Page 23 – Algonquin Times

Federal election: Students voice concerns ahead of April vote

Homelessness, U.S. relations, housing and equality are on the minds of students this spring

Kendra Mendrisky

Photos: Kendra Mendrisky

March 27, 2025
Revised: March 27, 2025 7:30pm

Photo: Kendra Mendrisky

The Algonquin Times asked students what's on their minds ahead of the federal election.

Jessica Mini – radio broadcasting, Algonquin College

“One thing regardless of party affiliation or political background that I think a lot of Canadians can agree on is probably what’s going on with our neighbours to the south.”

“I think tariffs as well as relations with the prime minister and the future prime minister and the president of the United States is going to be a huge potential issue.”

Cailean Bernard – business (marketing), Algonquin College

“I think one important thing that federal leaders should invest in is the issue of homelessness, especially in the downtown core. I live downtown, and I see a lot of that. It’s really distressing, especially with people literally passing away in the winter because they’re living rough on the streets. Something needs to be done about that.”

Sara Justinico – biomedical sciences, University of Ottawa

“I think the homelessness issue in Canada is a really big issue that should be addressed in the upcoming election. It impacts our community as Canadians, and just as women in Canada —we want to raise kids here. It’s kind of scary what can happen to the people who live on the streets. It’s also just a very big issue that’s been getting bigger and bigger as time has passed.”

Jeffrey Short – civil engineering technician, Algonquin College

“More affordable housing for the future, that’s a big thing. I know houses are way too expensive right now. And, when I get out of school, I want to be able to afford a house, have a family. And I want all that to be affordable.”

Wardi Ellai – business administration, Algonquin College

“Honestly I just hope we get a guy that everyone likes and that’s kind of equal to everyone’s rights.”

Dennis Ndukwe – business management and entrepreneurship, Algonquin College

“This year’s election I would love to see equality. I would love to see the coming together of everyone. I love to see support and more in the community. I would love to see more positivity coming, that’s what I would love to see from this community this election.”

Elyse Barker, Nicklaus Korim, Kendra Mendrisky, Hau Ting Ng, Gavin Oregan and Lara Simard contributed to this story.

Video editor: Skyla Murray

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Algonquin College hosts Round Dance ceremony to celebrate Indigenous culture

The varsity gym transformed into a space of cultural celebration on March 21 as the Mamidosewin Centre and SA hosted the annual ceremony

Ana Silva

Photos: Ana Silva

March 27, 2025
Revised: March 27, 2025 2:30pm

Photo: Ana Silva

Dancers join together for the first full circle of the night at the Round Dance Ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21, celebrating community, tradition, and unity.

Algonquin College’s varsity gym was filled with the sounds of drums and singing on March 21 as the Mamidosewin Centre and the Students’ Association hosted the Round Dance ceremony, an annual gathering that celebrates Indigenous culture and traditions.

The seven-hour event, which started at 5 p.m., brought together students, faculty and community members for a night of music, dance and cultural connection. People formed a large circle, stepping in unison to the beat of the drum, a tradition that has been carried forward for generations.

The Round Dance's first full circle of the night. — Dancers join together for the first full circle of the night at the Round Dance Ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21, celebrating community, tradition, and unity. Photo credit: Ana Silva

“The Round Dance is a traditional Indigenous cultural ceremony that takes place across many different tribes across Turtle Island,” said Summer Wabasse, the events and communications officer at the Mamidosewin Centre. “It is traditionally held to honour and remember our ancestors and those who have passed away. While the meaning of the ceremony may seem solemn, Round Dances are actually large, festive, family-friendly community events.”

Wabasse also highlighted the importance of holding the ceremony at Algonquin College.

“For many years, ceremonies such as the Round Dance were illegal and had to be practised in secret,” Wabasse said. “Having one held at Algonquin College is very significant. It is important to revitalize cultural ceremonies like this to celebrate and honour our culture.”

The event featured performances by 13 singers, each taking turns to perform four songs before passing the microphone to the next. Kevin Lamarr, the evening’s MC, introduced each performer, ensuring the energy of the night remained high.

The singers table preparing for the next song. — Singers at the Round Dance Ceremony prepare for the next song, setting the rhythm for the dancers at Algonquin College on March 21. Photo credit: Ana Silva

Alongside the music and dancing, vendors set up booths displaying an array of handmade crafts, artwork and jewelry, allowing guests to take home a piece of Indigenous culture.

Frank “Big Frank” Sirazin, a craftsman specializing in beadwork, leatherwork and handmade drums, expressed his joy in participating.

“I feel proud and joyful that our people put on events like this. We go to a lot of events like this all over Canada,” Sirazin said.

Frank ‘Big Frank’ Sirazin showcasing handcrafted drums, beadwork, and leather goods at his booth during the Round Dance ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21, 2025 — Frank ‘Big Frank’ Sirazin showcasing handcrafted drums, beadwork, and leather goods at his booth during the Round Dance ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21. Photo credit: Ana Silva

Chelsea Brosseau, a beadwork artist, said she looks forward to these events.

“It connects you with your culture, your history and your people. Plus, you get to meet new people and share your work,” Brosseau said while showcasing her beaded hair barrettes, pins, medallions, earrings and keychains.

Chelsea Brosseau sits at her vendor table, smiling as she showcases her handmade jewelry and crafts at the Round Dance Ceremony at Algonquin College's Varsity Gym on March 21. Photo credit: Ana Silva

River Saulis, a young artist, brought a unique twist to the vendor space with beaded Crocs charms.

“They sold out pretty good last time I was at a market, so I decided to go all out on them,” Saulis said. “It’s really fun to use your creativity and have other people enjoy it.”

River Saulis and Patrica Saulis selling beaded croc charms, at their booth during the Round Dance ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21. Photo credit: Ana Silva

Connie Moore, an Algonquin College alumna, was excited to return to campus for the event, showcasing her collection of orange T-shirts for Every Child Matters, ribbon skirts, smudge kits, moccasins and handmade earrings.

“This is the first year I’ve done this event. My granddaughter is actually a student here and she let me know about it,” Moore said.

Paisley Clare, a hairstyling student at Algonquin College, attended her first Round Dance that night.

“I love it. The music, the drums, everything about it,” Clare said. “I really like that our school was able to hold this event because I don’t hear about things like this at other schools. It’s important, especially for Indigenous students, so they can feel like themselves in their own school while others learn about their culture.”

Paisley Clare and Ciara Peltier (right) take a moment to reflect and share their experience in an interview at the Round Dance Ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21. Photo credit: Ana Silva

For many, the night was an opportunity to connect with their heritage and community.

“Celebrating my culture and who I am is important to me. My favourite part was the dancing, especially the side steps,” said Cianna Yellowbird, who attends many Indigenous ceremonies.

Brendan Mannik, a first-time guest at a round dance, was introduced to the event through a friend. “I wanted to check it out, and I’m glad I did. The dancing was my favourite part,” Mannik said.

Damien Boucher and Brendan Mannik ( Right) sitting down while watching the Round Dance. — Damien Boucher and Brendan Mannik (right) watch the Round Dance at the Round Dance Ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21. Photo credit: Ana Silva

As the Round Dance continues to grow each year, organizers hope to keep expanding its reach and impact.

“Each year, we find ourselves moving to a larger venue to accommodate the higher volumes of people we see,” Wabasse said. “This year was our first time including a vendor market, and we hope to build on that in the future.”

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Green Clover Hunt brings St. Patrick’s Day cheer to Algonquin College

From hallways to windows, students searched everywhere on campus for hidden clovers

Marcos Somarriba

Photos: AC Hub

March 27, 2025
Revised: March 27, 2025 1:52pm

Photo: AC Hub

Instagram Post for The Great Clover Hunt.

The AC Hub at Algonquin College’s Ottawa Campus organized the Great Green Clover Hunt for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day.

The scavenger hunt featured green clovers hidden all over the campus in locations such as hallways, windows and walls. Each clover contained instructions on how to claim a prize.

The scavenger hunt started at 11 a.m. and continued until the last clover was found. The event was open to all Algonquin College students.

Overall, students who participated in the event said they had fun while embracing a competitive spirit.

Adam Farah sitting in the Wolves Den. Photo credit: Marcos Somarriba

“Me and my bros didn’t feel like going out today so we thought about doing this event instead,” said business student Adam Farah, 18. “It was hard to find some clovers but one of us found it after one hour of looking around.”

Business student Abdulaziz Ketout, 18, was one of the lucky students to find a clover.

“I found the clover on one of the windows around E-building and I got a gift card. It was a fun activity with my girlfriend,” said Ketout.

Prizes for finding a clover included a mug full of candy with a $25 gift card to food locations on campus such as Marketplace Food Court in D-building, Booster Juice, Tim Hortons, Bits N’ Bytes in T-building, The Fix Eatery in ACCE, The Portable Feast in B-building and 35th Street Market Cafe in the Student Residence Building.

“There were about 85 winners,” said Samantha Therrien, an event programmer at the AC Hub. “Every winner received a mug with candy inside. The first 60 winners also received $25 gift card to food locations on campus.”

Samantha Therrien, Event Programmer at the AC Hub Photo credit: Samantha Therrien

The idea for the Great Green Clover Hunt stemmed from previous scavenger hunt events.

“We’ve done themed scavenger hunts before usually for Easter, but we wanted to try something new this year so we decided for St. Patrick’s Day-themed,” said Therrien. “We didn’t have any other plans for St. Patrick’s Day but we know students love scavenger hunts and winning prizes, so we thought this would fit really well for the day.”

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PR students shine in Pouring Positivity fundraiser for addiction support

Charity event in support of Rideauwood brings music, sweet treats and community building

Elyse Barker

Photos: Elyse Barker

March 26, 2025
Revised: March 26, 2025 4:01pm

Photo: Elyse Barker

Family, friends, and Algonquin college staff socializing at Pouring Positivity

A decades-old student initiative at Algonquin College continues to make an impact, with its latest event, Pouring Positivity, raising funds and awareness for substance abuse services.

The fundraiser on March 23 was part of the Hope on the Horizon student-run charity campaign that has raised over half a million dollars for local organizations over its 40-year history.

This year, the campaign is supporting Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, an organization that provides counselling and resources for individuals and families facing addiction challenges.

Pouring Positivity marked the third event in the seven-part series being hosted by Algonquin College public relations students and staff.

Six public relation girls posed infront of the pouring positivity event entrance. — The event staff posed to greet those attending Pouring Positivity. Photo credit: Elyse Barker

Mas Shoucair, a volunteer with Hope on the Horizon, explained the broader campaign’s mission and how Pouring Positivity fits into the initiative.

“It’s a great cause and an amazing way to give back to the community. We’re not just here to spread awareness but to show people that communities can be found throughout any path of life,” Shoucair said.

The event featured live performances from Sing House Studios artists, fancy tea refreshments, trivia games and a special guest speaker, Samantha Hayward from Rideauwood.

Hayward spoke about the importance of reducing the stigma around substance abuse and how meaningful the event was for the organization.

“We’re very excited that Rideauwood was chosen by this dedicated group of students this year,” Hayward said.

“There is still a huge stigma on substance abuse, and it can be difficult at times for us to reach the community and get our message out there. These are people, neighbours, these are family, so we are very thankful,” she said.

Hayward also highlighted the significance of hope in recovery, emphasizing the impact of community support.

“With many people who come into my office, I often say to them, I’m gonna hold the hope for you until you can hold it. To see that hope reflected in this event was very touching,” she said. “Hope is usually robbed in these situations, so thank you, thank you, thank you for your generosity. It means a lot to us,”

Spencer Ghadbad posed in front of a Hope on the Horizon sign attached to a white table — Event team leader Spencer Ghadbad standing in front of the Hope on the Horizon sign Photo credit: Elyse Barker

Spencer Ghadbad, the team lead for Pouring Positivity, reflected on the event’s success and the hard work put into making it happen.

“I am so happy with the turnout and the amount of people,” Ghadbad said. “This is such an important cause and this event is just highlighting how great the community is. A lot of hard work went into this, I’m very proud of everything.”

All proceeds from the event will go toward supporting Rideauwood’s programs for youth and young adults struggling with substance use.

For more information about Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, visit www.rideauwood.org.

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Oscar-winning Palestinian filmmaker released from Israeli detainment

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

Joshua Peachey-Leigh

Photos:

March 26, 2025
Revised: March 26, 2025 2:04pm

Local

CTV: Ottawa police are investigating an assault and robbery linked to a Facebook Marketplace transaction involving a cellphone.

The assault and robbery took place on Sunday after the victim met two individuals at their residence to complete the transaction. It was at this point, according to an Ottawa Police statement on X, that the victim was assaulted and the cellphone stolen. The suspects fled immediately afterwards.

Ottawa Police reminded residents that the Ottawa Police Service headquarters features Safe Trade spaces for online transactions.

Ottawa Chief of Police Eric Stubbs discussed the case, and others like it, on Newstalk 580 CFRA’s The Morning Rush. “We have seen this where people do meet at their residence. Please, do not do that,” Stubbs said.“If the buyer or the seller, the person that you’re dealing with, wants to change locations at the last minute, don’t allow it.”

National

Montreal Gazette: The latest Angus-Reid and Léger federal election polls show the Liberals under Prime Minister Mark Carney in the lead, despite the Liberal party’s performance earlier in the year.

The Liberals are polling in the lead in Quebec, at 49 per cent compared to the runner-up Bloc Québécois, which polled at 27 per cent. The Liberals also hold a lead in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Conservatives have maintained their lead from previous polls in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

International

CBC: Oscar-winning Palestinian director Hamdan Ballal was released Tuesday, March 25 after being detained by the Israeli armed forces Sunday, March 23.

Earlier this month, Ballal won an award for his documentary No Other Land, about the struggles of being Palestinian under Israeli occupation. The award winning director was detained after being attacked by Israeli settlers outside his home.

Ballal was released from holding at a police station in the West Bank. He was released alongside two other Palestinians that were also attacked and detained.

Ballal was held overnight at a military base. “All the night, I was freezing. It was a room, I couldn’t see anything… I heard the voices of soldiers laughing about me,” Ballal told the Associated Press.

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PR campaign heads down memory lane in ’80s-themed fundraiser

Public relations students dress the part for a throwback event aiming to raise money for a local charity.

Bradley Richards

Photos: Bradley Richards

March 25, 2025
Revised: March 26, 2025 1:18pm

Photo: Bradley Richards

PR students out on the dance floor.

Leotards, disco balls and nostalgic hit songs: Algonquin College public relations (ACPR) students turned back time in the ‘80s night fundraising event for Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services on March 20.

“We are here for the ACPR charity campaign,” said PR student Abisha Rajasuseenthiran.

“This one is the 40-year anniversary (of the campaign). The first one was in 1985 which is why we chose to throw it back to the ‘80s and pay homage to them.”

Some of the props used during the '80s night event. Photo credit: Bradley Richards

The event, hosted at Live on Elgin, was decorated with streamers, disco balls, neon-coloured stickers and a “memory lane” table to give the event a nostalgic look.

“This is our memory lane,” said PR student Mallory Booth. “It’s just a bunch of ‘80s memorabilia, a blast from the past.”

The memory lane table had cassette tapes, a Walkman, records, Archie comics, Pez dispensers and Booth’s childhood Cabbage Patch Kid, Hazel, on display.

The fundraiser was hosted as part of the ACPR Hope on the Horizon campaign to raise money for Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services. The charity was founded in 1976 and it provides 17 different programs to assist youth, adults and families impacted by substance use and mental health issues.

“I’m really happy about supporting Rideauwood,” said PR student Sarah Budzinski.

“I think mental health and addiction is something really prevalent in our society, so the fact that we get an opportunity to do something to help out is great.”

Fundraising at the event was done through ticket sales for the event at $15 per ticket, coat check at $1 per item and a donation jar at the door, with all proceeds going to charity.

The event also offered a Rideauwood-inspired mocktail for $7, with $2 from each drink sold going to the charity.

Hershey Moudgil, a PR student who came as
a guest, drinking the Rideauwood-inspired mocktail during the '80s night event. Photo credit: Bradley Richards

Exact numbers on how much was raised through this event haven’t been determined yet, but Rajasuseenthiran had high hopes after seeing the crowd during ‘80s night.

“We have done really well, better than we expected. It has been a great turn out,” said Rajasuseenthiran. “It’s wonderful.”

Bartender Colleen Jones said the Rideauwood mocktail was the most popular drink of the night. The mocktail was made up of lemonade, lemon juice, Sprite and non-alcoholic blue curacao.

Mady George (left) dancing with Holly Racine, the team leader for the '80s night fundraising event. Photo credit: Bradley Richards

People were on the dance floor partying to ‘80s songs blasting through the speakers. Livin’ On A Prayer, Ice Ice Baby and Another One Bites The Dust among other familiar tunes amplified the nostalgic atmosphere.

“It’s been fun, I was expecting all sorts of decorations and stuff like this. I mean, they really pulled through,” said Julia Secord, one of the guests.

(left to right) '80s night guests Emilie Breau, Julia Secord, Abby Kruetzky and Noenie Pelletier. — '80s night guests (left to right) Emilie Breau, Julia Secord, Abby Kruetzky and Noenie Pelletier. Photo credit: Bradley Richards

The ACPR campaign has raised $577,000 for local charities over the 40 years of fundraising. This year, the PR students aim to raise $10,000 for the Hope on the Horizon campaign focused on Rideauwood.

Donations to Hope on the Horizon can also be made online on the ACPR campaign website.

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Students conflicted over ‘buy Canadian’ movement

From apparel to snacks, students have several options for supporting Canadian brands on campus

Delaney Smith

Photos: Delaney Smith

March 25, 2025
Revised: March 25, 2025 9:26am

Photo: Delaney Smith

The cafeteria in D Building offers a variety of Van Houtte coffee and tea options for Algonquin students.

The “buy Canadian” movement isn’t top of mind for some Algonquin College students who are mostly concerned about prices and quality of products.

The movement has gained popularity in response to the United States threatening to slap tariffs on goods from Canada and other countries.

Mariah James, an interior design student at Algonquin College, is aware of the movement, but doesn’t actively seek out Canadian-made products.

“I think that it is fair. With all the tariffs Trump has put on products, it’s only natural that it would lead to something like this,” she said.

While she sees the value in supporting Canadian businesses, she admits that price and quality are her primary concerns when making purchases.

“Where it is made isn’t a big issue for me,” she added.

Trishanna Lennon, another student in graphic design, shared a similar perspective.

“I normally do not check where something is made,” she said.

“The only thing that influences my purchase is price and quality, because I believe that is the most important.”

If you're looking for some Canadian cheese options, come to D Building's cafeteria. Cracker Barrel, which is a product of Canada and is made from Dairy farmers of Canada, has a variety of cheese sticks. Another option is the Laughing Cow, which is originally a product of France, but is package in Canada. — If you're looking for some Canadian cheese options, come to the cafeteria in D-building. Cracker Barrel, which is a product of Canada and made by Canadian dairy farmers, has a variety of cheese sticks. Another option is the Laughing Cow, which is originally a product of France, but is packaged in Canada. Photo credit: Delaney Smith

Daniel Pham, a hairstyling student, believes buying Canadian is important because it “helps boost the local economy and supports Canadian jobs.”

However, he admits that he doesn’t always check whether a product is made or sold by Canadian companies unless he is intentionally shopping locally.

“It’s not hard to find Canadian products in grocery stores, but for things like clothing and electronics, it’s more difficult,” he said.

All students who spoke with the Algonquin Times said Algonquin College could promote more Canadian products.

“A lot of the products in vending machines and stores are not Canadian-made,” James said.

“Algonquin cafés already sell so many non-Canadian-made products every day. I would say they should prioritize selling Canadian-made products, but not remove the other ones.”

Lennon agreed, saying, “I think it is a great idea to prioritize selling Canadian products because we are in Canada, and we should focus on selling products that are made in our country.”

Currently, some Canadian brands are available on campus, including Booster Juice, which serves freshly made smoothies and sandwiches, and Van Houtte, a well-known Canadian coffee brand.

However, many snacks, drinks and cafeteria meals come from international brands.

Although Algonquin College is filled with Canadian options, there is one American food chain that often has a lineup: Starbucks.

Some students feel that while international options should remain, more Canadian brands could be introduced if costs don’t skyrocket.

“As long as the prices are reasonable and the product quality is good,” Pham said. “It would be a good way to support local businesses and give students more options to buy locally.”

Algonquin's campus store Connections has a many Canadian options for merch. — Algonquin's campus store Connections has many Canadian options for merch. Photo credit: Delaney Smith

The Algonquin College bookstore Connections carries a range of Canadian-made items, including school supplies and clothing. Students looking for hoodies, T-shirts and accessories made by Canadian brands can find them here.

Meanwhile, the cafeteria offers locally sourced ingredients in some of its meal options, including dairy products and fresh produce.

James believes buying Canadian-made products could positively impact the economy and job market.

“By buying Canadian products, it creates a more local economy and helps to sustain local jobs,” she said.

The Algonquin Times has asked the college if it will be stocking more Canadian products in stores. There was no response by the Times‘ deadline.

The Government of Canada has a website where people can learn how to identify Canadian foods.

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Algonquin College professor’s drumming featured in Oscar-winning movie

"Something this experience has taught me is that that music can be viable for new introductions to new markets," Jeff Asselin says

Ève Bélanger

Photos: Ève Bélanger

March 21, 2025
Revised: March 21, 2025 3:39pm

Photo: Ève Bélanger

Jeff Asselin sits behind a drum set in a studio at Algonquin College.

Jeff Asselin, a professor and general education electives coordinator at Algonquin College, worked on three songs that were featured in the five-time Oscar-winning movie Anora.

The songs were Kafka Was Here, Monday In Utopia and The Shadow Lounge, which were part of albums that Asselin played on.

Doug Martin, a saxophone player and teacher from Ottawa, published and wrote the songs featured in Anora.

Martin had previously developed an online relationship with the music supervisor working on the Anora film.

Being familiar with Martin’s music, the supervisor reached out to offer those particular tunes to be featured in the film. It was an offer Martin immediately accepted.

“I found out that the movie was nominated after seeing a Facebook post Doug Martin had made,” said Asselin.

Promo photo from Jeff Asselin's new book "The Rudimental Blueprint" Photo credit: Supplied photo

Anora premiered on May 21, 2024, at the 77th Cannes Film Festival where it won the Palme d’Or.

At the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, the film won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing.

“I recorded these songs over eight years ago with Doug Martin. Something this experience has taught me is that music can be viable for new introductions to new markets,” said Asselin.

In 2011, 2016 and 2020, Asselin and Martin recorded three albums together alongside other musicians.

“A bar called Whipping Post is where I met Doug. He played in a band called The Crowd and my brother played at the same bar in another band,” said Asselin.

“I would sometimes go and watch my brother play and I met Doug while there,” he said.

A couple years after Asselin and Martin had met, Martin was in need of a drummer for a couple of albums and thought of Asselin.

“It’s easy to work with someone who just tells you to do your thing. He’s really funny and easy to work with,” said Asselin.

Martin and Asselin both described working together as easy and enjoyable, and they are both open to collaborating again in the future.

“I have no plan at the moment for a project that requires a drummer, but if I did he would be my first call,” said Martin.

Beyond his contribution to Anora, Asselin also teaches at the college and runs his own drum academy. “This is my full-time job, my whole life,” he said.

Asselin has been drumming since the sixth grade. As a child, he discovered his love or drumming when his older cousin, a drummer in a band, recorded an album.

“I thought and still think he’s probably the coolest or one of the coolest guys in my life,” said Asselin.

From that young age, Asselin got into lessons right away and stayed in lessons all through university. He received drumming lessons since he was 15 years old from his drumming Idol, Ian Froman, and he studied in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and New York for seven years.

“After that, I got a degree in music and business at Carleton University,” said Asselin.

With his Anora songs, Asselin described how it feels to be part of something so much bigger.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity, I never thought that something I was involved in would make it into an Oscar-winning film, particularly three tunes,” said Asselin. “It was pretty special.”

Asselin also plays in a band called The Commotions with his twin brother Brian Asselin.

Brian is the musical director of the band and the music industry arts program coordinator at Algonquin College.

“I am very proud of my brother,” said Brian. “He has taken his music to a whole new level with his drumming. He has always been a huge inspiration for me musically.”

Brian Asselin and Jeff Asselin stand in front of a drum set in a studio at Algonquin College. Photo credit: Ève Bélanger

Brian described his brother’s best quality as “his commitment to his craft.”

Over the years, Brian says he’s been fortunate enough to have played hundreds of gigs with him.

“My brother is one of the most hardworking individuals I know. He takes every opportunity to better himself,” said Brian. “I think it’s why he is so successful in every adventure of his life.”

Asselin is currently focused on creating more sync tracks — music without words.

He hopes to have his sync tracks featured in more movies and TV shows to help them gain greater popularity.

Asselin also has a book coming out called The Rudimental Blueprint. It’s focused on snare drum pedagogy with a situated learning approach to performing drumline snare drum solos.

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Ève Bélanger

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Carney to ask Governor General to dissolve Parliament

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

Nathan Heatherington

Photos:

March 21, 2025
Revised: March 21, 2025 11:24am

Local

CTV News: A 33-year-old man was charged with impaired driving after he was found asleep behind the wheel on Highway 17 at 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

An officer located “what looked to be an abandoned vehicle parked in the passing lanes,” said Ontario Provincial Police.

The vehicle was found between Goshen Road and McCowan Drive.

National

National Post: Mark Carney is expected to ask Governor General Mary Simon for a snap election on March 23, a week after taking over as prime minister.

Parliament was set to return March 24 from prorogation requested by ex-prime minister Justin Trudeau, but may remain dissolved if an election is called.

Liberal MPs were over-hasty sending out email invitations to their “campaign launch” before the announcement of an election.

International

Global News: French authorities are preparing an emergency preparedness manual touching on the possibility of invasion, natural disaster and nuclear war.

The manual will include how to protect yourselves and your peers, how to respond to imminent threats, include a list of emergency numbers, how to defend the community, and where to volunteer for reserve army units. The guide also contains a diagram for a 72-hour survival kit.

This “aims to encourage citizens to develop their resilience in the face of different crises,” a spokesperson for French Prime Minister François Bayrou told CNN on Wednesday.

“This includes natural disasters, technological and cyber incidents, health crises like COVID-19, and security crises like terrorist attacks and armed conflict,” she continued.

This is following suit of countries like Sweden and Denmark. At this time, Canada has not responded if they will be publishing one.

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Nathan Heatherington

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Mamidosewin Centre encourages college community to Have a Heart

Indigenous children are over-represented in the foster care system and the Have a Heart Day event raised awareness

Skyla Murray

Photos: Skyla Murray

March 21, 2025
Revised: March 21, 2025 10:47am

Photo: Skyla Murray

Summer Wabasse of the Webequie First Nation organized Have a Heart Day at Algonquin College in February.

Mamidosewin Centre held Have a Heart Day on Valentine’s Day, an event designed to bring awareness to the systemic racism faced by Indigenous people in Canada, specifically in the foster care system.

Despite Indigenous children being only seven per cent of Canada’s youth population, they make up 53.8 per cent of the children in foster care, according to Statistics Canada.

Summer Wabasse is an Indigenous woman of Webequie First Nation and one of the organizers behind Have a Heart Day. Wabasse wanted to bring awareness to First Nations youth being over-represented in care.

“Have a Heart Day is a day to advocate for and also spread awareness of the inequalities faced by First Nations children and families. So, we’re here to hopefully raise awareness amongst the college of these gaps and barriers,” said Wabasse.

The over-representation of Indigenous children in foster care has been happening since the 1960s, through an event called the Sixties Scoop. Indigenous children born around this time were removed from their families by social workers, usually without reason and often times without even informing the parents. The children were then placed into foster care or the care of a non-Indigenous family.

“It’s more about the government-specific responsibilities and the systemic discrimination against First Nations people,” said Wabbase.

“So, First Nations child and family services have been given less money, and the resources on reserves have been chronically underfunded. So, when you create all of these systemic barriers and then add intergenerational trauma to the mix, and a lot of racism, we end up being vastly overrepresented in care.”

Students write on paper hearts and tape them to the wall for Have a Heart Day. — Students wrote on paper hearts and taped them to the wall for Have a Heart Day. Photo credit: Skyla Murray

Systemic racism against Indigenous people has been around for a long time, starting with the Indian Act in 1876, and the residential school systems. The Sixties Scoop created a new problem amongst Indigenous people that still persists today in the way Indigenous youth are overrepresented in foster care.

Have a Heart Day started on Feb. 14, 2012. The initiative was created to bring awareness to Indigenous children in foster care, and to advocate for Indigenous rights, and to give Indigenous children the chance to grow up safely at home instead of in the foster system. The event is mainly recognized by sending letters to members of Parliament, making snow bears (bears often symbolize strength, wisdom, and leadership in Indigenous cultures) and making cookies to spread awareness.

At Algonquin College, students wrote on hearts, like “I love you” translated into many different Indigenous languages, and then the paper hearts were taped to a wall.

“As an employee here, I know a lot of our students are former children in care, and as a person, I have a lot of friends who grew up in care, and I know a lot of people that are affected,” said Wabasse.

“It hits very close to home.”

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