Page 104 – Algonquin Times

College implements new standards to assist international students

Colleges Ontario has implemented new common standards to help international students in their relocation to the province. Algonquin College is one of the many colleges in the province to implement the new common standards, with the latest criteria set to be administered by June 2024. The college believes that these new standards will provide essential […]

Brandon Plant

Photos: Brandon Plant

April 16, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Brandon Plant

An outside view of the administrative building for Algonquin College on a sunny day in April.

The college believes that these new standards will provide essential resources and increased support for potential new students

“This is an opportunity to have a sector-wide approach to providing greater clarity on the information and support we give international students at the start of the process and throughout their experience,” a statement from Algonquin College said.

“Ultimately, the goal is to make sure that our international students are provided with the best possible support at Algonquin College and across the college system in Ontario,” the college’s communications department added.

Colleges Ontario announced the initiative in mid-March.

Aditya Singh, an Algonquin College business student, believes the changes are a positive step for what is otherwise an “anxious” process.

“When I applied to my program last year, it was difficult to make the choice because I was so far away from the country [Canada]. I was very anxious when making my decision,” Singh said.

“Adding more resources would be a great help for incoming international students,” added Singh.

The college says “these are sector-wide standards being implemented to strengthen the programs and supports for international students that already exist across Ontario.”

According to a press release from Algonquin College, the new standards will:

Ensure the marketing of programs to international students is accurate and transparent.
Require international agents working for Ontario’s colleges to have completed a sector-endorsed agent training program.
Ensure information on services, supports and facilities are provided to students before they arrive in Ontario and once they are in the province. This would include information on mental well-being, student housing and employment opportunities.
Provide targeted assistance to help international students adjust to a new environment.

“I think the most important thing that was announced is the school focusing on the housing and employment issue for international students,” Singh said.

“That was another big stress for me before coming here, so that would definitely help students make an easier transition when moving here because the cost of living is very high.”

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International students

Brandon Plant

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Ottawa temperature breaks heat record set in 1945

Local CBC: A 78-year-old daily heat record was broken in Ottawa on Thursday, just eight days after an ice storm blanketed the city. The temperature reached 21 C at 11 a.m., making it the hottest day of the year thus far. Two hours later, the April 13 record was shattered. To make the most of […]

Mingan Wang

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April 14, 2023
Revised: April 14, 2023 1:34pm

Local

CBC: A 78-year-old daily heat record was broken in Ottawa on Thursday, just eight days after an ice storm blanketed the city.

The temperature reached 21 C at 11 a.m., making it the hottest day of the year thus far. Two hours later, the April 13 record was shattered.

To make the most of the nice weather while it lasts, restaurants in the downtown hurriedly created patios.

However, Environment Canada predicts the heat won’t persist.

National

CTV news: The Canadian Real Estate Association projects that by year’s end, the average price of a home will be 4.8 per cent lower than in 2022, but predicts that prices would increase by nearly the same percentage in 2024.

According to the association’s forecast released on Friday, the average price will be $670,389 this year and $702,214 the following year, when prices are predicted to rise by 4.7 per cent.

In a press release, CREA’s chair, Jill Oudil, said “the intense market conditions of recent years have not gone anywhere, they’ve just been on pause.”

International:

CTV news: Ukraine continues to demand that Russia leave Crimea and all other areas of the country.

According to Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, in order for the war to stop, Russia must withdraw its troops from Crimea and other regions of Ukraine that it recently illegally acquired.

Calling the conflict in Ukraine “a bleeding wound in the middle of Europe,” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said all his country’s territory must be treated equally in dealing with the Kremlin after its full-scale invasion more than 13 months ago.

News

News briefs | News curation

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Students spread love with Easter cards for seniors

The AC Hub Volunteer Centre had paper, colour pens and stickers ready for students to make Easter cards for seniors on the Thursday before the holiday weekend. The Volunteer Centre sends cards to local seniors in the community for different celebrations. Last year, it invited students to make Christmas cards. “We send the cards to […]

Naomie Twagirumukiza

Photos: Naomie Twagirumukiza

April 14, 2023
Revised: April 14, 2023 9:46am

Photo: Naomie Twagirumukiza

Elizabeth Holmes, community engagement officer, makes an Easter card for a senior in the AC Hub on April 6.

The AC Hub Volunteer Centre had paper, colour pens and stickers ready for students to make Easter cards for seniors on the Thursday before the holiday weekend.

The Volunteer Centre sends cards to local seniors in the community for different celebrations. Last year, it invited students to make Christmas cards.

“We send the cards to a different senior home every time we do the event,” said Elizabeth Holmes, the AC Hub community engagement officer. “This time, the Easter cards are going to Perley Health.”

As small as it seems, Easter cards are one of the little things that help spread love and joy.

“Who doesn’t like receiving cards,” asked Patrick Hakizimana, an accounting student. “I’ve never received an Easter card, so I think it a really great idea.”

In case you forgot to send a card, it’s always better late than never. If you missed the event, make sure to stay alert for the next holiday card event from the AC Hub.

Life

AC Hub | Seniors

Naomie Twagirumukiza

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Anna Maria Tremonti’s speech shares timely messages for students

With the end of the winter term looming, a talk given by long-time journalist Anna Maria Tremonti hosted by the Pembroke campus on Monday, March 27, continues to have timely messages for students. Tremonti, in her role as a journalist, has reported on the changing world for decades. Most notably, she was at the Red […]

Madeleine Fargo

Photos: Madeleine Fargo

April 13, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Madeleine Fargo

Anna Maria Tremonti spoke in a virtual event hosted by Algonquin College's Pembroke campus on Monday, March 27.

With the end of the winter term looming, a talk given by long-time journalist Anna Maria Tremonti hosted by the Pembroke campus on Monday, March 27, continues to have timely messages for students.

Tremonti, in her role as a journalist, has reported on the changing world for decades. Most notably, she was at the Red Square when the Soviet Union fell, watching the red flag being lowered. She thought that it would be the most world-altering event she would ever cover.

But then the pandemic happened. “COVID-19 has kind of driven us into what I think of as kind of an intersection,” said Tremonti.

Tremonti spoke over Zoom about how the pandemic has left many people confused, angry and uncertain about the future.

“It’s almost as if we’re at a crossroads with medicine, and science, and politics, and geopolitics, economics, business and society – every aspect of society – how we work, how we play, how we learn, how we interact,” said Tremonti.

The stress of the changing world is familiar to many Algonquin College students.

Ahmed Elbadri, a student success specialist who works with students in the School of Media and Design, tends to see more students when these big world events happen.

“With COVID-19 as one factor, I do see more students now,” said Elbadri.

Elbadri has always seen students who struggle with anxiety, personal skills and depression, but after COVID-19, more students seem to be struggling in this way than before.

“It’s hard to go from being relatively isolated to being in the world,” said Elbadri.

According to Elbadri, the best way to work through these difficult issues is to acknowledge them and talk about them.

“There’s nothing wrong with being depressed, being sad,” said Elbadri. “But when you don’t talk about it, it lingers, and then when it lingers, everything else just piles on top of it.”

Ahmed Elbadri, Algonquin student success specialist. Elbadri works with students in Algonquins school of media and design. — Ahmed Elbadri, a student success specialist, works with students in the School of Media and Design. The best way to work through difficult issues, he says, is to acknowledge them and talk about them. Photo credit: Madeleine Fargo

Loneliness was another big theme in Tremonti’s speech.

Tremonti did not just speak of the loneliness caused by a confusing and changing world, but also the loneliness caused by her own experience with intimate partner violence.

Her experience, which she speaks about in her new podcast Welcome to Paradise, left her with feelings of guilt and self-blame. At the same time, she believed she hadn’t suffered enough to share her story.

“I did judge myself at the time. There’s a stigma about abuse as if we deserve it, as if we choose it,” said Tremonti.

Once Tremonti started sharing her story, emails to her started pouring in. Tremonti’s story helped others realize they were far from alone.

Students aren’t alone either.

“Our Project Lighthouse website is all about students who’ve experienced violence, resources in community, online and in person,” said Sarah Crawford, Algonquin’s sexual violence prevention and harm reduction coordinator.

“It is very hard to come forward and talk to people about it,” said Crawford. “Algonquin College has counselling services where you’ll always be believed.”

Featured Story | Life

Covid-19 | Pembroke campus | Project Lighthouse | Sarah Crawford

Madeleine Fargo

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As anti-Semitism increases, Passover fosters togetherness for Jewish community

Jewish people around the world over the last week have been observing the holy holiday of Passover, but for some Jewish students at Algonquin College, the holiday brings a sense of togetherness for them during a time of increased anti-Semitism worldwide. For Matthew Bromberg, a Jewish business management and entrepreneurship student, it’s a chance to […]

Brandon Plant

Photos: Brandon Plant

April 13, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Brandon Plant

The Seder Plate, featured here, is the central piece to every Passover Seder dinner.

For Matthew Bromberg, a Jewish business management and entrepreneurship student, it’s a chance to see family and unite in their shared faith.

“Getting to be with family is one of the best things about the holy holidays, but this year, it feels like it means more to be together and united in our faith than ever before,” Bromberg said.

Bromberg noted a rising Jewish hatred worldwide, specifically in Ottawa, over the last few years.

“I mean, just look at the recent examples of anti-Semitism here in Ottawa alone. I feel that by observing our holidays and being proud of our heritage, we’re fighting back against the unfound hatred we’re facing,” Bromberg expressed.

Bromberg is not wrong. A recent report released by Statistics Canada says, “Nearly 900 hate crimes were motivated by religion [in Canada] during 2021, with more than half directed at Jewish people.”

Recent examples of anti-Jewish bigotry have gripped the capital and have made national headlines as well.

Whether it was the recent hate crime at Sir Robert Borden High School where Jewish students were confronted with Nazism by fellow students or the Ottawa courthouse and synagogues city-wide being vandalized with swastikas and SS emblems, the city has seen an unfortunate rise in Jewish hatred.

A Government of Canada factsheet on anti-Semitism in Canada says, “Regrettably, anti-Semitism persists in Canada in various forms. Despite representing less than one percent of the Canadian population, Jews are the religious group in Canada most likely to be targeted for hate crimes.”

Eitan Ostrovsky, a Jewish Algonquin College HVAC student, sees a lot of parallels between the story of Passover and the increased hatred Jewish people have been facing as of late.

“The story of Pesach is about how our ancestors freed themselves from enslavement and persecution in Egypt. It’s a story of triumph and sticking together, which are things we must continue to do to this day to fight off those who persecute us,” Ostrovsky said.

“The Jewish people have been facing bigotry for thousands of years, as long as we stick together we will be all right.”

Featured Story | Life

Holiday | Jewish

Brandon Plant

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PR students host trivia fundraiser for Upstream Ottawa

When Fabiana Ferrarresso was in her 20s, mental health support was much different from now. Mental health was not discussed, and people who needed mental health support were ignored most of the time. “It was like a stigma all around the world,” Ferrarresso said. When Ferrarresso was going through a hard time, her dad would […]

Naomie Twagirumukiza

Photos: Naomie Twagirumukiza

April 13, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Naomie Twagirumukiza

Fernanda Ferrarresso, a Level 3 public relations student, with award donor Danielle Côté.

When Fabiana Ferrarresso was in her 20s, mental health support was much different from now.

Mental health was not discussed, and people who needed mental health support were ignored most of the time.

“It was like a stigma all around the world,” Ferrarresso said.

When Ferrarresso was going through a hard time, her dad would tell her to just work and study hard, but her mom told her to see a therapist.

“It doesn’t work for everybody, but it changed my life,” Ferrarresso said.

Joining the public relations program at Algonquin College in 2022, Ferrarresso felt comfortable and surprised to see everyone openly talk about mental health.

This is why she wholeheartedly supported the fundraising hosted by the Algonquin College public relations program (ACPR). The purpose of ACPR’s fundraising program is to raise awareness of specific issues in the community while also allowing students to build a campaign focused on raising awareness and donations for their chosen charity.

Second-level ACPR students hosted a fundraiser for Upstream Ottawa through an alumni trivia night in the Observatory lounge at Algonquin College.

“We picked Upstream Ottawa because mental health resonated with most the students,” Joanne Regnier, a public relations student, said.

Upstream Ottawa is a local mental health and addictions support charity that focuses on removing barriers to care accessibility. It provides tailored and community-based support services to individuals with mental illnesses and substance use disorders so they can live stable, independent and self-guided lives. Upstream Ottawa plays an important role in making sure everyone in the community gets the help they need.

“We need to talk about mental health and educate more people on the subject,” said Ferrarresso.

Ferrarresso won the Sarah Grantier Award. The award goes to students enrolled in the public relations program who demonstrate strong written and verbal skills, are team players and have the ability to bring out the best in people.

“I did not expect it,” Ferrarresso said. “I really like helping people.”

If you missed the trivia night and want to make a donation, the award is listed on Algonquin College’s donation page. More information about the program is available on the ACPR website.

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ACPR | Mental health | Observatory | Trivia | Upstream ottawa

Naomie Twagirumukiza

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China announces first human death from H3N8 bird flu

Local CTV News: Canada’s largest public-sector union voted in favour of a strike mandate, which affects 120,000 public servants. As of last week, 35,000 members of the Canada Revenue Agency employees cast their votes for a strike to take place. By the end of this week, roughly 155,000 public servants representing five major bargaining groups […]

Blaire Waddell

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April 13, 2023
Revised: April 13, 2023 1:35pm

Local

CTV News: Canada’s largest public-sector union voted in favour of a strike mandate, which affects 120,000 public servants.

As of last week, 35,000 members of the Canada Revenue Agency employees cast their votes for a strike to take place.

By the end of this week, roughly 155,000 public servants representing five major bargaining groups could be in a legal strike position by the end of this week.

If Public Service Alliance Canada goes through this strike it will be the largest strike in Canadian history.

National

CTV News: The governor of the Bank of Canada has stated that the bank is prepared to raise the policy rate again in an effort to bring inflation back to its target of two per cent in 2024.

Despite keeping its policy rate at 4.5 per cent during its recent meeting, the bank expressed confidence that inflation will decrease from 5.2 per cent February to three per cent in the middle of 2023.

“If monetary policy is not restrictive enough to get us all the way back to the two per cent target, we are prepared to raise the policy rate further to get there,” said Tiff Macklem, during a press conference in Ottawa on Wednesday.

International

National Post: A 56-year-old woman from the southern province of Guangdong has been the the third person to be infected by the H3N8 flu, another version of influenza.

She later died from the illness. The strain does not seem to spread between people.

The illness is very common in birds and has affected many other mammals in the world.

Tests from the wet market where the woman had visited before she became ill were conducted and positive influenza samples were found. It was then speculated that this was the source of her illness.

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Blaire Waddell

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‘I wish this weather could last forever.’ College community soaking up summer-like conditions

One week after an ice storm, Ottawa is being treated to a mini heat wave that started on Tuesday, with temperatures predicted to reach as high as 28 C on Thursday, breaking the record previously set in 1945. According to Environment Canada, the summer-like weather in Ottawa is likely to persist until the end of […]

Mingan Wang

Photos: Mingan Wang

April 13, 2023
Revised: April 13, 2023 12:39pm

Photo: Mingan Wang

Jeremy Calorendi, an Algonquin College student, enjoys the sun outside the campus residence on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Environment Canada, the summer-like weather in Ottawa is likely to persist until the end of the week, then return to seasonal temperatures next week.

People in the Algonquin College community are already excited about the warm weather after a long and chilly winter.

Dan Mellon, the program coordinator and professor of radio broadcasting, who’s a weather hobbyist, said he looks forward to the warm weather.

“I’ve been really looking forward to it, especially after the crazy weather we had last week with the ice storm, it’s a nice rebound and I just opened my pool yesterday,” said Mellon.

Mellon predicted that the current weather is only temporary. The consistent heat would come in approximately the next four weeks.

The nice weather is also bringing comfort to many who are busy preparing for their final exams.

“This weather is really uplifting for me, especially during a busy period of the academic year like right now, it really helps ease the stress,” said Eunji Jo, an animation student. “I wish this weather could last forever.”

People are getting tempted to go outside and embrace the warmth.

“This weather is something I’ve been looking forward to for so long, although I didn’t expect it would come so soon. I’m really happy about it,” said Aiden Lucea, an architecture student. “I think I’ll go play soccer with my friends this weekend, spend some time to relax before all the exams.”

News

Spring

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Environmental activist Autumn Peltier heading for university after year at Algonquin College

Walking through the Woodroffe campus this year, people might not have realized an internationally respected environmental activist was walking the same halls. Not a household name, but famous enough. At 18 years old, Autumn Peltier has spoken at the United Nations, addressed key leaders of the country given speeches at Harvard and won a Children’s […]

Kerry Slack

Photos: Kerry Slack

April 13, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Kerry Slack

Autumn Peltier, an 18-year-old activist and P.I.E. student, is featured in the new Hershey's campaign.

Walking through the Woodroffe campus this year, people might not have realized an internationally respected environmental activist was walking the same halls.

Not a household name, but famous enough.

At 18 years old, Autumn Peltier has spoken at the United Nations, addressed key leaders of the country given speeches at Harvard and won a Children’s Peace Prize. She was named chief water commissioner of the Anishenabek Nation in 2019 at 14 years old.

Peltier is a Canadian Indigenous environmental activist and water protector. Born in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, Ont., she is a member of the Wiikwemkoong First Nation.

“As a society, it’s important to continue to uplift and recognize the strength of all women,” said Peltier — Autumn Peltier, an 18 year-old activist, and P.I.E. student, is featured in the new Hershey's campaign. Photo credit: Kerry Slack

Peltier has been a prominent voice for the protection of water and Indigenous rights since she was eight years old. The dress she wore when she addressed the United Nations is on display at the Canadian Museum of History.

United Nations Headquarters, New York City, U.S.A.
Autumn Peltier, 13 years old, is wearing the dress, which resides at the Canadian Museum of History. — Pictured at the United Nations in New York, a 13-year-old Autumn Peltier wears the dress which now resides at the Canadian Museum of History. (Photo given to Autumn Peltier. Used with permission.)

“I’m on a chocolate bar,” said Peltier and she proudly grabbed her phone to share the ad campaign for Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme.

The perfect chocolate bar representation of her.

Sweet, but gritty.

Hershey Canada worked with Toronto-based mural artist Gosia Komorski to bring women’s stories to life on limited-edition Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme and Hershey’s Whole Almond bars.

Photo supplied by the Her She campaign, via Autumn Peltier Photo credit: Hershey Canada

“As a society, it’s important to continue to uplift and recognize the strength of all women,” said Peltier, who is excited to see her bar wrapper and story come to life.

“Everyone deserves a seat at the table — there is power in the word she,” said Peltier.

Peltier’s tireless work has had a significant impact, inspiring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people around the world to join the fight for water protection and climate justice. She continues to be a voice for the voiceless and a passionate advocate for her culture and the environment.

A student in the pathways to Indigenous empowerment program this year, she has managed to move quietly through the college’s hallways, mostly unnoticed.

“The P.I.E. program was a great bridge into a college course, for me because it’s directed toward Indigenous students,” said Peltier. “It helped me figure out what direction I wanted to go. I was undecided between a few things.”

Peltier will be moving on to the University of Ottawa next year to study criminology.

She had many prestigious schools extend invitations to her. Staying close to home drew Peltier to the University of Ottawa.

“All my family lives in Ottawa. I love spending time with my family,” said Peltier. “My sister is one of my biggest priorities. I can’t leave my sister.”

Peltier explained why she chose the criminology program.

“I’d like to further a career in Indigenous rights, and human rights law, and aim to focus my work on murdered and missing Indigenous women,” said Peltier.

That’s not all she has going on.

“I’m actually training toward competing in bodybuilding,” Peltier said with a smirk.

“Yes, it’s cool that I’m on a chocolate bar, but not sure I’ll be eating too many of them.”

Featured Story | News

Activism | Chocolate | Indigenous

Kerry Slack

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Algonquin College faces financial constraints due to enrolment challenges

Algonquin College has identified the financial loss due to a decrease in student enrolment to be the school’s most critical risk. According to a report for the Board of Governors meeting on Feb. 27, overall enrolment was trending behind the approved annual budget target by 11 per cent for domestic and international students combined. In […]

Mingan Wang

Photos: Mingan Wang

April 12, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Mingan Wang

The Student Commons building at Algonquin College.

Algonquin College has identified the financial loss due to a decrease in student enrolment to be the school’s most critical risk.

According to a report for the Board of Governors meeting on Feb. 27, overall enrolment was trending behind the approved annual budget target by 11 per cent for domestic and international students combined. In response, the college administration has implemented strategies such as operational spending reductions and deferred hiring of new positions, the report said.

The report said there were 18,706 registered students in the winter 2023 semester, which was 335 students behind the enrolment budget.

According to the Finance and Administration department, the college is spending more than it’s bringing in as a result of insufficient government funding and the enrolment decrease, but the college doesn’t plan to reduce essential student services.

“Generally, the biggest factors influencing enrolment right now include: greater competition (from universities, other colleges and industry), changing demographics and the current low unemployment rate means that more potential students are entering, or remaining in, the labour market, rather than pursuing post-secondary education,” according to a statement provided by the Finance and Administration department.

“The financial constraints of the college have not impacted Algonquin’s commitment to student services. As Algonquin comes out of the pandemic, we continue to put student needs and preferences at the forefront as we learn in the new post-pandemic world how our learners prefer to access education and services.”

The Students’ Association is also impacted by an enrolment decrease.

The main source of the Students’ Association’s budget is membership fees from the students.

“Enrolment does affect us, it affects all of us”, said Matt Regnier, SA board communications and process manager, on April 5 during a press conference with the Algonquin Times.

“We would adjust our budget according to the enrolment, during COVID when the enrolment was low, we partnered with other Students’ Association on events rather than doing our own events, so that allows us to do larger events for free. We haven’t had to cut fundings on events so far, (if we had to) we would focus on cutting programming rather than services so that there’s a service standard that we’ll always maintain.”

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Enrolment | Finance | Students' association