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Kinship
and Chemistry in SMC’s Little Women
The Troubadours bring the March family to life and close together
On a rainy Saturday afternoon, I unbundled in the Hart House Theatre and took in the still scene before me: even with the house light up, the warmth of the living room scene embraced the audience, with walls painted an olive hue and a humble Christmas tree tucked behind an overstuffed armchair. It was silent, yet the familiarity of the loved and used household items on stage sang a carol in praise of slow living. Even before the first line, I felt welcomed into the March family home
Besides the thoughtful set design, what sold the SMC Troubadour’s performance of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, condensed to two and a half hours by focusing on one calendar year in the life, was the devotion to the family unit which each actor embodied. As Laurie and Mr Lawrence, actors Nomi Parsai and Jacob Warren stepped in tandem when entering the stage, fondly signaling that their acceptance into the March home had functioned to bring them closer together As Hannah the housekeeper, Isabella Alves was electrified and materteral to the girls As (arguably) the antagonist, Dawn Pahk as Aunt March was a standout from her very first moment on stage: her staccato line delivery and excessive stomping of her cane made every line hilarious and excessive From then on, any warning of the aunt’s imminent arrival was met with great excitement from the audience and great sighs from the March women
On that note, we must address the stars of the show For a performance of Little Women to work, what is needed above all else is five actors who feel ready to take on the chore of representing incredibly disparate personalities One should not hide the other; they should resemble a cohesive household, individual yet components of a whole. It’s a big task! What set these actors out well from the beginning was their costume design: Val Vergara and Tate Compton put each sister in a primary colour (plus green) mark them as they flitted about the stage This clever move allowed first timers to not lean over and go “which sister is talking now?” From there, the brilliant Troubadours took it away As Meg, Morgan Flint was grounded and matronly, nearly bordering on dull, until she fell in love with John Brooke (played by Laurie Campbell) and an entirely new side was unveiled like the sun bursting from behind a cloud Flint then took on a coy, Drew Barrymore in “Never Been Kissed” kind of lovesickness, while also trying to convince everyone that she was in control of her emotions with such ease that I felt properly chastised for doubting her Adelaine Aniag was sprightly and agentic as Jo, putting force behind each physical movement as she clambered on the couch or sprinted out the door
Lauren Sarney Editor-at-Large
She and Parsai were a fantastic match, they were every bit as perfect andinfuriatingtowatchwiththeknowledgeof howtheywouldendas Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan were in the Greta Gerwig adaptation Mia Downing played Beth’s illness with quiet, powerful melancholy,notlettingupeveninthefinalChristmasscene Downing’s choice to spend the last thirty minutes with an untouchably faraway look was equal parts splendid and horrifying (going with a Little Women newbie was quite an experience… when I almost teared up as shesatonthecouch,blanching,hepattedmyhand,seemingtosuggest allwouldbewell Ohboy) MaryamJoulaiewasascenestealer:asAmy she sing-songed the bulk of her lines and the rest she infused with a girlish, churlish lilt that was trying on the ears (and so so funny) She hadallthewideeyedvigourandunintentionalcuttingof Shoshannain “Girls”(thecrowdholleredatherzippyremarktoJothatincuttingher hair she had lost her “signature and only good feature”) As Marmee, Neve Chamberlain was tasked with the difficult job of tying these contrastinggirlstogether,andshemadeitlooklikeawalkinthepark As they huddled around her, eager for her guidance and warmth, I felt thedesiretocallmymom
In our age of instant gratification and shortening attention spans, electing to put on a production of Little Women is perhaps an odd choice As mentioned before, the run time was over one hundred and fifty minutes (think of all the TikToks that could be watched!) and covered just one year, meaning much of the show consists of long dialogues between characters, winding monologues, and pauses And more pauses I felt challenged not to space out more than once, simply becauseIhavenotbeentrainedinawhiletobestillandattentive The task of putting on the play is that experience multiplied by one thousand: the cast and crew dedicated time, energy, resources, and deniedthemselvesof momentarypleasureforlong-termgain Whatthe SMC Troubadour’s choice to put on this specific play – and what the greatnumberof audiencememberswhochosetogoseeitperformed–tells me is that the modern person still yearns to be completely encapsulated in the past, to swap hits of instantaneous dopamine for simple, sustained enjoyment It also tells me that we crave kinship with others: we want to bond over great works, we want to be these loving characters, we want to hope for a more communal world On that Saturdayafternoon,Ifeltallthesethingswerepossible
J.D. Salinger’s tale of isolation and growing up perpetually captures
As the leaves turn to stunning shades of crimson and gold, and flurries fly through the air, I flick through my bookshelf in search of something special I select a tiny book with a maroon cover The edges of each page are curled and yellowed with age An inscription within the cover reads, “Cathy! Good luck and best wishes Goodness and hard work always prevail! Brent ” It’s an odd message to find within JD Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, but I appreciate the sentiment, nonetheless I’m not Cathy, but her book has ended up in my hands, and I’ve cherished it ever since
The Catcher in the Rye follows troubled teenager Holden Caulfield as he wanders around New York City after being expelled from boarding school Throughout his journey, Holden encounters many eccentric people, yet he struggles with alienation and with forming genuine connections with those around him Holden is disillusioned with the world, noting how “lousy” and “phony” it truly is Later, Holden finally finds a moment of peace with his sister Phoebe as he watches her ride a carousel in Central Park, where the story—somewhat abruptly—ends
Holden Caulfield is a controversial character within literature Many people view him as a privileged individual who has no reason to be so troubled, and others view his struggles as frivolous and avoidable However, I believe that if you take the time to understand what truly motivates Holden and what has caused his outlook on the world, then he becomes a pitiful protagonist on a confusing, complicated journey towards adulthood
Roya Alisultanova
Contributor
PhotoCredit:Prose&Paper
A R T S
When I first read The Catcher in the Rye, I was around sixteen years old, just like Holden I possessed the same level of cynicism and disdain for everything and everyone around me I was angry with my surroundings, whether they impacted my life or not At the time, it was the only piece of writing that had ever made me feel visible The first time I read the line, “Among other things, you’ll find that you’re not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behaviour,” I had to set the book down and consider the effect those words had on my brain
Ever since then, I have collected copies of my favourite book. I read The Catcher in the Rye a couple of times per year, typically during autumn and winter My collection has grown immensely, housing many different covers spanning decades of print, yet I always come back to the little red copy that originally belonged to Cathy The book always reminds me that my thoughts and feelings aren’t as abstract or isolated as I think
Although I’m not the same angry, resentful teenager I once was, Holden Caulfield’s character and story have never stopped resonating with me I implore everyone to find a copy of the book and immerse themselves in 1950s-era New York The Catcher in the Rye might make you feel just as seen No other feeling compares to that of being truly, irrevocably understood
how Rosalía restores my faith in music
Art has always been a sacred human practice, synonymous with our expression, curiosity and discovery Whether you are an artist or not, we all live in a world coloured by it Music, poetry, movies, and dancing are all influences in our lives But, now there is something that threatens the sanctity of human creation, artificial intelligence AI is infiltrating our spaces, making it increasingly difficult for authenticity to thrive and I, like many others, have been unimpressed with AI slop, especially in the arts However, I recently listened to an album that restored my faith in art One so unique and imaginative that I have not stopped listening to it since it was released a couple weeks ago, Rosalía’s newest album, LUX This album is stunning, sung in over 13 languages, created with the London Symphony Orchestra, and a dedication like no other It is avant-garde with original sounds. But, what makes LUX so human? And why exactly does this album restore my faith in art? Well, let me tell you
LUX is an album that explores the themes of femininity, death, sainthood, and love, very intimate aspects of life Rosalía explores these themes through lyricism, but more importantly, by singing in the native languages of the cultures that inspired this body of work, including but not limited to Spanish, English, Japanese, German, Arabic and, even Italian In her song “La Yugular”,
Beatrice Poblete Contributor
Rosalía’s fourth album LUX, was designed to be human in a world of AI creation.
she sings of one of Islam's first sufi female saints, Rabia Al Adawiyya, a symbol of love As a nod to Rabia and her story, she sings the chorus in Arabic This is an ongoing pattern in other tracks such as “Porcelana” sung in Japanese or “De Madrugá” in Ukrainian–languages respective to its saints She spent over two years of trial and error to pay tribute to these cultures It is an homage to “love and curiosity [of] wanting to understand the other better,” making LUX a conduit for connection and radical acceptance. The struggle of singing non-native languages, and still not being 100% fluent is as she describes “very much human ” Despite the challenges, Rosalía has never turned to AI, she is outspoken on how “It’s all human very much human ” And frankly, curiosity and connection are what drive humans to make art Making people feel seen or being moved even if you cannot understand. LUX, is the result of that desire
On top of being sung in 13 languages, the album is a groundbreaking collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra Making the sound of the album classical with instruments like violins, flutes, pianos, cellos strings, wood and percussion But, simultaneously there are components of flamenco,opera, hiphop and pop It is avant-garde and experimental, created through sheer authenticity It is necessary to have records like this, that break the mould of generic pop beats and mediocrity. The concept behind this was that acoustic instruments give the album physicality, soul, and “the sense… that there's a human in there ” When listening, it is evident that the goal has been achieved. The lead track, “Berghain” begins with dramatic strings and a quick tempo, immediately followed by an aggressive German chant and Rosalía’s powerful operatic voice The violin is powerful, and accompanies her voice perfectly The fifth track, “Mio Cristo Piange Diamanti” is a beautiful Italian opera Her voice switches
from powerful to soft, and the ending is a swell of instruments that you have a physical reaction to But, it isn't just orchestral music, influences of Flamenco are peppered in with songs like “La Rumba Del Perdón” with classic spanish guitar The sound of this album moves you, because you can feel the passion behind every string played, every vocal and LUX is a journey of divinity, mortality, sainthood, and human experience. It, in my opinion, is what makes the album a masterpiece. It means something. Through her song “Reliquia,” she compares her heart and growth to religious relics scattered in different cities, a manifestation of internal conflict “Magnolias,” my personal favourite, explores the concept of mortality Rosalía sings about her funeral, who would show up, how
everyone should rejoice and throw her magnolias while a choir sings It is a beautiful song about facing the reality of death and observing it while you are still alive It is what makes the album human, we can relate, we can understand
Art is human, for our creation and consumption While AI can produce soulless bodies of work, humans can create masterpieces Rosalía’s LUX is purposefully human It is born out of curiosity, connection and emotion, which are the most important components of artistry LUX is sung in 13 different languages, composed with an orchestra of real humans, an album that delves into the human and divine From the idea to the execution, LUX has left its mark on the music world It is a rebellion in the age of AI and mediocrity. So, as a final answer to my question, if it wasn't obvious enough, this album restored my faith in art because if someone can be compelled to create out of curiosity and devotion, there is no tolerating artists who do not go above and beyond for their craft Rosalía’s work is proof where there is passion there is creation, and humans will always create
F E A T U R E S
Music that shaped my Summer
Music has always been super interconnected with my life. I have a background as a pianist, having played for 10 years During high school, I took music, playing the trombone for 4 years, and I was in a drumline where I played the bass drum My experience with music is so profound that I often use it as an escape and as a way to destress With the incredible ability to change my day, from terrible to amazing, and turning my frown upside down, listening to music is time well spent Bearing this in mind, especially during the most formative years of my life, I am reflecting on songs that have taken over my year My own GRAMMYs if you will, unrelated to the current nominations For the “Shiggles”
It was very difficult to come up with a list of songs because there are so many that I love and cherish. Not only do they have a special place in my heart, shaped by memories and events, but they also help me remember parts of my life when I re-listen to them My memories become linked to the songs I frequent the most I looked at the two CDs from this past Summer that my twin had burned for me Going the analog route, the purpose was to abuse my car’s speakers in the best way and to have a means of holding onto the memories I had made through the music I was listening to Hence, I created my GRAMMY nominations from these CDs.
Pumpkin Spice: Savouring Fall in the Face of
Winter A short guide to the best pumpkin spice treats on campus!
With the first snowfall of 2025 in Toronto arriving over a month earlier than anticipated, autumn seems to be passing away before its time
One way to hold onto the season’s warmth is to indulge in its flavours, none of which is so well-known and loved as pumpkin i A i h lactose intolerance on a student budget, dietary and financial restrictions are constantly in co eking offee or sugar cravings Since I’m almost always guilty of both, here a he most popular spots on campus for fellow lovers of the fall!
Pumpkin Spice Latte @ Second Cup
As the largest Canadian-founded and owned specialty coffee retailer, Second Cup can
ocatio notably in the Sidney Smith Lobby and directly across the road from King’s College Circle I love the variety their menu offers, from the perfectly bittersweet tang of their brewed coffee to their adaptability for dietary considerations For the first time this year, I bought their pumpkin spice latte out of curiosity, and to say I was impressed is an understatement Charging $6 85 for a medium, Second Cup matches the price of Starbucks’ equivalent to the cent Certainly, geared towards pumpkin spice lovers, this was both sweet and strongly spiced, but impressively well-balanced by the richness of the cream The nutmeg melds with the espresso base beautifully, preventing the taste of the cream from masking that of the coffee, and ultimately intensifying its richness Although I might have preferred a little less cinnamon, I can’t fault the website’s description of this drink as “the perfect latte to sip with a good book on a cool autumn day” Roya’s Rating: 9 5/10.
Pumpkin Spice Filled Muffin @ Tim Hortons
You can’t mention the words “pumpkin spice” and “Toronto” without Tim Hortons, the quintessential Canadian coffee experience, boasting “flavours you’ll fall for,” with their seasonal pumpkin spiced treat menu Tim Hortons’ pumpkin spice-filled muffin is one of the few muffins I genuinely enjoy, and one of the few I would certainly recommend Priced at just $2.59 per muffin compared to Starbucks’ $3.85, I found this option equally more affordable and flavourful The warmth and sweetness of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger are beautifully contrasted by the rich tanginess of the cream cheese filling, making this treat light yet satisfying. Crunchy pumpkin seeds juxtaposed with a soft, fluffy base create a versatility of texture that leaves you wanting bite after bite, ending with the temptation to buy another one. (In case of a muffinmergency, wait for twenty minutes to realize you’re full) Roya’s Rating: 9/10
I hope you find these recommendations to your taste! Here’s to pumpkin spice, who makes all things nice.
We Will Rock You VonLichten by Queen and VonLichten
Freedom! ‘90 x Cups Pitch Perfect
Come Alive by Hugh Jackman & co from the Greatest Showman
Songs I Can’t Listen To by Neon Trees
Celebrity Status by Marianas Trench
Roya Alisultanova Contributor
Mackenzie Saleh Contributor
My favourite band This song’s energy can’t not put me in a great mood when I hear it I also can't help but sing every word
Here are the nominations for Mack’s Best Summer tunes in 2025:
EPIC rendition of the classic rock song My favourite movie series, having memorized all the songs from all three movies This remix hits close to my heart and soul as it is the perfect merge of the beginning and end of such an iconic series
This song gives me
Dreamteam by Galantis and Neon trees
The build on this song, especially with car speakers, is INSANE and very cathartic Must play loud
Glorious by Macklemore feat Skylar Grey Upbeat and wildly catchy, I can’t help grinning and jamming
Imagine It by MKTO
felt seen by this song
Photo Credit: Foodgressing
F E A T U R E S
Defining the Single-Serving Friend
Sarahi Giles Candela Contributor
Unexpected allies show that even brief encounters can leave lasting impacts.
In Fight Club, the film’s narrator introduces the idea of “single-serving friends,” which describes the short-lived connections made while travelling. He explains this idea by saying, “The people I meet on each flight, they’re single-serving friends. Between takeoff and landing, we have our time together, that’s all we get ” I’ve become quite familiar with the concept while frequently travelling from Hamilton to Toronto
One night while leaving a Blue Jays game, I encountered three men I would hardly describe as “friends,” whether single-serving or otherwise Starting the commute home, I sat in a compartment of four on the GO train, taking a seat on the window side The train became busy, but not particularly crowded The seat across from me was empty, while one man sat diagonally from me and another sat beside me As the train finally began to leave Union Station, I mentally celebrated the small victory of the empty seat across from me while stretching my legs out
However, these men must not have enjoyed my comfort, as they started telling me to stop sitting in that position I said no Why would I let a couple of gross old men tell me what to do? I simply wouldn’t The situation escalated quickly, and the two men, plus another friend they had nearby, started pushing me, grabbing my legs, and even sitting on me in an attempt to take my seat. I began to hyperventilate and cry while everyone else on the train watched me, seemingly taking interest in my despair. Yet, the GO Train emergency number was virtually useless. They told me no one on the train could come help me, and I’d have to go across the train to the accessibility coach for further assistance.
Feeling trapped in my window seat, I remained, still surrounded by the men who had forced me to curl up into a ball I felt like I couldn’t move I waited for them to get off the train before making my way to the train’s accessibility coach, where an employee was waiting to speak to me I wasn’t sure what that was meant to help, but it was better than sitting in a train car with a bunch of people who just watched me get assaulted while doing virtually nothing to help the situation When I arrived, my sobbing quickly picked up again as I explained what had happened to me to the tired-looking attendant, who explained that she “technically could have come to help but didn't want to ”
As I sat down to catch my breath and process the situation, a man behind me suddenly asked with an edge in his voice, “Are they still here? Tell me where and I’ll take care of them myself ” That offer of assistance alone made my tears stop flowing I had finally received some type of acknowledgement that what happened to me was wrong. Sitting in the previous train car, short of breath and ignored, I had begun to feel like I was crazy and overreacting. Yet now, I had someone who was on my side and showed care in validating my feelings. He and the employee continued talking to me until I got off the train. During our time conversing, he mentioned how ridiculous it was that nobody helped me. As I left the train, I apologized for all my crying. He said an apology was absolutely not needed and wished me a better night
That brief but impactful interaction allowed me to feel a bit better about the situation Instead of coming away from that evening feeling as though people are passive and only looking out for themselves, I experienced firsthand that there are plenty of good people around who would speak up for someone in distress Personally, I know that if I see someone who needs help, stranger or not, I won’t let them suffer alone I hope to be a good single-serving friend to someone, and I’d advise everyone to do the same
Also, I don’t regret a thing I won’t allow myself to be ordered around by strangers who think they’re entitled to my body
L I F E S T Y L
Representations of Light
We are surrounded by light It is the voice of sunlight, speaking to us, through windows and reflecting off surfaces Light, itself in its unnoticed and quiet form, yields a quiet power which surpasses its functionality It has emotional depth, whether through candlelight, Christmas lights, the twinkling of distant stars in the night,the illuminating sunrise and sunset, or gleaming street lamps All of these different whispers of light remind us of hope and connection, gently drawing us inward and soothing our restless minds Yet, the presence of light is often forgotten and we rarely pause to notice the many forms it takes around us
Candles: Stillness in Mindful Reflection
The act of slowing down and witnessing the flame of a candle move while breathing with its rhythm reduces feelings of anxiety or negative thoughts A single candle burning in a dimly lit room is one of the simplest and most universally recognized representations of peace and relaxation Because of this, lighting a candle becomes a ritual, and a way to not only acknowledge the chaos of the flame and sometimes our life, but also understand how not to be consumed by it Now, even in this small act, the candle is a mirror and guide, as it demonstrates how even chaos, tranquility, and clarity remain possible
Christmas Lights: Hope Through Community
Christmas lights do not just brighten the streets,but they also provoke a shared sense of happiness through communities The presence of Christmas lights, strung across homes and trees, symbolizes unity and collective joy between families across the world and encourages community bonding The neighbourhoods lined with houses covered in Christmas lights remind us that joyfulness is multiplied when shared
What does light mean to
you?
From the perspective of environmental psychology, it emphasizes how warm and ambient light is able to create a feeling of trust Together, the Christmas lights on street signs, lamps, front yards, and houses form a Christmas constellation of togetherness
Windows at Night: The Light of Connection
A row of glowing windows from an apartment building against the night sky reveals life in motion As each lit window is a glimpse into the stories unfolding inside:conversation, music, and quiet meals. Through watching these lively TV screens it can evoke feelings of gratitude within ourselves, and a visual reminder that life persists in countless forms all around us Reminding us, we as humans are part of a shared experience, by peaking into a lit window, it gives us a silent connection
Sunrise, Sunset, and the Stars: Gratitude and Continuity
The cycle of natural light begins with sunrise and flows to sunset, after which our moon and stars dance across the inky night sky The sunrise, emerging slowly, represents rebirth, igniting attention, vigor, and the promise of fresh opportunities As the day progresses, sunset, with its fading glow, encourages reflection and gratitude, inviting us to release what no longer serves us and honor the day’s experiences The moon, through its phases, teaches us about growth, transition, and the natural ebb and flow of life: waxing brings expansion and initiative, full radiates fulfillment, waning invites release, and new conceives fresh potential The stars offer timeless constancy, a reminder that even in darkness, guidance and wonder endure Attending to these rhythms fosters perspective, humility, awe, and a steady, quiet gratitude for life’s impermanence and continuity
Gathering the Light
From the intimate glow of a candle, the vast sweep of sunrise, and the enduring sparkle of stars, light shapes our experience in countless ways It invites stillness, fosters connection, and reminds us of both the small joys and the grand cycles of life In noticing light whether in ritual, community, or the natural world we are offered an opportunity to pause, reflect, and cultivate gratitude Its quiet persistence teaches us that hope, guidance, and comfort often come not in brightness alone, but in the subtle, steady presence that surrounds us every day By embracing these moments, we attune ourselves to life’s rhythms and discover the gentle power of illumination to nurture our minds, hearts, and shared humanity
Put the mitski down!
A playlist of fun and upbeat songs to listen to during the
As darker days, freezing weather and finals are upon us again, I can almost guarantee that Radiohead, Phoebe Bridgers, and Mitski set the tone for your gloomy days While it is easy to find comfort in sad tracks, you need to be mindful of what you consume, especially the music that you constantly listen to So, for a moment, I ask you to put the mitski down, let me be your personal DJ, and give these songs a listen instead!
The first song on your brand new playlist should be from TV Girl’s debut album French Exit: specifically “Pantyhose” The record itself is an indie pop masterpiece, with unique samples and sounds The track is cheery, with its bells, choir-like vocals, and drums that remind you of carols The tempo is upbeat, so I find myself listening to it while walking through King’s College Circle The perfect song for braving the cold on campus
The next track of your playlist has to be Oasis’ “She’s Electric” The song is reminiscent of 60’s Britpop with upbeat guitar riffs, cool drums and a tambourine! Since Oasis’ reunion, re-discovering their discography means finding gems like this one I would pair this song with a thrift trip in Kensington, or going to that cool new record shop you have been meaning to visit
Keeping with that similar vibe, Lily Allen’s “LDN” fits right in as the third track I can only describe this song with one word: fun Whacky instruments, sound effects, trumpets and Lily Allen’s sarcastic singing Per its title, the song is about London, a bustling city like ours, so listen to it while you take the street cars on Spadina and pass the CN tower
Passion Pit’s “Sleepyhead” also serves well for a city night out Experimental pop sounds, similar to MGMT, the feeling “Sleepyhead” brings you is hopeful and happy, perfect for going out with friends
Bad Bunny’s “Baile Inolvidable” will earn its spot on the playlist as well This song simply gets you moving and makes you feel like you're at the beach instead of Robarts all day Salsa is great for movement, making it the perfect workout song
To switch up the vibe and embrace our snow slicked campus a little more, “Golden Brown” by The Stranglers is a whimsical and almost medieval track Unlike any other, “Golden Brown” leads with the harpsichord giving it a historical feel, a perfect record for late night walks on the older parts of campus Exploring University College or Caven library with this song feels movie-like
The final song is dedicated to late night study sessions, some calming Bossa Nova In particular, “Nova Bossa Nova” by Marcos Valle, is rhythmic, light, fun, and perfect white noise for studying!
While I have a hundred more songs I could add, I have narrowed it down to the few I find myself constantly listening to on walks to class, exploring campus and study sessions I hope these songs can spark a little happiness to your long winter days,
Ciarah Rampersad, Contributor
Beatrice Poblete, Contributor
Photo Credit: Ciarah Rampersad
Federal Budget 2025: Investing Boldly or Gambling on Recovery?
Amid rising trade tensions and an uncertain global economic climate, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly approved federal budget positions itself as both a shield and a stepping stone for Canada’s future Branded as an ambitious blend of investment and restraint, the budget arrives just as the International Monetary Fund projects Canada to achieve the second fastest growth in the G7 by 2026 and 2027 a forecast the government quickly points to as evidence of resilience Yet the question remains: does this budget truly mark the beginning of economic recovery, or does it simply mask deeper structural vulnerabilities beneath a layer of optimistic projections?
On paper, that sounds like a comeback story a sign that all this spending is simply helping Canada rise before other nations It’s the kind of forecast any prime minister would be happy to wave around The government’s own documents admit exports are dragging under the weight of US tariffs on lumber, aluminum, and other staples Business investment has cooled as companies wait to see how the trade chessboard shifts And domestically, Canadians still feel the pinch of a slow-moving economy
Independent forecasters are even less convinced The Parliamentary Budget Officer expects only a modest rebound 1 2% growth in 2025, 1 3% in 2026 well below the IMF’s optimism The Bank of Canada is equally cautious, projecting average growth of around 1 4% and warning that trade tensions and structural weaknesses could permanently lower Canada’s economic speed limit
So, while the IMF hands the government a hopeful narrative, the deeper data hints at something more fragile The budget may be betting on a strong recovery, but the near-term reality is far less glamorous: slow growth, weak exports, jittery businesses, and an economy still adjusting to a world that feels increasingly unpredictable
But not everyone buys this vision of a bold, transformative investment Some economists worry that much of the infrastructure promise isn’t as “new” as Carney says Trevor Tombe, an economist at the University of Calgary, pointed out that only $8 3 billion of the so-called increase in local infrastructure spending is actually fresh money the rest is being shuffled from other programs He wrote that “for all the hype, this budget does little that’s ‘generational ’”Public-service professionals are nervous PIPSC warns that cuts will hit core services: “When you eliminate the people who inspect food, deliver benefits you’re not cutting waste – you’re increasing risk ” According to its deeper analysis, these job cuts will likely weaken areas like environmental monitoring, data collection, and applied research In other words, while the budget builds up some parts of government, it tears down others and critics worry the foundational capacity could crumble just when it’s needed most
There’s no denying that this budget makes bold bets but it’s not risk-free
While Carney pledges “generational investments”in defense, innovation, and infrastructure, he’s also slashing deeply elsewhere So does this budget signal a true economic recovery? Maybe but it’s more of a calculated bet than a guarantee It’s a vision of a Canada that reinvents itself: more competitive, more secure, more self-reliant If the execution slips, “recovery”could turn into a fragile illusion spun by optimistic forecasts
Unemployment Rate Falls for the 1st Time in 3 Months
Can we finally have hope? Will it last?
Statistics Canada has reported that the unemployment rate fell to 6 9 per cent in October With 67,000 net new jobs added to the labour market, including 21,000 positions for youth, does this mean that the job market may finally be stabilizing after a particularly harsh summer? What does this mean for students?
In the wake of troubling times, Canadian youth have unfortunately been impacted by the declining unemployment rate Many students can attest to the fact that this summer was a particularly tough season for jobs
Statistics reflect this, with youth unemployment reaching a 15-year high in September Some economic reports have even compared Canada’s youth unemployment levels to be consistent with recession conditions
According to Statistics Canada’s April 2025 Labour Force Survey, young people between the ages of 15 and 24 lost 28,000 jobs in just April alone, with young women and part-timers accounting for the majority of these losses.
Emily Neto News Editor
However, Statistics Canada has given us some much needed good news: After what many felt was a particularly harsh summer job market, the national unemployment rate finally showed a decline in October, falling for the first time in three months The national rate of unemployment is now settled at 6 9 percent
While the rate could be subject to change, this spike shows hope for the future This shift is deemed significant by financial analysts, and was even noted to be a “surprising bounce” by Brendan Bernard, senior economist at Indeed, as the unemployment rate is successfully moving ahead of population growth
This data offers a much needed sign of hope for university students in search of seasonal jobs to balance the cost of tuition or living expenses October saw a significant employment rebound for youth aged 15 to 24, who secured 21,000 new positions
Furthermore, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s budget seeks to address this: over $1 6 billion is proposed to be financed next three years to support over 175,000 new jobs for younger Canadians.
This trend is very promising in comparison to the market’s prior struggle. The youth unemployment rate – which suffered a significant dip in July –now decreased from 14.7% in September to 14.1%thankstothesuddeninfluxofjobs.
While this increase may sound minute, this is the first time the youth unemployment rate has decreased since February This increase is much needed as both severe employment deficiencies and structural financial burdens are targeting Canadian youth, who are feeling increasingly financiallyinsecure.
However, this optimism is diminished by the fact that the additional part-time jobs contributed to overall job growth while 19,000 full-time positions decreased. Because of this, the youth unemployment rate of 14.1% still falls short, as it ismorethandoublethenationalaverage.
Alas, it is important to take a step back and recognize that the future of Canada’s economy is dependent on students and more targeted policies to fix this gap are necessary in order to make a sustainedchange.
This spike, like a drop of water in a desert, is briefly hopeful. It should be properly and strategically maintained to properly address the currentyouthunemploymentcrisis.
Sarahi Giles Candela Contributor
O P I N I O N S
A Mayor for All
Arshad Saleh Features Editor
In today’s political sphere, we’ve become accustomed to political positions only being accessible to a certain class of people. It is the status quo that if you want to hold an important office, you must have the money, the connections, and make the right people happy. So, when a young assemblyman from Astoria tossed his name into the race to be the democratic nominee for New York’s Mayoral race, he was quickly disregarded Sure, he had a growing social media presence and his policies seemed appealing, but those won’t win you elections Elections are won by influence and names that hold weight That happened to be exactly who Mamdani was running against in the democratic primary, Andrew Cuomo, heir of a political dynasty and favourite to win the race However, with all the odds stacked against him, Mamadani won This victory represents more than just a political win; it represents the retaking of power by a class of people who have long been misrepresented
To talk about what Mamdani represents, we need to talk about who he is He was born in Uganda to parents of Indian origin. He is the son of Mahmood Mamdani, an anthropologist and professor at Columbia University, and Mira Nair, a critically acclaimed filmmaker Mamdani and his family moved to New York when he was seven years old He joined the Democratic Socialists of America in 2017 and was elected a member of the New York State Assembly in 2020. Mamdani has also long been critical of Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, going as far as to say that, as mayor, he would have Benjamin Netanyahu arrested in accordance with the ICJ if he were to ever enter New York City. The policies he focused on in his campaign were making buses fast and free, providing universal childcare for all New Yorkers and freezing the rent for all rent-stabilized tenants. He said he would pay for these policies by raising the tax on the wealthiest New Yorkers
Andrew Cuomo, along with mainstream media, continuously attacked Mamdani for his inexperience and slandered him as a communist and antisemite The antisemitic claims were spearheaded when a podcast clip of Mamdani was taken out of context when he refused to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada” What he was trying to say was that we should not take a Trump-style approach in banning certain words and phrases, as they have different meanings to different people Those against Mamdani reality, “intifada” i in the very same po violence Mamdani
as an anti-Semite, even though Israel does not represent all Jewish New Yorkers; throughout the campaign Mamdani maintained that he believes Israel has a right to exist as a state of equal rights and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safety of Jewish New Yorkers
How Zohran Mamdani’s Mayoral Campaign Has Brought Hope to a Generation
After losing the democratic nomination to Mamdani, Cuomo chose to run as an independent. His already weak and empty campaign reduced to blatant islamophobia at times, darkening Mamdani’s beard in campaign ads and going as far as to insinuate that Mamdani would celebrate a terrorist attack on New York The media and many influential wealthy figures still backed Cuomo; his campaign saw donations from super-PACs amounting to nearly $25 million While Cuomo relied on big donors, Mamdani only took small donations and stopped asking for donations as soon as it reached $8 million He instead asked people to volunteer in his campaign, building a large base that was passionate about the policies he was pushing
Mamdani’s campaign connected with everyday people, and so did his experience During his campaign, a taxi driver named Mahmadou was asked about Mamdani Mahmadou said, “I can put my life on the line for him because he put his life on the line for me” He was talking about Mamdani’s involvement in a 2021 hunger strike during New York’s debt crisis that was taking a toll on taxi drivers, which led to nine taxi drivers taking their lives The hunger strike lasted for 15 days until a resolution was reached with City Hall Stories like this give perspective to the experience that Mamdani holds He may not have had experience holding big offices, but he has had experience fighting for honest and hardworking people that the system has left behind
Inexperience was never truly the issue; democrats and republicans alike saw Mamdani as a common enemy A socialist and an outsider who did not fit the mould of a politician we have become accustomed to. Mamdani was shamed for being a socialist by his peers, and his policies were called unrealistic. However, there is nothing unrealistic about wanting to provide a dignified life for those in your city when its richest citizens can pour millions into failed election campaigns Mamdani was criticized even for eating with his hands, a South Asian tradition. The fearmongering and xenophobia were used to divert attention from Mamdani’s promises to deliver a more affordable city
In a time when racism towards South Asians has become the norm, it was refreshing to see someone represent his community unapologetically The story of the New York Mayoral election transcended the five boroughs People from all over the world celebrated Mamdani’s victory, not only because his policies were popular but because he stood his ground when he was told he had no place at the table His story told the immigrant story Uncivilized, inexperienced, and dangerous were all labels that were attached to Mamdani and are all labels’ immigrants have to face Mamdani never backed down from his beliefs, running a joyous and positive campaign that brought people together The real work is ahead of him now, but during these bleak times, the story of Zohran Mamadani’s campaign is one we all needed
Photo Credit: Mint
Photo Credit: Time Magazine
Photo Credit: Fortune
Photo Credit: The Hindu
Another Blue Jays Season Going Down in History
Reliving some of the many memorable moments of the 2025 season
The 2025 Blue Jays season will be remembered as one of the most stressful, breathtaking, exciting, and talented seasons in history They were nothing short of amazing, beginning at the bottom and ending just short of the top As players came and went, family bonds strengthened, and the team performed outstandingly as a whole, surprising the league Here is a recap of the 2025 season
Some New and Familiar Faces
Before and during the season, players came and went from the Jays' clubhouse Before the season began, new teammates were signed, including Jeff Hoffman, Andrés Giménez, Myles Straw, Anthony Santander, and Max Scherzer Current players such as Ernie Clement, Alejandro Kirk, and Daulton Varsho were also given one-year contracts at the start of the season In April, the Jays signed Vladimir Guerrero Jr to a 14-year contract, which was a wise decision In the middle of the season, they traded for Seranthony Dominguez, Shane Bieber, Louis Varland, Ty France, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, a former Jays player who they claimed off waivers Later in September, the Jays promoted their top prospect and 2024 firstround draft pick, Trey Yesavage, to the Major Leagues, strengthening the bullpen With all of the new faces and contract extensions, the Blue Jays developed a unique bond as they welcomed everyone into their family throughout the season
Initial Struggles
As the season began, many people had high hopes because we had just added star players to the roster who could potentially help our team Unfortunately, this was not the case They lost their first game of the season, 12-2, to the Baltimore Orioles, and then had a slow start By May 7th, they had a record of 16 wins and 20 losses, four games below 500. The team had some good moments, but they struggled offensively Players like Anthony Santander, Andrés Giménez, and Bowden Francis were underperforming despite having success the season before The team's hitting approach and production were also lacking, as they ranked among the bottom in home runs and were dominated at the plate. However, on May 8th, something shifted
Canada Day Homestand
Between May 8th and June 28th, the Jays were slowly gaining momentum. Even so, during the Canada Day homestand, the Blue Jays began to climb the standings, which was shocking. They won a game against the Boston Red Sox, then swept the New York Yankees in a four-game series to go on a winning streak From there, their mindsets and momentum shifted as their offence and defence improved and they quickly became key contenders in the AL East. Ultimately, their second half of the season was nothing short of amazing, with a record of 49 wins and 30 losses, well above 500
The Final Stretch, Game 162
The race to the end of the season came down to the wire Fans of all the teams in the AL East Division were on the edge of their seats, waiting to see who would win the AL East title and finish first in the American League. Both the Blue Jays and the Yankees alternated wins and losses in the final few games of the season, with the final game being the deciding factor The Blue Jays needed one win to earn a bye to the Division Series against the winner of the Wild Card series between the Red Sox and whoever did not win the AL East title between the Jays and the Yankees On September 28, in game 162 at home, the Blue Jays rallied to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 13-4 and win the AL East division, finishing the season with a record of 94-68!
American League Division Series (Jays Win 3-1)
The Jays defeated the Yankees in four games, eliminating a powerhouse team that was vying for a playoff spot at the end of the regular season They won 5-2 at Yankee Stadium, putting on an incredible performance that demonstrated that the team never gives up, as Guerrero Jr always says It was also bullpen day, and they staged a pitching masterclass, with everyone taking turns on the mound and performing admirably They were the first team to move on to the League's Championship Series
American League Championship Series (Jays Win 4-3)
The ALCS was one of the best series to watch during the postseason, with the Seattle Mariners and Blue Jays going back and forth until game seven Comeback after comeback, the Jays remained resilient and never gave up, eventually winning games 6 and 7 They won the American League and advanced to the World Series for the first time since 1993, thanks to George Springer's massive three-run home run!
World Series (Jays Lose 4-3)
This series was straight out of a drama series, with fights, home runs, and extra innings unlike any other The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays faced off like two rivals racing to the finish line, and it did not disappoint (well, except for Jays fans) After the Jays blew them out in Game 1, an 18-inning game, a stressful Game 6 in which the ball became stuck in the wall, and extra innings in Game 7, the Dodgers won the World Series for the second time in two years, putting an end to the Jays' run and dreams of winning for the first time in 32 years
Outcomes of the Season
This season was truly unforgettable, as we witnessed the Blue Jays overcome obstacles and perform at an exceptional level Of course, Guerrero Jr and Bichette had excellent seasons, but there were numerous others who proved to be valuable assets Players include Springer, Clement, Varsho, Schneider, Straw, Kirk, Lauer, Yesavage, Bieber, Gausman, Scherzer, Barger, Varland, and Fluharty I may have just named the majority of the team, but that demonstrates how unique this team is; it is not just one person; they are all valuable assets to their success They finished very well in the league for pitching and hitting To continue their historical run, many believe they will re-sign all of their players during the offseason and add more depth; this team is amazing in so many ways Evidently, the city and country are proud of the team We can't wait to see what happens next season
Arrianna Toolsie, Associate Sports Editor
X/Toronto Blue Jays Photocredit:https://www
Photo Credit: MARCA
Photo Credit: AP News
Photograph: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
S P O R T S
A Fresh Start
It is always risky when an athlete decides to take a break from their sport. time off, they could be replace else, drop in rankings, and drop in performance It is especially risky in a sport like tennis where it is rumoured that only the top players are able to
How a break from tennis helped Amanda Anisimova
Ianna Martinez Barrientos, Staff Writer
make a proper living from their prize money Amanda Anisimova turned pro at the age of 15 and in two years, played against Ashleigh Barty in the French Open semi-finals By the end of 2019, she ranked number 24 in the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) and would be one of the youngest players in the top 50
2019 turned into a difficult year for Anisimova as her father and her former tennis coach died from a heart attack at age 52 At the time, Anisimova was about to turn 18 and play in the US Open She revealed to the New York Post that the death of her father was “the worst thing that happened to me” In 2023, Anisimova would make the difficult decision to take a break from tennis for several months Her decision to leave behind the court, her tennis racket, and a high ranking would be brought on by burnout and mental health issues. She put out a statement on her Instagram page, saying that “It’s become unbearable being at tennis tournaments. At this point my priority is my mental well-being and taking a break for some time I’ve worked as hard as I could to push through it ”
During her time off Anisimova attended in-person university classes for the first time, picked up art as a hobby, and did not play tennis for months during her break When she finally returned to the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) in 2024, she finished the year 36th in the rankings But the following year, Anisimova would have one of the best years of her career yet During Wimbledon, she won against Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals It was her first time making it to a grand slam final However, she lost 0-6, 0-6 in the finals against Iga Swiatek A couple of months later, she once again found herself playing in the semifinals of a grand slam, the US Open to be exact Here, she faced Naomi Osaka, a former number 1 ranked player and won. During the finals, she faced Aryna Sabalenka again but ultimately lost 6-3, 7-6 (3)
Despite her inability to win a grand slam this year, Anisimova won Qatar Total Energies Open by defeating Jelena Ostapenko She most recently won the China Open and played against Linda Noskova After an extremely successful season, Anisimova was able to climb her way to fourth in the WTA ranking, making it her highest career ranking to date
In Red, Lewis Hamilton Will Rise Again
Sara Schmidt Contributor
Given The Time, Hamilton Will Begin To Dominate Once Again
Fatigue is beginning to set in among Lewis Hamilton fans. His move to Ferrari created a flurry of excitement and hope Yet, with four races left in the 2025 season, Hamilton sits sixth in the Drivers' Championship, with no podium finishes and only six races in which he placed in the top five What happened to the Lewis Hamilton who won seven Driver Championships, who dominated the sport and tied Michael Schumacher for the most championships in F1 history?
Hamilton entered F1 in 2007, joining McLaren and finishing second, only one point behind Kimi Räikkönenin, in his rookie year Hamilton’s move to Mercedes-Benz in 2013 marked the start of his total domination, winning six consecutive championships from 2014 to 2020 In 2021, things took a downward turn as Hamilton battled Red Bull driver Max Verstappen for the championship, which remained undecided until the season’s final Grand Prix Hamilton lost this final race after a controversial decision by race officials that put him at a disadvantage From that point, Hamilton’s domination gave way to Verstappen’s emergence as F1’s dominant driver
Hamilton is one of the first F1 drivers to take an active role in advocating for inclusion and diversity in the sport As Hamilton stated, “I’ve been on the receiving end of racism… for a long time,” but for him, it is about the bigger picture. Hamilton founded the Mission 44 foundation in 2021 to empower underrepresented groups to consider careers in STEM and motorsport, stating that “as long as I have air in my lungs,”he will push to make motorsport more diverse and inclusive No other driver has ever taken a stand like Hamilton in confronting the sport for what it is: an overly rich white boys' club that has remained isolated from issues of social justice for too long.
With Hamilton’s move to Ferrari to fulfill a childhood dream of racing in red, like his idol Schumacher did from 1996 to 2006, his competitive performance has taken a hit Hamilton’s average race deficit to his teammate Charles Leclerc is 0 201 seconds Hamilton certainly needs to improve his lap times Aware of his struggles, Hamilton even berated his Hungarian Grand Prix performance, saying, “I’m useless, absolutely useless” Hamilton’s confidence is obviously shaken, but Ferrari is no easy F1 organization to thrive in Winning their last Constructors’ Championship in 2008 and Drivers’ Championship in 2007, Ferrari is spiralling, underscored by its president’s recent comment that Leclerc and Hamilton need to “focus on driving and talk less”
When Schumacher joined Ferrari, the team had not won a Drivers’ Championship since 1979, yet it still took him four years to win his first championship with Ferrari in 2000 Hamilton deserves similar breathing space right now, from himself, his fans, and the sport Hamilton’s first Ferrari season is undoubtedly one to move past, but it is worth even more Joining Ferrari was abold step, and when he wins his eighth championship in red, it will embody everything Hamilton is and can still achieve
Photo Credits: WTA Tour
Photo Credits: Tennisnerd
S P O R T S
Zack Greinke: Baseball’s Most Unconventional Star
Baseball’s oddest ace is also one of its most authentic
Zack Greinke is widely regarded as one of the most eccentric players in Major League Baseball. When he received a samurai sword as part of his signing bonus, teammates were both amused and bewildered by the unusual gift. During a game, he proposed a fantasy football trade to his catcher, AJ Ellis, before returning to pitching a moment later without batting an eye On another occasion, he seriously contemplated quitting baseball to pursue a quiet life mowing lawns instead of remaining on the mound Yet, behind the quirky mannerisms is a player who has spoken openly about his struggles and triumphs, earning respect for both his honesty and resilience With his outstanding career and lasting impacts on baseball, Greinke is considered a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible in 2029
During his rookie season, Greinke posted an impressive 3 97 earned run average across 195 innings However, that early dominance did not last In only his second major league season, Greinke lost a league-high 17 games, leaving fans to wonder if his rookie performance had been a fluke
The following spring training brought yet another turning point. Greinke left the Kansas City Royals, citing social anxiety and depression as his reasons for stepping away. He returned to the Royals in April, but his comeback was short-lived. After just one start, he was placed on the 60-day injured list and missed the rest of the season
Throughout his career, Greinke received extensive treatment for his conditi closely with a psychologist to manage his unique behaviours and complicat in his demeanor and performance were evident, most notably when he capt American League Cy Young Award in 2009 Managers and teammates nev Greinke’s eccentricities as a flaw Instead, they embraced them as part of w him special Royals manager Trey Hillman struck a deal with the up-and-co pitcher: Greinke would only need to talk to his manager every three or four That understanding approach helped Greinke flourish and helped formula reputation as one of the most beloved players in every clubhouse he joined
Starting pitcher Jonathan Heasley once shared a story, demonstrating Grei first time we all felt comfortable was in spring training,” Heasley said “He his house one night, and we all grabbed dinner and hung out over there. Th b k h i ” A d managers, Greinke is a lovable oddb ve at his pace.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Zack Greinke’s career remains a powerful reminder that vulnerability and greatness can coexist together His openness about mental health has reshaped how fans and players view the pressures of professional baseball By overcoming adversity and staying true to himself, Greinke has shown that strength is rooted in honesty, perseverance, an an unstoppable love of the game
Ashley Thorpe Contributor
Photo Credits: Stephen Dunn / Getty Images