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HUMBER ET CETERA Humber’s Student Newspaper
WARM HANDS, WARM HEARTS
GIG WORKERS PROTEST DEMANDING TRANSPARENCY P.7
CABBAGETOWN MEXICAN CAFE CELEBRATES LATIN CULTURE P.12
February 15, 2024 | Vol.67, No.4
ETC
2 - NEWS
FEB 15, 2024
ETC
Humber Et Cetera is the Humber College journalism program laboratory newspaper. It is created by journalism students in the Advanced Diploma and Post Graduate Certificate programs. Et Cetera serves to inform the Humber community and give its readers well rounded coverage on the things that matter to them. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Zoe Pierson PAGE 1 EDITOR Liv Chug NEWS Ankur Gupta Etti Bali ETTI BALI
Project Warmth, an initiative by Treena Evans, helps spread warmth by keeping warm items of clothing on a lamppost outside her store.
TO locals spin a yarn of kindness Etti Bali
News Editor Treena Evans was eight when she began knitting. Forty-five years later, Evans is still knitting, and in the process, giving back to society. Evans launched Project Warmth on Jan. 20, 2024, outside her yarn store, Spin Me A Yarn, on Lakeshore Boulevard West. Project Warmth provides warm clothing for those who need it. Evans keeps items including mittens, hats, and mufflers on a lamppost outside her store for anyone who might need them. The lamppost outside the south Etobicoke store has become a centre of attraction of sorts. A woman with a coffee and cigarette in hand sat on a bench outside the store waiting for a friend. She saw her friend approaching as she lit her third cigarette. Almost like an expert, the woman took her friend to the lamppost that had small bags strung on it and told her about the free woollen items. They both tried some on and looked at each other for feedback. Soon, a small mirror was pulled out from a purse to check how the hats looked. Satisfied with one green and one red hat, they both walked away happier and warmer. Within three weeks, more than 100 pieces have been picked up
from the bag Evans and volunteers keep filled. “When the temperatures drop, it’s nice to know that we can help people find some warmth,” Evans said. She opened the store in 2017. In addition to knitting paraphernalia and finished goods like sweaters, Evans also has a small treasure trove of nostalgia. “This is Rebecca,” Evans said, reaching for a doll she had since she was a little girl in England. “I made my first knit for her.” Rebecca is still dressed in the same cardigan. “She is a reminder that any age can knit,” she said. In the seven years since she opened the store, Evans has received support from others like her who find similar joy in knitting and crocheting. “There are people always dropping in. They come to drop off projects for blocking, or just to sit and be social. We have a cashmere club with over 25 members. We also have a merino club,” she said. Peggy Goodman, 92, sat in a cozy corner at the back of the store, knitting a bright red yarn. A Toronto local, she was born in India and has been knitting since she was three. “I am starting on a new batch of slippers to donate to the Canadian Legion,” Goodman said, referring
POLITICS Brandon Harris CULTURE Aarjavee Raaj Iqbal Alibhai SPORTS Caleb Moody Toni Canyameras OP-ED Adrian Olivier FACULTY ADVISER Rob Lamberti TECHNICAL ADVISER Ishmeet Singh FRONT PAGE PHOTO Etti Bali BACK PAGE PHOTO Diego Guillen
@HUMBERONLINE ETTI BALI
Treena Evans with her doll Rebecca and store mascot sheep, Lambert.
to the Canadian veterans’ organization. A common thread of community and comfort binds them all. Luxmi Thiru, 25, started crocheting five years ago. She said it felt good to be part of a group of people with common interests. “Crocheting kind of saved my life in a way,” Thiru said, without elaborating. “I do like to stop by
and crochet with everyone. It’s nice to feel like a part of a community that creates.” Evans urges others to donate items if they can. She has kept a small bucket with crafting knit-along kits and sample patterns for those who want to knit but don’t have the material. “They can take the kit and bring the hat back,” Evans said.
ETC.HUMBER@ GMAIL.COM HUMBERNEWS.CA ©2023 All rights reserved Humber Et Cetera is a publication of the Faculty of Media and Creative Arts at Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning 205 Humber College Blvd., Etobicoke, ON, M9W 5L7
ETC
FEB 15, 2024
NEWS - 3
Et Cetera finalist for two awards Brandon Harris Political Editor
Humber journalism publications have been recognized as finalists in multiple categories for the Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s 2023 Better News Competition (BNC) Awards. Humber Et Cetera newspaper submitted two editions for the college and university general excellence award category and has secured a spot among finalists, competing with Fanshawe College and the University of Waterloo. The editions entered were published in October 2022 and March 2023. Current Humber College student Emma Posca is a finalist in the feature writing category for her story on senior couples who were separated due to Ontario’s legislation on longterm care. Humber has also received an honourable mention for best college/university newspaper website for their work on www.humbernews.ca, which placed third in the 2022 BNC Awards. Humber Et Cetera and Humber News are created by advanced diploma, post-graduate certificate, and bachelor of journalism students. The winners will be announced during a virtual presentation; however no date has been provided as of yet.
Read Emma Posca's story here.
AANCHAL NIGAM
Industry experts say that in light of the layoffs at Bell Media, the radio industry will have to look at innovations to overcome many challenges.
All’s not Bell with radio industry Aanchal Nigam Senior Reporter
Bell Media’s decision to lay off 4,800 employees and reduce regional coverage has triggered reactions across the country. In a press conference on Feb. 9, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it was a “garbage decision.” “This is a garbage decision by a corporation that should know better. I’m pretty pissed off about what’s just happened,” he said in Toronto. B.C. Premier David Eby agreed and urged the federal government to step in as federal regulators approved the sale of radio stations to Bell. Carlene Humphrey, creator of the podcasts Nutmeg Nation and Diva on Radio, said she is not sure about the future of new students in the radio industry. But taking a “wild guess” about the future of radio, she said small towns will keep the economies going because they have a loyal listener base. Along with scrapping nine per cent of its workforce, Bell also announced it is selling 45 of its 103 regional radio stations and shutting down more than 100 The Source stores. The company also suspended several noon and weekend television newscasts. The latest round of layoffs at Bell Media came just eight months after the company announced that it was sacking 1,300 employees in June 2023. Bell Media has periodi-
PEXELS/COTTONBRO STUDIO
Bell Media has announced reducing nine per cent of its workforce.
cally announced yearly cuts within the company citing struggle with ad revenues and loss in the news division. Humphrey, who created the Nutmeg Nation podcast to spread awareness about Grenada, an island nation of the West Indies, said the future of radio and television depends on generating an online userbase. “Unless they can find a solution to get information online, the impact will be negative across the board,” she said. Acknowledging the latest significant changes, Humphrey said radio stations are now having to join forces.“Radio stations are combining forces because the market is changing and ever since Meta changed their rules with News and Media, it has impacted every news station across the board,” she said. “When you take away information on a social media platform you
affect businesses on every level.” Professor Michael A. Geist, Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law at the University of Ottawa, said the future of local television and radio channels is “challenging.” “It’s clearly a challenging environment and that is unlikely to change anytime soon,” Geist said. “I think we will see innovation and upstart providers, but the old models aren’t working and government shovelling more money at the issue doesn’t seem to help.” Geist said there would be opportunities for future students who relocated to Canada to pursue a radio career but these would require creativity and innovation. “Podcasts, audio streaming, and other means of reaching audiences will have to be part of their approach,” he said. Judy Trinh, national correspon-
dent for CTV News, said the cuts at Bell Media hit CTV’s national news desk “hard.” On social media, she said the organization lost passionate journalists “who put their heart and soul into their work.” She also cited the several reporters, producers and editors who were left jobless. The radio stations in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada are being sold. In a memo sent to employees, Dave Daigle, vice-president of local TV, radio and Bell Media Studios, and Richard Gray, vice-president of news at Bell Media, said “multi-skilled journalists” are set to take over the roles traditionally held by news correspondents and technician teams for CTV National News in regions such as Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Additionally, there will be adjustments to the correspondent positions in Ottawa. Humphrey and Geist’s suggestions were similar about the future of regional media. Humphrey said that looking for alternatives is the need of the hour. “In order for radio to get back on track, they need to look at alternative ways to attract the younger audiences,” Humphrey said. “If radio is more present online, it will attract those audiences. Smaller radio stations have listeners who are loyal and that’s what radio needs to strive for.”
ETC
4 - NEWS
FEB 15, 2024
ANUSHA SIDDIQUE
Protestors march towards Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s office on Bloor Street West near Spadina Avenue in Toronto on Saturday, demanding Fair Food for All.
Protestors demand 'Fair Food for All' Ankur Gupta News Editor
Anusha Siddiqui Senior Reporter
People protested high food prices last Saturday outside Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s office in Toronto. The small protest was organized by the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), an independent national organization of low and moderate-income people. ACORN member Stacey Semple said the protest was to draw the attention of the public, grocers and the government to “outrageous” food prices. “The government should be helping us more than feeding their corporate greed. The prices of groceries especially, and the food banks are in a crisis,” Semple said. Rama Fayaz, chairperson of ACORN’s downtown chapter, said it has become impossible for people with lower incomes to afford food. “We are gathered here to protest against supermarket chains
that are making high and excessive profits out of selling food with high prices,” he said. He said protestors are demanding an immediate tax on the rich to stop price gouging, a cap on the price of essential food items and an end to the oligopoly in the food and grocery industry. The protestors dropped letters at Freeland’s office “to assign
a budget for lowering the food prices and to stop the supermarket chains from price gouging.” “Federal government needs to have higher taxes on the supermarket chains,” Fayaz said. The federal government announced $5 million in new funding to investigate rising grocery and food prices on Feb. 6. In this new funding, $99 million
ANUSHA SIDDIQUE
ACORN members protesting against increasing national food prices.
has been announced to support rent affordability. Semple said the funding is not enough and the government needs to do more by changing laws and holding grocers accountable for their prices. “This is pennies, and we don’t even make pennies anymore. We all should have the right to eat and survive,” Semple said. Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne said the funding will help investigate price inflation and harmful business practices such as “shrinkflation” and “skimpflation”. Shrinkflation and skimpflation, somewhat new terms, are the practice of reducing the size of a product while maintaining the sticker price and the reduction in the quality and availability of service while the price remains the same, respectively. The protesters held placards that demanded Fair Food for All, Food Security is a Human Right and called for an end to greedflation. ACORN member, Olivia Baker-Sullivan said having lived in the
US, Halifax and around Canada, Toronto is the most expensive city. “If you are focused on paying rent, you will not be able to spend so much on food and if you spend on food, you would not be able to pay rent,” she said. Fayaz said food banks are struggling because of high food prices. “Lines in front of the food banks have increased due to the increasing food prices, especially post-COVID,” he said. Vishal Khanna, co-founder of Sai Dham Food Bank, said the number of people coming to the food banks has considerably increased over the last couple of years. “The number of people using the facilities of the food bank have considerably increased, especially since COVID and inflation, which has made a huge impact,” he said. Khanna said increasing food prices have impacted food bank donations. “Our 90 per cent donations have dropped. We are struggling in terms of financial support and we need almost $3 million to sustain,” he said.
ETC
FEB 15, 2024
NEWS - 5
Opioid crisis is a deadly serious issue Divya Sinha
Senior Reporter Health Canada has called the opioid crisis one of the most serious public health crises in Canada’s recent history. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reports significantly increased numbers of opioid-related deaths and other harms across Canada. Health Canada data suggest that a notable percentage of overdose cases involved a combination of substances, with opioids implicated in 81 per cent of incidents. Specifically, 65 per cent of cases involved cocaine, while methamphetamines were present in 55 per cent of incidents. The toxicity of the illegal drug supply continues to be a major driver of the overdose crisis, with over 80 per cent of opioid-related deaths involving fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. Reports suggest that the rise in opioid-related harms may be due to changes in the illegal drug supply, decreased access to support services, and increased substance use as a coping mechanism. Belleville, Ontario declared a state of emergency on Feb. 9, 2023, following a surge in overdoses, prompting urgent calls for federal and provincial assistance.
PEXELS/MART PRODUCTION
Health Canada says 40,642 Canadians died of toxic drug overdoses since 2016, 3,970 in first-half of 2023.
Mayor Neil Ellis in a media statement on the city website said “Our emergency services, health care system, and municipal resources are stretched to the limits. We need serious support from higher levels of government.” The Belleville Police Service had reported 17 overdose cases in 24 hours, with 13 occurring within an hour and a half on the afternoon of Feb. 6, in the downtown area. The city has a population of 60,525. Ellis urged the province and federal government for assistance, highlighting the urgent need for
action, and encouraged other municipalities facing similar issues to seek support. Emergency Medical Services responded to more than 20,000 suspected opioid overdoses, with the majority involving males aged 20 to 49. The Health Canada Media Relations Office told Humber News the majority of deaths attributed to accidental apparent opioid toxicity in Canada during the first half of 2023 were concentrated in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. They said elevated mortality
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rates have also been observed in other areas with smaller population sizes. Anirudh Murali, a security specialist at a safe-use site said they’re seeing a rise in the number of overdoses every day. He said the situation is becoming worse with the mental health services in dire need of more support from the provincial and federal governments.“The situation is even more complicated by huge waitlists in shelter systems turning people away and towards street drugs to cope with their mental health issues,” Murali said.
Health Canada said more than 40,642 Canadians have died of toxic drug overdoses since 2016, with more than 3,970 deaths occurring in the first half of 2023. The total number of apparent opioid toxicity deaths in Canada during this period in 2023 was five per cent higher than the corresponding period in 2022, Health Canada said. The PHAC has developed a simulation model of opioid-related deaths, shedding light on the potential number of fatalities through June 2024. Projections indicate that, under certain circumstances, the number of opioid-related deaths may persist or even rise until June 2024. Health Canada stated that the opioid overdose crisis continues to have significant impacts on people living in Canada, their families, and communities. To address this crisis, the Canadian government has been allocating resources and implementing strategies for prevention, treatment and support. The recent announcement on Oct. 30, 2023, allocated $21 million from the federal budget to fund 54 harm reduction projects nationwide. These initiatives prioritize community-based programs and interventions to combat the opioid crisis.
ETC
6 - POLITICS
FEB 15, 2024
Ontario health-care receives $3.1 billion Aaliya Fatima Senior Reporter
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford announced a new federal investment of $3.1 billion towards the Ontario health care system on Feb. 9. The announcement was made last Friday at the nursing school wing of Seneca College in King City, Ont. Jason Powell, former senior dean-faculty of health sciences and wellness at Humber College, said he started working in health care in 1997 as a registered nurse and believes Canada has one of the best health care systems in the world. He said any funding geared towards employment is always welcome news. If more students go out, get jobs, and do more good things for Ontarians, it means more access. “If the system works the way that it should, meaning there are increased opportunities, and we produce the graduates and those graduates get those opportunities, then certainly Ontarians are going to have an increased access, and that will include students,” Powell said.
FLICKR/CAN PAC SWIRE
The investment will provide people easier health-care access like Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto.
The funding is part of the Canadian government’s larger investment of more than $200 billion to improve health care. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the 10-year agreement will give more people the convenient, closeto-home care they need. “Right across the province, we’re making historic investments in health care to build more hospitals, bring on more doctors and nurses, expand home and community care, and reduce wait times,”
he said. “We look forward to continuing working with our federal partners to ensure Ontarians get the health care they need and deserve.” The agreement is set to give better and faster health-care access for Ontarians. The aim is to increase access to primary care, reduce wait times and hire more health-care staff. Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said Ontario is making “historic
investments” to help improve the patient experience through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care. “As we continue to put our bold plan into action, today’s agreement will complement our ongoing work to ensure Ontarians have unparalleled access to convenient care in their communities, no matter where they live,” she said. The investment will aid the province in carrying out its health plan that will help people connect
with more family doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and health teams. It will also make it easier for internationally trained doctors and health professionals to practice in Ontario. Part of the funding will also support students enrolled in healthcare education programs, and help practicing professionals learn new skills. Powell said he believes these advancements are important to making Canada’s healthcare system great. “I’m always optimistic because you know, we do have the best health care system in the world,” he said. “And I think that all in all, it’s a good news story for Ontarians that are seeking access to care.” Trudeau said mental health would be a central pillar of this investment as Ontario will open five new youth wellness hubs to add to the 22 that have opened since 2020. While the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) appreciates the federal funding it feels more resources are needed to address the long-term issues within the health care system.
Alberta’s transgender policy causes protests Aanchal Nigam Senior Reporter
Alberta has witnessed several school walkouts and rallies, especially in the last week fighting for trans rights. The unrest was stirred by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s latest announcements about proposed changes for children and LGBTQ+ rights. Hundreds gathered on Feb. 3, near Whyte Avenue in Edmonton protesting the provincial government’s changes. Several other schools saw children walking out along with back-to-back rallies in Edmonton and Calgary. Late last month, Smith posted a seven-minute-long video proposing changes regarding transgender youth, gender-affirming care, sex education and parental notification. “My daughter and her junior high classmates joined in on the province-wide walkout to support trans rights today, along with thousands of students across Alberta. So proud of each of these kids. There may be hope yet,” Shawna Lea told Humber News. She is one of the leading voices
THE CANADIAN PRESS/JEFF MCINTOSH
Hundreds of people attend a rally to protect trans kids after Alberta’s announcement in Calgary on Feb. 3.
in the social media campaign supporting “Trans Rights are Human Rights” on X, formerly known as Twitter. Many other parents like Lea, showed support to trans youth protesting against Smith’s latest proposed changes. “So, long as children have the capacity, and right, to unalive themselves (tragic, but reality), they should continue to have access to gender-affirming care so as not to feel it’s the only way out of what feels like the wrong body,” Lea said. Smith announced new rules
regarding children’s names and pronoun changes at school last week. A parent must be notified and give consent for those 15 and younger, but for those aged 16 and 17, notification to parents is required, not consent. Additionally, parents can decide if their children participate in lessons about gender identity, sexual orientation, or human sexuality. Any external content on these topics must get approval from the Ministry of Education. Furthermore, the policy restricts gender affirmation surgeries for
minors under 18. Children 15 and younger cannot start puberty blockers or hormone therapy unless they are already undergoing treatment. In the wake of the provincial discontent, on Feb. 5, Smith said she consulted several members of the trans community before and after the proposed policy changes were unveiled. During a press conference in Ottawa, Smith said the laws are not from a unilateral perspective. “It’s not a single voice and it’s not a single perspective”, Smith said, adding it was a single incident in
particular which prompted the province to make amends. More than 40 organizations in Alberta united to demand the halt of proposed policy changes, stating these changes would negatively affect the transgender community. In a statement released on Feb. 3, signed by 47 groups, including advocacy organizations and businesses, they urged for a pause on the policy. They also asked for discussions with the transgender community and the development of new rules grounded in proven medical practices. On the same day, protests against the policy in Edmonton and Calgary drew hundreds of participants. Hundreds of people joined a rally at the Alberta legislature on Feb. 4 in support of trans rights. Egale Canada and the Skipping Stone Foundation have announced plans for legal action against the province, arguing that its policies infringe on the constitutional rights of transgender individuals. They said the policies are harsh and likely to cause significant harm to transgender youth.
ETC
FEB 15, 2024
POLITICS - 7
Gig workers stage protest seeking fair pay Zoe Pierson Editor-In-Chief
In Toronto, gig workers gathered in front of Nathan Phillips Square on Feb. 14, ready to march to the Uber corporate offices just blocks away. George Wedge, president of the Rideshare Drivers Association of Ontario, stood in front of a small crowd, holding a sign that read Fair Fares now. Wedge said he feels the relationship between Uber employees and corporate Uber is inequitable. “They take a lot more than they give drivers. So if we look at the relationship, we have to understand what it is. Uber wants to say we’re independent contractors, yet we have no ability to negotiate our own contract,” he said. Uber is only one employer that offers gig work in Canada. The federal government said this type of work is quickly growing. The government defines gig workers as workers in casual work arrangements with short-term contracts to complete specific and often one-off tasks that is often facilitated by new technologies such as digital platforms On top of vehicle fees, driving fees, and inappropriate passengers, Uber drivers across Canada said they are upset with the payout they receive from the multi-billion
BRANDON HARRIS
President of the Rideshare Drivers Association of Ontario George Wedge stands outside of Nathan Phillips Square, ready to march for fair wages.
dollar company. Wedge said Uber takes 25 per cent commission out of each ride. He also said Uber regulates how much the driver gets per kilometre with a passenger and for each minute with a passenger. “They answer the phone and send a rider’s name to us. What agent gets 25 per cent? That’s ridiculous. And then a booking fee for the customer on top,” Wedge said. The Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, which was passed by Queen’s Park in 2022 but has not been activated, said gig employees will have transparency with their
employers and support through fair wages. The act stated its purpose is to uphold gig employers to have “certain worker rights and protections that apply to all digital platform workers (as defined), regardless of whether those workers are employees.” Azazhi Abu, 29, said his parttime job can, at times, cost him money rather than pay him fairly for his time and commitment. He said Uber charges each driver many fees in Toronto, from insurance to deductibles. “We don’t get paid if we are
waiting in traffic,” Abu said. “One time I was in Toronto, the highway Gardner was closed due to the cycling event. It was summertime...and I drove for 38 minutes, and the air conditioning was on.” He said he was only paid for the initial 10-minute ride. Abu said Uber charges each driver $34 a year to renew their background screening and enforces a yearly renewal of vehicle safety that can cost up to $100. Wedge said the Rideshare Drivers Association of Ontario has been working with the pro-
vincial government to get put under the Employment Standards Act (ESA). “We’re workers in Ontario, put us in there,” he said. Wedge said he hopes the protest brings attention to the pay inequality he said drivers receive. “We need the public to understand how the equity in this is so disproportionate,” he said. “If riders understand that the lion’s share of what they pay goes to the big corporations, they might be able to help us,” Wedge said. “Apply some pressure to get some fairness across the board.”
Ford gov't automates licence plate renewals Liana Naccarato Senior Reporter
Drivers who may have forgotten to renew their license plates may soon be getting a break. Premier Ford says soon that process will be taken care of by the province. “It’ll be automatically re-registered so people won’t have to worry about that at all,” Ford told reporters at an event in Mississauga. The Toronto Star reported Monday that up to 1 million drivers were riding around with expired licence plates. In 2022, the province eliminated the need to purchase renewal stickers at a cost of $120. However, the paper reported many drivers didn’t realize they still needed to renew their plates every two years. “We did the first step, getting rid of the sticker, now were getting rid of the re registration,” Ford said.
LIANA NACCARATO
Ontario car owners no longer need to worry about license plate renewals as the government has created a system to automatically renew plates.
Until the change is introduced in upcoming legislation, drivers must still renew their plates online. If not, drivers can face a fine up to $1,000. Many Humber students who
drive to the College say the proposed change will be good news. “That’s awesome,” Nicole Hoben, a media communications student, said. “I don’t have a lot of money and
I live on my own.” Jose Mendez’s eyes lit up after hearing the news. The occupational and physiotherapy assistant student said, “Being a college student is very financially hard, and
that gives us the little bit of extra help that we need.” The province still requires drivers to renew their licences. You can sign up for reminders to do that at reminders.ontario.ca.
ETC
8 - OPINION
FEB 15, 2024
EDITORIAL
Canadian politics must focus on platforms W hen Parliament sat in session on Jan. 31, Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre referred to a media release the Trudeau government issued regarding crime in Canada. The media release said there had been a 300 per cent rise in car theft in Toronto. Rather than presenting his policy to reduce crime, Poilievre chose to smugly go after the prime minister’s character. “What happened in 2015? I know, he happened, Mister Speaker. How can we make him unhappen and solve the crime?” Poilievre said. Canadian politics have essentially become a popularity contest where politicians compete to make the best soundbite to drum up their most extreme supporters. The prime minister isn’t exempt from criticism, as in the very same
parliamentary session, he made similar personal digs at Poilievre. “The Conservative leader just chooses to whip out his empty slogans and continue to blame everyone while we’re getting to work,” Trudeau said. “The leader of the opposition has trouble believing we would actually include real facts in our press releases, something he and the Harper government never did for years.” It’s playground tattle-tail-type behaviour at the highest levels of government, as each leader seems determined to get the loudest applause from their party’s benches. Canadian politics has descended into accusations and populism and pushes us further towards Donald Trump-style American politics. While no one makes childish accusations on a political stage
FLICKR/SCAZON
The House of Commons has become a place of spectacle not policy.
quite like former president Trump, an Angus Reid study published Feb. 9, 2024, said 75 per cent of Canadians feel Canada is not immune to Trump-style politics. And this is not a single-party issue. According to the 1,510 Canadians surveyed, 86 per cent of
NDP voters, 82 per cent of Liberal voters, and 67 per cent of Conservative voters said they felt this way. Canadians feel this way because of what our politicians are presenting to them. A lack of real focus on the issues concerning their Canadian constituents and more focus on belit-
tling political opposition makes for a broken system of government. And according to the Angus Reid survey, only 43 per cent of Canadians said they feel otherwise. Our way of political life needs to be corrected, especially for the sake of the new generation of voters. An Elections Canada review of youth voting trends found young voters lacked motivation to vote compared to older generations. The review said young voters “feel less strongly that voting will make a difference” and “believe that the government does not care what they think.” And why should young voters feel that their vote matters and the government cares what they think? It may be because their nation’s top political leaders would rather yell at each other than focus on the issues their constituents voted them into office to solve.
OPINION
NBA All-Star disrespects Jamal Murray again
Toni Canyameras Rojas Sports Editor
T
he NBA All-Star Game should have the best stars in the league. But that’s disputable since Jamal Murray won’t be part of the game with the best players in the world. Again. The Canadian star has never made an appearance at an All-Star Game and he is about to turn 27 years old on Feb. 26. His absence from the event will take place in Indianapolis on Feb. 18, is just ridiculous. It’s the ultimate snub. Murray is not just a reigning NBA champion, but also the point guard who orchestrated the Denver Nuggets getting its first ring in June 2023. He is the same player who continues to run the offence of the reigning champion team.
DENVER NUGGETS
Despite his greatness, Jamal Murray has been consistently disrespected by the NBA All-Star community.
The Kitchener native also continues to be the perfect fit for teammate and two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, making his life much easier. Murray, in a press conference on Feb. 2, spoke about the irrefutable argument that makes him an AllStar. “I think you guys have seen me play at a pretty high level against
those same guys who are All-Stars,” Murray said. The Canadian star holds a ring, unlike some players who will be part of the Western Conference team in the show. Among them, Devin Booker played in the finals with the Phoenix Suns, who lost back in 2021. As for the other players, none of
them have reached an NBA Final. Luka Doncic has only participated in the Western Conference Finals with the Dallas Mavericks in 2022. Just like Doncic, Paul George has only played in the Western Conference Finals with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2021. Karl-Anthony Towns and
Anthony Edwards have never passed the first round with the Minnesota Timberwolves just like Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who didn’t get past the first round with either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Clippers. Even considering that a lot of fans, media, and players just take into account the individual talent when it comes to voting for the stars, Murray doesn’t fall far behind. The Canadian point guard is an elite scorer and playmaker. He puts on a show with his diverse skills and what differentiates him the most from other stars is that he does all of that in the clutch moments. He is a full-package star. Some people think Booker and Doncic can be considered better than Jamal Murray in terms of individual quality and even Gilgeous-Alexander right now, given how well he is playing. But even with that, and even if it all comes down to the performance this season, Murray still deserves an All-Star nod, as he is playing at the same or a better level than Edwards, Towns and George. In addition to that, Murray’s personal story has a special human value after he overcame a very serious injury. What else does Murray have to do to make an All-Star Game?
ETC
FEB 15, 2024
OPINION - 9
OPINION
Canada is dashing inter’l students’ hopes
Aditya Kapoor Senior Reporter
R
apid policy shifts by the federal government recently left many international students in a state of confusion and concern, including myself. We need clarity and reliability from the authorities entrusted with shaping our futures. The rollercoaster began with an announcement on Jan. 22, 2024.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Marc Miller announced an intake cap on international student permit applications for two years and other policy shifts. In a news release from IRCC on Jan. 22, 2024, following Miller’s announcement, comprehensive details were provided regarding all the new rules. Canada welcomed 551,400 international students in 2022, and there were more than 807,700 students in Canada on valid study permits. The federal government’s response was in part because of the pressures put on the nation’s housing crisis by the increasing numbers of international students. While the international student cap was a notable change, IRCC also revised the requirements for the eligibility criteria of the threeyear open work permit for interna-
tional students in Canada. The news release said graduates of a master’s degree and other short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible to apply for a three-year work permit. I was relieved with this decision because it eliminated the pressure of pursuing an additional course to get a three-year work permit. Being enrolled in a journalism postgraduate program, I could prioritize my studies and balance them with my work. However, my joy was shortlived. Just three days later, on Jan. 25, the IRCC omitted the mention of “other short graduate-level programs” from the official statement, leaving only graduates of a master’s degree program eligible for the three-year open work permit. The lack of transparency and consistency in decision-making angers me.
This omission is crucial as the path for the short-term graduate program students became difficult once again as we bear the financial strain of pursuing additional studies to get a three-year open work permit, prolonging our journey to stability in Canada. Humber College student Sai Kumar, studying supply chain management, shared his frustration. “I was devastated. For one day, I lived without any tension, and then the next, it felt like you wake up from a dream,” he said. “For any kind of confirmation, we always refer to the government’s official site, and when I read the original news, my parents were also relieved that I won’t have to compromise anymore to save up for my tuition.” Kumar said he now must prioritize his work and then his studies to ensure his three-year work permit.
Many students like Sai, including myself, feel the same way. When asked about this change, Senior Communications Advisor for IRCC, Remi Lariviere, responded by addressing graduates of a master’s degree and remained silent on students of short graduate-level programs. “Graduates of master’s degrees have faced challenges in transitioning to permanent residence, despite higher levels of education,” Lariviere said in an email to Humber News. “The length of open work permit for which they have been eligible may not have provided enough time to gain work experience and qualify to apply under Express Entry,” he said. Students should not suffer because of government inconsistency.
OPINION
Must question ethics of MAID for mentally ill
Aarjavee Raaj Culture Editor
M
edical Assistance In Dying (MAID) legislation has faced ethical challenges with the inclusion of mental illness as an eligible category for assisted suicide. Passing a law that can allow someone to take their life in their darkest times is irresponsible. Unlike many terminal physical illnesses, mental health disorders often have the potential for improvement or recovery. Treatments, including medication, therapy, and social support, can lead to significant improvements in quality of life. The decision for MAID, once executed, is irreversible, closing the door to potential recovery and future advancements in mental health treatments. Crucially, mental competence is
PEXELS/ALAIN FRECHETTE
There is an ongoing debate on whether Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID) should be extended to those suffering from mental illnesses.
required when making end-of-life judgements. In situations involving schizophrenia or depression, individuals may lack control over their thoughts and feelings, potentially choosing to end their suffering without exploring treatments that could have been beneficial. In a physically terminal case, the individual is of sound mind but the body betrays them. In the case of a mentally ill individual, the mind is the part that betrays them. To effectively implement this law, it is crucial to have concrete, indisputable evidence defining what constitutes a terminal mental illness. This requires conducting thorough studies that quantify and
validate the methods and practices used to determine whether an individual’s condition is indeed terminal. The critical term to focus on in this context is safety. The purpose of the legislation is to establish methods for safely administering MAID, specifically for individuals whose sole qualifying condition is mental illness. As they are currently, the eligibility criteria for MAID are too loosely defined when it comes to mental illnesses. The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention opposes this legislation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive treatment and care before introducing an option for premature death.
The lack of clarity is unsurprising, given the insufficient education and research surrounding the debate. With no clear guidelines, Canada is ill-equipped to handle the consequences of allowing the mentally ill to end their lives. The funding for mental health care as compared to physical health care is lacking in Canada, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health said in a submission last November. The inconsistent provincial health care plans mean the Canadians have not had access to evidence-backed aid that could potentially help them recover, the submission said. Around 44,000 Canadians have been granted permission for MAID for a “grievous
and irredeemable” medical prognosis since 2016. In the last three years, there has been an increase in cases of around 30 per cent per year, according to the fourth annual report on MAID in Canada, published in 2022. Opening the door for any mental illness to be considered “terminal” is unconscionable. Some progress has been made over the last decade to undo the stigma surrounding topics of mental health. Making a risky move that may change how the mentally ill are perceived in our society is a grave mistake. Nobody should have the right to play judge, jury and executioner.
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FEB 15, 2024
ANNICCA ALBANO
Students Kashish Sethi (left) and Sindhu Appikatla show off their work from the calligraphy and New Year’s Resolution card-making stations of the Lunar New Year celebration.
Lakeshore campus celebrates Lunar New Year Annicca Albano Culture Reporter Humber College students at the Lakeshore campus ushered in the Year of the Dragon last Thursday with an afternoon of Asian-inspired activities and snacks. The Lunar New Year — also called the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea — is the most important holiday in China and in many other Asian communities. “The best Lunar New Year [celebration] is where we reflect [the] culture of family and friends gathering to kickstart a new year with luck and joy, [regardless of] your race or [Asian background],” said Lucy Luc, FYE student life facilitator and event organizer. More than 230 students and staff gathered in the G Commons building to immerse in Asian traditions like New Year’s Resolution card making, calligraphy and playing the traditional Vietnamese dice game Bau Cua Tom Ca. Jenny Fok, a second-year Visual and Digital Arts diploma student from Hong Kong, said the event is really important because it allows the community to show others about Asian cultures. “At the same time, [students] meet different people from the same places,” Fok said. Each year, Humber College attracts about 10,000 international
students. Sindhu Appikatla, a first-year Global Business Management student from India, is one of them. “We are very far away from our homes, so experiencing [the traditions] in this country, [we] feel like we all belong together,” she said. Appikatla said she was invited to the event by a friend who was visiting from the International Graduate School, the downtown campus of Humber. Students bonded over popular Asian snacks such as coconut fried rice bites, fried spring rolls, chicken dumplings and lemongrass tea. The glass walls of G Commons were bedecked with Chinese lanterns, paper cuttings and blooming flowers, symbolizing longevity and luck. The 1998 Disney film Mulan also played throughout the twohour event for attendees to enjoy. Xiaobei Chen, a sociology professor at Carleton University, said on-campus Lunar New Year celebrations “mark [schools] in a different way to let people know that this place is also Asian.” More than seven million people in Canada have Asian origins, according to Statistics Canada’s 2021 census. The census also showed Asians represent 62 per cent of recent immigrants in Canada from 2016 to 2021. Chen said the Lunar New Year
is not only a time to honour part of Asia’s ancestral culture but also a way for migrants to connect with their heritage culture. “There are practices around the ritual around food, around the art that we use to express our multiple identities...to express our understanding of ourselves and to celebrate this beautiful multiple, sometimes complicated, connections,” she said. Chen said cultural traditions are an opportunity to foster respect and build genuine intercultural relationships. Qiang Zha, a York University professor specializing in Chinese and East Asian higher education, said cultural events like the Lunar New Year also help fight anti-Asian
racism. A study from the Journal of Transcultural Communication revealed that xenophobia and misinformation about the COVID-19 virus led to fear and an increase in anti-Asian behaviour. “When we celebrate the Lunar New Year, people [can] naturally talk about the contributions made by East Asian Canadians to this society as a whole,” Zha said. Zha also cited Canada’s International Education Strategy to promote immigration. “If we can show people [how we] celebrate [and] cherish the multiculturalism, including the Lunar New Year tradition, that will be a very positive [experience] for those international students,” he said.
“[The event] is still meaningful because this is symbolic,” he said. “But that’s not enough.” To celebrate cultural strengths every day, academic institutions should also recognize epistemological approaches in classrooms that are important to Asian knowledge sharing, Zha said. For Nhi Luu, a second-year Bachelor of Behavioral Science student from Vietnam, the event is a step in the right direction to encourage conversations among cultures within the Humber community. “Having friends [from] different parts of the world helps you [be] more open-minded [and compassionate.] You will be more intellectual,” Luu said.
ANNICCA ALBANO
Nhi Luu, a second-year student from Vietnam stands beside the Tet Vietnam Lunar New Year booth on Feb. 8.
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FEB 15, 2024
CULTURE - 11
Dragons unleashed on Toronto streets Krishna Bhagnathsingh Delroy Davidson General Reporters
Dragons roamed the streets of downtown Toronto this past weekend, marking the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon. Both the Chinatown Centre and the Dragon City Mall in Toronto’s Chinatown on Spadina Avenue held festivities on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11 to celebrate the arrival of the Wood Dragon. This dragon ushers confidence, resilience, prosperity, abundance and good fortune. Andy Wong, a member of the production team and emcee for the show, said the Lunar New Year celebration is also meaningful in that it welcomes spring. “Spring means hope, livelihood, growth and everything [born], so it’s energetic,” Wong said. “Although it’s in the cold winter, we can see warm weather coming up, so that’s the good wishes and good thinking about the future of everyone,” he said. “Everyone makes good wishes during this time of year, and we’re all looking for it.” Wong said a “very good atmosphere” enveloped the festival,
DELROY DAVIDSON
MP Kevin Vuong (far left), MPP Jessica Bell (second to left) alongside other Members of Parliament and event hosts.
with many people enjoying the stage performances. “It’s a great time for us,” he said. Wong has been the emcee at concerts and parties for a few years, but it’s the first time he has been to Chinatown Centre to host the event. “I feel very good about that,” Wong said. Ausma Malik, the deputy mayor of Toronto and councillor for Spadina-Fort York, said she is excited to be at the celebration for the second time.
“This is such an incredible celebration of the history of the community, the oldest Chinatown that we have in the city of Toronto,” Malik said. “It’s such an important celebration of the stories and the journey that have brought us here now.” “We know that there have been many challenges in our downtown to ensure that people can live and work and be part of the community, that they have a connection to and where they want to be,” Malik said.
She said this celebration also welcomes residents and neighbours, including visitors, who support the community through local businesses and restaurants, as well as vibrancy and energy in the heart of the city. Malik said the city is conducting a Chinatown planning study to help keep that vibrancy alive. “That means we are looking at the future of Chinatown, how to make sure that what makes this community amazing in terms of making it [green], livable, acces-
sible, is maintained and strengthened,” she said. Malik said the study will determine what changes are needed “over the next year, five years, 10 years, over a generation” to ensure it remains an area where people belong and have a strong future. She said she invites people to join in-person opportunities and take part in the surveys regarding this planning study. More information is available on the City of Toronto’s website for the Chinatown planning study Chinatown Tomorrow. Mundi Batzorig, a volunteer assistant and team leader for the event, said this time of year is meaningful to her. “Getting together with family and friends, just having fun and having a nice time,” Batzorig said. She said there were more events and performers in other years, but she finds the draws and the dragon dance exciting. “We have been working for five or six months on this project so that we can, along with the volunteers, learn how to do everything and get everything intact,” Batzorig said.
Importance of gospel goes beyond religion
Liv Chug
Page 1 Editor
Humber celebrated the beginning of Black History Month with Reverberations II Music of the Black Diaspora. Natalie Stewart, the gospel choir director, said that she was excited for Reverberations II to be a way for students in her choir to showcase their talent and find joy in performing in front of an audience. “It’s really cool because the choir goes beyond faith,” Stewart said. She said that it is important to look to gospel music not only for religious purposes but also for a feeling of hope. “One of the many things I love about hymns is that they give hope when we feel hopeless,” Stewart said. “There’s a lot of need for that these days because times are tough.” Endale Facil, a second-year Bachelor of Music student at Humber said he consistently feels welcome within the Humber gospel choir.
KAZIM ZAVERI
Humber gospel choir director Natalie Stewart performing with students.
“The atmosphere is such a strong community that makes me feel at home,” Facil said. “Our director Natalie has created a safe space that has welcomed all choir members and allowed us to learn about the genre from a non-religious perspective.” He said that gospel music serves multiple purposes in his life,
beyond harnessing or strengthening his connection to religion. “Depending on the song that is being sung, it can serve a religious purpose, especially as a way to deal with whatever struggles I may be having,” he said. “I’d say it provides more of a community-building purpose where I can vibe with friends.” Facil’s gospel choir erupted
in snaps, whoops, and cheers as he delivered his final solo in a modern rendition of Lamar Campbell’s More Than Anything. He said he is happy to be improving on his belting skills. His chosen community led by Stewart, continues to offer him the support he needs, he said. “I have had such a great experience learning from Natalie,” Facil said. “She brings such passion and fire to her work. Her passion makes us give our best when performing.” He said that her presence and encouragement make them look forward to their rehearsals, and they have become the highlight of his week. At Reverberations II, Stewart’s choir sang renditions of hymns that made concert-goers rise from their seats and enjoy the music, regardless of their religious or personal identities. Humber hoped to provide an uplifting experience through the Reverberations concert amid Black History Month. The Humber Communiqué newsletter for employees’ said
the power of gospel music resonates with the soul, “stirring faith, inspiration, hope, and even joy amid sorrow–tenets of the black cultural experience for over a century.” It is both Stewart’s and Humber’s goal to host more events like these in the future, beyond the scope of Black History Month.
KAZIM ZAVERI
Endale Facil performs a solo.
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FEB 15, 2024
Early Valentine’s Day at Humber North Eleanor Kate Iglesia General Reporter
Humber Global hosts a card-making event to help students unwind and connect before mid-term exams. This free event, held in the NX building from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, provided sweet snacks and refreshments with various art supplies. Haidaly Sayago, the international student services coordinator, said the event allowed international students to meet new people. “This type of event also has the opportunity for them (the international students) to connect with someone [that is] from a different program [or] from a different country,” she said. Any Humber student could have attended the event. However, international students were the only ones who received an email, Sayago said. Many international students were excited to attend the event as they embraced the Canadian activities and traditions.
ELEANOR KATE IGLESIA
The International Centre at Humber College North hosted a card-making session Feb. 13 starting at 2 p.m.
Shivani Patel, a first-year student in the business marketing program, said her home country never celebrated Valentine’s Day as a festive day. “Everybody back home in Kenya used to think that it’s cringey. But being here, doing such activities, [it] is really nice, fun, and you get to
meet so many new people,” she said. Valentine’s is one of her favourite days to celebrate ever since she was a child, Patel said. Other students enjoyed their time with friends while doing arts and crafts. Kiranpreet Kaur, a first-year business marketing student from the
United Arab Emirates, said it’s her first time spending Valentine’s Day with her friends. “We made matching bracelets, then took some pictures and came [here] to make cards,” she said. Valentine’s is a day that expresses love towards yourself, friends and family, not just towards a significant
other, Kaur said. While some students enjoy the day of love, others, like Sahara Mann, a first-year student in the paralegal education program, have a conflicting point of view. “I feel like everybody has expectations for Valentine’s Day and when they aren’t met people get really sad about it,” she said. There are high standards for Valentine’s Day, but there shouldn’t be because love is love, and people should be able to express it how they want to, Mann said. Some students, such as Victoria Orlain, said Valentine’s Day should not be a one-day concept. “I think it’s cute [and] I love seeing everyone being lovey-dovey, [but] I feel like people should celebrate this more often because having it one day a year is too simple for me,” she said. Rather than going out, the finalyear esthetician and spa management student plans to stay home and spend time with her dog, she said.
¡Viva la Lengua! teaching Toronto spanish Niharika Nayak Senior Reporter
Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant Cabbagetown is La Gloria Coffeehouse, the brainchild of David and Saul Navarro. Among the typical Mexican fanfare of tacos and quesadillas, La Gloria prides itself on being the first of its kind and making authentic Mexican coffee. David and Saul, a dynamic duo hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, possess talents that extend beyond brewing a perfect cup of coffee. Equipped with expertise in psychology and business, the two brothers have embarked on a distinctive mission, not only to serve exceptional brews but also to preserve and promote their native language through engaging conversational Spanish classes. David and Saul envisioned a space where Toronto residents could savour not only the rich flavours of Mexican coffee but also immerse themselves in the beauty of the Spanish language. Fueled by their passion for fostering inclusivity and community, they opened La Gloria Coffeehouse a year ago. They host conversational Spanish classes every Tuesday,
NIHARIKA NAYAK
Saul and David Navarro from Monterrey, Mexico, enjoying drinks at their Mexican Coffeehouse, La Gloria.
Saul Navarro inviting patrons to explore the warmth of community, connection and coffee. Each lesson provides the participants with a deeper look into the Mexican culture. He said the journey to opening the café was deeply personal and rooted in his struggles with integration upon relocating to Canada. “When I first moved to Toronto, I didn’t speak much English,” Saul said. “But through group meet-ups with others like
me, I improved my language skills.” He said his experiences inspired him to create a welcoming space where language served as a bridge, rather than a barrier, to friendship and camaraderie. David, the designer behind La Gloria’s logo, said the two most important women in his life, his mother and his wife, served as the inspiration for their mascot, the woman featured in their logo and on their to-go coffee cups.
“At our core, we take pride in curating a hand-picked selection of the finest Mexican coffee blends,” David said. The coffee shop creates a space where visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of Mexico. It displays a collection of artworks paying homage to Mexico’s rich and diverse heritage. However, the cafe steps beyond the realm of coffee and invites patrons to indulge in the authentic tastes of Mexico with an array of traditional Mexican
pastries and treats. Their menu includes classic Mexican dishes like Chilaquiles, Ya’ Ax’ Salad, and their signature La Gloria (The Glory) Breakfast. Each dish is a celebration of time-honoured recipes passed down through generations. La Gloria Coffeehouse celebrated its first anniversary on Feb. 10 by throwing a big bash for family, friends, loyal customers and, well, everyone who stopped by. David, Saul and their team prepared a scrumptious Tres Leches cake for everyone and gave a heartwarming speech about how they wouldn’t have succeeded without the support of their family members. Anastasia Martin, a regular customer at La Gloria, said she had been visiting the coffee shop for some time now. “There’s just something about their coffee. It has this special kick to it and always keeps me coming back for more. It’s a very homely environment,” Martin said. La Gloria Coffeehouse has become more than a café. It’s a cultural hub, an immersive experience, and a language school. The Mexican café is a place for forming bonds that go beyond borders.
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FEB 15, 2024
CULTURE - 13
GABRIEL NODA
The Hazel McCallion Central Library sign at the “Celebration Square” entrance. The library reopened recently after almost three years of renovations and closures due to COVID-19.
Hazel McCallion reopens after Covid Gabriel Noda
General Reporter The Hazel McCallion Central Library reopened after almost three years of renovations and pandemic closures. Renamed in February 2021 to celebrate the late Hurricane Hazel’s 100th birthday and who served as the city’s mayor for 36 years, the library at 301 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W., first opened on Sept. 21, 1991, and has been a staple in Mississauga for 40-plus years. Laura Reed, manager of the Central Library and Community Development, said it’s important to have McCallion’s name on the library and the importance of the signage. “The library was renamed in conjunction with Hazel’s 100th birthday as a way for the city to honour that momentous milestone,” she said. Reed said adding substantial signage on the building was among her top priorities “because the building wasn’t well labelled and you could walk around the outside and not know what it was.” The library underwent $49 million in renovations and presents a new, more modern look, with bright white glossy walls and a new interior design. Visitors are greeted with a
newly added art installation that hangs from the ceiling called Light Fall as they enter the library from either Celebration Square or Living Arts Drive. There are two installations of Light Fall, by Nathan Witford of Urbanvisual, in the foyer and one in the centre area of the library. “When you think about words, like enlightenment and illumination, those words can be easily tied to education and transfers of knowledge,” Whitford said. He said the artwork is a waterfall of light that signifies that transfer from the library to the end user. Whitford said he didn’t initially admire the light work until last fall as the days became shorter. “We installed it in the summertime, and it never was really dark when we were there. It wasn’t until late October that I went back,” Whitford said. “It was one of those days. It was later and I was there late in the afternoon, and I got a chance to stay after dark, and I was like, ‘Oh wow, this is really incredible.’” He said the light hitting the many reflective surfaces in the library added an unexpected beauty to the work that may become its legacy. “I think it’s going to be a real identity piece for the library, and that’s exciting because I don’t think it was intended to be that,”
Whitford said. The installation hangs down from the ceiling and passes by all four floors and into the basement, where the tip of the installation almost touches The Stage, which houses the many creative suites called The Makers Space in the basement. The area houses music studios, computers with creative software and photo studios. Behind them are several 3D printers. Reed said the creative areas were among the first changes designers and staff urged to add to the facility. “So we have a team of staff focused on the Makers Space
offering a wide range of different services,” she said. There is a medium-sized photo studio with lights and backdrops available for photographic work. Next to it are two small music studios with a computer, small instruments and speakers. Children’s books are on the first floor on swirling shelves for easy access for children. There are also play areas supervised by staff. The second floor houses the fiction section, including comics and fantasy novels. Towards the back, newly installed work booths are by the Game Room. Non-fiction books are on the third floor, along with work-
spaces and a history of Mississauga booth. The fourth floor houses computer workspaces along with an area for cooking classes. Mississauga resident Elyssa Caitlin Becz said despite all the changes, the building still feels like a library. “It seems a little empty, less lively as it was when the old place was here, but there are a lot of cool facilities here,” she said. “The Game Room is my favourite but the quiet area on the fourth floor is pretty nice too. “It’s very quiet, basically how you expect a library to be,” Becz said.
GABRIEL NODA
People celebrate the reopening by playing video games in Hazel McCallion Central Library in Mississauga.
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FEB 15, 2024
Ajay Sharma retires marking end of an era Hawi Tulu
General Reporter Ajay Sharma could never have anticipated he would achieve the remarkable feat of becoming the most successful coach in Humber women’s basketball history when he took on the role in 2011. And now, after 12 seasons, with six provincial and two national championships under his belt, Sharma has decided to put down his board and say goodbye. The shocking announcement came earlier this year, just a few weeks before the end of the 2023-24 regular season. Since then, Sharma said he has been trying to process the feelings and emotions as he looks back at his time with Humber. “I’m trying to figure out if it’s the wins are important or the championships. They certainly are, those are the glue of, the memories that we all share,” he said. “But it’s really about seeing where the players ended up in their lives, that’s probably the ultimate marker for if I’ve had any impact.” Ceejay Nofuente, the number 1 all-time scorer for women’s basketball at Humber, was coached by Sharma and is now an assistant coach alongside him. She said he was not only influential to her and her career but also
DIEGO GUILLEN
Hawks fans showed their appreciation for Sharma as he coached his final regular season game on Feb.7.
to women’s basketball in Ontario. “He has so much basketball knowledge with him and I was picking his brain ever since the day I met him as a player and now as a coach, I just get to experience how he sees the game,” she said. “Being around him as a player and a coach, it’s the best of both worlds.” Nofuente is not the only player Sharma has influenced into getting behind the bench. Assistant coach Aleena Domingo was also his player who took a path to join his coaching staff. Domingo said Sharma is more than a basketball coach. He is also a father figure.
“Girls coming in from high school, we’re not really the smartest I could say in my experience at that time, he moulds you into, being an adult and all these other qualities that you need as an adult,” she said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of girls said that he was like a father figure to them,” Domingo said. She said she has built a special connection that goes beyond basketball. “That’s my dawg, it’s my friend, it’s my coach, advisor, just a whole leap of things,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking because he’s done so much for this program,” Domingo said. “He’s put personal things in his life, to the side, to prioritize the girls on the team, the
coaching staff, and just this program in general.” It doesn’t take long for a discussion about the pinnacle of achievement in Ontario women’s basketball to lead to Sharma. He has built an OCAA dynasty no other program can match. Sharma said with all the years in coaching and the changes he has seen in the game, he’s still grounded. “I don’t think coaching changed me it just kind of became a part of me. In fact, it’s probably rooted me even more,” he said. “I tell the girls a lot of time, be a boss, they are the boss. And they get that confidence from us.” Hawks fourth-year point guard
Kia Watt said things turned around for her when she started playing for Sharma. “When I lost my passion for the game over the years, he’s helped me gain it back and stay confident in myself, stay confident in our team as a whole,” she said. “He’s influenced and helped every single person who’s ever been in contact with, in the basketball community at Humber.” Sharma’s retirement hasn’t been easy on his current players and coaches. Watt said there would be a piece missing in the Humber gym. “I’m pretty sad that he’s leaving. He’s like a father to me. I look up to him a lot, and I appreciate everything he’s done for me,” she said. “His presence and his trash jokes. He makes really bad jokes,” Watt said. “But I’m going to miss his humour and his energy.” Although it’s an emotional goodbye, some are reminiscing on the good times they had with him. Nofuente said she will never forget the first national championship they won together. “He prepared us for that moment. I missed the game-tying layup, had to foul and then they ended up missing two free throws. I got the rebound. I thought I was gonna win us the game,” she said.
Humber curling ready to take on Canada David Lynch
Sports Reporter The Humber curling teams didn’t all win gold at the Ontario College Athletic Association (OCAA) Championships, but they have big goals – winning the National Championships. Humber men’s team skip Jake Dobson said even though they won silver, they accomplished what they wanted. “Our big goal going into the weekend was taking the first steps and repeat as Canadian champions,” Dobson said. The women’s team won gold and qualified for the National Championship. The mixed doubles team took home silver, but there is no mixed doubles category at nationals. Humber women’s team skip Megan Mallett was also named an OCAA and CCAA Athlete of the Week after leading the team to a gold. Humber curling coach Sean Turriff said that Mallett deserves
SAULT COLLEGE ATHLETICS
Humber women’s curling won gold at the OCAA championships and look ahead to the nationals in March.
the honour as the team’s leader. “She’s proud of herself and confident,” he said. “But I mean, she’s quietly humble.” Mixed double’s team member Hailey Brittain said their goal entering the tournament was to hone their skills, and they’re happy with the finish. “Going in just trying to have
some fun and see how well we could do, and we got silver so it’s pretty great,” she said. Turriff said he was happy with the mixed doubles finish and happy with the end of their season. “For them to be in the final and to put up the score they did in the finals, it was a great weekend,” he said.
Even though the season has ended, both mixed doubles athletes will serve as extras for the men’s and women’s teams at nationals. The men’s team will be going into nationals looking for a repeat of last year. Last season, they also won silver but ended up winning the National Championship.
“We’re definitely motivated still, to go and do the same again this year,” Dobson said. He said although they lost in the OCAA finals, they are motivated to win going into nationals. “But ultimately, the goal at the end of the day is to go and win that national championship,” he said. Turriff said although there’s some disappointment when they lose, they have their sights set. “I can say we, you know, we want to win gold all the time, for sure,” he said. “But pretty quickly, we shift our focus.” The men’s team has lots of experience, both in Canada and internationally. In August, before their collegiate season, they participated in a tournament in Scotland, gaining experience against international teams. “I think this team is very much ready to take on the Canadian championships in a couple of weeks,” Dobson said. The National Championships will take place in Fredericton, N.B., from March 12 to 16.
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FEB 15, 2024
SPORTS - 15
OPINION
Leafs should avoid all-in approach at deadline
Nicholas Endrizzi Sports Reporter
T
he Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in an interesting spot at the 50-game mark of the season. They currently sit in the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference and are on pace for 98 points, a substantial drop-off from previous years. Much of the play this year has been inconsistent, something the team, which has Stanley Cup aspirations, did not expect going in. As the March 8 trade deadline quickly approaches, the decision falls on General Manager Brad
Treliving to either bolster the roster for a potential playoff run, stand pat or sell off pieces. “Certainly, we are continuing to watch our team. We are continuing to see if there are ways to help it,” Treliving said. The roster as it stands right now could use a few improvements. The team’s bottom six forwards have provided little offensively. The defence corps as a whole has been an issue on many nights. Their play on the ice and their underlying statistics suggest this. For example, Willian Nylander, Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews and John Tavares netted 105 goals so far this season and the other 20 players scored 71. The Leafs are currently 16th in the league in expected goals percentage and 14th in shot attempts percentage, according to MoneyPuck. It comes after finishing in the top 10 in the league in these categories in the previous three seasons, indicating this has not been a case of bad luck. As a result of trading away many
THE CANADIAN PRESS/CHRIS YOUNG
Brad Treliving has many decisons to make ahead of the trade deadline.
high picks in previous seasons, the team now has a thin prospect pipeline and few future high picks to use in a potential trade. So what is the right approach? For starters, last year’s trade deadline saw about a third of the roster overhauled. That will certainly not occur.
Conversely, it would be foolish to sell at a time when the team has many prime-age elite-level talents on their roster. A conservative approach seems best considering the circumstances the Leafs currently find themselves. This means they should still
be looking at any possible way to upgrade the team while continuing to operate cautiously. The Leafs do not appear to be a legitimate contender this year. It would not be wise to spend premium assets on a rental player who will most likely not re-sign. However, they should target players with terms on their contracts and use mid-level picks and prospects to address the needs on the blue line and of the bottom six. As much as this year is important for the franchise, its future must be kept in mind. This is a team that is pressed up against the cap. It needs every contribution from young players on entry-level deals as they can get until the cap rises. While this won’t lead to them being favourites in the playoffs, there are just too many holes to plug with the current roster and not enough assets to fill them. Their best bet at this point is to do some tinkering, see how the year plays out, hope to get hot and then make major moves in the offseason.
ANALYSIS
Raptors boost Canadian content, land Olynyk Toni Canyameras Rojas Sports Editor
Coach Darko Rajakovic displayed a Canadian flag-inspired Raptors logo drawn in red and white on his sweater during his first media conference after the NBA’s trade deadline market. The logo was different from the traditional black-and-white one. An hour and a half later, as the Canadian anthem played before tipoff, an overexcited fan broke the crowd’s silence by screaming to pump up one of the new Canadian players the Raptors had just landed. “Let’s go, Kelly,” the fan yelled. The new Toronto Raptors roster definitely looks more Canadian. As part of the rebuilding process, they added two more players from the country, first trading for shooting guard/small forward RJ Barrett and now centre Kelly Olynyk. Both of them were key pieces of the Canadian national team that clinched bronze in this summer’s FIBA World Cup, the first medal in team history. The number of Canadians on the
TORONTO RAPTORS
Kelly Olynyk became Toronto’s third Canadian player rostered this year.
Raptors team rose to three again, as Chris Boucher didn’t get traded despite speculation. This tied the highest number of players born in Canada on the roster, as from 2021 to 2023 the squad had Boucher, along with Khem Birch and Dalano Banton. However, this Canadian trio is expected to have much more relevant roles. Although Boucher is out of the rotation for now, Barrett and Olynyk are considered key pieces in the future. The Raptors obtained Olynyk
on the February trade deadline sending Kira Lewis Jr., Otto Porter Jr., and a first-round draft pick to the Utah Jazz in exchange for the 32-year-old centre and shooting guard Ochai Agbaji. It seemed Kelly Olynyk was always meant to play on the NBA’s sole Canadian team, as both of his parents worked for the Raptors in the past. “It’s really cool. My mom was a scorekeeper here, my dad was an associate coach here,” Olynyk said in his Feb. 9 pre-game press con-
ference. “Just being in the driveway, pretending you’re a Raptor growing up, so putting on this jersey, these shirts and hats and stuff, it’s like something you can’t even put into words,” he said. As for RJ Barrett, the Raptors acquired the Mississauga native from the New York Knicks alongside Immanuel Quickley in a trade, sending OG Anunoby and a second-round draft pick to the Big Apple on Dec. 31, 2023. Bobby Webster, the Raptors’ general manager, said the fact Barrett and Olynyk are Canadians influenced the decision to add them. “There is a basketball piece on it. They are Canadian, they want to be here, so I think that’s the other piece, which is having players who want to be here,” Webster said in a press conference. The exit of OG Anunoby and the trade of Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers on Jan. 19, marked the end of an era as there are no longer key players from the team’s 2019 championship run. The Toronto Raptors have been one of the most active teams in the
market. They added six new players, Olynyk, Barrett, Quickley, Agbaji, Jordan Nwora and Bruce Brown, before the Feb. 9, trade deadline. The team traded away eight players: Siakam, Anunoby, Thaddeus Young, Dennis Schröder, Otto Porter Jr, Malachi Flynn, Precious Achiuwa and Christian Koloko. In an outstanding move, the Raptors traded the reigning FIBA World Cup MVP Schröder to the Brooklyn Nets, along with Young to land Spencer Dinwiddie. Toronto waived Dinwiddie right away to free up cap space for Scottie Barnes’ upcoming contract extension. The All-Star will be the cornerstone of this new project with Rajakovic at the helm. Rajakovic said the changes won’t modify their unselfish philosophy on the court. “The style of play never changes. We are trying to play up-tempo, move the ball, cut, and play for each other. The new additions are good in that system,” he said. “We want to build something special.”
HUMBER ET CETERA SPORTS
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Feburary 15, 2024 | Vol.67, No.4
ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS THANK YOU COACH AJ
Successful women's basketball head coach Ajay Sharma gets emotional during his ceremony following his last regular season game against Mohawk on Feb. 7.
HUMBER CURLING LOOKS TO A FUTURE OF GOLD MEDALS P.14
TORONTO RAPS REBUILD BY BRINGING CANADIANS HOME P.15