volume 34, issue 21 • tuesday, february 11, 2014 • thelinknewspaper.ca • All this? Uhhn... Since 1980 CONCORDIA’S INDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERSINCE1980 Concordia's backyard. p6 byonein evicted say they've unduly been Twodowntown. students popping up all over Private residences are Rez Interrupted Life Concordia's backyard. p6 byonein evicted say they've unduly been Twodowntown. students popping up all over Private residences are Rez Interrupted Life Dive intothedirttoseehow Dive intothedirttoseehow Sustainability Sustainability green concordiareallyis green concordiareallyis Solving Solving Special issue: Special issue:

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Private Residence St. Cathy’s Gives Students a Rough September When Gabriella Wilsker was looking for a place to tion of the residence slated for completion for had TVs, which they were all supposed to live for her first year of university, St. Cathy’s stu- the beginning of September. have,” she said, adding that she moved furni- dent residence seemed like the perfect solution. When she was moving into her new room ture and set up rooms for 12 hours without pay. Wilsker was moving from Boston, and the for September however, Wilsker said it was Wilsker says she was also charged $20 for community living described on the private res- covered in dust. It also did not yet have the her floor to be mopped. idence’s website sounded like a good fit for couch and two desks that were supposed to be By the end of the first week of classes, someone with no connections in Montreal. It included in the room. Wilsker was evicted along with a resident’s as- was located across the street from Concordia’s The day before dozens of students were sistant that she had recommended for the job. EV Building, where she would start classes in meant to move in, Wilsker and the building’s Having not yet signed her lease for the coming September 2013. It came furnished, with Inter- residence assistants worked to finish the dorms. semester, Wilsker says she was evicted because net, air conditioning and a TV in each room. “They had us moving in last-minute items she wouldn’t keep her mouth shut about the res- Wilsker stayed at St. Cathy’s throughout the to the rooms. One kid didn’t have a bed for two idence not living up to what was advertised. summer, later deciding to move into a new sec- nights. None of the rooms with working cable Continued on page 6.

Photo Alexandre Hureau

TRUDEAU-MANIA REACHES CONCORDIA GREENER FOOD BETWEEN THE SEAMS A MAN ON A MISSION Liberal Party leader The Concordia Transi- Infinitheatre's new Stinger Mukiya Post’s goal Justin Trudeau toured tions conference takes a production takes on is to collect as much three Montreal universi- look at how to make the predator bosses in the sporting gear as possible ties last week, hoping to university's food system fashion industry. P10 for poor kids. P14 re-engage younger voters more sustainable. P7 in federal politics. P4

ON BEING A RADICAL CAMERAS IN THE SKY WHO WANTS TREES? MEDIA FILE: MAKING SPACE FOR The Link talks to American Concordia grad pioneers Folk-pop group Lost in INTERNET TROLLS musician and activist Boots cinema-drone company the Trees tours Canada Riley about optimism, the and brings filmmaking to and gives away saplings Can any good ever come Occupy movement and new heights. P9 at every stop. P11 from the comments revolution ahead of his talk section? P16 at Concordia. P5

THE LINK ONLINE STRONG STINGER CJLO SPOTLIGHT DE-LIGHTFUL WEEKEND Meet Fatoumata Touré, Fringe Blog: Lanterns on Men's hockey takes three of the host of CJLO's African the Lake pleased the crowd a possible four points head- LINK RADIO music program, Safari. last week at Divan Orange— ing into the final stretch one Link writer's review. before the postseason. Tune in to CJLO 1690 AM from 11 a.m. to noon every Thursday to hear our PAY UP OR NEWTOWN, NEW VIDEO: SUPERBOWL newest episode of Link PAYBACK? RECOMMENDATIONS TWITTER STORM Radio. Missed our last OVER NATIVE LOGOS show? Check out A current CSU Executive After months of waiting, thelinknewspaper.ca. wants a $1,500 bonus from new financial controls are The big game had plenty of last year forfeited and a being presented to the CSU action, but the Twitterverse faculty association presi- this week so another was interested in another dent to pay off a $30,000 $10,000 party on students' kind of sacking: that of Na- unsuccessful event. dime can't happen again. tive mascots deemed racist. Concordia Transitions: A Discussion on More Sustainable Food Systems • Page 7

Federal Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau answered students’ questions at Concordia on Feb. 6 as part of a tour of university campuses. Justin Trudeau’s Charm Offensive Comes to Montreal Federal Liberal Party Leader Engages Younger Voters at Concordia by Marc-Olivier Laramée more engaged in advocacy than ever before. his stance is on the controversial Bill 60, reduce the impact that we have on climate Still, that engagement hasn’t translated also known as the Quebec Charter of Values, change,” he said. “We have to figure out how Justin Trudeau is already courting the youth into participation at the ballot box. Trudeau Trudeau said he met with Premier Pauline to make what’s good for the economy and vote ahead of the 2015 federal election, and noted that only about 30 per cent of younger Marois and expressed his concerns about it. what’s good for the environment go together.” he believes changing the nature of the con- Canadians exercise their right to vote. “It is an unhelpful direction to be taking, In answering a question about federal versation in Ottawa is integral to re-engag- “Getting young people to choose to vote to try and make people choose between their funding cuts to arts and culture, Trudeau ing younger Canadians in politics. and get involved isn’t just about getting a religious beliefs and their jobs,” he said. made a reference to Winston Churchill dur- The leader of the federal Liberal Party few more people who are unlikely to vote for “Has this leadership by our premier led ing the Second World War, when he was the continued his tour of Canadian campuses Mr. Harper to the ballot box. That’s just a to solving a problem, led to bringing people prime minister of the United Kingdom and last Thursday with stops at three Montreal pleasant byproduct,” he said. together to try and figure out an issue that is needed money to help finance the war. universities, starting his day at his alma “What it really is about is changing the top-of-mind for people? No,” he continued. “Churchill was sitting around in his war matter, McGill, before going on to visit the nature of conversations that happen in Ot- “It’s led to divisiveness and polarization cabinet, and they were talking about cuts to Université de Montréal and Concordia. tawa and in government.” around a problem that, quite frankly, they various departments and ministries,” said “This [university tour] is […] about how According to Trudeau, the low participa- couldn’t even demonstrate was a problem. Trudeau. “And they were going down the important it is to view politics as a dialogue, tion rate of younger voters is related to the fact “This bill is about one thing and one line: ‘health we’ll have to cut 10 per cent, as a conversation that we can all be part of, that they find it hard to relate to the topics and thing only, about identity politics.” roads we’ll have to cut 20 per cent.’ And then that we need to contribute to with our government policies discussed in Parliament. Trudeau was also asked about Internet they got down to the ministry of culture. voices, with our actions, with our participa- “Right now, much of government is con- privacy and recent revelations of multiple “And the prime minister said, ‘We cut tion,” Trudeau told the crowded D.B. Clarke sumed with focusing on healthcare, on pen- governments collecting large amounts of zero from the ministry of culture. […] If not, Theatre, insisting that his intention with the sions, on tough-on-crime measures,” he data on their citizens. He said govern- what are we fighting for, if not our culture?’” university tour wasn’t to attempt to per- said. “Why? Because those [topics] play well ments have gotten carried away with in- Trudeau said he plans to reverse the cuts suade younger voters to join the Liberal to the people who vote—seniors, who [have] telligence gathering. to arts and culture funding if his party Party or vote for its candidates, but rather close to 80 per cent turnout.” “One of the things that I’ve been calling comes to power. to engage university students in a discus- Trudeau said the government doesn’t spend for, and the Liberal Party has been calling Finally, on reforms to Canada’s electoral sion about politics. much time, if any, talking about education, for, is a much more robust system of over- system, Trudeau said he would like to put in “Because politics is […] more focused on youth employment and other long-term issues sight over our security and intelligence place a preferential voting system. winning than on serving, more focused on find- that are of concern to younger generations. agencies,” Trudeau said. Under such a system, Canadians would ing the right wedge issues in order to get elected He mentioned how profoundly different He added that there needs to be a con- rank the candidates on the ballot in order of than focused on bringing people together to ac- the House of Commons would look if only versation on why citizens feel comfortable preference. If no candidate is chosen by over tually solve the challenges we’re facing,” he said. young electors aged 18 to 25 had been sharing vast amounts of information about 50 per cent of voters as their first choice, “For me, I truly believe that politics counted in the last federal election. themselves with corporations like Facebook then voters’ second-choice and third-choice needs to be about a respectful exchange of “Parliament today would have 43 Green but not with their government. votes will be tabulated. ideas, based on facts, seeking always for Party MPs and the Conservatives wouldn’t be in Asked about the development of the tar “Political parties would then work to be common ground, common values, common government, they’d be the third party,” he said. sands, Trudeau said he wants to develop the second or third choices of more voters,” goals and shared dreams.” them while also protecting the environment. Trudeau said. “Common values will be more Trudeau said we are in the midst of “a wave Question Period “Canada absolutely needs to do a lot more important than differences.” of citizen engagement” and that younger Cana- Following his speech, Trudeau took several in terms of living up to its responsibilities as dians in particular are better informed and audience members’ questions. Asked what a modern country, as a good global citizen, to Photo Shaun Michaud the link • february 11, 2014 thelinknewspaper.ca/news 05 Current Affairs The Radical’s Playbook Boots Riley Talks Optimism, Occupy and Revolution by Colin Harris @ColinnHarris “This is not about being underground, was different. Two is most of us think we But that idea leaves groups only organ- this is about being above ground. That’s have no power to affect change in the world. izing with people who already agree with With an immaculate afro and razor-sharp side- what drives my whole artistic being; it’s I don’t think that students are more opti- you, he says, creating “affinity groups” in- burns, Boots Riley looks like a Black Panther what drives who I am.” mistic than most people,” said Riley, who stead of community groups. frozen in time, or a long-lost member of Sly and Growing up with a father who belonged speaks at campuses multiple times a year. “The unfortunate thing is that the new the Family Stone. But the lifelong activist and to the radical communist Union Labor Party, “I think sometimes they are in a material folks come in with the possibility of becom- musician’s politics are only looking forward, Riley had early insight into class struggles position where they have less to risk than ing more radicalized, but a lot of them were ever searching for the path to revolution. and a distaste for the current economic sys- someone who has to feed five kids. But I think just shunned and went home,” said Riley. Boots, born Raymond Riley, is coming to tem. No matter the topic of his rhymes, he they still suffer from the same pessimism.” “I think organizers have a duty to know Concordia Feb. 11 as the latest in the Con- says that class dynamics are always present. He says people need to be reminded that a lot of people. To be friendly, to make cordia Student Union’s speaker series, this “If you don’t have a class analysis [in they can change things, not just that things are conversation wherever you are and to not month presented in collaboration with the protest music] that says this world is run by bad—that people just need to see that there have most of your friends be other organ- Concordia Caribbean Student Union and the exploitation of the working class’ labour exists winnable battles over material change izers. If most of your friends are organiz- Students of History at Concordia. by the ruling class, then you’re going to such as wages, housing and education. ers, you’re not going to grow.” Riley’s music is best known from his come up with all this other mystical shit of “Often we are told the system is evil, which He argues that no successful social move- Oakland-based hip-hop group The Coup, why things are fucked up,” said Riley. it is, but in this conspiracy sort of way where ment was made by creating a new group of which has been active since the early ‘90s, “And what you’re going to have is some- there are five people in a room that control people, that organizing has to be where you and more recent work with Rage Against the thing angry and frustrating.” the world and there’s nothing you can do work, where you study—that it needs to be Machine’s Tom Morello in the Street He criticizes protest art that only looks about it,” said Riley. “I think that optimism more than something extra-curricular. Sweeper Social Club. inward, saying that you can change inside grows when there’s a movement, when peo- “If you consider yourself radical that From the MTV crowd to the under- all you want—but that you’ll only get angrier ple are fighting for material things together.” means you want to build a revolutionary ground rap show, Boots does it all. After when the world doesn’t follow suit. Riley was a prominent face of Occupy movement, and building a revolutionary all, he got into music to reach out to as This perspective, he says, comes more Oakland, where he’s lived most his life. It’s movement can’t be made by forging an in- many people as possible. from his experience as an organizer than this lack of constructive mentality that led sular culture,” said Riley. “Some of what’s informing the revolu- being a musician. What Riley preaches in- the movement to break down. tionary aesthetic is a punk aesthetic. A punk stead is optimism, and he says that his “Nobody was meeting and saying, ‘How Boots Riley is speaking in the CSU lounge on aesthetic has to do with being rebellious message is one that helps people realize do we work with people and talk about the seventh floor of the Hall Building on Feb. against any number of people, but a punk their economic power. these ideas?’” said Riley. “Some of that I 11, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free aesthetic is not one with the aim of creating “The problems and possibilities are the can relate to an anarchist [perspective], try- for students, and $5 for non-students. a revolution of touching the people that are same in almost every demographic of peo- ing to develop someone politically is tanta- not yet won over,” said Riley. ple in the world. One is they wish the world mount to being an imperialist.” Photo Astramarina Cobras

American musician and activist Boots Riley performs in Rome. the link • february 11, 2014 Current Affairs 06 thelinknewspaper.ca/news

Two Tenants of St. Cathy’s Taking Legal Action After Eviction Residents Complain of Unfinished Rooms and Unresponsive Management by Colin Harris @ColinnHarris cause they knew how tricky it would be to at the building is also able to take complaints. However, this isn’t the first time the resi- find a new place. We just wanted reimburse- He said there was some delay with furniture in dence has had complaints of construction oc- Continued from page 3. ment for one month’s rent. People were re- the rooms for September, but when someone curring while tenants are living in the building. ally ticked off about construction,” she said, asked it was dealt with right away. One tenant who lived at St. Cathy’s from “They were telling my parents that I was un- adding that the construction of the build- Ashworth recommended sending a reg- the fall of 2012 to the spring of 2013 echoed the manageable, that I was rude, that all the ing’s exterior continued into October, start- istered petition to the company, demanding complaints of construction and dust as early RAs were complaining about me, which was ing as early as 7 a.m. a full month’s rent in damages for the noise as September 2012. They also noted that there false,” said Wilsker, adding that she was no “At the beginning it was really ridiculous. and unfinished rooms. The petition, com- were holes in the wall. “They appeared when longer allowed on site because the manage- They weren’t ready at all.” plete with 53 resident signatures, was the adjacent building was torn down,” said the ment said she smoked marijuana. mailed at the beginning of October. former tenant, who did not want to be named. “They wanted to meet with me in person A Market of Their Own The petition was delivered, but residence She also said tenants were required to and have me sign something to say I wouldn’t The Concordia Student Union Housing and management gave no response. Kamel, who provide post-dated cheques and a key de- pursue any legal action,” said Wilsker, noting Job Bank is familiar with St. Cathy’s residence. manages the residence, says this is because the posit, both of which are illegal in Quebec, that an RA tried multiple times to get her to “[Students] can’t reach anyone who has petition included false information, and that and that tenants were pressured to sign non- sign the agreement, which she refused. any ability to deal with their problems. The residents did not know what they were signing. disclosure agreements in exchange for $250. Chris Chapin was also evicted from St. RAs who are students living there take their They then brought the petition to the The former tenant planned on reporting the Cathy’s, according to Wilsker, for complain- complaints, but the management doesn’t Régie du logement du Québec, the provin- issues, but was unable to get a hearing date with ing to management about the state of the res- get back to people,” said Leanne Ashworth, cial rental board, but were told that com- the Régie while she still lived at the residence. idence during the first week of September. a coordinator at HoJo. plaints would need to be filed individually. “I was filing with another tenant and she Chapin declined to comment, as he is Ashworth says HoJo has been getting “It’s an open secret that the Régie du lo- moved to Toronto. Things got a bit compli- pursuing legal action against the manage- complaints about the space for the last few gement wait time is 17 months for non-ur- cated after that,” she said. “We weren’t quite ment of St. Cathy’s. years, but that there was a spike of com- gent issues,” said Ashworth. sure how to follow through.” “He was accepted at the residence, they plaints in September. They do not recom- She added that as long as there is “minimal Stanislas Olenski rented from UNO In- cashed in the cheque, and for reasons un- mend the residence to students. livability” in the space, the request is considered vestments from October 2008 to February known to us they decided to unilaterally “The style of management is ‘ignore the non-urgent—stating that, for example, having 2009, when it was named Gap Investments. evict him without even going to the rental students, take their money.’ They take their hot water shut off would not count as urgent. He sued the company for 50 per cent of his board,” said Angelo Caputo, the lawyer who credit card information online so there’s re- With the recent surge in private residences rent, for damages including excessive noise is representing Chapin. ally no reason for them to communicate with in downtown Montreal, Ashworth says this and dust from construction, and was awarded “I did get a mandate from Mr. Chapin that the students for the rest of the year,” she said. kind of housing is particularly attractive to in- the full amount—$2,458—in January 2012. he wants to take legal action against them for “It was stupid hot, it would be about 30 ternational students, who are looking for fur- Sara is glad the experience at St. Cathy’s all the damage and inconvenience that was degrees in my room. They didn’t want me to nished spaces with a lease shorter than the gave her and her fellow tenants the chance caused in that incident.” leave my door open, and even with my win- typical 12 months required for apartments. to meet people, but feels like she was taken Wilsker also plans on taking legal action dow open it would be ridiculous,” said Sara, However, these students are less likely to be advantage of during the beginning of her against the residence’s owners. adding that many residents did not have cur- aware of tenant rights in Montreal. There is also lease. The rooms have since been completed. In an email sent to The Link by Amanda tains for their windows, and that construction not enough room in Concordia’s residences to For Wilsker, she wants people to know how Kemal, director of operations at UNO In- workers could see inside their bedrooms. fit all first-year students, with a lottery system she was treated by the residence’s management. vestments Inc.—the company that manages Internet quality continues to be an issue, in place for those looking to live there. “I just want to make sure that nobody St. Cathy’s—wrote that the building “had as and each tenant is now limited to 10 GB of St. Cathy’s offers four and eight-month leases. moves into that building again,” she said. many as 50 parents move in their children bandwidth each month—although that was “These large student buildings, they’ll on day one, and not one of them had an not communicated before signing. offer heat included and Internet included HoJo offers legal advice and resources on issue with the cleanliness.” “They’d be like ‘yeah we’ll fix it, we’ll fix but that needs to work all the time,” said housing and jobs for Concordia students. However, a current tenant of St. Cathy’s it,’ and they’d never get to it,” Sara said. Ashworth. “That’s not a gift, that’s included Their offices are located in room H-260 in agrees with Wilsker’s account of the move-in. The students in St. Cathy’s took their in their rent. It’s something people could go the Hall Building. “My room was disgusting. Me and my mom complaints to the RAs, who receive a dis- to the Régie for, but it would take two years.” had to go get mops and clean up my room. count on their rent as payment. The RAs Kamel stated that the new residences *Name has been changed because the There was dust everywhere, I couldn’t sleep would then inform Kamel. would have been completed by September tenant still lives at the residence because of the dust,” said one tenant, Sara*. “We deal directly with Amanda,” said St. if not for the two-week construction strike “I don’t think people wanted to leave, be- Cathy’s RA Ali Murji, noting that a receptionist at the end of June 2013. Photo Brandon Johnston the link • february 11, 2014 thelinknewspaper.ca/news 07 Current Affairs

No To Making Green, Yes to Being Green Student Conference Concordia Transitions Discusses Ways to Improve Concordia’s Food System by Noelle Didierjean @noellesolange yards, paying rent in fruits and vegetables. organically during the CFC’s panel. He ex- ing field by subsidizing or paying entirely Every time Stone drops off produce at the plained that as food is the primary determinant for healthy and sustainable meals. Members of the Concordia Food Coalition, restaurants he supplies, he collects buckets of of a person’s health, bringing organic, non- After all of the speeches and panel dis- the Concordia Greenhouse and the Concor- vegetable trimmings to use as fertilizer. When GMO food to students should be a top priority. cussions, conference attendees broke apart dia Student Union agree: Concordia needs a he first started the business, he delivered the Although Ikeda admitted it wouldn’t be and participated in two-part discussion new food system, one centred not on finan- produce entirely by bike, sometimes towing possible to create enough food to feed all Con- groups. During the first segment, they cial profits, but rather on being committed to as much as 180 kg of produce at once, thus cordia students through initial urban agricul- brainstormed broad responses to the ques- providing affordable and healthy food. The reducing the carbon footprint of his farming. ture initiatives by the university, he added they tion, “How do you go about developing a only question is: how to make it possible? His proximity to the community is effec- could nonetheless serve a greater purpose. better food system at Concordia?” That’s what the student groups set out to tive marketing when your clientele is look- “By creating many gardens, we would put Participants came up with answers such determine at a conference they organized on ing to buy local. Selling produce is easier pressure on the industry to change,” he said. as “collective value shift,” “productivity” Saturday titled Concordia Transitions. when people can see for themselves how the Concordia economist Marguerite Mendell and “thinking of waste management as re- “I just think it’s really fantastic to see stu- food is being grown, he added. spoke about the larger implications of urban source management.” dents working together on a [conference] like “It doesn’t matter what political spectrum agriculture and alternative economics. During the second part of the discussion this,” said former CSU president Lex Gill, who you’re on, everyone likes a garden,” said Stone. “Rather than harvest food, I’d like to har- period, attendees came up with more spe- facilitated the discussion at the conference Stone told the 100 participants in atten- vest some ideas,” she said. cific ideas on how to change the food system alongside Erik Chevrier, who the CSU hired in dance that he wants to diversify and decen- According to Mendell, on a larger scale, at Concordia. One group suggested a brew- October as a researcher and negotiator. tralize the food system. Instead of 10 Western economies must do away with the ing and fermentation co-operative, where “Concordia has a really long history of massive corporate farms feeding a city, he neoliberal model of laissez-faire, free market students would craft their own beer. rich, imaginative campus activism, and I says he would prefer hundreds of smaller economics and instead embrace a more so- Another group said the current for- feel like the work around food systems farms serving local communities. cial and cooperative economic model. She profit Java U café on the mezzanine of the and sustainability that’s been going on Ben Flanner, co-founder of Brooklyn told attendees of her experience at a meeting Hall Building must be replaced—as it is over the last year or two in particular has Grange—a rooftop farm project in New York held by the European Commission, where currently expected to be—with a student been really good.” City—shared a similar approach in his own the host declared it in the best interest of Eu- co-operative when the company’s lease The conference began and ended with keynote speech. One of the project’s two farms rope to seek a new economic paradigm. runs out. They said the new co-op should urban agriculture. Curtis Stone, a farmer is in a building with a café on the ground floor, Espace/Vie/Emploi, an employment be supplied with food grown in the Concor- who founded Green City Acres in Kelowna, from which the farm collects coffee grounds centre in Montreal, was praised by dia Greenhouse and urban agriculture ini- B.C., got the event started with a keynote and vegetable trimmings to use as compost. Mendell as the kind of inclusive institu- tiatives at the Loyola Campus. speech. He explained how he originally en- Both organizations look at waste manage- tion that gets results. Before Java U took over the space in visioned saving enough money to buy his ment as resource management, and say they Other institutions taking action on the 1998, the second-floor housed the Mezz own land, but quickly realized that the price avoid whenever possible using industrial fer- issue of food sovereignty—such as the vegan Café, a student-run endeavour that closed of land in British Columbia would make tilizer which may contain harmful chemicals. soup kitchen the People’s Potato and the because it wasn’t profitable. such an approach prohibitively expensive. Concordia political sociology professor anti-capitalist grocery store Le Frigo Vert— His solution: farming in people’s back- Satoshi Ikeda stressed the importance of eating echoed the economic need to level the play- Photo Alexandre Hureau the link • february 11, 2014 Current Affairs 08 thelinknewspaper.ca/news

The 21st Century is Here—But What About Quebec’s ATI Laws? Panel Debates Government Transparency and Access to Information Briefs

by Erin Sparks @sparkserin

Man Dies in Overnight Stabbing Montreal’s third homicide of the year occurred Sunday night when a 48-year old man was stabbed outside Saint-Laurent metro station, CBC Montreal reported. The man, who suffered multiple stab wounds, died in hospital. Police have no suspects so far, but have said they are meeting with a woman they believe to be a key witness. While police investigate the area, St. Dominique St. between Ste. Catherine St. E. and de Maisonneuve Blvd. is closed.

Bixi For Sale Bike-sharing company Bixi is for sale, the Montreal Gazette reported Monday. The company filed for bankruptcy protection on Jan. 20, and hopes to sell everything but maintain its Montreal branch. Mayor Denis Coderre is expected to make an an- nouncement regarding the future of the company in Montreal in the coming weeks. The city is still owed $31.3 million from Five panellists discussed the public’s right to access government documents at Concordia on Feb. 4. Bixi. All bids for the company must be made by March 10. by Aneil Prasad @aneilprasad Yet, with 30 years having passed and the tion routed across the World Wide Web. state of collection and distribution of infor- But Mike de Souza, a reporter specializ- Construction Contracts A panel of government officials, journalists mation having shifted so radically in the ing in energy, environment and infrastruc- Inflated by Union Intimidation and activists debated government trans- wake of widely available information on the ture issues who was laid off by Postmedia The price of construction projects on the parency and the right to information Feb. 4 Internet, there have been calls in recent years News as a national political correspondent North Shore of Montreal were inflated by at Concordia’s Samuel Bronfman House. to renew and strengthen ATI legislation. the day before the panel event, says the web as much as 30 per cent as a result of “The failure of federal and provincial gov- According to Conter, the calls from jour- hasn’t entirely changed things for the better. intimidation, vandalism and threats, the ernment to move toward greater access to in- nalists and advocacy groups to reform the “In the past, if you asked an official a Charbonneau Commission heard Monday formation is born from [a disagreeing] attitude legislation have been steadily increasing hard question, they would be pressured to according to Global Montreal. The of mind,” said Concordia journalism professor over the past few years. answer on the spot,” he said. “With the In- provincial corruption inquiry heard from Alan Conter to an audience of about 40 people. Teresa Carluccio, administrative judge ternet, one can now reply, ‘Can you send investigator Michel Comeau, who said “What guides the thinking is an attitude for the Commission d’accès à l’information that to me in an e-mail?’ that the region’s shady practices meant of mind rather than a set of written rules,” du Québec—the provincial access to infor- “In this way more questions from jour- that contractors were forced to add 20 or continued the media law and ethics profes- mation tribunal—says that every year there nalists are ignored.” 30 per cent to the total cost of their proj- sor. “The commissioners generally want are over 1,000 applications made to the According to De Souza, from the federal ects to appease allegedly corrupt unions. greater improvements, yet are powerless to Commission alone. government’s sanctioning of the tar sands, Comeau said most of the region’s projects draft new legislation.” She says that according to the law, every to climate change and the factors leading up were done under the direction of The panel was organized by Concordia’s person in Quebec has the right to demand to the Lac-Mégantic distaster, ATI requests provincially-owned Hydro-Québec. School of Community and Public Affairs to the government for public documents, re- were able to shed light on the real truth. discuss the public’s access to information gardless of citizenship status. “We wanted to know: What happened at Orders to Turn Away from the government. Public documents are defined as any Lac-Mégantic? Through the ATI, we found that Patients at Jewish General Quebec’s Access to Information Act was piece of information, whether words, sound there was a directive in certain departments to The Jewish General Hospital has been told voted into law in 1982, and since then all or images, that have been created, collected ignore access to information requests, recom- by the Parti Québécois that they must once other provinces and territories have and stored by the Quebec government. mending to focus on other issues.” again refuse treatment to off-island adopted similar ATI legislation. But Jonathan Brun, co-founder of Mon- However, De Souza echoed other panel- patients, and that they must instead tell Since its inception on the national level, treal Ouvert, a citizen’s action group that has lists in calling for updates to ATI legislation, them to seek treatment where they live, the Supreme Court of Canada has declared successfully lobbied the Montreal city gov- explaining that often even when requested the Montreal Gazette reported. The order freedom to information to be a fundamental ernment to launch an open-data policy, says under ATI the truth is still easily conceal- extends to those seeking treatment for part of one’s right to freedom of expression, the inflexibility of the current legislation hin- able under the current legal framework. cancer, despite the hospital’s comprehen- protecting it under the Canadian Charter of ders the citizenry from being informed. “Typically, when the government doesn’t sive cancer centre, the first of its kind in Rights and Freedoms. Also, since the provincial ATI legislation wish to reveal something, they say that the the province. Those in need of a second Under federal law, the right to informa- has largely remained unchanged since 1982, matters are ‘under consultation’ or a matter opinion or receiving treatment for tion is balanced with an individual’s right Brun asserts the laws need to be revamped of national security,” he said. research purposes are exempt from the to privacy and each request is examined on in order to get them in line with the pillars policy, which was put in place to ensure a case-by-case basis. of the digital age: open and shared informa- Photo Derek Munn the hospital does not go over budget. FringeFringe ArtsArts Fringe Giveaway: Our Two Winners for The Wiggle Room’s Burlesque Shows • Page 12

The Sky’s the Limit Skysmith Cinedrones Bring Cinematography to New Heights Tim Zafir and his team testing drones in Montreal (left) and Iceland (right). Photos courtesy of Skysmith Cinedrones by Alejandra Melian-Morse camera technology. the resources to get Skysmith off All New Possibilities down there and give them images @AMelianMorse “In the last two years, the multi- the ground, so to speak. Skysmith sees more potential for that will really speak to the hearts rotor popular name drones have “I met a commercial pilot and drones than just capturing breath- of the public.” No one can deny that modern tech- come into the [amateur] filming he was building multi-rotor heli- taking cinematography. But beyond their power for nology is reaching unimaginable world and even more recently into the copters more for the purpose of in- Because much of the footage change, drones also aid cinematog- new heights—but when it comes to professional filming world,” he said. dustrial uses and lower-end captured by their machines is so raphers in their own exploration. film, this statement can be taken “In the past [professionals] have filming of weddings and things rare to attain, it has a lot of power, “It’s exciting—when I was literally. Drones have now been in- had the budget to shoot with heli- like that,” Zafir said. “I came to and to Zafir it offers the opportu- standing there on this glacier in troduced to the cinematography copters and whatnot so there hasn’t him with the need of building big- nity to do a lot of good. Iceland last year with a bunch of scene, and Skysmith Cinedrones is really been too big a need, but now ger, badder machines so we can “What really attracts me is any ice climbers and mountain guides flying them down an artistic path. we’re able to get really close with put bigger, badder cameras on opportunity for us to get into the and we were flying across this gla- Tim Zafir, a Concordia graduate the shots and get really intimate there and get shots that have never frontier locations,” said Zafir. cial tongue,” Zafir said. who majored in Communication scenes then pull out really far to been seen before in cinema.” “For instance, Ben and I are “For the first time they were Studies with a focus in film, has been show breathtaking landscapes. With DronExperts as a re- planning on going down to seeing images and new routes at the forefront of this new cinematic “That’s a new technique that never source, Zafir and Granet have Patagonia to film a bunch of aeri- through this glacier which they technology, growing out of his love really existed before in cinema.” been able to concentrate more on als for the conservation projects could now go through. So we were for flexible camera movement. the artistic side of production. fighting the foreign hydroelectric pioneering, we were basically see- “Me and some of my mates Cameras Roaming the Skies “I like the idea that DroneExperts dams that are coming in there ing images and opportunities in were always interested in camera Skysmith’s filming drones are re- and Skysmith are brothers in the and wanting to dam up the these incredibly rugged landscapes movement particularly, so we mote-controlled flying machines same family,” Zafir said. “They’re Patagonian mountain region be- that have never been seen before.” were building cable cameras and with a mounted camera and a helping us with the technologies and tween Chile and Argentina. But the company knows full cranes and dollies and little ro- small CPU inside, attached to var- the resources we need to grow as an “It’s one of these last wilder- well that untrodden trails will botic heads and whatnot for film- ious types of sensors. A gyroscope artistic company. ness frontiers that is somewhat make for hard hiking, both physi- ing and getting cooler and cooler keeps the drone balanced and sta- “But at the end of the day, tech- untouched by man and there are cally and financially. shots every time,” he said. bilizes the camera, the barometer nology is technology and it’s nothing people down there wanting to pro- “It’s new. As far as the industry Although it began as just an in- stabilizes the altitude and a GPS without the humans behind it,” he tect it,” he explained. “The prob- goes, we’re not just trying to work; terest, Zafir’s experimenting, and keeps it on course. continued. “I’m more concerned lem is they don’t have a massive we’re also trying to create our job the ideas that went along with it, Zafir was able to coordinate with creating the teams and pushing voice because there are so few of at the same time,” said Zafir. brought his work to the forefront with Canada’s first drone manu- the artful uses of this technology in- them and it’s far away from the “We’re paving the path while of contemporary mobile-operated facturer, DronExperts, to solicit stead of focusing on the dollar.” rest of the world, so we want to go we’re walking on it.” Fringe Arts The UnseamlyTruth Fringe Arts and ClassIssues Fashion inthe Industry

GENERAL ELECTION VOLUME 35 New Montreal Play Takes OnGender All of give context totheuniversity’s breaking news. ings anddigdeeper. Curate long-formpieces that Put your glasstotheweek’s magnifying happen- CURRENT AFFAIRS EDITOR whateverpossible, andfill cracks needtobefilled. Help thenews editoravoid insanity foraslong ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR acronyms, chase thetruthandbeever vigilant. Get toknow theschool’s politicos, learnthe Direct thenewspaper’s onlinenews content. NEWS EDITOR and getsdoneontime. Makeand shouting. sure everything comes in Conduct orchestra thepaper’s ideas,quips of MANAGING EDITOR cunning socialmediastrategy. Take theInternetthrough onthemountainof thenews, cycles. fringeandsports on topof Direct thenewspaper’s onlinecontent andstay COORDINATING EDITOR thispapertogreatness. lead thetroops of Through rain, snow andsleepless nights,you Make thebigcalls andrepresent thepaper. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The Link ’s editorialpositionswillbeopen. give themapagetofill. the strong debatersandthecolumnists and curate Huntdown section. onekillerOpinions Separate thecrazy from thecoherent and OPINIONS EDITOR your wheelhouse. things Stingers.Fast statsandgamerecaps are knowledgeBe theultimatesource forall of SPORTS ONLINE EDITOR Concordia’stough lossesforallof teams. to theathletes,andhighlightgreat winsand Find behindthegame.Give thestory avoice SPORTS EDITOR and whattoavoid. editor, you tellConcordia what’s seeing worth The online,daily counterpart tothefringearts ARTSFRINGE ONLINEEDITOR to forwhat’s scene. ontheup-and-upinarts openingstoindiebands,you’regallery thego- Expose allthat’s cool andunderground. From ARTSFRINGE EDITOR 10 resolution thatraisesnounsettlingques- possibility ofasimple,universallysatisfying self, thealternativescriptatleastcarries Carlsen recallsbeingasked.Whilebleakit- script aboutthegirlwithdeadfather?” leering bossesthey’vehadinthepast. could likelyremindthoseintheaudienceof by wealthandentrenchedprivilege—who “man-child archetype”givenhugeauthority out ofyouinanother”—nottomentiona you laughinonesecond,andscarestheshit his productsandmore. exploiting andabusingtheirsexualitytosell Latina ones,Slatskyhasnoscruplesabout levels ofhiscompanycontacthimdirectly. ethical labourpracticesandletsworkersatall tice” atfirst,accordingtoCarlsen,whouses even a“revolutionarymachineofhumanjus- tled outofcourtordismissed. years. Themajorityofthemhavebeenset- pany’s CEO,DovCharney,overthepastfew parel employeeshavefiledagainstthecom- the numerouslawsuitsformerAmerianAp- Slatsky, ofsexualharassment—notunlike ternational clothingcompanyCEOIra over whethertoaccuseherformerboss,in- woman, Malina,whoconsultslegaladvice want toseeitisthereasonIputon.” see it,”saidCarlsen.“Butthereasontheydon’t who didn’tevenknowiftheywantedtocome light ofaccountability. hidden worldandbringitintotheharsh alumnus SarahCarlsen,aimstounzipthis highly sexualizedworkplace. ils ofbeingawomaninthefashionworld’s finitheatre’s latestproductionabouttheper- years willlikelyfindaparallelwithIn- sexual harassmentscandalsinthepastfew Anyone familiarwithAmericanApparel’s Wainio-Thébergeby Gabriel Carlsen saysSlatskyis“amanwhomakes But whenitcomestowomen,especially Slatsky appearstobeacharmingmanand The playtellsthestoryofayoung “I havefriendswhowereonthepre-jury Unseamly, co-directedbyConcordia “Why couldn’tyouhavepickedthat approachable andlove door andmake sure they stay. Beoutgoing, Organize events, getpeopleinthe planparties, EDITOR COMMUNITY andtheexciting storiesevenries exciting, better. the mistakes, Make bigandlittle. theboringsto- synonymKeep articles outof hellandcatch all COPY EDITOR somegreat contributors. ones, withthehelpof to visualize the toughstoriesandtheeasier You’re theillustrator extraordinaire. Find away GRAPHICS EDITOR games, protests andeverything inbetween. Stingers Snap photosandvideo footageof Capture Concordia theupsanddowns of life. PHOTO &VIDEOEDITOR Lay italloutandmake itlookpretty. thenewspaper.Design thevisual languageof CREATIVE DIRECTOR The Link The Link The Office (1455deMaisonneuveBlvd.W.,H-649) . Graphic Graeme Shorten Adams Shorten Graeme Graphic // $20students,$25regular 2p.m. 8p.m.,Sundays Saturdays to days //Tues- St.) Dominique (5300St. Michel Unseamly up again.” my eyes,”shesaid.“Thisplayiswakingme ignite adialogueontheissue. as muchstrengthpossible,”Stewartsaid. for alotofthetimesoIjustwanttogiveher background. She’stheonlywomanonstage realistic depictionofawomanfromLatino ground. Theplay’sprotagonistisLatinalikeher. perspective asaLatinawomantothefore- own experience. a friend,recognizingitsrelevancetoher She auditionedonarecommendationfrom criminatory asitisportrayedintheplay. found iteverybitasexploitativeanddis- she hasworkedinthefashionindustryand told youwhatshehadtodogetthere? expression—stepped outofthatpictureand body, wind-blownhairandvaguelyorgasmic every block—thegirlwiththeperfectlytoned the girlononeofthosebillboardsyousee every day.Itasks,asCarlsenputsit,whatif possible,” shesaid. woman directororco-director,it’sjustnot bers, whereitmighthitclosesttohome. most notablyinthefemaleaudiencemem- themes thingsthey’vethoughtbutneversaid, while others,shehopes,willrecognizeinits Unseamly mused. Shesayssomepeoplewillwalkoutof it doesn’tjustbringthemtogether,”Carlsen Carlsen wantstoputon. tions aboutthesocietywelivein. be postedby Feb. 28at4:00p.m. inthe in thefall.Applications forthepositionsmust rent Concordia studentswhowillbereturning In order tobeeligible, and allcurrent Caity Hall, JulianMcKenzie,Verity Stevenson Eligible toRun: Alex C THE CONTENDERS [email protected] For more sendanemailto information, three (3) contribution samples. aswell intent, as clude of aone-pageletter Volume winter semesterof 34 andmustin- tributed toatleastfour(4)issuesduringthe office, H-649. Applicants musthave con- Ren. Melian-Morse, ShaunMichaud andRowena Oliviajean, Jones,Athina Lugez, Alejandra Jocelyn Baxter, Emily Campbell, NoelleDidier- Two Needed More Contributions GariesandFloraMatt Hammond. Needed One More Contribution “Almost everyrehearsal,tearscometo Carlsen hopesthenewproductionwill “What Ireallywanttobringitisamore Stewart isalsointerestedinbringingher Lead actressArlenAguayoStewartsays Unseamly “You couldn’tproducethiswithouta “Good artactuallydoesseparatepeople, That, however,isnotthekindofplay // Feb. 11 Mar. to 9//BainSaint- thinking they’vejustseen“smut,” Friday, March7,2014 tells astorythatisaroundus Link the link • february 11, february 2014 the link• masthead. thelinknewspaper.ca/fringe candidates mustbecur- allard, Liana diIorio, 4:00 p.m. Link thethe SustainabilitySustainability IssueIssue

Sustainability,Sustainability, asas aa concept,concept, isis oneone ofof foresight—foresight— ensuringensuring thatthat wewe aren’taren’t givinggiving generationsgenerations downdown thethe roadroad aa rawraw dealdeal inin regardsregards toto ourour socialsocial systems,systems, ourour economyeconomy andand mostmost notably,notably, ourour environment.environment. We’reWe’re livingliving inin aa rapidlyrapidly changingchanging world:world: TheThe Earth’sEarth’s populationpopulation hashas explodedexploded inin thethe lastlast hundredhundred years,years, andand whilewhile technologytechnology hashas alleviatedalleviated manymany ofof ourour ills,ills, we’rewe’re aa longlong wayway fromfrom establishingestablishing aa trulytruly sustainablesustainable society,society, acceleratingaccelerating full-steamfull-steam intointo thethe greatgreat unknownunknown ofof thethe future.future. LookingLooking atat sustainabilitysustainability throughthrough aa locallocal lens,lens, ConcordiaConcordia andand ourour fellowfellow MontrealMontreal universitiesuniversities couldcould bebe promisingpromising leadersleaders inin changingchanging schoolschool policiespolicies toto adaptadapt toto thethe world’sworld’s ever-changingever-changing circumstances.circumstances. IfIf you’veyou’ve everever wonderedwondered whatwhat youyou personallypersonally cancan dodo toto contributecontribute toto ourour university’suniversity’s sustainabilitysustainability efforts,efforts, looklook nono further—youfurther—you cancan getget thethe scoopscoop onon divestmentdivestment (pages(pages 44 andand 5),5), ourour locallocal greenhousegreenhouse (page(page 3)3) andand Concordia’sConcordia’s sustainabilitysustainability ratingsratings (page(page 8)8) rightright herehere inin ourour specialspecial issue.issue. “Sustainability”“Sustainability” maymay havehave turnedturned intointo anan over-usedover-used buzzword,buzzword, butbut thethe ideaidea willwill alwaysalways remainremain relevant—ensuringrelevant—securing humanity’s continued prosperityprosperity onon SpaceshipSpaceship Earth.Earth. —Coordinators—Coordinators ColinColin Harris,Harris, JakeJake RussellRussell andand MichaelMichael WrobelWrobel

TheThe LinkLink isis producedproduced onon recycledrecycled paperpaper usingusing vegetablevegetable inks.inks. 2 Sustainability

Cinema Politica, Alternative Libraries, ASFA Talks, the Sustainable Campus, Sustainable World Sexual Assault Resource Centre and even last month’s For those looking to get involved with SAF or pitch an idea, JMSB MBA International Case Competition are among the Wujec says all are welcome to discuss grant applications and community-based efforts that SAF supports. work through the process together, and internships with SAF Get Ready for Wujec explained that while the case competition didn’t di- are available through the sustainability minor and most re- rectly revolve around sustainability, the organizers behind it cently through the geography and political science programs. showed a real dedication to making the event as sustainable as “It’s a great experience for students because they get to possible by providing local foods, composting, ensuring com- learn about grant applications in a really supporting envi- petitors took shuttle buses rather than taxis and making the en- ronment, because [our] job is to help people write a really Action tire operation go paperless, which SAF was pleased to support. great grant [application],” Wujec said. “So it provides some really good hands-on experience Power to the Students that will hopefully be useful in the future, and then if they For Concordia’s overall sustainability, Wujec said Concor- do get funded, it provides really good project management Concordia s Sustainability dia has shown tangible progress but still remains far from experience, financial accounting and things you maybe nec- Action Fund Sponsors ideal. SAF has embarked on a three-year in-house project essarily don’t even learn directly in undergrad.” called the Sustainability Curriculum Project to gather the When asked about the future of sustainability at Concor- University s Green Ideas full scope of Concordia’s sustainability situation, and com- dia, Wujec had an optimistic vision. piled their initial findings last summer. “As an institution, we’re really a microcosm of a soci- “We did an audit of all the courses in the arts and science ety. We’re a huge community—40,000 people—and we by Jake Russell @jakeryanrussell faculties to figure out how much sustainability is actually have a really amazing opportunity to set the bar for what taught, which was a very rigorous project over the summer,” it could look like to have a sustainable society and univer- The greenhouse, the People’s Potato, Le Frigo Vert, the list Wujec said. “And it turns out that just about nine per cent sity,” she said. goes on—just about anywhere you turn on Concordia’s cam- of courses have sustainability in them, and that’s social sus- “I think that SAF plays a really important role in that be- puses, sustainable hotspots are waiting for you to peruse. tainability, environmental sustainability, economic sustain- cause we’re a specific place where you can come and start a They don’t run on biofuel, however—even these green proj- ability […] so that’s a fairly low amount for a university.” project to further that goal. ects and others yet to be initiated need money to get started. Wujec went on to say that in a Sustainability Tracking, “It’s really important to take advantage of the possibility Enter the Sustainability Action Fund. Assessment and Rating System (or STARS) assessment, for project coordination, the experience, and to contribute Established in 2007 after an energizing youth summit Concordia received an “F” for its curriculum. to something that will have a really measurable impact on entitled Less Talk, More Action and hosted by Dr. David But all is not lost: SAF has gotten a significant amount of DIY campus,” she continued. Suzuki and former U.S. president Al Gore, the fee-levy- sustainability projects off the ground since its inception, pow- backed student-run organization supports and provides re- ered by the will of the students to help transform their school. For more information or to get involved, email sources to projects at Concordia dedicated to sustainability. “Concordia has definitely been improving over the [email protected]. “We’ve funded over 150 projects in the past seven years, years; there’s a lot of hope within the university, at least and we’ve given out close to half a million dollars in project from my perspective, to increase the sustainability across Photos courtesy Sustainability Action Fund funding,” said Mikayla Wujec, a Concordia geography alum- the board,” Wujec said. nus and SAF’s chief executive officer since August of last year. “It’s student groups, student organizations that are really “What’s really great about the fund and something that I setting the tone for sustainability and making all this head- really enjoy is that there’s a seriously crazy diversity of projects. way for the university. It’s starting to happen where other as- […] It’s really neat to see all the different things that are emerg- pects of the university are starting to hear that and really take ing at Concordia and how successful they’ve really been.” it to heart and understand that it’s a really important issue.” Along with sponsoring endeavours such as Divest Concor- While SAF is most known for funding other organiza- dia and biodiesel initiatives, SAF also has an eye on commu- tions’ projects, the group also puts on events themselves, nity-based, educational and social justice projects as well. the most recent being the Winter Teaching and Learning “It’s funny, the majority of our projects usually fall Festival held from Feb. 5 to Feb. 7. within the social justice community and education and re- The Festival opened with a keynote lecture by Dr. Thomas search categories, even more so than the energy, technology Homer-Dixon, a professor at the University of Waterloo, who and environmental categories, which is a bit unusual be- Wujec says “is potentially the smartest man I’ve ever seen.” cause you wouldn’t necessarily think that,” Wujec said. Homer-Dixon gave a stirring talk on climate change and “But especially at a university like Concordia, where there’s the horror of “triage,” the brutal choices that doctors make such amazing student presence and a really strong activism on the battlefield to determine which of the wounded re- within the community, we at SAF and our board of directors ceive care and which are left to die. really feel that it’s important to create these spaces to educate It’s a philosophy Homer-Dixon said could be applied to en- people on issues that affect the long-term health of any sort of tire countries in the not-too-distant future as extreme weather community or population. So gender issues, indigenous issues, events, rising temperatures and overpopulation begin to the whole spectrum of social justice is important,” she added. squeeze the Earth’s natural resources and carrying capacity. 3 Sustainability

Soil and Herbs Above Our Heads Studying Growing and Learning in Concordia s Greenhouse by Verity Stevenson @vestevie atop the Hall Building survived, as well as everything inside it. teaching students basic urban gardening skills. Sustainable Concordia went on to separate the space into “One of the goals of these school yard gardens is to help As university students, sunlight is hard to come by this time of two areas: one for growing plants, including fruits like pa- build the students’ confidence and give them the opportu- year. The sun rising earlier and setting later now than during paya, vegetables and micro greens; the other, an area for so- nity to make a difference in their schools and in their own the summer months is worsened by the fact that we’re trapped cializing. lives,” said school yard gardens coordinator Marcus Lobb indoors during daylight hours due to school and perhaps work. The space is composed of two of the many adjacent glass at this year’s CFS launch on Thursday. From December to March, we ditch reading on the balcony for rooms that make up the structure. Plants shading and sur- Part of the project includes the Loyola City Farm, a veg- the flourescent lights of our school library and wilt like starved flow- rounding the seating area are nourished by sunlight pouring etable garden at the Loyola campus. The farm is being ex- ers into the wee morning hours. This is the time for the Hall Build- through the glass walls and ceiling. panded in the upcoming growing season with a 70- by ing’s oasis—which may sound like an oxymoron—to flourish. On Mondays and Fridays, students can book the social space 100-foot plot “which will double what he have right now,” “[There’s] fresh air, you know, with all these trees and in the greenhouse from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for events or gatherings announced Martin at the Thursday launch. sunlight so you don’t get Seasonal Affective Disorder, and like club meetings, dinner parties and film screenings. So at The new plot will allow the city farm to grow all of the [there’s] mad vitamin D […] and people can be very friendly night, during one of their “5 à 7,” those plants may be entwined People’s Potato’s garlic, ridding them of the need to buy gar- so the atmosphere is very good,” said Concordia greenhouse with lights that follow the backdrop of the city’s skyline. lic from outside Canada. social events coordinator Sheena Swirlz. “It’s just a really nice, beautiful space that you can use Also part of the collective’s initiatives is a series of work- The greenhouse on the Hall Building rooftop is known for yourself,” says Martin. shops held every second Thursday, which range from build- for its inviting study space, but also has its roots in a num- ing “living necklaces” made of plants, to moss grafitti, to ber of urban and market gardening efforts across the city, Farming in the City zine-making, to mushroom growing. benefiting the likes of local schools and food co-ops like the Since gaining its 12-cent student fee levy and becoming its “People always have a lot to contribute to every workshop,” People’s Potato and Le Frigo Vert. own collective last spring, the Hall Building’s greenhouse said Swirlz, citing the mushroom growing workshop as an ex- One of the literal ways the greenhouse does that is with its has initiated a number of new endeavours, including an in- ample with people bringing their own tricks to the table. seeding project, where its members and interns meticulously crease in its weekly events and workshops. Swirlz is one of the collective’s five part-time staff mem- watch and help grow 10,000 vegetable seeds during their very The fee levy constitutes the group’s main revenue stream bers. The two other staff members work full-time. early stages. They then distribute the sprouts to community or- and amounts to about $75,000 a year. Before, it relied on In the growing section of the greenhouse, in the winter, the ganizations for people to continue to grow and eventually eat. grants and a five-cent levy as part of Sustainable Concordia. greenhouse’s members grow microgreens—small trendy leaf “It starts as this tiny box of seeds that come in the mail Other revenue includes its City Farm School internships, vegetables used to enhance a meal’s look and taste—as well as and ends up with a plant on every single surface of the which cost $450, but help cover “two workshops, as well as salad greens, beans and house plants, which are sold at the pop- greenhouse and then I don’t see them again, but […] then the training you will receive from the CFS coordinators,” ac- ular house plant sale every year. Then, there are the perennials— they grow up and they produce food for people,” said green- cording to the CFS website. plants that live over two years—of the greenhouse’s tea atrium. house collective coordinator Jackie Martin. The CFS is “an initiative to develop partnerships and ex- “It’s so about the community aspect, it’s not closed-off, it’s In 2006, weighed down by maintenance costs and a mold pertise in urban agriculture on the island of Montreal,” accord- not about the production or the money-making factor—we problem, the greenhouse was to be torn down. But students in- ing to its website. It fulfills its mission by working with the serve the community and get people involved,” said Swirlz. volved in Sustainable Concordia and the Geography Department English Montreal School Board, building gardens in their urged the university to salvage the space, and the glass structure school yards and hosting before and after-school workshop Photo Brandon Johnston 4 Divest Now Why Divestment is Necessary for Concordia to Flourish Sustainability

by Aneil Prasad lion was invested in various oil, gas and pipeline companies. This is where divestment comes in. Divest Concordia, a It’s understandable why Concordia University invests in student-run environmental justice group, is spearheading Divestment. It’s the talk of the town, the word on the street. fossil fuel companies: As the bedrock of our globalized in- the campaign to have Concordia University divest—the an- It’s the subject of workshops, the screen print on gym shirts, dustrial economy, fossil fuel companies are among the most tithesis to invest—any and all holdings in fossil fuel indus- and the latest petition making the rounds. What’s all the profitable on the planet. tries, working working to persuade the university’s fuss about this newest addition to our vocabulary? We use fossil fuels in every aspect of modern life, from the administration to pull its money out of polluting industries We’ve all heard the word “investment,” which means to place growing of food through personal transportation to the man- and reinvest in emerging technologies. a known amount of money, time or other valuables into a situ- ufacturing of practically everything. Thus the power and influ- Divest Concordia aims to achieve this by convincing the ation, wait and receive greater returns than what you put in. ence of fossil fuels companies such as BP, Shell, Exxon Mobil university to form a Committee for Responsible Investment. One can quantify some investments, such as stocks in a and TransCanada are not to be underestimated. In purely fi- This committee would oversee the divestment from fossil company, while other investments, such as time spent with nancial terms, investing in fossil fuels is a wise decision. fuels and reallocation of funds to clean energy companies. a loved one, enter the realm of the unquantifiable. Now, descending from the abstract realm of neoliberal This shift in capital is vital if we are to maintain our modern Out of all kinds of investments, however, financial invest- economic doctrine, let us take a hard look at the reality on technologies while developing a low-carbon energy economy. ments are perhaps those that can have the greatest impact on the ground. First off, climate change is happening. Every To me, continued fossil fuel development is an act of our collective well-being. This runs the gamut from the goods we year, the Arctic ice sheet grows smaller in area. Global av- madness, plain and simple. To invest in companies perpe- buy, to the services we provide, to the companies we invest in. erage temperatures break records set the year before. trating fossil fuel development is to be an accomplice in a Needing large amounts of capital in order to run facto- On every coastline, the sea level creeps up, centimetre by great crime, one that history will judge harshly. Considering ries and pay labourers, the vast majority of large corpora- centimetre. The number of species falls as forests catch fire, the present state of our planet Earth, with climate change tions are publicly traded. If a publicly traded company deserts claim the grasslands and rivers run dry. This is hap- already devastating populations around the globe, to divest makes a profit, investors who own shares of the company pening as we speak. from fossil fuels is the only logical choice. may receive a portion of its profits in the form of dividends, According to the fifth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Yet even higher than reason, higher than logic, is the love provided that the company chooses not to reinvest all of the Change report, there is a 95 per cent certainty that humans are for my family and friends, for the children I hope to have, profits in its own expansion instead. the cause of most of the global warming observed since the 1950s. for all the living beings that share our Earth. We have a In addition, if the company is doing well, its shares will The report lists the burning of fossil fuels as the primary moral responsibility to act now, for the gravity of our situa- likely increase in value on the stock market. These are the contributor. It adds that tropical deforestation is the sec- tion demands nothing less. financial incentives to invest in profitable industries. ond-biggest contributor, as we cut down the forests that That’s why I call on Concordia University to completely But what does this have to do with Concordia? According render the air breathable on this planet. If we are to pre- divest from fossil fuels by 2015, and to finally invest in a to a 2011 financial audit, Concordia University has invest- serve the livability of our birthplace, the only home we have, clean future. ments worth over $100 million. And this publicly available then we must replant the forests and stop burning fossil audit also indicates that nearly $12 million of that $100 mil- fuels as quickly as possible. Graphic Ekavi Beh 5 Sustainability

Concordia Universities Unite Across $115 900 000 Borders Against Fossil Fuels Endowment fund total Student Divestment Groups Sweep Across North America $9 170 000 Oil & Gas by Geoffrey Vendeville @geoffvendeville cordia is hoping the university will soon start screening companies based on their environmental track record. When experts from around the country arrived at McGill “We are dealing with complex issues that require a lot of dis- University on Feb. 8 for a conference on oil, energy and cussion and exchange,” said university spokesperson Chris Mota. $2 600 000 Canada’s future, they found the doors were locked. The push for divestment has received the support of the Masked protesters had fastened shut the front doors and Concordia Student Union, which officially endorsed Divest Pipelines barred the fire exits. The McGill Institute for the Study of Concordia in September. Canada, which organized the conference, moved the event At McGill, student efforts for divestment have run up against to another location until the so-called “lockout” ended qui- a wall. In February 2013, they submitted two petitions with 750 Source: 2011 Financial Statements. etly a couple of hours later. signatures each to the Board of Governors to divest from fossil More recent data unavailable. On university campuses around the world, most students fuels, oil sands and the Plan Nord, but they were rejected. have found a different way to take a stand against fossil fuels In years past, McGill has divested from tobacco and and climate change. Instead of staging lockouts and sit-ins, Burmese businesses. But the McGill Board said the university they have taken aim at universities’ investment portfolios. relies on its fossil fuel investments and that it doesn’t meet McGill “In general, we [at Divest McGill] tend to think of strate- the board’s standards for divestment based on “social injury.” gies that will serve to build support on campus, as well as “Whether you like it or not, Canada is a resource-based econ- increase the visibility of this support to key decision makers omy,” board member Michael Boychuck told The McGill Daily. at the university,” said Divest McGill member Kristen Perry. “That’s a fact. It’s not going to change any time soon.” $1 149 000 000 McGill’s divest group is not alone. There are campaigns Divest McGill isn’t taking no for an answer. across the globe, including one at Concordia, to encourage “Through proving the failure of the ‘official’ process we Endowment fund total universities to divest their holdings from fossil fuel compa- can justify beginning to escalate our campaigns and start nies and reinvest in greener alternatives. Divest campaigns putting strategic pressures on other change-making avenues have sprung up on 18 Canadian campuses, over 300 in the in the university,” said Divest McGill member Kristen Perry. U.S., and a handful of others worldwide. Although not involved in the lockout of the Faculty Club $26 300 000* Advocates of divestment say it’s wrong for universities to during the oil conference on Feb. 8, Divest McGill—and its profit from shares in the worst carbon-emitting corporations. counterpart at Concordia—supported the protesters. Fossil Fuels Student-led divest groups are hoping their campaigns will The Divest McGill campaign has been endorsed by three hurt the fossil fuel industry as past divestment movements major student societies representing 30,000 students. Sources: McGill quarterly performance undermined apartheid in the ‘80s and big tobacco in the ‘90s. “It’s definitely progressing,” said Amina Moustaqim- report Sep. 2013 and Divest McGill. So far, the U.S. divestment movement has had mixed suc- Barette, a member of Divest McGill. “As we get more info about cess. Nine American colleges have agreed to divest. However, alternative investments and more support on campus, the idea Harvard University, which has the biggest endowment fund in is becoming more popular with the administration as well.” the country totaling around US$32.7 billion, has refused. Harvard No Canadian university has pledged to go fossil-free. Divesting Harvard If American colleges have generally been more open to di- Concordia and McGill vestment, Harvard is an exception. That comes as little surprise to Anthony Garoufalis Auger Members of Divest Harvard estimate that the university has of Divest Concordia. invested US$32.6 million in the top 200 fossil fuel companies. $32 700 000 000 “There’s not as much openness to divestment here as In November 2012, 72 per cent of undergrads voted in Endowment fund total there is in the U.S.,” he said. “[Canadian universities] are favour of divestiture. Harvard President Drew Faust re- more rigid in the way they operate.” sponded with an open letter: “I do not believe, nor do my He added that it would be “hard to imagine” Concordia colleagues on the Corporation, that university divestment following the example of colleges in the U.S. that agreed to from the fossil fuel industry is warranted or wise.” divest, such as Unity College in Maine. The first fossil-free “The endowment is a resource,” she continued, “not an $32 600 000* American university, Unity reported last May that it lost no instrument to impel social or political change.” Fossil Fuels money from its decision to divest its $14.5-million fund. Divest Harvard disagrees. Coordinator of the group, Chloe “We don’t have the same kind of activism in our [Cana- Maxmin, says “divestment is one of the only campaigns in the dian university] administrations,” Garoufalis-Auger said. modern climate movement focused on true systemic change.” Source: Harvard Crimson Divest Concordia has still managed to persuade the univer- “Divestment is important because it is bypassing a gov- and Divest Harvard sity to rethink its investment practices. In January, student ernment that is inefficient and clogged by the power of the fossil fuel lobby,” she wrote in an email to The Link. “It’s reps sat down with board members of the Concordia Univer- *Only includes investments in the top sity Foundation—the university’s $136.6 million endowment going straight to the source of carbon extraction and polit- fund—and the university treasurer to plan an ethically respon- ical gridlock: the fossil fuel industry.” 200 fossil fuel companies, so sible investment policy. estimates may be conservative. The policy is still in the very early stages, but Divest Con- Photos Tamim Sujat, courtesy of The McGill Daily 6 Sustainability

Reimagining Waste Montreal Bio Fuel Plant Develops Game Changing Waste Management Technology by Emily Campbell @emkcampbell simple matter of throwing things in the everything you can imagine into it. [...] These aid solution to waste management problems garbage and a truck takes it away to the were very successful field demonstrations.” that need to be addressed from the source. Engineers at Montreal-based Terragon Inc. dump,” says Wayne Moore from the Depart- But the machine isn’t perfect yet. It still Through his research on better waste re- want to change the way the world views its ment of National Defense. struggles to handle moist waste, which takes duction strategies for Concordia, Shennib trash—to consider it rather, as fuel. “That is fine at a municipal level, but at longer to gassify and can stall the machine. Per- has concluded that rather than creating so Their growing team has developed a ma- sea it is a much different story where space sonnel manning the machines are therefore much waste, producers and consumers of chine they fondly refer to as MAGS, a micro auto is very limited, hence why MAGS is being forced to dry their waste, sometimes in buckets goods need to be more mindful of the kind “gasification” system that functions much like considered as a potential technology suit- on the hull of ships before feeding it into MAGS. and amount of packaging is being created to an incinerator. Garbage is fed into the machine, able for shipboard use.” Terragon is also working on developing contain and ship what we consume. but eliminating trash is only half the point. MAGS is considered a green technology technology to harness the energy produced to He explains his attitude towards waste “Instead of putting fuel into our system we because for every 100 pounds of trash, it not only heat water, but convert it into elec- management with an analogy. put waste, that generates this gas, then we can produces five pounds of non-toxic ash that tricity that could be used for other purposes. “You’re standing near a river and you see combust this gas just like we would any fuel,” can be used as fertilizer. Its emissions are Eventually Terragon developers would a baby in the water, and you’re alarmed that says Lean Lobry, an engineer at Terragon. filtered through a “scrubber,” which cleans like to see MAGS technology reach residen- there’s a baby in the water, it’s drowning, it’s The machine first heats the trash to tem- the harmful components from the exhaust tial markets, to dispose of trash and conserve crying. You go to rescue the baby, and then peratures as much as 700 degrees Celsius. and can be fed back into the machine in energy used for heating water in every home. babies just keep coming,” he said. This heating process converts most of the order to create more energy. “Thing is, this is such radical way of think- “Eventually you need to start asking waste into gas, which is fed into a second The machine has been through many ing for the Marine industry alone, that this yourself, ‘Who’s putting the babies in the chamber, where it is ignited to create energy. phases of testing. will [be] a total game changer,” said Korney. water?’ So we need to think that way about This energy is currently used to power “We tested those in the field at the Fair- Others are skeptical about the revolution- waste, right? Stop the baby throwers.” the machine itself and act as a water heater. mont Le Château Montebello hotel, on the ary impact MAGS technology could have. For Shennib, the best way to manage MAGS was developed specifically for Maersk Laser supply ship, and we also put “I think it’s a neat technological develop- waste is to create less of it, but for the large boats and to power remote habitats it with the Royal Canadian Navy and the ment; it seems that it is able to treat the trash garbage we do make, MAGS technology may like military camps or resorts, which strug- U.S. Marines,” said Andrew Korney, com- in a way with having emissions that are within become a viable solution that can be a gle to dispose of their waste responsibly. munications director at Terragon. standards, which is good,” said Faisal Shen- source of energy, too. “Waste management is a very complex “They’ve become our biggest champions nib, environmental coordinator at Concordia. process which has the perception of being a for MAGS. They’ve literally tested it, put He considers MAGS as more of a band- Graphic Flora Hammond 7 Sustainability Welcome to the Sprawl

Analyzing the Spread of the Suburbs in Montreal by Michael Wrobel @michael_wrobel cent of the national population in 2006. ing natural habitats—a definite “no-no,” ity, Fischler said there are other reasons to Montreal is no exception. Data provided according to Fischler. curb urban sprawl, including the fact that For Lissa Marcotte, there’s truth in the mar- by Gordon to The Link shows that 76 per Fischler adds that energy consumption of cities promote greater inter-generational keting slogan “La vie est belle à Mirabel.” cent of the metropolitan region’s residents suburbanites is also higher than that of city- and social equity. In this suburban municipality on the north- lived in car-dependent suburban areas dwellers. “In the suburbs, I think the question of ern periphery of the Montreal metropolitan within Montreal or neighbouring suburban “If you have a single-family home, it car dependency has a tremendous impact, region, where suburban comfort meets the municipalities in 2011. takes more energy to heat than a condo- and that’s not a technological question,” he tranquility of farm country, life is good. It wasn’t always that way. minium, because it has four walls and a roof said. “That’s a question of the fact that “We like the neighbourhood very much,” “The urban sprawl in both metropolitan exposed to the elements,” he said. under 18 and over a certain age if you be- said the social worker and mother of three areas—in Quebec City and Montreal—in- That may one day change, however. come less physically fit, you cannot drive. boys aged 7, 5 and 2. “Families know each creased sharply from 1951 to now, and the “If solar energy, wind energy and other “It’s possible that, in the future, auto- other. Between neighbours, we’ll help each sharpest increase happened in the past 30 forms of alternative energy become [more vi- mated vehicles à la Google will solve that other. [...] There are also a lot of children. years, between 1986 and now,” said Naghmeh able], it may be that every home in the sub- problem and that any youngster of 12 and There’s lots of parks with playgrounds and Nazarnia, who recently completed her mas- urbs can become energy-independent and any elderly person of 92 can hop in a self- skating rinks, they’re well-maintained.” ter’s thesis on urban sprawl at Concordia. everyone will drive cars that are using renew- driving electric vehicle, but for the moment, Mirabel has grown considerably in re- “The results [of my research] show that able energy, and this question [of sustain- the suburb is not a very equitable place in cent years. The last Canadian census found the degree of sprawl in the Montreal metro- ability] will become moot,” he continued. many cases for poor people, for the elderly that its population increased by no less than politan area increased 11-fold.” “However, at this point [in time], when and for the young.” 21.2 per cent between 2006 and 2011. we still rely on a lot of fossil fuels, it is clear Reducing the amount of urban sprawl “There are two schools that are at full capac- The Environmental Impact that cities have a lower carbon footprint may also help to protect the forests and ity and there’s talk for next year of building a For McGill University urban planning pro- than suburbs and that suburbs involve more farms left in Greater Montreal. third school,” said Marcotte, who has lived in fessor Raphaël Fischler, it’s important to ac- energy expenditures per [housing] unit.” Progress is being made, according to Fis- the suburban municipality for 12 years and has knowledge that urban sprawl has enabled chler, who says suburban municipalities are seen the influx of families profoundly transform many people to achieve the dream of a Curbing the Sprawl increasingly taking public transit into account the area. “It’s truly an economic boom.” home of their own. Though he doesn’t dismiss land use policies in their development plans, seeking to build But not everything in the suburbs is as “What people generally negatively call entirely—he is an urban planner by profes- denser neighbourhoods around transit hubs. rosy as it seems. The suburbs are not nearly urban sprawl has in fact been an incredible sion, after all—Fischler argues that the As for the environment, Claude Marois, as environmentally friendly as their lush, contribution to the middle class in terms of Montreal metropolitan region’s carbon foot- a geography professor at the Université de green lawns may lead the unsuspecting city- giving the middle class access to single-fam- print can be reduced more easily through Montréal, says the laws already in place to dweller to believe. ily housing,” Fischler said. “The middle technological innovation than through bet- protect agricultural lands in the metropoli- class cannot afford a single-family house or ter metropolitan planning. tan region are working, and that he’s also Understanding the Phenomenon a semi-detached house, something with a For instance, he said increasing the fuel noticed a shift in the mentality of suburban Canada is most accurately described as a yard and of a decent size, inside the city.” efficiency of cars by 50 per cent would sig- municipalities on the importance of con- suburban nation, according to a study pub- Still, all of this residential development nificantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. serving agricultural areas and forests. lished in the Journal of Architectural and on the edges of the metropolitan region has Achieving a similar reduction in the region’s “Despite all the urban pressures, agriculture Planning Research last fall. its disadvantages. carbon footprint through planning tools is continuing relatively well,” Marois said. In “Suburban Nation? Estimating the “The environmental reputation of sub- would require 50 per cent of the individuals “Since the 1990s, more and more municipalities Size of Canada’s Suburban Population,” urbs is a bad one, and it’s deservedly so,” Fis- living in single-family homes to move into are realizing that the protection of the environ- Queen’s University urban planning profes- chler said. “They are clearly not a gift to the more energy-efficient condos or apart- ment becomes a factor in enhancing their at- sor David Gordon and policy analyst Mark Earth in terms of [their] carbon footprint.” ments—something that would be consider- tractiveness to residents, that quality of life and Janzen found that suburban areas account In some parts of the metropolitan re- ably more difficult to bring about. improvement of the environment go together.” for roughly 80 per cent of the country’s met- gion, suburban development has undercut But even if technological progress might ropolitan population and around 66 per rich ecosystems such as wetlands, destroy- be a shortcut to environmental sustainabil- Photos Michael Wrobel 8 Towards a Greener Concordia Reports Weigh In on Concordia s Sustainability

by Colin Harris @ColinnHarris sions by 12 per cent, compared to Council, and since 2003 the just 1.5 per cent for the B2 fuel cur- Canada Green Building Council has At an institution as big as Concor- rently in Concordia shuttle buses. been evaluating buildings using dia, in order to be truly “sustain- However, the report notes the this ratings system. The Molson able,” long-term efforts must come source of biofuel is critical to its Building also has silver certifica- from all corners of the university. recommendation. tion, and the PERFORM Centre Sustainability Concordia has conducted three “Biodiesel produced from con- has gold certification—the second- sustainability audits since 2003, ventional food crops that could have highest ranking after platinum. the most recent report having been otherwise been used as food is con- While these new buildings are released in 2009. The next Concor- sidered an unsustainable source,” getting the LEED seal of approval, dia Campus Sustainability Assess- reads the draft, noting the source of the report draft recommends that ment report is in the works, looking biofuel should not create competition clearly defined sustainable prac- at everything from governance to with “animal or human food supply.” tices should be worked into Con- construction to course content. Biofuel driving up the price of cordia’s Environmental Policy. For transportation, a draft of food is a source of controversy for The policy currently states that the forthcoming report notes that the clean energy source, in that it “green building principles” must be about 90 per cent of students and crowds out developing countries used for construction and renova- 80 per cent of employees are using from growing their own crops. tion projects, including “optimal “sustainable commuting” prac- Another recommendation is to energy efficiency, life-cycle costs, tices, including public transport, add an emissions surcharge for high indoor environmental quality, the shuttle bus or active transport certain vehicle parking fees to en- and reduced water consumption.” such as cycling or walking. courage more use of hybrid and The university also has two At Loyola, security officials use electric cars, and provide addi- “green roofs” to use as garden two electric cars, which are permitted tional funds for shuttle and bicycle space, however the report draft to drive on the streets surrounding projects. Signage for Montreal’s notes the roof on the MB Building Loyola, to travel on campus. Loyola no-idling bylaw is also recom- is not currently being maintained. has two electric car charging stations mended to be placed “throughout The renovations of the outside for public use on the campus. [Concordia]’s community.” of the GM Building will reduce its The report draft, dated Jan. 30, Concordia’s newest building has natural gas consumption—which 2014, recommends that the Concor- qualified for the Leadership in En- Concordia uses to heat its build- dia shuttle buses use B20 biodiesel ergy and Environmental Design sil- ings—by 65 per cent, according to fuel, which is 20 per cent biodiesel, ver rating. The Centre for Structural a 2011 report by Pageau Morel et compared to the two per cent and Functional Genomics is the third Associés Inc. The D.B. Clarke The- biodiesel fuel mix the university cur- Concordia building to receive LEED atre also now uses LED light rently uses. According to a 2002 En- certification—the current standard bulbs, which use less energy than vironmental Protection Agency for sustainable building. the old incandescent ones. report cited in the draft, switching The ratings system was devel- to B20 fuel would reduce CO2 emis- oped by the U.S. Green Building Graphic Graeme Shorten Adams

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Bikurious Montréal 1757 Amherst • Presse Café 3501 Ave. du Parc • Pita Pit 3575 Ave. du Parc • Cinéma du Parc 3575 Ave. du Parc • Le Coin Grec 4903 Ave. du Parc • Frites Alors! 5235 Ave. du Parc • Caffè in Gamba 5263 Ave. du Parc • New Navarino Café 5563 Ave. du Parc • Café l'Artère 7000 Ave. du Parc • Dépanneur Café 206 Bernard O. • Sono- rama 260 Bernard O. • Burritoville 2055 Bishop • Irish Embassy 1234 Bishop • Comedy Works 1238 Bishop • Grumpy's 1242 Bishop • Kafein 1429 Bishop • Smoke Poutinerie 2019 Bishop • Madhatter's Pub 1208 Crescent • Brutopia 1219 Crescent • Boustan 2020 Crescent • Galerie Fokus 68 Duluth E. • Maison du Tibet 129 Duluth E. • Utopia 159 Du- luth E. • Tienae Santé & Végétarienne 279 Duluth E. • Café Grazie 58 Fairmount • Arts Café 201 Fairmount O. • La Maison de la Torréfaction 412 Gilford • Sushi Man 1435 Guy • Java U 1455 Guy • Comptoir du Chef 2153 Guy • Kam Ho 1448 Mackay • Second Cup 2002 Mackay • Eggspectation 1313 Maisonneuve O. • Caffe Cuore 100 Marie-Anne O. • Paragraphe 2220 McGill College • Cheap Thrills 2044 Metcalfe • Second Cup 5550 Mon- kland • George's Souvlaki 6995 Monkland • L'Echange 713 Mont-Royal E. • Café Expres- sions 957 Mont-Royal E. • Café Art Java 837 Mont-Royal E. • Centre des mets chinois de Montréal 961 Mont-Royal E. • Restaurant Mont-Royal Hot Dog 1001 Mont-Royal E. • Starbucks 1241 Mont-Royal E. • Freeson Rock 1477 Mont-Royal E. • Dilallo Burger 2523 Notre-Dame O. • Rustique 4615 Notre-Dame O. • Café St-Henri 3632 Notre-Dame O. • Frites Alors! 433 Rachel E. • L'Oblique 4333 Rivard • Juliette et Chocolat 1615 Saint- Denis • Frites Alors! 1710 Saint-Denis • Yuan Vegetarian Restaurant 2115 Saint-Denis • Beatnick 3770 Saint-Denis • Eva B 2015 Saint-Laurent • Bocadillo 3677 Saint-Laurent • Bizarde 3770 Saint-Laurent • Liberia Espagnola 3811 Saint-Laurent • Frappe St-Laurent 3900 Saint-Laurent • Le Divan Orange 4234 Saint-Laurent • Les Bobards 4328 Saint-Lau- rent • Om Restaurant 4382 Saint-Laurent • Kg Délices 5206 Saint-Laurent • Snack'n Blues 5260 Saint-Laurent • Café Santropol 3990 Saint-Urbain • Barros Lucos 5201 Saint-Urbain • La Panthère Verte 66 Saint-Viateur O. • Batory Euro Deli 115 Saint-Viateur O. • Club Social 180 Saint-Viateur O. • Fats Billard 1635 Ste-Catherine O. • Buns Burgers 1855 Ste-Catherine O. • Nilufar 1923 Ste-Catherine O. • Café Ciné Express 1926 Ste-Catherine O. • Bull Pub 2170 Ste-Catherine O. • Shaika Café 5526 Sherbrooke O. • Maz Bar 5617 Sherbrooke O. • D.A.D.'s Bagels 5732 Sherbrooke O. • Co-op La Maison Verte 5785 Sher- brooke O. • Café 92º 6703 Sherbrooke O. • Second Cup 7335 Sherbrooke O. • Bistro Van Houtte 2020 Stanley • Mémé Tartine 4601 Verdun the link • february 11, 2014 thelinknewspaper.ca/fringe 11 Fringe Arts

Rooted in Music Orchestral Folk-Pop Band Lost In the Trees Share Their Organic, Creative Process by Athina Lugez Lost In the Trees. A Church That Fits Our Needs, released in Tree Canada’s mission is to maintain a “After college I was listening to a lot 2012, was largely fuelled by Picker’s mother’s healthy environment in the true North by Ari Picker wanted to give his band “a dramatic more contemporary music and seeing a lot suicide in 2008. sustaining urban and rural forests. Thus far, feel to it” when he decided upon the moniker of bands at festivals, so I was less isolated “I think each album is its own musical the group has planted over 80 million trees Lost in the Trees in 2007. Coincidentally, it’s musically speaking,” said Picker, the band’s experiment. I wanted the process to be more across Canada through different and diverse the band’s music, not its name, that is helping writer and lead vocalist. external whereas the others were a lot more programs. Their goal is to raise awareness keep Canada’s wilderness alive. Picker started by writing songs in his personal and intentional. The goal was to of the importance of trees to all age groups. The five-piece orchestral folk-pop group bedroom and sending out demo CDs to make this album more spontaneous, fun At the end of every concert during their from North Carolina is venturing through the record companies. He eventually formed and free,” he said. Canadian tour, tree saplings will be distrib- forests of Canada this month and contribut- the band with friends he had met in the or- “So it turned out a lot more pop. The song uted to fans. They are then encouraged to ing to their growth, pairing with non-profit chestral music program and they were structures are based on loops and beats. So, nurture the saplings into thriving trees, in organization Tree Canada and handing out signed to Trekky Records. it’s definitely more groovy, and a little fancy order to replenish the Earth with life. free tree saplings at their Canadian shows. Over the years, Picker says the band has and certainly a lot more powerful to play live.” Walker said that Tree Canada collaborating “I worked in the music industry for al- changed in significant ways, with the size Picker explained that many of his inspi- with Lost In the Trees was “the perfect vehicle most two decades and met some amazing fluctuating and plenty of experimentation rations came from paintings he had seen in to engage a demographic through something and inspiring people along the way,” said done within different musical genres. museums, poems he had written and books they love.” Richard Walker, head of communications at “Our past records were influenced by clas- he had read. “We even have a contest set up for people Tree Canada. “One of them works for [Lost sical music, because that’s what I was study- “It was assembled like a collage—copy- who pick up saplings to post how they will in the Trees]’ Canadian label and posted a ing and I was in my classical bubble,” he said. paste kind of lyrical experiment versus care for the tree and where they will plant song of theirs on Facebook. Their newest album, Past Life, set to be every line having a ton of weight,” he said. it. Prize packs will be given to the best plans “After listening to it, I instantly loved the released on Feb. 18, has minimalist modern in each city,” Walker said. band,” he continued. “I contacted my friend and sounds and puts an emphasis on rhythm A Bag of Trees “The best thing to do is to plant it in a pot asked [if they could do] something with Tree and groove. Aware of the large carbon footprint a tour- with some soil, water it every other day until Canada during their Canadian leg of the tour.” “This album is more abstract and open. We ing band leaves behind, Lost in the Trees the ground thaws and plant in your back- A trip to Canada was the last thing on tried to be more hands-on and develop an decided to collaborate with non-profit green yard or neighbourhood park. The best times Picker’s mind when he first started the band emotional reaction from listeners, versus hav- organization Tree Canada for their Cana- to plant are late April to mid June and late seven years ago. ing a particular theme like the past album,” dian tour this month. August to late October,” he added. After graduating from Berklee College of Picker said. “The purpose was having fun “Music has many purposes, and one of Music in Boston with a formal training in making this record during the process.” them is a responsibility not only for the cre- Lost in the Trees + All Tiny Creatures // Feb. classical music, Picker wanted to burst out The band’s intention was to move away ation of art but to leave a positive impact in 22 // Il Motore (179 Jean Talon St. W.) // of his academic bubble with the creation of from themes of loss—their previous record, other ways,” said Picker. 8 p.m. // $14 door, $12 advance the link • february 11, 2014 Fringe Arts 12 thelinknewspaper.ca/fringe

Fringe Calendar FEB. 11 TO FEB. 17 by Riley Stativa @wileyriles T W Th F Sa Su M 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 MUSIC CINEMA LITERATURE 1 Kalmunity Live Organic Improv 4 Nickel Flicks: The General 7 Pitch Black Feb. 11 Feb. 13 Feb. 15 1 Les Bobards (4328 St. Laurent Blvd.) The Wiggle Room (3874 St. Laurent Blvd.) Cinémathèque québécoise (335 de 8 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Maisonneuve Blvd. E.) 2 $5 before 8:30 p.m., $8 after 8:30 p.m. Five cents 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Witness the Kalmunity Vibe Collective, Although it’s difficult for young folks to $15 advance a talented group of poets, singers, imagine a time when they weren’t paying This unique bilingual poetry and spoken 3 dancers, musicians and artists of many with their future first born or a vital limb for word event immerses the audience in disciplines, as they perform a live show a bag of popcorn and a movie, this event total darkness, so that they can focus on through spontaneous composition and returns us to a simpler time when a flick the content and calibre of the pieces 4 performance. Culturally rich and only cost a nickel. This screening of Buster being performed by over 15 artists. Lis- unique, this is music, it’s storytelling, Keaton’s The General will feature a pianist tening without seeing creates a height- and it might just be an experience unlike playing the live score with a menu of pop- ened relationship between the speaker 5 anything you’ve seen before. corn and classic cocktails, sure to help you and the people hearing them without out of your Great Depression. other sensory distractions. You merely 2 Ska-lentine’s Day Show 2014 adopted the dark—these poets were 6 Feb. 14 5 Le Cagibi Cult Movie Night – The Gate born in it, molded by it. TRH-Bar (3699 St. Laurent Blvd.) + Chopping Mall 9 p.m. Feb. 16 OTHER 7 $8 advance, $10 door Le Cagibi (5490 St. Laurent Blvd.) Roses are red, trumpets are brass, it’s a 7:30 p.m. 8 Boots Riley Valentine’s Day ska show, and it’s Free admission (donations accepted) Feb. 11 8 gonna be a blast! Rock and skank out Just because your romantic Valentine’s CSU Lounge, 7th Floor Hall Building to your heart’s content with Killawail, Day fondue plans didn’t pan out doesn’t (1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.) The Lost Ideas, Viva Bertaga, and the mean you can’t get your fill of cheese— 7 p.m. Dirty Skankers at Montreal’s crazy with some classic ‘80s horror flicks. Three Free for students, $5 for non-students skateboarding bar. kids accidentally unleash a plague of pint- American musician, vocalist, writer and sized demons upon the earth in The Gate, activist Raymond “Boots” Riley is coming ART while in Chopping Mall eight teeny bop- to Concordia as part of a speaker series pers are locked in a mall after hours, and being put on by the CSU, CCSU and 3 Oscillations of the Visible must survive the night while under siege by SHAC. Active in the music industry for Vernissage three out of control, killer security robots. over 20 years, Riley has worked with or- Feb. 12 ganizations such as the Women’s Eco- Leonard and Bina Ellen Art Gallery, LB THEATRE nomic Agenda Project and the Black Building (1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.) Panther Alumni Association, and will let 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 6 Tonight We Play “A Soggetto” his political voice ring out across campus. Free admission Feb. 12 to Feb. 16 Olivia Boudreau’s vernissage will feature F.C. Smith Auditorium live performance and 14 video installa- (7141 Sherbrooke St. W.) tions. Once known for her static shots 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. and video work, this exhibit takes a di- $5 student, $10 regular rectorial turn, as her work has evolved to This “metatheatrical” play features the introduce both narrative and interaction. force and talent of students within Concordia’s Department of Theatre. It explores the lines and limits that sepa- rate real life from fiction, and actor from character. A comedy and a drama, fea- turing actors and puppetry, the show is Check out more listings online at set up to challenge conventions and thelinknewspaper.ca/calendar redefine theatre altogether.

Fringe Giveaway TICKETS TO BURLESQUE SHOWS AT THE WIGGLE ROOM

After great, yet random deliberation, Valentine Burlesque show with a friend the winners of this week’s Fringe Give- on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 9 p.m., also away have been chosen! at the Wiggle Room. Congratulations Matt Hum, you’ll be Thank you to everyone who entered, on the guest list for Dr. Wiggle’s Bur- and be sure to check out our Fringe lesque Emporium: Love Potion Edition Giveaway video at with a friend on Friday, Feb. 14 at 9 youtube.com/linknewspaper, like us p.m. at The Wiggle Room (3874 St. on Facebook and follow us on Twitter Laurent Blvd.). to catch the next giveaway! And congratulations Derek Andela, you’ll be on the guest list for the Blue Happy Reading Week, Concordia! SportsSports Stingers Stories: All You Need to Know About Your Bees in Two Minutes • Page 15

Curtain Call for Captain Concordia Stingers Captain George Lovatsis Reflects on Career in Maroon and Gold by David S. Landsman @dslands moment came a season later, when he amassed 20 goals and 20 assists to finish When Concordia’s men’s hockey 2013-2014 the season with 40 points in just 28 games, season reaches its end, most players will be fourth-most in the entire Canadian In- reflecting on a season filled with ups and teruniversity Sport that year. downs, and looking forward to how they can “That’s a difficult task to accomplish, and improve for next year. not many players can say they were at the top Months away from completing his final of the league in goals and points,” he said. year of eligibility as a Stinger, team captain The standings isn’t the only place Lovat- George Lovatsis will have things other than sis has left his mark. hockey on his mind. “This is my third year playing along- “I’ll definitely miss being with my team- side George, and every year he’s been tak- mates every day, going downtown and to the ing on more and more of a leadership Old Port,” said the Leisure Sciences major. role,” said teammate and alternate captain “Montreal is such a unique city, I hope when Kyle Armstrong. “He’s a great guy to look I’m finished that I’ll be able to visit often.” [up to] and I hope to be as great a leader A native of Markham, Ont., the 24-year- as him when I’m done.” old centreman played three seasons in the Olivier Hinse, who also holds the title of al- Ontario Hockey League for the Kingston ternate captain, had similar praise for his captain. Frontenacs and Barrie Colts before joining “[George] is very mature, a real leader on the Stingers in the winter of 2009. and off the ice,” said the sophomore. “He “I came to Concordia because I had some may not always talk the most, but when he old teammates on the team,” said Lovatsis. “I does, we listen. We have a very strong rela- also wanted to come to Montreal because it’s a tionship and we work really well together.” great city,” added the Toronto Maple Leafs fan. When Lovatsis is the one in need of guid- Throughout his career, Lovatsis has col- ance on or off the ice, he usually turns to his lected some impressive statistics. girlfriend and former Stingers women’s He’s played a total of 121 games as a Stinger hockey team captain Mallory Lawton. and has amassed 116 points, averaging nearly “I go to Mal for advice all the time,” said a point a game. He has also scored 51 goals, Lovatsis. “Whenever I need to, I’ll ask her with his 50th goal coming in the Stingers’ 5-2 for her advice. She does the same when the win over Nipissing University on Jan. 11. roles are reversed.” “It was a nice accomplishment to get [50] Lovatsis is especially grateful for the goals,” said Lovatsis. “I hope I can get [more] guidance of head coach Kevin Figsby. before the season ends.” “It’s been great. He’s given me all the op- Lovatsis, who spent previous years as an portunities and chances in the world,” said alternate captain, was elected team captain Lovatsis. “I’m extremely thankful for that.” in a unanimous decision by coaches and What’s next for Lovatsis is up in the air, teammates at the beginning of the season. but he’s mulling over some of his options. “It was an honour to get the ‘C’ this year. “I want to go to teachers college in On- It was a great learning experience and it tario and try to become a teacher,” he truly allowed me to develop leadership said. “If there is a hockey opportunity, skills,” said Lovatsis. “This is the youngest either locally or abroad, I would like to team I’ve had in my five-year career, so I did pursue that as well.” my best to guide and direct my teammates Until then, Lovatsis has two regular sea- in the right direction for the future.” son games and the playoffs left to play. Under his leadership, the team has “I’m anxious to get [the playoffs] clinched a sixth-place finish in the Ontario started,” says Lovatsis. “I think if [goal- University Athletics East Conference. It will tender Antonio Mastropietro] plays well, mark the first time the Stingers make the play- and all the other pieces fall into place for us, offs since the 2010-2011 season. we have a real shot of going far.” But that season isn’t the most memo- rable one for Lovatsis. Rather, his proudest Photo David S. Landsman Stingers captain George Lovatsis hopes to lead Concordia deep into the playoffs as his CIS career comes to a close. the link • february 11, 2014 Sports 14 thelinknewspaper.ca/sports

A 3,000 km Assist Stinger Mukiya Post Brings Sports Gear to Caribbean Youth with Pass the Ball by Julian McKenzie @therealestjmac

On the court, Concordia Stingers forward Mukiya Post has been counted on as a scorer, averaging a team-leading 14 points a game this season. Off the court, however, Post has been delivering more assists in hopes of al- lowing others the chance to score. Mukiya is the co-founder of Pass the Ball, a non-profit organization that provides impoverished youth in the Caribbean with sports equipment. Post founded the organ- ization with his brother, Keanau, who plays basketball at the University of Missouri, and also gets help from his mother and sister. Since last summer, Post has been collect- ing basketballs, soccer balls, rugby balls, and other sports gear from businesses, sports centres and schools, donating all of the equipment to Jamaica. “As long as [they’re] in usable condition, I take them,” said Post. Growing up in Jamaica after moving from British Columbia, Post had the idea to give back to his community during his high school or basketballs to shoot with. his primary school and a boy’s orphanage in play against each other across countries in days in B.C. However, Pass the Ball only went “Where I lived, we had a field and a soc- Westmoreland, a province in Jamaica where the Caribbean. into motion last year, when Post took a year cer ball and that’s it,” he said. Post was raised. He also plans on sending an- Post is also interested in organizing free off from his studies at Bishop’s University. “We played barefoot.” other shipment of equipment to Jamaica in sports camps for kids, where he’d teach bas- “It’s a process for sure,” he said. “Collect- Post remembers childhood friends who March and one to Haiti later in the summer. ketball and other sports skills. ing the stuff, registering the charity, paper- were unable to follow their athletic dreams “When I was younger, if somebody brought “I think sports are a great thing in chil- work. I really dedicated myself to doing that because of lack of equipment, whether it a soccer ball it was a huge difference in the dren’s lives,” he said. “So I think it’s a great and getting myself off the ground. was for soccer, volleyball or basketball. community,” said Post. “It was a big deal.” way to give back to them.” “I always wanted to give back somehow.” “They were very talented soccer players,” Post aims to eventually deliver shipments Post had begun playing basketball at the he said. “They couldn’t play on the soccer of sporting goods to other countries in the For more information on how to donate to age of seven, but was forced to stop playing team because they didn’t have soccer cleats.” Caribbean, every three months through his Pass the Ball, visit passtheball.ca. when he moved to Jamaica, as his commu- Post has already donated a batch of sports initiative. He would also like to organize an nity didn’t have basketball rims to shoot at gear including balls, cleats, nets and jerseys to association that could fund sports teams to Photo courtesy of Pass the Ball

PHOTO OF THE WEEK Photo by Natalia Lara Díaz-Berrio. The sun sets in Rigaud, Quebec over a fresh blanket of January snow. Submit your photos to [email protected] the link • february 11, 2014 thelinknewspaper.ca/sports 15 Sports

Stingers centre Zach Brisebois fights for ball possession over Bishop’s Gaiter Mike Andrews in Concordia’s 64-61 loss on Saturday afternoon. Sports Briefs The Latest News On Your Concordia Stingers by Yacine Bouhali @MyBouhali and Julian McKenzie @therealestjmac

Men’s Basketball Men’s Hockey Women’s Basketball Women’s Hockey After reviving their season with a six-game Amassing three precious points last week- The Stingers women’s basketball team has Despite suffering back-to-back losses over the winning streak, the Stingers men’s basket- end, the Stingers were able to clinch their now won six straight games after sweeping weekend, 3-2 to the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Sat- ball team has now lost three straight games. first playoff spot since 2011-2012. The first a home-and-home series versus the Bishop’s urday and 6-2 to the McGill Martlets on Sun- Following a loss to McGill on Jan. 25, the point came from a 4-3 shootout loss to the Gaiters. After winning Friday by a score of day, the Stingers still managed to clinch a Stingers dropped Friday’s game against the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Friday, while the next 55-49 on the road, the Stingers beat the playoff spot thanks to a Carleton Ravens loss Bishop’s Gaiters 73-64, and despite a valiant two were the result of a 4-2 win on Saturday Gaiters at home Saturday by a final score of on Sunday, clinching fourth place in the comeback effort on Saturday, they lost to over the UOIT Ridgebacks. The Stingers 68-41. The Gaiters have yet to win a game RSEQ for Concordia. This season will thus the Gaiters again 64-61. The Stingers now now retain the sixth spot in the Ontario this season and sit in last in the Reseau du mark the Stingers’ first postseason appear- have a record at 6-6 and sit in third place in University Athletics East Conference with a sport étudiant du Québec conference at 0- ance since the 2010-2011 season. They’ll host the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec 9-13-4 record. After facing the RMC Pal- 12. As for the Stingers, they sit a game be- the Gee-Gees in their last game of the regular conference. Next they’ll host the UQAM adins on Friday, the Stingers will play their hind the first-place McGill Martlets in the season this Friday, at Ed Meagher Arena. Citadins on Thursday at 8 p.m. regular season finale this Saturday against RSEQ with a 9-3 record. Next they’ll host Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. the Gee-Gees at Ed Meagher Arena. Puck- the UQAM Citadins on Thursday at 6 p.m. drop is at 2 p.m. in the Concordia gym. Photo Matt Garies

Check out Stingers game summaries & our weekly sports podcast, The Buzz, at thelinknewspaper.ca/sports BOXSCORES UPCOMING GAMES WEEK OF FEB 3. TO FEB. 9 THIS WEEK IN CONCORDIA SPORTS

Sunday, Feb. 9 Women’s Hockey—Concordia 2, McGill University 6 Thursday, Feb. 13 6:00 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. UQAM Citadins (Concordia gym) 8:00 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. UQAM Citadins (Concordia gym)

Saturday, Feb. 8 Men’s Basketball—Concordia 61, Bishop’s University 64 Women’s Basketball—Concordia 68, Bishop’s University 41 Friday, Feb. 14 7:00 p.m. Men’s Hockey at RMC Paladins Women’s Hockey—Concordia 2, University of Ottawa 3 7:30 p.m. Women’s Hockey vs. Ottawa Gee-Gees (Ed Meagher Arena) Men’s Hockey—Concordia 4, University of Ontario Institute of Technology 2

Friday, Feb. 7 Men’s Basketball—Concordia 64, Bishop’s University 73 Saturday, Feb. 15 2:00 p.m. Men’s Hockey vs. Ottawa Gee-Gees (Ed Meagher Arena) Men’s Hockey—Concordia 3, University of Ottawa 4 (SO) 5:00 p.m. Women’s Basketball at Laval Rouge Et Or Women’s Basketball—Concordia 55, Bishop’s University 49 7:00 p.m. Men’s Basketball at Laval Rouge Et Or OpinionsOpinions Editorial: A Call For Stricter Housing Legislation • Page 19

Media File

Two Cents and Trolls The Thorny Thicket of Online Commenting by John Delva costly ordeal, but none of the organizations tion over a year ago by requiring readers to for a certain Rob Ford article. that were asked about the cost associated log in from their Facebook account to com- “The reason for closing in these cases is You’ll probably have some opinions by the with curating comments gave any figures, ment on online stories. to avoid contempt of court, which ensures end of this article. citing business reasons. “The previous platform we used allowed for that all individuals have a right to a fair trial Keep them to yourself. Some organizations gave a clearer picture anonymous commenting. Since switching over and that right should not be impaired by That was the impression Popular Sci- of how costly an endeavour comment curation to Facebook, we’ve noticed a drop in trolling pre-trial statements or statements during a ence magazine gave its readers after an- can be, however. According to the Huffington and inappropriate comments,” said Côté. trial,” she told The Link. “Our reporters and nouncing last September it would close the Post, the website employs “the equivalent of Radio-Canada knows a thing or two editors are well trained in what can be comments section of its website. Opening about 30 full-time moderators [who] work about inappropriate. printed in legal cases, while members of the her editorial with “Comments can be bad 24/7/365 in six-hour shifts going through “During the 2012 Quebec elections, Op- public are unaware of the legal principles for science,” then-digital editor Suzanne hundreds of comments per hour.” tion Nationale—which is not a major party— and rules for criminal cases.” LaBarre explained that “trolls” were coun- The New York Times has three full-time was the most efficient on social media,” said While having comments on one’s website terproductive to the magazine’s work. moderators and 10 part-timers. Champoux Champoux. “I spent an entire evening on may sound like an all-expenses-paid trip to “Even a fractious minority wields enough estimates two moderators go through Radio- Facebook after someone from the party a guaranteed migraine, these opinions may power to skew a reader’s perception of a Canada.ca’s online comments each hour. called me out, saying we weren’t covering actually have a direct impact on reporters’ story,” she wrote. The Montreal Gazette, meanwhile, relies the party the way we should. work, says Champoux. Popular Science, of course, is in the mi- on its readers to oversee the website’s postings. “Various people throughout Radio-Canada “A few times we managed to get in touch nority—most publications out there actively “We trust the community to flag us. were inundated with dozens of what seemed with people [who commented] and some- seek readers’ feedback. Radio-Canada.ca’s We’re not moderating as much as we’re to be copy-pasted messages,” he continued. “It times it enhanced a piece. But we don’t do online comment section has been up on the monitoring the conversation. If it goes off was clearly the work of some commando who it enough,” he said. entire site since May 2009. track we’ll step in,” said Mick Côté, the was following the orders coming from social Many reporters, already burdened by The website’s news director, Pierre paper’s digital editor. media or someone from the party.” their publication’s requirement to use social Champoux, sees the section as a “commit- “Step in” entails a comment being flagged and To avoid such conundrums, in March 2011, media on top of carrying out their main du- ment […] to hear what’s on Canadians’ someone, usually Côté, making the call as to National Public Radio implemented a policy ties, would likely gasp at the idea of adding minds.” Behind this PR-like answer, whether or not the post should be taken down. based on a trial period in which comments yet another task to the list—especially after though, lies a desire to change a flaw asso- While Popular Science may be an anom- made by new users are “reviewed by a commu- a cost-benefit analysis of such an effort. ciated with old-style journalism. aly when it comes to shutting out comments nity manager prior to the comments appearing At best, comment sections require many re- “Our television and radio reporters used entirely, its qualms no less epitomize the dif- on the site,” according to an editorial the radio sources for very little tangible returns; at worst, to work in prescription mode,” Champoux ficulties involved in carrying such a section. network published on its website. they can be thorny and filled with nonsense. added. “We told people, ‘Here’s what you In 2012, Gawker changed its comment- Then there are times when the section This ambivalence is not lost on Champoux. should know […],’ but we didn’t expect to ing policy. Like LaBarre, Gawker founder has to be closed altogether for certain arti- “We know there’s an element of risk car- hear back from them. Nick Denton, too, wanted to keep trolls at cles. Aside from issues related to offensive rying comment sections, but it’s interesting “With time, our reporters have discovered bay. Would-be commenters could either content, there are also those tied to poten- for us, as journalists, to see what moves peo- interaction can be a good thing,” he continued. register with Gawker’s in-house “account tial legal ramifications. ple and find out what aspects of our coverage “They used to be afraid of being criticized.” option,” dubbed “Burner,” or log in through Sylvia Stead, the Globe and Mail’s public we could elaborate on accordingly,” he said. For big publications, creating space for their Twitter, Google or Facebook account. editor, felt the wrath of her readers when readers to give their two cents can be a The Gazette resorted to a similar solu- the newspaper’s website closed comments Graphic Ekavi Beh the link • february 11, 2014 thelinknewspaper.ca/opinions 17 Opinions Daily Dose of Morose

I’ve been taking anti-depressants and I’m worried they affect my sexual performance. It’s an awkward conversation to have— do you have any advice on how to bring this up with a partner?

–Frustrated and Medicated

My advice on how to bring this up likely to take some pressure off In the context of a relationship, everyone is comfortable talking to they’re normalized, so don’t shy away with a partner can be summarized you. Stressing about not perform- your partner could begin to feel their doctors about sexual desire from sharing your experience with in two words: with confidence. ing the way you want to is a vicious negatively about themselves if they or response issues, they’re the best people if you want them to know. I recognize that doing so may not cycle, since it’s likely to have a neg- don’t know where these difficulties equipped to help you manage This question couldn’t come at be an easy thing. Part of what makes ative effect on your actual per- are coming from. If you’re repeat- these side effects. a better time given that this is this conversation difficult is that formance. If you know that your edly having these issues, chances As a society we are slowly be- mental health and wellness week talking about taking anti-depres- partner is aware that this can be are a regular partner has noticed. coming more aware of mental at Concordia. sants will likely lead to a conversa- an issue, you’re likely to feel less Talking about this lets them know health issues thanks to recent There will be many activities tion about why you’re taking them, pressure to perform. that there is an external factor, and awareness campaigns, but people happening during the week in- so you should consider how you It’s also good to consider the can help them to be more sensitive dealing with these issues still ex- cluding workshops, and a fair with want to respond if this comes up. relational aspect of sexual side ef- and better support you. perience stigma and feel ashamed kiosks and activities to raise Unpacking the reasons you’re fects. Depending on the issue For some, these effects will go to speak openly about them. awareness and help with manag- on anti-depressants may also not you’re concerned about and the away or lessen once they’ve been This is unfortunate because a big ing mental health issues, so stop be something you’re interested in type of relationship you have with on the medication for a while, part of working on that stigma and by and check them out! doing if it’s a casual partner, since your partner, not being upfront though this isn’t the case for every- increasing awareness involves peo- doing so can require a certain about this could actually create one. If this issue is really bothering ple living with mental health issues –Melissa Fuller @mel_full level of intimacy. Above all, your tension. For example, the most you, it might be worth discussing sharing their struggles with those comfort level with taking this common sexual side effects re- it with the doctor who prescribed close to them. Whether you choose Submit your question anonymously medication and why you’re taking ported are related to sexual desire the medication. to share this information is entirely at sex-pancakes.com and check out it will affect how you approach and arousal. You might notice a There’s no guarantee that it can up to you, but know that opening “Sex & Pancakes” on Facebook. this conversation. decrease or absence of sexual de- be solved, but sometimes these up to people close to you can help Got a quick health question? It can help to focus on the ben- sire, or difficulty getting or main- side effects are just a matter ad- make you feel more comfortable. Just need a resource? Text SextEd efits of sharing this information taining an erection or natural justing the dosage or trying a dif- My final advice would be that at 514-700-0445 for a confidential with your partner. First of all, it’s vaginal lubrication. ferent medication. Though not these things get easier the more answer within 24 hours!

Reduce, Reuse, Re-Crossword by Erin Sparks @sparkserin

ACROSS: DOWN:

1. This alternative energy source 1. It might be hard during colder gets its power from arguably the months, but spending less time best star in the sky. doing this can help reduce water consumption. 2. Keeping these buzzing insects in urban gardens can help boost 2. The largest known mammal in food production thanks to their the world, this sea-faring creature pollination efforts. is now endangered. (2 words)

4. According to the 2014 Envi- 3. These buildings allow plants ronmental Protection Index, this to grow year round, and also pro- central European country does the vide a great place to study. best job of protecting the ecosys- tem and the environmental health 5. In Canada, these threatened of its citizens. marshy areas are home to over 100 species of birds. 6. This former U.S. vice-presi- dent is known for his environmen- 7. Our fair city hosted a confer- tal initiatives. (2 words) ence in 1987 that resulted in a treaty to phase out chemicals dam- 10. The mass production during aging this part of the atmosphere. this major 18th and 19th century phenomenon led to extreme pollu- 8. Thirty-six per cent of Mon- tion, among other things. (2 words) treal’s household garbage is made of organic material, which can be recycled through this method of waste removal.

9. Home to the largest concen- tration of plant and animal species on earth, this rainforest has been heavily deforested.

Graphic Graeme Shorten Adams the link • february 11, 2014 Opinions 18 thelinknewspaper.ca/comics

Power Theatre COMIC ALEX CALLARD

Quebecois 101 COMIC PAKU DAOUST-CLOUTIER

Avoir le coeur gros (A-vwar-luh-car-grow): No, this expression does not translate to “to have a big heart.” Rather, its English equivalent is “to have a heavy heart.” This expression means that a person is sad or melancholic, and is a reference to one’s chest expanding and tightening up when they feel anguish or sadness.

False Knees COMIC JOSHUA BARKMAN

NAH’MSAYIN? Double the Songs, Zero the Fun

Imagine you’re sitting in a room, minding your own they want to listen to, and I feel my blood pressure beeswax and listening to some sweet Blink-182 tunes rising with every poorly matched beat. or whatever. Halfway through Tom DeLonge’s skill- Sure, there’s the potential that some cool new song ful, three-note guitar solo, a phantom noise starts to could come out of the combination of “Don’t Phunk infiltrate your ears, totally ruining the rockin’ vibe With my Heart” and “Livin’ on a Prayer,” but is it re- you had going on. That, my friends, is the sound of ally worth the potential disaster that could ensue someone else playing another song while you’re play- when those two songs come together in the cata- ing one. It’s the sound of pure horror. strophic merging of Fergie’s grating voice and Jon The sheer terror I feel when two songs play at once Bon Jovi’s leather pants? is unparalleled. I imagine some sadistic, would-be DJ I know mashups are what the kids are into these in another room, slowly turning the volume up on the days, but this is just unnecessary. Quit your wannabe song that is soon to become my living nightmare. I Skrillex-ing and wait until my damn song is finished. just don’t see how this situation is enjoyable for any- Graphic Caity Hall one involved—no party gets to actually enjoy the song –Erin Sparks, Managing editor the link • february 11, 2014 thelinknewspaper.ca/opinions 19 Opinions

Editorial

The Towers of Terror

One certainty within the ever- went on into the fall—well past who will hear their case and consider rooms and short-term leases. If apartment than to get in touch changing landscape of our aca- their scheduled end date. The work it before providing a legal verdict. anything is ill-suited to their with a landlord who won’t answer demic hub of a city is that there went on, with tenants moving into It’s a system that is supposed needs, filing with the Régie is use- their phone or fulfill their respon- will always be students looking for rooms lacking the amenities adver- to protect the rights of the ten- less, as their time in the city will sibilities, we must greet it with ac- places to live. Whether from out of tising, come hell or high monthly ant, making landlords account- likely be long over before their tions greater than that of a shrug. town or born and raised on the is- rent rate. able for lease infractions or basic grievances will be heard. They be- “C’est la vie” simply can’t cut it for land, the “finding adequate hous- Since these kind of residences at- rights, such as an apartment ac- come victims of the flawed system. students finding themselves in pre- ing” dance is a limbo many tract those who have travelled far to tually being livable. In this sense, students are vul- carious living conditions, or worse. students know all too well. study in Montreal—they’re left with But a complaint or report to nerable. Concordia’s Off-Campus There is already a push for this Recently, more and more com- little knowledge of their rights, and the Régie can take up to 17 Housing and Job Bank helps them kind of change in the city, with or- panies have been seeking to take how to make things better. months to process, forcing many navigate the complicated legal ganizations like Project Genesis advantage of this fact: Private res- In some cases with these resi- students to wait with their hands process that comes with filing a focusing on improving housing idences, with a bullseye on the dences, students can apply for and tied for legal action. Unless the complaint with the Régie. conditions and actively lobbying backs and wallets of students, are then pay for a room with a credit situation is desperate, like a But the fact is the mountain of con- for shorter complaint processing popping up at an increasing rate card over the Internet—almost no heater breakdown in the middle fusing paperwork is only one step of times with the Régie. en masse in Montreal. interaction with the landlord or of the winter, or no running water many, another kink the backbone of But there needs to be a group These dream buildings offer it all: owner required. at all, the everyday troubles of the the housing market’s crooked spine. effort. If there are to be any tangi- they’re usually conveniently located It’s this sort of absenteeism student tenant are largely ig- This is not to say every landlord ble changes, it’s up to each verte- downtown, they come fully-fur- that is the real issue. When things nored, or at least legally delayed. of every building is dishonest and brae of the system to straighten up nished and they include appliances, go wrong, there is no face to bring By the time their day in court irresponsible, but there are enough and notice the wrongs. air, heat and the promise of safety. the problem to. Rushed construc- comes, there is a chance they have apartment horror stories circulat- If what we need is stricter, Despite the hefty pricetag, it sounds tion jobs or poor living conditions opted to move somewhere else, ing to validate these unfortunate more streamlined city-wide legis- too good to be true—and often, it is. are merely a symptom of a hous- leaving the landlord to bring in instances as a sad reality. lation over the places we call Recently, St. Cathy’s student ing system with a serious disease. the next tenants. What we need now is real effort home, it’s as much our job to raise residence, located right by Concor- When tenants, be they students or This time constraint is espe- towards real change. We need a our voices and speak up about it as dia’s Sir George Williams campus, not, find problems with their apart- cially troubling for exchange stu- cure for the problem, not a band- it is the government’s job to listen. was reported to have been in the ment, the legal avenue is to file paper- dents, who are drawn to private aid. When we live in a place where midst of summer renovations that work with the Régie du logement, residences and their furnished it’s easier to move to another Graphic Graeme Shorten Adams

editor-in-chief COLIN HARRIS coordinating editor GEOFFREY VENDEVILLE managing editor ERIN SPARKS news editor ANDREW BRENNAN Volume 34, Issue 21 current affairs editor MICHAEL WROBEL CONCORDIA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1980 assistant news editor OPEN Tuesday, February 11, 2014 fringe arts editor JAKE RUSSELL Concordia University The Link is published every Tuesday during the academic year by The Link Publication Society Inc. Content is independent of the university and student fringe arts online editor RILEY STATIVA associations (ECA, CASA, ASFA, FASA, CSU). Editorial policy is set by an elected board as provided for in The Link ’s constitution. Any student is welcome sports editor YACINE BOUHALI Hall Building, Room H-649 to work on The Link and become a voting staff member. The Link is a member of Presse Universitaire Indépendante du Québec. 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W. Material appearing in The Link may not be reproduced without prior written permission from The Link. sports online editor DAVID S. LANDSMAN Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8 Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters 400 words or less will be printed, space permitting. The letters deadline is Friday at 4:00 p.m. The Link re- opinions editor OPEN editor: 514-848-2424 x. 7405 serves the right to edit letters for clarity and length and refuse those deemed racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, libellous, or otherwise contrary copy editor JUSTIN BLANCHARD to The Link ’s statement of principles. community editor OPEN Board of Directors 2013-2014: Laura Beeston, Julia Jones, Clément Liu, Hilary Sinclair; non-voting members: Rachel Boucher, Colin Harris. arts: 514-848-2424 x. 5813 creative director JAYDE NORSTRÖM Typesetting by The Link. Printing by Hebdo-Litho. news: 514-848-2424 x. 8682 Contributors: Josh Barkman, Ekavi Beh, Alex Callard, Emily Campbell, Astramarina Cobras, Paku Daoust-Cloutier, John Delva, Noelle Didierjean, Betty photo & video editor BRANDON JOHNSTON business: 514-848-7406 Fisher, Melissa Fuller, Matt Garies, Caity Hall, Flora Hammond, Alexandre Hureau, Marc-Olivier Laramée, Athina Lugez, Julian McKenzie, Alejandra Melian- graphics editor GRAEME SHORTEN ADAMS advertising: 514-848-7406 Morse, Shaun Michaud, Derek Munn, Aneil Prasad, Verity Stevenson, Tamim Sujet, Gabriel Wainio-Théberge business manager RACHEL BOUCHER fax: 514-848-4540 distribution SKYLAR NAGAO Cover photo by Brandon Johnston and graphics by Graeme Shorten Adams system administrator CLEVE HIGGINS ATTENTION STUDENTS!

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