Volume 85. Issue 1

VOLUME 85 ISSUE 1

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OC Transpo faces student backlash at SEPTEMBER 2024 pp.3. public transit commission I

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EDITORIAL STAFF Editors-in-chief

Kavi “rather walk” Vidya Achar Andrew “16” Wilimek

managing director

Sydney “riding my bike takes less time” Grenier

visuals director

Kai “fare inspector hater” Holub

news Editor

Bridget “waiting in the cold” Coady

News Writer

Isabelle “cries in construction” Jay

Arts & Culture Editor

Daniel “cancelled route” Jones

SportS Writers

Ana “55” Sofia de la Parra Liam “holding out for the 19” Corbett

Business, Science & Tech Editor

Basant “I’m Uberring” Chawla

opinions/features editor

Amira “lightning-struck cable” Benjamin

Staff Writers

Marjan “why did I bother” Massoom Fejiro “carpool karaoke” Mejire

Broadcast Editor

Azeeza “transit app lied” Kagzi

Online Editor

Ayai “endless commute” Offor

videographer

Pavel “I need to buy a car” Nangfack

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pp.4. Ottawa city council narrowly votes down restoration of off-peak LRT service pp.6. Cheers! Ontario convenience stores allowed to sell alcohol pp.7. BREAKING: UOSU cuts off graduate student access to food bank

ARTS

pp.9. Album Review: A Relaxing Evening at the Noise Hotel pp.10. Heart of the City Piano Program: Making music accessible to all

SPORTS

pp.11. Gee-Gees Rugby: Men continue winning streak against Bishops pp.12. HE’S BACK: Maracle leads Gee-Gees over new-look York Lions in long awaited return pp.13. Gee-Gees Soccer: Women leave first loss behind and show up against TMU

SCIENCES

pp.14. University of Ottawa’s iGEM bio-hacking the future pp.15. Where stethoscopes meet spreadsheets

OPINIONS

pp.17. Student card integration is good — but virtual cards are better pp.18. UOSU’s Executive Oversight Committee is broken. We need to fix it. pp.19. OC Transpo is falling apart – How council wants to fix it won’t work

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NEWS

OC Transpo faces student backlash at public transit commission REDUCTION OF SERVICE LEAVES STUDENTS FEELING NEGLECTED ran on five minute Renée Amilcar, stat- of unreliable transit, across Ottawa are intervals between ed during the transit from members of the partnered with OC Ottawa city 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 commission meeting Ottawa Community – Transpo through the councillor for Kitchis- p.m., but since Aug. that “[OC Transpo] including University U-Pass program, givsippi Ward Jeff Leiper 26, OC Transpo has is looking for money” of Ottawa’s Student ing full-time students tabled a motion to re- only maintained the mentioning how “ev- Union (UOSU) pres- unlimited transit acstore O-Train Line 1 five minute intervals ery penny counts.” ident Delphine Robi- cess at a reduced service from 10 min- for ‘rush hour’ comCurrently, the taille. cost, while generatutes between trains muters, and reduced organization is runR o b i t a i l l e ing $19 million in revback to five minutes service between 9 ning $25 million short stated, “I’ve wit- enue annually. at a city council tran- a.m. and 3 p.m. to for their 2024 bud- nessed the levels of As UOSU

Isabelle Jay

The uOttawa O-Train station is only seeing trains on 10 minutes intervals between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the week, though a council vote on Wednesday could change that. Photo: Fulcrum Archives

sit commission meet- every 10 minutes. get, with an estimat- student dissatisfac- was neglected ing last Thursday.

The reduction ed shortfall of $120 tion with OC Transpo during transit planThe motion is set to of service is expect- million for 2025. skyrocket to the point ning, Robitaille highbe voted on at the ed to save $600,000 During the where I am now con- lighted “my worries city council meeting between September six-hour-long meet- cerned for the future of the possibility of a on Wednesday. and December of ing, city councilors of the relationship student referendum OC Trans- this year and $1.6 and OC Transpo rep- between our two in- to do away with the po’s midday service million annually. resentatives heard stitutions”.

U-Pass”, citing the cuts began Aug. 26.

OC Transpo over thirty testimoP o s t - s e c - LRT’s inability to acPreviously, trains general manager, nies on the impact ondary institutions commodate the stu-

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dent population. Ro- bers of the U of O Transpo has been the campaign, just ways.

When asked bitaille connected the community, includ- running a ‘fare blitz’ under 200 tickets absence of student ing first-year politi- to try and gather data were issued with about possible fare input to “double the cal science student concerning fare eva- hopes of gathering increases, specificalwait times” and tran- Cédrik Desjardins. sion. For the whole information on fare ly to the U-Pass program, Amilcar told sit needs outside of “I am lucky to be month of Septem- evader tendencies.

Once the the Fulcrum “It’s not non-traditional rush in residence,” said ber, 12 fare inspechours as classes, as Desjardins, “[the cur- tors will be working information is gath- possible to say” and classes on campus rent transit system] across line 1 issuing ered, fare inspectors that a budget includconclude anytime is hurting those who $260 tickets to bus are to be placed at ing these possible from 9:50 a.m. to 10 have no choice but and train users with evader hot spots. changes will be preOC Transpo plans to sented to the council p.m. to use it.” Desjardins unpaid fares.

OC Transpo keep issuing tickets in November.

Testimonies resides at the Friel told the transit com- in order to help solve presented to the Residence. issues public transit council To reduce mission that within budgetary included other mem- operating costs, OC the first four days of throughout various

Ottawa city council narrowly votes down restoration of off-peak LRT service COUNCILLORS WOULD NOT GET TO VOTE ON LEIPER’S ORIGINAL MOTION AFTER MESSY PROCEDURE Troster urged those Devine had 11, and in a coun- to reduce capacity in favour of Leiper’s floated a proposal to cil made up of 25, by way of reducing On Wednes- motion to vote no on put an amendment the bloc needed two frequency, will absoday’s city council Gower’s motion to forth which would more votes. Coun- lutely save $1.6 milmeeting, councillors ensure that the orig- see LRT service re- cillor for Alta Vista lion per year,” Leiper were set to vote on inal proposal could turn to the five-min- Marty Carr would told the Fulcrum. councillor for Kitchis- be voted upon, but ute interval in the ultimately swing as “The effect of that, sippi Jeff Leiper’s council ultimately interim while waiting well, acknowledging however, goes bemotion to restore voted 14-10 — with for the ridership and that she “really strug- yond capacity conO-Train Line 1 ser- one abstention — to efficiency review, gled” with the vote,” siderations,” noting vice back to every put Gower’s motion which he agreed noting she had only that reduced LRT five minutes between to a vote, supersed- to modify to a sev- received a handful frequency means 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. At ing the original mo- en-minute interval to of emails complain- that riders are more least, that’s what tion. satisfy Tierney. ing about the Aug. 26 challenged to make they thought.

Just as it L e i p e r , reduction in service their connection busThe council seemed that off-peak Devine, and Troster compared to a large es. had been debating service restoration were joined by number complaining Leiper notLeiper’s motion for — which came with councillor for Ride- about OC Transpo’s ed that University about two hours and an estimated cost of au-Vanier Stéphanie ‘New Ways to Bus’ of Ottawa Students’ it was nearing a vote. $600,000 dollars this Plante, Theresa Ka- service cuts.

Union president DelBut at 1:30 p.m., year and $1.6 mil- vanagh, Laine JohnBut ultimate- phine Robitaille had councillor for Stitts- lion annually — was son, Jessica Bradley, ly, that was all the made the assertation ville Glen Gower in- dead in the water, Rawlson King and support the new that some U of O stutroduced a substitute councillor for Knox- Shawn Menard on amendment would dents were having to motion that called for dale-Merivale Sean one side of the issue. garner. The motion wait at the U of O’s a review of ridership Devine accepted Riley Brockington, to restore service station because the levels and system councillor for Beacon who seemingly ab- during ‘off-peak’ trains that were arrivefficiency that would Hill-Cyrville Tim Tier- stained on the first hours to every seven ing were full. be returned to the ney’s compromise to vote in protest, made minutes was voted “The solution Transit Commission amend Gower’s mo- the group strongly in down 13-12. to that is greater frewithin three months. tion and get service favour of the original quency,” contended C o u n c i l l o r restoration back on motion 10.

Leiper’s Motion Leiper. “Trains are for Somerset Ariel the table.

Tierney made “The decision going to come along

Andrew Wilimek

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The O-Train will continue to run on 10 minute intervals from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. after a city council vote. Photo: Hailey Otten/Fulcrum Archives

that are full, but when cillor for Kitchissip- quency, we are di- ees would mean for has had with her you have appropriate pi also mentioned minishing reliability, the system. constituents, includfrequency, then the how even students and we lose reliabil“I appreci- ing Robitaille. “I want wait is minimized, who live in wards ity; we lose riders.” ate that OC Trans- these people to know and it has less of an not served by Line Devine also po wants to make a that we’re listening to impact on people’s 1 have a “real stake” spoke to the Fulcrum data-based decision, them, we hear their overall journey.” in ensuring the train after the meeting. but this diminished concerns.”

Leiper also runs, because they “Any rationale that level of service will “The conseacknowledged that depend so heavily on suggests that even likely result in few- quences are being for many, transit is transfer buses. at diminished fre- er riders. If we want felt by those who not a choice. “I think “A lot of that quency there is still LRT to succeed, have fewer options that’s what some of will be eased with capacity is ignoring then we should as- in front of them,” said us are finding so dis- stage two. Those the fact that you will sess ridership under Johnson, deputy tressing about dis- transfers will be eas- increase ridership optimal conditions, mayor and councilcussions of cuts to ier. The bus routes – and therefore in- rather than under di- lor for the city’s Colservice or fare hikes, will be shorter to crease demand on minished conditions. lege ward, who also is that with the way get to LRT. But right that capacity – by im- Let’s set ourselves brought up the conthe system is now now, a significant proving reliability and up for success.” cern of reputational — with many people number of students frequency.” risk. “We hear from who have alterna- live in wards that are The coun- Other Councilliors residents every day tives availing them- not directly served by cillor for Knox- for Leiper’s Origi- who do feel that they selves of them — the LRT.” dale-Merivale also nal Motion are losing faith in OC people who are left talked about his conPlante noted Transpo.” on the system are Devine’s Amend- cern with the timing that she had never King, deputy more frequently the ment of the reduction in received so much mayor and councilpeople who have “ R e l i a b i l i t y service, noting that c o r r e s p o n d e n c e , lor for Rideau-Rockno choice [of alter- and frequency are it came before wait- especially not from cliffe, called upon the natives], and that the key motivators ing to see what dif- such a wide spec- city to invest in core strikes many of us as to use public transit,” ference the return of trum of residents, services and infraprofoundly unfair.” contended Devine. university students recalling specific structure. “We need The coun- “By diminishing fre- and federal employ- conversations she to have the courage

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rebuttal to give up, if they ha- Hill (Barrhaven West) Ottawa’s problem,” to make difficult de- Sutcliffe’s who spoke about the said councillor for cisions now for the that the city has in- ven’t already.”

Brockington, congestion issues on Rideau-Jock David long term benefit of vested in transit.

“We have invested councillor for River, busses in their wards Brown, arguing that the city.”

M e n a r d , in transit … but we also made the dis- were not as amica- his ward shouldn’t councillor for Capi- are not making in- tinction between fre- ble to train riders — pay for things they tal Ward and former vestments we need quency and capacity. even though some don’t use.

Kitts acpresident of the Car- [operationally] … if ‘We told people this of those bus riders leton University Stu- we don’t apply the would not just be a presumably transfer knowledged that the dents Association, correct amount of rapid service, but a to the LRT at some service cut was “not point heading to or ideal optics” for OC argued that the cuts operational funding frequent service.” from downtown.

Transpo, but that came with no long- to make that service Other out- five-minute intervals term analysis and useful and attractive C o u n c i l l o r s politicians are not a necessity Leiper’s er-city will affect people’s for our residents, Against didn’t mince as many for users. live negatively. “It’s we’re just left with Original Motion There was a words. “Five minutes an arbitrary cut … shiny trains. Shiny, Sutcliffe clear divide between is not worth $1.6 contended that OC you cut all the tran- parked, trains.”

Troster called inner-city councillors million dollars, in Transpo staff should sit in Ottawa and you’ll have finan- the service cuts “the and outer-city coun- my opinion,” argued make decisions cial savings,” before transit death spiral in cillors on the issue of councillor for Kana- about service levels, ta North Cathy Cur- not councillors. “I pointing out that the action,” noting that LRT service.

Even coun- ry. Curry then asked think we should supcity should be doing this will inevitably more to entice riders lead riders to miss cillors like Wilson Lo councillors “is there port our staff by alEast), no other way you lowing them to make their connector bus- (Barrhaven to come back.

Kitts would want to spend this decision.”

B r a d - ses as well. “This is Catherine ley, councillor for a small amount of (Orléans South-Na- $1.6 million dollars?”

“I don’t think Gloucester-South- money … in our gi- van), Matthew Luloff gate, agreed with ant transit deficit … (Orléans East-Cum- Ottawa’s transit probpart of mayor Mark people are just going berland) and David lem should be rural

Cheers! Ontario convenience stores allowed to sell alcohol Buy your booze steps from campus!

This controversial oly over the sale of than a five minute change, the closest deal helped lead to hard liquor within the walk from campus: access to alcohol reAs of Sept. the LCBO workers province.

210 Laurier Ave., tailers were the two 5, Ontario conveLCBO stores located nience stores and in the ByWard margas stations have ket, while the closest joined their Quebec Beer Store was over and Newfoundland a thirty-minute walk counterparts with the west of campus. ability to sell certain Customer alcoholic beverages. service represenDiversifying tative Karan of the sellers of wine, beer, Osgoode Circle K, and certain pretold the Fulcrum mixed drinks, rather that “with around a than being excluthousand customers sively sold through A pallet of beer waiting to be unpacked. Photo: Andrew Wilimek/Fulcrum coming through each the LCBO and Beer day, we are preparStore, has been a strike this summer, For Univer- 120 Osgood St., and ing for busier times campaign promise as the workers union sity of Ottawa stu- 287A Somerset St., around weekends… from the Ford Gov- aimed to protect dents, this adds for their purchase of we will be healthy ernment since 2018. the LCBO monop- three locations less drinks. Before the competition [against

Isabelle Jay

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campus bars].” Public House, locat- if NOX was planning spirit movement … Union, Delphine RoKaran told the Ful- ed on the second on offering any spe- we have multiple rev- bitaille commented crum that students floor of the Minto cials to entice stu- enue streams … that to the Fulcrum that can expect strict Sports Complex, told dent presence, Rob- doesn’t rely on the “[the sale of alcohol] hasn’t really been enforcement of I.D. the Fulcrum, “I really erts highlighted that sale of alcohol.”

When asked on our radar” also verification, no pro- see [the new ven- “we’re a lot more than motional sales of al- dors] as competition. just a location that about the possibil- citing U of O Policy cohol — but a clean I see it as conve- serves alcohol. We ity of product sales 88, which prohibits and well-stocked nience … where stu- are a fuel shack sell- coming to the cam- the sale of alcohol on convenient campus by anyone store. dents and everyone ing a ton of healthy pus Jeff Roberts, can buy their beers options.” Continuing, store, PiViK, presi- other than university owner and operator safely.”

Roberts explained dent of the Universi- staff. of NOX Eatery and When asked that “there’s a free ty of Ottawa Student

The selection of beer at Somerset Quickie as seen Sept. 11. Photo: Andrew Wilimek/Fulcrum

BREAKING: UOSU cuts off graduate student access to food bank GSAED currently provides no funding for services operated by UOSU despite high usage by graduate students (University of Otta- of thousands of dol- contribution moving ment in the previous wa Students Asso- lars in value,” reads forward. These dis- few months.

In a decision ciation) and GSAÉD UOSU’s statement, cussions have unfor“The [last announced Friday (Graduate Students which was published tunately ended.” offer from GSAÉD] afternoon, graduate Association). at 2 p.m. on their InsUOSU Presi- didn’t meet our opstudents will no lonneeds,” “The UOSU tagram story. dent Delphine Robi- erational ger be able to uti- has been provid“The GSAÉD taille told the Fulcrum said Robitaille, addlize the UOSU Food ing services funded was informed in Feb- Friday afternoon that ing that UOSU had Bank or submit new by undergraduate ruary that this was no while the sides had initially hoped for cases to the Student students to gradu- longer sustainable, moved closer since an agreement to be Rights Centre ef- ate students with and negoti- completed and innegotiations beginning fective immediately no contribution from have been ongo- ations in February, cluded in their June due to the lack of a their student associ- ing since regarding GSAÉD had ignored budget. “The hope funding agreement ation for years now, a partial retroac- multiple soft dead- was for this agreebetween UOSU totaling hundreds tive payment and a lines for an agree- ment to be conclud-

Andrew Wilimek

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ed for the adoption of ers compared to the food bank, located in nitely be redirecting ly, with the [usage in[graduate students] creases] that we’ve the budget so that we previous year, while the UCU. R o b i t a i l l e to the closest Com- seen at the food could actually plan receiving dwindling for the year and plan food supply from shared internal doc- munity Food Bank bank and the subencouraging sequent [stock cuts], for what supporting partners like the Ot- uments with the and Fulcrum showing them to reach out that was impossible.” graduate students tawa Food Bank.

Ongoing casRobitaille told that graduate stu- to the general manwould look like.”

R o b i t a i l l e the Fulcrum that de- dents made up 47 ager at GSAÉD to es regarding gradunoted that the dead- mand has continued per cent of the food share their concerns ate students at the line was extended to outpace capacity, banks usages be- and their disappoint- Student Rights CenSeptember ments,” said Robi- tre will still proceed. to Aug. 30, and that adding that the quo- tween Executives GSAÉD reached out tas of food they re- 2023 and June 2024. taille.

“On a per- from GSAÉD did not after that deadline ceive from the Otta- The figures were with an offer they wa Food Bank have lower — but still dis- sonal level, this is a respond to the Fuldisappointing crum’s request for had proposed previ- been “basically cut proportionate when very to nothing,” leading compared to enroll- decision to have to comment in time for ously.

Dating back UOSU to “almost ment — at the Stu- make. I wish that we the communicated sup- dent Rights Centre, could support every publication deadline. to last September, exclusively” the UOSU Food port the food bank. where 25 per cent of member of the [U of Bank had experi- UOSU currently pays cases are graduate O] community, and, you know, beyond enced a 258 per around $250,000 a students.

“We’ll defi- that. But unfortunatecent increase in us- year to operate the

Graduate students will no longer have access to the UOSU Food Bank in the UCU. Photo: Bridget Coady/Fulcrum

Editors Note: This post was updated at 8:17 p.m. on Sep. 6 to correct an error in the cited budget of the food bank, it was changed from $4 million to $250,000.

Editors Note: On Sept. 10, GSAED governance commissioner Marc Biglary responded to the Fulcrum’s request for comment. “The GSAÉD entered negotiations with the UOSU in good faith regarding the Food Bank, Student Rights Centre, and Feminist Resource Centre, with the goal of securing continued access to these essential services for graduate students.

Unfortunately, the UOSU has not proposed an agreement that equitably addresses our members’ needs, nor have they accepted any of our proposals. Their recent decision to restrict access for graduate students and end negotiations was disappointing. In response, the GSAÉD is directing its resources to assist students in need of emergency food relief and connecting them with community services. We continue to recognize the serious issue of food insecurity on campus, which affects both undergraduate and graduate students, and encourage any affected GSAÉD members to contact us at info@ gsaed.ca for further assistance.”

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ARTS

Album Review: A Relaxing Evening at the Noise Hotel OTTAWA BAND NOISE HOTEL TO RELEASE THEIR FRESHMAN ALBUM POOLSIDE FANTASY

the kind of funk mu- the Noise Hotel cap- tar talents of Matthew ond track “Pool of sic you would hear tures the uniqueness Scharfe; a handful Favours” and leaves Ottawa band a house band play of Ottawa’s indie mu- of songs break after the listener excited Noise Hotel released at a run-down hotel. sic scene with ten the second chorus to hear more from their album Poolside The lyrics, almost songs that hook you for extensive guitar them.

Fantasy on August entirely written by in through the melo- solos showing off Standout 21 filled with saxo- frontman and lead dy and slightly con- their confidence on tracks include “My phone solos, smooth vocalist Eric Mont- fusing lyrics. Once the instrument. How- Last Girl”, featuring vocals, and witty lyri- pool, range between you stay awhile at ever, what makes backing vocals from cism. love and heartbreak the Noise Hotel and Noise Hotel so dif- University of Ottawa Ottawa indie with a slight detour listen to the album a ferent from other Ot- student and local murock band Noise Ho- to wax poetic about second or third time, tawa-area bands is sician Hannah Vig. tel released their first Ottawa in track five, you begin to notice the frequent use of Beachy guitar riffs album titled “Pool- “The City That Fun the intricacy of the saxophone, played meet intricate drum side Fantasy” on Au- Forgot”. bass lines, played by Matthew Evans, work and if you lisgust 21, now availFun definite- by Christian Strong, as an instrument with ten closely, you can able on all streaming ly did not forget the and the driving force its own voice and hear the near-perfect platforms. “Poolside Noise Hotel on this of drums played by personality. Evans bass slides. “Dear Fantasy” is both a record. Mixed and Boshko Maric. has a standout sax- Annie” is the eighth beach rock album recorded at Isley You can’t ophone solo during track on the record as well as an ode to Studios in Ottawa, miss the electric gui- the bridge of the sec- and features Vig more prominently as lead vocalist with Montpool. I’ve heard this track live at The Rainbow in ByWard Market earlier this summer and it is always a crowd favourite. Hannah Vig and Montpool have great stage chemistry, providing a great counterpart to Montpool’s vocal talents.

“Picking Up The Pieces” sits at the end of the record at track nine and creates a nice contrast in mood to an otherwise upbeat record. The high hats provide a smoky ambiance at the beginning of the song and Montpool paints Photo: Adel Manji/Provided a tragic picture of a

Isabella Fiore

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Check into lost love. If the Noise of what sounds like Track five, “The City pacity, This single, Hotel was a real ho- a classic radio and That Fun Forgot” with its pop-punk the Noise Hotel and tel, this song feels this adds to the am- was released last inspired pre-chorus enjoy your stay at the Fantasy; Friday and pulls from and swooping cho- Poolside like spending an biance. evening in the smokNoise Hotel the classic image of rus, will absolutely it’s the perfect album ing lounge. During is at its best when Ottawa as a boring be a crowd favour- to enjoy by the pool the saxophone solo it is self-referential city. Every artist from ite the next time the during these dwinin the bridge, there and leans into being Ottawa pokes fun at Noise Hotels stops dling days of summer. is an interpolation a local Ottawa band. Ottawa in some ca- by Ottawa.

Heart of the City Piano Program: Making music accessible to all HCPP CLUB TEACHES STUDENTS HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO FOR FREE their background. lot of students from collaboration with for both parties.

HCPP claims to not getting piano lessons the Ottawa Hospital The Heart Amid the vi- only teach students by offering them free adds another layer of of the City Piano brant community of an instrument, they lessons within their community impact. Program addressthe University of Ot- also teach them “a school. The Ottawa This partnership al- es financial barriers tawa, a club is mak- means of self-ex- branch of HCPP cur- lows HCPP volun- to provide children ing a transformative pression, com- rently partners with teers to have the op- with opportunities to impact, one note at munication and… four public schools: portunity to perform explore their musia time. The Heart of self-confidence.”

Vincent Massey, in hospital settings, cal talents, reaching the City Piano ProThe study of York Street, Manor bringing music to beyond schools and gram (HCPP), origi- music, specifically Park, and Fielding patients and their into hospital settings nally founded in Sas- playing the piano, is Drive. families––a beautiful to demonstrate mukatchewan in 1995, a costly endeavor, Eden Sam- extension of the pro- sic’s impact on comhas a powerful mis- averaging $60 per son, co-director of gram’s mission. The munities. HCCP is sion: to make music hour. HCPP breaks the club, told the heart of HCPP re- a testament to the accessible to every down the financial Fulcrum that the pro- lies on its dedicated power of communichild, regardless of barrier that keeps a gram’s mission is to volunteers, many of ty, generosity, and “gather volunteers whom are university the belief that music to go to elementary students, local mu- should be accessible schools and teach sicians, and commu- to all. students how to learn nity members, who HCPP is to play the piano for are passionate about launching a new free.” The objective music education. program offering of the HCPP is to enIn addition free piano lessons rich musical educa- to its work in public to students on camtion for children who schools and hospi- pus, taught by their might otherwise nev- tals, HCPP fosters a volunteers. To get er have the chance. supportive learning involved, visit their Samson describes environment for both website at https:// the impact of these students and vol- heartofthecityottawa. lessons: “Many chil- unteers. Volunteers weebly.com/.

Isabella Fiore • James Adair • dren come from eco- receive mentorship nomically disadvan- which equips them Cédrik Desjardins taged backgrounds, with the necessary where music lessons teaching skills and are out of reach. enhances their perHCPP fills this gap, sonal musical knowlshowing financial sit- edge. The mutual uations don’t have to exchange between limit their access to the students and the arts.” volunteers ensues a The club’s valuable experience

Marjan Massoom

BIG THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING CONTRIBUTORS FOR HELPING US WITH THIS ISSUE!

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SPORTS

Gee-Gees Rugby: Men continue winning streak against Bishops “Games like these keep us sharp for the big show in November”

showcase, as Glenn ian Gees winger tion was short lived Bishop’s Gaiters.

Roy scored a try of Matthew Robinson after the Gee’s Ja- Brothers Glenn and It was a live- his own after prov- showcased great de- mie Armstrong (and Evan Roy put on a ly Saturday at Matt ing to be too fast for fence forcing a Bish- soon to be Seattle scoring clinic during Anthony Field as the Bishop’s. After con- op’s turnover. Anoth- Seawolf) made a 65- the game, and Evan undefeated men’s verting on his own rugby squad faced try, the Gees were up off against the Bish- 14-0. It would be only op’s Gaiters. The one minute after the Gees performed well Gees try, Bishop’s in front of a packed Owen McDonald stadium and would would respond with cap a tripleheader one of his own, makthat featured a cel- ing the score 14-7. ebration of IndigThe next try enous dance and would come from music for the an- Evan Roy for his secnual Wàskonenin- ond try of the game damàwin games, after he pushed right scoring some im- through the Bishpressive tries, and op’s line, increas- Jamie Armstrong dodges a tackle on his way to a massive run for a try. Photo: Tim Austen/Gee-Gees displaying poised ing the score gap to er stellar defensive yard run scoring a try Roy currently holds defence. The Gees 19-7. After the Gees play was made by that made the crowd the program record would take the game forfeited a penalty Ben Holahan, in- roar, putting the Gee- for tries scored at 14.

47-27 to keep their within kicking range, tercepting a crucial Gees up 40-15.

C o a c h three game hot Bishop’s capitalized pass from the BishBishop’s re- James Flemming streak going. to give them a quick op’s back line. sponded with yet has sparked a fire three points.

After a lot of another try right af- in the team that will First Half: It was a scor- back and forth play ter, making the score be hard to put out.

The Gees ing parade for the from the two teams, 40-20. It was Bish- When asked about showcased their Gees, after being it was Gees eight op’s again scoring a the team’s hot streak, dominance early, held up close to the man tank Connor try, but not without Flemming said “We’ll with Evan Roy scor- Bishop’s try line for a Billo to score a try in a fight as the Gees need to lick the ing a try, and his minute, Zach Auger the 18th minute, and held them off for four wounds after three brother Glenn Roy finally broke through with a conversion minutes, making the hard-fought matchbacking him up and from a quick pass from Glenn Roy the score 40-27. In ex- es. We’ll use the bye converting the kick to and scored a try, and Gees led 33-10. Af- tra time, it was none week to clean some put the Gees up 7-0 after Glenn Roy con- ter the try, Bishops other than the Gees things up and prein the fourth minute. verted on the kick the pushed up towards beast of a winger pare for McGill, who Immediately after, score was 26-10 for the Gees tryline, and Matthew Robinson is sure to be a tough the Gees showcased the Gees. A deficit of after many penalties to finish the scor- opponent.

Games their tough defence 16 would be a chal- and three minutes of ing, making the final like these keep us with Shayan Jalili lenge for Bishop’s play, Bishops finally score 47-27. sharp for the big Ticona lifting a Bish- as they went into the broke through and The Men’s show in November.” op’s player for three second half. scored, making the Rugby are on a roll Coach Flemyards backwards. score 33-15. and are 3-0 on the ming developed this The game Second Half: H o w e v e r , season after a mas- club into something was a Roy brothers P e t e r b o r - Bishop’s celebra- sive win against the truly special, his re-

Liam Corbett

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The team’s Montreal on Oct. 5 marks on the trans- for what is on the they are playing for bigger next matchup against will be a tough game, formation of the Club front of the jersey, something themselves, McGill (ranked sev- and one that is a revolved around not the back. Every- than enth in the nation) in must watch for fans.

“The culture. We play one here recognizes and each other.”

HE’S BACK: Maracle leads Gee-Gees over new-look York Lions in long awaited return “It was exciting to see him out there, because it’s gotta start somewhere, right?” signs of improve- on 11 of 23 passing. noted a few things ished with 186 yards ment, they were no Despite the under- he found encourag- on 30 carries, two of Last season match for the Gee- whelming numbers, ing about Maracle’s which went for touchdid not go as planned Gees. his return was a sight game. “There were downs. for the University of Kicker Zach- for sore eyes. The a couple times in Bellefeuille Ottawa Gee-Gees. ary Copeland got the Gee-Gees have not the game where he agreed that Asselin After throwing for scoring started early, had Maracle under just took off and ran, was eclipsing their four completions on drilling a field goal centre for a full game and ran the ball hard expectations this four passes — in- from 34 yards right in November 2022. without any consid- season, while adding cluding a touchdown down the middle of “When some- eration for his previ- they knew he was — in their season the uprights on the one hasn’t played ous injury … also to a very strong playopener Aug. 27, Gee-Gees first drive. in about 370 days see the difference er. “He’s seeing the 2023, their star quar- He would hit from 47 and had very limited in terms of how he field very well, he’s terback Ben Maracle on their next drive practice time during played from the first making people miss, left the game with an and ended up fin- the rehab, it’s going half to the second he’s playing within injured right leg. ishing 4-of-5 on the to take a little bit to half as he got com- the scheme,” noting The Tyendi- day. The Gee-Gees come back,” said fortable.” that having the entire naga, O.N. native would ultimately be ruled out for the season and didn’t make his way back onto the gridiron until this past Saturday — more than a full year after exiting the field during last year’s fateful season opener.

Maracle was not quite back to 100 per cent for the GeeGees season opener against the powerhouse Western Mustangs this year, and instead was eased Ben Maracle returned after a 370 day absence from the Saturday. Photo: Charles Fortin/Gee-Gees back in against York, would ultimately Gee-Gees head It was bell- offensive line coming who failed to record a cruise to a 27-4 win coach Marcel Belle- cow running back back from last year win last season. York against the new-look feuille. “It was excit- Charles Asselin who is a huge bonus for brought in an entirely program. ing to see him out provided most of the team’s running new coaching staff M a r a c l e there, because it’s the offence for the game. this season led by shook off some ear- gotta start some- Gees. The 2022 “[Asselin] is Dexter Janke, and ly game rust to fin- where, right?”

OUA All-Rookie on a monster pace though they showed ish with 130 yards B e l l e f e u i l l e Team member fin- right now … we ex-

Andrew Wilimek

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pect him to continue defensive tackle Ri- ously. “When I was Nicolas Dion picked patient with someto get better too, be- ley Hildebrant, who in the CFL, we would up his first career body like [Maracle] after … when your decause if you ask him served as one of the do that in the middle interception there’s some things two fullbacks lined of the field to see checking into a drive fence is playing good he felt he could do a up in front of Asselin. if defences would during the third quar- you have that opbit better as well.”

Asselin used the match our person- ter, and the Gee- portunity where you Asselin’s first blocks to sail all the nel, or maybe be soft Gees sacked Lions don’t have to rush or Matt push things.” touchdown came way into the Lions in the secondary or quarterback The Geegive us opportunities Linn three times for off a fake quarter- endzone.

Gees will visit WaB e l l e f e u i l l e down the field … that 24 yards. back sneak on the “It’s important terloo this coming 1-yard line, but the noted the Gee-Gees was something that second was much have used defensive we wanted to do and to see them clicking Saturday, who were early in the season, blown out 71-3 by more intriguing. On players on the oth- test defences.”

On defence, especially consider- the aforementioned the 27-yard line, the er side of the ball in Gee-Gees lined up certain situations, Marc Djonay Ron- ing [the defence] is a Mustangs this weekwith three defensive but that it had always deau blocked a punt very veteran group,” end. The game will players in their per- been saved for goal during the first quar- said Bellefeuille. “It be streamed for free sonnel, including line offence previ- ter, defensive back allows us to be more on OUA.TV.

Gee-Gees Soccer: Women leave first loss behind and show up against TMU Gee-Gees now tied with Nipissing for first in division Within the cohesive play. Mayfirst half, the aggres- be the frustration sion between both from the blue and The U of O teams could be spot- gold team was rubwomen’s soccer ted from miles away, bing off, but the conteam played against and the desperation nection for which Otthe Toronto Met- to score the first tawa is famous was ropolitan Universi- goal of the match disappearing before ty (TMU) Bold this was seen across the our eyes; balls were Photo: Tim Austen/Gee-Gees past Sunday. The Gee-Gees’ faces. up in the air, and with match. However, the Gee-Gees, who are Fourth-year passes were left to comfortable each other.” spectators could noranked second na- Ottawa defender be intercepted. Due This was ab- tice the tension betionally, secured a Maya Smith scored to the game’s physivictory after losing the first two goals cality, numerous calls solutely proved right tween the Bold and their first game of the of the game. “It felt were made, yet TMU by the third goal for Ottawa’s audience, season the day pri- great,” said Smith lacked the benefit of the Gee-Gees, which who encouraged the or to the University postgame. “I’m not the multiple calls that came right at the be- lack of calls in favour of Toronto. Ottawa usually one to score, were made in favour ginning of the second of the Bold.

After a comlocked in their win so getting two to- of the team from our half by Matsukubo, who just minutes lat- petitive weekend with four goals and day felt really good, country’s capital. er assisted Cassanhosted by the Geea powerful perfor- especially after the In the second Gees, they are tied dra Provost to score mance by a Allana loss.” half of the game, U Oriente.

H o w e v e r , of O cleared them- the last goal for the with this Friday’s riThe game as time passed and selves of any frus- team, and Provost’s val, Nipissing, for the started with the U of TMU struggled to tration they had dis- seventh goal of the top spot on the OUA East leaderboard.

O offence applying make any progress played 15 minutes season.

The Bold at- Friday’s game is at 7 pressure right off the on the way to the before. “Coming off tempted to equal the p.m. at Matt Anthony bat, showcasing their Gee-Gee’s goal, the loss, we were score, but Natalie Field; tickets are 7$ strong offence and desperation and tense and a bit nerscored and with that comes impressive speed frustration were in- vous,” noted Smith. Moynihan just one goal, end- an evening of comwith both their wings, creasing.

“Definitely stepping ing the goal fever for petitive soccer seOriente and Jenna O t t a w a up into the second Matsukubo. seemed to lose its half, we were more the remainder of the cured.

Ana Sofia de la Parra

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SCIENCES

University of Ottawa’s iGEM bio-hacking the future THE CLUB’S SUBMISSION FOR PARIS 2024 REVOLVES AROUND A PLANT-BASED OZEMPIC

they are changing search group and all living systems and of the most promthe way we approach the exciting things organisms, synthet- inent platforms for Hold on to medicine, research, they have planned ic biology is a mul- young engineers and your lab goggles, be- and even space for the year. tidisciplinary field of scientists to present cause the University exploration. Not to study that aims to ei- their synthetic bioloof Ottawa’s Interna- mention, they’re tak- Biology Meets In- ther create new bio- gy research. tional Genetically ing their skills to the novation: Synthetic logical components, For the unEngineered Machine international level. Biology tools, and systems initiated, iGEM rep(iGEM) club is do- That’s right, Paris, “A lot of peo- or modify naturally resents the pinnacle ing something you’d here they come! ple hear synthetic occurring systems. of synthetic biology never expect. These C o - p r e s i - biology, they don’t exploration. Students bio-innovators are dents Teagan Thom- know what that What’s iGEM All from institutions all growing Ozempic in as and Victor Boddy, means, or what it About? over the world come plants. both fourth-year stu- entails,” shared TeaiGEM, origi- together to apply creThis group dents in biomedical gan. Let’s start with nally established as ativity, engineering,

Basant Chawla

Teagan Thomas and Victor Boddy, fourth-year students studying biomedical sciences and biotechnology, and co-presidents of iGEM sat down with the Fulcrum to talk about their ideas for the upcoming year. Photo: iGEM/Provided

of individuals in syn- sciences and bio- the basics: synthetic a course at the Mas- and biology to tackthetic biology isn’t technology, sat down biology. Combining sachusetts Institute le real-world issues. just playing around with the Fulcrum to engineering princi- of Technology, has And let’s just say, the in the lab; rather, talk about their re- ples with a focus on developed into one iGEM team at the

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University of Ottawa world that are go- a national scarcity, plants. This ground- the next generation isn’t playing it small ing. So it’s a really depriving diabetics breaking approach of scientists. this year. “We’re ex- big conference, and of their prescribed could be a long-term cited to compete,” we’re super excited medication. fix for the scarcity of Thomas and Boddy Thomas told the Ful- to have the oppor“We were in- weight-loss drugs are focused on buildcrum. tunity to go,” said spired by the recent being manufactured ing a lasting legacy Thomas.

Coming Ozempic shortage,” in the future. for iGEM at the U of Paris-Bound for the together with more Thomas explained.

O. “We’re really try2024 Grand Jambo- than 400 teams from The team’s goal is iGEM’s Outreach ing to build and foster ree 50 countries, this is essentially to find a Mission a long-winded histoLet’s not bury the science Olym- way to grow the drug That said, ry of iGEM at [the U the lead, though. pics, and the Univer- using eco-friend- synthetic biology in- of O],” said Thomas. iGEM is flying to Par- sity of Ottawa’s team ly synthetic biology volves more than “Future members get is! In preparation for will be ready to show methods. just lab research. to look forward to the the 2024 Grand Jam- off their expertise in T h o m a s iGEM is committed jamboree.” boree, a large inter- synthetic biology. broke down their to science educaIn an effort to national competition The Phytogene process: “We basi- tion and outreach, draw in new memwhere teams from all Project cally found the DNA bringing science to bers, iGEM is curover the world showWhat is iGEM transcript for Ozem- all ages. “We’re very rently planning an case their research, now working on, pic, and we put that passionate about open house for Nomingle with leading then? Meet Phyto- inside of bacteria, spreading synthetic vember. They want scientists, and show- gene, a project that which then multiply biology awareness you to get involved, case their insane tal- sprang from desper- that transcript, and and just kind of ed- whether you’re inents in synthetic biol- ation after Canada’s then we put that tran- ucating the public on terested in science ogy, they are packing recent Ozempic (a script in plants. So, it, since it’s kind of a or you’re a future biup their petri dishes semaglutide weight- it’s kind of a novel newer field,” Thomas ologist. “We’ll have and plant-growing loss drug) shortfall. thing that we’ve been said. The team has lots of information Ozempic experi- After becoming pop- investigating—using been quite active in for prospective stuments. ular as a weight-loss eco-friendly synthe- retirement homes, dents, as well as “I think medication, Ozem- sis methods.” summer camps, and plenty of events and there’s around 435 pic, which originally Simply put, soon, high schools opportunities for confirmed teams was created for type the team is mak- and libraries. They new recruits,” Victor from around the 2 diabetes, caused ing Ozempic from would love to inspire shared.

Where stethoscopes meet spreadsheets Experts are revolutionizing the way medical services function at the intersection of business and healthcare. search centers, and public health initiaThe healthtives depend heavily care system is trying on the effective and to keep up with the seamless operation aging of the baby of healthcare manboomer generation agement. Because and their longer life of this, jobs that span. The effectivecombine expertise in ness of healthcare business and medisystems depends on cine are proliferating. the people who work M i r a n d a behind the scenes to Wong, a fourth-year ensure quality care. student studying Jobs that combine expertise in business and medicine are proliferating. Image: Freepik/Stock Photo The need for skilled healthcare analytprofessionals who business procedures the healthcare indusToday’s med- ics and co-president can manage complex is growing along with try’s expansion. ical facilities, re- of the University of

Basant Chawla

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Ottawa’s Business agement, and mak- improve their pro- and get equipment which I don’t have Healthcare Soci- ing sure the hospital cedures, increase and material to the right now,” Wong ety (BHS), spoke to complies with all le- profits, and reduce final destination the said, reflecting on the Fulcrum about gal obligations. expenses.

Health- fastest,” Wong men- her experience with her perspectives on The Chief care consultants, tioned. healthcare-related important positions Financial Officer as opposed to busiH e a l t h c a r e projects and her amwithin healthcare (CFO) of a hospital ness consultants, management entails bitions for furthering management. In or- is in charge of en- operate in health- a variety of important her career. der to improve sys- suring that a hospital care environments abilities required for As Wong’s tem efficiency, Wong or hospital system such as hospitals, healthcare workers experience indicates, highlights the signif- performs as cost-ef- private practices, to efficiently over- healthcare manicance of creating fectively as possible, doctors’ offices, and see medical, nurs- agement provides a balance between with salaries ranging rehabilitation clinics. ing, or public health a number of profesbusiness and health- from $180,000 to Organizations seek resources while also sional opportunities. care. $250,000. help from healthcare achieving goals in- She touched on how The adoption A Chief In- consultants when tended for improving her experience as of business concepts formation Officer they have a prob- population health co-president of BHS in healthcare has re- (CIO) of a health- lem to solve or need and healthcare sys- influenced her career sulted in increased care organization, to make improve- tems. These skills objectives by offering cost management with salaries be- ments within the include planning, imperative networkand patient out- tween $160,000 and firm. The consultant organizing, imple- ing and leadership comes. Healthcare $220,000 is a grow- who earns general- menting, and moni- opportunities. firms, for example, ing role due to the ly around $120,000 toring and evaluating “As long as commonly use busi- IT issues that hospi- may study data and (M&E). you get experience ness models such as tals and other health research potential “Statisticians, doing something, it is Lean or Six Sigma to organizations face. problems in order to the ones that record relevant. Job opporminimize waste and Rather than merely suggest solutions. public determinants tunities are very slim, guarantee that re- providing software M i r a n d a of health data, be- so I kind of just had sources are used ef- and technical assis- Wong discussed her cause this data is to take what I could ficiently. “Gathering tance, the CIO must opinions on different put on, for example, get,” Wong advised data and then apply- also provide strate- roles when asked to Health Canada, and those interested in ing some statistical gic business lead- discuss an import- it can be used for entering the field. techniques to group ership and oversee ant career in health- forecasting,” Wong the data and come the collection, man- care management. explained. She also up with a summary, agement, safety, and “Healthcare consult- explained how the and then use that for privacy of patient ing, because that, I use of data can help improving policies or health records. Em- think that’s very rel- improve healthcare disease prevention,” ploying a CIO who evant with startups delivery, drawing on describes Wong.. is knowledgeable and it’s very health- her personal knowlThe salary about IT security is care and business edge with analytics of a hospital admin- vital given the ev- related,” she said. courses such as istrator is typically er-present concerns Wong pointed out ADM4363 Business around $120,000. of cyber attacks and the need of statis- Optimization AnalytHospital adminis- patient data breach- ticians and optimi- ics at the U of O. trators are crucial es. They must also zation specialists in While purto the provision and be accountable for streamlining health- suing a degree in operation of medical creating and imple- care processes and healthcare analytservices at a hospi- menting information predicting patient ics, Wong reiterated tal. They’re respon- systems architec- care needs. “In the the need of learning sible for day to day ture. healthcare industry, technical skills. “Emoperations of a hosH e a l t h c a r e efficiencies need to ployers wanted me pital, which includes consultants, much be prioritized to, for to have lots of expepersonnel manage- like business con- example, limit wait rience in coding lanment, financial man- sultants, help firms times at hospitals guages like Python,

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OPINIONS

Student card integration is good — but virtual cards are better Phone tapping has become a way of life

stop at combining even remember the vigilant about losing glitch between your the student card and last time I used a pa- your hundred-dollar phone and the tap For the first U-Pass into a single, per boarding pass on phone than a plastic machines on the time, the University flimsy, plastic card? the VIA Rail home. card that can be re- bus (because there of Ottawa has inte- All of your important Not to mention you placed at a cost of always is one)? Or grated your U-Pass university identifica- can even add your around $20 and the if your phone simply transit card with your tion should be solely PRESTO cards to most incriminating dies because the batstudent card this virtual. your Apple and An- photo you will ever tery is five years old? year. This means Using your droid virtual wallets! take. Virtual student Or if you straight up no more losing your mobile device for W e ’ v e identification is the just want the physiU-Pass immediate- identification purpos- reached a point natural next step in cal cards back? ly after you tap it, or es has become the where nearly every- incorporating techThen here’s having to wait in the new norm — you or one has a smart- nology into meaning- the excellent part: you should be given a choice. Students who still want physical cards should still have the means to upload photos and hold onto their ID cards, for whatever reason they wish.

The university can survey students to properly hear their opinions, and properly re-allocate the number of staff and materials needed for the set-up. Imagine having a virtuPhoto: Amira Benjamin/Fulcrum al student card for simplicity’s sake, but UCU to take pictures someone you might phone, and it is near ful student life. The still holding onto your so ugly they don’t know probably has impossible to func- University of New two-in-one combo even look like your- a photo of their tion without one, Brunswick and Sher- card as a back-up! self (or do they…?). passport or driv- even as a student. idan College were The U of O It’s a great er’s licence in their You can’t even ac- the first Canadian in- has a great opporbut long overdue ‘Favourites’ folder. cess your student stitutions to use Ap- tunity on its hands step, combining the Starting in 2021, you email or Brightspace ple Wallet IDs back to implement such two most import- could access your portal without that in 2021. convenient technoloant plastic cards of vaccination records pesky Microsoft auBut wait — gy for its students — your university ex- from your Apple thentication (which are we sure about now it’s just a matter perience (aside from Wallet, a move that is protecting us from virtual student of them actually lisyour debit cards) into further supported who exactly?). cards? What hap- tening to them. one. But let’s push contactless transacNot to men- pens if someone’s the conversation a tions at the height of tion that you’re also phone is stolen? Or step further. Why the pandemic. I can’t probably much more there’s a technical

Amira Benjamin

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UOSU’s Executive Oversight Committee is broken. We need to fix it.

Overworked, under-resources, and overlooked — the EOC needs to change for the better we think.

Union, despite being or the work being of EOC and other To fix a prob- arguably the most deprioritized, EOC Board committees, The Universi- lem, we need to important. It has no members reasonably monthly committee ty of Ottawa Student understand it. The budget, and there not wanting to add reports are available Union (UOSU) is an problem with EOC are no assistants or to their workload, or here; committees are organization with a right now is fairly sim- deputies to help, and the Executive not where most of the lot of promise and ple: the Executives there isn’t even an trusting EOC to do work of the Board problems.

These hold all the cards, EOC email. their job, so issues happens, and until problems are often and the EOC cannot On one side, aren’t mentioned to they are accountable talked about and de- be reasonably ex- you have the Execu- the committee. This to students nothing bated ad nauseum; pected to keep up. tives who work in an leads to tension, dis- will change. low engagement, at What do I mean by office, get paid, and trust, and a breakWe need times questionable this? Well, the Exec- reasonably expect down in EOC’s abil- our executives to be transparency, and utive as elected (or that their requests ity to function. And overseen compemore. But one of its more often than I’d — even if those re- when EOC breaks tently, and the Exlargest, and most liked, hired) officials quests themselves down, the result can ecutive Committee overlooked, prob- are only account- were absurd or out of be (and has been) di- wants to be overseen lems is hidden in the able to the Member- the scope of EOC — sastrous. and supported by minutiae of the day- ship who, by proxy, be dealt with promptBut it doesn’t the EOC. Our union to-day operations of is made manifest ly. This comes es- have to be this way needs a transparent, the Union — the sys- through the BOD and pecially as many of — we must fix EOC and disciplined extem for oversight of EOC. UOSU Human the executives do and empower them. ecutive, less drama our Union’s Execu- Resources staff are important and mean- Currently, Board and more action. But tive Office is broken. not responsible, and ingful work, with members cannot re- our union also needs I would know cannot discipline Ex- many of themselves ceive any remunera- executives who are — I’ve been on the ecutives, or deal with being overworked tion for their work, but supported, who feel Board of Directors their issues — that and frustrated.

I have long proposed like they can trust (BOD) for UOSU for is solely the role of On the oth- giving the EOC co- the people meant to more than a year EOC. er side, the EOC is chairs an honorarium oversee them, and now, as both a memEOC is made unpaid and unre- or stipend for their who are happy at ber and co-chair of up of five or few- sourced, reasonably work. This would in- their jobs. Until we the Executive Over- er volunteer Board becomes frustrated, centivize and reward have that, and a resight Committee members, where- overworked, and the co-chairs for their formed EOC is a key (EOC). The current as the Executive is burnt out. Thus, un- work, which at times part of the solution, system for transpar- made up of seven or able to deal with the can border on part- the same issues the ency and honesty in fewer full-time staff, myriad of requests, time jobs, as well Fulcrum has been our executive office many of whom have demands, and ex- as allow them to de- reporting on for derelies on the quali- assistants. EOC is pectations. vote more time to the cades will keep hapty of our executive, tasked with dealing This creates committee. pening. the thankless unre- with their time off, a situation where isEOC should warded overworking timesheets, accom- sues, such as exec- also be given an of Board members, modation requests, utive misconduct or email, something and blind trust. It is inter-executive con- inter-office disputes, that is already in the not a system built flict, and executive are either being han- works. This means with checks and bal- discipline, all while dled by overworked that communication ances in case some- being given next to EOC members, or can be centralized thing goes wrong. no resources. in the worst case not to one email, ensurWe need to fix EOC Since it is run handled at all. This ing continuity beif we want our Union by Directors and not can be the result of tween terms. Finalto work. Luckily, the an Executive, EOC is the EOC not getting ly, regular students solution might be the least-resourced around to it due to should start paying more obvious than committee in the being overwhelmed attention to the work

James Adair

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OC Transpo is falling apart – How council wants to fix it won’t work Fare hikes and transit cuts are threatening students — and won’t do much to keep OC Transpo out of its woes

vicious cycle. pacity, the problem is ented. idents that they keep A huge part of spelt out right there.

But mention being late to appointAs students the problem comes It is all about put- any of these solu- ments, to work, to head back to classes, from how much rider- ting the system on tions to the city coun- school. It isn’t conOC Transpo has pre- ship has fallen since life support, instead cil, and you might as sidered how resipared some, shall we the shutdowns of the of considering how well have committed dents are harmed by say, interesting ways COVID-19 pandem- making the system blasphemy in a 16th having to pay more to greet students ic. It still remains well more frequent, more century pioneer vil- to use a vehicle, back onto the net- below pre-COVID reliable could attract lage. The mayor has pay for parking, pay work. Frequency on levels, with LRT rid- more people to use made it a priority to for gas, get stuck in the O-Train has been ership being particu- it. keep tax increas- worsening traffic, nor cut down from a train larly bad. This brings This is a par- es low, only recom- how good, reliable every five minutes to down a key source of ticularly dangerous mending an increase transit helps boost a train every 10 min- revenue for the net- way of thinking be- of 2.9 per cent across development and the utes during off-peak work, which is tran- cause it creates what the board and keep- economies of cities. hours, which the city sit fares themselves. is known as a transit ing a transit levy hike U l t i m a t e l y, considers between 9 The provincial fare death spiral. Rider- to no further than the mayor and couna.m. and 3 p.m., and average provides ship is low, money 37 per cent (which cil face a choice: eifrom 6:30-11p.m. Not around a third of rev- gets tight, so the would represent a ther they can work only that, but staff enue but in Ottawa it fares are jacked up growth of 7 per cent to boost transit in have been out en only accounts for 19 and service is cut. on tax bills). Council- the city and make a masse conducting a per cent of revenue. That leads to worse lors from more rural worthwhile investfare compliance blitz This pro- service, less rider- and suburban wards ment into a public through the month of vokes a knee-jerk re- ship, money gets of the city will say good, or they can September. action to find ways to tighter, and so the These ac- economize within the fares go up again; tions aren’t random system, including the service is slashed events just to spice frequency reduction even more, and it up your commutes on the O-Train and keeps on going on — they all stem from the fare blitz. And in and on, down and a mentality of fiscal the 2025 budget di- down. weariness that per- rections, there are And it’s not meates transit plan- proposals to raise like there aren’t ning in this city, born fares by as much as any other funding from the fact that the 75 per cent, further streams the city Transit budget is in a cuts to the system, could consider. Propdire state. City staff or deferrals of capital erty taxes have been OC Transpo is trying new strategies, but nothing is sticking. Photo: Amira Benjamin/Fulcrum are projecting a $25 investments. kept well below the million deficit and But do you rate of inflation and how they fear taxing continue to neglect are anticipating the see something wrong that of other Cana- too high will be ask- the system and fall 2025 deficit to be as here? All of these dian cities. The city ing too much of res- into the transit death high as $120 million, proposals, while has also spent co- idents facing a cost- spiral. a financial bullet that helping the bottom pious amounts of of-living crisis.

For now, to has to be dealt with. line, work to make money on new road What fails everyone who still But this Scrooge- the quality of OC expansions and fi- to be mentioned is uses transit: brace like way of address- Transpo worse and nancing new sub- whether the city is yourselves; we’re ing budget concerns drive people away urban construction asking too much of still in for a bumpy will put customers in from the system. instead of dense, ef- transit riders by mak- ride. the line of fire, and Even with LRT cuts ficient developments ing them pay higher threaten to plunge supposedly helping that could also serve and higher fares, or OC Transpo into a maintain current ca- as being transit-ori- whether it hurts res-

Cédrik Desjardins

THEFULCRUM.CA

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T MAT

Prof hosts class in O-Train, causes delay JUST AN AVERAGE DAY AT THE UOTTAWA LRT STATION “The univer- enter the train car for sity didn’t assign class were shoved A U of O pro- me a classroom so around until they fessor has come un- I took matters into made it into the train, der fire from city res- my own hands,” said but found out too idents and students Axel, who teach- late that they were alike for hosting his es first-year engi- supposed to be on class in an O-Train neering courses. “In the westbound Blair car, causing a dom- fact, I still don’t. The platform, and rode to ino effect of delays O-Train shows up— Tunney’s Pasture.

Photo: Rame Abdulkader/Fulcrum Archives for commuters. Pro- well sometimes—so S t i t t s v i l l e just to get stuck on out a following class fessor Braughken I figured that would resident and firstthe train and had email with icebreakAxel, of the engi- be better than noth- year mechanical to get off at Hurd- ers as bonus points neering faculty, sent ing.” engineering student man,” said a dis- for the student who out an email to his Unfortunate- Shirley S. Tuck has gruntled S.Tuck. “No missed. “I thought ENG1104 students ly, many witnesses an average camten minutes one would move so the on Aug. 31 to inform describe a “chaotic pus commute of two I couldn’t get out. during peak periods them that the first scene” at around 8 hours. But it took Then I had to wait would be enough week of classes will a.m. at the uOttawa S.Tuck over three another 20 minutes time for students to be held in the O-Train station, as over 300 hours to get to the because of the de- get to class,” he said. car; he did not spec- students enrolled in uOttawa station on “Maybe building a lay.” ify which car, but did ENG1104 tried to Tuesday morning.

Axel regrets couple extra trains confirm that class enter the same train “I went the inconvenience can give us more would begin at 8:30 car at the same time. through all of that he caused for his space for learning.” a.m on Tuesday.

Students trying to effort to get to class, students, and sent

Amira Benjamin

Weed coming to convenience stores in April “This treats the province’s citizens like adults by giving them the ability to choose what is right for their body.”

ternoon at a press “This treats sense to the gov- to trust his adminisconference in Eto- the province’s citi- ernment, given that tration with handling Following the bicoke.

Speaking zens like adults by the province has al- the financials. success of the On- about the decision, giving them the abil- ready entered into When Ford tario government’s the premier noted ity to choose what is an agreement to was asked by a reintroduction of alco- that ready-to-smoke right for their body,” give a select group porter if the move hol to convenience marijuana — also argued Ford when of cannabis retailers was in part motivated stores in the prov- known as joints — asked by reporters — including Canna by a personal wish ince, Premier Doug and edible marijuana what effect the de- Cabana and Tokyo of obtaining cannaFord has announced gummies and choco- cision will have on Smoke — a monop- bis more readily, he they will also be able late will be available public health. oly on selling weed fired back, saying to sell cannabis start- for purchase inside R e p o r t e r s through storefronts. “I’ve got more than ing in April. convenience stores continued to press Ford listed his years enough to smoke The surprise starting April 20, Ford on how the of experience in the at home, thank you move was made 2025. move made financial industry as reasons very much.” public Thursday af-

Andrew Wilimek

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thefulcrum.ca

DEAR DI How do I stop doomscrolling?

A PHONE ISN’T ALWAYS A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND Di Daniels Dear Di, I spent all summer doomscrolling. While my classmates were vacationing in Europe or spending time with family, I got up close and personal with my Twitter (or X, whatever you call it) feed.

At first, I was concerned about all the terrible shit going on in the world: wars, climate disasters, transphobia, legislation that I didn’t even know getting rolled back! It’s all too much…but I can’t stop. How do I learn to break up with my phone, while still being informed?

— Chronically Online Hey CO — First of all, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed — information overload is real and it’s painful (and this is coming from an all-knowing columnist). But chronic doomscrolling has been associated with anxiety and stress, and could potentially worsen your mental health. But it’s important to stop and course-correct while you realize that you have a problem.

In fact, doomscrolling could reinforce the doubts and worries about the world you might already be holding onto. But do not fret! You can still maintain a healthy relationship with your phone and care for the crises of the world.

For starters, you can delete the apps that give you stress the most. If you’re worried about not receiving 500 Instagram reels a day from your bestie, just tell them you’re taking a social media break and ask them to text you silly ones instead. This way, you can still stay in contact, and still get spammed.

You can also change where you find your news. Do you find new things through TikTok breakdowns or niche Twitter/X threads? You should probably stick to a non-paywalled news outlet that’s a bit more reputable, or follow a couple of documented journalists on your platform of choice. This will allow you to gain information straight from the source.

But make sure you practice recognizing your feelings, especially when you start to feel yourself getting upset or too worked up over something outside of your control. This is a good tip to help you dis-engage with any unhealthy habit. Once you’ve learnt what’s setting you off, you can confront it in a safe manner.

Logging off with love, Di

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MEDIA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Keelan Buck

University Representative Bhanu Bhakta Acharya

Contributor Representative Student RepresentativeS

Emma Godmere

Gabrielle Douglas Nina Oliveira Agape Williams

Secretary

Community Representative

Treasurer

Executive Director

Ria Kunkulol

22

Kavi Vidya Achar Andrew Wilimek

Siena Domaradzki-Kim

ChaiR & CONTINUITY Representative Devin Beauregard

Editors-in-chief

Ryan Pistorius

Simon Coakeley

If you are interested in joining our Board of Directors, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact president@thefulcrum.ca for more information. thefulcrum.ca