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News, SSMU

New SSMU food pantry offers students groceries at affordable prices 

by Mahin Siddiki on

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The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) recently launched a new pay-what-you-can student food pantry on Jan. 30 to promote greater food security on campus. Planned in partnership with the ECOLE project, a sustainability-focused communal student housing cooperative, the pantry is located in the foyer of the ECOLE building at 3559 Rue University. 

This project is just one of several initiatives to battle food insecurity at McGill, an issue student groups—such as McGill Food Coalition, Midnight Kitchen, Student Nutrition Accessibility Club’s (SNAC), and Let’s Eat McGill—claim is prevalent on campus. According to a survey carried out by Let’s Eat McGill in Winter 2023, over 30 per cent of surveyed students went without meals once or twice a month, while over 20 per cent of students went without meals several times a month.

Nika Rovensky, one of the facilitators of ECOLE  and the Community Engagement Commissioner at SSMU, manages the SSMU food pantry in partnership with SSMU Vice-President External Affairs, Hugo-Victor Solomon. 

Located opposite the Birks Building, the food pantry is open to students 24/7, making it unique compared to other initiatives on campus. In comparison, SSMU’s Grocery Program is available once a semester, and SNAC’s weekly produce distribution operates every Monday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Similarly, the Midnight Kitchen operates once or twice a week at 1 p.m.. 

“One really big thing that we wanted to address was the aspect of accessibility, and being able to come get [food] on your own schedule and not being held back by a window of time,” Rovensky said. “That’s why the food bank is refilled once a week but it’s accessible at all times. You don’t need to tap in or anything, you can just open the door and it’s just there.” 

Solomon believes that the food pantry is a tangible way to give back to the student community and address the issue of food insecurity. 

“This project is squarely in line with mandate 5.1.1 of the SSMU’s Food Security Policy by promoting food sovereignty for the student community while working to ensure more equitable access to food resources,” Solomon wrote in a statement to The Tribune.

The food bank operates on a pay-what-you-can scheme, with signage in the pantry indicating suggested amounts for students to pay. Suggested prices, which can be paid via e-transfer, range from $0.25 CAD for canned items and pasta, to $0.50 CAD for single vegetables, and $1 CAD for everything else. 

Innovation Assistance, a community food distribution centre that aims to provide food sovereignty to those who need it in the Peter-McGill area, delivers the food bi-weekly. Micah Angell, the coordinator of Innovation Assistance, explained why the centre collaborated with the food pantry in a written statement to The Tribune.

“Innovation Assistance’s Food Dream desires for the residents of Peter-McGill to have no barriers between them and the food that they want to consume,” Angell wrote. “Being able to help make sure that students facing food insecurity at McGill have access to healthy and local food is a huge win for us and for the neighbourhood.”

SNAC and Midnight Kitchen are also collaborating with the student food pantry, delivering produce and allowing volunteers to restock the pantry every week or several times a week if needed. 

Rovensky explained how the food pantry aims to promote sustainability by limiting its food waste 

“If there’s food that hasn’t been taken, and it might be going bad, we find a way to repurpose it here,” Rovensky said. “An example of that would be that we had a film screening this past week and there were some extra parsnips [in the pantry] and they made parsnip chips for the film screening for the people that came. So it’s [a] very circular [process].” 

Looking to the future of the food pantry, Rovensky and Solomon both hope that the program will continue to grow. 

“This is a pilot project and we’re looking to expand it long-term in collaboration with Student Housing and Hospitality […] at McGill, and have a larger space in the University Hall Building,” Rovensky said. 

Features

Unearthing Canadian veins of greed

by Monique Kasonga on

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How the country enables the global mining industry’s exploitation of people and the planet

On Jan. 13, 2025, Mali took a bold step in reclaiming control over its natural resources, as the government began seizing $245 million CAD worth of gold stocks from Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold. The seizure is part of a wider dispute over Barrick’s refusal to pay its dues under Mali’s newly passed mining codes, which seek to address decades of unequal agreements that have left African states with minimal stakes in their own resources. A quick search reveals that this is not the first time Barrick has been called out—among other controversies, Mali had previously demanded about $500 million USD in unpaid taxes from Barrick, a sum that points to the company’s failure to meet its obligations.

This issue stretches far beyond Mali and forms part of a larger, predatory pattern. Nearly half of the world’s mining companies are based in Canada, and they are leaving a trail of devastation.

feature imageThe Toll of Canadian Miningfeature image

In Ecuador, Indigenous women have been sounding the alarm that a proposed free trade agreement between the Canadian and Ecuadorian governments could pave the way for even more human rights and environmental abuses by Canadian mining companies.

In Honduras, two workers fled their village after forces tied to the now-closed Canadian mining giant Gold Corp murdered their uncle, an environmental activist, in what they believed was a targeted killing.

When they sought refuge in Canada, officials told them to lie about their story and present it as an escape from drug traffickers instead of revealing the truth—that their uncle’s death was a direct consequence of Canada’s mining interests. These are just two of countless examples of how Canada’s global footprint is built on exploitation, all while the country turns a blind eye to the damage caused in its name.

Even within Canada, the government has allowed corporations to exploit the country’s land and mistreat its Indigenous communities. This is especially troubling because the mining industry does have the potential to be more ethical through measures like resource management, community engagement, and stringent environmental protections. Our dependence on mining industries, particularly for technology, is undeniably problematic.

However, change is possible even within our global capitalist economy. Ethical mining must address historical injustices by securing community consent, investing in long-term benefits for local populations, and ensuring transparency in supply chains. While the extractive industry has caused significant harm, it’s possible to envision a future where it is compatible with both environmental and social well-being. The challenge lies in shifting the focus away from corporate interests and toward a model that prioritizes people and the planet.

The mining giant Glencore stands in stark contrast to this vision of ethical mining. After years of investigations, the Swiss Office of the Attorney General found the company guilty of “inadequate organization” due to corrupt mining deals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically around its dealings with Israeli businessman Dan Gertler. Glencore’s involvement in bribery and illegal practices resulted in significant losses for the Congolese people, with billions of dollars in potential earnings from resources like copper and cobalt being siphoned off. Glencore has paid fines, but the penalty barely scratches the surface compared to the wealth generated by exploiting these resources. Even after the United States government sanctioned Gertler for his role in this corruption, Glencore continues to pay him tens of thousands of dollars as royalty payments from mines acquired through these corrupt deals. Undeterred by these controversies, Glencore is expanding its operations in Canada, acquiring four massive coal mines in British Columbia. Glencore’s takeover of B.C. mines raises concerns about ongoing selenium pollution in the Elk River Valley, which has long been toxic to fish. Reports highlight that the government has failed to impose strong conditions on Glencore to halt the pollution and cover the massive cleanup costs. Advocates fear the company’s vague commitments to environmental remediation will fall far short of addressing the long-term environmental devastation in B.C.

feature imageA Safe Haven for Mining Corporationsfeature image

Canadian mining companies dominate the global extractive industry not because of their technical expertise or ethical leadership, but because Canada has deliberately positioned itself as a regulatory bastion for mining corporations. With 47 per cent of the world’s public mining companies listed on Canadian stock exchanges, the country provides an ultra-permissive legal, financial, and diplomatic environment that enables these companies to operate with near-total impunity. Even mining corporations not physically based in Canada register as Canadian companies because the country offers a system designed to protect corporate interests over human rights and environmental accountability.

Alain Deneault, philosopher, researcher and professor at Université de Moncton, explained in an interview with The Tribune that the mining companies benefit from Canada’s lax disclosure requirements, which allow them to engage in speculative resource claims, inflating their market value without stringent verification.

“Canadian mining companies can speculate on potential resources rather than just proven reserves, creating opportunities for market manipulation,” Deneault said.

Beyond financial benefits, Canada’s diplomatic network acts as an unofficial lobby for mining corporations.

“A whole network of Canadian diplomats are actively working to represent the interests of mining companies in the countries where they operate,” Deneault said. “This pressure forces governments to lower tariffs, invest in infrastructure that supports mining, and even expel people from their land.”

The result is a global empire of extraction, where Canadian mining companies can pollute, displace, and exploit with minimal consequences, knowing that the legal, financial, and diplomatic frameworks of their home country will work in their favour.

feature imageBarrick Gold’s North Mara Mine: A Case Study in Corporate Abusefeature image

At Barrick Gold’s North Mara mine in Tanzania, violence, forced displacement, and human rights abuses have become routine. The Canadian mining giant has operated the mine through subsidiaries since 2006.

According to MiningWatch Canada, which has been documenting abuses at North Mara since 2014, the situation on the ground is dire.

“Conflicts happen weekly around the mine,” Catherine Coumans, Research Coordinator for MiningWatch said in an interview with //The Tribune//. “These result in arbitrary arrests, severe beatings—some leading to death—as well as people being shot, maimed, or killed. And these are not just people accused of entering waste rock piles for residual gold. Even innocent bystanders, including schoolchildren, have been targeted.”

Forced evictions have been taking place since the mine’s inception. The Kuria people, Indigenous to the region, traditionally rely on cattle herding and small-scale gold mining for their livelihoods. But when gold was discovered in their lands, Barrick moved in to claim it.

“As is so common all over the world, whenever small-scale gold mining starts, governments and mining companies notice and go, ‘There’s money to be made there,’” Coumans explained. “And within no time at all, the small-scale miners are forced off their land, and large-scale mining companies take over, often with government support.”

The most recent wave of forced evictions, between 2022 and 2023, displaced 5,000 families—tens of thousands of people.

“When I say forcibly evicted, […] people had no choice. These evictions were accompanied by violence, intimidation, and coercion,” Coumans said. “These families lost not just land, but generational wealth—something passed from parents to children. Now, it’s gone.”

feature imageProtecting Profits, Dodging Accountabilityfeature image

Canada’s legal framework does not just fail to hold mining companies accountable—it actively protects them. When Canadian corporations commit abuses abroad, victims seeking justice are often blocked by legal loopholes that allow these companies to evade responsibility and shift cases to foreign jurisdictions where legal systems are weaker or more easily influenced. Canadian law makes it very difficult to sue companies domestically as it empowers corporations to argue that cases should be heard in the countries where alleged abuses took place.

“It’s really dire. So many people are being harmed by Canadian mining companies overseas, and we have no place in Canada for them to have their cases heard,” Coumans said.

In December 2023, an Ontario judge ruled that a lawsuit against Barrick Gold, filed on behalf of 32 Tanzanian plaintiffs, would not be heard in Canada. Instead, the case—alleging severe human rights abuses at Barrick’s North Mara mine—was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds, with the judge determining it should be heard in Tanzania.

“This is a major setback for the plaintiffs and raises serious concerns about whether Canadian courts will ever hold Canadian mining companies accountable for overseas abuses,” Coumans said.

The case, which centred on allegations of excessive use of force by mine security, was never even debated on its merits. Instead, Barrick managed to argue that, despite being headquartered in Canada, it was not sufficiently “present” in the country to warrant a trial in Canadian courts.

The ruling reinforces an already troubling reality.

“It will create a chill on new cases being brought forward against Canadian mining companies for harm they are alleged to have done overseas,” Coumans warned.

As Deneault puts it, “You are told to go seek justice in Tanzania, Mali, or other countries where the legal system has already been compromised—often by the very corporations you are fighting.”

This system exposes a fundamental truth about Canada’s governance.

“If Canada were a true democracy—which I do not believe it is—it would establish an independent commission to investigate the actions of its mining companies abroad,” Deneault said.

Such a commission, with the power to compel corporate testimony and enforce reparations, would be a necessary first step toward accountability.

feature imageAcademic Endorsement of the Mining Machinefeature image

As early as 2006, McGill has partnered with mining giants like Barrick, Rio Tinto, Vale, and Dec. 31, 2024, McGill continues to hold investments in Barrick Gold Corp., owning 211,755 shares through segregated accounts and pooled funds. The university also collaborates with the destructive corporation through its Holding Institutions Accountablefeature image

Universities justify these partnerships by claiming financial necessity, arguing that student fees and government funding are insufficient.

“They are very willing to take that funding and not look too hard at the track record of the companies that are offering the money,” Coumans explained.

The result is a system in which institutions of higher learning, which should be sites of critical inquiry and ethical leadership, become complicit in whitewashing corporate crimes.

“If you name any major ethical issue in the world today, you will find academics working to justify or enable it—whether through engineering, policy research, or even outright propaganda,” Deneault said. “Universities today present themselves as the brainpower of multinational corporations. The great challenge for them is to free themselves from financial power and reclaim their role as spaces of critical inquiry rather than corporate training grounds.”

The time has come for McGill to face its reckoning. It must divest from blood-stained industries, address its complicity, and start fostering an academic environment that does not simply serve the interests of multinational corporations, but prioritizes the well-being of the communities they have harmed. The university cannot claim to champion justice while benefiting from industries that commit atrocities.

McGill’s continued entanglement with the mining industry is not just a financial issue—it is a moral failure.

*Quotes from Alain Deneault were translated from French.
Off the Board

My cultural identity is not dependent on a language

by Auxane Bussac on

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A few weeks ago, my friend Toscane and I were stopped by a man who asked us if we were French. With our affirmative response, he excitedly expressed his love for our accent before noticing the Hamsa pendant on my necklace. Also called the Hand of Fatima, the Hamsa symbol is popular in North Africa where it is believed to ward off evil and bad luck. The man then asked me: “Are you Moroccan?” When I answered that my mom was, his face lit up, and he started speaking to us in Arabic. I apologized and politely explained that I unfortunately didn’t speak the language—and his disappointment was obvious. 

I am all too familiar with this kind of situation. I feel proud when people ask if I am Moroccan, but that feeling quickly fades when I cannot interact with them in the language. The shame I feel in those moments makes me wonder if it’s even fair to mention that I have some Moroccan blood.

My mom was born and mostly raised in Rabat. From her name and her looks, you can immediately tell that she’s from North Africa. I, however, inherited my last name from my French father, meaning that, on paper, my tie to Morocco is mostly invisible. My name is Auxane Nawel Bussac, but my Arabic middle name exists only on my passport; even my McGill ID does not show it. At times, I have been called  “white-passing” because, despite my curly hair, you wouldn’t assume that I am anything other than French—my little brother took all the Moroccan genes. 

Some part of me has always been frustrated that I cannot prove my heritage without showing a picture of my mother’s side of the family. Only the oldest four of my 14 cousins got to spend their summers at my grandparents’ house in Rabat, learning about Moroccan culture and their roots; The rest of us didn’t have that opportunity. I have visited my grandparents many times, but only ever briefly, spending most of our time in the house speaking French, and never getting the chance to interact with anyone in Arabic.

Compared to my aunts and uncles who actively practice their heritage, my mom barely identifies with Morocco. She went to a French high school while living in Rabat, then left the country when she was 18, and rarely speaks Arabic anymore. While raising my brother and me, however, she did occasionally throw in some words of Arabic, especially when she was mad. Every one of those moments reminded us of our mother’s Arabic past. One that was only hers, and couldn’t be ours. She was never very open to talking about that side of her, widening the gap between her culture and my brother and me.

I don’t speak Arabic. My brother and I have both tried to learn, but never with any consistency. But that does not mean I can’t relate to my Arab heritage. I might not be Moroccan, but my mom is, and I firmly believe that this in itself is a core part of my identity as well. When I find myself in a situation where people are disappointed that I don’t know Arabic, I remember that I watched the 2018 World Cup Final in a Moroccan lounge at a distant aunt’s place in Rabat. That specific moment, and all the others that I spent with the Moroccan side of my family, are proof that I do belong, whether or not I speak Arabic

I am not Moroccan, but I am not not Moroccan either. I don’t mind standing in the middle. This blend might even be a gift, a sign from my middle name Nawel, which means “gift” or “unmerited favour of God.” One day, I’d love to learn Arabic—but until then, if asked about my origins, I will proudly say that I am part Moroccan, on my mom’s side, without feeling ashamed. 

Arts & Entertainment, Theatre

McGill Classics Department wields love to explore Medea’s story in ‘The Argonautica’

by Norah Adams on

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The ancient Greek figure of Medea likely makes your skin crawl with discomfort—or maybe causes you to shiver with morbid curiosity. For how could a woman, scorned nevertheless, be pushed to the extreme of killing her own children? 

Euripides’ play, Medea, features such a story, where the titular character’s heartbreak results in filicide, a starkly violent and unthinkable act. With these grim expectations, when the McGill Classics Department’s rendition of the same character’s story begins, I am surprised to be met with a tale focused more on the complexities of love than murder. 

Throughout the play, Jason’s Argonauts share an easy camaraderie. They roughhouse, hug—and most importantly, sing sea shanties—all like an affectionate, albeit slightly rag-tag, family. Medea, an often villainized character, is provided space through which she demonstrates how much she cares for the important people in her life, such as her sister, Chalciope (Azmi Rizwan Aandi) and even her viciously strict father, Aeetes (Vincent Carrier). 

These familial feelings are not just present amid the writing of the adaptation by Carys Foulds and Jericho O’Keeffe, but within the cast and crew as a whole. 

“We tried to foster an environment where it felt a lot more collaborative,” O’Keeffe said in an interview with The Tribune.  

From scene to scene, an atmosphere of synergistic energy is unmistakable. The actors on stage seem to be genuinely having a blast. Each moment of banter traded between crewmates reads utterly believable as the actual companionships of the cast members shine through.

As I watch the play, I can’t help but feel that I am watching one big, theatrically imbued hangout between friends. 

Love stands at the forefront of the show, from Mopsus’s (Laura D’Angelo, Arts) prophetic relationship with their bird to the two stars’—Young Medea (Siobhan Wright) and Jason (Marissa Miller Sommer)—budding romance. I was stirred to wonder what led the directors to shift from the clash of swords to the quiet weight of longing and loss. Why they chose to let Medea’s story take precedence, while Jason’s remained in the background: Was it simply a change in perspective or a radical feminist retelling? 

The directors/adapters of the play shed light on the prevalence of undervalued and even misrepresented women characters in ancient Greek literature. One such character is Penelope from Homer’s Odyssey, who governed Ithaca for 20 years while waiting for Odysseus to stop getting blown off course and return home. In developing their version of The Argonautica, it was essential to O’Keeffe and Foulds that they offered Medea the opportunity to tell her own story of how she ended up in such a brutal place. 

The play is ultimately successful in attending to women’s often unnoticed but essential role in driving men forward in Greek epics. In Apollonius of Rhode’s depiction of Medea’s character, Hera divinely forces her to help Jason by making her fall in love with him. 

This is not the Medea onstage at Mainline Theatre. Armed with autonomy, she herself decides to help the hero, and only because of a wish to aid Chalciope; it is a strong sisterly relationship that leads her to take action. The production also removed a majority of violence from the story, the most notable missing piece being Medea’s murder of her children. The show instead ends with the woman getting the final word before walking off, finally able to tell the tale herself.

From translating an Ancient Greek epic to turning up the lights on show night, this play is Carys Foulds and Jericho O’Keeffe’s child. And like Medea, they killed it!
The Argonautica played from Feb. 5-8 at Mainline Theatre.

Arts & Entertainment, Film and TV

Overlooked moments of love take centre stage in shōjo anime 

by Bianca Sugunasiri on

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Some of the most precious moments of love are those which precede the first text, the first date, the first kiss. The first butterflies, the first blush, the first compliment that has you kicking your feet in bed. These moments tend to be insignificant in romance media, eclipsed by the overwhelmingness of all that comes after. Compounded with the emerging trend of “nonchalant” romance, where emotional expression is often downplayed, these elusive moments appear even less. Even valiant efforts to prevent women characters from having overly man-centric ambitions can be misconstrued as devaluing a desire for love—all of which nudges these moments further from the spotlight. 

Unless you are an avid fan, you probably associate anime with one of two things: “That white-haired dude” or cartoons. In reality, anime is a diverse selection of media that displays dedication, artistry, and novel ideas. Often the shows are defined by the intended audience, rather than by genre. One example is shōjo anime, targeted towards adolescent and young adult women, and often characterized by its focus on love: Both platonic and romantic. Although there can be a non-romantic complimentary plot, the spotlight remains on the minutiae of the relationships between characters. Because of this, the genre is often written off as frivolous or insignificant, overshadowed by the popularity of shōnen, which targets young men with traditional hero’s journey narratives. 

However, some recent shōjo seasons released this month serve as perfect arguments to the contrary. 

Season 2 of Apothecary Diaries started airing on Jan. 10. It follows the adventures of Maomao, the poison taster of the rear palace around 15th-century China. Her sharp wit and adept curiosity allow her to discover threats before they come to fruition. In a subversion of traditional gender roles, she is both oblivious and indifferent in the face of romance, seeing everything through a logical and tactical lens. In contrast, one of the head administrators, Jinshi, is expressive and emotional such that everyone in the palace knows of his admiration for her, except Maomao herself. 

In typical shōjo fashion, the show highlights the part of relationships that are never really featured in mainstream romance: The simple development of affinity towards someone. There are numerous interactions that precede flirting: Flickering moments of romance—inconsequential conversations of Maomao eagerly explaining an apothecary principle to Jinshi, who listens in fascination, entranced by her passion—become all the more potent. It would be easy to write it off as boring if you overlook the importance of these moments; there’s something inexplicably sweet about a human investing themselves in the interests of another. That is the magic of shōjo: It portrays the menial and unnoticed, within which the sweetest aspects of human affection are hidden. 

Similarly, Honey Lemon Soda, which began streaming on Jan. 8, offers another example of the beauty of shōjo. This anime features the classic high school setting, and follows a slice-of-life style plot; nothing extravagant happens beyond the everyday interactions in school life. The protagonist is Ishimori Uka, a shy girl who is so desensitized to bullying that all she wishes to do is remain “still as a stone.” At her new high school, she hopes things will be different but believes she doesn’t deserve much kindness. Miura Kai is the sleepy, carefree popular boy in her class, who takes it upon himself to help her become the person she most wants to be. His advice to her is clear: “Ask someone for help.” The common response would have been to ‘toughen up’ and find a way to deal with it on her own; instead, she remains her wonderfully shy self and gradually works towards her goal of finding her voice, even when she believes she doesn’t deserve it. This alternative characterization is a reminder that kindness, insecurity and reliance on another is equally brave.

Shōjo anime deserves all the respect for giving attention to the aspects of humanity that we deem weak and insignificant. It is a reminder that to show care for another is one of the scariest, strongest, and most human things you can ever do.

McGill, News, Private

McGill expected to cut 250-500 positions as university faces dire financial circumstances

by Daniel Miksha on

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McGill’s top executives hosted a virtual town hall on Feb. 7 to discuss the university’s 2024-2025 budget, particularly their strategy to address its deficit. Co-hosts of the event, President and Vice-Chancellor Deep Saini, Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic) Christopher Manfredi, and Vice-President (Administration and Finance) Fabrice Labeau, laid out their plan to restore McGill’s financial stability. This is the second budget town hall McGill has hosted this academic year, with the first on Nov. 19. 

Saini opened the town hall with a frank statement about the financial circumstances the university is facing.

“Our university, as we know, is facing serious financial pressures that originate from many different sources,” Saini said. “Ultimately, these pressures have significant implications for the delivery of McGill’s mission, and our identity as a world-class university [….] Unfortunately, the road ahead will remain extremely difficult for the foreseeable future.”

McGill is currently expected to run a $15 million CAD deficit for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This deficit would have been closer to $50 million CAD, had the university not implemented a $35 million CAD correction to its budget this past fiscal year.

To balance the university’s budget and restore its long-term financial stability, Manfredi and Labeau announced they will lead a two-phase program called ‘Horizon McGill.’ Phase one involves immediate actions to balance the 2025-2026 budget, and phase two will restructure McGill in the long-run to increase the efficiency of its operations.

A balanced 2025-2026 budget will require a $45 million CAD budget correction which would counter the budget’s expected deficit. Manfredi informed the community that the majority of the budget-balancing will come from reducing salary mass, requiring both academic and administrative layoffs.

“We can delay the filling of [a] select number of vacancies, eliminate overtime, reduce working hours or reduce pay where the employee is willing and where circumstances allow, and also [use] attrition, by not replacing staff who leave the university,” Manfredi stated. “But […] that’s not likely to be enough. In some circumstances, positions will have to be abolished, resulting in the loss of employment. That’s unsettling news.”

The university has assigned individual academic and administrative units a share of the $45 million CAD correction and required them to report by early March on how they plan to implement related cuts. According to Manfredi, this will likely involve cancelling low-enrollment courses and reducing the university’s staff headcount by 250-500 people.

Manfredi identified a combination of causes for McGill’s financial struggles, including a cap on international student admissions, growing tensions between Canada and the United States, an aging population, and restrictions from the provincial government regarding the university’s use of capital funds.  

Labeau explained that the university is not considering selling university lands or properties outright to combat its deficit, since such a move would only provide short-term relief from financial hardships whose root causes can only be addressed through restructuring.

Over the next few years, the administrators explained that McGill will aim to improve operational efficiency, eliminate red tape, and join the UniForum program—a practice-sharing forum which will help McGill compare its operations to similar institutions around the world to help identify how the university can improve its financial situation through restructuring.

In a press conference following the town hall, Vice-President (Communications and Institutional Relations) Philippe Gervais told The Tribune that, though there is little students can do to add their input to the upcoming budget, they will be able to play more of a role in phase two of Horizon McGill.

“The longer project that’s going to go over two or three years, of how we’ll restructure, and where I think a lot of the fundamental decisions will be made, [will have] plenty of room for consultation,” Gervais said.

Though Saini stressed that the coming years will be difficult and result in a compression of the university, he expressed that cuts need to be viewed in the context of the university’s long-term objectives.

“Ultimately,” Saini said, “we want to emerge as a stronger McGill, a McGill that is more resilient, a McGill that’s more sustainable, and a McGill that, frankly, is more impactful on a global stage.”

McGill, News

Self-proclaimed anarchists claim responsibility for smashing windows of five buildings across campus

by Daniel Miksha on

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At 8:15 p.m. on Feb. 5, a group of approximately 40 people smashed over 30 windows and tagged the Leacock Building, the McCall MacBain Arts Building, and the James Administration Building. The self-described anarchists entered campus from Rue McTavish with a banner reading, “Colonial institutions will fall.” Despite being on campus for less than 15 minutes, their actions disrupted classes and exams, including a CHEM120 midterm in Leacock 132 that evening. 

Alex*, U0 Arts, was writing a midterm in Leacock when the group began smashing windows. A bystander informed teaching assistants about the windows being broken outside the lecture hall, and instructed students who had finished the midterm to leave through a different exit.

“We just heard this glass smashing and people talking. And then this girl comes in, and she starts talking to one of the TAs and then all these people start running towards the door, and they just start telling us, ‘You can’t, you can’t get out from that door,’” Alex told The Tribune. 

An anonymous group of anarchists claimed responsibility for the vandalism, posting a statement online the next day that clarified their intent to destabilize the university. 

“For us, McGill is nothing but a symbol of a colonial and capitalist system, of which we call for the complete destruction. We encourage our comrades to extend the struggle towards the destruction of all oppressions, and to continue escalating towards revolution,” the statement read.

The statement explicitly denounced McGill’s New Vic Project and its historical involvement with MK-ULTRA mind control experiments, the university’s choice not to divest from companies with ties to Israel in December 2024, and the university’s choice to uproot a white pine tree planted during a Haudenosaunee peace ceremony in November 2024.

Independent journalist Cheï Lévesque, who followed the vandals as they entered campus, confirmed with The Tribune that the group was affiliated with an unspecified anarchist movement.

“My guess as to their motive is as good as [anyone’s], but it seems to be pointing to a myriad of ‘intersectional’ causes,” Lévesque wrote to The Tribune. “There was mention of ‘genocide,’ ‘warmongering,’ ‘financing genocide’ etc. chanted so I feel it is very connected to the Uni’s financing and investments [….] They also chanted stuff about [All Cops are Bastards].”

McGill’s Media Relations Office (MRO) provided a written statement to The Tribune condemning the events, claiming they caused panic among students, faculty, and staff.

“These acts were intended to intimidate our campus community and bully us into changing the University’s decision regarding proposals from some to Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) the State of Israel,” the MRO wrote. “The University’s position rejecting BDS remains clear and firm.”

The BDS movement is a coalition of over 170 Palestinian unions, refugee networks, and civic groups that aims to challenge international support of Israel, and its genocide in Palestine. Representatives of BDS have recently criticized McGill for hosting companies who contribute to Israel’s surveillance and manufacturing industries at their Engineering TechFair, and for refusing to divest from corporations connected to Israel through arms manufacturing.

In their statement, the anarchists responsible for the vandalism underscored what they believe to be their right to property destruction as a form of civil disobedience in response to McGill’s refusal to accept the BDS movement’s demands.

“In the face of [McGill’s] condescension and their attachment to continuing the genocide, we say: Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable!” the statement read.

At the moment, it is unclear what the cost of the vandalism will be for McGill, or what the timeline for repairs will look like. 

Leaving their exam in Leacock minutes after the anarchists smashed the building’s windows, Alex was thinking more about their midterm than about the motives behind the vandalism.

“I don’t know man,” Alex said. “It’s kind of crazy that that just had to happen while writing the midterm. I was just trying to get through that, and then you hear glass smashing. You get kind of paranoid. It’s kind of crazy.”

*Alex’s name was changed to preserve their identity.

Basketball, Sports

Slam-dunk Dončić-Davis trade triggers a tectonic shift in the NBA

by Zain Ahmed on

More in Basketball:

In a move that sent shockwaves through the basketball world, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis on Feb. 1. The trade, which emerged seemingly out of nowhere, represents one of the most significant player movements in National Basketball Association (NBA) history and fundamentally alters the league’s power structure.

Behind the scenes, the trade was a masterclass in NBA deal-making. Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison and Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka orchestrated the deal with surgical precision and professionalism. Their ability to maintain complete secrecy until the trade’s completion—even keeping heavy hitters like LeBron James in the dark until the final moments—demonstrates how front-office relationships have transcended traditional market rivalries in modern sports franchises like the NBA.

Dallas’s pursuit of Davis indicates a clear prioritization of defensive excellence and organizational culture change. Davis is a five-time All-Defensive player, nine-time NBA All-Star, and two-time Olympic gold medallist. While Dončić’s offensive brilliance is indubitable—the five-time NBA All-Star ranks third in NBA history in career scoring average, behind only Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain—the Mavericks’ concerns about his conditioning and long-term commitment to physical excellence ultimately drove this decision. It has been speculated that Mavericks brass was motivated to move on from Dončić because of ‘constant conditioning issues.’

At the end of the day, the Lakers have secured a successful future, with this trade representing both immediate impacts and long-term planning. In Dončić, the team is acquiring a generational talent entering his prime who can shoulder the offensive load alongside LeBron James while eventually becoming the face of the franchise. The move ensures the Lakers remain relevant in the post-LeBron era, though it creates immediate questions about their defensive structure without Davis. 

Spectators should consider the media’s role in modern basketball, having analyzed the trade in awe. This trade exemplifies the rapidly evolving nature of NBA transactions, pioneered by the way sporting faculties are developing in the social media era. Although there is constant speculation about player movements, this Hollywood deal remained entirely secret from the media’s professionally invasive eye. This secrecy likely contributed to its successful completion, avoiding the public pressure and speculation that has derailed other high-profile trades such as Paul George and Russell Westbrook potentially moving to the Raptors in 2019.

The league-wide implications are glaring to both fans and pundits within the basketball world. The ripple effects of this trade will be felt throughout the NBA because it raises questions about team building in the modern game. Many have stopped to speculate about whether or not offensive brilliance alone is enough to build around, and how much personality and work ethic factor into player retention. The trade also highlights the growing influence of new ownership groups in reshaping traditional franchise dynamics, as evidenced by the Adelson family’s willingness to trade away the supposed cornerstone of Dallas’ franchise.

Looking ahead, as both teams adjust to their new realities, the success of this transaction will be judged not just by on-court performance, but by its impact on sustaining team culture long-term. The Mavericks are taking a gamble on the fact that Davis’ two-way excellence and professional approach will establish a new identity, while the Lakers are rolling the dice on Dončić’s otherworldly offensive talents maintaining their position among the NBA’s elite. The Lakers currently sit in fifth place in the Western Conference, while the Mavs sit in an underwhelming 11th. Both teams hope to reap the rewards of their shiny new toys as the hunt for NBA stardom continues for the rest of the season. 

Student Life, The Tribune Predicts

The Tribune Predicts: Valentine’s Day horoscopes

by Simona Culotta on

More in Student Life:

Unsure how your Valentine’s Day will unfold? Luckily for you, we do! Check out your horoscope to see if love is in the stars for you.

Aries (March 21 – April 19): Your fiery passion has you convinced you’re the one for someone special—but don’t let excitement turn into delusion. You might think they’re fashionably late when, in reality, you’ve been ghosted. Channel your energy into something productive—the gym is calling, and those chocolates don’t stand a chance!

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Forget romance—this Valentine’s Day is all about the platonic relationships in your life! You may be a little disappointed at first, but when your friends surprise you with sweets, teddy bears, balloons, and a movie night, romance will be the last thing on your mind.

Gemini (May 21 – June 21): Why choose just one Valentine when the stars align for multiple? This Feb. 14, you’ll find yourself juggling more than one admirer, unable to turn down any offers. With breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even a late-night rendez-vous, you’ll make the most of your romantic prospects and, of course, enjoy plenty of free meals along the way.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22): Lucky Cancers, your Valentine will be completely smitten with your nurturing and caring personality. They’ll plan the entire day, choosing the perfect gifts, and making sure everything is just right as a way to express their admiration for you. This special someone isn’t a temporary fling, and this day could stand as a mark of your love if you play your cards wisely.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22): This Valentine’s Day, opt for a stress-free celebration and skip the pressure of planning the perfect date. Instead, treat yourself to the ultimate holiday package—candles, sweets, and plush gifts—all yours to enjoy. By spending some quality time with yourself, you’ll bask in the peaceful luxury of self-love and indulgence.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22):  Unlike Cancers, who expect their Valentine to plan the day, your perfectionist nature drives you to create the perfect celebration. From décor to details, your efforts will make the occasion truly special—so when your Valentine arrives, they’ll say the phrase you love to hear: “It’s perfect.”

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 23): No date scheduled on the 14th? No problem! With your charm and charisma, you’ll woo someone on the spot and claim them as your Valentine. Perhaps a stroll down Saint-Laurent or a spontaneous night out at the bars is in the cards for you? 

Scorpio (Oct. 24 – Nov. 21): Flattered yet conflicted, you’ll be overwhelmed by a classic Valentine’s predicament: What to do when two people declare their undying love for you. It’s a tough decision to make. But at least, unlike Aries, you’re not the one getting your heart broken.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21): Your constant need for adventure will take you and your Valentine to the ice skating rink! After all, what’s more romantic than stumbling into each other’s arms? Just be careful! Red may be the colour of love, but let’s stick to roses and hearts, not stitches and an ambulance ride…

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): You will spend this day helping friends find a date instead of securing one for yourself. How delightful of you, Capricorn, you make such a great friend. Hopefully, the satisfaction of a job well done is more than enough.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): You may be expecting to spend Valentine’s Day alone as the independent and busy person that you are. However, fate will intervene; perhaps a mysterious letter will invite you to a rooftop meeting. Wonder who it could be?
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20): Your emotions will run deep on Valentine’s Day, prompting a sip of Pinot Grigio with every happy couple in sight. As the glasses add up, so will your courage to call that ex you never quite got over. The Tribune recommends putting your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb,’ on the 14th but hey, love (or wine) works in mysterious ways. (P.S. avoid drinks and bars this Friday).

Soccer, Sports

Defender Naomi Girma is a million-pound trailblazer

by Reuben Noam on

More in Soccer:

Naomi Girma just made history—and her bank account is very, very happy. The 24-year-old U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) defender became the first million-pound player in women’s soccer, sealing the record-breaking €1.07 million transfer from San Diego Wave to Chelsea Women on Jan. 26. A seven-figure move in a sport where, until recently, teams were debating whether they could afford charter flights, is no small shift.

This achievement is not just a win for Girma, Chelsea, or women’s soccer bankrollers. In a sport that has historically struggled with diversity, the first player to smash this financial ceiling is a Black woman. Not only does this deal set a new financial benchmark, but it also holds profound cultural and social implications for the posterity of a white-dominated sport.

Especially in countries like the U.S. and England, women’s soccer has been predominantly white and upper-class in recent years. Factors such as the pay-to-play model in U.S. youth sports have often limited access for underrepresented communities, leading to an insistent white majority. In England, the shift of training facilities to suburban areas has made participation challenging for low-income girls, further contributing to the homogeneity of the player base. The phenomenon has also been noted in other league pairs, such as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). 

In contrast, men’s soccer hosts many more players from diverse backgrounds at all levels, from Emmanuel Boateng to Neymar. This is due in part to the charity and funding that flows into the sport regularly. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA),  is one of the wealthiest sports organizations globally. As of the end of 2022, FIFA’s balance sheet totalled approximately $6.8 billion USD, with reserves reaching an unprecedented high of $3.97 billion USD. Nearly all of this revenue comes from and goes back into the men’s game, which allows for diverse developmental pathways and greater accessibility at a grassroots level.

In this context, Girma’s ascent to becoming the first million-pound player in women’s soccer is particularly significant. Her success challenges the existing norms, and her visibility at the highest levels of the sport may inspire young athletes to follow in her footsteps. This landmark deal not only underscores Girma’s exceptional talent but also signifies the growing investment and recognition in women’s soccer. 

Girma’s move to Chelsea should (and hopefully will) be a wake-up call for clubs around the world. Investing in women’s soccer is not just equitable—it’s good business. The level of play is rising, audiences are growing, and, as this transfer proves, top players are becoming assets—ones worth spending big on.

More importantly, this moment should push youth development systems to rethink how they nurture talent. No more forcing kids to pay thousands for elite academy access. No more structuring pathways that make it nearly impossible for working-class or non-white players to succeed. The game should belong to everyone.

Efforts to promote diversity in women’s soccer are gaining momentum. Initiatives like England Football’s “Discover My Talent” campaign seem to be doing more and more to provide opportunities for girls from all socioeconomic backgrounds. However, as always, challenges such as the costs, time commitments, and accessibility of training facilities persist—but trailblazers such as Girma illustrate that it’s possible to take down these barriers. 

It is important not to forget Chelsea in all this. Sonia Bompasto’s squad has bagged a world-class defender who will be crucial in their hunt for silverware. But even beyond her impressive story, Girma’s signing makes Chelsea part of history—a club being willing to break records for a defender is always progress worth celebrating.

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