On June 29th, a group of people gathered in the lower seating area of St. John’s own Battery Café, many artists, musicians, and writers. Others included supportive family members and poem enthusiasts. With two established poets on the evening’s lineup plus the additional five spots on the open mic, the room was brimming with enthusiasm and nervousness. Meanwhile, two people were bustling around the room with chairs, chatting in low voices as they helped organize the space. They were the reason the whole event happened in the first place.
Photo Credit: Battery Poetry
I interviewed the two organizers of Battery Café’s first poetry series, Greta Warner and Elias Langer. They gave me the scoop on the process of organizing the event and what gave them the idea of planning it.
With Greta being a talented local musician and Elias being a fantastic poet, the natural progression of their conversation about their artistic fields led to the cozy event last month. St. John’s has a thriving music scene. This event drew on that inspiration and introduced the idea of an open-mic style poetry night. The pair is building this series of poetry nights from the ground up, hoping there will be future events. They both know the owner of the Battery Café and spoke of his desire to have the business be a thriving coffee spot and a “quintessential location for local young emerging artists to present their work,” as Elias said.
Greta explained the motivation behind the event from her perspective as a musician: “When you’re just starting out it’s very easy to believe that the scene is what it is, and that you have no power to contribute to it because you’re new.” As younger artists growing up or trying to create in a very artistically rich province, it can be difficult to make your voice heard or have the courage to try. But as she explained further, “…as the next generation of artists, we have a new perspective on things. We have a lot of valuable new ideas both creatively and in terms of the scene, and we should not be afraid to share them (or face our fears and do it anyway). Nobody is ever done learning, and we can all learn from each other.”
With this perspective in mind, Greta explained their reasoning for the event as wanting to create a “warm and inviting space for new poets,” a space that was not frightening and entirely open for newness as it was to skill. They also wanted to enjoy the form of poetry and its art and craft.
Elias explained that Greta did most of the organizational work; from setting up the Eventbrite for the tickets to designing and printing the poster, she was the brains behind the operation. Meanwhile, Elias set his mind to the creative force. When one of the main poets, Craig Francis Power, couldn’t make it to the event, Elias’ father, James Langer, filled in with some amazing poems with his son’s encouragement. Elias was also the charming host of the evening. However, he explained that since it was his first time hosting anything, he forgot 40% of what he would say and got nervous. I know that no one in the audience minded, though; if anything, it helped break the ice.
The event was a massive success! Tickets sold out, and many poets read after the night’s main event during the open mic (including myself!) I would say that they completely succeeded when thinking of the lovely organizers’ motivation and wishes for the event. Poets both new to the scene and familiar with it read their work in a warm and appreciative environment, allowing them to feel safe in the arms of art in the heart of St. John’s. In the name of Newfoundland’s art and the people who make it, it was a massive win, and I certainly hope to see more events like it in the future.
In early July, the Muse had the opportunity to interview the 13th President and Vice-Chancellor of Memorial University, Dr. Vianne Timmons, to discuss student concerns, the university’s financial situation, its relationship with the Newfoundland government, and Memorial’s future.
In the fall, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUN) will welcome returning and upcoming students to the university, hoping to re-energize campus life and Memorial’s post-pandemic culture.
Like student experience during the last few years, President Timmons says, “It’s been a very different type of presidency due to the COVID-19 pandemic”.
However, as restrictions have eased across Newfoundland and Labrador, President Timmons says she is “Looking forward to doing her job in a different way, meeting people, holding functions, attending functions, and getting to know faculty, staff, and students.”
Post-pandemic re-energization
In our interview, President Timmons spoke of some of the administration’s plans to revitalize campus life and university culture.
Timmons said there would be a particular focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), as Memorial signed onto the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in November of 2021- a charter committed to taking action to eliminate barriers for Black scholars, students, faculty, staff and others.
When asked how the plan is progressing, Timmons said they are developing a scorecard to monitor progress.
According to Timmons, the strategic plan’s core is service to students, which has prompted a review of the registrar’s office’s focus on students. The administration will also offer workshops on service culture and how to serve students well.
‘Transforming Our Horizons’ will be implemented until 2026, recognizing Memorial’s greatest strengths as people and place.
“Memorial is a university for Newfoundland and Labrador, connected strongly to the heritage of our place and a driver of social, economic, and cultural vitality,” Timmons says. “Enabling cultures is what is unique about our plan.”
Through the integration of five themes: proactive programs, inspired learning, dynamic research, commitment to communities, and promotion and pride, the administration hopes to make MUN a university for the province, the world, and our future.
Multi- Campus Focus
Memorial has six campuses across Newfoundland and Labrador, and the United Kingdom.
The most recent development is Memorial’s Labrador Campus, which is moving into its own building in the fall of 2022— a space leased for five years with the hope of building an official campus, according to Timmons.
Photo Credit: Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo, Dean of Labrador Campus (via Twitter @AshleeCunsolo)
MUN’s Labrador Campus will offer engineering and nursing programs starting in the fall, while other new programs are in development and 50 Co-op positions are now available at Voisey Mines.
“I am excited to see the presence of Memorial there,” said Timmons, who is from Labrador.
Grenfell
President Timmons also spoke about the significance of the Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, which received the most significant research grant ever: $15 million.
The Grenfell Campus also released its first agriculture and food research report in July 2022, highlighting agricultural sustainability and food self-sufficiency. Its biggest program is environmental science, along with a robust theatre program and an innovation hub, Genesis, designed to promote tech start-ups and encourage entrepreneurship in NL.
Photo Credit: Grenfell Campus (via Facebook)
However, the biggest challenge for Grenfell is its need for expansion since the campus is full.
Deferred Maintenance
President Timmons had stated to The Muse that $100 million would go towards deferred maintenance over the following years in March.
In our July interview, Timmons said the university has a plan for deferred maintenance—however, financials remain their biggest challenge.
MUN’s deferred maintenance is one of the student body’s most significant concerns, with reports of the ceiling collapsing, hanging tarps, leaks in the university’s tunnel system collected in buckets (which students have coined “MUNNEL Juice”), mice, and more.
In our interview, Timmons described the plan Memorial submitted to the government regarding their deferred maintenance.
“When interest rates were really, really low, we proposed a plan to the government: a plan for infrastructure. Now with the university act not being realised, I am delayed until the auditor general comes in. I am still hoping the government will endorse the infrastructure plan I gave them, but I have yet to hear.”
“A lot of things will be on hold until this auditor general’s report is done, which could take two years.”
Potential Changes to Memorial University Act
Memorial’s University Act provides an opportunity for the university to have much more autonomy. However, Timmons explains, if Memorial wants to acquire a gift of a building or land, it will need permission from the provincial government.
“We are not nimble like we need to be, and it becomes cumbersome as a university; we have a large infrastructure, and we need to be nimble,” Timmons says.
In May, a professor at MUN reached out to the Muse after hearing that the government is revising the Memorial University Act under the cabinet secretariat, which is outside the ATIPP (Access to Information and Protection of Privacy) process for cabinet confidentiality. While the accusation can neither be confirmed nor denied, the administration allegedly supports such revision. As a result, I asked what the revision would mean for students and if the revision would be positive.
President Timmons stated:
“This revision would be positive. We would be a university that would be much more responsive, could be nimble, accept gifts from donors in an easier way, work closely with the federal government on projects with no input from provincial government, smaller board of regents based on skills rather than government appointees, elected alumni, we have over 30 people in the board of regents right now and it’s not good governance. So the revision would give the university much better governance and domino back down to be more positive for students.”
Later in the interview, President Timmons said it is not a matter of ‘if’ Memorial’s University Act will be changed but ‘when.’
Financials
Memorial’s finances continue to be the biggest challenge the administration faces.
Since 2015, Memorial has faced significant cuts and losses to personnel. “We are 400 people less than we were while enrolment reached record highs”, Timmons said.
When Budget 2022 was announced, President Timmons described the government’s cuts as tough on the university. As a result, Timmons describes her biggest challenge as trying to keep people positive during a difficult financial time.
In reaction to this statement, Timmons says, “we can stand on our own merit, but I also believe we need adequate funding to serve our students well. The cuts are significant, $8 million over 5 years.”
Timmons also stated that MUN had faced cuts since 2015. “This is not a cut for five years; this is ten years of cuts, so we have to figure out how to manage that. My hope would have been to have more flexibility around the tuition and not get cut; that was a recommendation of the postsecondary review – lift the tuition freeze but no cuts to the university because they recognize the financial challenges– that didn’t happen.”
However, MUN does have plans to help alleviate its financial situation through revenue generation on scholarships for students.
Timmons said, “We have many resources put into entrance scholarships. It is our focus to build a robust scholarship program for students to help them with tuition increases and manage through.”
New Competitive Advantage?
Many students have expressed that their reason for attending Memorial was affordable tuition, which gave it a competitive advantage over other universities.
However, one could question Memorial’s current competitive advantage, with tuition increasing by 235% for upcoming Canadian students.
Timmons, however, believes Memorial has many other advantages, such as the quality of its degree programs and the opportunities for a small intimate campus experience through Grenfell, Marine Institute, and Labrador Campus.
She also emphasizes that Memorial is still the most affordable university in Atlantic Canada.
In addition, the focus on this place is crucial through the folklore and oceans programs for Newfoundland and Labrador students.
“Overall, there are many areas that we shine,” said Timmons.
Photo Credit: Jenna Reid
However, there are significant concerns about Memorial’s international student population as they face drastic tuition increases.
While Memorial offers scholarships and part-time work opportunities for its international students, President Timmons says Newfoundland taxes pay for students’ education.
Therefore, subsidizing other students is a cost to Newfoundland and Labradorians.
“We will support international students, but I also feel we need to recognize that the subsidy of international student education cannot be borne on the shoulders of Newfoundland and Labradorians,” Timmons said.
Memorial intends to attract more undergraduate international students, so Timmons believes if we lose some numbers of international students due to tuition increases, it won’t be for long as the university implements and updates new degree programs.
“I do not want my legacy to be tuition increases. I want my legacy to be the implementation of our strategic plan with a real focus on students,” said Timmons.
Why Memorial?
For incoming students starting MUN this fall, President Timmons wants to remind them that a university education is the best investment you can make.
Additionally, Timmons says, Memorial is the most affordable university in Atlantic Canada.
She also wishes to thank incoming students for choosing Memorial University. “I know we have challenges with infrastructure, but there is so much going on here. Hopefully in September, we will see almost three years of students having that first-year experience,” said Timmons, due to the pandemic closures.
President Timmons also encourages students to get involved and be part of the campus culture, stating that “for a university education, what you get out is what you put in.”
Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Memorial University’s administration and President Vianne Timmons for taking the time to speak with The Muse.
Kittiwake Dance Theatre is a Newfoundland-based dance company founded over 36 years ago by Linda Rimsay. As a non-profit dance company, Kittiwake is managed by a board of directors as well as artistic director Martin Vallee.
This company has been a staple in the Newfoundland dance scene for years. Thanks to its yearly performance of The Nutcracker and its original works titled Mermaids of Avalon and Fairy Fae, which both incorporated NL folklore and legends, it has effectively marked its territory as the Professional dance company of Newfoundland.
They have since transitioned into incorporating more contemporary works alongside their traditional and widely loved full-length story ballets and are now collaborating with RBC through the Kittiwake-RBC Emerging Choreographer-in-Residence program to give opportunities to young choreographers in need of funding to create and set their work on company dancers.
While their main priority is creating dance opportunities for aspiring and current professional dancers within our province, they are also constantly doing whatever they can to support the NL arts community as a whole and love collaborating with other artistic entities. This includes anyone looking to help out on the sidelines and wanting to get involved in the arts community but unsure of how.
Supporting the NL Arts community
There are so many ways that students and other members of our community can support local artists. The support of others is what keeps the arts community alive in our province. Artistic expression is meant to be shared.
When speaking with Martin Vallee, I asked him his thoughts on how people in our community, specifically how students, can support Kittiwake Dance Theatre and other local artists. He suggested,
Make an effort to look out for upcoming events.
Lots of artistic events are now being advertised online and on social media. So, make sure to stay active online and follow the local artists that pique your interest and see if they have any upcoming events.
Check the Arts and Culture Centre website for details on upcoming events/performances.
The Arts and Culture Centre is just a step away from MUN’s St. John’s Campus and is constantly updating its website with new performances to see. Stay in the loop and check out their website to see what’s on the go.
Take your family and friends with you to performances.
Make it a night out. Going to performances yourself is a great way to show your support. But there is nothing more fun than exposing those around you to the art that NL has to offer.
Participate in creative events as a volunteer
Kittiwake, for example, is always looking for new volunteers to join their volunteer committee. You can get a close behind-the-scenes look at how a dance company is run and take part in all the nitty gritty behind-the-scenes fun that goes into putting on a dance performance.
Upcoming events to look out for
According to artistic director Martin Vallée, Kittiwake Dance Theatre has quite an exciting year ahead.
This 2022 summer season, they will be putting on outdoor performances open to the public both in St. John’s and across the island.
They will start the summer with their production entitled “Come Home” at Bowring Park from July 7th-11th, followed by a provincial tour of the show at parks in Stephenville, Cornerbrook, Gros Morne and Terra-Nova from July 15th-21st.
So make sure to stop by if you’re looking for a spectacular outdoor art event for your whole family to enjoy!
Then, later on in the year, they will once again be putting on their annual Nutcracker.
This year they are celebrating their 36th anniversary, so make sure to get your tickets this fall!
Once their St. John’s shows are over, they will once again be taking the Nutcracker on tour to Grand Falls, Corner Brook, Stephenville and Gander. (Dates to be determined)
How to get involved as a dancer, student or volunteer
Dancers
Audition for upcoming performances!
Kittiwake Dance Theatre is holding auditions for The Nutcracker on the weekend of August 28th for their St. John’s shows, and they will also be travelling to their touring destinations to hold auditions seeking local participants for their performances across the island.
Kittiwake Dance Theatre has collaborated with MUN Music numerous times and in several capacities.
They have collaborated with MUN Music to create an accompaniment program enabling pianists from the music program to have hands-on experience playing for ballet classes. Craig Wingrove, a well-known accompanist, was brought in from the National Ballet of Canada to teach the young pianists.
Professor Vernon Regehr from the music department has also collaborated with Kittiwake Dance Theatre as a conductor, bringing together MUN Music musicians to play live music for performances.
It is very common for the company to incorporate live music into their performances. Even their summer performance in the park will combine live musicians to a few of their works, as it brings a magical atmosphere that is simply impossible to replicate with a recording.
So, if you’re a MUN Music student looking to collaborate with dancers or want to create something new, reach out to Kittiwake Dance Theatre. They are always looking for new projects and new creatives to work with.
Volunteering
Keep in mind that you don’t have to be a dancer to get involved in productions like these!
If you aren’t a dancer but are still interested and believe you have skills that can be beneficial behind the scenes for Kittiwake Dance Theatre, then don’t hesitate to reach out. They are always looking for eager volunteers!
**If this sounds like something you would want to participate in, then please contact info@kittiwakedancetheatre.ca for more information**
Very recently, I found my haven in the library at the MUN Education building. The library is filled with books suitable for all ages and contains diverse media ranging from short stories to graphic novels.
Photo Credit: Aya Alumutoory
It is stocked with different genres and includes classics like Macbeth by William Shakespeare, as well as booktok favourites like A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
Below are some of the best books that I have borrowed so far:
1. Loveless by Alice Oseman.
A painfully beautiful story about friendship and self-discovery with an incredible array of representations of asexual and aromantic people. The same author wrote the award-winning graphic novel series Heartstopper, which has recently been adapted into a Netflix show!
2. When We Collided by Emery Lord.
A wonderful novel that was written from a dual point of view, tackling complex topics such as grief and mental illness. It also showcases healing and self-acceptance, leaving you tear-eyed. This book is more on the heavier side of what I am used to but is an eye-opening read.
Photo Credit: Aya Almutoory
3. On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden.
One of the largest graphic novels available at the library and contains breathtaking panels. This intergalactic story is perfect for sci-fi lovers and highlights growth and found family. It’s written through two different timelines, accentuating the history between Mia and her lover, Grace.
4. My Body My Choice by Robin Stevenson.
A nonfiction book that brilliantly highlights the fight for abortion rights and the dark history behind abortion laws. In my opinion, this is a necessary read, especially given the new abortion ban in the US.
5. Once Upon an Eid by 15 Muslim Voices.
In the spirit of our fellow Muslims recently celebrating Eid, this beautifully written book accurately reflects the joys of Eid and the diversity within the Muslim community. It is aimed at a younger audience and written through a collection of short stories, verses, and even a comic panel by the same creator of the Ms. Marvel comics (currently a Marvel tv show!).
All books mentioned are currently available to borrow at the Education Library on MUN’s St. John’s Campus.
While Pride Month was celebrated worldwide in June, Pride in St. John’s starts this week, with festivities on campus beginning on July 14th. Several organizations are working for the welfare of the LGBTQ+ community at MUNL and in St. John’s, including MUN SAGA (Sexual and Gender Advocacy Resource Centre).
“MUN SAGA started as a group of students on campus that wanted to create a resource centre and a safe space for LGBTQ+ students and their family, friends and allies,” said the external director, Hanaa Mekawy. While it has been active on campus since 1999 (then known as ‘LBGT MUN’), MUN SAGA has since developed as an organization supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community at the university and in St. John’s.
Photo Credit: MUN SAGA Facebook
Among their many initiatives, MUN SAGA provides free menstrual and sexual health resources such as tampons, condoms, pregnancy tests and dental dams. Another program Mekawy highlights are their gender gear initiative, for which MUN SAGA supplies free gender-affirming gear to people in need, such as binders, packers and breast forms.
“This can be lifesaving and affirming for trans and non-binary people. It is also sometimes really hard to access, so being able to provide it to people for free is a great thing we can do,” they commented.
“As an organization, we are proud of having a safe space and providing resources to people,” Mekawy states.
Regarding the importance of celebrating the LGBTQ+ community: “Pride is significant because it celebrates how far the community has come regarding progress and liberation. It is also a time to honour those that came before and did this work, as well as recognize that there is still more to be done for all members of the community. It is a promise to continue to do the necessary work,” Mekawy said.
Increasing public awareness and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community is essential to fighting social stigma and discrimination.
According to Mekawy, “At SAGA, we hear from people of different ages and backgrounds from less accepting communities or households. They reach out to us because they want to know that there’s a space they feel accepted and safe in. So, when we celebrate Pride visible and loudly in the community, it helps them to see that there is a place for them here.”
Mekawy also commented on their hopes for MUN SAGA’s future initiatives. “We hope to continue providing these resources and broaden our outreach in the community, expand our initiatives and organize more social events.”
As Pride celebrations in St. John’s start this month, Mekawy said, “We hope that everyone stays safe and has a good time. We hope to see plenty of folks celebrating, and to remember that there is a community there for you.”
To celebrate Pride on campus, MUN SAGA will host two events—a scene workshop with Salt Pages on July 19th and an art social-themed ‘Paint Your Pride’ on July 22nd.
The SAGA offices are on the 6th floor of the University Centre at UC6022 and UC6023. There is a social space and a study room with a library.
To request gender-affirming gear, students in need can email MUN SAGA at saga@munsu.ca. Other resource centres supporting the LGBTQ+ community include Intersections (at UC1009), Quadrangle NL, Trans Support NL, and the 2SLGTBQ+ Mutual Aid Pod (on Facebook).
As university students, most of us have fallen prey to the appeal of a quick and easy lifestyle (myself included). With school work constantly piling up and deadlines fast approaching, there’s not a lot of time left to think about how we can improve our daily habits and live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
We’re always moving on to the next thing with very little time to spare. So buying pre-packaged, ready-to-go meals and all your daily essentials off Amazon seems like the most affordable way to live.
Trust me; I’ve been there too.
It seems too tedious, time-consuming, and expensive for a student trying to live on a budget. But if you start slowly by implementing small changes to your daily routine that promote ethical living, it will eventually feel like you’ve been doing it all along.
If you’re like me and want to start living more ethically but don’t know where to start, listen up because you’ve come to the right place!
This is a guide for everything you need to know about how to make the transition into an ethical lifestyle that will be fully sustainable for any student living in Newfoundland.
First things first, shopping!
Starbucks, Amazon and Skipthedishes are every student’s best friends.
We’re all about quick, easy and efficient EVERYTHING, and there’s nothing wrong with that. A lot of the time, it just doesn’t feel like there are enough hours in the day to do anything but your assignments (sometimes not even enough for that!).
But there are ways to be more sustainable with these lifestyle fixes that can make a big difference:
1. Swap out your Starbucks/Tim Hortons/Mcdonald’s coffee for something local
Photo Credit: Erin Delaney, Elizabeth Furey (via gazette.mun.ca)
Tons of locally brewed coffee can replace your quick fix.
You could try the Roastery on campus in the UC or the Jumping Bean in the library. In both cases, you’re promoting local coffee companies and still consuming daily caffeine.
Even better, try bringing your reusable coffee cup with you to avoid creating too much waste.
2. Replace online orders with local shopping
Rather than ordering things online through Amazon or fast fashion clothing sites, try taking the time to visit some local shops!
Some shops downtown like The Bee’s Knees, Model Citizens, Found Consignment Boutique, and Elaine’s Books sell a bunch of locally sourced and secondhand products.
Photo Credit: The Bee’s Knees (via Facebook)
The Bee’s Knees is a great place when you’re on the lookout for some reusable containers, straws, cutlery and any other kitchen/cooking appliance you may need. Many are made from reused materials and are of excellent quality.
Model Citizens and Found Consignment Store are the places to go when you’re looking for some new clothes to add to your wardrobe. Both are second-hand clothing stores that will resell high-end, high-quality clothes at a discounted price.
Another great habit of picking up is when buying new clothes, try swapping out some pieces you don’t wear anymore. Found consignment store will take used clothing in good condition, resell it for you, and then give you part of the profit.
That’s a pretty great deal if you ask me!
3. Take a break from Skip and try out St. John’s Farmer’s Market
Photo Credit: Lauren Power (via theovercast.ca)
St. John’s Farmer’s Market is located at 245 Freshwater Rd and is open Monday 1 pm-8 pm, Wednesday 5 pm-9 pm, and Saturday 9 am-4 pm.
The Farmer’s Market offers local produce, jewelry, art and much more. There is also a variety of cuisines and products that originate from many varying cultures. It’s an immersive experience that can give us insight into the beautiful diversity of our province.
Plus, it is more ethical and healthier to buy from local vendors and supports other members of our community and the NL economy to buy products produced locally.
Making a difference on campus
As university students, there are ways that we can promote sustainability right on campus—for example, making an effort to compost our scraps and recycle doesn’t have to be a tedious, time-consuming task.
Memorial University offers an online tutorial on properly composting, and taking the initiative to make this part of your daily routine can be easy.
Memorial University (MUNL) announced a new Centre for Artificial Intelligence and three new master’s programs today that will benefit Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing tech sector.
The three new graduate programs are software engineering, artificial intelligence, and data science. Each program is one year long, will begin in September 2022, and is already at full capacity.
The Centre for Artificial Intelligence will be on the fifth floor of the Core Science Facility and will hold short-focused programs to create highly qualified individuals, said President Timmons.
Memorial’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence will cost an estimated $ 2 million.
Breakdown of Funding
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $432,000, while the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and MP for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, announced $995,000 from the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Memorial University is contributing $498,000 through revenues generated by the course-based graduate programs and continuing education (short courses) to sustain the longer-term activities of the centre. The total project cost is $1,925,000.
The funding also accounts for hiring four new faculty members and will create a state-of-the-art technology hub for this province.
“Just the beginning.”
President Vianne Timmons claims this announcement is “just the beginning” of tech development at Memorial University, with high hopes for the future.
CEO of TechNL, Florian Villaume, said this announcement is “great news for the province,” while President Timmons acknowledged that 80% of Verafin employees are MUNL alumni.
The Centre for Artificial Intelligence will serve as a collaborative teaching, outreach and continuing education space for Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing tech sector.
According to Minister Seamus O’Regan Jr. “Newfoundland and Labrador’s tech sector punches above its weight. With the support of Memorial University, we’re thriving. “A new Centre for Artificial Intelligence will help us take on the world,” O’Regan believes.
The minimum admission requirements for MUNL’s three new master’s programs can be found at the following links:
On June 1st, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUNL) lifted its mask mandate. While face coverings remain strongly recommended indoors, they are now optional.
There is a remarkable 99% vaccination rate among the MUNL community. It seems like the perfect time to lift the mask mandate- after all, as of June 22, there were a mere 87 cases in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is important to reinstate normalcy in the learning environment.
Photo credit: Peter Cowan, Memorial University
Studies have shown that removing masks in classrooms leads to more effective learning. It is also difficult to enforce a mask mandate. Masks clearly help reduce the spread of COVID-19. In the unfortunate emergence of a new variant, a mask mandate would reduce the risk and lead to a stable, dependable policy. At the same time, students must have a post-COVID 19 university experience and feel a sense of routine in this ever-changing world. While it is important to remember that we are still in a pandemic and take necessary precautions, now is the time to ease into a stage of coexistence with the virus.
While the university was the first major organization in the province to implement a vaccine mandate, it also suspended the vaccine requirement on June 1. However, this raises the question of whether this decision puts immunocompromised members of the community at risk. Vaccinations have clearly shown to be effective against the transmission of COVID-19, so it is slightly worrisomethat the vaccine mandate is no longer in place. Rates of hospitalization and severe COVID-19 cases are higher among unvaccinated individuals. Vaccine requirements put those anxious about the pandemic at ease and can prevent an outbreak in the community.
Although vaccinations are a personal choice, it protects the community, especially those at risk from severe disease. Therefore one should still be cautious and keep in mind that there are members of the community who are either vulnerable or live with those who are vulnerable.
When asked about the recent development, one student stated, “I think it’s about time. If people aren’t comfortable with the mask mandate being lifted, they always have the option of wearing a mask anyway.”
Another student stated, “I agree, why should MUNL still have a mandate when the rest of the province lifted it. There’s always the choice to wear it if you’re not comfortable without it.”
On June 16, MUNSU: Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Student Union closed its office for one week due to a surge in positive COVID cases among workers. The student union argued that the university could have set the ideal standard among Canadian universities but failed to prioritize the community’s safety. As a result, some students wonder, if some students no longer feel safe, does the university have a responsibility to amend its policies accordingly?
Photo credit: MUNSU, via Twitter
It is clear that the majority of the community is ready to move into a new chapter and make the most of this newfound stability and reduction in cases. However, it is essential to respect the choices of everyone, regardless of whether or not one agrees with them.
One thing that we can all agree on is that we want a safe learning experience and a safe St. John’s.
Proud menstrual equity advocate, Memorial Political Science student, and founder of Period Priority Project, Leisha Toory, is making menstrual products more accessible in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Period Priority Project is a period supply bank for people who menstruate and need menstrual products and relies on the community for donations.
To date, Period Priority Project has distributed 4120 menstrual products since it started in May 2022. Donations are given to women’s shelters, food banks, indigenous organizations, and other initiatives in St. John’s, Nain, Rigolet, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and the Yukon.
Today, June 6, marks exactly one full month since @period_priority began? During this one month, 2625 menstrual products have been distributed to 11 shelters in St. John's & shipped to Nain & Rigolet. Only the community's generosity, support & kindness have made this possible!? pic.twitter.com/gsXnL207Kr
— Period Priority Project (@period_priority) June 6, 2022
‘A Human Right’
Toory’s goal for The Period Priority Project is to achieve menstrual equity and end the stigma associated with menstruation.
“Menstrual health is a human right, not a privilege or a luxury. We’ve normalized that menstrual products are expensive,” Toory commented.
Toory’s Period Priority Project acknowledges that period supply is a necessity and advocates for accessibility, affordability, and safety of menstrual products.
“People shouldn’t have to choose between food, shelter, and menstrual products,” said Toory.
Period Priority Project advocates for period supply accessibility, believing menstrual products should be free to those needing them.
The project also aims to make a difference with each donation so that one less person has to worry about the accessibility and affordability of the most basic necessity – hygienic period supply.
‘People who mensurate’
Period Priority Project uses the term ‘people who menstruate.’ This is because any person with female reproductive organs at birth may menstruate; this process is not limited to cisgender women and girls.
As a result, Period Priority Project acknowledges that non-binary and Two-Spirit people may also menstruate. Transgender people with female sex organs who were assigned the sex female at birth may also menstruate (Period Priority Project Website).
— Period Priority Project (@period_priority) May 6, 2022
Toory’s goal is to eliminate period shame, as menstruation is a normal biological function, and encourage conversations about menstruation.
At Memorial University, free menstrual products supplied by the Period Priority Project can be found in the Gender Inclusive Washrooms inside the Arts & Admin Lobby, on the 4th floor of the Core Science Facility, and the QEII Library.
AA2018A & AA2018B (Arts & Administration Lobby)
CSF 4200C (Core Science Facility 4th Floor)
L3020 (QEII Library 3rd Floor)
Today, June 13, @period_priority set up 3 Free Menstrual Products Stations @MemorialU ???: 2 Gender Inclusive Washrooms at the Arts and Admin Lobby & 1 Gender Inclusive Washroom located on the 4th floor of the Core Sciences Facility. The QEII Library one has been refilled ? pic.twitter.com/Mzny728NLR
— Period Priority Project (@period_priority) June 13, 2022
Donations
Anyone who wishes to donate to Period Priority Project can contact Leisha Toory by email: tooryleisha@gmail.com OR donate products at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays 5-9 pm, where there is a donation box.
For more information follow @period_priority on Twitter.
On July 1st, we all gather to celebrate Canada Day. Let’s take a look at the history behind the day.
The British North America (BNA) act led to the creation of Canada on July 1st, 1867. This act united three of five British North American colonies (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada) into one federal state (UK Parliament). The Province of Canada included both Quebec and Ontario. The BNA act established the division of powers between the Federal and Provincial Governments. This act was critical for the initiation of federalism in Canada and is still relevant today.
In June 1868, Governor General Lord Monck formally signed a proclamation that stated all of Her Majesty’s subjects across Canada must celebrate the creation of Canada on July 1st. This celebration was known as Dominion Day since Canada was declared a self-dependent dominion. The word ‘dominion’ originates from Latin and means ruled. The term was used by the British to describe their colonies. Initially, the Fathers of Confederation wished to call their new country the ‘Kingdom of Canada.’
However, they were wary that the imperial term would offend the Americans and didn’t wish for a repetition of the atrocious American Civil War. The Fathers of Confederation were a group of thirty-six men who represented British North American colonies at the conferences and were instrumental to the establishment of the Dominion of Canada.
Photo credit: HOC-CDC, via House of Commons
In May 1869, a bill to make Dominion Day a public holiday failed to pass in parliament. Eventually passed in 1879, Dominion Day was celebrated similarly to how Canada day is celebrated today, with parades, pageants, and fireworks as the day’s main highlight. Dominion Day was a means for Canadians to display their dreams and hopes for the nation proudly. It was also an opportunity for marginalized communities to express their discontent.
For example, in the mid-1920s, members of the Chinese community in British Columbia assembled and protested Dominion Day with their event: ‘Chinese Humiliation Day.’ A day in response to recent legislation that blocked Chinese immigration from Canada.
In 1967 to celebrate the centennial of the creation of Canada, there was an attempt to reinvent what it means to be Canadian where Indigenous members performed. Unfortunately, they often fit the portrayal of assimilation- the non-acceptance of one’s culture, rather than integration, which involves the acceptance of both cultures.
In 1982, Canada achieved independence, and Dominion Day was renamed Canada Day. After this, the representation of Indigenous people gradually shifted and celebrating rather than assimilating Indigenous culture was adopted throughout the nation.
Photo credit: Dave Chidley, via The Canadian Press
Recently, Canada day has been controversial after a thousand unmarked graves, primarily children, were discovered at former residential schools in BC and Saskatchewan in 2021. Approximately 150,000 Indigenous children were sent to residential schools to rid them of their Indigenous roots. In an attempt to honour the victims of this tragedy, thousands wear orange and use the hashtag #cancelcanadaday. Orange is now a symbol of the acknowledgment of the victims of the residential school systems. Organizers of Cancel Canada day 2022 argue that Canada Day should get used as a reflection of Canada’s horrific colonial past rather than as a day of celebrations. Critics of Canada day say that these recent discoveries have led to a loss of ideology of what it means to be Canadian.
On the other side, some people argue that Canada day should continue to be celebrated and can even be used as an opportunity to educate citizens. We can focus on what makes Canada such a great nation and remember to educate ourselves continually.
