main – Page 9 – Algonquin Times

Robert Junior Ntoko wins student seat as Board of Governors considers more program cuts at Algonquin College

Algonquin College students voted Feb. 25 in the annual election for student representative to the Board of Governors

Amanda Mcleod

Photos: Amanda McLeod

March 1, 2026
Revised: March 1, 2026 5:38pm

Photo: Amanda McLeod

Algonquin College faces the possibility of further program cuts despite investments from the Ontario government.

Robert Junior Ntoko, a full-time business student, has been elected student representative on Algonquin College’s Board of Governors.

Grant Perry, vice-president of finance and administration, sent an email to students Feb. 27 sharing the results from the Feb. 25 vote.

Ntoko received 109 of the total 170 votes cast, while 61 students voted for Luna Arrighi, an applied museum studies student.

Robert Junior Ntoko will serve as Student Representative on the Board of Governors following his Feb. 25 election win. Photo credit: Provided by source.

In a pre-election interview with the Algonquin Times, Ntoko said his experience as a student will allow him to represent student concerns at the board.

“I’m a student first. I served as class representative and I’m also involved in the student leadership program. My association with (these} have shown me how important it is for students to be heard at the higher levels of decision-making. I want to bring my experiences and my perspectives to the board table,” he said. “I want decisions to reflect the real lives of students.”

The election happened in the middle of a tumultuous time for the college.

In February 2025, the Board of Governors voted to suspend 37 programs and to close the college’s Perth campus

In early 2026, Algonquin College president Claude Brulé announced the college was recommending another 30 programs to be cut, with the vote originally scheduled for Feb. 23.

The vote was briefly postponed following the Ontario government’s Feb. 12 announcement that it would invest $6.4 billion into post-secondary institutions.

The vote has since been rescheduled and will be held virtually on March 2 via Zoom.

The Board of Governors will vote March 2 on proposed program cuts. Photo credit: Amanda McLeod

On Feb. 26, Brulé wrote in a statement to staff that while the college welcomed the province’s investment, further action was still required.

“What remains clear is that financial mitigation efforts must continue to ensure the College’s long-term sustainability. This includes aligning programming with enrolment demand, labour market needs, provincial priorities, and financial reality,” Brulé said in his statement.

When asked how he would respond if program cuts were put to a vote again, Ntoko said, “Not everyone is always happy, but you try your best to make sure you serve the most that you can.

“I look at things from two perspectives — from the administration’s perspective and the student’s perspective. (And) I feel like I have to speak up and represent students in a way that their needs are met, because that’s the whole point why I’m there. I’m there for the students.”

The Algonquin College Board of Governors meeting on March 2 will be held virtually at 5 p.m. and is open to the public. People wanting to watch the meeting must register via Eventbrite.

Featured Hero | Featured Story | Home Feature | Home Hero | News

Amanda Mcleod

See more articles by
Amanda Mcleod

News Briefs: School transportation authority offers bus service to more students after identifying hazard zones

Top stories in your community and around the world as noted by Algonquin Times journalists

Mariana Vega Andrade

Photos:

February 28, 2026
Revised: March 1, 2026 3:07pm

Local

Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) plans to extend bus service to about 60 students after designating parts of downtown as community hazard zones due to proximity to shelters and supervised consumption sites.

Somerset Coun. Ariel Troster called the decision a “Band-Aid solution,” arguing it does not address broader concerns related to addiction, mental health and community safety.

Some parents say they will continue walking their children to school despite being eligible for bus service.

National

CBC: Holly and Maui, two sea lions from Marineland, are getting a new home at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Their move is part of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums’ coordinated effort to find long-term homes for animals previously located at Marineland. The shuttered Niagara Falls, Ont., amusement park is relocating other animals as well, including 30 belugas, four dolphins, seals, bears and deer.

According to a recent news release, the aquarium reports that they are getting used to their new space. They will be staying in a separate pool until they’re ready to meet Señor Cinco — the resident male sea lion.

International

CBC: Bill Clinton was scheduled to face a congressional deposition on Jeffrey Epstein, a first for a former president in living memory.

Clinton, 79, was to give a closed-door deposition Friday about matters related to Epstein’s investigations.

He denies any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. His former investigator, Kenneth Starr, reportedly had a longer-lasting relationship with Epstein. Hillary Clinton was also questioned by the committee this week.

News

Mariana Vega Andrade

See more articles by
Mariana Vega Andrade

Students say OSAP changes are shutting the door on their futures

A small but determined group of around 30 to 35 University of Ottawa and Algonquin College students marched through the uOttawa campus on Feb. 23, warning that Ontario’s OSAP changes are pushing low-income and marginalized youth out of higher education and deeper into debt

Sienna Gauthier

Photos: Sienna Gauthier

February 27, 2026
Revised: February 27, 2026 1:36pm

Photo: Sienna Gauthier

A student leads chants through a megaphone during an OSAP protest at the University of Ottawa, as demonstrators call for accessible education and increased financial support for post-secondary students.

Chanting “Fix OSAP ASAP,” a small but vocal group of students gathered at the University of Ottawa on Feb. 23 to protest recent changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), saying the cuts threaten access to post-secondary education for low-income, disabled and marginalized students.

The crowd, made up of current and future of uOttawa and Algonquin, marched through campus with signs and chants, describing a growing fear that financial aid reforms will prevent many from entering higher education.

The Ontario government says it will overhaul OSAP starting in the fall of 2026, reducing the maximum share of non-repayable grants from about 85 per cent to 25 per cent.

Under the changes, at least 75 per cent of student aid will come in the form of repayable loans. The province is also ending a seven-year tuition freeze, allowing colleges and universities to raise fees annually.

Among the protesters was Cyrus Andromeda Harper, 18, who plans to study museum studies at Algonquin College. Harper said their family’s financial situation recently changed after their mother lost her job, eliminating two-thirds of their household income.

“I’m disabled and would have likely been eligible for a higher percentage of grants before the changes,” Harper said. “Now I’m going to be forced further and further into debt. Combined with the fact that getting a job is near impossible right now, I may genuinely not be able to afford to go to school despite having wanted this my whole life.”

Harper also warned that education cuts extend beyond funding.

“I’m actively watching programs be cut,” they said. “My biggest fear is that it won’t just be so-called ‘useless’ programs, but the arts, language, literature, philosophy, history. We will watch the state of education and quality of life in Ontario plummet.”

Students march through the University of Ottawa campus during an OSAP protest, holding signs calling attention to student debt and barriers to post-secondary access. Photo credit: Sienna Gauthier

Adrianna Levigne, 19, currently in Algonquin’s social work program, said students were not consulted before the changes.

“First it was program cuts, then OSAP cuts, then grants were taken away, and now tuition increases,” Levigne said. “Students just can’t afford to go to school anymore. People are giving up on becoming doctors, teachers, scientists, not because they lack ability, but because they can’t afford the debt.”

Gabrielle Arnatsiaq Jean-Pierre, 17, who plans to start graphic design at Algonquin next fall, said financial aid is the only path forward for her family.

“I come from a home with a single mother raising two kids,” she said. “She can’t afford my tuition alone, even with my part-time job. I need financial aid, and now the only option is debt.”

Protesters repeatedly emphasized the changes disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including low-income families, Indigenous students, first-generation Canadians, disabled students and young parents.

“This will absolutely hurt low-income and marginalized students the most,” Harper said. “This is a targeted attack on the communities that already struggle to access education.”

A protester holds red fabric squares distributed during the OSAP demonstration at the University of Ottawa. Students adopted the squares as a symbol of solidarity, visibility and support for accessible education, wearing them on jackets and coats throughout the march. Photo credit: Sienna Gauthier

Students also criticized Premier Doug Ford, accusing the provincial government of widening wealth inequality.

“Low-income people are being barred from post-secondary education,” Harper said. “This is an attack on everyday people that widens the wealth gap in this province.”

Throughout the protest, students wore and distributed red belt fabric squares pinned to jacket pockets and chests. The squares represent solidarity, visibility and resistance, a visual marker showing support for accessible education and collective action. Students described them as a way to identify allies in the movement and signal commitment to the cause.

Organizers say more protests are planned throughout the week, coordinated through social media platforms, including Instagram and Reddit.

Featured Hero | Featured Story | Home Feature | Home Hero | News

Sienna Gauthier

See more articles by
Sienna Gauthier

News Briefs: Cuba says ‘armed infiltration’ planned after four shot dead on U.S.-registered speedboat

Top stories in your community and around the world noted by Algonquin Times journalists

Ryan Harkness

Photos:

February 26, 2026
Revised: February 26, 2026 8:37pm

Local

Ottawa Citizen: A man in his 70s was killed and two people were in critical condition after an SUV crashed into the Capital City Mission Drop-In Centre on Feb. 25.

Paramedics received a call for the collision around 9 a.m. Two other men were transported to hospital in critical but non-life-threatening condition. Four pedestrians in total were struck by the SUV. The building’s facade sustained damage.

Police asked any witness or anyone with dash-cam or any video of the incident to reach out.

National

CBC News: The parliamentary budget officer predicts Canada’s population growth will remain flat in 2026. This is mostly due to cuts to non-permanent residents from the federal government’s recent immigration policies.

There was also no population growth in Canada during 2025 due to a decline in the population of non-permanent residents by 382,000 people. The federal immigration plan includes a large cut in the number of new temporary work and student visas.

The parliamentary budget officer predicts Canada’s population will increase by 0.3 per cent in 2027 before stabilizing at 0.8 per cent annually.

International

BBC News: Cuba has accused 10 people of planning “an infiltration with terrorist aims” after the country intercepted a Florida-registered vessel off its coast.

Cuban border guards shot dead four people and injured six others on the boat. The Cuban interior minister alleged that those on the vessel shot first. According to an online statement from the Cuban interior ministry, the vessel was “one nautical mile off Cayo Falcones” on the country’s north coast when the incident happened.

Cuban authorities said all 10 people on board were Cuban nationals residing in the U.S., and that most of them had “prior records involving criminal and violent activity.”

News

Ryan Harkness

See more articles by
Ryan Harkness

Algonquin College Board of Governors to vote Monday on 30 program cuts

The board will vote during a public Zoom meeting on a proposal to suspend the programs as the college responds to ongoing financial pressures and declining enrolment

Talitha Kumi Scott

Photos: Tyrell Taylor

February 26, 2026
Revised: February 26, 2026 3:49pm

Photo: Tyrell Taylor

Algonquin College's Board of Governors is poised to vote on 30 program suspension recommendations.

The Algonquin College Board of Governors will meet virtually on Monday to vote on a recommendation to suspend 30 academic programs.

The 5 p.m. meeting is open to the public, but anyone wishing to watch must register through Eventbrite to receive a Zoom link.

According to the agenda, the vote on program suspensions will be the main focus of the one-hour session. After a brief opening, 35 minutes are scheduled for the consolidated program suspension recommendation, presented by college president Claude Brulé and senior leadership.

The proposal to the board follows an announcement in January that the college is considering suspending up to 30 programs starting in fall 2026.

Programs under review include journalism, horticulture, design foundations, culinary programs and several legal programs, among others.

The potential cuts have already sparked concern across campuses. Students in legal programs have been organizing and speaking out about the possible impact on their education and career paths.

The proposed suspension of the Music Industry Arts program has also drawn reaction from Ottawa’s music community, with industry professionals warning the loss could affect the city’s creative sector.

The board’s decision was previously delayed while the college waited for details on new provincial funding. On Feb. 12, Ontario announced new investments, lifted the tuition freeze and introduced a new OSAP funding model.

Image of the sign outside the Board of Governors office. Photo credit: Amanda McLeod

In a message to staff on Thursday, Brulé said the college welcomes the investment but emphasized that financial challenges remain.

“What remains clear is that financial mitigation efforts must continue to ensure the College’s long-term sustainability,” he wrote.

He added that the college must align programs with enrolment demand, labour market needs and financial realities.

“We recognize these decisions are difficult, but immediate steps are necessary to ensure stability for our learners, employees, and the College’s future.”

Like many Ontario colleges, Algonquin is facing financial pressure linked in part to declining international student enrolment following federal caps on study permits.

If approved by the board, the suspensions at Algonquin would affect future intakes, although current students would be able to complete their programs.

Featured Hero | Featured Story | Home Feature | Home Hero | News

Talitha Kumi Scott

See more articles by
Talitha Kumi Scott

Algonquin College students spend a day at Madahoki Farm for Indigenous teachings

Students escape the busy city to unwind in nature, make bannock and learn about Indigenous culture

Delaney St. Pierre

Photos: Delaney St. Pierre

February 26, 2026
Revised: February 26, 2026 2:01pm

Photo: Delaney St. Pierre

A student takes her turn smudging.

A group of Algonquin College students and Mamidosewin Centre staff took a day trip to Madahoki Farm on Feb. 13 to learn about Indigenous culture and practices.

The staff and students took a bus to the farm, where they were greeted by the farm’s friendly staff with a traditional Haudenosaunee welcome song. This would be the first of many practices the group would have the privilege of experiencing firsthand.

An Inuit elder taught the group about Inuit culture and her own upbringing and experiences. She ended her visit by lighting the qulliq, a traditional Inuit oil lamp that is a crucial heat source in the Arctic and symbolizes spirituality and women’s strength.

A flame burning the oil in the qulliq. Photo credit: Delaney St. Pierre

Inside a teepee, the group participated in a smudging ceremony to clear away bad energy.

The group visited the farm’s Ojibwe spirit horses, which they learned was the only breed Indigenous to Canada. They were shown multiple paintings depicting stories about these horses.

Madahoki staff told the stories about how these horses can understand a human’s emotions. Many students believed it was the highlight of the trip.

“The workshops were really nice, and seeing and learning about the horses was really cool,” said Jesse Kavanaugh, an Algonquin College student and Mamidosewin Centre staff member.

Jules Kok agreed.

“I didn’t know the existence of this horse species. I knew they felt emotion, but I didn’t know they could tell when someone was in distress, so I found that really interesting,” said Kok, another Algonquin College student and Mamidosewin Centre staff member.

Three Ojibwe spirit horses, one approaching the attendees. — Three Ojibwe spirit horses, one approaching the group. Photo credit: Delaney St. Pierre

After the horses, it was back to the teepee to finish off the visit with a bannock-making session. Madahoki staff member Awema Tendesi gave a quick demonstration before letting participants make their dough and roast their own fresh piece of bannock.

Tendesi said he loves working at the farm.

“For me it’s the ability to do what I love for a living. I’m a dancer and a singer, I grew up around the culture, so when I work with culture doing what I love, I’m not even working,” said Tendesi.

Everyone went home with new knowledge and fresh perspectives on Indigenous culture and practices.

“The goal is always awareness, it is about spreading awareness of all the other nations and filling in those education gaps,” said Tendesi.

News

Delaney St. Pierre

See more articles by
Delaney St. Pierre

Students build bears for Valentine’s Day

By building stuffed animals, the SA made sure no one had to be alone on Valentine's Day

Naomi Cabassu

Photos: Naomi Cabassu

February 25, 2026
Revised: February 25, 2026 3:47pm

Photo: Naomi Cabassu

Students after building the bear.

On Feb. 13, the Students’ Association hosted Self-Care with a Bear to ensure everyone had a Valentine’s Day gift.

According to Alain Cyr-Russo, the senior manager student life, the idea was based on a uOttawa event.

In the previous two years the SA organized A Blind Date with a Book to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

This year they decided to be more inclusive to non-readers.

They worked with the Bayshore Mall store Build-A-Bear. The Build-a-Bear company allows you to create your own stuffed animal.

They also wanted people without partners to have something as a gift for themselves or a friend.

Sofia Factor, a student at the college, felt joy participating in the event.

“I have never done a Build-a-Bear so it makes me happy,” said Factor.

She did it for the experience and also because she really loves bears. Also, it’s cheaper than the actual Build-A-Bear at the mall.

The assistant manager of Build-A-Bear, Amber Mcmillan, was at the event. She started at the company as a party leader.

Mcmillan’s background as a “party princess” for children’s birthday parties helped her cover work events when she first started at the Build-a-Bear company.

Arts & Entertainment

Naomi Cabassu

See more articles by
Naomi Cabassu

ACSA hosts movie night at the AC Hub for Black History Month

Students connected over deep discussion, popcorn and a mystery film at the event

Ann Saratu Balogun

Photos: Ann Saratu Balogun

February 25, 2026
Revised: February 25, 2026 3:35pm

Photo: Ann Saratu Balogun

Students lounging at the AC Hub before the movie viewing.

The Afro-Caribbean Students Alliance (ACSA) at Algonquin College hosted a movie night Feb. 13 at the AC Hub to mark Black History Month.

Harmony Mvila, the group’s social media manager, opened the event by sharing the purpose of ACSA and her experience as an immigrant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“When I first came, I was isolated,” she said. “Some people come to Canada as immigrants and don’t know much about Canadian culture, so part of our goals is to build a space for people to learn more, to grow and to connect.”

The event attracted both anglophone and francophone students from different backgrounds, all united by a shared interest in film.

Interactive media and design student Katok Mujinj said he decided to attend after a friend mentioned it.

“I’ve met a lot of people here from different cultures, and I’m glad that there’s a community dedicated to bringing people together,” he said.

Left to right: Harmony Mvila, King Jiouzy and Katok Mujinj socializing during the ACSA's movie night. Photo credit: Ann Saratu Balogun

The featured film was the 2023 science-fiction comedy mystery They Cloned Tyrone, starring Jamie Foxx and John Boyega. The plot centres on an unlikely trio uncovering a government conspiracy targeting marginalized communities.

A group of students watching the movie. Photo credit: Ann Saratu Balogun

People gave the film positive reviews.

Mujinj described it as “actually really good” and said it offered lessons about reality.

Mujinj added that he would attend similar events again, with ACSA teasing more fun ahead, including a game night at Wolves’ Den on Feb. 25.

After the movie, students stayed and discussed more over soda and popcorn.

Former student Ferdinand Batubenga highlighted the importance of such gatherings.

“It’s really important to celebrate Black history,” he said.

“People should know more about the people they interact with. I see everyone as my brother and sister because at the end of the day, we’re one, and we should always strive to stick together.”

A student excitedly posing for the camera after the event. Photo credit: Ann Saratu Balogun

News

Ann Saratu Balogun

See more articles by
Ann Saratu Balogun

Women’s basketball: Condors sent home as Wolves advance

The Wolves will face Humber in the league quarter-finals this weekend

Ben Charles

Photos: Ben Charles

February 25, 2026
Revised: February 25, 2026 3:23pm

Photo: Ben Charles

Guard Cianah Miller attacks the paint.

The Algonquin Wolves women’s basketball team will face the Humber Hawks in the quarter-finals after beating the Contestoga Condors 51-40 in a playoff qualifier on Feb. 21 at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.

Things looked hopeful for the Wolves as they entered the high-stakes qualifier after a 92-26 comeback over St. Lawrence at home on Feb. 14, following a devastating 63-58 loss to Loyalist on Feb. 13.

The Condors were already off to a rough start before the game, having lost two of their three matchups leading up to it. Algonquin came out firing, moving the ball crisply and using tough defence to take control early. The Condors tried to respond in the second quarter, hitting a few key shots, but the Wolves’ steady scoring kept them ahead at halftime.

The Wolves shot 41.7 per cent from the field, 20 per cent from beyond the three-point line and 80 per cent from the free-throw line.

Guard Taryn Mitchell drives to the basket. Photo credit: Ben Charles

Wolves head coach Jaime McLean credited their defensive intensity for limiting Conestoga’s inside presence.

“We made some key adjustments about keeping their guards pressured to make it tougher for them to make their passes into the Conestoga post players,” McLean said.

When asked what stood out defensively in the win, McLean pointed to his team’s effort in the paint.

“Our post players battled really hard in the game,” McLean said. “Conestoga’s post players are some of the best in the league, and our ladies did a fantastic job.”

Guard Cianah Miller echoed that focus on the defensive end, but emphasized that the standard has to remain consistent, especially in the postseason.

“As a team, we need to work on not taking plays off. If we have a good offensive run, we can’t have a breakdown on defence, especially since we’re now in playoffs, playing good teams. Good teams will take advantage of our breakdowns,” Miller said.

Wolves players celebrate. Photo credit: Ben Charles

With their next playoff matchup on the horizon, the Wolves know the intensity will increase.

“The biggest thing for us will be working on keeping composure and balance. We’ve got a tough matchup coming at Humber and looking forward to trying to keep our season going,” McLean said.

With confidence from this victory, the Algonquin Wolves turn their attention to the Humber Hawks and the chance to keep their season alive. The game will be on Feb. 28 at 1 p.m in Toronto

Featured Hero | Featured Story | Home Feature | Home Hero | Sports & Recreation

Ben Charles

See more articles by
Ben Charles

Students celebrate Lunar New Year at Algonquin College

The Lunar New Year event had students feeling enriched and culturally represented

Tianna Lawless-Musgrave

Photos: Tianna Lawless-Musgrave

February 25, 2026
Revised: February 25, 2026 9:40am

Photo: Tianna Lawless-Musgrave

The leader & members of The AC Vietnamese Club, at the Lunar New Year Celebration.

Feb. 17 marked the start of the Year of the Horse with the first new moon of the lunar calendar, and Algonquin College students were in the mood to celebrate.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries, including China, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia and more.

According to the Algonquin College 2025 Workforce Diversity Summary Report, 23.8 per cent of staff identified as members of racialized groups. Roughly 40 per cent of students in Ontario identify as part of a visible minority group, according to the Youthrex Research and Evaluation Exchange.

This makes cultural representation at the college more important than ever, especially during times of celebration.

According to students, the Lunar New Year celebration accomplished exactly what it means to be represented.

The celebration held in E-building had kiosks with traditional games, banh mi, K-drama presentations and activities like paper-cutting, also known as jiǎnzhǐ. The atmosphere of the event was bright, colourful and full of joy.

A table featuring the Chinese art of fai chun, or chunlian. Photo credit: Tianna Lawless-Musgrave

Student Liangyu Chiu said he looks forward to Lunar New Year celebrations.

“Lunar New Year is pretty special. It’s basically the same as passing the new year, like January first.

“You’re celebrating with your family, with your loved ones. It can mean reunion with some members that you haven’t seen in a long time. It’s also to give your wishes; wishing them well, health and prosperity,” Liangyu said.

“There’s a lot more to that, but the biggest part is to wish your loved ones a good year.”

Students reported feeling culturally represented by the event and were pleased to be able to represent their own communities on stage.

“I feel great. I’m really grateful that I could show our culture to other ethnicities or other nationalities, because it’s a multicultural country. It’s really great that I could show a little bit of our culture to people that don’t know about it,” said Sohyeon Shin, who represented Korea at the event’s dedicated speech portion.

“We are part of Koreans and introducing our culture. I got to represent that today.” Shin added.

Sohyeon Shin, the chosen Korean representative at the AC Lunar New Year event. Photo credit: Tianna Lawless-Musgrave

Other students, while not traditionally celebrating the event, had it introduced to them by friends.

“The person who told me about it was actually him,” said Rachel Musyoki, a friend of Liangyu’s.

“It does seem like a really nice time to celebrate with family, according to what I’m seeing right now.”

Overall, students enjoyed the event, the time taken to organize it and the message that the event spread across campus.

“They’re doing a good job,” Liangyu said.

“To be honest, I wouldn’t think they could do much, due to the budget and the space. A lot of it has to do with food, a lot of it has to do with spending time with your loved ones — but I think they’re doing really good with what they have.”

Arts & Entertainment | Featured Hero | Featured Story | Home Feature | Home Hero