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Convocation Day at Algonquin College

The following is an excerpt from the President Claude Brulé’s October 28 address at the 2020 Convocation; learn more about Algonquin College first virtual convocation here. As your President, I […]

Office of the President

Photos:

November 4, 2020
Revised: November 4, 2020 10:37am

The following is an excerpt from the President Claude Brulé’s October 28 address at the 2020 Convocation; learn more about Algonquin College first virtual convocation here.

As your President, I am both humbled and honoured to have this opportunity to celebrate your resilience and success.

Amidst the events reshaping our global reality, be they the pandemic, climate change, the fight for social justice and equality, or automation and the world of Artificial Intelligence, we come together to celebrate your incredible achievement, which is all the more remarkable given these extraordinary times.

In this age of great uncertainty, I can be certain of one thing…. The steadfast determination you have displayed will serve you well in the new environment being shaped so rapidly before us.

The world you are entering, upon graduation, looks nothing like the world from even a year ago. Yet, along with the challenges that lay ahead, the future holds promise and opportunities the likes of which have not been presented to any generation for a long time.

The door is open for you to really change the world, and not in a clichéd sense, but in real and tangible ways, emboldened with fresh ideas and new perspectives.

It also stands ready for your generation’s champions of social justice, to address issues of inequity, and the lack of diversity and inclusion that recent events have brought to the forefront in ways that can no longer be ignored.

Whatever your path forward, you will have the opportunity to help lead a true transformation –

to recalibrate the socio-economic inequities for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour on a scale never seen before. And to reshape the modern workforce and break new ground in your chosen field.

Embracing our community will hopefully be one of the enduring legacies to emerge from these times, and you will be the ones to pass this on to the next generation.

Education, in its many forms, is a significant touchstone. It helps form the solid ground beneath our feet. It allows us to adapt, pivot and anticipate rather than merely react when change inevitably challenges our lives.

The knowledge and skills you have acquired here at Algonquin College are now part of your “tool kit”, helping to “future-proof” your career.

I want to borrow now from my colleague, Ron (Deganadus) McLester, Algonquin’s Vice President – Truth, Reconciliation & Indigenization. He often uses the metaphor of arrows in a

quiver. An arrow on its own will snap easily, however when they are bundled together, they are strong and resilient. Having many arrows in your quiver provides strength, and will enhance your confidence when faced with the many challenges set to come your way.

So … going forward … be inspired to learn new things and develop new skills. Fill your quiver with more arrows and make your mark.

Everything of value starts with an idea. What ideas are you preparing to share with the world? What script are you about to write?

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of the author, Neil Gaiman, and I’d like to borrow what I think is an appropriate quote from his book, Art Matters: “It is easy to pretend that nobody can change anything, that society is huge and the individual is less than nothing. But the truth is, individuals make the future, and they do it by imagining that things can be different.”

So, when you think about your future, where does your imagination take you? The world needs your creativity, your energy and your resiliency more than ever before. It needs you to dream big dreams, and to go forward and be fearless.

Be unafraid to fail and to learn from your missteps. To borrow again from Neil Gaiman: “Now go, and make interesting mistakes…Make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for you being here.” History is filled with the stories of entrepreneurs and leaders in every field whose ideas met with initial dismissal, failure, and seemingly insurmountable odds before they achieved success.

So let opportunity be what defines you. I know you already possess the determination, imagination and innovative spirit to overcome any obstacles in your path.

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Claude Brulé

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Taking care of one’s own mental health should be top priority

The Fall term has always been a time of excitement – but also of increased responsibility and stress within our College community. Amidst the pandemic, I know many of us […]

Office of the President

Photos:

October 14, 2020
Revised: October 15, 2020 6:54pm

The Fall term has always been a time of excitement – but also of increased responsibility and stress within our College community. Amidst the pandemic, I know many of us are struggling with additional feelings of anxiety and isolation this year.

That’s why I call on each and every one of you to make mental health your top priority.

Six years ago, the Mental Health Commission of Canada released a report highlighting how post-secondary student populations across the country are at a higher risk of mental health issues.

The report detailed how half of all lifetime cases of diagnosable mental illness start by 14 years-of-age, and 75 per cent by the age of 24. Half of all Canadians will have, or will have had, a mental illness by the age of 40.

In the intervening years since that report, Algonquin College has taken many steps to enhance its support networks and resources to help our learners and employees look after their mental health.

That work continues with an even greater sense of purpose today, as we now face new personal challenges brought upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a return to normal still on the horizon, taking care of ourselves has become even more critical.

Algonquin College takes pride in being an inclusive, caring community. We strive each day to support and respect one another – to show kindness and empathy. By doing this, we break down the old and harmful stigmas around mental health.

Building awareness is crucial, and I encourage every learner and employee to take the time to reflect on how they are feeling and coping during these unprecedented times. Part of being aware is accepting that it is okay to be vulnerable. Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness. Never hesitate to reach out when in need. In addition to the resources referenced above, there are also many apps and online tools available to you, and excellent resources offered by Ottawa Public Health.

One of the recent developments in our continuing efforts around mental health is the expanded partnership Algonquin College has with The Royal. This summer, thanks to a $250,000 contribution from RBC Foundation, more of our learners in need will be able to meet online with a psychiatrist from The Royal and get the support they need through a customized treatment plan.

We also offer a complete range of counselling services and general supports in an effort to cater to the individual needs of every learner, understanding the broad range of challenges and lived experiences across our student population. These services are provided by professionals who can accommodate you virtually from the comfort of your own home.

Like everyone, I am looking forward to the time when we can all safely be together again, enjoying the vibrancy and energy of being on campus. Until then, please know you are not alone. We want you to turn your dreams into lifelong success and are committed to helping you on the journey.

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The cost of getting to class: Is campus parking affordable for students?

A student driving to class is facing a choice between paying for expensive parking, hunting for a spot or finding another way to campus

Kylie Molson

Photos: Kylie Molson

October 21, 2026
Revised: October 21, 2026 9:40am

Photo: Kylie Molson

“The parking is over $1,000 for one semester. I pay around $1,400 for my parking pass in total, which is absolutely ridiculous,” Zizo Ketout said.

For some, getting to class comes with a hefty price tag.

“I park in Lot 9, which is at the furthest back. The walk from there to my class is anywhere between 15–20 minutes or longer, depending how many people are on campus,” Zizo Ketout, a mechanical engineering student, said.

But the time-consuming walk isn’t the only thing that takes a toll on students.

“The parking is over a thousand dollars for one semester. I pay around $1,400 for my parking pass in total, which is absolutely ridiculous,” Ketout said.

For students already balancing tuition, textbooks, groceries, housing and other everyday expenses, parking can become another high cost of attending college.

“Parking is not affordable at all. I pay over a thousand for the year just for there to never be enough parking. I think they should let us opt out of our bus fee, which they don’t,” said student Alyssa Lanoe.

The problem is not only the price. Algonquin’s 2026–27 parking permits are currently sold out, leaving students who rely on their vehicles to compete for limited parking or find alternatives.

For students with long commutes or schedules that make public transit difficult, driving can be less of a choice than a necessity.

Algonquin says parking is an ancillary service funded through parking revenue rather than government or tuition funding. Fees cover lot maintenance, snow removal, security and other operating costs.

In the 2023–24 Campus Services Annual Report posted on the Algonquin College website, the school reported $5.79 million in gross parking revenue, even as the college faces changes in enrollment and campus use.

Algonquin’s parking information also states that parking revenue is reinvested back into the institution.

The parking revenue helps offset costs at Algonquin at a time when Ontario colleges are facing financial pressure

Students, however, are focused on the immediate cost and difficulty of getting to class.

For now, students are circling lots, using nearby parking and relying on public transit.

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Mayoral candidates debate key issues ahead of election

Four candidates agreed about concerns for the city's future, but they each proposed different approaches

Rory Haley

Photos: Rory Haley

October 20, 2026
Revised: October 20, 2026 2:36pm

Photo: Rory Haley

Ottawa mayoral candidates (left to right) Jeff Leiper, Neil Saravanamuttoo, Alex Lawson and Mark Sutcliffe at the Oct. 15 debate.

With less than two weeks left in Ottawa’s mayoral race, the top four mayoral candidates, Alex Lawson, Neil Saravanamuttoo, Jeff Leiper and incumbent Mark Sutcliffe, gathered to debate “Leadership for a Livable Ottawa.”

That was the theme of the Oct. 15 debate at Knox Presbyterian Church organized by 20 community organizations and moderated by CBC’s Hallie Cotnam.

Improving OC Transpo

All candidates acknowledged the faults with Ottawa’s transit system and offered different solutions to improve service.

Leiper said he plans to buy more buses and vowed to reverse the New Ways to Bus route changes. The bus reductions and cancellations, implemented in April 2025, cut over 70,000 hours of service annually.

Saravanamuttoo said riders should not be paying for services as-is and he plans to implement a $1 fare until service improves.

Lawson agreed with Leiper that the New Ways to Bus route changes did not improve service, adding that the main issue with OC Transpo is poor management.

“New Ways to Bus wasn’t effective for anyone,” he said. “We cut service, we still fail to provide the routes and we lost $54 million in the process.”

According to Mark Sutcliffe, the reason that he initially ran for mayor was that he was “fed up with what was happening with the LRT.”

“We didn’t get a good deal on the LRT,” he said. “We allowed Ottawa taxpayers to pay 55 per cent of the cost of construction of the LRT while the people in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and Hamilton are paying close to zero per cent.”

Biggest future spending item: infrastructure

Leiper said that under Sutcliffe’s governance, the infrastructure gap — the available funds to repair utilities such as roads and pipes — has grown to be almost $11 billion and that he would work toward combating this issue by implementing a one per cent infrastructure tax.

“Sutcliffe has kicked the can down the road far enough,” Leiper said. ”It’s time to start investing in infrastructure.”

Saravanamuttoo said that before setting a tax rate, Ottawa needs to open the books and do a full financial review for the first time since 2004 to identify where money can be saved before setting an appropriate tax rate.

“We need to look at 100 per cent of the money that we’re currently spending and make sure we’re spending that as well as we can,” he said.

Sutcliffe said the city’s growing population requires better infrastructure, putting forward a $10 million plan to invest in services such as public parks, roads, sidewalks and flood prevention measures.

Lawson agreed with the other candidates, identifying infrastructure as one of his top concerns and suggesting a unique tax freeze, while also bringing up public safety as a priority.

“We’re going to freeze your property tax in the first year, one per cent in the second year, third and fourth we aren’t going above two per cent,” Lawson said. “We need to be looking inside before we look to take it out of your buckets.”

Public safety and housing

Sutcliffe said he wants to prioritize addiction treatment, safety within the ByWard Market and plans to increase policing for that area.

“We need more resources in our communities, we need to reduce the amount of open drug use,” he said. “We need to put an end to the pill mills that are allowing people to buy drugs and resell them in the community.”

Leiper said the safe consumption sites were key to mitigating public drug use and their closure only worsened the issue.

He criticized Sutcliffe for not advocating to the provincial government against the ban.

“I will be a loud voice for residents of Ottawa,” Leiper said.

“You’ll be an activist, not a leader,” Sutcliffe said in response.

Saravanamuttoo disagreed with Sutcliffe’s plan to increase policing in the downtown core.

“Mark, you cannot police your way out of homelessness,” he said.

Saravanamuttoo said he plans to focus on providing shelter and health clinics for individuals, rather than arresting open drug users.

“Anyone that gets arrested is thrown back on the street the next day,” he said. “It’s a problem that we have across the syst”

Lawson agreed with Sutcliffe that increasing police presence would be a positive plan.

“We won’t police our way out of this, but I’m going to be blunt for a second. ANCHOR doesn’t stop your bike from being stolen.”

Lawson also said that he plans to open a recovery centre in Ottawa for those struggling with addiction and homelessness, providing job training and mental health support.

“We can’t just wait this problem out, and we can’t just hide them in tiny homes,” he said.

Housing and tiny homes

An issue of much contention between all candidates throughout the debate was Saravanamuttoo’s plan for implementing tiny houses to provide temporary housing made from converted shipping containers.

He said the shelters aim to help transition the unhoused, specifically those struggling with addiction, into a permanent home. They are heated for winter, cooled for the summer and similar concepts are being implemented in Gatineau.

According to Leiper, Saravanamuttoo has been told by housing experts that these homes are not an appropriate idea.

“It is irresponsible to continue putting this solution forward,” he said.

Lawson and Sutcliffe both agreed with Leiper, saying that tiny homes are not the best option for addressing homelessness.

The municipal election is Oct. 26.

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Wolves soccer teams dominate in doubleheader against St. Lawrence Surge

The ball spent little time on Algonquin College's side of the field, with the women’s and men’s teams both winning

Evan Mullen

Photos: Evan Mullen

October 20, 2026
Revised: October 20, 2026 11:38am

Photo: Evan Mullen

From left, Angus Wong, Mike Caruso, Alessandro Vivolo, Kieran Spring and Colin Gibson pose with Vivolo's game ball, awarded after he broke Caruso's record for most goals by an Algonquin Wolves men's soccer player

The Algonquin Wolves swept the St. Lawrence Surge in a Oct. 14 doubleheader at home with the women’s team earning a 2-0 victory before the men cruised to a 6-0 win.

Despite their dominance, the women’s Wolves had to wait until the 42nd minute to open the scoring. Charlize Baker sent a cross into the middle of the box to Kassandra Da Cruz, who earned her third consecutive game with either a goal or an assist.

Only a minute into the second half, Mallory Armstrong scored from a difficult angle, setting herself a career high in goals.

The Wolves were well-prepped and played with purpose to always obtain possession.

“When the goalie kicked the ball, our coach made sure during practice we were positioning ourselves properly,” said Wolves midfielder Da Cruz. “She (the Surge’s Mattie Clarke) would always pick the same range so we were very prepared for that.”

Ashley Woodcock moving the ball away from St. Lawrence's Elenya Gardner (18) on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Photo credit: Evan Mullen

With the 2-0 win, the women’s team boosted their record to four wins, two ties and three losses this season.

“I think it was a lot of teamwork and team effort because every single player was on their game,” said Da Cruz. “We possessed the ball very well.”

The winning didn’t end there as the men’s team stepped on the pitch.

Before the men’s match, Wolves right winger Alessandro Vivolo was presented the game ball in recognition of breaking Algonquin College’s all-time men’s scoring record with 35 goals. Mike Caruso, the previous record holder, presented the ball.

The Wolves wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, with Matin Ljajic scoring in the eighth minute and Mateus Ferreira adding another to the board in the 26th.

But the Wolves were still hungry for more.

The goals came quickly in the second half, with Vivolo scoring in the 58th and 74th minutes and Guylain Kamo finding the net in the 83rd and 86th minutes. Kamo also finished the game with two assists.

Guylain Kamo is ready to dribble — Wolves' Guylain Kamo (15), ready to dribble his way out of pressure inside the box during the first half of the match against Surge on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Photo credit: Evan Mullen

The second half scoring frenzy gave satisfaction to Wolves head coach Angus Wong.

“It was a little bit flat in the first half, and a little bit predictable. The guys were able to apply some of the things that we asked them to, and I thought they did well,” said Wong.

With the 6-0 victory, the men’s Wolves maintained their perfect record. Wong believes the team has found the winning formula.

“We keep our routine the same. It’s pretty dialed in and everything is set up, training was the same and the pregame was the same,” said Wong.

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Evan Mullen

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Drawtober brings student artists together at Algonquin College

Open to artists of all skill levels, the events encourage creative expression in a collaborative environment

Mariana Vega Andrade

Photos: Mariana Vega Andrade

October 19, 2026
Revised: October 19, 2026 2:48pm

Photo: Mariana Vega Andrade

A student works on a drawing during Drawtober.

Sketchbooks, pencils and creative prompts filled a classroom at Algonquin College where the students gathered for Drawtober, a themed art night hosted by the Artists Circles Creatives Club.

The event provided participants with an opportunity to artwork, meet fellow artists and explore their creativity in a welcoming environment.

Held on Oct. 14, Drawtober encouraged students to use themed prompts as a starting point for their artwork while spending time with other members of the campus arts community.

Students gather for an evening of art and creativity. Photo credit: Mariana Vega Andrade

Club leader Sebastian Frank said the club gives students a place to stay involved in creative activities outside of their academic studies.

“In a program that doesn’t really do art, I can come to the art club and meet people that are into creative things,” Frank said.

Open to students of all experience levels, the club places more value on the creative process than on technical ability, encouraging participants to focus on enjoying what they create.

Sash Ackehurst a first-time attendee, believes events like Drawtober have become increasingly valuable opportunities for artistic engagement on campus.

“With more and more art programs kind of closing down, it opens another door,” Ackehurst said.

Artwork created by club leader Sebastian Frank. Photo credit: Mariana Vega Andrade

For Vanessa Koster, who was attending for the second time, Drawtober offered a chance to step away from the demands of school and focus on a hobby she enjoys.

Beyond providing a creative outlet, Koster said events like Drawtober can also benefit students in other ways.

Koster said participation in artistic activities can support students’ mental health by giving them a productive outlet to relieve stress and disconnect from academic pressures.

According to Frank, the club hopes to continue hosting themed art nights throughout the semester, giving students additional opportunities to explore different creative interests.

Upcoming activities include a Halloween-themed art night later this month, with future events focused on comics and manga also being planned.

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Mariana Vega Andrade

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Transit, flooding and public safety dominate Ward 9 candidates debate

Despite weeks of accusations between two candidates, the Oct. 15 debate remained civil with candidates outlining how they would serve residents of Knoxdale-Merivale

Amanda Mcleod

Photos: Amanda McLeod

October 16, 2026
Revised: October 16, 2026 8:20pm

Photo: Amanda McLeod

Ward 9 candidates Sean Devine, Cole Fraser Jones and Ana Ielo-Tal discussed public transit, infrastructure maintenance and community safety in an Oct. 16 debate.

With about 200 residents in attendance at the Nepean Sportsplex on Oct. 15, three candidates faced off to make their case for Knoxdale-Merivale Ward in one of the city’s more contentious races.

The Knoxdale-Merivale Community Association hosted the debate.

Incumbent Sean Devine, a former playwright and community association director, Anna Ielo-Tal, a federal public servant, and Cole Fraser Jones, a veteran and current public servant in the federal government, discussed several issues, including transit, infrastructure maintenance, development and neighbourhood safety.

A previous televised debate held last month saw friction between Devine and Ielo-Tal carry over onto social media, with accusations by Devine that Ielo-Tal misrepresented his positions and Ielo-Tal responding to accuse Devine of bullying.

However, the Oct. 15 debate did not repeat any of that spiciness, remaining focused on the topics.

Ongoing transit woes among top priorities for candidates

Ielo-Tal opened the transit portion by slamming the state OC Transpo.

“Transit is a mess. Everyone is going to say the same thing. I would really advocate to bring back express buses,” said Ielo-Tal.

She also addressed reliability, saying that residents deserve a transit system that they can count on.

“When the bus says it’s going to come, it actually has to come,” she said. “Putting back the trust in our transit system to make it more reliable is something I would push for.”

Anna Ielo-Tal has criticized Sean Devine on a number of policy choices from his first term. Photo credit: Amanda McLeod

Devine pointed out he had worked with OC Transpo to bring back express bus route 282 to the ward and would continue to encourage ridership.

“I’m going to be working on making sure that bus is packed, because if it’s packed, they will add more and more runs to it,” he said

He then turned to concerns about light rail transit, saying the current construction had not been well planned. He added that he had pitched a transportation plan to both the federal and provincial governments that would aim to increase transit capability using existing rail infrastructure.

Fraser Jones agreed LRT construction has been problematic, saying, “it’s painfully obvious to me that the whole thing was poorly designed as the wrong vehicle for the wrong climate.”

However, he differed on whether the city should continue using what has already been built.

“Unfortunately, the track’s gotta be tore up,” said Fraser Jones, adding that he would like to see the next mayor appoint a special cabinet and secretary of transit to ensure political accountability on future transit decisions.

Challenger Cole Fraser Jones brings engineering and management expertise to his bid for Ward 9 councillor. — Challenger Cole Fraser Jones brings engineering and management expertise to his bid for Ward 9 councilor. Photo credit: Amanda McLeod

Infrastructure resilience amid a time of climate change and city hall inaction

Ielo-Tal said that citizens had told her, following numerous summer flooding events, that the city lacked emergency preparedness and “could have done a lot more” but did not share a plan for infrastructure maintenance or improvements.

Offering a more comprehensive response, Fraser Jones said development has not adequately accounted for environmental realities and climate change.

“The less fields we have and the less grass we have, and the more roofs and more roads we have, there’s less places for the water to go,” he said. “The only real solution is to upgrade the infrastructure for the density that we’ve added. If we’re going to add more intensity on top of it, it has to come in the proper order.”

Devine said, “We can’t stop a storm from coming, but we better damn well do a better job of protecting ourselves against them.” He criticized mayoral candidates for not making extreme weather preparedness a priority in their campaigns.

“I am grateful that the city has said that it needs to invest in infrastructure, because we absolutely do. In Carleton Heights, which was one of the areas hardest hit, that infrastructure has not seen any updates or upgrades in the last several decades,” said Devine.

He added that, following a motion he brought to council, the city is conducting a citywide investigation on critical infrastructure updates.

Ward 9 incumbent Sean Devine says his track record of transparency and community engagement will continue if re-elected. Photo credit: Amanda McLeod

Clashes over police budget and neighbourhood safety efforts

All three candidates expressed concerns about community safety and policing efforts in the ward.

Devine, who voted against increases to policing in three of the four budgets during his first term, said the problem was less about the amount of money for policing than how the funds were allocated within the department.

“In the fourth year I proudly and gladly supported the police budget because I finally started seeing some of the improvements that I was looking for,” he said. “One of those is the new district policing model…I’m really excited (for it).”

Responding to increases in funding, Ielo-Tal said, “I would never not support the police budget,” adding “I’m not sure why Sean didn’t.”

She said she would also start a neighbourhood watch by engaging community members, working with police and focusing on crime prevention measures such as adding more lighting in parks and community spaces.

Like Devine, Fraser Jones said he would not support increases to policing.

“The police budget is already 10 per cent of the city budget, so clearly it’s not a money problem,” he said. “The OPS has clearly a lot of fiscal issues and organizational issues.”

“I won’t ask residents for more money until we figure out where the current spending is going,” said Fraser Jones.

Debate enlightened and confirmed residents choices

Pauline Budd and Dave Hay say the debate helped clarify candidate's positions. While Budd left feeling confirmed in her choice, Hay is still considering who he will vote for. Photo credit: Amanda McLeod

Dave Hay and Pauline Budd, both residents of Ward 9, said they came to the debate with different levels of information about the candidates.

“To be honest, I actually didn’t look at anybody’s platform. I came in blind,” said Hay. “I wanted to hear what they had to say.”

He added he had not made up his mind but was intrigued by what he had heard.

“There were some very interesting answers, and it could go either way. I’m not really sure who yet,” he said.

For Budd, the debate confirmed her support for Devine as ward councillor.

“He’s very hands-on, easy to get a hold of and he has a newsletter as well that is very detailed,” she said.

Election Day is Monday, Oct. 26. Polling stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Turning trauma into art: Ottawa event gives human trafficking survivors a space to heal

Survivors shared stories of resilience and showcased their artwork at the annual Hope and Healing event

Reilly Armstrong

Photos: Reilly Armstrong

October 16, 2026
Revised: October 16, 2026 5:13pm

Photo: Reilly Armstrong

One of many striking pieces made by a survivor that was auctioned off throughout the evening.

Katie Closs was 16 years old when she was taken by a stranger at knifepoint. That man would become her trafficker for the next week.

“He had (the knife) hidden so people couldn’t see it, but I knew it was there,” said Closs.

“I couldn’t scream because I feared for my life.”

On the seventh day, Closs’s captor stepped out to get something at the store. It was the moment she had been waiting for.

“I made the scary choice to run for it at that point,” said Closs.

Closs escaped through a window, running in just her socks through the snow up Montreal Road in Vanier. She never looked back, but that one week completely reshaped her life.

At Ottawa’s sixth annual Hope and Healing event on Oct. 13, recovery took shape through art, offering a glimpse of what it looks like to turn painful experiences into paintings, sculptures and mixed media.

Escaping a trafficker doesn’t mean escaping the experience. The fear, trauma and difficulty to reintegrate back into “normal life” lingers long after the immediate danger has passed.

For survivors like Closs, healing and recovery didn’t happen overnight — it took years.

Closs described being so terrified of her trafficker coming back or hurting her family that she lied to police about her week-long disappearance.

“I look back at it today and think what could I have done in that situation? What would have helped me and why didn’t I speak up?”

After sharing her story of survival, Closs performed a traditional Indigenous jingle dance to open the event.

Hosted by the Ottawa Coalition to End Human Trafficking (OCEHT) and spearheaded by Wendy Gee, the event brought survivors, advocates and community members together in a supportive, healing environment.

“What it was born out of was a place where survivors could use their creativity and move through some of the trauma that they had endured when they were being trafficked,” said Gee, executive director of A New Day Youth and Adult Services.

“Many survivors have this creative outlet that we had seen and this was a safe way for them to talk about and work through their trauma.”

Wendy Gee stands in front of one of the artist tables at the Hope and Healing event. — Wendy Gee has been A New Day's executive director for 16 years. She is constantly advocating for survivors using her legal background and her own lived experience. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong

Gee believes the highlight of the event is seeing the artists make something beautiful out of the horrible things that have happened to them.

It’s a rare occasion to show off such intimate creations without fear of being judged.

Following Closs’s jingle dance, two more survivors performed powerful spoken word pieces, sharing messages of pain, resilience, hope and recovery.

After the performances, attendees had a chance to explore the art displayed around the room, all made by survivors with materials provided by OCEHT.

The reactions were audible and often visceral, the room filled with murmured conversation and sounds of appreciation.

A mannequin head depicted with surgery lines and syringes. — "Am I pretty now?" A powerful multimedia piece made by a survivor. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong

Among the pieces displayed were paintings of all sizes, mannequin heads and a painted skateboard. People could bid on pieces they liked, with all proceeds going directly back to the artists.

Gee said participants have been paid up to $500 for their art at past events.

“I think people that go deeply appreciate the hard work and the love that goes into each piece — that resonates with somebody,” said Gee. “It really does.”

Helping with the event was art and trauma therapist Linnea M., who due to the sensitivity of her work with clients asked that she only be identified by her last initial.

Linnea had a table set up outside the main event space, covered with collaging materials where people could sit, connect and create some art of their own.

“So much of the human experience isn’t done through words,” said Linnea.

“A lot of people don’t necessarily have access to their own voice. Maybe the art can help that.”

Linnea M. sitting at her collaging table during the event. — Art and trauma therapist Linnea M. brought all her collaging supplies for event attendees to take a break and connect through art. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong

Linnea has been an art therapist for around six years, working with clients from A New Day Youth and Adult Services and its offshoot program, Mind Space.

She believes all art creation can be a therapeutic process, even if the processing that’s happening is subliminal.

“When I make my art, I’m always going through something,” she said. “I can tell a week later, oh, I see what I was going through. I can see I was trying to figure things out.

“You kind of just have to know that your subconscious is guiding you in the right way.”

Human trafficking is a growing problem in the nation’s capital.

According to the latest Trafficking in Persons report from Statistics Canada released in December 2025, there were more than twice as many human trafficking cases and three times as many charges completed nationally in 2023-24 compared with 2013-14.

A news brief from the Ottawa Police Service published in July 2026 stated that between January 2023 and July 2026, its human trafficking unit reviewed 266 reports of human trafficking, resulting in 20 investigations that led to 244 criminal charges being laid. The same report said that around two-thirds of all reported cases across Canada occur in Ontario.

“The reality is it happens way more than people are willing to admit, way more than people want to think about,” said Hala Kassem, program manager at A New Day Youth and Adult Services.

Hala Kassem sits at a table organizing the event's raffle. — Hala Kassem was at the event hours early, setting up all the raffle boxes and organizing the prizes. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong

Artists collectively made around $900 at the event and OCHET collected over $2,000 from ticket and raffle sales.

It’s not often survivors have the chance to be provided with free art supplies and be paid for their creations. One of the biggest barriers is accessibility.

“I forget, because I’m so privileged.  I live in an apartment that has all the art supplies,” said Linnea. “I work out of an art studio. I constantly have supplies for whatever…But not everyone has access to a space.”

Linnea said “it’s very eye-opening.”

“It really has reminded me of just how scary art can be for a lot of people,” she said.

“Yet, how helpful it can be as well.”

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Reilly Armstrong

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Tensions rise during live Ottawa mayoral debate

Four candidates disagreed over tiny homes, property taxes and city spending during a debate hosted by CTV News Ottawa

Sienna Gauthier

Photos: CTV News Ottawa) Photo credit

October 16, 2026
Revised: October 16, 2026 1:09pm

Photo: CTV News Ottawa) Photo credit

Ottawa mayoral candidates Mark Sutcliffe, Jeff Leiper, Neil Saravanamuttoo and Alex Lawson stand at their podiums during the CTV News Ottawa mayoral debate on Oct. 14, 2026. (Screenshot

Incumbent Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and challengers Jeff Leiper, Neil Saravanamuttoo and Alex Lawson discussed their plans for the city’s future during a CTV News Ottawa debate on Oct. 14.

One of the biggest disagreements arose when Leiper questioned Saravanamuttoo’s proposal to introduce tiny homes as a way to address homelessness in Ottawa.

Saravanamuttoo argued that the city needs to consider new solutions rather than continuing with approaches he believes have not worked.

“The solutions that the housing experts are proposing have not worked so far and we need new approaches,” Saravanamuttoo said.

Saravanamuttoo’s tiny home proposal would provide people with small, temporary homes where they could have a safe place to sleep and begin working toward more permanent housing.

Leiper opposed the proposal, citing concerns from housing experts about the effectiveness of tiny home communities.

He said the approach could hurt vulnerable residents rather than provide the long-term support they need.

“There is research that demonstrates it’s not working,” Leiper said.

Property taxes were another major point of disagreement throughout the debate.

Sutcliffe repeatedly questioned Leiper about how much he would increase property taxes if elected.

Leiper did not provide a specific percentage, despite being asked multiple times.

Instead, he said he wanted to change how the city discusses its budget and allow residents to better understand where their money is going.

Leiper also denied Sutcliffe’s claims that he was planning large tax increases.

Sutcliffe questioned how Lawson could keep taxes from increasing while making new spending commitments without cutting city services.

Lawson said reviewing city contracts and finding savings could help make his plan possible.

The candidates also disagreed over public transit, traffic congestion and spending on Lansdowne Park.

Lansdowne 2.0 is a $418.8 million redevelopment project that includes replacing the aging arena and north stadium stands at TD Place, along with plans for new retail space and two residential towers.

Saravanamuttoo asked Sutcliffe about the cost of redeveloping Lansdowne Park, implying that the project could leave taxpayers paying more than originally expected. Meanwhile, Sutcliffe defended the redevelopment, saying the existing facilities needed to be replaced and that other sources of revenue would help cover the costs.

Sutcliffe says Lansdowne 2.0 will cost taxpayers $130 million.

Students also had the opportunity to hear from candidates about the future of Ottawa. Addressing concerns from college and university students about the future of Ottawa’s U-Pass program, Saravanamuttoo pointed to his proposed buck-a-ride transit plan.

The plan would introduce $1 transit fares, capped at $40 per month, which he said would cost students less than their current U-Pass.

Sutcliffe said he would work with student unions and colleges to keep transit affordable. Leiper committed to keeping U-Pass increases within the existing agreement, while Lawson said he would not raise or lower the cost of student passes.

The municipal election is Oct. 26.

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Sienna Gauthier

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Ottawa MPP calls for an OSAP audit amid college affordability concerns

Students are concerned they're bearing the brunt of OSAP funding misuse after drastic changes to funding earlier this year

Ryan Harkness

Photos: Ryan Harkness

October 15, 2026
Revised: October 15, 2026 1:46pm

Photo: Ryan Harkness

The outside of MPP Tyler Watt's constituency office on Greenbank Road. Watt is currently requesting a value-for-money audit to investigate the Ontario governments handling of OSAP.

Algonquin College students are still feeling the OSAP pinch as an Ottawa Liberal MPP calls for an audit of some spending and the PC government asks the Ontario Provincial Police to investigate.

Nepean MPP Tyler Watt has called on the Ontario government to launch an independent value-for-money audit on rising Ontario Students Assistance Program (OSAP) spending at private career colleges.

Watt has written to auditor general Shelley Spence to request an independent value-for-money audit of OSAP spending at private career colleges going back to 2020-2021. This is after the court filings reported by The Canadian Press revealed that the government was warned by the sector about concerning activity in OSAP applications dating back to January 2023.

Reports have shown that there was a $465 million increase in how much Ontario spent on student grants between 2023-24 and 2024-25, with about 95 per cent going to students at private career colleges.

In January 2025, Career Colleges Ontario identified 10 schools where applications had grown by an average of 855 per cent over two years. There were also ministry inspection reports of OSAP-funded students not regularly attending classes.

“The government was warned about a small number of bad actors and sat on its hands for years. Then, instead of dealing with them, it took a hatchet to a problem that needed a scalpel, and made every student in Ontario pay,” said Watt.

On Feb. 12 of this year, the Ontario government announced major changes to the OSAP program.

Students now get a maximum of 25 per cent grants and a minimum of 75 per cent for loans, compared to the previous policy of 85 per cent for grants and 15 per cent for cent for loans. This leaves students having to pay back more money throughout their studies. The new policy ignited an uproar among students throughout the province, leading to protests, petitions and condemnations from student unions.

Algonquin College students struggle with cost of living, with OSAP being a critical resource for them to finish their program.

Ismail Echaoni, a first-year Algonquin College student, is one of many who wish the grant to loan ratio never changed.

“I have to work while I study in a compact HVAC program right now. I have around 10 classes and I still have to work to make ends meet,” said Echaoni.

“They should have stayed the way they were before, where students got proper funding to have a stress-free study environment.”

Despite being a new student, Ismail Echaouni has noticed the OSAP grants being substantially lower than the previous year Photo credit: Ryan Harkness

Olivia York, another Algonquin College student, worries about money constantly because of the OSAP cuts.

“A big part of it was that I need money for transportation to get to school,” said York. “I live about half an hour away and I probably pay $100 for an Uber daily from where I live because it is about $45 in the morning and about $50 at night. That’s a lot of money coming out of my account.”

York said that she has heard rumours about the misspending of OSAP and feels the government should do a better job at investigating.

Olivia York knows that the Algonquin College Financial Aid helps students in the short turn, but does not fix the root problem of OSAP. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness

“Maybe they can have a flagging system where they think, ‘Oh this is where the money is going, or blah, blah, blah’ and they look into it further and more close-up,” said York. “It seems like there was a few issues with OSAP and they just decided to punish everyone instead of investigating it more.”

Angus Sutherland has noticed a few classmates mention the how it is harder to afford college with the OSAP changes. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness

Angus Sutherland, a computer programming student at Algonquin College, is fortunate enough to get most of his tuition covered by student loans. However, Sutherland found his OSAP approval took an extended amount of time.

“I originally finished submitting the documentation in mid-August. There was something about the documents that they were just sitting there for four and a half weeks, and I basically did not hear anything from them until late September,” said Sutherland.

The OPP has confirmed that referrals from the Ontario government about OSAP are currently under review. Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s minister of colleges, universities, research excellence and security, has ordered a pause to OSAP payments associated with private post-secondary institutions during an audit from third-party KPMG. Private post-secondary institutions will have to meet stricter criteria before they are eligible to gain OSAP funding in the future.

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Ryan Harkness

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AC vet tech students fundraise for Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

For 19 years Algonquin College’s veterinary technician students have organized October fundraising events to support animal related charities

Kindra Paul

Photos: Kindra Paul

October 15, 2026
Revised: October 15, 2026 1:14pm

Photo: Kindra Paul

Level 3 veterinary technician student Samantha Hebert holds the cat she plans to paint during the “Snack and Paint” fundraiser she organized in support of Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

Algonquin College’s Level 3 veterinary technician students are turning their passion for animal care into community action this October.

The class selected Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary as this year’s charity for its annual Project Awareness Assignment (PAA). Through events ranging from a paint and snack, a movie night and pet photo booths, students hope to raise funds for the sanctuary’s work caring for injured and displaced wildlife.

“A lot of us are really interested in wildlife,” said Samantha Hebert, a Level 3 veterinary technician student who helped organize the paint and snack event. “It’s something you don’t see every day, so a lot of people want to provide that extra support.”

The class chose the sanctuary through a group vote, said student Tianna Kedrosky, who is helping organize a trivia night.

“We like that they would help the wildlife and that it’s more than just pets,” Kedrosky said.

“We wanted it to just be something really chill, really relaxed that is welcoming to people of all ages, all backgrounds,” said Hebert.

PAA also offers an opportunity to educate people about animal welfare and veterinary care.

Level 3 Veterinary Technician student Riley Voisard smiles while seated at the painting table during the “Snack and Paint” fundraiser in support of Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo credit: Kindra Paul

Mallory Dignam, a Level 3 veterinary technician student who is organizing the movie night, said the sanctuary supports animals that can sometimes receive less attention than domestic creatures.

“They do a lot of really great work with a category of animal that can kind of sometimes get forgotten within the veterinary field,” said Dignam.

The movie night will also highlight pet safety leading up to Halloween, connecting the fundraising effort with practical information about animal care.

Instructor Sylvia Stanton, who is a registered veterinary technician, said the initiative gives students an opportunity to support their community while they are still in school. She emphasized the importance of giving back.

“This is something that students can do without spending any money…to raise awareness and to raise funds and give of themselves and a little bit of their time,” said Stanton.

PAA also helps students develop teamwork and event-planning skills while putting their efforts into practice.

An attendee prepares her paint palette with white paint during the “Snack and Paint” fundraiser in support of Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo credit: Kindra Paul

Stanton said wildlife in the Ottawa Valley need help after encounters with people, including vehicle collisions. The incidents may leave orphaned young animals, such as fawns or chipmunks.

“If we’re able to help a few get rehabilitated back into the wild, we’ve done a good job,” she said.

PAA has run each fall since 2006, when students supported the VLCC Pet Enrichment Fund. Since then, the initiative has helped various not-for-profit organizations through fundraising, donating supplies and awareness campaigns.

For this year’s organizers, the impact is more about the creatures than the overall fundraising total.

“The most rewarding part I feel is going to be the end when we can finally tally how much we raise and also the awareness we’re spreading for a great charity,” said Kedrosky.

Hebert underscored the importance of wildlife conservation.

“How can I not only better myself but make a viable change, especially in animal care, when world issues like pollution and deforestation are so prevalent, so protecting these species…is really vital,” said Hebert.

Students and staff can find event information through campus posters, QR codes and student social media accounts.

“I would really encourage everyone to come in and support at least one of the events,” said Kedrosky.

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Kindra Paul

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News briefs: Ottawa Public Health warns of measles exposures

Algonquin College's latest award, new housing approvals and Ottawa police's hunt for an assault suspect

Ryan Harkness

Photos:

October 15, 2026
Revised: October 15, 2026 12:25pm

Ottawa measles exposures

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) said it’s aware of two Ottawa residents who have tested positive for measles with known exposures outside of Ontario.

Contract tracing is in place for residents who are suspected to have been exposed to measles.

Individuals who have visited any of the eight exposure locations, which include restaurants and stores in Ottawa between Oct. 1 and Oct. 3, are asked to monitor for symptoms and to check their vaccination records.

Algonquin College campus award

Algonquin College’s Pembroke campus has received a 2026 ENERGY STAR Award for Building of the Year.

The award is presented by Environment and Climate Change Canada, which acknowledges organizations that have excellent energy management and great improvements in building performance.

Council housing approvals

Ottawa city council has approved plans to support the development of nearly 750 new homes across Ottawa.

The measures include a new 30-story mixed-use building on St. Laurent Boulevard north of Queen Mary Street adding 401 new homes.

Also included is a the approval of a new subdivision on Hazeldean Road near Mantra Street in Stittsville that would add 347 new homes.

Assault on Rideau Street

Ottawa police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect related to an assault without provocation that happened on Sept. 10 in the 100 block of Rideau Street.

Police released an image of the suspect.

The suspect is described as male, average build and approximately 5-foot-6, wearing a black Puma hoodie.

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