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AC community cautiously optimistic for new child care funding approach

Child care centres and staff have voiced concerns over the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care initiative, resulting in the provincial government making changes to better support the centres

Stephanie Taylor

Photos: Stephanie Taylor

October 4, 2024
Revised: October 4, 2024 4:21pm

Photo: Stephanie Taylor

Liane Gallop, the manager of the Early Learning Centre, says the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care initiative is a "huge positive step."

Upcoming changes to the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care funding has left Algonquin College students and staff affiliated with early learning programs feeling hopeful.

At the start of 2025, a new cost-based funding will be implemented for all child care centres in CWELCC, according to the Ontario government. This new funding program will try and address some of the concerns child care centres have been expressing, such as the cost of upkeep.

“I have heard of a lot of centres struggling to keep up with the cost of groceries, materials and even rent for their own daycares, which cannot be happening,” said Jasmine Brȗlé-Fitzgerald, a Level 2 student in the intensive early childhood education program.

The new cost-based funding acknowledges that costs have been going up and will provide financial sustainability to child care centres, according to the Ontario government.

“All I can do is hope,” said Brȗlé-Fitzgerald. “If it doesn’t go to help and support those needs, then where else would it (the new funding) go?”

Another big issue: the labour shortage.

One of the goals of CWELCC is to open 250,000 child care spaces, 86,000 of which will be located in Ontario. However, according to the Ontario government, if they hope to meet this goal, they will need 8,500 additional registered early childhood educators (RECE).

Hoping to encourage more people to become RECEs, and retain staff, the Ontario government increased the minimum wage for RECEs to $23.86 an hour.

However, Brȗlé-Fitzgerald said the pay is still not enough.

Chauncy Gonzague agrees.

Gonzague is a third-year student in the early learning and community development program and has worked in seven daycares over her career in child care. Gonzague said pay needs to increase, but the government also needs to do more to prevent burn out.

Chauncy Gonzague, a third-year student in the early learning and community development program, posing in C-building. Photo credit: Stephanie Taylor

“(The government should) provide more resources for educators to be able to have a paid vacation without it being a burden,” said Gonzague.

However, Gonzague said that overall, CWELCC is a good thing.

“It is really good because daycare is expensive,” said Gonzague. “Some people genuinely cannot afford it and it (CWELCC) would be an amazing implementation.”

Liane Gallop is the manager of the Early Learning Centre, which is located in the K-building on Algonquin College’s Woodroffe campus. Gallop said while there are definitely some bumps, CWELCC overall has been a good thing for child care centres and for parents.

Gallop has been working in child care for over 30 years and said she has gone through cycles of frustration because the field is undervalued, underfunded and understaffed.

“For me, this is a huge positive step. I know that it is going through growing pains and challenges in terms of meeting the sector,” said Gallop. “Just from the policies, the staffing and the ratios, there are so many things that need to be addressed.”

One of the positives has been professional development days. Before CWELCC, Gallop said the staff at her centre would only be able to do any professional development if they did so after hours. With the CWELCC funding, Gallop and her staff have been able to close the centre for a day, without losing pay, to do professional development.

“So far we’ve been able to make it work here,” said Gallop. “The professional development, the wage enhancements for RECEs and the lower cost for families…it’s massive.”

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The Observatory gets sizzling hot with Sexy Health Trivia Night

There were lots of laughs as students participated in quizzes

Linda Verreault

Photos: Linda Verreault

October 4, 2024
Revised: October 4, 2024 4:14pm

Photo: Linda Verreault

Alisha Fisher of Inspire Intimacy interacting with student Faith Bernard Ottereyes at Algonquin College.

Students at Algonquin College had their hands full, literally, as they attended the Sexy Health Trivia at the Observatory on Sept. 26. The fun really took a turn when students had a dildo flipping contest.

Yes, you heard that right.

There was an array of brightly coloured dildos, sex toys, lubricants and condoms as people entered the pub.

“I was at the bar…and was very interested by the spread they brought out,” said business accounting student Dawn Halden, 23. “And the lady who was setting up the tables…she is pretty. How do I get involved?”

Alisha Fisher is the modern-day version of Dr. Sue. The 32-year-old relationship intimacy coach was sassy and flirtatious while engaging her audience and educating them. She is an acclaimed international relationship intimacy coach.

“What is even more important is how we all take steps to educate ourselves about what pleasure is, what happiness is, what is a healthy relationship.” said Fisher.

She is not just a pretty face. She has the brains to back it up.

She has been involved in the field of sexology since 2011 and is completing her PhD at the California Institute of Integral Studies in the United States.

Fisher was able to engage her reluctant audience immediately and got their participation with an interactive phone quiz. She rewarded their efforts with prizes.

Among the prizes were flavoured massage oils, such as ice cream and watermelon. There were also lubricants, condoms and sex toys. Soon, they were on their feet, shouting answers and the audience participation was spontaneous. Within minutes, the audience size had increased and people were having fun.

Prizes that were won by Algonquin College students participating in the Sexy Health Trivia — Prizes won by Algonquin College students participating in the Sexy Health Trivia. Photo credit: Linda Verreault

“It’s been fun, entertaining and very educational,” said Faith Bernard Ottereyes, 22, from the music industry arts program.

Fisher also advocates for trauma-informed practices in sexual connection, fostering healthy relationships, and is a consent educator. She emphasized asking for consent in an ongoing way.

“Do you want my lips all over your body?” said Fisher, offering an example of seeking consent.

“Consent is reversible,” said Fisher.

Tatanisha Reagan, student life and the equity diversity inclusion coordinator, invited Fisher to do sexy health trivia.

“We had a fantastic time and not only was she offering a very entertaining session she also brought in stats,” said Reagan. “So, we noticed from the event that participants gained about 16 per cent of the knowledge about consent, sexual health, relationships and that growth is significant.”

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Linda Verreault

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New brand ads appear on TV screens across Algonquin College

New contracts with Neutrogena, Aveeno and Ikea lead to ads on Algonquin College campus screens

Kaitlyn Lemay

Photos: Kaitlyn Lemay

October 4, 2024
Revised: October 4, 2024 4:02pm

Photo: Kaitlyn Lemay

Student observing an Aveeno advertisement in the T-building.

Students returned to campus this fall greeted by a wave of new external ads flashing across campus TV screens.

Ads for well-known brands like Neutrogena, Aveeno and Ikea started appearing on screens as part of a larger effort by Algonquin College to invest revenue into daily operations.

According to said David Hall, manager of marketing and communications for Campus Services, these external campaigns were introduced at the end of the summer term in August as part of a broader initiative by the college.

“The end of August and early September is a popular time for our advertisers as it coincides with the start of a new school year,” said Hall.

The appearance of these ads has sparked varying reactions from students, some of whom feel that the focus should remain on campus-related content.

“The first time that I saw it, I told (my friend), oh my god, what is this doing?” said Careen Palomar-Mallen, an office administration health services student. “I prefer seeing things on campus, anything pertaining to the campus, because it’s informative and it tells us where things are.”

Algonquin College has had a policy in place since 2005 that governs on-campus advertising. The Advertising and Selling on Campus Policy (PM04) provides clear guidelines for advertising partnerships, allowing external companies to display ads on select televisions and boards across the college.

“The policy provides direction on (the college’s) advertising program,” said Hall.

He noted that these partnerships allow the college to maintain a degree of control over the content being displayed while also generating revenue that Hall says is “invested back into the college to support day-to-day operations and new initiatives.”

Despite the presence of these new ads, some students remain indifferent.

“I haven’t really seen any. I haven’t really focused on ads or anything. It doesn’t cross my mind,” said Marco Damato, a student in the animation program.

The screens showing the new advertisements are strategically placed in high-traffic areas such as the cafeteria and the T, N, B, and C-buildings.

“Sometimes you glance at it, but mostly if it doesn’t interest you, you just walk past by it,” said Palomar-Mallen.

According to Hall, Algonquin has worked with a diverse group of advertisers in the past, some of which include federal government departments, provincial governments, wireless providers, Canadian banks, furniture stores, and health and beauty products.

The PM04 policy states that “all advertisements and notices must further and not diminish the professional atmosphere at the college,” among other guidelines, to ensure board rules and regulations are followed.

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Algonquin College concerned about province’s directive on ‘international activities’

The Ontario government issued a suspension on international activities creating uncertainty amongst post-secondary institutions

Caroline Kirkey

Photos: Caroline Kirkey

October 4, 2024
Revised: October 4, 2024 2:43pm

Photo: Caroline Kirkey

An Algonquin College sign near Building-E.

International opportunities for students and staff could take a nosedive, and budget cuts might ruin the student experience because of a new provincial directive, according to Ernest Mulvey, the director for the International Education Centre at Algonquin College.

The former minister of colleges and universities, Jill Dunlop, now Ontario’s minister of education, issued a memo suspending future international activities for post-secondary institutions on Aug. 19.

As reported by the Ottawa Citizen, the moratorium halts any new partnerships, curriculum licensing agreements, corporate training contracts, branch campuses and the planning of new divisions. While existing initiatives remain unaffected, the suspension significantly impacts new international plans.

The announcement has left colleges and universities, including Algonquin College, puzzled.

In a statement, Algonquin College expressed concerns, saying that “a moratorium on new international activities is another challenge to the reputation and financial sustainability of Ontario’s college sector.”

Mulvey highlighted several ongoing international initiatives aimed at enhancing global engagement at Algonquin College. These initiatives include supporting students and staff in pursuing mobility experiences abroad, promoting collaborative online learning and enhancing international student recruitment and experiences on campus.

While international student recruitment will not be impacted by the moratorium, new international programs for students will be affected.

Colleges Ontario has not publicly addressed the suspension or its implications for resources and finances.

For Algonquin College, Mulvey said, “it may limit the college’s ability to generate additional revenue from new international activities.”

The Ontario government has yet to clarify the rationale behind the moratorium.

“The government and relevant ministers have been less than forthcoming with their reasoning and the scope of the changes,” said Jon Parker, a professor who has taught local government at Algonquin College.

This suspension adds to existing limitations on international opportunities. Earlier this year, the federal government announced a cap on international student permits, and in September, the federal government changed eligibility criteria for international students’ work permits.

“Combined with these rapid changes in the Ontario post-secondary system, this moratorium has the potential to seriously harm the financial stability of Ontario colleges,” Parker added.

Algonquin College is consulting with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and Colleges Ontario to fully understand the potential impacts of the moratorium on its operations.

The development represents another significant limitation on international growth for post-secondary institutions across Ontario, raising concerns about the long-term viability of international programs.

Amin Doualeah, a first-year student in computer system technician networking, was surprised to hear about the memo from the Government of Ontario and is concerned about more international limitations happening in the future.

“If the government of Ontario is willing do this, I don’t see why they’re not willing to do more,” Doualeah said.

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Breaking barriers: Wheelchair basketball event highlights inclusivity and accessibility

Wheelchair Basketball Canada, Abilities Centre Ottawa and Algonquin College hosted a wheelchair basketball event on Sept. 25 at the varsity gym

Zhiqi Zhou

Photos: Zhiqi Zhou

October 4, 2024
Revised: October 4, 2024 9:58am

Photo: Zhiqi Zhou

In the gym, the staff had set up the basketballs as well as the specialised wheelchairs and were waiting for the event to begin.

On Sept. 25, students engaged in an inclusive wheelchair basketball event that provided them with the opportunity to experience the sport and address common misconceptions.

“It’s a great opportunity for able-bodied people and those with physical disabilities to play together in the same environment and learn more about pushing the limits of sport in different ways,” said Kathleen O’Nyon, the membership coordinator at Wheelchair Basketball Canada.

The event not only introduced students to the sport but allowed them to feel the inclusivity of adaptive sports.

“It’s all about inclusivity, accessibility, and breaking down barriers for those that are identifying or living with a physical disability,” O’Nyon said.

She said hopefully the campaign will enable people who have disabilities to enjoy the same opportunities and treatment as everyone else.

“A lot of people don’t appreciate adaptive sports or para sports as much as they should or as much as stand-up sports, so I think that it’s a great way for people to understand how hard and how intense it is,” said O’Nyon.

The students embarked on a practice competition to try out the sport of wheelchair basketball in the gym, which wasn't easy. Photo credit: Zhiqi Zhou

Emily Glossop, professor in the therapeutic recreation program at Algonquin College, was also the event facilitator.

“The goal of our programming is to share with the community how inclusive the sport can be, and how to create inclusive and welcoming spaces for everyone,” said Glossop.

The event aimed to break down misconceptions about wheelchair basketball. “A lot of people don’t know that wheelchair basketball is a fully inclusive sport, people with and without disabilities can play,” said Glossop.

“I think people have a lot of misconceptions around wheelchair basketball and para sports as a whole,” O’Nyon said. “Today they are gonna learn the similarities between wheelchair basketball and stand-up basketball, but also some differences that need to be considered when you have a physical disability.”

During the event, Glossop explained basic skills including how to control the movement of a wheelchair and how to sprint, while allowing the students to try and experience passing, picking up the ball and shooting the ball.

“Handling the basketball and trying to pass it was the most challenging part,” said Taylor Reid, a Level 2 student in the recreation and leisure services program.

“The most surprising and challenging part for me was trying to handle the ball at the same time as moving the chair,” said Maddy Cook, a Level 2 student in the recreation and leisure services program. “It’s an interesting sport and I want to learn more about it.”

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Meows, oohs and aahs at the Ottawa Cat Show

It was raining cats at the Nepean Sportsplex

Isabella Disley

Photos: Isabella Disley

October 4, 2024
Revised: October 4, 2024 9:49am

Photo: Isabella Disley

Kim Monkhouse, president and treasurer of the Ottawa Valley Cat Club, holds a kitten at the Ottawa Cat Show in the Curling Rink of the Nepean Sportsplex on Sept. 28.

Sherri Robicheau and her beloved Maine Coons travelled from Cape Breton, N.S. for the recent Ottawa Cat Show.

“They’re everything for me. I absolutely love my cats. They definitely keep me calm and keep me sane,” said Robicheau.

The annual Ottawa Cat Show returned to the Curling Rink at the Nepean Sportsplex on Sept. 28 and 29.

Robicheau has an eye for Maine Coons, a breed in high demand and popular at the show.

“I had been searching for a Maine Coon for many years and we found one. When we got them, they had breeding rights and we spent a lot of time wondering whether we wanted to breed or not. It just kind of happened and I now have 12 Maine Coons,” said Robicheau.

Paul and Sherri Robicheau holding Fen (left) and William (right) at the Ottawa Cat Show in the Curling Rink of the Nepean Sportsplex on Sept. 28. Photo credit: Isabella Disley

It was the feline frenzy of breeds that boosted the level of serotonin during this two-day event.

Karen Mullin is the owner of K9 Crafts, a business from North Augusta, Ont.

Mullin was at a friend’s house when she stumbled upon stray cats and kittens in the backyard.

“We decided that we would take two of them off their hands. Henry and Archie are eight years old and domestic. They were strays and tabby cats,” said Mullin.

Henry and Archie wormed their way into Mullin’s heart.

“They make life interesting. I used to be a dog person and now I’m a cat person. Ours are inside cats, and they’re just so loving and always there and not too demanding, so it’s nice,” said Mullin.

Melinda Bishara was in town from Montreal when she attended this show.

“We were in the neighbourhood for something else and then we just happened to see this. When you don’t have a cat at home, it’s nice to spend a bit of time with them,” said Bishara.

Kim Monkhouse, president and treasurer of the Ottawa Valley Cat Club, emphasized the positives of having a pet.

“I think any pet, even dogs as well, offer companionship and they make it so that you’re a lot less lonely. It’s very therapeutic to pet a cat or a dog. Just having a pet is nice,” said Monkhouse.

Monkhouse wanted to show off the feline friends to everyone.

“This event is for people to come out and look at different cat breeds. Not necessarily just purebreds, but we’ve got household pets here too. We have 125 cats entered in the show. It’s a mixture of mostly purebred cats, but we’ve got, I think, at least 14 or 15 household pets,” said Monkhouse.

The Ottawa Valley Cat Club, a non-profit volunteer group, hosted over 100 cats, 22 vendors and 23 sponsors at this event.

The countdown is on as the 2025 Ottawa Cat Show is scheduled for Sept. 27 and 28.

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AC grad uses MakerSpace to build 3D maps for climate activism

Yussuf Mohamud, a computer programming graduate, has returned to campus with plans to raise awareness for climate change through 3D mapping

Stephanie Taylor

Photos: Stephanie Taylor

October 2, 2024
Revised: October 2, 2024 4:11pm

Photo: Stephanie Taylor

Yussuf Mohamud, an AC graduate, posing outside the library in C-building.

Yussuf Mohamud made his first 3D topographical map after the August 2023 wildfires in Hawaii in the hope of raising awareness about the impacts of climate change.

Mohamud has always loved nature. However, he never thought he would try and make a career out of his passion.

Mohamud graduated from Algonquin College in 2018. He was inspired to pursue computer programming because he has always been good at math.

“I thought I was Steve Jobs,” said Mohamud. “There was a lot of hype behind it in 2013 and I really wanted to get into it.”

Throughout his time at Algonquin, Mohamud landed a job at Amazon. However, during COVID-19 he made a career change and began working as a school bus driver.

“My uncle gave me the job, I needed money,” said Mohamud. “I couldn’t just stay home.”

It was during this time Mohamud discovered his passion for map making.

He hopes to return to Algonquin College next year to study geographic information technology or enrol in the military geomatics technician program.

When the wildfires in Hawaii started, Mohamud started working on his 3D topographical map of Hawaii.

Using his tech experience, Mohamud used software QGIS and Inkscape to design the map. Once he gathered his supplies — recycled wood and glue — he headed over to Algonquin College’s MakerSpace in C-building.

“MakerSpace has been really instrumental in helping me do this,” said Mohamud.

The laser cutter at MakerSpace allowed Mohamud to cut out each level of terrain based on his design. Afterwards, he sat by the Starbucks in E-building to glue all the pieces together.

Matthew Jerabek, the associate manager of innovation and entrepreneurship at MakerSpace, said he loves it when current and former students use MakerSpace.

“People who are passionate about the ideas that they are pursuing are usually the people walking through the door,” said Jerabek. “It proves that students will look for it (a space like MakerSpace), search it out and continue to follow their own sort of dream.”

Since the wildfires in Hawaii, Mohamud has started paying closer attention to other natural disasters, such as Hurricane Francine in Louisiana and the warming of the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. He believes climate change is the root cause both issues.

The laser cutter Yussuf Mohamud used to create his 3D topographical map of Hawaii is located in MakerSpace. Photo credit: Stephanie Taylor

Mohamud showed his map of Hawaii to Kevin Crichlow, the program coordinator of the military geomatic technician program at Algonquin College. Mohamud wants to show students how to make their own 3D topographical maps.

“By creating it in a wooden, portable form, it is possible to use it as a team briefing device in the field,” said Crichlow. “Yussuf’s model could be used by a geologist, or a humanitarian disaster assistance coordinator to quickly explain the impact the terrain is going to have on island wide operations.”

Mohamud hopes to use his maps to promote himself as an environmental activist. He wants current Algonquin College students to see a graduate of the school advocating for the environment and making a difference.

“I want to go to the people in charge, the people who make the laws,” said Mohamud. “They (the policy makers) know what to do. They are smart enough to do the right thing.”

The maps are just the beginning for Mohamud. He hopes to one day open his own geomatics business. He wants to provide engineers and architects with 3D renderings of the infrastructures and land they would be working on. He wants to help these engineering and architectural companies make environmentally friendly choices.

“Taking it from a 2D screen and bringing it into the real world, it feels different when you can hold it in your hand,” said Mohamud.

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Kwey series takes off as 20 new episodes are released for Truth and Reconciliation day

"This series offers snippets of valuable information, really like little nuggets of gold I see them as, where you can learn from an Anishinaabe-Algonquin person," said Anita Tenasco, director of Indigenous initiatives

Siobhan Rollo

Photos: Siobhan Rollo

October 2, 2024
Revised: October 2, 2024 3:26pm

Photo: Siobhan Rollo

A replica of some of the street names with Anishnaabe names.

Algonquin College’s Mamidosewin Centre plans to release 20 new episodes of its Kwey Anishnaabe language series in honour of Sept. 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The Kwey series started back in June 2024, with its initial debut of 20 episodes discussing common phrases in Anishinaabe, important artifacts that are used by Anishinaabe-Algonquin peoples, stories told by elders and other information related to the Anishinaabe-Algonquin nation. A release date for the new 20 episodes has not been announced.

The series information is gathered from a variety of sources, including elders, credible online language databases and the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Cultural Centre.

The Kwey series is championed by Algonquin College’s director of Indigenous initiatives, Anita Tenasco. Tenasco helps plan each episode’s content and tries to make it resonate with members of the college community.

“The first series included elder Jenny Tenasco, a residential school survivor, and a graduate of Algonquin College,” she said. “The videos engage the college with artifacts from the Anishinaabe-Algonquin nation…(and) have been recorded on campus in an Indigenous space, called the Pidaban space in the DARE district.”

The Pidaban space, featured in Algonquin’s DARE district in the C-building, is named after the Anishnaabe word for “dawn.”

Tenasco said one of the goals for the Kwey series is to create a conversation about language.

“The main goal is to really build the awareness of the Anishinaabe-Algonquin nations within our campuses (and) to build a comfort level within our student body and college’s leadership to speak about Indigenous peoples, to engage in conversations with Indigenous peoples, to become better partners when it comes to Indigenous communities, and to become champions and the allies that are much needed by First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people,” she said.

Tenasco said the Kwey videos provide an easy, accessible way for members of the college community to learn about the Anishinaabe-Algonquin people.

“It’s a quick and easy way for college leaders, for faculty members to connect with Anishinaabe-Algonquin culture and language. The videos are there as a reminder to help individuals use the language on a daily basis, such as in emails,” she said.

Tenasco said that phrases she has started to see appear in emails include “miigwech” meaning “thank you,” and “kwey” meaning “hello.”

The initial debut of the series struggled to find viewership among students. However, Tenasco expressed positive feedback from Algonquin College’s staff members.

“I’ve spoken to a few students and many were like, ‘Oh I didn’t know about this series!’ And so it’s really important that students check out My AC, Good Morning Algonquin, that’s where the videos are promoted and available,” said Tenasco. “I do know that a lot of college leaders are paying attention to the series. I’ve received a lot of positive comments from the other campuses.”

Summer Wabasse, the Mamidosewin Centre’s events and communications officer, has said that staff are starting to use the Anishinaabe language in their correspondences.

The Kwey series has also provided an answer to one of the centre’s most frequently asked questions.

Summer Wabasse is one of the Mamidosewin Centre's staff members, who tends to both students and outsiders of the AC community. — The Mamidosewin's event and communications coordinator Summer Wabasse at her desk. Photo credit: Siobhan Rollo

“One of the most common questions coming from non-Indigenous students is what the words on our signs mean,” Wabasse said. “I’m glad they’re getting their answers. Anything that makes language more accessible.”

Despite this, many students, such as Level 3 police foundations student Emerson Jacobs, are unaware of the series.

“No, I was not (aware of the series)…I think it’s totally beneficial for the students of Algonquin,” said Jacobs.

Jacobs, who has an Ojibwe background, has a basic understanding of Anishinaabe, including greetings, expressing emotion and using common phrases such as phrases relating to animals. Jacobs was taught the Anishinaabe language from kindergarten to high school.

“A lot of elders are getting old and the language is getting lost,” he said. “It’s more important to practice speaking and have youth learning.”

The 20 new episodes feature the same themes as the previous episodes but expand on existing concepts and introduce new ones.

“This series offers snippets of valuable information, really like little nuggets of gold I see them as, where you can learn from an Anishinaabe-Algonquin person. Where you can learn from the director of indigenous initiatives, a leader within the college community. Where you can learn from the Mamidosewin Indigenous Student Centre, and elders and knowledge keepers from their Indigenous communities,” said Tenasco.

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‘Indian Horse’ draws diverse crowd for Truth and Reconciliation Day

The Mamidosewin Centre and Algonquin Students' Association held a screening and discussion on Sept. 30

Tyler Reis-Sanford

Photos: Tyler Reis-Sanford

October 2, 2024
Revised: October 2, 2024 3:13pm

Photo: Tyler Reis-Sanford

Summer Wabasse spoke to attendees about Truth and Reconciliation Day, as well as the colonial roots of bannock.

Students, staff and people from all walks of life came together to watch Stephen S. Campanelli’s film Indian Horse on the recent National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The film follows the life of Saul Indian Horse, an Anishinaabe boy, as he confronts his upbringing in St Joseph’s residential school.

Indian Horse is based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Ojibway writer Richard Wagamese and sheds light on the dark reality of Canadian residential schools.

Level 1 nursing student Kayleigh Moore said she found the event very moving.

“It can be tough to watch,” said Moore. “It’s important, I know it is, but it doesn’t make it any easier to see it on screen.”

The event was held in the Student Commons Corner Lounge and was put on with combined efforts from the Mamidosewin Centre and the Algonquin Students’ Association.

More than 40 people were in attendance, with some attendees being as young as 12, and others in their 70s. Traditional First Nations refreshments were provided, as attendees were treated to bannock and Three Sisters soup. The Student Wellness Centre also had an employee available for viewers to speak with outside if the content of the movie became overwhelming or triggering.

Summer Wabasse, the events and communications officer for the Mamidosewin Centre, said last year staff chose to show a non-fiction film, but felt this year Indian Horse was a great choice.

“Non-fiction can be so informative, but I think being able to see the story of a residential school survivor can grab the audiences attention,” said Wabasse. “I think for non-Indigenous people getting that gateway to learn, it’s a good stepping stone.”

After the movie, attendees were encouraged to take part in a discussion about the impact of the film, and how it pertains to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Some attendees took the time to contemplate what it means to understand the impact of residential schools and how the effects are still felt today.

Richard Wagamese is a Canadian Ojibwe author, and his book Indian Horse won the 2013 Burt Award for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit literature. Photo credit: Tyler Reis-Sanford

“When I was in school it wasn’t something we spoke about,” said Joseph Broussard, who came to watch the movie with his granddaughter. “For a whole generation it was just swept over and forgotten. I don’t know how we as a country can do these things and then not educate people about it. It happened. This stuff really happened. It’s awful.”

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LRT change impacts students catching buses to the college

The city reduced train frequency from every five minutes to every 10 minutes during off-peak hours

Agrani Tiwari

Photos: Agrani Tiwari

October 2, 2024
Revised: October 2, 2024 3:00pm

Photo: Agrani Tiwari

Naureen Kaur, a Level 5 advertising and marketing communications management student, plans to leave home earlier to manage the increased travel time and crowding.

Algonquin College students are feeling the impact of reduced Confederation Line service as they try to catch buses to the campus.

“When I miss the train, then the 88 (bus route from Hurdman to Terry Fox) would already be gone, so I have to wait for the next one,” said Jessica Adriana Bettoni, a Level 2 biotechnology student. “I have to wait 15 or 30 minutes, depending, for the next bus to show up.”

Jessica Adriana Bettoni, a Level 2 biotechnology student, shares how train delays make her bus connection unreliable. — Jessica Adriana Bettoni, a Level 2 biotechnology student, said train delays make her bus connection unreliable. Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

Delays force students to leave home earlier to make it to class on time.

The LRT service used to run every five minutes during off-peak hours but now it will run every 10 minutes.

The reduced service, introduced to help OC Transpo address a $25-million deficit, was maintained after a 13-12 vote on Sept. 11, with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe casting the tie-breaking vote. The vote followed a debate on increasing off-peak service to seven minutes.

While some students said they hadn’t noticed the specific change in timing. Others said they still face longer, more crowded commutes.

Darrien Trombley, a Level 1 auto body and collision damage repair student said: “It’s crazy. It takes a lot longer to get in every day.”

Darrien Trombley, Level 1 auto 310 student, describes the daily challenge of longer, more crowded trips to campus. Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

“I wasn’t aware of the wait times increase,” said Naureen Kaur, a Level 5 advertising and marketing communications management student. She said she takes the train to work, but because she hasn’t been to work in past two weeks she didn’t know about the changes.

The longer wait times will affect Kaur’s commute, and she might have to leave home earlier and expect trains to be crowded.

What concerns her more is the ongoing construction that has been happening for years, especially beyond Blair towards Orléans, and at Algonquin.

“I don’t know when it’s going to get completed,” said Kaur.

She finds the situation tough.

“I have to change one train and two buses. basically, which is too much.”

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Agrani Tiwari

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Agrani Tiwari

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