Volume 85. Issue 2

VOLUME 85 ISSUE 2 VOLUME 83 ISSUE 3

VOLUME 84, ISSUE 6

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OCTOBER 2024 I

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EDITORIAL STAFF Editors-in-chief

Kavi “Virus from 3 Idiots” Vidya Achar Andrew “Alan from The Hangover” Wilimek

managing director

news 2

pp.3. University of Ottawa professors allege attempted interference over Taiwanese security trip pp.4. UOSU fall by-election sees 8.47% turnout, seven board members elected pp.5. University of Ottawa President Frémont to leave a year early: A look back on his work in the role

ARTS

visuals director

pp.8. Getting to know campus with photography pp.10. The Indigenous Students Association: fostering community and advocacy on campus

news Editor

SPORTS

Sydney “Corpse Bride” Grenier Kai “‘Into the Woods’ Stage Boyfriend” Holub Bridget “Ladybug” Coady

News Writer

Isabelle “Hunter” Jay

Arts & Culture Editor

Daniel “Red Pikmin” Jones

SportS Writers

Ana “Lightning McQueen” Sofia de la Parra Liam “Steve Irwin” Corbett

Business, Science & Tech Editor Basant “Tate Mcrae” Chawla

opinions/features editor

Amira “Raven from Teen Titans” Benjamin

Staff Writers

Marjan “Jim Morrison” Massoom Fejiro “Ninja from The Hidden Rain” Mejire

Broadcast Editor

Azeeza “Cat” Kagzi

Online Editor

Ayai “Spider-Man” Offor

videographer

Pavel “Early-Bird” Nangfack

pp.11. Gee-Gees Football: Gee-Gees humble U of T; secure playoff position pp.12. Gee-Gees Basketball: Men begin season with electric win over Windsor pp.14. Gee-Gees Rugby: Men outclass Redbirds in RSEQ semi-finals.

SCIENCES pp.15. TikTok as a lullaby: The impact of tech on sleep pp.16. U of O Entrepreneurs: Carly Fox of Carly Fox Disability Advocacy

FEATURES pp.19. Chaos in the Clubs: A look at the club funding crisis

OPINIONS pp.22. The looming threat of Trumpism — and what it means for Canada pp.23. You should care about the news, actually. pp.25. The Curious Case of Benjamin Books: A love letter to an institution

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NEWS

University of Ottawa professors allege attempted interference over Taiwanese security trip University of Ottawa professors face backlash from the Chinese embassy over their attendance of a security forum hosted by the Taiwanese government

reportedly arranged encing interference to the Fulcrum that there is only one Chimeetings with the from the Chinese following their rejec- na, including Taiwan Two academ- University of Ottawa government over a tion of martial law, within their territory, ic staff members of and filed an objection conference in Tai- the Republic of Chi- highlighting that any the University of Ot- with Global Affairs wan, the Fulcrum in- na (commonly known countries engaged in tawa, professor Ro- Canada after their terviewed professor as Taiwan), has been diplomatic relations land Paris, and direc- visit. Paris told the André Laliberté, the a democratic society with China must rector of the Information Globe and Mail that Integrity Lab, Jenni- “the university ‘comfer Irish, reported at- pletely has my back’” tempted intimidation adding that he sees from the Chinese the Chinese Governembassy in regards ment’s behaviour as to their recent busi- “largely performaness trip to Taiwan. tive”.

Both Paris Attemped and Irish were invit- Chinese interferenced as panellists to es are a recurring the Ketagalan Fo- topic in U of O news rum in late August and international reon Indo-Pacific se- lations. In November curity; Paris, being 2022, U of O presthe director of the ident and vice-pro- The Chinese embassy, located on St. Patrick Street in Ottawa. Photo: Simon Pulsifer, licenced under CC 3.0 Graduate School of vost, Jacques chair in research on since the 1980s. De- ognize their sole auPublic and Interna- Frémont, apologized Taiwanese studies at spite breaking away thority over the entire tional Affairs at the U on behalf of the Uni- the University of Ot- from the People’s territory. of O, was invited to versity of Ottawa for tawa.

Republic of China Laliberté rea talk on the securi- blocking the media Laliberté de- (commonly known marked that ‘‘the ty forum, while Irish from documenting a scribed the Chinese as China), Taiwan’s position of the Canacontributed to the speech by the Am- embassy’s involve- recognition as a sov- dian government is protection of digital bassador from the ment as “indecent” ereign state from the that they do not want democracy talk.

People’s Republic and praised his col- international commu- to antagonize China, Irish told of China when he leagues for avoiding nity has not yet been so they will respect the Globe and Mail spoke on campus. confrontation. “The validated. the will of their govin September that In his statement fol- principle of academic Even if there ernment to not enter the Embassy of the lowing the incident freedom dictates that is a tangible reality into diplomatic relaPeople’s Republic of Frémont admitted: we are free to decide of two sovereign en- tions with Taiwan, but China in Canada had “We should have with whom we want tities, Taiwan’s rec- nevertheless engage attempted to person- done better to pro- to work,” said Lalib- ognition within the in substantive relaally contact her prior tect the freedom of erté, “It’s not govern- United Nations is tions with it — trade to the August confer- the press.” ment to government unlikely as long as relations, cultural reence.

To under- relations, it’s private the current Chinese lations, and treaties In the case stand the context of entities.” government — the addressing pragmatof Paris, the Chi- why Canadian proLaliberté con- Chinese Communist ic issues.’ nese embassy had fessors are experi- tinued by explaining Party — claims that When asked

Isabelle Jay

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if this could impact tending school with ed that “if anything for comment by the representing China.

China’s This is a universal the relations of Uni- interest on learning we will increase ex- Fulcrum, versity of Ottawa’s what a democracy is, changes, encourag- embassy — located consensus of the instudents, Laliberté “despite their home ing [members of] the in Ottawa — replied ternational communianswered “I warmly countries dissuading University of Ottawa “there is only one ty and a recognized welcome students their studies.” to go to Taiwanese China in the world. basic norm for state On a larger universities, and Taiwan is a part of relations. One-China coming from China, of course” citing that scale, when asked we will encourage China, and the gov- principle is the funwithin his career he if this event could [members] from Tai- ernment of the Peo- damental principle could recall many fracture relations wanese universities ple’s Republic of for handling the TaiChina is the only le- wan issue.” instances of inter- between institutions, to come here.” national students at- Laliberté commentWhen asked gitimate government

UOSU fall by-election sees 8.47% turnout, seven board members elected Three new members to join executive committee in November Executive CommitAll races for full time. With that in with 60 per cent of tee positions on the ex- mind, commission- the vote to Legare’s After seven The execu- ecutive committee ers must be part-time 36.7 per cent. days — two more tive committee will were uncontested. students unless they In addition than anticipated — be filled out by three All candidates were are international stu- to Azzi, three other the University of new members. Anne elected with similar dents or are enrolled members of the BOD Ottawa Students’ Hyppolite will be- levels of approv- in faculties which do were elected. The Union by-elections come the communi- al and disapproval. not permit part-time BOD as a whole is have concluded with cations commission- Hyppolite received study. made up of the ex8.47% turnout, the er; Alex Stratas the 64.6 per cent apecutive committee most all time for a advocacy commis- proval, Stratas 69.1 Board of Directors and up to 23 other

Andrew Wilimek

Image: UOSU/Provided

by-election in the sioner; and Emilia per cent, and Bah Despite a members who repreunion’s short history. Bah the student life 67.5 per cent. crowded ballot over- sent their respective Three members are commissioner — The mem- all, just one race was faculties by voting on set to join the union’s pending ratification bers of the execu- contested. The single motions at monthly executive commit- by the elections com- tive committee, while seat on the BOD for board meetings and tee, four are set to mittee, the BOD, and holding seats on the the faculty of medi- holding positions on join the Board of Di- finally undergraduate BOD, are also in cine had two can- various committees. rectors (BOD), and students at the UO- charge of the day- didates, Jean-Paul Only members of the one will join the Uni- SU’s general assem- to-day operations of Azzi and Xavier Le- candidate’s respecversity Senate. bly. the union and work gare. Azzi prevailed tive faculties were

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permitted to vote on date for the single program. It asked a by-election was direct the activities their representatives. vacancy. Chao was to them to vote on 7.7% a year ago. of the UOSU can In an uncon- elected with 70.5 per recognizing and General elections, be submitted by and tested race, the three cent of the vote. funding the Associ- which take place voted upon by any vacancies in the facation étudiante du in the spring, have undergraduate stuulty of science had Referendum & Uni- Programme de droit seen higher turnout dent at the AGA. The three candidates: versity Senate canadien (AssoP- three times: 2019 (16 assembly is set to Moveen Galathure, The health DC). The question per cent), 2020 (12.4 be held no later than Ibrahim Ghani, and sciences seat on the passed, 31-1, and a per cent), and 2022 Nov. 30.

Ahmed Mohamed. University Senate levy of $20 per se- (8.5 per cent).

After an isAll received enough had two candidates: mester for students This year, the sue was discovered votes to be elected, Colton Chaput and enrolled in the pro- UOSU piloted in-per- that limited the abilwith 66.2 per cent, Fred Rugria. Chaput gram passed 29-4. son voting, both ity of co-op students 44.1 per cent, and edged out Rugria by outside their office to vote, UOSU al45.2 per cent of the just four votes; 43.3 By-Election Logis- in the UCU and out- lowed two extra days vote, respectively. per cent to 42.2 per tics side the dining hall. of voting after fixing However, Mohamed cent. Only students By-elections Volunteers — mostly the error. By-election was disqualified at in the faculty of health have taken place from the club uOtta- results are still unsome point during sciences were able each fall since a wa Votes — staffed official. The current the election. Chief to vote on the race. 2019 referendum in these tables and fa- BOD will vote to ratielectoral officer Ben The senate, which which undergradu- cilitated on-site on- fy them at their meetCameron was not is made up mostly of ate students chose line voting. ing on Sunday which yet able to comment professors and facul- to be represented E l e c t e d begins at 4 p.m. ason the reason for dis- ty members, sets the by the UOSU, after members of the ex- suming approval by qualification in time university’s educa- the previous union’s ecutive committee the elections comfor publication. tional policies. agreement with the and BOD will not mittee. The full reFor the Telfer One referen- university was termi- take office until after sults can be found on School of Manage- dum question was nated due to fraud. the Autumn Gener- UOSU’s website. ment, Gary Chao put forth to members The previous al Assembly (AGA). was the only candi- of the Canadian law record for turnout in Motions to bind and

University of Ottawa President Frémont to leave a year early: A look back on his work in the role Frémont’s early departure from the role will leave the Board of Governors (BOG) to appoint a new president and vice-chancellor by the end of this academic year be out of the role in mission in 2013.

First term in the has been committed to this unique dual June 2025. He cited He became role R a d i o - C a n - personal reasons for President of the U of In his first culture environment ada is reporting U the decision to step O in 2016, a position address after his ap- since its founding of O President and aside early. that encompasses pointment in Decem- in 1848 by Mgr. JoVice Chancellor F r é m o n t many responsibilities ber of 2015, Frémont seph-Eugène-BruJacques Frémont studied at Laval Uni- including chairing spoke of the U of O’s no Guigues. It was will leave his position versity before attend- the university’s Sen- unique commitment his dream to bring a year early. Origi- ing law school at Os- ate and acting as a to bilingualism: “I together Franconally appointed the goode Hall. Frémont member of the U of was also attracted to phones and Anglo30th President of the was dean of law O’s Board of Gover- the University of Ot- phones to study in University of Ottawa at the University of nors (BOG). These tawa because of its the same classroom, in 2016, Frémont be- Montréal until 2010 two separate bodies long and harmonious both in French and gan a second term and was appointed oversee the school’s history of combining English.” in 2020; originally to chair Québec’s academic policy and both Francophone In June 2019, meant to leave in Human Rights and management/gover- and Anglophone cul- two separate inJune 2026, he’ll now Youth Rights Com- nance, respectively. tures. The University stances of carding

Bridget Coady

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by campus security Frémont’s response in a statement where light of recent events, a letter of support drew heavy scrutiny to the crisis by hold- he told the student to so we are trying to for their colleague. to campus. First, a ing a sit-in outside “never waste a good find new ways of Frémont said of the Black student was of his office the next incident or a good supporting students, discourse: “contrary stopped by campus day. Frémont came crisis”. and to build resil- to so much of what security while skate- out of his office to F r é m o n t ience. But that’s not has been written in boarding on campus speak to students oversaw the Uni- an easy one.” recent days, the right and accused of tres- after they had been versity through the In early Oc- to freedom of exprespassing; he was de- gathered for hours COVID-19 pandem- tober of 2020 a part- sion and the right to tained for over two dignity are not conhours before being tradictory principles, released without a but complementary. ticket or a warning.

They must co-exist Later that month anwith one another.” other Black student In January was carded by cam2022 Frémont signed pus security, this the Okanagan chartime in his workplace ter, “a mental health and home, a resicharter dedicated dence building. to promoting mental In 2019, health resources on Frémont was at the campus.” helm of the school’s In February administration during of 2022 Frémont the collapse of the announced plans Student Federation for the university to of the University of divest from fossil Ottawa (SFUO). In fuels by 2023 and an interview with the pledged to end all Fulcrum reflecting on indirect holdings in the difficulties with the industry by 2030. the previous union Speaking of the dehe shared: “[W]hen cision Frémont said: we decided to ter“[It] goes hand in minate the contract, hand with our overit was not an easy all commitments to decision to take, reducing our carbon because basically, footprint on campus. the student body is I thank the many stusuffering. Decisions dents who advocatconcerning students ed for the important should be taken by Image from June 3. (Photo: Bridget Coady/Fulcrum.) steps we are taking. students, but this It is a great example time around, it went making signs and ic, overseeing a tran- time Professor in the of effective leadera bit too far.” sitting on the steps sition to online learn- Faculty of the Arts ship on their part.”. across from his of- ing and keeping the was temporarily re- U of O students had Second Term fice. university community moved from teaching been advocating for In February In March appraised of the un- responsibilities after divestment since the of 2020 Fremont 2020 Frémont folding situation. He using the N-word in early 2010s. acknowledged a called the previous- spoke with the Ful- an online lecture.

During the mental health crisis ly mentioned 2019 crum in March 2020 Frémont did not ad- Palestinian solidaramongst U of O stu- racial-profiling and about student men- dress the situation ity encampment on dents after the fifth hand-cuffing of a tal health concerns publicly until two Tabaret Lawn from death by suicide in Black student a “good during the online weeks later after a April to July of 2024, ten months. Stu- crisis” addressing transition: “It is cru- group of 34 U of O Frémont was notadents responded to the student directly cial, especially in the professors published bly absent from any

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Image: Jaclyn McRae-Sadik/Fulcrum Archives.

university emails to are funding geno- “We have stated caused by the vio- President, receiving many times that the lence unfolding in the a salary of $399,616 the community, in- cide”.

After the en- values of academic Middle East since annually since 2018. stead the universiKeeping in ty’s vice-president campment disband- freedom and free- October of last year. of academic affairs ed Frémont released dom of expression That pain is indeed line with the decade Jacques Beau- a public statement are foundational to felt by many mem- before his appointtuition invais signed emails on July 10, focus- our mission, and we bers of our communi- ment, with updates on the ing on the state of will continue to up- ty. We also know that creased every single situation.

Frémont Tabaret Lawn after hold them. However, the tensions that the year of Frémont’s was not present in protestors left: “We the illegal occupation conflict is causing on presidency. See Fulany of the meetings condemn the acts of of spaces is not free- our campus and in crum articles from between encamp- vandalism commit- dom of expression, our society will per- 2020, 2022 and ment organizers and ted by the demon- as the Superior Court sist. It is important 2023. university admin- strators before leav- of Ontario has re- that we prepare for Frémont’s istrators. He made ing the site, which cently ruled. Neither the new academic early departure from a statement on the add to the already is setting up fences year in a spirit of re- the role will leave the encampment to the considerable dam- around the encamp- spect and openness, Board of Governors University Senate on age around Tabaret ment, nor restricting to ensure that every (BOG) to appoint a since the encamp- access to only those member of our com- new president and June 10. by During the ment was set up and who agree with or- munity feels safe and vice-chancellor encampment stick- continue to generate ganizers. These are secure, so that they the end of this academic year. ers were put up huge costs for the simply violations of can thrive.” around campus, spe- University. The Otta- others’ right to use Overview cifically on the Taba- wa Police Service is those spaces.”

Frémont has “That being ret Hall sign, with an onsite to assess the image of Frémont situation, including said, we have heard appeared on the Onthe protestors’ mes- tario Sunshine list for and the words: the damage.”

F r é m o n t ’ s sage. We fully ac- every year he has “Jacques Frémont, you can’t hide / You statement continued: knowledge the pain been in the role of

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ARTS

Getting to know campus with photography Four stops at U of O to help students learn campus

at the beginning of that U of O offers stop to smell the ros- sharp architecture the year. But, those some lovely sights es. allows for some nice G e t t i n g who are coming onto to exercise your crepractice whether around campus can campus this fall will ative muscles and Hagen and Tabaret you’re photographbe hectic, especially be delighted to know hopefully have you T a b a r e t ’ s ing or drawing, espe-

Daniel Jones

Photo: Daniel Jones/Fulcrum.

Photo: Daniel Jones/Fulcrum.

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wide lawn allows cially in the fall when for some fun action the changing leaves shots of people play- start to compliment ing games during the the brickwork exteriautumn and spring or. months. If that’s not your style, you can Morisset Stairs also find a few dozLocated just en snowmen in the outside Morisset Liwinter to take some brary, these stairs portraits of. The add some elevation benches along the to your framing. Play perimeter also allow around with the way for a nice spot to rest your subject can while writing. move up and down Hagen Hall’s the levels. If you’ve

thefulcrum.ca

Photo: Daniel Jones/Fulcrum.

had enough of that, you can always go up the stairs and into the courtyard for flat ground and greenery to bring some nature into your shots too.

University Square The square is always nice for getting busy shots of people running to class or some leisurely skateboarding in the evenings.

It’s also a good spot to try experimenting with some longer ex- Photo: Daniel Jones/Fulcrum. posure on your phorather than the usu- light here may make be helpful while you tos, getting the crowd SITE With its in- al plant wall in the for a special shot or learn the trade. Hapto blur a little more colour Faculty of Social Sci- two. py photographing! while having your your-face palette and winding ences (FSS) buildGo ahead subject contrast with the busy crowds. Re- staircase, SITE is ing. The connecting and try these locamember to be careful great for trying some hallway between the tions out for yourself, not to block anyone’s fashion shots or por- building and Colonel if you’re looking for way while shooting traiture! SITE also of- By also makes for more locations and and to be mindful of fers some opportuni- lovely evening shots advice, connecting people not wanting ties to try doing some when the art seems with U of O’s many to be photographed! grad photos and to to glow a little, play- arts clubs like the mix up profile shots, ing with the lower UO Photo Club can

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The Indigenous Students Association: fostering community and advocacy on campus The current co-president of the ISA, Bianca Miron, described their mission “to unite Indigenous students on campus.”

The ISA, for Indigenous stu- dents in every pro- itive impact of Indigoriginally known as dents.” gram. The ISA also enous organizations A corner- the uOttawa AborigThe ISA’s of- incorporated cultural on post-secondary stone of cultural inal Student Associ- fice is within the In- workshops this year, students and provide pride and unity in the ation, was founded digenous Resource Miron explains that well-informed recomCentre on campus. they “set up beading mendations to relMiron explains, “With events, beading cir- evant stakeholders our association, cles, where we get to such as university we really want to teach people to bead and college adminmake sure that peo- … and I’m planning istrations and educaple who are coming a ribbon skirt work- tion ministries. from communities far shop where we have The ISA away, maybe even sewing machines so hopes this event can up north, that they we are able to make serve as a catalyst have a space where ribbon skirts.” to revive the former they’re not going to Additionally, Indigenous Student feel judged at all. We a major goal for the Alliance of Ontario, want to make sure ISA is to “have an ensuring continued The Indigenous Students Association (ISA) stands as a cornerstone of unity and cultural pride on our campus, providing a vital space for Indigenous that everyone feels Indigenous students connection and orstudents to connect, share their heritage, and amplify their voices. Photo: Pavel Nangfack. welcome, whether conference where ganization among you’re Metis, wheth- [they’re] going to in- Indigenous students University of Otta- in 1985 by Claudette er you’re First Na- vite two Indigenous as they navigate wa is the Indigenous Commanda and has tions Inuit, whether representatives from post-secondary eduStudents Associa- since evolved into you’re reconnecting every post second- cation. tion (ISA). The ISA the organization it … we see people the ary school in OntarAs a vital pilprovides a sense of is today. In 2022, same.” io, to come to Otta- lar of support and belonging and a wel- then co-presidents The ISA wa and learn how cultural celebration coming environment Quanah Traviss plans to continue to build up their own for Indigenous stufor Indigenous stu- and Ieronhenehtha hosting education- Indigenous Students dents at the Universidents who may be Lazore played a piv- al workshops where Association.”

The ty of Ottawa, The ISA far from their home otal role in gaining students can hold conference, currently has exciting plans for communities and recognition for the study groups at in the early planning cultural and educasupport networks. ISA as a Recognized the Indigenous Re- stages, aims to bring tional workshops as The vital organiza- Student Govern- source Center. They together represen- well as a provincial tion is dedicated to ment, bringing re- also plan to incorpo- tatives from various Indigenous students empowering Indige- newed attention and rate the Indigenous Indigenous student conference. The ISA nous students, cel- support to the asso- Medical Learners organizations across continues to evolve, ebrating Indigenous ciation. The current Association, found- colleges and univer- it stands as a beacon cultures, and advo- co-president, Bian- ed by Alex Petiquan, sities in Ontario. of unity, ensuring that cating for Indige- ca Miron, explained where a resident The goal is to Indigenous voices nous rights. The ISA their mission to the physician can guide share experiences, are heard, respectbuilds a supportive Fulcrum, stating, Indigenous stu- including successes ed and celebrated on community through “Our goal is to unite dents interested in and challenges, in campus and beyond. social events, study Indigenous students applying to medical running on-campus groups, and well- on campus.” She schools. Miron told groups. From these ness activities, help- emphasized, “We re- the Fulcrum that they discussions, the ISA ing students manage ally want to create an hope to hold edu- plans to create reboth academic and environment where cational workshops sources and reports personal challenges. we can advocate that can guide stu- that highlight the pos-

Marjan Massoom

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SPORTS

Gee-Gees Football: Gee-Gees humble U of T; secure playoff position MATT MAHLER PICKED UP THREE TOUCHDOWNS

showed that their sonal foul, ensur- Gees to have the has long been the season is far from ing no yards were first opportunity at a player tapped to rush being over. gained. This means first-and-goal. With quarterback sneaks Ottawa startthe Gees got the ball only seconds on on the goal line and The beginning of the end was ed the game with on Toronto’s 40, en- the clock, Copeland added some slotseen Saturday for kicker Zachary Co- suring an advantage kicked the ball and back duties to his numerous Gee-Gees peland showing im- to an already pow- ensured a three point resume this year. He lead to finish the first finished with three entering their home pressive skills and ered-up team. leg strength which Riding the quarter. rushing touchdowns field. As senior night placed the ball on Topower high, running The second on sneaks. dictates, the senior

Ana Sofia de la Parra

Photo: Greg Kolz/Gee-Gees

players were accomWhen asked panied by their re- ronto’s 10-yard-line, back Charles Asselin quarter started right initiating a power impressed us with his off and gave us the about how it felt to spective supporters on what was sure to battle and pressure rushing skills, mak- first touchdown of provide so many be one of their most play within the field. ing sure he flaunted the game by third- points for the team Failing to his cruciality within string quarterback on his senior night, memorable nights, obtain any groundthe game.

Asselin Matt Mahler — which he commented, “It is honouring their GeeGees career. Howev- breaking yards, the led the ball down the was his first, but far unreal, goes straight er, for the rest of the Varsity Blues punted, middle, gaining im- from last appear- to the core, and it is game, the Gee-Gees earning two flags on mense ground and ance on the score- poetic – but ultimatethe spot and a per- allowing the Gee- board. The fifth year ly [I am] just follow-

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ing my boys up front, from the endzone, game. The first half place as a strong about the future of and I’m just doing my ensuring a second would end with the finisher. The U of O the team. “It’s Week having team increased the one, here we go, touchdown by re- Gee-Gees job.”

After mak- ceiver Romeo Lussi- 25 points right at the score by 14 points we are dangerous and made sure to for sure, and people ing sure the garnet er, which coincident- blow of the whistle.

The third showcase one of may not know what and grey stayed in ly placed his number the lead with seven 17 up on the score- quarter seemed to their best games this they’re getting into if more points, Ottawa board with the U of O be a one-team game, season with immer- they step in the field made sure the pres- now having 17 points with the Gee-Gees sive and cohesive with us.”

Make sure to Toronto’s getting four points plays. sure kicked in, forc- against The Gee- follow the team by right off the start from ing the Varsity Blues zero.

With about two safeties by the Gees with a flair for watching the quarterto commit numerous mistakes, such as two minutes left in Varsity Blues. This the dramatics, left finals against Guelph the quarterback not the second quarter, was straight-up fol- the last down for the this Saturday at 1 finding any hands the garnet and grey lowed by an Ottawa very end. Souley- p.m. Ontario OUA within his own team rushed to fit in anoth- touchdown plus its mane Camara ran offers a livestream or even finding the er touchdown and a respective kick, mak- in the last touchdown on OUA.TV, makwith 32 seconds on ing Saturday a footkick, summing up 7 ing the score 35-0. ball himself.

Fourth and the clock, creating ball afternoon while A s s e l i n points which didn’t showed off again last long with Co- last quarter showed an eruption of noise showing your supwith a return and a peland showcasing the emotional push and emotion within port and spirit. big rush, gaining 72 once again that he from the team, and the crowd.

Mahler also yards for the Gee- will deliver every demonstrated they Gees, placing the time, ensuring the aren’t ready to give commented on the feelings ball two yards away first rouge of the up, claiming their team’s

Gee-Gees Basketball: Men begin season with electric win over Windsor “It’s our time to win a national championship” “Oran“I had to just his potential as both continued. in the first half, took a couple dribbles, and get my nerves out at a force in the paint — geville did a great job Ankit Choud- hoisted up a prayer first … I wasn’t even with two dunks in the of developing him hary would pick up from half court that satisfied with myself game — and also as and putting him up his first points as a sank smoothly and how I was play- a perimeter threat, against some realGee with a couple through the netting ing,” the Toronto na- adding two threes on ly good competition minutes left in the to close out the first tive said about his six attempts, building and you can see how second quarter of half, giving the Gee- first half to that point. upon an impressive much that helps him Friday night’s home Gees a 53-32 lead “I made it and I just preseason. translate right into opener when he over the Windsor kind of had no reac“He’s just a the university game.” drained a three from Lancers that would tion — but it was a really special kid,” While the just above the left ultimately prove in- crazy shot, definitely Gee-Gees were head newcomers break. The near-sell- surmountable. going to watch that coach James Derou- certainly impressive, out crowd at Montpein said of the 18-year- the Gee-Gees also The fourth- later.” tit showed the first- year guard transJ o i n i n g old, agreeing that boast an impressive year Gee some love ferred to the Gee- Choudhary as a true freshmen don’t crop of returnees for his first bucket, Gees after spending newcomer making come around all that who seemed to relbut that buzz was a season with the an immediate im- often in Ontario — ish their returns to quiet compared to University of West pact with the team especially ones of Montpetit. Forward the roar they offered Florida — and two was true freshman the Barrie native’s Justin Ndjock-Tadhim a few minutes before that with the Owen Kenney, who caliber. jore led the way with later.

“When we 20 points on 5-of-8 TMU Bold — and joined the team from The 6’1 point Friday was his first the renowned Oran- signed him, we knew shooting, which inguard picked up the chance to endear geville Prep Basket- we had something cluded 3-of-4 threeball on an inbound himself to the U of O ball Academy. The really special,” the point shooting. with four second left crowd.

6’7 Kenney showed longtime bench boss 2023-24

Andrew Wilimek

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OUA First Team Choudhary agreed “It was a good buzz conference record a and advanced to the semifinals.

All-Star and fan fa- that expectations are in the gym, right from year ago — though OUA’s vourite Brock New- high. “Championship warmups … once their results included “It’s another opporton finished with 17 or bust,” said the To- our guys locked in close games against tunity to get better,” points on an effi- ronto native. “It’s our a little bit in the sec- contenders like the said Choudhary. “We cient 7-of-9 from the time to win the na- ond quarter and the U of O. The team’s keep growing every field, while Jacques tional championship, crowd got behind game a year ago re- game.” $7 student M é l a i n e - G u e m e - and if we bring that [them] — that was sulted in a somewhat tickets are available ta rounded out the energy every day, the ball game right closer 81-68 Gee- here for the 8 p.m.

Gees win. start — or come to quintet of Gees in why can’t we do it?” there.”

Derouin took The Lancers T o m o r r o w watch the women’s double digits.

The Gee- a moment to soak didn’t exactly come night though, the game for a single adGees are coming off in Montpetit’s atmo- into the game as a Gees will be in tough mission at 6 p.m. oppo- against a Western back-to-back bronze sphere before pro- formidable squad medals in the nation- viding his thoughts nent for the Gees, as Mustangs al championship, and on the home crowd. they limped to a 5-17 who finished 16-6

Photo: Greg Mason/Gee-Gees

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Gee-Gees Rugby: Men outclass Redbirds in RSEQ semi-finals.

“The guys expended an excellent effort on both sides of the ball” ger breaking through bang. tackle from the Red“We knew for the first try; the The next birds, it was Glenn we’d need to be far It’s play- conversion from scoring chance came Roy with some icing more disciplined and off time for the al- Glenn Roy was good for the Gees once on the cake, put- we were. The guys mighty Gee-Gees putting them up 7-0. more, as they were ting three more on expended an excelmen’s rugby team.

The Gees granted a penalty the board to win the lent effort on both After finishing the would then hold off within the Redbirds game 24-12. sides of the ball.” The regular season with team will head to the a record of 5-1, the RSEQ championship team faced off in the game for the second RSEQ semi-finals year in a row, lookagainst their biggest ing for back-to-back competition, the Mcgolds.

Gill Redbirds who They matchwas responsible for up against their ritheir lone regular vals, the ETS Piraseason loss (37-21 nhas, once again. on Oct. 5).

When asked about On a chilly the championship day at Matt Anthony matchup against Field, the fans were ETS, Coach FlemPhoto: Greg Mason/Gee-Gees rowdy, and the Gees ming said “We are were even rowdi- the Redbirds at the try line. To breakHead coach playing ETS so we er. The Gees would one yard line, and through for the Gees James Flemming know it will be anothultimately beat the would be cleared af- third try of the game had a tactical game er battle. It always is Redbirds 24-12 in ter a Gees scrum. A was none other than plan in this match- against them. We’ll the RSEQ semi-fi- big run by the Red- Evan Roy, and again up, learning from look at the finer denals from a great birds fullback would the conversion from previous mistakes tails throughout the game from the team, get them within a his brother was good in their prior match- week and get the and remarkable per- couple yards of the to increase the Gees up against the Red- guys physically preformances from the try zone where their lead to 21-7. birds. “Last game we pared for a war.” It Roy brothers. wingers took over With 20 min- gave them the ball 42 is always a special The Redbirds and Raphael Seign- utes remaining ev- times between pen- game when two tihad a chance to put er finished the scor- erything was looking alties and turnovers,” tans of RSEQ rugby the first numbers on ing chance. The kick set for a Gees win. said Flemming. face off. the board opting for was good, and the The Redbacks would a long kick from a score was tied 7-7 to break through with Gees penalty, but the finish the half.

12 minutes remainwind would prove too Starting the ing from a try from challenging and the second half, the Harry Corkum, but kick went wide. The Gees pushed up the conversion was next chance would within 10 yards of wide to make the come from the Gees the try line, and after score 21-12. Time but kicker Glenn Roy a penalty it was the was running low, and Rhys Matthew • Grace Kim-Shin • Kyla would miss as well. tank Evan Roy plow- the Gees were in F a n t a s t i c ing through the Red- the driver’s seat for Perry • Keith Schoenfeld-Miller • Matt plays from Evan Roy birds defensive line another visit to the and Matthew Robin- for the second Gees RSEQ champion- Osborne son pushed the Gees try. The conversion ship. To ice the game within five yards of ffrom his brother 14- in extra time, the the Redbirds try line, 7, starting the sec- Gees were granted it would be Zach Au- ond half off with a a penalty after a dirty

Liam Corbett

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

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SCIENCES

TikTok as a lullaby: The impact of tech on sleep Social media platforms, especially TikTok, are significant contributors to poor sleep.

a time when your between neurons A study pub- pairing your ability body restores car- by weakening or lished in Nature to succeed academIf there’s one diovascular health, strengthening syn- Communications ex- ically. phrase you’re almost strengthens the im- apses. plained “The reason There are guaranteed to hear mune system, regS y n a p s e s why this happens, also known adverse on campus, it’s, “I’m ulates metabolism, are critical for the according to the re- effects of sleep so tired.” Often, the and solidifies brain brain’s ability to pro- searchers, is that deprivation such reply is just as fa- function. cess and transmit in- during the manip- as activation of the miliar: “Me too.” It’s Deep sleep, formation throughout ulated deep sleep, sympathetic nervous strange, considering also known as slow- the body, playing a the neurons’ synaps- system, which can the vast amount of wave sleep (SWS), key role in learning, es did not “rest” as lead to a rise of blood research; sleep stud- is essential for mem- memory, and overall they normally would pressure, an inies, sleep monitoring ory formation and neural function. during restorative crease in cortisol sedevices and blue- processing for severWhen sleep sleep”. cretion and possible light blocking apps. al reasons. is disturbed, the synFor students, immune response So, what’s making it so hard for students to get a good night’s sleep?

Could it be packed schedules, or is technology playing a bigger role than we realize?

Sydney Grenier

Sleep: The Core of Wellness There’s a wellness secret that’s often overlooked—sleep is one of the most crucial aspects of your overall health. While Social media platforms, especially TikTok, are significant contributors to poor sleep. Photo: Canva/Stock. Image: Andrew Wilimek/Fulcrum gyms and wellness apps may focus on This process helps apses remain too this is especially suppression. workouts and nutri- consolidate mem- stimulated.

Learn- important because tion, recent studies ories, particularly ing new things in deep sleep is direct- What Affects like one from Mitch- facts and knowledge. this state is difficult ly linked to cognitive Sleep? ell Institute and Sleep The hippocampus, due to the reduced performance. It plays A big part of Health Foundation of a region critical for neuroplasticity (the a critical role in con- the problem is how Australia highlight memory, reactivates brain’s ability to reor- solidating memories, student life conflicts the critical role sleep experiences from ganize and adapt by helping the brain re- with the body’s natplays in maintaining the day, transferring forming new neural tain and process new ural rhythms. Uniphysical and mental them to the cortex for connections in re- information. When versity schedules well-being. long-term storage. In sponse to learning, sleep is disrupted, it and deadlines don’t Sleep is not deep sleep, the brain experiences, or inju- becomes harder to always align with just downtime; it’s refines connections ry). learn and adapt, im- students’ circadian

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rhythms, which nat- mote a delayed sleep Public Health at anxiety, depression, prevent late-night urally shift during phase that is exac- Brown University and overall mental scrolling. Establishadolescence and erbated by evening found that the addic- health challenges. ing a tech-free bedearly adulthood. This light exposure and tive nature of the app Zhao and time routine, such as shift often makes incompatible with may be due to “The Kou published in reading or meditatstudents more alert aspects of modern personalized “For Frontiers in Psychol- ing, can signal to the at night and push- society, notably early You” stream creat- ogy explain “It has brain that it’s time es their ideal sleep school start times.” ed by artificial intel- been demonstrated to wind down. Cretime later. However, ligence (AI) for each that routine TikTok ating a screen-free classes and social Tech Design and user has also been use is linked to cog- environment in your commitments force Sleep Disruption identified as a key nitive arousal before bedroom can further many to wake up earSocial media contributor to TikTok bed, which causes help reduce distracly, leading to chronic platforms, especially addiction. TikTok dif- poor sleep. The use tions and improve sleep deprivation.

TikTok, are signifi- fers from other social of various short video sleep quality.

B e y o n d cant contributors to media apps because applications is one of By making schedules, technol- poor sleep. TikTok’s an individual’s feed the major causes of these small changes, ogy has emerged addictive nature is is not based on delib- reduced sleep quali- students can regain as one of the largest largely due to its erate choices made ty in the college pop- control over their barriers to a good algorithm, which about the content ulation.” sleep, improve their night’s rest. The ex- serves an endless they want to see.” academic perforposure to artificial stream of engagHow Can We Fix mance, and enhance light from screens, ing, personalized The Bigger Picture: This? their overall well-beespecially blue light, content. Unlike oth- Sleep and Student The key to ing. Sleep may be delays the release of er platforms, TikTok Life improving sleep lies one of the most unmelatonin—the hor- doesn’t require you For students, in recognizing how derrated health tools mone that regulates to actively choose lack of sleep has se- technology is affect- out there, but it’s also sleep. This makes it what to watch next. rious consequences. ing it and making one of the most powharder to wind down Instead, it continu- Beyond feeling tired, conscious chang- erful. With the right and fall asleep, fur- ously delivers con- poor sleep can lead es. Start by setting habits, you can find ther exacerbating tent that’s tailored to to impaired cognitive boundaries around a balance between the natural tendency your interests, mak- function, reduced ac- screen time, espe- technology and for late nights. ing it incredibly hard ademic performance, cially in the hours the rest your body A study pub- to stop scrolling, es- and increased stress before bed. Fea- needs. lished in PubMed pecially late at night. levels. Sleep disrup- tures like app timers Central cites that R e s e a r c h tion has also been or “Do Not Disturb” “These changes pro- from the School of linked to heightened modes can help

U of O Entrepreneurs: Carly Fox of Carly Fox Disability Advocacy SOCIAL SCIENCE STUDENT AT THE U OF O FINDS HER NICHE THROUGH BUSINESS ly Fox to learn what gent, and disabled Educational Asso- TF: inspired her to start disability advocate. ciation of disabled What motiHow can Carly Fox Disability I’m in my fifth year of students. Outside of vated you to start someone find a niche Advocacy and learn international devel- that, I have my own Carly Fox Disability in their discipline? Is what it means to her. opment and global- business, Carly Fox Advocacy, and when your only option afization with a minor Disability Advocacy. did you start it? ter graduation to go The Fulcrum (TF): in conflict studies at Through that I have work for a big corCould you tell the University of Ot- public speaking en- CF: poration? What is me about yourself? tawa. gagements, presenI think being the future for social In my day tations, workshops, a student at the U of science majors? The Carly Fox (CF): job, I work as the consultations, as O got me to where Fulcrum sat down My name is partnership and well as a blog.

I needed to be. As with disabilities ad- Carly Fox and I am communications diI was experiencing vocate and social a queer, neurodiver- rector at the National school, especially science student Car-

Fejiro Mejire

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the transition into hy- mend it). I shared my ing. Did you do any as their international they think is pretty. brid and in person, I blog posts on social sort of marketing chair.

Even if you are using would go to my Ins- media, and I got so strategy on social My day job existing templates, tagram stories and much support from media? How did you also really helped me find one that kind of I would just share [mostly] the U of O get your audience? connect with the dis- reflects who you are my thoughts. There student community. abled community. I and what you want were a lot of words, From there, CF: was also able to con- your business to and it only stayed up it just kept growing.

I have a nect to the disabled communicate. for 24 hours, but my The blogs were get- background in social student community The second thoughts got really ting well-received, media communica- at the U of O. Once one is that marketing good reception and and I started getting tion, so I understood you have those con- is about outreach people started shar- public speaking re- how to do that out- nections and that on- and communicaing their own stories quests. This would reach, how to get line presence, word tion. You gotta have with me. I felt very have been by March free advertising, how spreads. I’ve had the people (your target

Carly Fox, a University of Ottawa student, advocates for disability awareness through her business and campus involvement. Image: Carly Fox Disability Advocacy/Provided

encouraged and very or May 2022. it re- to use channels, and Manitoba Accessibili- audience) in mind. supported, again, ally just snowballed how to find partners. ty Office and Hyund- Similarly, don’t be primarily by [U of O] because of the stu- However, when it ai Canada reach out afraid to reach out to students. dent community kind comes to finding a to me and that was people also working After some of rallying behind community, I think super unexpected. in that space and get time, I figured I this and I’m really I’ve always just writI do have two their advice. Email should have my grateful for that. It ten for other disabled marketing tips I can people directly and shares up for lon- has been a long and people. I’ve got to share. The first thing ask for their help proger than 24 hours. stressful journey but meet them through is to find your brand moting your product, I started a blog on I am so glad I did it my work at me and and let that reflect because you usually WordPress and used and I would definitely through my volun- your passion and have some good rea custom site — I do it again. teering at the Coun- personality. Some- sources that they will don’t know why I did TF: cil of Canadians with times, brands just re- find useful as well. that; I do not recomThat’s amaz- Disabilities (CCD) flect trends and what

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TF:

I feel like it’s just so expert on, and it’s plore your options PersonalCould you tell important, especially really hard to be an and don’t let anyone ly, I tell myself that me more about your where I’m at in my expert on an entire intimidate you. The any day that I can Youth Directory on career, to give back subject. So just pick- worst they can say positively impact a your website? and make space for ing your niche, really is no. Moreover, I will disabled person, it’s other disabled youth. specializing, and not always make time for a win. That impact.

CF: Way too often I’m the being afraid to use disabled students. How is that not imI’ve gone to only disabled youth your school papers They’re welcome to portant? That impact work with CCD and in the room, and I to further explore hit me up. Just look empowers them to I’ve been able to go think of it this way: the ideas you want out there, see what share their story and into all these privi- if it’s just me, I’m not to know about, is the other youth in your impact more people. leged spaces and doing my job, right? key. niche are doing, By zooming in on see firsthand how and learn from that. the micro lens and many passionate TF: TF: There’s no one offi- looking at how you disabled youth are Your degree What would cial way to do any- can impact individuadvocating in these plays a big role in you say to anyone thing. al people you see a spaces. I’ve also re- influencing your who wants to start better picture, espedown this path? cially when the job They want to start gets rough. their own business TF: Insider activor they want to start Thank you for ism can be another going to advocacy that. This may not be game changer in that and they’re not real- as popular a conver- regard. Through my ly sure how to do it. sation as it was a few work with corporate Where, in your opin- years ago, but it is organizations and ion, is a good place still very relevant. A the government, I to start for them? lot of people feel like can help them shift a program doesn’t their policies and ofCarly Fox (centre) poses with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left) and Minister Carla Qualtrough (right). Photo: Carly Fox/Provided CF: have any direct im- fice environment. It alized through work- business idea and When it pact or is not as can be frustrating, ing with non-disabled model. With your ex- comes to advocacy, relevant if it is not a but don’t shy away clients and service perience, what would most people don’t STEM. As someone from working with providers that they’re you say to people think they’re an ad- doing great, relevant people that are difnot aware of the dis- who may not imme- vocate but the truth work in the social sci- ferent from you, beabled youth that are diately see the rel- is, you’re advocat- ences, what would cause sometimes doing the really great evance, or may feel ing for yourself every you say to that? that’s where the most behind-the-scenes like there is no rele- single day. You adchange can happen. work. Having a web- vance of their degree vocate when you ask CF: site is hard; it’s a lot to real life? for your accommoThe thing TF: of work; it is expendations and when is that with STEM If someone sive. I figured, why CF: you speak up for in- it’s very objective, was interested in not use part of my My advice is clusion. Many peo- it’s quantifiable, getting involved with platform to just give find your niche. My ple think you need a your impact can you or your organizaother disabled youth program talked a lot certain qualification be measured. With tion, what’s the best a platform as well? about other aspects or a certificate to be the humanities, it’s way to reach you?

The Youth of development but a consultant. You qualitative and very Directory features I felt it never quite don’t. There’s actu- subjective. It can CF: youth that are touched on disabili- ally no qualification be really difficult to They can 30-and-under, the ty studies. That was you need to have. measure input and check out my webwork they’re already the intersection beAs for where output. You can be site, Instagram, Twitdoing, their bio, their tween my program to start, I find your putting in great work ter or reach me by lived experience, and my life/passion. local community is and feel like society email at carlysteelewhat they’re com- If you’re working in always great, espe- isn’t going to change, f o x @ g m a i l . c o m . fortable speaking on. a really broad field, cially for students. because at the end haha The project is close you need something Blog sites, newspa- of the day, it’s not to my heart because that you can be an per op-eds, just ex- changing very fast.

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FEATURES

Chaos in the Clubs: A look at the club funding crisis Can a new mandate tackle the complex, ever-changing portfolio of clubs?

way, and a new team approved on a “case- mer was thousands of funding that we tackling the clubs by-case” basis. This and thousands of can tap into or look C a m p u s portfolio, both union model proved trou- dollars, and then in at other revenues to clubs are a core members and club blesome, however, fall, that amount was try and find funding,” tenant of student executives feel hope- as some clubs who a lot smaller. By win- she said. “So we try life. It’s a great way ful that club funding applied in summer ter 2024, the leftover our best to ask for to meet new people, will be handled in a or fall would receive funding available for the bare minimum get involved with a more efficient and significantly larger club funding was a when it comes to cause you’re pas- honest way. portions than clubs small fraction,” ex- our events, knowing sionate about, or who applied in the plained UOSU stu- that we want there to simply try something When did it all go winter. dent life coordinator be enough for other new. Whether you’re wrong?

“Clubs were and president of the clubs to also have being approached at For the 2023- asked to submit their uOttawa Theatre funding to provide for the annual clubs fair, 24 academic year, applications for fund- Club, Sydney Wil- their members.” or cracking jokes in the student life com- ing and the idea was liams.

Achu says a club’s group chat, missioner became that UOSU would “And so in the this amount was not you can’t deny that responsible for the give out as much summer, we would the minimum $500 of clubs are part of the clubs and services funding as possible see clubs receiving club funding that the lifeblood of univer- portfolio — thus dis- to the clubs,” Dapra- $6,000 (…) I will say union had pledged sity life — but even solving the previous to explained in an myself, my club was for administrative dethat doesn’t come for role of clubs and ser- email statement. “If approved for $1,500. tails, such as bank free. vices commissioner. that meant we were And then in winter, no account fees and Clubs fundBefore this out of funding in the club was approved website domain. ing helps the hun- time, former student winter, so be it.” for more than $360,” M a y a dreds of clubs at life commissioner As a result, she explained. “So Tuchenhagen, presithe university exist, and current UOSU the club funding re- my club went from dent of the Outdoors either through an- director for social mainder in the union receiving $1,500 in Club and fourth-year nual galas or simple sciences, Rayne budget was evenly the summer to only health sciences stumovie nights. But Daprato, explains distributed between $273 in winter, de- dent, says that obduring the 2023-24 that the ‘first-come, the fall and win- spite our applications taining club funding year, clubs expe- first-serve’ fund- ter semesters and being identical.” has been really chalrienced significant ing model occurred then lowered by the Britney Achu, lenging due to incondelays — both with during the summer same percentage, the outgoing pres- sistencies with the funding and com- of 2023. At the time, so every club could ident of the Black application process munication of said Daprato was hired as receive some fund- Student Leaders and communication funding — from the the interim student ing. Daprato also re- Association (BSLA), with union members.

University of Otta- life commissioner iterates that during said that her club “In the past wa’s Students Union when the responsi- this period, clubs received only $483 couple of years, (UOSU). With turn- bilities of clubs were could apply for up after submitting their we’ve tried to actualover complications not yet under their to $6,000 each, and annual budget to the ly not apply for club in both the union and supervision. many members of Union. funding. Because we clubs, overwhelming At this time, the clubs office had “We [the understand the chaldemand, and multi- the clubs office es- accepted that no BSLA] understand lenges of applying, ple lines of commu- tablished a “first- funding would be that there is a set figuring out the applinication, funding can come, first-served” sent during the win- pool of money, and cation process as it be a challenge. funding model for ter. we know that we’re changes every year, With a new clubs, with summer “What was privileged enough and then not even academic year under 2023 funding being approved in the sum- that we have a bit knowing if we’re able

Amira Benjamin

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to run the events.” in membership fees ous club president ages [to venues]; we were still some clubs As a result, from its approximate really emphasized try our best to look who applied in the several clubs have 300 members, or in finding opportunities at areas to apply for summer and had yet resorted to search- the case of the Black that we could get grants.” to receive their aping for funds through Student Leaders As- funding elsewhere,” However, by proved funding and alternate means. In sociation, grants and said Achu. “So we try the Winter General spoke out about this the case of the Out- sponsorships. our best to send out Assembly (held in delay. doors Club, this is “Our previ- sponsorship pack- March 2024), there By the begin-

Clubs and services has gone under a number of changes since 2019, some of which are disruptive to clubs’ activities. Photo: Pavel Nangfack/Fulcrum

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ning of September, in contact with a that service on cam- 25 year, UOSU has experience interactcoordinator Williams member of the Union pus for students?’ It’s committed to dis- ing with UOSU memsaid she was still about the issues, but meals, it’s games, tributing around bers after the start of resolving the issues the communication it’s community.” $370,000 in club a new mandate. The with the previous never reached a con“Without ad- funding (before opt- Outdoors Club was club funding, a year clusion. equate funding from outs), allocating an not alerted about the later. “We really want “We were UOSU and without even 30-35 per cent deadline for fall club to make sure that the running the gala at it being on time (…), each semester — funding, thus contimeline is acces- the end of March, we cannot plan for summer, fall and win- tinuing frustrations. sible to clubs, and and it takes a lot of these big events ef- ter — to applicants.

Board memit’s clear and makes money to run a gala, ficiently,” she said.

UOSU in- ber Daprato acsense. It also gives and it was our first Achu credits other terim operations knowledges that althem enough time to time running a gala,” executive members commissioner, Greg though most clubs get that funding and she said. “It was ex- taking interest in fi- Coleman, explains did receive less use it, [rather than] tremely stressful to nance and past club that students voting funding and tensions waste their time, not have funding, financial records for for the $4.99 club against UOSU conmonths and months and we ended up being able to man- funding levy in the tinued, she believed following.” being at a loss at the age club funding. fall by-election has that during her term, end of the event.”

“How do we fund oth- helped the union ob- she and her team Something to give “It would er revenues of fund- serve a more consis- worked closely with each other have just been a lot ing such that we can tent budget for club clubs and commuThe delays more stress-free if still keep up with de- funding. nicated more as a in club funding and we had that financial mand and still keep “The budget strength. inconsistencies in stability.” up with demand and we’re expecting to “I hope the communication beFor Achu and still keep up with the have for this budget board members on tween club exec- the BSLA, club exec- events that we want is significantly higher the Clubs Committee utives and Union utives have under- to run?” than what the union can continue to look members can lead estimated the attenAchu ad- maintained in the at the relationship to frustration and de- dance of their annual ditionally recounts past,” he elaborated. between the clubs lays, especially when events, ranging from attending the clubs “Because it’s a spe- and the UOSU, and clubs are planning for simple movie nights town hall meeting cific levy, it was pro- the systems that hold big or regular events to their annual galas. last year, and fol- tected from some of these two parties tofor their members.

“We’re starting to lowing up with the the [UOSU member- gether,” she said.

T u c h e n h a - realize that the sup- union about more ship] cuts that were “I encourage club gan explained that plies that we need questions and out- voted on this past members to stay inthe Outdoors Club [has to increase] to standing fees for year.” volved and engaged. does not make mon- meet the needs of previously hosting H o w e v e r , When we shout at ey from events, with the students coming an event. She said Coleman describes people and stay frustheir financial goals to our events,” she the responses felt that funding enforce- trated at the systems being to break even said. very bureaucratic ment will look dif- in the shadows, very every year. For largAchu elab- and shallow. “We ferent in the current little can happen that er, more expensive orated that most of were really hopeful year, due to the si- is helpful or producevents, such as a the BSLA’s events because they actu- multaneous increase tive.” gala, they utilize their are held at the begin- ally sat with us, they in funding, demand, yearly membership ning of the academic actually listened… and more equal disfees to subsidize year to attract new for us it seemed like tribution between costs. members, as well as a jump in the right semesters.

Total These financ- Christmas dinners direction. But then funding will be raised es were complicat- for international stu- after a while, it was around $150,000 ed by the fact that dents staying in the like, ‘where have we from last year’s the Outdoors Club city and events for taken a few steps $213,000 budget had a technical is- Black History Month forward?’” line. sue with logging into in February. “We’ve Both Tuchentheir club’s account. [asked ourselves] Projected numbers hagan and Achu have Tuchenhagan was ‘how can we provide For the 2024- had a more positive

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OPINIONS

The looming threat of Trumpism — and what it means for Canada What is exactly at stake for Canada at the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election this November?

mance was a foil to Biden administration second Trump term of Trump’s last presthe angry, bitter, and has been able to may be Canada’s idential term, he negative attitude that work cooperative- wheat farmers. Al- dismantled citizen The 2024 Trump brought to the ly with the Canadi- though tariffs on agri- trust in democracy an government on cultural product trade and brought a wave U.S. presidential table.

For Donald many issues. The were left at zero of populist politics election will be a detrad- during the United across North Amerfining moment not Trump, a poll done Canada-US only for Americans, by Pew Research ing relationship has States-Mexico-Can- ica. He left office but also for democra- has shown that the grown, with Cana- ada Agreement ne- and triggered the Trump’s January 6 U.S Capcies across the world, majority of Ameri- da-US trade figures gotiation, and Canada, as its cans see the former increasing exponen- new tariff promises itol Attack, an event northern neighbour, President as dishon- tially since 2021. leave new uncer- representing the culwill certainly feel its est and mean-spirit- Harris’ election this tainty for all of Can- minated effect of the agricultural misinformation-fuimpact. Vice-Pres- ed, with 56 per cent fall would likely see ada’s ident Kamala Har- saying they don’t a continuation of industry. Unprotect- elled politics he pracris, who recently re- like his conduct. He this relationship and ed by the Canadian ticed throughout his placed Joe Biden as is also the first con- would very likely be supply management mandate, especially the Democratic Par- victed felon to run “business as usu- system, the industry during the pandemty candidate due to for President, as he al” for the Canadian exports $707 mil- ic and on abortion lion dollars worth rights. the many concerns was convicted on 34 economy.

A Trump of wheat to the US Sharing close that he may not have counts of falsifying the fitness to serve business records in re-election, howev- every year, and the cultural ties with the a second term, has his recent hush mon- er, would potentially prospect of tariffs U.S., another Trump devastate the Ca- from its third larg- term risks the resurunexpectedly proved ey trial.

N o n e t h e - nadian economy. est export recipient, gence of the kind of to meaningfully challenge the looming less, despite Trump’s During his first term along with the many instability and politithreat of a second subpar debate per- in office, the former challenges already cal rhetoric displayed formance and legal President tore up being faced by farm- during the 2022 Freeterm of Trump.

Last Tues- liabilities, the real NAFTA and imple- ers due to climate dom Convoy in Ottaremains: mented huge tariffs change, puts the in- wa, which showed day, the presidential question debate between the what happens if on vital Canadian dustry in serious per- striking similarities il. to the U.S Capitol two candidates par- Trump does prevail aluminum exports.

Since leavH o w e v e r , Attack. The Convoy ticularly highlighted in this next election?

Canada the kind of hopeful Two student writers ing office, Trump’s the threat facing the exposed stances Canadian industry is as nothttps://www. presidency Harris from the Fulcrum, economic could bring to the Rhys Matthew and have not softened. greater than that fac- cbsnews.com/news/ U.S in 2025. While Grace Kim-Shin, dis- He has currently said ing any specific sec- trump-charges-conTrump fear-mon- cuss the major im- that the U.S, under tor. Canada currently viction-guilty-verdict/ gered about migra- plications of the up- his leadership, would does two-thirds of its being spared from tion, Harris debated coming presidential impose a 10 per cent trade with the US, the kind of disinforwith a kind of con- election, and how its tariff on all imports, a and a Trump re-elec- mation and distrust fidence and hope- results could affect measure that would tion puts all of it at in democratic instihave horrific impli- risk. tutions the U.S had ful tone to “turn the Canadian politics. cations for Canadian increasingly experipage” from an era of Trump politics, allow- Economic implica- agriculture and in- Trumpism threat- enced. dustry. ens Canadian valCanada facing her charisma to tions Since comNewly in the ues and democracy es unique political shine as a candidate.

By the end problems due to its Her debate perfor- ing into office, the line of fire during a

Rhys Matthew & Grace Kim-Shin

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to international co- Canada have to pay ically. We also need history and parlia- political climate.

The U.S no operation on climate attention to the U.S to be vigilant about mentary system. election in Novem- the growing changes There has undoubt- longer a reliable change action.

If the U.S ber, but we are also in our own political edly been rising con- partner on the intercontinues to go down anticipating an up- landscape as we risk flicts between prov- national stage?

Trump’s first this route and fails to coming federal elec- falling into a more inces and increasing govimportant tion in the next year. conservative term provide provincial distrust presidential toward Ottawa, as definitively put the leadership on critical With the Conserva- ernment– a thought shown in recent con- U.S’s legitimacy as a global issues, the in- tive Party showing reminiscent of the frontations between reliable international ternational communi- favourable numbers Harper era.

As the world Alberta Premier Dan- partner into question. ty faces a future of in- in the polls, it is hard ielle Smith and the The U.S has always creasing uncertainty. to avoid the thought is facing a multitude feds on critical ener- been a major partner Canada will need to that the Liberals will of crises simultawhether gy policy; continuous in many international prepare to strength- be gone after almost neously, it be cost of living, conflict on carbon forums, but Trump’s en its position on 10 years in power.

It is a criti- housing, or climate pricing; and increas- seeming disinclina- the global stage as es in anti-immigrant tion to multilateral it risks losing the cal turning point for change, it’s clear that politics this presidential elecsentiment.

These cooperation can de- stability and support Canadian important offered by the U.S. if and we will have to tion may just bring conditions make stabilize Canada an ideal international agree- Trump wins a reelec- pay close attention about even more and to the kind of dan- unpredictable breeding ground for ments. In his last tion. gers a president like contentious change further deterioration term, Trump withof national cohesion drew from the Paris What’s next for Trump could pose to to Canada and the our country both cul- international commuif Trumpism prevails Climate Agreement, Canada?

Not only will turally and econom- nity. in our neighbouring which was a big blow

You should care about the news, actually. contemporary issues have bred contemporary barriers — for both writers and readers ly, just as quickly than the last. Where is undoubtedly dom- to a digital-only news as disinformation is does this leave the inating Western me- outlet, joining a slew C h a l l e n g e s exacerbated by ev- common consumer dia. In the 2019-2020 of major news pubto publishing quality er-multiplying media of news? I would ar- publication year, the lishers in strict digital news stories grow outlets, each claim- gue, nowhere at all. U of O’s the Fulcrum formats such as Vox, continuously as the ing to be “more true” Digital news officially transitioned Politico, HuffPost, years pass. Similarly, the challenges to accessing quality news stories reflect this.

Contemporary issues have bred contemporary barriers, ones both writers and readers feel profoundly. The transformation of technology and media seen in the 21st century has made publishing and accessing breaking news easier than ever before — or so it seems.

Information transports quick-

Kyla Perry

News stands are becoming hard to find around campus. Photo: Andrew Wilimek/Fulcrum

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Slate, and Al Jazeera news cannot keep Understand- to be human. Stories news that promotes (English). up with an oversat- ing the objectives of ask questions that cohesion, collaboThe populari- urated market, and the writer is crucial guarantee answers. ration, and a culture ty of digital news can the publishing of when discerning the They have begin- that upholds human largely be attributed fast and poor quality news you are choos- nings with guaran- dignity and freedom. to convenience and news garners clicks ing. Ask yourselves teed ends and they In this era of opportunity through- and thus, monetary what the author have actions that calamitous falsities out the 21st centu- support, encourag- stands to gain and are guaranteed to and sensationalized ry’s proliferation of ing publishers to sac- means to achieve. Is have meaning. Our performances of news.

Immediate rifice quality. the choice of rhetor- existence, collective- journalism, the anecdistribution, real-time For consum- ical language meant ly and individually, dote is likely critical updates, and a most- ers, finding quality to provoke you or guarantees nothing. thinking, and if we ly global reach all news is often not persuade you? Are So when we can’t so choose, we can allow publications a satisfactory out- you being informed find the answers, we become champions to release a higher come given the ef- or entertained? Are often take the time of responsible jourquantity of stories fort and time de- the authors present- to create them our- nalism and informed at a faster rate than manded to get there. ing information or selves. discourse. One canprint. In the average This inadvertently presenting a critical We give our dle creates a shad1.286 seconds it leads consumers to opinion? questions answers, ow, but many light takes to load a web- poor-quality news, News is even if they don’t the way, lest we alpage, consumers which encourages changing and jour- align with reality. In low democracy to die are made front-seat the further spread of nalism is trans- times of humanity’s in the darkness. audience members disinformation, and forming to meet the uncertainty, the valto virtually any cur- ultimately, reinforces modern needs of ue of truth is too ofrent news. But inno- a standard of distrust the modern con- ten undermined by vation always brings between the con- sumer. Revolution- the value of certainnew challenges; the sumers and publish- ary ideas tend to ty, and the legacy convenience, speed, ers. The results of prevail during times of news throughout and quantity of digital this can be observed of adversary, and COVID-19 is a solnews can be equally through intense au- change is coming to emn reminder of this. disadvantageous. dience fragmenta- fruition. Outlets such We must be wary C o n s u m e r s tion-echo chamber as the 2018 found- and perceptive of the are empowered with phenomena or the ed GroundNews, narratives ourselves the autonomy to general popularity allow consumers to and others create in choose their news, of desensitized an- see political bias of our aspiration for sesometimes out of ti-news attitudes. the articles they are curity and how they hundreds of publishDespite the choosing.

News- may be instrumeners for a single story. developing difficul- Guard, a browser tally weaponized to But this can result ties of modern-day plug-in, identifies achieve goals we in mass feelings of news, quality news bias, reliability and don’t align with. reader fatigue and does exist. To find it, I recently, safeguards anxiety. Additionally, suggest that you ask users against AI writ- While these barrithis oversaturation yourself what stories ten information. Or ers both publishers has promoted an in- matter the most to PressReader, which and consumers face discriminate and in- you, and when you allows access to are challenging, tense polarization of find them, be critical global magazines we mustn’t ignore news. of factors that mer- and journals, allow- the privilege of this This is a it good publishing. ing you to see how struggle. So long as challenge for both Depth, accuracy, stories are covered Canadians live with consumer and pub- clarity, bias, diverse differently across the freedom of thought, lisher. Consumer en- perspectives, trans- world. belief, opinion, exgagement becomes parency, and adherpression, and press, a publishing night- ence to ethical stan- Ultimately, the core we will need to work mare; a zero-sum dards are all good of news is stories, together to establish game where quality things to consider. and to love stories is a standard of quality

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thefulcrum.ca

The Curious Case of Benjamin Books: A love letter to an institution Say your final goodbyes to the little shop on the corner. Benjamin Books closes their doors after 35 years in business owner retirement. into campus from Local busi- by these changes.

Orléans each day or nesses that have colH i s t o r i c a l Restaurants, jewhave travelled across laborated with the U examples of this ellery stores, bookin- stores, and butchers, The Univer- an ocean to be here, of O or its professors phenomenon having a comfortable have closed their clude the changes all permanently clossity of Ottawa campus and surrounding and familiar learning doors and have fun- that have occurred ing or changing their area have changed environment can in- damentally changed in Byward Market. business models to since 2022. For U fluence the start of the atmosphere of Staggering numbers adapt to a more digof O first-years, our your fall term. For the surrounding San- of businesses of all itized market. The campus feels un- returning students, dy Hill area. Streets varieties have been one that may hit familiar and new. however, our cam- close to our school, dissipating for many closest to home for ranging U of O students is, Studying away from pus may also look such as Osgoode St. reasons, unfamiliar and Laurier Ave. E, from low profits and without much doubt, home is a big deal. slightly have been affected rising rent costs to Benjamin Books. and new.

Whether you drive

Keith Schoenfeld-Miller

Benjamin Books, as pictured in 2019, was a staple of Osgoode St., sandwiched in between Father and Sons, Circle K, and 3 Brothers Shawarma. Photo: Parker Townes/Fulcrum Archives

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Losing a you could guess, store like Benjamin even more books.

Books, one so close- The store walls were ly knitted into the lined with shelves fabric of the universi- going up to the roof ty, feels like the loss at least 20 feet, all of a limb. For more blanketed with texts. than three decades, I can only imagine the shop supplied the shop must have students like me with been so worn out the reading materi- by the weight of the als they needed for heavy books inside their studying. Many because no matter professors in the En- where you stepped, Benjamin Books, seen in its last days of operations in March 2024. Photo: Matt Osborne/Fulcrum Archives glish department, my you could hear the Maybe to a passerby that [the U of O] take next for the students. department, asked wear on those creak- who never went in- over this space and A more pessimistic their students to get ing floors. side, all this doesn’t keep the historical Fulcrum contributor their books from this B e n j a m i n seem that special. To connection going.” might believe that store in an effort to Books was that re- some students, I’m This was this is the end—that support this local ally good kind of old. sure it was just a gap a wonderful idea with analogue studybusiness rather than The kind that makes between 3 Brothers that unfortunately ing becoming more from a digital market grandparents and Shawarma and Cir- came and went as difficult to engage or the campus store. cathedrals feel so im- cle K. To other stu- Mr. Bubis entered in, generative AI will I remember portant. The kind that dents, though, it was semi-retirement and take over school as a first-year stu- gave you ginger tea more than just an old decided to switch spaces and plagiadent nervously en- when you were sick store that reeked of his business to a rism will continue to tering the store with and caramels when pulp. primarily online ver- run rampant. Thinka long list of texts you weren’t. Before it With Ben- sion of what it once ing of myself as a by many diverse au- closed, I made a tra- jamin Books being was. I think that the more optimistic Fulthors. I was greeted dition of stopping in gone for almost sev- situation speaks to crum contributor, nicely, and the own- each week to grab a en months now, stu- something important however, I will say er handed me the two-dollar novella or dent patrons have regarding the ways only this: the Univerbooks I needed in a book of poems, and turned to the campus that our university sity of Ottawa is expre-organized stack. they always com- store and the digi- is slowly changing. periencing a dramatThe store itself was forted me greatly no tal versions of their For one, this under- ic change, and it will beautiful and brought matter my mood. If I texts as best they scores the undeni- be up to the students some colour to the arrived in a blizzard, can. Benjamin Books able trend of digiti- of our school, the Osgoode St. strip; its the store warmed was an institution of zation in university new and old, those exterior was emerald me; if I arrived in the University of Ot- settings. As more lo- in STEM and those green and old-fash- a fog, the books tawa’s history, and cal businesses tran- in the arts, to decide ioned and the sign cleared my head. Ev- students will feel its sition out of school how they want that above the door was erything about that absence for months spaces, students change to play out. shabby and said, place was perfect in to come. The own- who prefer to keep “Benjamin” in a little my eyes. er, Mordecai Bubis, the traditional anafont and “Books” in To top it off, made known his de- logue style of studya huge font that cov- the two men who ran sire to keep the store ing alive through the ered a large portion the store matched present on campus support of stores of the sign. it nicely; they were in some way. In an like this are left out In the win- scruffy, on the older interview from late to dry — a tradition dows, books were side, and were overly last year, Bubis stat- that Bubis states in piled high, with some offensively polite. Fi- ed, “I’m not yet ag- the same interview is nicer-looking editions nally, and most sad- gressively looking for “fundamental to acaor more well-known ly, their prices may a buyer for the Os- demia.” titles leaning against never be seen in goode store collecSo now we’re the piles. Inside, if any bookstore again. tion. I’d really prefer left wondering what’s

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T MAT

When all else fails, build a tunnel!

Bigger and better is always the answer…right?

Sydney Grenier

Ottawa is a city populated by a large percentage of students, thanks to being home to Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. However, it is not designed to ease student life.

Bus routes are long, complicated and often late.

Bike lanes begin and end haphazardly. And nearly every student has a friend who has gotten into Photo: Matt Osborne/Fulcrum some sort of collision been criticized by also include making that would take more while riding a Bird reduce traffic.

The Tomato citizens of the city this tunnel a tourist than 15 years to acscooter.

Like most interviewed city plan- for his lack of over- attraction. The tun- complish. All it will do North American cit- ner and member of sight on timely con- nel will run under the in the end is worsen problems ies, it is designed for Mark Sutcliffe’s staff, struction projects in Rideau Canal. The existing Rhodes Block, for his the city.

One U of O tunnel will boast a and add to the tencars. With the federal workers returning to thoughts on the tun- club called Students clear ceiling to view sions between stufor 15-minute Cities, the vibrancy of the dents and ‘Road work in-person, the nel.

“We’ve conhave dubbed the canal.”

Block’. ” He added. city is flooded with ‘Road To comment Whether or gridlock traffic. This sulted with Premier city-planner Doug Ford and plan Block’. on the complexity of not the tunnel is built impacts students to model this projWhen asked the project the Tomawill be decided by the since it delays buses and keeps popular ect on the excellent about the logistics of to interviewed engi- result of next year’s routes inaccessible work he has been the project, Block re- neering professor at Panda Game; Cardoing with the 401 sponded, “Obviously, the University of Ot- leton for the tunnel for quick commute. takes tawa, Bill I. Bridges, and U of O against.

Luckily your highway in Toronto,” construction two favorite politi- said Block. “It is es- time. But, I promise who shook his head Based on the results cians — Mark Sut- sential for the peo- we can finish this in disbelief. “Firstly, of the past year, it is cliffe and Premier ple of Ottawa that project in a year with the only thing you possible this tunnel Doug Ford — have a we eliminate traffic no effect on current will see in the Ride- is nothing to worry solution! The City of congestion. This can traffic routes. The au Canal are floating about.

Ottawa plans to build be accomplished by city will be better for traffic cones!”

“Not to menan underground tun- brute force and de- it in 2026!” termination.”

Block added tion this is a multi-bilnel between the two Block has excitedly, “Our plans lion dollar project major universities to

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DEAR DI Howl in bed, not at the moon.

IF HE’S GONNA RIP YOUR FURNITURE AND NOT YOUR CLOTHES, GHOST ‘EM Di Daniels Dear Di, So like, I’ve been seeing this new guy recently. He’s a real hairy hunk: beautiful mane, thick eyebrows — and he’s so sweet, like a golden retriever! Whenever I drop my things, he always fetches them for me and to be honest, it’s nice to have a hottie look at you like a hungry wolf every now and then. That’s nice and all but when we went on our last date, he was acting weird — scratch marks on the dinner table, howling when his food arrived, and staring out the window at the moon. I feel like he didn’t pay enough attention to me during our date. What should I do?

Sincerely, Beware-wolf Dear BW, It sounds like you’ve got yourself a bit of a wild catch! I know it’s sometimes fun to tame a beast, but you gotta remember that a little messiness is expected.

As for the weirdness on your last date – I know I can act a little weird when I’m hungry too and he may still be a little nervous going out with you! Maybe instead of howling at that juicy steak that was coming to your table, he was trying to compliment you? I might be barking up the wrong tree though.

I would suggest sitting down and talking with him, if you’re worried things aren’t gonna work out then you gotta get serious. Sometimes we let little annoyances build-up — don’t like the howling, staring off into the moon, shredding and shedding? Let him explain himself! If he doesn’t say “I may look at the moon but I’ve still got stars in my eyes for you,” dump him!

Remember, dating is all about mutual attraction and respect — if his behaviour doesn’t exactly howl “super sexy” to you, then it might be a good idea to call it off before things get too hairy.

There’s many ways to dump a shaggy guy but if you’re worried things aren’t gonna go well, you can always ghost him! It’s seasonally appropriate AND effective at avoiding confrontation. Though keep note that it can backfire if you run into each other frequently and that it may make your Halloween party costume a bit more difficult to pull off. Nothing says awkward like working with an ex on a group project for your seminar.

Next time though, try not to date on a full moon and watch out for anyone overly obsessed with Twilight.

Sincerely, Di Daniels

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MEDIA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Keelan Buck

ChaiR & CONTINUITY Representative Emma Godmere

Secretary

Devin Beauregard

Treasurer

Ria Kunkulol

thefulcrum.ca

University Representative Bhanu Bhakta Acharya

Contributor Representative Siena Domaradzki-Kim

Student RepresentativeS Gabrielle Douglas Agape Williams

Executive Director Simon Coakeley

Editors-in-chief

Kavi Vidya Achar Andrew Wilimek

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.

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