave for one to two minutes.

  3. Top with jam, bananas, or more peanut butter to your liking.

Omelet in a Mug

(mrbreakfast.com)

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 tablespoon milk

  • Pinch of salt

  • Pinch of pepper

Possible add-ins: shredded cheese, finely chopped bell pepper, finely chopped chives or green onions, salsa, sour cream, basil, spinach, meat (finely diced ham, crumbled bacon, etc.)

Instructions:

1.     Coat the inner edges of a microwave-safe mug with cooking spray or olive oil.

2.     Add eggs, milk, salt, and pepper to the mug. Beat the mixture with a fork until it’s light and fluffy.

3.     Stir in any extra add-ins and microwave for two minutes. Let cool for one minute before eating.

Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes.

Espresso Mug Cake

(shemazing.net)

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee

  • 2 tablespoons sunflower or vegetable oil

  • 2 tablespoons milk

  • 1 egg

  • 3 tablespoons flour

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:

1.     Whisk together the oil, milk, egg, and coffee in a microwave-safe mug.

2.     When fully combined, add in the flour and sugar, then mix again.

3.     Microwave for two minutes and allow the cake to cool for one minute before consuming.

Recipe adapted from Skint Dad.

1-Minute Protein Brownie

(tosimplyinspire.com)

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 scoop protein powder

  • 1 tablespoon flour

  • 1 tablespoon sugar/sugar substitute

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1-2 tablespoon cocoa powder

  • 1 egg (can sub for ¼ cup egg whites or flax egg)

  • ¼ cup dairy-free milk

  • Dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)

  • Nut butter (optional)

Instructions:

1.     In a microwave-safe bowl or mug, whisk together the egg and milk.

2.     Add protein powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, and cocoa powder to the mix. Stir well with a fork.

3.     Microwave for one minute and let cool for another before eating.

Recipe adapted from The Big Man’s World

McGill, News

McGill and Montreal community honour life of Gretta Chambers, first female university chancellor

by Natalia Savkovic on

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Hundreds of people gathered at the Church of Saint-Léon-de-Westmount on Sept. 16 to honour the life and accomplishments of Gretta Chambers, former McGill Chancellor and beloved journalist, political commentator, and community builder.  Chambers passed away on Sept. 9 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Montreal due to a serious heart condition.

Born on Jan. 15, 1927 to an anglophone father and francophone mother, Chambers spent much of her life and career bridging the gap between the two major linguistic and cultural communities in Quebec.

“She was the whole package in terms of her deep understanding of national and international environment as well as politics and policies,” Sylvia Martin-Laforge, director general of the Quebec Community Group News (QCGN), said. “She was an educator in the most holistic way. She’d help us to see and help us understand.”

Chambers’ career was largely centered around communicating challenging political topics to broad audiences. She started contributing a weekly column on Quebec politics to the Montreal Gazette in 1977. Chambers used her talent for writing to explain complex political issues to her readers. By the early 2000s, she had written more than 800 articles for the Gazette.

From 1977 to 1980, Chambers also hosted a television program called The Editors on Canada’s First Canada’s Finest (CFCF) 12, now CTV, on which she led political discussions. As one of few women in journalism at the time, Chambers was a trailblazer.

“I would say that one of her legacies was really helping establish women as highly credible analysts and laying the groundwork for other female journalists,” Lucinda Chodan, editor of the Montreal Gazette, said.

In 1993, she was honoured as an Officer of the National Order of Quebec for her work in connecting the anglophone and francophone communities in Quebec. The following year, her talent and service to Canada and humanity earned her a spot as a Member of the Order of Canada, and was promoted to Companion in 2000. In 2012, the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) awarded Chambers with the Goldbloom Award for her distinguished community service.

Beyond the vital role she played in the greater Montreal community, Chambers was well-known at McGill in particular. She graduated from McGill with a B.A. in Political Science in 1947—at only 20 years old—and was an influential figure on campus up until her death. She became a Governor of McGill in 1978—emeritus since 1988—and was its first female Chancellor.

Chambers was involved with McGill institutions including the Montreal Consortium of Human Rights and Advocacy Training (MCHRAT), which was created in a collaboration between the McGill School of Social Work and Faculty of Law. She was crucial to the work of the McGill Middle East Program in Civil Society and Peace-Building (MMEP), now the International Community Action Network (ICAN). These groups have created 11 human rights-based community centres in Palestine, Jordan, and Israel, which provide services such as education, housing, and legal aid to people who are affected by war, poverty, or instability.

“She was instrumental in representing not just what our ideas are and our values, but instrumental as a person,” James Torczyner, Founder of the MCHRAT and the MMEP, said. “At one point, we brokered a joint emergency medical program between Jordan and Israel, and Gretta’s credibility, and just her ability, was always present and helped make all those things happen.”

Chambers was a valued member of the Montreal community, admired by many for her varied capabilities.

“She was a visionary,” Martin-LaForge said. “She saw beyond what most of us see from day to day. When I would call her sometimes, I always felt like she filled my teapot. She gave me more things to think about. She gave me the meat for understanding. She would give me her understanding on a situation on which I could build a better understanding for myself.”

 

Student Life

How to build, work, and navigate your networks

by Emma Carr on

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Many students share a common goal of securing a job right out of university—but this task can prove more challenging than many anticipate. There is a crucial underlying factor at play in deciding one’s career fate: Their networks. 

New graduates are often cautioned with the age-old saying “it’s who you know, not what you know,” that determines their job prospects. Though this sounds rather unfair, recent studies indicate that it may not be so far from the truth. A 2016 LinkedIn survey showed that 85 per cent of all jobs are filled via networking. Additionally, National Public Radio estimates that over 70 per cent of job openings are not advertised to the public, thereby limiting the applicant pool to internal hires and those with close connections. This reality makes it even more difficult for the poorly-connected to get their foot in the door at hiring organizations. 

Fortunately, universities offer the perfect setting to meet experienced professionals and practice networking before graduation. The McGill Tribune spoke with Darlene Hnatchuk, director of the Career Planning Service (CaPS) over email to learn more about how students can master the art of networking before graduation, and hopefully, land themselves a job with the help of sound social skills. 

The McGill Tribune (MT): Why is it important to begin networking as an undergraduate?

Darlene Hnatchuk (DH): For some people, networking can seem intimidating or […] only worthwhile if you are already a working professional or are seeking a job. As a student, there are several reasons to network, including to explore various career paths, meet people who are working in your fields of interest, and meet interesting new people who may introduce you to new ideas and opportunities. Know that in general, most people are willing to share some time to speak and help a student [who is looking for career advice].  

MT: How can McGill students begin to develop a network?

DH: Students can start by getting to know their peers, joining clubs and interest groups. [Students should] check out [the CaPS website] to learn about various on-campus opportunities. Other opportunities to network include speaking with your professors, [taking up] part-time jobs or other work [or] internship opportunities, and [engaging in] your personal [network, like family friends].  

Additionally, look to organized networking opportunities, such as your department or faculty’s meet-and-greet events, speed networking events, career fairs, [or] company information sessions [….] You can even cold-contact someone you admire [or would like to eventually work with].

MT: In what ways can students make a good impression on potential connections?

DH: It’s important to be genuinely interested in meeting new people, and in particular [to be] polite. First impressions do count. Make sure that you are respectful and appreciative of people’s time [….] If you ask for 10 minutes don’t keep asking questions past the 15-minute mark. Thank people for their time, and give them an update if they made efforts to introduce you to someone new. [Also] be prepared to ask specific questions that demonstrate your curiosity and interest in them and their roles.  Be prepared to speak about yourself, your interests and what you might like to do.  

MT: How can students turn connections into a potential employment opportunities?

DH: Unfortunately, it is not always a linear path from networking to a job. But by making time to get to know others, being interested and curious in others, [and being both] professional and respectful in your approach, you will consistently make a good impression and you will more [than] likely be remembered. Be open to new ideas and opportunities and follow up with people. Use the information you have gathered through your networking and apply that knowledge in your job search.  

Science & Technology

Minister of Environment and Climate Change hosts panel at McGill

by Laura Oprescu on

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On Sept. 15, McGill University hosted a panel at Chancellor Day Hall on the future of clean energy as a means of growing the economy. The Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change and McGill law graduate, Catherine McKenna, hosted the event marking the beginning of a series of panels. McKenna previously worked on UN peacekeeping missions and co-founded her charity, Level, to promote equality.

McKenna is touring Canadian universities, aiming to engage students in discussions about the future of clean energy and its impacts on the economy. The panel also featured Tim Moore, a Professor of Geography at McGill and Director of the Trottier Institute for Science and Public Policy, Steven Guilbeault, Cofounder and Senior Director of environmental consulting company Équiterre, Robert Leckey, Dean of the Faculty of Law at McGill, and Jose Mauricio Gaona, Faculty of Law doctoral student at McGill.

Together, the participants deliberated actions that Canadians can take to contribute to the growth of the economy in a sustainable fashion.

“I’m doing a college climate tour because people don’t think climate change is real, or they think it’s too hard and too expensive a problem to tackle,” McKenna said.

McKenna aims to reach out to students, who she believes are the future of policy-making. To her, open dialogue among youth regarding Canada’s future in clean energy is crucial to addressing the problem of climate change. Moore praised McKenna’s engaging approach.

“We should be engaging people in dialogue, rather than having a battle between monologues,” Moore said.

McKenna asked students for questions and suggestions regarding strategies to tackle international policy issues. Citing the example of the United States prematurely pulling out of the Paris Agreement, McKenna called for a thorough, rational approach to international cooperation on climate change.

“In diplomacy, it’s easy to yell and scream,” McKenna said. “We just have to be smart about things, to give [the United States] space to work things out.”

McKenna predicted that the United States will eventually realize that clean energy will be cost-efficient in the long run. She suggested making the economic argument to anyone who dismisses climate change as a serious issue.

“We can’t detach the environment from the economy,” McKenna said. “If we destroy our environment, we destroy our economy.”

McKenna argued that focusing on the economic impacts of switching to clean energy will draw a wider interest. She believes the two are inseparable issues.

Additionally, McKenna criticized the responses of activists who oppose pipeline developments, arguing that the pipeline itself is not the problem.

“Pipelines are just a vehicle,” McKenna said. “As long as there’s a market for oil, it’s going to happen.”

Instead, McKenna took issue with Canada’s infrastructure for offering poor protection against extreme weather. She questioned why Canada imports building materials instead of manufacturing locally, which would reduce emissions and create jobs for Canadians. Guilbeault agreed.

“Most Canadian buildings wouldn’t pass basic energy tests in other countries, such as Germany,” Guilbeault said. “This is a problem, because Germany isn’t nearly as cold as Canada.”

However, Guilbeault is optimistic about the changes being made toward clean energy in Canada.

“Since 2013, Canada has been investing more in clean energy than in fossil fuels,” Guilbeault said. “Three years ago in Quebec, there were 15 charging stations for electric cars. By 2020, there will be 1800.”

McKenna closed the panel with a rallying cry.

“We need to make policy decisions that are going to benefit most people, not the one per cent,” McKenna said. “You guys need to get out there and engage. We don’t have time to fight, we just have to get on.”

 
A previous version of this article stated that Minister Catherine McKenna co-hosted the event with Member of Parliament for LaSalle-Émard-Verdun, David Lametti. In fact, MP Lametti was scheduled to appear but did not in the end. The Tribune regrets this error.
ABCs of Science, Science & Technology

When is the best time to get sick?

by Selen Ercan on

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Catching a cold in the morning or at night can make a big difference. A new study from the McGill University and the Douglas Department of Health Institute suggests that the severity of an infection might vary significantly depending on the time of day we contract a pathogen—an agent causing disease or illness to its host.

For the very first time, McGill researchers showed that the body’s circadian clock dictates the magnitude of the parasitic infection, Leishmaniasis.

According to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, circadian clock refers to “[…] physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness in an organism's environment.”

The tropical parasite, Leishmania, is transmitted by the female sandfly and kills 20,000 to 30,000 people per year, leaving painful scars on those who survive. When untreated, Leishmania is lethal.

“Leishmania tricks the body by manipulating what the macrophage, white blood cell, does using the host’s immune system against it,” said Associate Professor Nicolas Cermakian from McGill’s Department of Psychiatry and researcher at the Douglas Institute. “By understanding how this process is linked to the circadian rhythm, we might be able to play tricks on it in return.”

Cermakian’s team found that when the disease was transmitted at night, the infection affected the subjects more than when it was contracted during the day.

“There was more inflammatory cell recruitment, [or] more immune cells coming to the site, in the animals’ bodies at night, which is what the parasite wanted,” said Professor Martin Olivier in the McGill Department of Medicine, Microbiology, and Immunology and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center. “It could [therefore] invade more cells at that time.”

Thus, the parasite took advantage of the body’s circadian rhythm in order to acquire the maximum number of host cells.  

“Circadian rhythms affect pretty much everything in physiology,” Cermakian said. “[Many] parts of our body [vary] between […] day and night [as] generated by our intrinsic clocks.”

The team successfully established that these internal clocks regulate the body’s immune response against pathogens.  This observation can lead to better prevention strategies against many illnesses—including malaria, zika, and lyme disease—and other insect borne diseases.

In light of this news, there could also be a significant difference between the effectiveness of vaccinations done in the evening or during the day. Continued research in this area could hinder widespread diseases from doing more damage.

“We now want to know how we can better treat people with drugs and vaccinations, and at which moment we can vaccinate people in order to give better protection,” Olivier said. “Indeed, the variation in immune response due to the circadian rhythm could be true for many infections.”  

Furthermore, Cermakian’s research on the health of shift workers shows that people with disturbed circadian rhythms have a higher likelihood of contracting many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, and metabolic problems. Prolonged exposure to artificial light from electronics, disorganized eating, and irregular sleeping schedules all qualify as disturbances.

Although keeping track of intrinsic clocks won’t protect everyone from contracting diseases such as Leishmania, respecting the natural body cycle can attribute to a healthy lifestyle overall.

Editorial, Opinion

Separating criticism from cynicism when evaluating McGill’s student leaders

by McGill Tribune Editorial Board on

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Often, students at McGill regard the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) as an inefficient, incompetent, and divisive organization. Some of these perceptions are reasonably grounded in SSMU executives’ past mistakes. Last February, campus was rocked by Vice-President (VP) External David Aird’s resignation, following a statement released by the Community Disclosure Network (CDN) alleging that Aird had committed acts of sexual violence against members of the McGill community.

Since then, among other SSMU and faculty counsellor resignations, two more SSMU executives resigned: Last year’s President Ben Ger left his post in March 2017, and VP Operations and Sustainability Anuradha Mallik resigned this past August, leaving the SSMU executive team with a vacancy at the start of the academic year. SSMU executives’ recent history of resigning mid-term is a valid cause for student distrust of their government. Still, as McGill enters a new school year, it is critical that McGill students examine the source of their skepticism toward SSMU, and recognize the value of the work being done by student leaders. Further, students must be cautious not to hold grudges from past institutional and personal failures against the new set of SSMU executives. Unfounded aversion to SSMU threatens the well-being of the organization by creating an atmosphere where overburdened leaders do not feel supported by their constituents.

A properly functioning SSMU is essential to the McGill community. It is an independent body completely separate from the McGill administration that operates as a critical advocate and provider for students’ needs and interests. While the relevant personal dramas of SSMU executives tend to dominate campus dialogues, the day-to-day responsibilities of leaders and the index of services provided by the society are much less discussed, and even taken for granted.

Without SSMU and its elected executives, students would lose many services fundamental to the well-being of their community. SSMU has ownership over students’ health and dental insurance plans, and runs a daycare for students and faculty in need of childcare. SSMU also provides employment for hundreds of students in a variety of positions throughout the organization. Further, it organizes a diverse range of MiniCourses—ranging from yoga, to languages, to creative writing—for students to inexpensively cultivate hobbies and learn skills that aren’t taught at McGill. SSMU also sponsors, supports, and provides space and services for hundreds of clubs and student organizations at McGill. Finally, it fully funds and administers 15 services—such as McGill Students’ Emergency Response Team (MSERT), McGill Nightline, the Peer Support Centre, Sexual Assault Centre of the McGill Student’s Society (SACOMSS), Walksafe, and the Black Students’ Network—to name a few.

Next time they take a dig at SSMU, McGill students should question whether their disenchantment with SSMU is based on legitimate constructive criticism or whether it reflects cynicism of the institution itself.

These roles, diverse in character and makeup, are essential to our community: They make students feel safe, understood, and included, and more often than not, they fulfill needs and provide opportunities that the McGill administration does not.

This is as enormous of a task as it sounds. An hour log released by Kimber Bialik, VP Clubs and Services (now renamed VP Student Life) in 2015-2016, revealed that she often worked up to (and over) 100 hours per week to fulfill the requirements of her portfolio. While SSMU executives are paid a salary, it does not come close to adequate hourly compensation for the job. Furthermore, SSMU acts as an important advocate for student interests to the administration, with members sitting on the Senate, Board of Governors, and working groups in order to establish university policies for students’ benefits. One recent example is SSMU executives’ involvement in the creation of McGill’s Sexual Violence Policy in Fall 2016.

The historically low numbers of candidates for SSMU executive positions are unsurprising when considering the volume of the commitment coupled with the McGill community’s ingrained distaste toward the organization. In the 2017-2018 SSMU executive election, only two out of the seven available positions were contested. A diverse election process is key to effective leadership, and a climate of apathy and disillusionment discourages influential, capable leaders from stepping up. Putting one’s name on a ballot isn’t easy to begin with; faced with a perpetually disapproving constituency, this task becomes even more daunting. Normalizing minimal contestation of executive positions followed by mid-year resignations only further erodes the authenticity and legitimacy of the organization.

One glance at the extensive list of services that SSMU provides is enough for students to realize the necessity of student leaders. SSMU executives champion the interests of McGill students to the McGill administration. While it is essential for McGill students, media, campus groups, and other prominent actors to hold student representatives accountable and maintain reasonable expectations of them, it is equally important for the McGill community to recognize that SSMU executives are students, not seasoned politicians. Next time they take a dig at SSMU, McGill students should question whether their disenchantment with SSMU is based on legitimate constructive criticism or whether it reflects cynicism of the institution itself, cultivated by the missteps of former leaders. Yes, SSMU has high standards to achieve and a responsibility to students, but students also have a responsibility to SSMU: They must actively engage with student politics, afford leaders a clean slate when they are elected, and promote a positive political culture out of which they can begin their tenure.

 

@mcgilltribop | [email protected]

 

 

 

McGill, News

AUS Council Plans to Celebrate 25th Anniversary Despite Resignation of Executive

by Luca Brown on

More in McGill:

The resignation of Vice-President (VP) External Catherine Jeffrey was at the top of the agenda during the first Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS) Council meeting of the year on Sept. 13. Council also discussed plans for upcoming speaker series and the possibility of organizing a celebration for the 25th anniversary of the AUS.

Resignation of the VP External

The AUS released a statement on Sept. 12 announcing Jeffrey’s resignation and identifying mental health, the workload AUS requires, and other conflicting academic and extracurricular activities as their reasons for departing. Following the resignations of former AUS VP Finance Deepak Punjabi and VP Internal elect Ashton Mathias last year, Jeffrey’s choice to resign is a continuation of a trend that is worrying to some.

“We've had unusually high executive turnover,” AUS President Erik Partridge said. “And when I say ‘unusually high,’ it's about 50 per cent higher than you'd expect for a two-year time period.”

The AUS council voted to hold a by-election to fill the role of VP External in early October. Council also decided not to hold an election for the position of VP Internal and instead voted to reappoint incumbent VP Internal Rebecca Scarra. Scarra was initially appointed to the position last winter after the resignation of then-VP Internal elect Ashton Mathias.

Executives give updates on potential speaker series

AUS VP Communications Maria Thomas announced that she is in the process of organizing a speaker series featuring influential public figures. Thomas’ primary goal is to secure the presence of McGill alumnus and current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, though she admits to having her work cut out for her in achieving this.

Thomas hopes to grab Trudeau’s attention via social media, using the hashtag “#TrudeauTakesMcGillPt2,” given the Prime Minister’s responsiveness on social media.

“I don't know the likelihood of [Trudeau] replying […] but I believe in us,” Thomas said. “We have 8,000 constituents and we can get this hashtag trending.”  

Charitable Affairs Committee

AUS Council passed a motion to create a Charitable Affairs Committee, which will manage fundraisers for charities the Committee chooses. Thomas, who presented the motion, explained that she found inspiration from past AUS initiatives to help with the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

“A lot of [the idea for this committee] came out of Hurricane Irma,” Thomas said. “We were wondering if we could raise money for [the victims] […] Just by our equity bylaws, we want to create a positive impact on the world.”

AUS’ 25th anniversary

2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the AUS. VP Social Nathan Greene and VP Finance Noah Lew proposed the exploration of a celebration to commemorate the occasion.

Lew expressed his views that a celebration would be an appropriate way to commemorate this big milestone for the AUS, while bring Arts students together.

“This [is] not just a celebration, but also something to make our students proud of the AUS, to belong to [the Faculty of] Arts, and to have a big event we can all share and be proud of,” Lew said.

Department of English Association (DESA) representative Thomas MacDonald, (U3),  raised concerns that prospective celebrations could be distracting from long-term projects with greater meaning for the student body as a whole.

Council held a straw poll unanimously expressing its interest in the idea. The celebration, which is still in early planning stages, would take place during the inter 2018 semester.

A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that AUS VP Internal Kira Smith resigned last year. In fact, VP Internal elect Ashton Mathias resigned from AUS. The Tribune regrets this error.
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