April 3, 2018 by The Varsity

Vol. CXXXVIII, No. 24 April 3, 2018 thevarsity.ca —— University of Toronto’s Student Newspaper Since 1880

a h T

! s k l o f l l a s t’

COMMENT

SCIENCE

SPORTS

ARTS

A final reflection from the Public Editor

A year in review

The Varsity’s Athletes of the Year

End of semester and new beginnings

On covering student politics

STEM students reflect on the highlights of 2017

TJ Morton and Emily Ziraldo talk memories of the year and dreams for the future

Three contributors on what happens next

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U-Pass referendum fails 65.6 per cent of votes against establishing transit pass Josie Kao Associate News Editor

The referendum to establish a $280 per semester U-Pass transit fee for undergraduate UTSG students has failed to pass. A total of 12,428 students voted in the referendum, 306 of whom abstained. Of those who voted ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ 7,946 students — 65.6 per cent — voted against the proposed pass, and 4,176 students — 34.4 per cent — voted for it. If passed, the TTC would have established a semesterly universal transit pass. The University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) Board of Directors would have been able to increase the fee by up to five per cent per year to cover rising administrative and transit costs, up to $322.50 per session. The U-Pass would not have had an opt-out option except for those students whose needs were protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code and restricted their ability to use transit. “The outcome of the referendum is a strong indication that a UPASS without optout provisions for those students living near campus is not sellable,” said UTSU President Mathias Memmel in an email to The Varsity. “Transit and housing remain significant barriers to affordable and accessible postsecondary education for our diverse student body.” “We look forward to working constructively

with both provincial parties and City Council in advance of the upcoming election. We also hope to continue our productive conversations with the TTC Board,” he added. Donald Wang, speaking on behalf of a ‘no’ campaign against the pass, wrote to The Varsity that it’s clear students do want a U-Pass, but not in this form. “The U-Pass, proposed and pursued with the best of intention by a group of student leaders, aimed to bring cheaper transportation to all students. However, in this referendum, the student body has spoken loud and clear – the U-Pass in its current form is unacceptable.” “These election results show that it can’t just be subsidization of Toronto residents. The students want options to opt-out and the integration of the GO transit system. A better approach would see greater consultation and a slower, more thorough process. I hope the UTSU executives, current and incoming, are able to listen and advocate for the best of our collective student body.” Speaking on behalf of U-Commute, which ran a ‘yes’ campaign, U of T student Aidan Swirsky told The Varsity, “We respect students’ decision, which was heard loud and clear, and hope the newly elected UTSU will build off this result and address the many criticisms heard during this cycle and throughout the year, if they wish to further explore the U-Pass.”

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Compass slate sweeps UTSU executive elections Elections see 25.3 per cent turnout, a significant increase from previous years Aidan Currie Deputy News Editor

University of Toronto Students’ Union elections results were released shortly after 6:00 pm on March 28, revealing a clean sweep by the Compass slate of all executive positions. Of the 50,405 students eligible to vote, 12,734 did, a 25.3 per cent turnout. The majority of votes in all races were abstentions, with the exception of Nursing Director. President-elect Anne Boucher received 2,376 votes; her opponent, Michelle Mabira, received 1,191. In this race, 9,167 voters — 72 per cent — abstained. Boucher said she was “beyond grateful” upon hearing the results. “I’m so excited to begin, especially with the amazing team I’ll have with me. You probably hear this year after year — but expect change, because we’ll work our butts off.” Vice-President Internal-elect Tyler Biswurm was elected with 1,946 votes; his opponent, Boundless’ Alyy Patel, received 899. There were 9,889 abstentions, constituting 77.7 per cent of voters. The VP Campus Life race saw winner

Yolanda Alfaro receive 1,668 votes and independent opponent Spencer Robertson take 1,140, with 9,926 abstentions. VP Professional Faculties-elect Yasmine El Sanyoura received 535 votes to Boundless’ Gallop Fan’s 310, with 3,280 abstentions. The three executive positions were uncontested and received over 70 per cent abstentions. VP University Affairselect Joshua Grondin won with 2,390 votes for and 422 votes against. VP External-elect Yuli Liu received 2,990 ‘yes’ votes and 693 ‘no’ votes. Ammara Wasim, VP Equity-elect, received 2,597 votes in favour and 936 against. In addition to sweeping the executive positions, all Compass candidates were elected except Tiffany Tiu. Tiu, who ran for one of two Professional Faculty Director at-large positions, lost to fellow Compass candidate Christopher Dryden and independent candidate Virginia Wong. Michelle Mabira declined The Varsity’s request for comment.