Algonquin College hosted a 2SLGBTQI+ club event in the Student Commons
Matthew Grieve
Photos: Matthew Grieve
May 22, 2025 Revised: May 22, 2025 11:23am
Photo: Matthew Grieve
Pride Club decorations set up in the Student Commons on May 13.
Students, alumni and staff are working to bring back the campus Pride Club after it shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students at a resource fair in the Student Commons on May 13 were greeted by a new club hoping to launch at Algonquin College this semester. The Pride Club is eager to gather 2SLGBTQI+ students and other allies.
The newly formed club, created by students, alumni and a professor, aims to establish a student-run organization that will continue to thrive long after its organizers have moved on.
“In the past, we had here at Algonquin the Pride Centre, but it was shut down during the pandemic, and now we want to launch a Pride Club and just start having more and more initiatives related to this population,” said Fabricio Lacerda, a research assistant in the Victimology Research Centre at Algonquin College.
(From left to right) Danny Nhu, Maria Montano, Fabricio Lacerda and Antoni Wilson, pictured on May 13 in the Student Commons, want to start a Pride Club at Algonquin College. Photo credit: Matthew Grieve
At the resource fair, the club was accompanied by two other organizations to provide additional information for students. On one side, there was a table for on-campus services with the student’s health and wellness zone. On the other side, Max Ottawa provided information about its programs and services for queer men, trans and non-binary people.
Diana McGlinchey, the principal investigator of the Victimology Research Centre and a professor in the victimology program at Algonquin College, said the club is intended to help students feel more supported and connected.
“I hope that people that are coming to Algonquin potentially from outside of the Ottawa area that don’t know about resources available here or don’t have a social network here will be able to, again, learn more about themselves as individuals, be able to grow into themselves potentially and also just find a safe, close-knit group that they can spend time with and be their self with and feel like they’re part of a community that values them and their identity,” said McGlinchey.
With students constantly coming and going, members noted that the club’s future depends on finding new leaders every few years to keep the club active.
The Pride Club booth on display in the Student Commons on May 13. Photo credit: Matthew Grieve
“The club, we hope to run this semester, run by students. So, every semester, we need to see if they can take that position as club leader. Here, college may just have, like, a one-year program, two-year program, maximum three years. The period of time is too short,” said Danny Nhu, a member of the club.
Despite the challenge, the goal remains clear. A simple campus fair is now part of a broader effort to build a lasting club, giving representation and community to people.
“We’re going to build a Pride Club this semester,” said Nhu.
“We want to hear more about the ideas, how we want to run a Pride Club, what kind of support resources, or what kind of activities you want inside the Pride Club.”
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Bits and Bytes Café and Portable Feast aren't open this term
William Barritt
Photos: William Barritt
May 20, 2025 Revised: May 20, 2025 10:06pm
Photo: William Barritt
T-building's Bits and Bytes is closed.
Algonquin College is making budget-related changes for the summer term, including the closure ofmultiple food service locations.
One of the measures is the recent closure of the Bits and Bytes Café in T-building for this summer. Some students, such as Trabish Abhishek, feel the closure was necessary to save money for other parts of the school.
“It’s not worth it. If they increase the spending, they increase the fees we pay, and that’s a lot worse than walking to the food court,” says Abhishek.
Other students don’t enjoy taking time out of their already busy schedules to find food.
“I do a marathon just to get my lunch, and I only have a 30-minutebreak, so walking to the food court is not great,” says Aidan Mcculloch.
On Jan 9,Algonquin’s news site said that without cost reductions, the collegeanticipates a deficit of $60 million in revenue this year. Because of this, the school is taking multiple financial measures to addressthese serious issues.
The president of the school has offered ideas to ensure financial stability.
“To ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the college,” says Claude Brulé, “we are implementing mitigation measures immediately and taking decisive steps to reduce expenses, optimize resources and explore new revenue opportunities.”
On the other side of the college,the B–building has also closed the Portable Feast. The closest substitute for students to grab something to eat is now The Fix in the CA–building orTimHortons in A–building.
Evie Inman, a 19-year-old hairstyling student who takes their break in the B-building, is also unhappy with the closure.
“I used to get a coffee from here all time, but now I’ve got to go down to Timmies,and I hate their prices. I get why they closed it, but it’s annoying,” says Inman.
In addition to food services, the Connections Book Store and print shop on campus will also bechanging their hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to the new 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The college’s website provides the updated hours of operation of campus services.
OC Transpo’s "New Ways to Bus" network is here, and students have mixed feelings about the changes
Mickey Banks
Photos: Michael Banks
May 20, 2025 Revised: May 21, 2025 12:50pm
Photo: Michael Banks
The 88 Bayshore arriving at Baseline station.
Algonquin College students and other bus users are voicing mixed feelings about the sweeping changes to OC Transpo’s bus system.
On April 27, OC Transpo rolled out its New Ways to Bus initiative, which saw changes to all the routes at Baseline Station, except routes 84, 87, and 277. These revamps were done to better reflect changes in how people travel post-pandemic, according to OC Transpo’s website.
Route 88, known for its erratic pickup times, was one of the longest routes in Ottawa, going between Terry Fox and Hurdman. Now the route stops at Bayshore, with the 68 going to Terry Fox. Since these changes were made, some transit riders have seen an improvement in arrival times.
The 88 Bayshore arrives at Algonquin College outside C-building.
“Before it was Terry Fox, but it sucks, never show up on time. But now, after the changing the routes, they are pretty on time,” said Kirandeep Kour, a student in the early childhood education program.
However, some transit riders still find the route unreliable.
“It’s the same, nothing changed. They just adjusted some bus routes, but it didn’t change anything. You can’t rely on them because you don’t know if they’re gonna show up or not,” said Amindu Udawatta, who takes the 88 from Algonquin College to Hurdman.
Amindu Udawatta looks at his phone while waiting for the bus.
Another popular route is the 111, which has been reworked with some stops being moved to other routes. For Jay Reghe, this means taking the 189 or the 112.
“I do have two buses now, but they both come at the same time, and before the change, the 111 bus used to come every 15 minutes or so. The new buses come every 30 minutes, but sometimes they are late, so I have to wait for 30 minutes to 40 minutes sometimes,” said Reghe, who is taking energy management at the college.
For others, the route changes have made busing more convenient.
Algonquin College student Arther Lyu who’s taking heating, refrigerating and air conditioning, can still take the 111 and now has the 189 as an option, replacing the 86.
“I think the routes are better ‘cause it’s like, more a shortcut. It takes like, less time to get me home, and get to school,” said Lyu.
Algonquin College is hosting a large thrifting event for those who are struggling and need a helping hand
Jade Louise Greenwood
Photos: Jade Louise Greenwood
May 16, 2025 Revised: May 16, 2025 1:05pm
Photo: Jade Louise Greenwood
Abby Muir coordinates the Food Cupboard food supplies on May 13.
Katrina Robar can’t wait to rip through her closet to benefit an upcoming used clothing sale supporting the campus Food Cupboard.
“Now that I know that it’s going towards a cause for something like that, absolutely,” Robar said. “Now I want to take apart my closet and see what I can give.”
The Algonquin College Students’ Association is running the Thrift Store on May 20 and May 21 in E-building.
The event has been promoted as “take what you need, pay what you can.” The Food Cupboard is a discreet and confidential support service that helps students who are struggling to afford food and other basic necessities.
Abby Muir coordinates the Food Cupboard food supplies on May 13. Photo credit: Jade Louise Greenwood
Abby Muir, coordinator of the Food Cupboard, said in an email that the Thrift Store will be more financially accessible for students.
“Life has become increasingly expensive, year after year, for students,” Muir said. “By employing pay what you can, students are able to pick out items and choose their price. If they do not have the means to pay, then they do not need to.”
Robar, an early childhood education student at Algonquin College, believes it’s a great opportunity to help others. She saw the poster on campus and was already curious, but now she has the drive to participate.
Katrina Robar works on assignments for her early childhood education Program. Photo credit: Jade Louise Greenwood
Robar was delightfully surprised to hear the purpose of the Thrift Store.
The SA has hosted a few iterations of the event. The last was very successful, according to Muir.
“We noticed that the vast majority of students wanted to give back to the Food Cupboard and donate a few dollars,” Muir said. “It was really lovely to see. It is a win-win situation for students, as students are able to pick up free or affordable items, students that are able to donate money will help support the students accessing the Food Cupboard, and students who may not be able to afford clothing or household items have the opportunity to access low or no cost items.”
Subin Babu, another Algonquin College student, said he’s thrilled to participate. The Thrift Store reminds him of events in his home country.
“It is very similar to the things that happen in India, the markets and such. It is very good for students,” Babu said.
Subin Babu talks to friends about the SA Thrift store event. Photo credit: Jade Louise Greenwood
The SA intends to hold more Thrift Stores throughout the year. Donations for the upcoming event are closed, but organizers are still accepting cash donations.
This event, which is expected to be the biggest SA Thrift Store to date, will be in Room 206 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
Algonquin College students are about to develop an eco-friendly disinfectant spray
Vasuman Ravichandran
Photos: Fumio Arisaka
May 16, 2025 Revised: May 16, 2025 12:36pm
Photo: Fumio Arisaka
Bacteriophages as seen under an electron microscope. The entire organism including the spindly legs is about 0.0002 mm in width and 0.0004 mm in height.
Algonquin College students will be involved in developing a cost-effective and eco-friendly disinfectant spray to be used in hospitals and industrial settings, starting this fall.
The project will be spearheaded by Melanie Brown, a professor at the Department of Applied Science and Environmental Technology. The project is called Phage Bomb, and students will be partnering with Qeen Biotechnologies Inc. from Gatineau, Que.
The word phage refers to a naturally occurring class of microorganisms that target specific kinds of bacteria.
A question that might arise in anyone’s mind is, why not just use Lysol as a disinfectant? It’s cheap and it supposedly kills “99.9 per cent” of all germs.
According to the project, using the chemicals found in Lysol on an industrial scale over time would be a bad idea for aquatic ecosystems and our water supply. It’s as bad an idea for the ecosystem as drinking Lysol would be for fighting off a stomach bug.
According to a study published by American Society for Microbiology, the chemicals in Lysol not only kill the harmful bacteria, but they also kill the beneficial ones in your gut. More importantly, they would kill the cells in your body if you were to drink it. Flushing out copious quantities of these chemicals into the water supply would have a similar effect on our ecosystem.
If only we could invent a disinfectant that only kills the harmful bacteria and leaves other life forms alone.
It turns out, nature has already done that in the form of a naturally occurring, life-saving organism called a bacteriophage, nicknamed phage. These phagesare among the earliest, most abundant and diverse organisms on the planet.
“Each kind of phage only targets specific strains of bacteria. For example, there are phagesthat only target E. colibacteria, and nothing else,” said Brown.
Over millions of years, different kinds of phages have evolved alongside bacteria like E. coli, and they are a natural part of our ecosystem. The challenge for student researchers is to find a way to harness this natural piece of technology to benefit us and not harm other lifeforms.
The idea behind Phage Bomb is to isolate and engineer phages that target specific infectious bacteria that pose a threat in hospital settings. The final product would be a disinfectant spray containing a potent concoction of various kinds of phages, selected to combat infectious and even multidrug-resistant bacteria.
“Qeen Biotech has been at the forefront of using bacteriophage-based solutions to serve diverse industries including life sciences, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. We’re excited about this opportunity to share our innovation insights with the students,” said Dr. Nancy Tawil, CEO of Qeen Biotechnology.
According to the scope of the project, Phage Bomb could ultimately provide an eco-friendly alternative to chemical disinfectants and decontaminants in industrial and hospital settings.
College residence staff invited students to experience an annual Ottawa tradition
Matthew Grieve
Photos: Matthew Grieve
May 16, 2025 Revised: May 16, 2025 12:27pm
Photo: Matthew Grieve
Colorful flowers were on display at Commissioners Park during the Canadian Tulip Festival on May 10.
Algonquin College residence staff organized an outing to the annual Canadian Tulip Festival on May 10, offering students a chance to explore Ottawa’s vibrant history and culture.
Running from May 9 to May 19, the city continues to celebrate and honour its rich history through the annual Tulip Festival. The festival has been a part of Ottawa’s culture since its inception in 1953.
College residence staff arranged transportation to the festival.
Dimercia Sakina, a student living in residence, went on the trip with her roommate.
“It was well organized. Fiona and I were late, and they called us to check in,” Sakina said.
Silvia Alvarado paints at Commissioners Park on May 10 during the Canadian Tulip Festival. Photo credit: Matthew Grieve
Upon arrival, students explored the festival at their own pace, with a designated time to return. Students got to see Ottawa’s history by experiencing a rich tradition filled with colour and community that highlights the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands.
The tulips are a gift from the Netherlands to thank Canada for sheltering the Dutch royal family during the Second World War and for its role in the country’s liberation during the war.
“The history behind it…I thought it was just a flower festival, but I didn’t know the reason why it happened,” said Shubhang Saksena, an Algonquin College resident.
Many Algonquin College residents agreed that more events like this should be organized in the future since it helps students learn about traditions and local events in a safe environment and encourages exploration outside the campus.
“This is the first time I’ve attended a shuttle event hosted by the residence, and I think there are a lot of good opportunities for people to enjoy themselves and explore the city of Ottawa more. I think the residence should make more effort to do stuff like this,” said Andre Rosal, an Algonquin College resident.
Other residents agreed.
“It’s a good way to get out of residence and meet new people,” said Saksena.
“It’s also a good way to get intermingled in the culture of the city because we don’t know how the city works, what the vibe is. It shows us the history of the places, the community that forms around it, I wasn’t expecting as many people to come to this thing. I haven’t seen a crowd that large in Ottawa.”
Crowds gather around flowers at Commissioners Park during the Canadian Tulip Festival on May 10. Photo credit: Matthew Grieve
The festival not only brought people together but also provided a change of pace for students occupied with schoolwork.
“It’s a break from my normal routine because I don’t normally go to city events. I wish I knew about this earlier,” said Henry Manosalvas, an Algonquin College resident. “It gives me opportunities to explore new things. I really like it. It’s very convenient.”
Although many students heard of the event before, academic responsibilities and lack of transportation often prevented them from attending.
“I really regret not having the freedom and time during my schooling. I don’t have a car,” Rosal said, adding that his bus pass comes in handy sometimes for attending events.
“I’m lucky I have my friends here in residence to go with and I think being able to go with groups that you trust and feel comfortable with is very important. It’s a very good opportunity that many more people should take.”
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Top stories in your community and around the world noted by Algonquin Times journalists
Marcos Somarriba
Photos:
May 16, 2025 Revised: May 16, 2025 12:04pm
Local
CTV – Porter Airlines launched its new non-stop route from Ottawa International Airport to Victoria International Airport on the morning of May 15.
The plane from the airline departed from Ottawa at 8:35 a.m. and was expecting to land in Victoria around 11:50 a.m.
Porter Airlines said the flight will run four times a week, and seven times a week during peak summer period.
The new flight comes weeks after the Canadian airline announced non-stop flights from Ottawa to Las Vegas for the summer.
National
CBC – Flags were lowered at half-mast after two people were killed in Manitoba as wildfires are blazing across the province.
Premier Wab Kinew, who declared a state of emergency earlier this week, offered his condolences to the families of the deceased.
“The news of this loss of life changes what was an emergency into a tragedy,” said Kinew.
As of May 15, there are 21 active wildfires across the province.
International
Global News –Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez, 23, was shot dead on a TikTok livestream inside of a salon in Zapopan, near Guadalajara.
According to Mexican authorities, Marquez was employed and working at the salon when a man entered the salon and shot her.
Moments before the incident, Marquez was seen on a TikTok livestream sitting on a table saying “They’re coming” before another voice in the background was heard saying “Hey, Vale?”
Marquez responded with yes, before muting the livestream and being shot to death. Shortly after, a person grabbed their phone and shut the video off.
Mexican police are investigating the murder as a femicide.
Ottawa’s professional women's hockey team is one win way from clinching a spot in the league final
Scott Crowell
Photos: Scott Crowell
May 15, 2025 Revised: May 15, 2025 3:19pm
Photo: Scott Crowell
Ottawa Charge and Montreal Victoire fans enter TD Place for Game 3 of the PWHL semi-final series on May 13, 2025.
Algonquin College students are electrified as the Ottawa Charge inch closer to clinching a spot in the Professional Women’s Hockey League final.
The Ottawa Charge are in full command with a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4 of their best-of-five semi-final series against the Montreal Victoire.
Students have mixed thoughts on if the Charge can win the series in Game 4 on May 16 at TD Place but they have faith that the team can prevail.
Ruby Whyte, a paramedic student at Algonquin College, believes more people on the college campus will pay attention to the Charge.
“Oh, definitely with a big win in this series will attract a much larger audience, especially with young people here at Algonquin College,” said Whyte.
Marie Philip Poulin is one of the highest decorated women’s hockey players ever. The star Victoire forward has made a huge impact so far in the series.
Morgan Picard, a community and justice services student, isn’t worried about Poulin’s legendary status.
“Well of course, she is the GOAT of women’s hockey, she’s going to be a challenge just like any other amazing player on the ice…That doesn’t signal defeat right away at all,” said Picard. “She for sure poses a threat but that’s nothing that this charge team can’t overcome. We have lots of really good players on our team too.”
Game 3 at TD Place marked the first-ever PWHL playoff game in the nation’s capital. After a disappointing close playoff miss last season by only three points, the Charge looked to bring all the excitement to their play heading into the first home playoff game on May 13, and they did exactly that with a win over the Victoire.
In Game 2, the Victoire brought the series even after a quadruple overtime winner by forward Catherine Dubois in a 3-2 thriller.
Heading into Game 4, the Charge will want to carry the momentum and feed off the crowd once again.
The Ransome family ready to take in their first PWHL hockey game at TD Place on May 13. Photo credit: Scott Crowell
Cole Owens, a radio student at Algonquin College, agrees there’s a playoff buzz still in Ottawa.
“Oh, still a lot of buzz, not as much as the Senators playoffs, but lots of chatter about the women’s playoffs,” said Owens.
One of many new Ottawa Charge street signs put up on Bank Street around TD Place for the Professional Women's Hockey League playoffs. Photo credit: Scott Crowell
The 9,862 fans at Game 3 in Ottawa marked a sellout crowd, signalling growth for the PWHL in Ottawa. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe was among those in attendance.
The winner of the series will face the Minnesota Frost orToronto Sceptres in the final.
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New gym franchise offers a student discount, but some students still prefer using the ARC
Janella Milord Ashford
Photos: Janella Milord Ashford
May 15, 2025 Revised: May 16, 2025 1:34pm
Photo: Janella Milord Ashford
Rudin Bahran, general manager of the Anytime Fitness in College Square, with staff member Annika Ouellet at the grand opening on May 13.
Despite Algonquin College having its own fitness centre, Anytime Fitness has opened a new location inside College Square, a popular hub for students just steps away from campus.
With 25 locations and three more opening soon across the city, Jeff Christison, the owner of the Ottawa franchises, says they are filling a need in the Nepean area.
“This was just another neighbourhood where we saw a demand, which happened to be next to Algonquin College, which is a great place where I went to school, so I’m happy to be back around,” said Christison.
A grand opening on May 13 featured a live DJ and fitness challenges, all while people were working out. To keep attendees engaged, fitness brand MATRIX offered three different fitness challenges, and as a prize, they were gifting a spinning bike. Other brands, like Popeye’s Supplements, were offering their own challenges and giveaways.
Popeye's supplements stacked inside the club during the grand opening. Photo credit: Janella Milord Ashford
Algonquin College students have access to the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) through their tuition, however, the new Anytime Fitness club nearby is open 24 hours. The ARC is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and members can’t enter the facility 30 minutes before close, which can be an issue for students with schedules that aren’t as flexible.
Students who are away during summer months and can’t use the ARC may access Anytime Fitness in their hometowns since the gym has over 5,000 locations across North America.
College Square’s Anytime Fitness location offers a discount for Algonquin College students.
“It entails a one-year membership for $29.95 biweekly, and the first two weeks are free to serve as a trial,” said Rudin Bahran, general manager of the gym.
Anytime Fitness at College Square. Photo credit: Janella Milord Ashford
Some students who use the ARC are indifferent by the Anytime Fitness grand opening.
“The ARC is included in my tuition, so it’ll remain my main gym,” said Jackson Dunning, a student who, before a back injury, regularly used the ARC. “I see the benefits of a 24/7 gym and sometimes the ARC’s hours are limited, but the (ARC) is bigger, has more variety and is on campus so I think it’s superior.”
Antonio Fernando, a second-year student in the interactive media design program, has a different perspective based on his experience using the ARC.
“The ARC has been closing an hour early these days, and they actually rush to close by switching off the lights at 8:40 p.m.,” said Fernando. “Otherwise, I enjoy the massaging chairs and other amenities to relax, but I don’t feel any different about either gyms.”
The 125,000-square-foot ARC doesn’t just have a gym but features a bowling alley, a pool table, golf simulator and other activities. The ARC is not offering public memberships at the moment, but alumni who have purchased a pass one month at a time or more can buy a day pass and bring a guest on Saturdays and Sundays for $20 before tax.
Jenny Duval, interim senior manager of the ARC, said the SA doesn’t consider Anytime Fitness a competitor.
“Although we both offer personal training, cardio and strength training equipment, the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre’s unique features, programming, and inclusive environment make it the ideal fitness facility for SA-fee-paying members,” Duval said in an email.
Duval said the majority of students already have access to the ARC through their fees.
According to Duval, the SA regularly monitors the fitness sector to ensure what the ARC offers its patrons aligns with emerging trends in both the private and post-secondary education sectors.
Update May 16: This story was updated to include comment from the SA.
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“Policing isn’t a job, it's a calling. Most people who get into policing, women specifically, it’s because they already have that certain characteristic within them,” says Maria Keen
Lara Simard
Photos: Lara Simard
May 7, 2025 Revised: May 7, 2025 3:48pm
Photo: Lara Simard
Maria Keen and Hadley Claudette pose in the P-building at Algonquin College on April 3, 2025.
Hadley Claudette stares at a photo of herself, sitting in a police car. Her smile is wide and her eyes full of excitement, arms barely long enough to reach the steering wheel.
From a young age, she has been preparing for a career in policing, and her time in the Algonquin College police foundations program has helped solidify that dream.
“I’m confident this is what I need to do. I could make a difference in the law enforcement world,” she said.
A young Hadley Claudette in a police car. Photo credit: Supplied
Although policing has its challenges for women, Claudette believes they are needed to ensure all victims of crime have proper representation.
“I was compelled to do it. It’s important that the community and the people that we’re dealing with feel comfortable,” Claudette said.
The program has worked closely with the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) toward the goal of having more female officers in the force for over 20 years.
Hadley Claudette sits in the AC Hub on April 3, 2025. Photo credit: Lara Simard
Police services strive to be inclusive to better serve the community. However, there is not enough interest among women around policing as a career.
Today, less than 25 per cent of police officers in forces are women. The OPS is looking to expand its diversity initiative and hire as many eager and capable candidates as they can.
“We have 200 years of existence, of developing a profession, of which 177 years have been with nothing but men. So we need to identify (how to) recognize the experience of women,” OPS Deputy Chief Steve Bell said in an interview with CBC News in 2017.
On March 7, 2025, the OPS hosted the Women in Policing Forum to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event was held to increase policing exposure and inspire a next generation of women in law enforcement.
Women now make up 36 per cent of the OPS workforce, compared to an average of 25 per cent in other police services, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote gender diversity and representation within the service.
Sergeant Maria Keen was the first Filipino woman to serve for the OPS, becoming highly respected for her 29 years in the service.
In her final year at Carleton University, she was hired by the OPS as the first racialized female officer.
“We didn’t have many females, let alone racialized minority females,” Keen said about the work culture when she was first recruited.
“A lot of the officers were very ignorant in terms of my culture and as a female. They were very traditional. Men didn’t think females belonged in policing. There was a belief that they had to ‘take care of us’ or protect us. I had to prove myself by being physically engaged and present on calls. It took a few years, but I earned their respect.”
Although Keen faced challenges in the past, she said the force is a lot more diverse and accommodating now than when she first started.
To be recruited by a police force in Ontario, all candidates must complete a fitness test, which mainly consists of strength and cardio endurance testing.
Although the fitness standards for some police forces have been lowered to increase representation in the force, the OPS has decided these requirements are essential.
When asked about whether women should receive accommodations for these tests in Ontario, Keen emphasized the importance of having equal treatment for all future candidates.
“Physiologically and biologically, (men and women are) different. When we’re out there, we’re the same, we do the exact same job,” she said.
“If we set up accommodations and give them (women) special treatment, how are they going to be perceived on the job?”
Keen, a former recruiting officer for the OPS, believes these requirements should be the same for everybody, regardless of their gender.
Barbara Bal agrees. She is a police officer with OPS and was the Conservative candidate in the riding of Nepean in the recent federal election.
“Once you have merit and you’re hired, you should have the same opportunities as everyone else. You shouldn’t have extra opportunities because of your gender, but you shouldn’t be denied opportunities because of your gender either,” Bal said.
She believes some cases require the strong communication and sensitivity of a woman’s nature.
“There are some aspects of policing that you can’t do if you’re not a female,” Bal said.
Barbara Bal shakes hands with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on Nov. 11, 2023 Photo credit: Melanie Lefebvre
Bal first served in the Royal Canadian Artillery for 10 years, until one of her coworkers was hired with the Halton Regional Police Service and submitted her application. She has been working as a public safety professional for over 25 years.
“I am one of those examples that was very prevalent among women. They don’t really consider policing a career. Someone else has to suggest it,” Bal said.
“It’s a very different environment than even 28 years ago,” Bal said. “When I first started policing, the biggest skill an officer could have was good communication. You can talk someone into an arrest, you can talk someone into a fight. But I find now, when I see some of the issues with the drugs on the street, every arrest is a fight.”
She is concerned about the increased crime rate in Canada and how the negative perception and defunding of the police is contributing to a lack of resources, specifically in child exploitation units.
Bal took a leave from policing during her political campaign. She said it was getting difficult for her to see so many cases of child violence crimes, especially being a mother of three.
“Policing isn’t as glamorous as it used to be,” she said. “We’ve been villainized…demonized…it’s okay to attack the police now. That was unheard of when I started out.”
“I was sick of being on that side of the table,” she said, feeling as though not enough was being done to solve these issues. She hoped to bring about change to these issues in federal politics. (Liberal Mark Carney, the prime minister, won the Nepean seat in the April 28 election).
Despite challenges, Bal believes policing is a meaningful, impactful career where you can “make a difference in a lot of people’s lives.”
“When you’re dealing with human trafficking victims, it’s more difficult for male officers. In that case, it would be better to have a female officer, where you don’t get that unhealthy dynamic between a victim and an officer,” she said.
In some religions, it is also not culturally appropriate for a woman to be searched by a male officer.
Federal officer Jennifer Segal, a professor for the diversity in Canada course in Algonquin College’s police foundations program, also touched on the importance of having female applicants in the police force.
“Women bring empathy, compassion,” Segal said.
“We rely more on communication, de-escalation and connection.”
Despite positive changes, Segal believes there is a barrier in education and harmful stereotypes of what a career in law enforcement can look like for a woman.
“We can’t draw people in and keep the system the same. We have to actually determine what’s not bringing them in. Part of it is that balance of life and work,” she said.
Segal thinks there need to be more support systems for female officers, such as providing daycare and a bigger sense of community and support.
“I had the fortune of having my family to support me. Not everyone has that support,” she said.
RCMP officer Natasha Loewen says she has always wanted to be a police officer.
“I knew at a young age, the way that I grew up, that my way of dealing with people was different. I had that thing in me, a fire. I was built to deal with people in crisis,” she said.
Natasha Loewen stands with her coworkers in the RCMP. Photo credit: Natasha Loewen
Loewen was a paramedic for several years before she was a police officer. She applied to the RCMP and was recruited in 2015. She says her job was mainly focused on the medical side, but her heart leaned toward stopping crime and preventing casualties.
She said at first it was a long process for her to earn respect within the force as a female officer because it is still a male-dominated field.
Starting out in the force, she was immediately placed into the gang task force in North Battleford, where there are five First Nations reserves. She said it was a very violent place, “a constant warzone.” Loewen was in charge of getting drugs and guns off the road, doing search warrants, going after drug lords and preventing gang activity.
In the beginning of her career as an officer, she was shocked that some male officers undermined her capabilities. Loewen admits it took time to earn respect.
“I was doing the same work as everybody else, but when I presented something at the table, I had to justify how I got it.”
Regardless of initial challenges, things improved as she went along. She was greatly respected in the community for the quality of her work. Loewen says she has the ability to command authority, and her investigations led to one of the biggest drug busts in the city.
Loewen is now working in a general investigation unit in which she finds her presence and role as a woman appreciated.
“I do think that there’s something to be said for a more sensitive investigation,” Loewen said.
In a sexual assault investigation, Loewen took most of the statements from the victims, and she was told that they were grateful to speak with her. As Bal noted, with a rise in child crimes and sexual assault crimes, many victims feel more comfortable speaking with a woman because of their nurturing nature.
Women have been offering valuable assets to our community as they serve in the police sectors. The future of our police force is in the hands of the next generation, and they may even be hidden within the brick walls of our school.
Hadley Claudette is currently exploring several police organizations where she hopes to apply, inspired by the impactful officers who have come before her. Like Keen, she believes that policing is more than a profession — it’s a calling. Eager to bring about change, Hadley is determined to stand alongside the strong, assertive women in policing who continue to shape the future of the force.
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