The Back-Alley Revisited: On Antigonish’s Abortion Access

Donald J. Trump, president-elect of the United States of America has stated that he is proud to have overturned Roe V. Wade and suggests that there should be some kind of punishment for abortion. Due to this, as well as his flawed character traits and policies I, much like many of you, woke up on November 6th, 2024, to the results of the election and reacted with sadness and anger.

As U.S and Canadian politics are certainly entangled, it is worth noting that we are not our neighbours. However, the re-elect of Trump made me start to question abortion access in our very own town. Upon research, I was disheartened by the availability of these reproductive rights here in Antigonish.

Many STFX students are familiar with St. Martha’s Hospital, the main healthcare facility serving the area. Astonishingly, according to a 2020 article by The Walrus, the hospital does not provide abortions, nor will it offer referrals to physicians who do.

Moreover, Antigonish is a small community, which is one of my favourite things about living here. Whether it be studying in the library or on a night out, I almost always run into a friend. However, this only adds to the increasingly apparent abortion taboo in a predominantly Catholic area. Consider seeking an abortion in the hospital, only to see the same doctor who turned you away the next day in town.

I looked elsewhere after discovering St. Martha’s did not provide abortion services. The STFX health and counselling centre offers many great resources for students. They provide IUD insertions, pregnancy and STI testing as well as emergency contraception. However, there is no mention of abortions being offered on the website. Likewise, The Antigonish Women's Centre, while they do great work for the community, do not provide abortions, as said by a member of their team.

According to the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, the closest place that performs abortions is the ROSE clinic in Halifax, a five-hour round trip away. This imposes many financial and social constraints on an already controversial medical procedure.

Additionally, considering that sexual violence is rampant on university campuses with 1 in 10 women having been assaulted at a post-secondary institution in Canada since 2019 5; it is even more imperative that abortions be made more accessible in our university town.

If we want to ensure back-alley abortions are never revisited, Antigonish needs to do better.

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Rose Clinic Self-Referral Form:

https://forms-beta.novascotia.ca/NewSubmission/2500e7a6-0218-46e3-800e-f47f447e5147

Igniting Innovation: Impact X Brings Entrepreneurship to Life at St.FX

Impact X is an event you won’t want to miss. The idea for an innovative entrepreneurship event became a reality in April 2023, founded by a dynamic group of individuals, including Alex Doward, Dr. Greg Hadley, Alexis MacDonald, Paula Brophy, Dr. Abede Mack and Dr. Neil Maltby, alongside three students—Erica Cameron, Isaac Herlihy, and Inka Mittler. Erica Cameron shared her thoughts on the upcoming event, saying, “It’s an opportunity for students to grow and be involved in St.FX’s entrepreneurship program.”

Over the last few years, St.FX has been working to expand its entrepreneurial ecosystem, achieving notable success with students going to external pitch competitions and events. However, Erica explained that the university recognized a gap: a lack of local opportunities for students to showcase their ideas and learn from each other. Impact X fills that void, offering an engaging space for students to learn, connect, and pitch ideas. The event is set to become a milestone for St.FX’s entrepreneurship program, fostering creativity and collaboration among students, professors, and the community.

The weekend-long event kicks off on Friday, November 22, with an evening set to inspire the community and prepare participants. The weekend will begin with a keynote address by Tareq Hadhad, the CEO and founder of Peace by Chocolate, whose story of resilience and success as a refugee is bound to leave a lasting impression. Following Tareq’s address, attendees will participate in elevator pitch workshops and introduction meetings in preparation for Saturday’s main pitch event. Even if you are not pitching at the competition, Friday evening is open to the entire community, making it a perfect opportunity to be part of the innovative and inspiring event.

Saturday’s event features roundtable workshops and other incredible speakers, such as Mallory Yawnghwe, the Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Indigenous Box Inc. The weekend will finish with the main pitch event, where students will compete for a share of $10,000 in prizes. The highly anticipated competition has attracted participants from universities across the Maritimes and even high school students from Toronto. With a diverse mix of participants, the event is not just a competition but also a learning and networking opportunity.

Impact X is not only designed for students who want to pitch business ideas but also for those curious about entrepreneurship and the business world. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or someone looking to learn more about the creative process behind start-up companies, there is something for everyone at Impact X. Looking ahead, Erica expressed her hopes for the conference, stating, “I hope that the conference makes an impact on students and simply, it’s also just a cool event that I hope students can get excited for each year.” As a new tradition for the Business program at St.FX, Impact X is set to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in students and establish itself as a fundamental pillar in the university’s entrepreneurship program.

Healthy Habits for Exam Time

As November brings cooler weather, the dreaded cold and flu season is bound to follow closely behind. And with exam season just around the corner, students seek to avoid a cough, runny nose, or worse, limiting their performance on finals. But what is it about the colder weather that makes us so susceptible to sickness? We’ve all heard that drying our hair before going outside and drinking orange juice can help prevent us from getting a cold, but do those things actually help? I have compiled some helpful tips and information on how to avoid getting sick ahead of exams and to keep ourselves healthy for the holiday season.

One of the more interesting contributing factors to our susceptibility to illness during the winter months is a lack of vitamin D. With daylight savings time and the sun sitting lower in the sky, our bodies don’t receive nearly as much vitamin D as during the summer months. Several studies conducted by the Department of Emergency Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a positive relationship between vitamin D deficiency and acute upper respiratory illness. Essentially, low levels of vitamin D make an individual more susceptible to cold and flu symptoms. A paper written by Dr. Cynthia Aranow also highlights the role of vitamin D in the immune system. Immune cells have vitamin D receptors, which means they can regulate the immune response to where it is needed in the body. A lack of vitamin D reduces the function of these receptors, making the body more susceptible to infection. So, by ensuring you’re getting enough vitamin D through supplements or even sunshine tea, you can prevent yourself from getting sick.

Another important factor that helps to support the immune system is getting enough sleep. Dr. Yvonne Chu, a sleep medicine specialist, emphasized the relationship between poor sleep and susceptibility to illness. “Studies have shown,” says Dr. Chu, “that those who chronically get less than seven hours of sleep a night are three times as likely to develop the common cold compared to those who routinely get eight hours or more of sleep.” The events of November and December, including Catalina Wine Night and X-Ring, on top of exams, mean people are staying up late and getting up early to study (or at least, intend to). While social life and academic achievement are important, it is important not to neglect sleep to make up for lost time. Put down your phone and get that extra half hour of sleep at bedtime, or consider leaving Wing Night before the last call - your immune system will thank you for it!

Lastly, while going outside with wet hair or in shorts won’t specifically get you sick, being cold certainly doesn’t help. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology showed that the body’s immune response in the nose is weakened in lower temperatures. When the internal temperature of the nose drops by just a few degrees, the release of antiviral particles called EVs decreases, making it easier for viruses to infect the body’s cells. By keeping the body and the face warm, you help maintain a strong immune response. That’s why, instead of wearing a skirt to the bar, think about putting on a pair of sweatpants until you arrive or wear a scarf on your way to class. By staying warm, you help ensure that your body functions optimally, boosting its ability to fight off viruses and stay healthy.

There are several other important steps you can take to prevent illness, like staying hydrated, eating well, and exercising regularly. These tips won’t definitely prevent you from getting a cold, but by properly taking care of yourself, you’re giving your body the best possible chance to defend itself from viruses and bacterial infections. Remember to prioritize your health as the semester comes to an end for your benefit and the benefit of those around you.

Serving Inclusivity: Volleyball Society Welcomes All

Three days a week, the gym doors are open at Saputo Centre for any to enter and play a sport that welcomes all: Volleyball. There are many sport societies here at X, ranging from the Rowing Society to the Equestrian Society, but the Volleyball Society sets itself apart. There are no restrictions! You don’t have to play competitively or need to sign up. Anyone can play. No matter your level, skill, or stature, you are welcome on the court.

At StFX, sports are everywhere. We have varsity teams, X-Rec programs, and pick-up sports like flag football among students in the parking lot or on the lawn. But not everyone can afford to pay a membership, and some may not want the commitment required to join a team. The Volleyball Society is the perfect balance, a drop-in system with no payment needed. Going alone can be hard, though, and most of the time, finding friends who have like-minded interests is no easy task. From the very first day, the Society has created a welcoming atmosphere. Each person there wants to play, and while it is competitive, the score isn’t kept. It’s about working together and being a team. A positive attitude is the only thing you need to bring. The Society members set up the courts, balls and nets provided. All the members help in creating this environment: “It’s super easy to pop in… All skill levels welcome!” says President Piper Bullivant, who can be found on the court during the week. All one has to do is show up and play!

Often, classes, studying, and exams get in the way of playing sports. But the Volleyball Society plays from 9:30-11:30 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. It’s the perfect end to your workday, allowing for the release of some endorphins before going to sleep. On Sundays, from 1-3 pm, there is another set for weekend fun, a great reason to get out of bed and get the blood flowing before starting the week. It’s not a commitment, and it’s free: the perfect combo for any student.

But the real reason that the Society is special is that it’s a social sport and movement for everyone. There are players who have played through high school but stopped when they came to university. There are others, like myself, who have never received a ball in their entire life. The beauty of it all? It doesn’t matter. The Society divides the teams by numbering you off, which allows a fair shot for everyone. No one has more time than another, and you play all positions. One regular Eli Lokonyen, when asked about the society, said, “It helps me elevate my skills, and from the beginning till now, I’ve significantly improved.” He a first year and has made friends through the Society as well. Volleyball is one of those sports in which anyone can participate, and the Society has made sure that this sport is accessible to everyone.

University is the perfect time to try new things, and best of all a sport. Whether it’s totally new or you just want to be back on the court again, there is a place for you. The Volleyball Society has created an inclusive environment for everyone and anyone to play. Moving to get your blood flowing and playing sports takes real motivation and determination, especially as the winter approaches. With student-lead opportunities like the Volleyball Society offers, there’s a healthy environment ready and waiting for students to work their bodies and their brains. The Volleyball Society, with its open doors at the Saputo Centre, serves up exactly what it means to be part of the student body at X.

U.S Election Watch Party at Candid

On Tuesday November 5, the StFX Political Science Society, Xaverian Progressive Conservatives, Young Liberals and the History Society organized a watch party for the U.S election at Candid Brewery. By the time it ended at midnight, it appeared likely to everyone that Donald Trump would secure enough votes in the electoral college to become president of the United States for the second time. Trump’s second term is expected to be one that continues to roll back reproductive and other human rights, weaponize government institutions, and inflame right-wring nationalism.

“The results of this election are extremely disheartening”, says Sophia Kydd, a third-year Honours Psychology student. “It solidifies how prevalent racism and misogyny are in our society, as two qualified, accomplished women, one being of colour, have now lost to Donald Trump. Trump takes responsibility for the overturn of Roe V. Wade, and while reproductive rights are determined at the state level, him in office greatly influences these laws. As a passionate pro-choice woman myself, your opinions on abortion aside, these extreme abortion bans have already and will kill women concerning sepsis, ectopic pregnancies, (etc.). As the U.S influences the rest of the world, the attack on reproductive rights in America is an attack on these rights everywhere."

Before the results came in, Simon Maltby, an Education student, said he was interested in the US election “because no matter who wins, it’s going to have an impact on us here in Canada. Also, for the U.S., it would be good for public confidence in the government to see a swift and peaceful transition of power.”

Emily Richard, president of the History Society, shared Simon’s belief. “Regardless of the outcome, this election is a major historical event that we need to recognize as we live through it”, she explains, “The only way to enact change for the future is to acknowledge these events and political issues as they occur”.

“I think it’s important for students to come together on issues in order to stay educated on past and recent world events”, says Mya Burke, Young Liberals president. “It’s hard to make sense of who we are and what we value if never given the opportunity to see both sides of the coin. Regardless of who you are, you can take something away from an event like this”.

President of Xaverian Progressive Conservatives Josh Kroker believes it’s important for students to follow politics because “once we stop watching elections and other democratic processes, that’s when democracy dies”

An Instagram Account called sillyneoliberals.69 posted a critique last week criticizing the watch party. Sillyneoliberals.69 posts rant-style articles, often critiquing “centrist” culture at StFX. The Xaverian Weekly has twice been targeted for articles about the Gender-Neutral washrooms at the Inn and controversial philosophy professor Dr. Mark Mercer. The account also posts pictures of Brian Mulroney with googly-eyes on his face.

The post is called “As the World Watches the American Elections in Horror, StFX Polisci Student & Their Weird-Ass Political Party Societies Wanna Share a Beer Over it at a LIVE Watch Party... smfh”. The account’s argument centers on the ethical problems posed by treating very real dangers to the lives of marginalized people too conceptually; “often like thought experiments or hypotheticals”.

This post lists some of the election issues this cycle, “the right to bodily autonomy, access to healthcare, access to gender-affirming care, policies around gun violence, immigration laws, education laws about access to knowledge about sexual diversity and the history of the oppression of Black Americans, the legitimization of police brutality against racialized people, climate policy, the degree and strategy of America’s continued support for the active genocide against the Palestinian people...”. The account argues that “so much is at stake here and as the world watches in horror, these BUFFOONS... want to organize a LIVE WATCH PARTY to jerk each other off and say ‘OMG we are SO politically engaged’” .

The post concludes with, “The only watch party of American politicians fucking the world up I am interested in attending is one in which we all hold each other and cry for the state of global politics today... You are not inviting politicians and organizing events like this because you care about politics or the state of the world”.

This is Your Sign to Sign Up for One of StFX's Free Fitness Classes

St.FX has a range of amazing fitness classes, and it took me until my fourth year to finally take advantage of them. At home in Toronto, I frequently attend fitness, wellness, and spin classes, but I found at school, I could never make the time. Being in my last year at university, I feel as though I'm making more of an effort to do the things I might have missed so far. So, if there is one piece of advice I hope you will take from this, it’s to make the most of your time at St. FX and take advantage of services you’re already paying for. Our annual tuition includes a fee that covers the cost of fitness classes, and with equipment provided, all you have to do is show up.

While school, my extracurriculars, and social life are priorities, I have learned I cannot neglect my health in the process. This year, I’ve made staying active and prioritizing fitness an essential part of my routine. It is from this focus on balance and staying active that I have started attending yoga classes. Despite regularly attending fitness classes back home, yoga has always been something I’ve tried a few times but never fully gotten into. I’ve attended a class here and there, but I haven’t committed to making it a regular part of my routine. With everything happening in my life, I find it challenging to maintain the clear mind that is often emphasized in yoga classes; however, from my experiences this semester, I have noticed big changes already.

Starting in September, my sister, who is a regular attendee, encouraged me to go to a Hatha Yoga class with her. Hatha yoga is always on Tuesday nights at 7:15, making it the perfect opportunity to reset after the weekend and prepare to attack the week. In my first few classes, I found keeping up with the instructor difficult. Preventing my mind from wandering back to my day or the things I had to complete was a challenge. Some of the poses are also quite tricky for a beginner, twisting while simultaneously maintaining balance. However, now that I have attended more classes, I am learning to be patient with myself. Focusing on my breathing has allowed me to stay in the moment more successfully, and my balance has begun to improve. My range of motion has also increased, enabling me to tackle more complex poses with greater confidence. I am calmer and more energized, allowing me to get work done more efficiently. I hope to continue attending yoga classes this year if my schedule allows, and I also plan to explore different classes, having enjoyed an early morning spin class in September.

Though yoga might not be for everyone, I encourage those reading to make use of the resources made available through school. With the range of offered classes, it is easy to find something you can enjoy, improving your overall well-being and helping to maintain essential balance.

Freshman Firsts: Figuring out Eating and Exercise

While older siblings and friends are often eager to offer advice, first-year is overwhelming. All of a sudden, every choice and decision is up to us. What we eat, when we go to sleep, and when we study. But for our bodies to keep functioning, we must take care of them. And when most students come from houses where their meals are prepared for them and their sports and sleep are more inflexibly structured, this can be a monumental task.

As freshmen try to find their footing, their health often falls down on the priority list. It’s time to help them take control and build habits that will help them for the rest of their lives. Lizzy Duffy, a BA major, and Ashlyn Wood, a Forensic Psych major, have been living on campus for one month and describe having to navigate lifestyle choices they haven’t faced before, and these are just two instances of what every first-year student is dealing with to some extent.

So much is new in the first year of university. One of the most significant is sudden freedom. Choices abound. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. Most students lacked this option before, and now presented with the ultimate freedom of choice, they are experiencing consequences from changes to their diet and activity levels. What has the biggest impact, though?

Anyone who’s taken one step into Meal Hall is struck with the realization that you can now eat whatever you want whenever you want! But are students realistically pulling out a Canada Food Guide? Often, students struggle with making uneducated food and drink choices that are not always best for one’s body. For some, the sudden freedom is detrimental, especially when they come from a more restricted food household. As freshman Parker Anstey said, “The way you deal with university food is super dependent on the way you grew up.” Parker found that with a job and making her own money, she was able to learn the ways of making smart food choices while in high school. But when meals are made for you for most of your life, one doesn’t know the dos and don’ts of healthy eating. Freshmen living in dorms are required to have a meal plan. While healthy options are available, many students gravitate towards comfort food, for example, the “always-open" pizza bar. Ashlyn Wood agrees, “The food is always mediocre, so pizza is a usual.” This common habit increases the intake of less-than-balanced meals (more carbs, less veg), which can be a new change for students’ bodies.

You may ask, but can’t first-years supplement their diets with a little “fresh” from off-campus? When it comes to dorm food, it usually isn’t vegetables or fruit. More likely, it's potato chips, ramen, and KD for those industrious enough to boil water. And, if students go off-campus for a midnight snack, their student net worth usually limits them to options consisting of fast food. First-years must work harder than any other age group to control their diets.

To top it off, Freshmen are going through one of the most stressful times in their lives, adapting to entirely new environments, roommates/social groups, and schedules, and without the rigor of past routine and parental guidance. With stress and midterm season imminent, comfort food comes first, and eating clean is the last thing on a freshman’s mind. But Morrison Hall is not just greasy food heaven. One of the highlight features, one that was a part of my acceptance decision, was the open kitchens. They allow students to create whatever they want and give them the resources to do so. One of my friends and I’s favorites is making smoothies and eggs in the morning. Not to mention the infamous salad bar right as you walk in. Stocked with fruits and vegetables and a variety of dressings, there is something for everyone. Don’t want to make it yourself? Every day, there is a different pre-made salad!

There are healthy options, but they require one thing: making an educated choice. Food is one piece of the puzzle. Another is the fact that the human body eats to fuel its movement and metabolic systems. The body is controlled by what it consumes versus how one burns that consumption through movement. Brady Skinner, a first-year in Engineering, stopped playing organized sports when he came to university. With more regular movement and exercise being less common, he feels that he is lacking the exercise that he once survived on. Students have their plate full in their first year (yes, that was a pun). Making friends, figuring out how to study and what works, and discovering who they are leaves little time to get outside for purposeful calorie burn. But here is where the freedom of choice at St.FX comes to the table. St.FX understands the students need movement even if they don’t realize it. Intermural sports organized through the university are a great way to make friends, move your body, burn off anxiety, and have some fun. With a variety of sports and games, it’s an easy way to move your body and get involved. If you are unable to make a commitment to a sign-up sport, some sports societies, like the Volleyball Society here at St.FX, run open courts for all levels a couple of nights a week. These are only a sampling of the plethora of resources available to all students as they balance the elements of their new lives at X.

With freshmen experiencing so many changes in their minds, bodies, and souls, it makes sense that dietary and physical health habits are lowered on the list of priorities, slotting in after friends, academics, and the comforts of pizza and unlimited ice cream. After informally surveying St.FX first-years, I would report that the siren call of comfort food and the relegation of organized sports and movement with the excuse of “if I have the time” are the two crucial factors when it comes to student health. For first-years, the reality of change, academic pressures and social stresses are only the beginning of managing adult life.

It is time to break the cycle here at St.FX, and it starts with reaching out to friends and St.FX resources like the health and wellness center and our brand-new Saputo Centre. It is time to love what you eat, move like you love, and take control of your choices.

“Don’t Ambush Us”: StFX Student-Athletes React to Last Minute Fees

All X-Women & X-Men interviewed in this story spoke on the condition of anonymity.

It was early August when StFX’s student-athletes began trickling in for their pre-season camps. Football, rugby, and soccer were first, followed a few weeks later by cross country, hockey, and basketball. As players began their training, their focus was interrupted by a surprise: an August 13th email saying StFX’s Athletic Department is charging its athletes an extra $250 in fees. 

The email was not met with open arms. Athletes were angry at the lack of notice, close to half of them had already begun training camps and many more were getting settled in town. As a student-athlete myself, it seemed unfair to be asked for money that had never been discussed with us previously, especially as we already pay hundreds of dollars in team fees every year, ranging from $250-$700 depending on the sport. Many other student-athletes shared this sentiment.  

“It was very frustrating”, shared a member of X-Women Hockey. “I felt very confused. My budgeting for the school year is done over the summer, and this extra fee wasn’t accounted for in my planning.” When asked how this extra fee affected them, a student-athlete with X-Women Rugby stated that “with [the rugby] season starting so early this year, that was over three weeks' worth of work gone. It’s another added stressor, another additional cost. Prices for everything are going up. The lateness of this notice was the biggest issue.” This feeling was reciprocated by a member of the X-Men Football team. “Money is tight. $250 is a lot of money. I’m not on a scholarship, and this money ended up coming out of my food budget for the year. We didn’t find out about it until it was too late”. 

In an interview with Krista McKenna, Manager of Varsity Athletics and Communications, we discussed the timeline of the decision for the fee. “The fiscal year at the University ends on March 31st but we start budget planning in October. So [the decision] would have been over the course of last year into the spring,” says McKenna. Yet the letter, dated July 30th, was only emailed to student-athletes on August 13th. McKenna says the delay “might’ve come down to staff vacations... Leo [MacPherson, Director of Athletics and Recreation] drafted the letter and sent it to me through the student portal”.  

If the fee was decided on in the Spring, why was the letter of notification only drafted on July 30th? Not to mention it being tabled for two weeks due to “staff vacations”. StFX student-athletes deserve better from our administration. A member of X-Men Football asks Athletics to “let us know early and clarify on the reasons why this is happening. Don’t ambush us”. One of his teammates reiterates this statement: “I understand that there are expenses that come with a university athletics program. But you need to realize that we are students first, and this is a lot of money. We need ample warning so we can budget beforehand”. A member of X-Women Hockey notes, importantly, that “our athletic and academic scheduling doesn’t allow much time to work in order to make this money up”.  

Expecting student-athletes to hand over a sum of money without proper preparation is simply unfair. It is unacceptable that a decision about our finances, made in the spring, was only communicated towards the end of the summer, leaving most athletes with no opportunity to make up this money.  

In the email, the distribution of funds is described?  as being directed to “Athletic Therapy, Strength & Conditioning, Mental Performance, Sport Nutrition, and Leadership Development”. Many athletes find this list too vague.  “I’m still confused as to where this money is going. This kind of confusion and lack of notice harms our relationship with the Athletic Department. It feels like there’s a gap in communication between athletes who make up the program and the higher ups that run it,” says a member X-Women Soccer. 

McKenna explained the distribution in more detail during our interview: “It’s not an even distribution. It goes towards the costs that are above and beyond operating costs [of these services]. In terms of Sports Performance, there are a lot of equipment and human resources expenses to run that space. In terms of Mental Performance, funding will be used to pay for Performance Consultants that we hire. For Sports Nutrition, it would help to cover the costs of consultants and workshops we host for the teams. Athletic Therapy goes more towards supplies and equipment we need over and above operating costs. Because we’ve elevated them all, we don’t want to have to reduce any services.” While these are all necessary expenses, it is unfortunate that this kind of transparency was not included in the original email. Athletes deserve to know where their money is going and what it will be used for. 

“Wearing the X is an absolute privilege,” says a student-athlete with X-Women Rugby. “But being an athlete, we experience different lows than other students, different pressures. And the financial pressures are weighing heavily on a lot of student-athletes, in a way I’m not sure it always has. More athletes are accessing services such as food banks and financial aid. While I understand that it is a necessity, the more heads-up that can be given, the better”. 

Celebrate the Season: Don’t Miss the Antigonish Fall Fair!

Are you looking for a break from studying or a fun festive outing? On October 26, from 8:30 to 1:00 PM, the Antigonish Farmer’s Market will host the Antigonish Fall Fair. The festive fall event promises fun for all ages, making it the ideal outing for families, students, and community members.

As Halloween is approaching, a highlight of the day will be the costume contest, open to participants of all ages. Whether you want to dress up as your favourite superhero or a spooky ghost, everyone is encouraged to show off their creative costumes. There are two prize categories: Child (0-12) and Teen/Adult (13+), where each winner will receive $20 worth of Market Bucks to spend at the farmer’s market! If you plan to dress up, ensure that there are no masks or weapons and that costumes are not offensive or perpetuate cultural, gender, heritage, or religious stereotypes. As well, the fair will feature a fall-themed photo booth for those who want to capture their costumes or the festive fall atmosphere. Filled with fall decorations, it’s the perfect place to snap a memory with friends or family.

The fair will also host incredible local vendors with plenty of fall goodies for sale. Hot apple cider and homemade pies will be available, just to name a few! For the little ones and those who want to partake, the fair will also offer shell colouring and face painting. With a variety of vendors and activities, the Fall Fair will be sure to put you in the fall spirit.

Lastly, no fair would be complete without music. Local musician Ty Wallace will provide live entertainment, adding to the exciting and festive atmosphere at the fair. Whether you come for the activities, the food, or the entertainment, the Antigonish Fall Fair is sure to offer something for everyone. Mark your calendar for October 26 and visit the Antigonish Fall Fair, you won’t want to miss it!

X-Men Soccer on the Path to Success Once Again

After being named AUS champions last season, X-men soccer is back and looking to do it again with a nearly undefeated 7-1-2 season. Leading the league in goals scored, shutouts, and shots per game, the boys are on track to another victory.

In an interview with the head coach of the X-men, Graham Kennedy described, “I knew we had a good team before the season started, we were good last year, and we didn’t lose very many players, so we had full expectations that we would be a strong side this year.” When asked about the difference between last year’s team, Kennedy noted, “It’s a slightly different team from last year; we lost 5 or 6 players. We had some leadership walk out the door, which is always a concern, but our players are a year older, a year more physically and mentally mature, and one year better… one more year of experience.”

He also highlighted two exciting additions to the team: Noah MacIntyre, from Georgetown, ON, and Luka Robichaud Allah, from Moncton, NB. Both of which Kennedy believes can help the team to achieve AUS championship status once again, expressing that, “Noah’s been an excellent addition in mid-field” and “Luka has added some speed to an already fast team.”

Returning players, Kyle Cordeiro and Logan Rieck have also made their mark this season, accumulating an astounding 21 points between the two. When asked about the role of these individuals on the field, Kennedy described that “Kyle has always been influential – a leader by example. He’s not one of those boisterous, vocal leaders – when he speaks people listen – but he is more of a leader by example. Logan Rieck is a little bit like that as well, Kyle may have more goals, but I think Logan is more of a playmaker… they complement each other really well.”

Kennedy also recognized the hard work of the team defensively, “often our top statistical players are attackers, and they get a lot of attention because of the numbers they put up, but if you look at our team, one of our biggest strengths is our defending and our mid-field. We’ve got a lot of strong players throughout the squad, and we’ve been consistently ranked in the top ten now for probably a decade. We have high expectations around our team – players that come in here are players that want to play in a good program, so we tend to attract high-character guys with good skill sets”.

Closing off the interview, Kennedy emphasized, “I’m really proud of these guys, they’re a tremendous group of young men and I think they represent the school in the best possible way.” The team will take the field again on October 18 at Moncton University, where they look to get back on track after falling 2-1 to Cape Breton University last Wednesday in their first loss of the season. But with only two games left in the regular season, the X-men seem a top contender for yet another AUS banner.

Antigonish Mayoral Race: A Breakdown

On October 19th, 2024, Antigonish will decide whether Sean Cameron or Emilie Chiasson will be its new mayor after incumbent Laurie Boucher decided not to run for reelection. This is happening alongside the election of what is expected to be several new faces to town council. Being as entwined with the town as our university is, we at the Xaverian Weekly thought it would be prudent to inform students and everyone else reading what’s at stake in this election, and remind them to get out and vote if they're eligible and willing to declare Antigonish and Nova Scotia their primary residence. 

To this end, I was able to get a hold of both mayoral candidates one-on-one and ask them some pressing questions potential voters may have.

Question 1: What are your main concerns? 

Cameron:  

“Infrastructure, water, sewer, streets.”  

Chiasson:  

“My main goals will be to form an effective council that will work on a strategy together to work on the main pressing things: being our streets, sidewalks and sewer. Those are three main things that we need to look at right away. And then I want to really focus on coming up with strong communication strategies about anything that is being done in the town that involves Council or the Mayor, sharing that out with residents and  I will begin right away forming good relationships with county council as well and whomever ends up being Warden for the county, because it's really an important piece of success in Antigonish and local government and as well as federal government, because we're very likely going to need to get federal government to solve some of our infrastructure issues.” 

Question 2: Why should students vote for you? 

Cameron:  

“I would hope that during your time here, in Antigonish that the town has presented and given you opportunity to meet with the citizens, see how a small town operates in conjunction and in partnership with StFX,  and see how this is town has grown. The students and town people can work together to ensure that you guys have a great experience, and the town can provide you with the safety and the adequate amenities required to have a safe and prosperous four years to complete your degree.” 

Chiasson: 

“I think that it's really important because the students are a big part of the community. There's lots of issues within the town that are directly related to students. You know, students dealing with landlords, bylaws, garbage removal, recreation, and volunteering. There's lots of ways (to volunteer).  I think having a more involved student body leads to better relationships between the town and StFX, which has historically sometimes been a bit of complicated relationship, and I would be really interested in having a committee that would meet with Town Council, with students on it, just hear what you have to say, like what your concerns are. I spoke to some students the other day, and they said that they don't have a working bathroom in their house right now. Oh, wow. Sometimes people spin it that students cause problems, but it can be the exact opposite. Sometimes there's landlords and other people that also need to step up and be better neighbors. 

Question 3: What’s your position on amalgamation? 

Cameron: 

“As a sitting town councilor, I was one of three opposing this rushed consolidation without any input from citizens. I demanded, from the onset, a plebiscite be held and that information sessions present pros and cons and clearly identified issues associated with everything. They failed to do that, in my opinion, and as a result, the premier ended up pulling the plug on the whole consolidation issue. Okay, great. Interesting note, my (opposing) mayoral candidate was in support of this rushed consolidation, both by in print and in video, and in presenting to the Law Amendments to Halifax that she felt that the nine elected people who voted for this were within their rights to dissolve the town without any financial implications or complete study done on the impacts of the town and county residents.” 

Here Sean references Emilie’s support for consolidation in an email to the Law Amendments Committe on March 3, 2024. Her words at the time were: 

“I would like to express my support for the consolidation of the Town and County of Antigonish... Town and County Councils have been voted in to make decisions on behalf of their constituents and we must trust in their decisions. [The Councils] have asked for the two municipal units to be consolidated, and I fully support that.” 

Back to the interview... 

Chiasson: 

“Well, I don't see it as being a topic that's going to be on the table in the near future, and if it does come back up, it's not my job to decide it for people and we would have a vote plain and simple.” 

 (End interview) 

This past Tuesday, October 8th, members of the community had a chance to listen to the mayoral candidates engage in a debate on their positions and view of the future of the town. I encourage those interested in voting to check out the livestream on the Student Union’s YouTube, because I’ll only be providing a brief recap. 

 Right out of the gate Emilie Chiasson came out strong in her introduction, making connections with people in the crowd, showing great public speaking ability and seeming comfortable. Sean Cameron seemed less comfortable speaking to the large audience. He read his introduction from his notes.  

Cameron’s introduction began with his extensive roots in the town and connection to the school, as well as the importance of students. He then went into his plan for improving infrastructure, noting the need for a new water supply, the aging sewer plant, and accessibility issues. During his opening, Cameron emphasized that without capable infrastructure, developers are unable to build new houses (including affordable housing) for the growing population. He mentioned his 31-year career with the department of community services, and that his 20 years on town council would enable him to guide the incoming council of mostly newly elected counselors.  

Chiasson gave a strong introduction, starting by connecting with the crowd. She gave a shoutout to incumbent mayor Laurie Boucher, alongside all those running for council in attendance, made eye contact with the audience, and commanded the room. She then went on to detail her extracurriculars during her time at StFX, and then her previous career with StFX as a Senior Fund Development Executive, before moving on to being the Manager of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. She also won the StFX Young Alumnus of the Year in 2020. The next part of her introduction focused on different ways students benefit the town, including some interesting facts. Did you know over 1000 StFX students volunteer in the community every year? Chiasson emphasized the need to work with students and the university.  

Overall, Cameron seemed to have more substance to his answers. He knew more about town operations in the past, as to be expected of someone with a slogan like “20 years of experience.” His proposals were ambitious, like the idea that Antigonish might build a new Rec Centre with a daycare to retain medical workers for St. Martha’s, and proposing that the town could become the first in the country to achieve net-zero emissions with its new wind farm. He focused on what the council did during his tenure, like building the library on Main Street  and securing $5 million to maintain the sewer plant a few years ago. He also really hammered home the need to strengthen infrastructure to enable growth. Again, Cameron’s answers were mostly read from his notebook, although he started addressing the audience more directly toward the end.  

Chiasson, on the other hand, was the stronger public speaker, almost never looking at her notes while speaking. She agreed that infrastructure issues were a major issue impeding growth, put an even greater emphasis on the sewage problem and how much the town stinks, and brought up how hard it would be for developers to sell recently constructed properties to newcomers when they arrive in a town that smells the way that it has recently. She also paid greater attention to the opportunity that lies in collaboration with students and the university, in council meetings and elsewhere.  

Feel free to take this next opinion with a grain of salt, as I’ve only lived here a few years, but anecdotally, being the mayor of a small town seems like a role where extensive technical knowledge may not be as important as personability and leadership ability. After all, the town already has a Chief Executive Officer who works alongside the mayor and council and whose full-time job is to run the logistics of the town.  

Warning to out-of-province students from Sean Cameron: 

“One thing you guys should be aware of as well as students. (If you) have an Ontario driver's license, Ontario OHIP card in Ontario student loan deal...and you sign that declaration saying you wish to vote in the town election, those three items could be jeopardized because you're now making Nova Scotia your home province, you. So, I would caution out-of-province students from voting and signing that declaration. I want them to be safe.” 

I confirmed this with the returning officer, Allan Armsworthy, although I could not find any cases of this happening.

Some important information for those looking to vote: 

E-voting began on Oct. 5th, and you can vote over the phone by calling 1-877-446-5146 or online at antigonish.isivote.com. 

 Oct. 12th is the First Advance Poll at the Returning Office, 149 Church Street (Mall Annex). Polls will be open from 12 to 8 p.m.  

Oct. 15th is the Second Advance Poll at the Returning Office, 149 Church Street (Mall Annex). Polls will be open from 12 to 8 p.m.    

Oct. 19th is Election Day. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.at Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School, 105 Braemore Avenue. E-voting closes at 7 p.m. 

If you have questions for Allan Armsworthy regarding your eligibility, you can call him at 902-318-3309 or email him at returningofficer@townofantigonish.ca. 

The candidates running for town council are as follows. 

Sarah Armstrong: sarahclaudette@gmail.com, 902-870-6519. 

Travis Decoste: vote4travisdecoste@gmail.com, 902-318-8292. 

Kara Kilfoil: karakilfoilforcouncil@gmail.com, 403-993-3659. 

Drake Lowthers: drake.lowthers@gmail.com, 902-623-0852. 

Leon MacLellan: leon4antigonish@gmail.com, 902-714-6393. 

Patrick McKenna: antigonishmckenna@gmail.com, 902-318-2745. 

Coline Morrow: colinemorrow123@gmail.com, 902-318-0961 

Andrew Murray: andrew.murray@townofantigonish.ca, 902-968-1248 

Juanita Pelly: Juanitampelly@gmail.com, 902 318 1153. 

Diane Roberts: 74ladyd@gmail.com, 902-318-1284. 

Jack Sullivan: sullmatt.cont@gmail.com, 902-863-5457. 

The Inside Scoop: What Sophia Fabiano and Ben MacKay Have to Say About the Upcoming Referendum

On April 2nd, a referendum will take place, asking students: “Are you in favour of increasing Student Union fees by 10% per year, every year for the next 5 years?” Sophia Fabiano, the current Student Union president, is the advocate for the “yes” vote, while Ben MacKay represents students who will choose vote “no.” Each representative has an Instagram account (@voteyes24 and @stfxfightthehike, respectively) where students can find more information about their positions. I was able to ask both Sophia Fabiano and Ben MacKay a series of questions to better understand their positions and beliefs about the upcoming vote.

Fabiano began by mentioning that the plan to raise Student Union fees has been in the works for the past three years. StFX currently has the lowest student union fees in Nova Scotia, and with the growing expenses associated with the services and events they provide, Fabiano mentioned that the raise is needed “to ensure that we are creating an equitable pay structure within the Union while maintaining the current quality of services.” The quality of such services does indeed seem to be at risk, as when I asked Fabiano about the specific allocation of the new funds should the referendum be successful, she mentioned that the Union would move to pay its employees on an hourly rate rather than by honorarium. She stated that the Union would move towards this regardless of the outcome of the referendum, meaning that should the vote end in a “no”, the existing budget towards events (resulting in cheaper tickets, number of events able to be hosted, and orientation activities) would be partially re-allocated to account for employee wages.

Fabiano wanted to stress that though they may seem high, the increase of the fees is minimal for individual students. The Union already raises their fees 3% annually, so the difference at the end of the five years would only be $86.31.

In opposition to her, Ben MacKay is an honorarium student employed by the Union. He stated that he knew of the plan to move employees to an hourly wage, but took issue with the phrasing of the question and how it would harm students. He points in particular to the current cost of living crisis, and claims that a jump of nearly $100 in Union fees is unacceptable. When asked about his motivations to represent the initiative to “vote no” in the referendum, MacKay pointed to the lack of engagement between the students and StFX and the Union, which he claims has been a “long standing concern for many.” Though the Student Union makes efforts, many students are too busy to keep up with everything going on, but MacKay claims that this referendum has the “potential to be different.” He hopes that it will encourage students to engage, and to “stand up and respectively say ‘No.’” Even if the referendum is accepted, MacKay stated that getting students to care about the issue is already an achievement he is proud of. Indeed, his Instagram account has gained over 160 followers, and he claims to be greatly encouraged by the support this support.

MacKay pointed to three main issues he has with the referendum. Firstly, he points to the loose wording of the question. Though the Union has stated the increased fees will go towards paying honorarium students better, MacKay claims that the broadly phrased question does not tie them to this at all. Currently, the Union has yet to release a cost plan, and MacKay believes students deserve more information about where their money is going. Secondly, he has issue with the referendum being framed as a fight for honorarium students. He states that it is a matter of the whole student body, and as an honorarium student himself, wants to emphasize that the referendum does not speak for him or “many others” on the issue. Lastly, MacKay claims that he does not believe it to be fair to make these changes “on the back of students” while they are already struggling with high tuition, rent, and grocery prices. He asks: “Why can students not have one thing that is not excessively expensive?” The Student Union is meant to fight for student interest, and MacKay argues that this potential change will not benefit many people outside the walls of the Student Union building.

To end each interview, I asked both Fabiano and MacKay what they would say to a student opposing their position. Fabiano focused on what the Union does and how increased fees will help them in their projects which will in turn benefit students. She stated that:

“The Student Union benefits every Student. We advocate to the government to increase student affordability. We've seen wins from our advocacy efforts, such as funding for Open Educational Resources to reduce textbook costs and the elimination of interest on Canada student loans. We've also been a part of advocating for increased international student working hours and Student Financial Aid Grants like the one-time grant seen this fall in NS.”

She emphasized that the Student Union allows for students to have a democratic input, which is the reason they put the increase in fees to a vote.

MacKay reaffirmed his belief that this increase would not be a help to students who are already trying their best to “keep their head above water.” He also emphasized the importance of knowing where the funds would go, stating:

“Why don’t we know more about how much each of these things are going to cost? Students should know what their money will be spent on, and not just the broad strokes goals. They deserve to know, right down to the dollars and cents. I think the burden of that information belongs to the U and I find it to be—quite frankly—a failure of the organization’s mandate that it’s not been more readily available to the people.”

The outcome of the vote and its consequences are yet to be seen, but as both Fabiano and MacKay mention, it is important for students to have a say. Students can vote online on April 2nd for whichever position they feel most aligns with their needs and values.

StFX Silence on Palestine vs Solidarity with Ukraine: Inconsistent or Intentionally Hypocritical

(This article was finished on March 18, 2024)

It's been over 5 months. 163 days.

There is nothing neutral about silence. Silence implies apathy. Apathy is the opposite of care, compassion and community. Something StFX seems to champion so heavily. Something dangles to prospective students as a staple element of the university.

Okay, fine. StFX hasn’t been entirely silent. Oh? You didn’t know? They posted the following text on their Instagram story back in October, which reads: “Recent days have brought unprecedented events in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the outbreak of war over the weekend. The escalating conflict has brought horrifying and shocking attacks on civilians. There is deep concern within our community for those affected by the violence and loss of life. The voice of our community is added to those around the world calling for a peaceful resolution”. Posted for the 24-hour time limit of an Instagram story. Then nothing. Silence. No emails. Nothing.

“Conflict”. “War”. No mention of genocide.

Meanwhile, StFX didn’t hesitate to show its support for Ukraine in 2022 via an email sent out by university president Dr. Andy Hakin, and again in 2023 by university admin. An email sent out nearly a year ago by university admin, under the subject line “We Stand with Ukraine” reads: “The violence Russia has imposed upon the nation of Ukraine has brought immediate devastation to its citizens and threatens the country's sovereignty. As people around the world come together in support of Ukraine, we, too, must demonstrate our support”. It didn't take long either for them to hoist the Ukrainian flag, along which a flag-raising ceremony took place. But now, months into, which is evidently a genocidal campaign, a massacre of innocent civilians, which many of us witness in real time on our mobile devices, merely a peep has been heard from the StFX administration.

It begs the question: Is this silence, aka this stance of silence and so-called ahistorical “neutrality” that the university has decided to take regarding the Palestinian genocide, a mere inconsistency, or is it intentional? I mean, we can’t expect the university to speak up on every international issue, so they might as well stay silent for this one. Right? I assume that is what some of you might be thinking right now. Shame on you. I find it hard to believe that you don’t know what's going on right now. If you don’t, it doesn’t take very long to educate yourselves. Why shouldn’t StFX say something? This is a genocide happening in real-time. It is inescapable. If not the Congo, Yemen, or Sudan, why not Palestine?   

Once it was easy to numb myself to these things. But this time it was different. I found I couldn't numb myself anymore. It stares at me, glares at me, right in the face. I could no longer choose escapism, bound by my privilege. Once religious, I could no longer pray for the pain away when people are murdered by what is quite frankly, a state-run terror regime backed by countries like Canada and the U.S. Yes. Canadian and U.S. arms manufacturers are quite literally what Israel “soldiers” are using to kill innocent civilians. Babies. Children. Mothers. Men. Women. People. “If Jesus were alive, he'd be in the rubble”, I saw on a post. I was awake. Thank God. And I couldn't go back to sleep. If you are a human on this planet, you should care about Palestine. Because it could have been you. You cannot build your holy land on the mass graves of children.

It is not a “war”. It is not a “conflict”. It is a genocide.

The Israeli occupation wants to eradicate the Palestinians residing in Palestine. And they are nearly there. If they won’t get them by bomb, snipers, or by burying them under the rubble, they will get them by forced starvation. The alarm should have gone off months ago. To bear witness and not say a word is appalling. StFX, to only have an Instagram story and nothing else is embarrassing.

It is ethnic cleansing. The naming of Palestinians as “children of darkness” (whereby the Jews are “children of light”) by Israels prime minister and the terming of Palestinians as “human animals” by Israel/Zionist state military forces performing the genocidal and murderous acts against Palestinians confirms this. The complete establishment of an Israeli state implies no room for a sovereign Palestinian one, as comments made by Israel's prime minister Netanyahu indicate. 

It has been reported on in numerous articles that the Israeli occupation is placing Palestinians in a perpetual state of apartheid. Whether or not the state of Israel was created as a “safe place” for Jews, it seems rather a relentless mobilization to eradicate Palestinians and their territory, as many of us are witnessing in real-time. The argument that “Israel has a right to defend itself” has long lost any poignancy, given the mass atrocities that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has inflicted on innocent Palestinians. It is so clearly a genocidal campaign backed by ethnic cleansing.

Since October 7th, over 40,000 Palestinians residing in the Gaza strip have been killed. Over 14,000 of which are children. Over 70,000 civilians were injured. Over 130 journalists were killed. Over 400 schools have been damaged. And the list goes on. The numbers are staggering. And, these aren't just numbers, these are people. Human beings who once had hopes, dreams, entire lives. Once again, StFX, to have said but a peep is pathetic. As a school so keen on land acknowledgements, StFX seems to have little issue letting this be another empty one.

What brings me real hope is that people are still waking up. But, to StFX I say quite frankly: It's getting a bit late. Isn't it?

As a post-secondary institution so focused on “Community”, so much that it is a selling point for many, championed by current and former students, shouldn’t we address more impactfully, as a community, the genocide we are witnessing in real time? Should we not limit ourselves to the campus community, but the global community?

Free Palestine. Ceasefire now.

References:

https://www.businessinsider.com/netanyahu-deleted-children-of-darkness-post-gaza-hospital-attack-2023-10

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/15/which-countries-have-stopped-supplying-arms-to-israel

https://time.com/6334409/is-whats-happening-gaza-genocide-experts/

https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/direct-action-confronts-canada-israel-arms-trade

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/rethinking-israels-dependence-on-us-arms-amid-change-in-us-public-opinion/ar-BB1jzl0B

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2022/02/israels-system-of-apartheid/

https://www.vox.com/23924319/israel-palestine-apartheid-meaning-history-debate

https://euromedmonitor.org/en/article/6176/Statistics-on-the-Israeli-attack-on-the-Gaza-Strip-%2807-October---23-February-2024%29

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/20/netanyahu-defies-biden-insisting-theres-no-space-for-palestinian-state

Why Does the Student Union Need More Money?

Every year, an almost $200 fee appears on our StFX account balance, and we seem to have no choice but to accept it as a couple of hundred dollars to swallow alongside our tuition payments. However, an upcoming referendum on April 2nd will ask StFX to vote on the question: “Are you in favor of Increasing Students’ Union Fees by 10% per year, every year for the next 5 years?”

This proposed hike seems to have inflamed student frustrations regarding not knowing how their annual fees are spent and why the Students’ Union would supposedly need more money. Ben MacKay, a student at StFX University, is urging his fellow students to "vote no'' on April 2nd. His Instagram account (@stfxfightthehike) has garnered almost 140 followers in support of his cause.

Sophia Fabiano, an advocate for voting "Yes" on April 2nd, has an Instagram presence as well, with almost 60 people following her account @voteyes24. In a recent post, Sophia described how increases in Students’ Union fees will only be raised to $210.41 next year and will continue to be raised in small increments, reaching $308.06 by 2028-29—after almost all current students have already graduated.

In 2022, the Students’ Union collected $669,465 in student fees alone, and in 2023 charged additional renovation fees to support the Bloomfield remodel. If the proposed 10% raise per year goes ahead, in five years, the U will be collecting over 1 million dollars in student fees. That’s a lot of money. According to Sophia’s Instagram page, this hike is necessary to increase salaries and continue hosting events. But while some might perceive these increments to be small and manageable, the U is asking students to pay a compounding 50% hike in student fees over the next 5 years.

When you read the Student Union’s annual budget report, it is not obvious why they need more money. According to the 2022 Budget, Graduation, X-Ring, O-Week, and Frost Week all together made nearly $29,000 in profit. The Golden X Inn alone made $87,775 in profit in 2023. Even when less lucrative events, like society events, are factored into the balance sheet, the U was only $924 short of breaking even. If the Students’ Union is spending $200,000 on events, it should be entirely possible to cover the $900 deficit from within the budget without imposing additional costs on students. This is particularly important given the already significant expenses students incur for events like X-Ring. For example, this year's X-Ring Super Sub tickets cost students $42.25 per ticket. Considering that most university-hosted events generate profits, it seems reasonable to explore alternative solutions rather than passing the expense onto students.

Frankly, when @voteyes24 depicts the U’s capacity to “continue to host multiple fun events” as if it relied on the referendum passing, it makes no sense. The majority of U-hosted events help fund the U, and only a small minority don’t turn a profit.

Julianna Drake, the Students’ Union VP of Finance, offers some clarity on her Instagram page. In a post to her story, she writes that “if we paid everyone a minimum wage with our current budget, many valuable services would have to get cut to compensate.” When the U says they need more money to continue funding events, they’ll need more money to fund events—once they’ve begun paying their employees higher salaries.

But Drake brings up a fair point: Working for the Students’ Union doesn’t guarantee minimum wage. Many employees, including ourselves, are paid with an honorarium which does not compensate people for the hours their jobs demand. This does create a barrier to working at the U, as students without disposable time to volunteer can’t realistically work there—which is a huge problem if we want our student government to be representative.

However, that’s not to say that the Union is paying its employees zero dollars. In 2022, the Students’ Union spent $136,738 on honorariums, with $17,137 being spent on salaries for the Representative Council, and $76,732 being spent on the Executive Board’s salaries. Students might also be surprised to learn that Exec pay has been rising around 10% per year since 2019, and the 2022 President Academic was paid a salary of $13,689 for the year.

Outside of honorariums, the 2021-2022 budget provisioned $2,820 to be spent on cell phones for full-time staff, and a $60/day allowance that U employees could spend on meals when away at events. There is also a $10,000 budget for “professional development,” and a $1,500 budget to be spent on T-Shirts. Additionally, the budget indicated that $6,000 dollars was spent on an awards banquet catering to individuals affiliated with the Students’ Union.

StFX students already have been experiencing significant rises in various expenses at StFX. For instance, we face the third-highest tuition among 15 schools for domestic students in Undergraduate Arts and the sixth highest for Sciences in the Maritimes. Additionally, we have some of the most expensive residence fees, meal plan costs, and the second highest "other" fees in the Maritimes (which covers technology fees, administration services, and student service fees). While this is all distinct from the Students’ Union, this increase would further compound our already high and increasing fees.

This Tuesday, the Students’ Union is asking you to commit future generations of students to pay a substantial and steep hike during a cost-of-living crisis. We’re not saying that U employees don’t deserve to be paid minimum wage, but it is unclear how much work is involved in working for the U, and how much of it is going unpaid. While people campaigning in favor of this referendum have framed it as if events like X-Ring and Grad were at stake should it fail to pass, this referendum really seems to be an issue securing a higher hourly wage for employees of the Students’ Union.

Ultimately, we encourage students to investigate the budgets themselves and see exactly where our money is going before making a choice on Tuesday. Transparency is key in ensuring that decisions regarding the Students’ Union fee hikes are made with full understanding and accountability. While fair compensation for Students’ Union employees is important, it should not be used as a pretext to significantly increase student fees. It's important to prioritize informed decision-making and hold our student government accountable for their financial decisions.

2021-2022 Student Union Annual Budget

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ed00ab06a31e8750be7fd6f/t/62ffe18ae67b6a3bad85be7c/1660936587263/StFX+Students%27+Union+Budget+2021-2022.pdf

The Students’ Union Policy Manual

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ed00ab06a31e8750be7fd6f/t/5ed91c3e5590d90859309c2c/1591286847489/Union%2BPolicy%2BManual%2BX18189%2B181118%2BTChikwavaire.pdf

Financial Statements: Saint Francis Xavier University Students' Union, April 30, 2023. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ed00ab06a31e8750be7fd6f/t/655e3a67e3203141d1b9313e/1700674151714/STFX+Students%27+Union+-+2023+Financial+Statements.pdf

Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission. Table A: Undergraduate Arts and Sciences Full-time1 Tuition Fees and Provincial Tuition Rebates/Bursaries 2022-2023 ​​http://www.mphec.ca/media/212618/Table-A_Tuition-undergraduate-2022-2023.pdf

Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission. Table C: Undergraduate Ancillary and Residence Fees 2022-2023 http://www.mphec.ca/media/212624/Table-C_Ancillary-and-residence-fees-2022-2023.pdf

X-Women Hockey’s Post-Season Recap

With the X-Women’s post-season coming to a close this past Saturday (March 16th), the team ended another season that exemplified the team’s top-notch grit, speed, and resilience. The post-season opened up on a pair of high notes for the club, as the team grabbed the top position in the AUS’s standings and multiple players racked up 2023-24 AUS major awards. The X-Women bested the UNB Reds by one point in the final word of the regular season, finishing with a 21-5-2 tally. Their first-place finish awarded them a buy through the first round of the AUS playoffs. On the individual side of things, Rookie Ireland McCloskey concluded a near-historic inaugural season by taking home Rookie of the Year, Most Sportsmanlike Player, and a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Ending the season at an almost point-per-game pace, she is the 6th X-Women named the AUS’s Rookie of the Year. Her Fellow freshman Mackenzie Lothian was also named to the All-Rookie Team, and X-Women captain Maggy Burbidge secured a place on the league’s Second All-Star Team.

The X-Women kicked off the story of their playoffs with their 5-game series against the St. Thomas Tommies, who were the fourth seed going into the playoffs. St. Thomas proved to be a formidable opponent for the X-Women, as the series needed all five games to arrive at a verdict. At the end of those five games, however, the X-Women’s resiliency and tenacity were the determining factors. The team battled back each time the Tommies got ahead, securing wins in both games 2 and 4 after they went 1-0 and 2-1, respectively. One thousand eighty-eight fans were present at the Charles V. Keating Centre for game 5, where the X-Women’s speed and grit overwhelmed their opponents in a 4-0 victory. The win confirmed their place in the AUS championship series, and it also sent them to the national USPORTS championship.

The AUS championship was an instance of two arch-rivals clashing with their very best efforts and one coming out on top due to the fortuity of a split second. The X-Women and the UNB Reds have been the AUS's two premier Women's hockey clubs this decade, but UNB has prevailed against StFX when it matters most in the last two years. This year's three-game series saw the Reds take the first game 2-0, where UNB's star goaltender Kendra Woodland unmistakably showcased her skills. The X-Women captured the spark that elevated them to the top of the AUS this year in game 2, forcing the game to double overtime. However, UNB's Sydney Oitomen vanquished X fans' dreams by netting the game-winner in that frame. This year's USPORTS championship at the University of Saskatchewan would be the X-Women's final chance to bring home some hardware to the school.

The X-Women, unfortunately, could not find the magic in Saskatoon that propelled them all season long. They fell 6-1 to the Waterloo Warriors in the quarterfinal, with Ireland McCloskey potting X’s lone goal. Head coach Berthiaume was quoted saying that the team simply ran out of gas in the third, yielding five goals in the span of that 20 minutes. Neither did the consolation game on Saturday produce the desired outcome, as the home team Saskatchewan Huskies outscored the X-Women 3-1.

While X-Women did not live up to their standards on the ice this past weekend, they did exemplify their characteristic Xaverian spirit that duly represents our school. They bonded with the U9 Comet Defenders team throughout the trip, who cheered them on from the stands brandishing “Go X Go” signs that would make Father Stan proud. After their consolation loss, the team rallied by donating their leftover gameday snacks to the Saskatoon Food Bank. In the coming years, the teams that follow this X-Women team will not inherit this team’s underperformance at the USPORTS championship but the culture that has allowed them to outperform their competition all year. Congratulations to the players, coaches, and staff for this outstanding season.

The Legacy Of Brian Mulroney

As an international student arriving at StFX University from Nigeria, I was immediately struck by the pervasive presence of Brian Mulroney in the university's history and culture. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, everyone had a story to share about the former Prime Minister's time at StFX and frankly, time as Prime Minister. My journey to StFX was marked by curiosity about Canada, including its politics and a desire to immerse myself in a new culture. Little did I know that Brian Mulroney would become a central figure in shaping my understanding of both.

To understand who Brian Mulroney was and the legacy he left behind, take a look at the Mulroney Institute of Government. On every floor, there is a picture or plaque, writing or memorabilia that sings his praises and choruses his achievements. Reflecting on Mulroney's legacy at StFX, it becomes evident that his influence extends far beyond the political realm. Alumni, professors, and students alike speak fondly of Mulroney's time as a student here, recounting anecdotes that paint a picture of a young man driven by ambition and a commitment to service.

I had the unique opportunity to chat with a few StFX alumni and professors who either knew Brian Mulroney politically or personally. Tim Lang, a distinguished alumnus of StFX and the Vice President of Advancement for Alumni Affairs and Fundraising, vividly recalls the electrifying atmosphere that filled the campus upon Mulroney's inauguration into power. "By coincidence, the year I got into StFX was like days after 15 years of liberal rule, that Brian Mulroney became Prime Minister, and he came to StFX days later. It was a shock for me, but it was complete adulation by all of StFX. It was a huge thing," Lang reminisces.

One of Mulroney's enduring legacies at StFX is the establishment of the Mulroney Institute of Government, a testament to his dedication to fostering excellence in governance and leadership. Lang reflects on the genesis of this institution, stating, "When I was working at StFX as the vice president, Sean Riley – the former president of the university – and I wanted to find a way to enhance the campus and we came up with the idea for the Mulroney Institute of Government. We approached Brian Mulroney and he agreed." This all-underscores Mulroney's profound connection to his alma mater and his desire to leave a lasting impact on future generations of students.

Douglas Brown, a retired political science professor at StFX, also offers further insights into Mulroney's influence on the university community. "Whenever Mr. Mulroney came to town, and he came quite a lot, he would speak to convocation, sometimes to the board of directors, to alumni and give a lecture or even insist on meeting the students," Brown recalls. Mulroney's presence on campus served as a source of inspiration for students and faculty alike, reinforcing the values of leadership and civic engagement that are at the core of the StFX experience.

Mulroney's inclusive approach to governance and his willingness to listen to differing viewpoints endeared him to many, earning him respect and admiration across the political spectrum. Looking back on his political legacy, Brown also highlights his ability to bridge divides and unite Canadians. "When Mr. Mulroney came along in politics, he set out a very different vision of how to get along with people in the country. He knew how to bring people together," Mr Brown observed.

Randy Delorey, another StFX alumnus and former Member of the Legislative Assembly, also had some personal recollections of Mulroney's influence to share. "The first time I met Mr. Mulroney was at the announcement for a funding that our government, at the time, had been working on. It was an 2 amazing experience for me because when I was younger, he was the Prime Minister," Randy reminisces. Randy’s encounter with Mulroney goes to portray the profound impact that the former Prime Minister had on aspiring leaders like himself.

Randy also reflects on Mulroney's enduring legacy beyond the realm of politics. "Although his time in politics is long gone and finished,” Randy explains, “his influence was able to positively impact others.” In the words of Randy, it is surreal. When you need to hear the name “Brian Mulroney” and remember what he stood for, you share the stories with others you cross paths with and reminisce and reflect on those amazing times and opportunities.”

In conclusion, it is abundantly clear that Brian Mulroney's influence transcended the realms of politics to profoundly shape the fabric of the StFX community. Through their recollections, I have come to understand Mulroney not only as a statesman but also as a mentor, advocate, and source of inspiration for generations of students and faculty. As I pay homage to his memory, I recognize the profound impact he had on StFX university and its community. Brian Mulroney's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Pucks for Purpose: A New Tradition Takes Center Ice at StFX

Although at first glance, Pucks for Purpose may seem like a game focused on rivalry—pitting StFX's Business program against its Arts and Science Faculties—this charity hockey event goes far beyond competition. Pucks for Purpose is really about coming together as a community, something that StFX students and faculty are all about.

Last Wednesday, March 13th, marked the inaugural Pucks for Purpose Charity Hockey Game held at the Charles V. Keating Centre—an event that was not to be missed.

If you're not already familiar with Pucks for Purpose, let me offer a quick introduction. This student-led non-profit organization generously contributes to charity through the game of hockey. The Business team athletes fundraised in support of the Canadian Cancer Society and its inspiring Camp GoodTimes, while their competitors in Arts and Science raised funds for Motionball for Special Olympics. Beyond individual player efforts, the Pucks for Purpose Executive Team worked tirelessly, securing support from numerous sponsors, donors, and organizing additional events to boost fundraising efforts.

Thanks to outstanding marketing and the dedicated work of the Pucks for Purpose Executive, 1,500 tickets were sold for Wednesday’s game, and a grand total of $55,000 was raised for these two special charities: the Canadian Cancer Society and Motionball for Special Olympics.

The evening buzzed with excitement from the very start. Master of ceremonies Nick MacInnis set the tone, rallying the crowd, and creating an electric atmosphere. The Keating Centre was packed to the brim, with attendees lining up out the door, stretching past the Saputo Centre.

Prior to the game, co-chairs Luke White, Danny Laursen, and Emma Quirin took the stage. Luke, Danny, and Emma, all StFX Business students, are dedicated leaders who spearheaded a team of 25 executives and over 100 brand ambassadors, bringing the vision of Pucks for Purpose to life. The fundraising total of $55,000 was announced, and ceremonial cheques were presented to representatives from both Motionball for Special Olympics and the Canadian Cancer Society.

The guest of honor for the ceremonial puck drop was Father Stan, who received a standing ovation from the crowd while proudly wearing a Pucks for Purpose jersey. Sponsored by OneExchange, the jerseys added to the overall impressiveness of the night. The Business team, coached by Professor Mark MacIsaac and captained by forward Reid Russett, sported sharp white uniforms. Meanwhile, the Art-Sci team, led by head coach Gerry Marangoni and captained by defenseman Mitchell Sturgeon, proudly represented their team colors in green and gold.

The game itself was high-level, high-scoring, and high-energy. Standout moments included hat-tricks for both Business captain Reid Russett and Business forward Jake Kyle. Art-Sci assistant captain Evan Pye described his team as the underdogs, and despite their determined effort, they ultimately fell to the Business team, resulting in a final score of 10-7.

The excitement was non-stop—During the break between the first and second periods, StFX faculty members joined local Antigonish sledge hockey athletes for an action-packed game.

Then, between the second and third periods, one lucky fan had the chance to shoot for a car, courtesy of Central Nova Subaru. Additionally, raffle prizes were awarded, with one student winning the grand prize: a WestJet round-trip flight for two, valid to any destination they fly to.

Player of the game honours, presented by Bet99, were awarded to Reid Russett from the Business side. Cameron Bell, representing Arts-Sci, and Jake Kyle, representing Business, were named as team MVPs, powered by Keep it Social and Nova Construction, respectively. Despite Arts-Sci's loss in the game, they achieved success in other aspects, especially with Craig Landry being named the top fundraising athlete. The Business team then raised the Pomerleau Cup, but the night wasn’t over just yet—there was still much to celebrate at the afterparty, hosted by the Golden X Inn.

If you missed the 1st annual Pucks for Purpose game, don’t worry, there will be more! Executives Luke White and Quinn Caplice both emphasized how creating a lasting legacy has been the goal from day one. Pucks for Purpose aims to establish itself as a new tradition at StFX, with an even greater fundraising goal and an expanded charitable impact in the future. Plus, there's hope for an Art-Sci comeback!

What Led to Consolidation

This article details some of the steps that led to the proposed consolidation of Antigonish. The bill to consolidate the Town and County is currently being debated in Halifax. Last month, close to 300 Antigonish residents met up at a make-shift town hall in Tracadie to voice their frustration towards the process. Liberal party leader Zack Churchill and NDP MLA and municipal affairs critic Kendra Coombs were present. Local Conservative MLAs Michelle Thompson and Greg Morrow were not. All italics in the article are mine unless mentioned otherwise. Special thanks to the people of the Town and County of Antigonish.  

The consolidation process has been described by its champions as led by the Town and County of Antigonish with help from the Department of Municipal Affairs (DMAH). As well, they claim that the residents of Antigonish have been sufficiently informed on the matter to the extent that a plebiscite is not required to amalgamate. Reading over internal DMAH communications as well as their communications with Antigonish, it’s evident it was them who created and implemented the consolidation process, as well as instructed the town and county on what to do. The DMAH consistently omitted information they believed would hurt their goal and the amalgamation of Antigonish, and in this aim were not transparent with staff and residents of Antigonish.  

On September 29, 2021, Kate Gorman, Marketing Communications Officer for the Town of Antigonish, emailed Ross MacDonald, Municipal Advisor at the DMAH, to follow up on an email from Nick Barr, Director of Governance and Advisory Services. She wrote, “[Barr] referenced- ‘There are many, many reports that support ‘regionalization’ but I won’t bog you down with those for the present purposes. I would actually like to read those reports, I think they would be very helpful for me moving forward through this process.” Gorman followed up on October 6, asking again for these reports to get a better understanding of the pros and cons of consolidation.  

MacDonald finally got back to Gorman on October 15, with a list of 12 materials and references, 8 of which were written before the year 2000. He added another document called ‘Reasons to consolidate- the successes,’ which he asked Gorman to share only with staff. Overall, the documents had a lot more ‘pros’ than ‘cons’ regarding consolidation.   

On October 18, 2021, Shirley Donovan, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator for the County, emailed Ross MacDonald asking if he could “find out if consolidation with the Town of Antigonish would affect our education contributions?” Ross forwarded that message to Bongsun Cho-Macdonald, Manager of Municipal Finances at the DMAH, at Nick Barr’s suggestion. He didn’t CC Donovan or Kate Gorman. Cho-Macdonald responded, explaining how education contributions work, then said, “Consolidation would impact Education because I assume that the consolidated municipality would have their new tax rates.”  

Barr, who was CC’ed by Cho-MacDonald, responded, “Just to be clear, the contribution will not increase as a result of a consolidation, it will simply be based on the combined UA for the new unit. In other words, the education contribution/rate is based solely on the UA and will not be impacted by any change in governance.” In Cho-MacDonald's response, he wrote, “I had that in my draft email but deleted because I didn’t know exactly what she is trying to figure out. Anyway my answer is yes and no because it is going to be impacted because new tax rates will be based on the new council's decision. Does this make sense?” Ross MacDonald responded, “Makes sense to me.”  

If you, the reader, are unsure if Education Contributions will rise, because it seems that Cho-MacDonald and Barr are making contradictory statements, that's the point. More on this later. It’s unclear what response Donovan got.

On February 17, 2022, at 3:55 PM Glen Horne, CAO of the Municipality of the County of Antigonish wrote an email titled ‘Subject: Consolidation Update to Nick Barr and Ross Macdonald’: “Good Afternoon DMAH friends... Our website is now active (https://antigonish/) and features our first iteration of FAQs... We are still driving to a council decision in June.” Six minutes later Mark Peck (Associate Deputy Minister at the DMAH), who was CC’ed in the email, forwarded it to Barr, adding that “[Horne] was very supportive of all you are doing for them btw.” Barr, the Director of Governance & Advisory Services at the Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing, wrote Glen Horne at 4:04: “Thanks Glen! This is great [smiley face emoji with blushing cheeks].” At 4:07 he emailed Peck, “I read through the FAQ’s and some of them aren’t 100% accurate, but I’m going to let it go. Nitpicking won’t do us any good.”  

To reiterate, the DMAH is telling the staff at Antigonish that their educational website is great, while privately admitting that the information is wrong. Kat Muth, a third-year Nursing student at StFX, isn’t at all surprised by Barr’s comments, “It feels like they’re trying to keep this whole thing hush-hush, they don’t care what the people here want.” 

Muth, who’s lived in the Town of Antigonish since 2021, said she hasn’t received any mail or notices from the town about consolidation. She added that this, coupled with the cloak and dagger techniques used to circumvent the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and deny the people of Antigonish a vote, has caused her to lose trust in the municipal and provincial governments to act in her best interest.  

Crucially, Barr didn’t even tell Horne that the website was inaccurate. The DMAH here is not taking the role of a neutral party assisting Antigonish in making an educated decision but curating the information available to Antigonish staff and residents in pursuit of their own goal. In their own words, “Nitpicking won’t do us any good.” The people of Antigonish are not included in that ‘us’, nor is Glen Horne.  

On June 21, 2022, the mayor and warden sent a letter to Minister Lohr entitled ‘RE: exploration of the consolidation of the Town and County of Antigonish,’ in which they wrote, “The Province of Nova Scotia is an important partner in this decision and the future of our municipalities and communities. Details and commitments concerning the process of a legislative merger and funding for transition and post transition are crucial to our decision. As our councils approach a decision point we want to take this opportunity share [sic] with you our process to date and discuss these two areas in particular.”    

On July 13, 2022, Glen Horne wrote a letter to Mark Peck, entitled ‘Re: Antigonish Consolidation Transition Funding approval.’ Horne wrote, “thank you for arranging and attending our July 6, 2022 meeting with Minister Lohr... Following our discussion with Minister Lohr, I would like to request a meeting with Town CAO Jeff Lawrence and I[sic] to begin to develop a proposal for transition funding in support of consolidation, should the Councils decide in favour. As you know, the province’s support in terms of transition funding is critical to our Council’ decision.” Subsequent emails indicate that Peck and Barr worked with Horne and Lawrence on the funding request in the following weeks. What became of it is missing or redacted in what I was able to access.  

In November of 2022, after both councils passed motion towards consolidation, the Minister wrote a response to an inquiry (CORR310M/smh) from a constituent concerned about the process.  In the draft letter of this email, he explained that consolidation was a council-led process, and that he “also want[s] to be clear about the financial support that the [DMAH] provided to the County and Town of Antigonish with respect to this process... At this time, the province has not committed to any other funding with respect to consolidation in Antigonish County.”  

Antigonish residents have indicated to me that they think it’s highly unlikely that the mayor and warden would have pushed through amalgamation without a promise, explicit or not, from the provincial government that they would be guaranteed funding. This mirrors what Glen Horne said in his letter to the minister.  

From a CBC article on February 27, 2024, Lohr says that the province will give money to Antigonish for transition costs, as it has for other municipal mergers. He didn’t say when that decision was made. An unnamed Antigonish resident suggested that on the July 6 meeting the province and Antigonish agreed to an implicit “under the table” non-binding commitment to funding that will be finalized at a later date. This would both reassure Antigonish enough to move forward towards consolidation as well as allow the minister to play fast and loose with the word ‘commitment’ in his letter to constituents. There is no evidence that proves this.  

The minister, in the draft letter to the constituent adds, “I would further note that the [MGA] does not require that a plebiscite be held to affect the proposed consolidation.” This is technically true in the most misleading definition of the word ‘true’.  The MGA does not require anything at all that could affect the proposed consolidation. Remember, the DMAH lobbied ‘consolidation’ with the express purpose to circumvent the MGA. To mention that the MGA does not require a plebiscite for consolidation but omit the fact that the consolidation process occurs outside of the MGA in a response to a constituent is intentionally deceiving. It would be like your waiter telling you that all their chicken eggs are free range but neglecting to say that your omelet’s made from duck egg. And the duck who laid it is chained to a cage in the basement. The DMAH and Communications Nova Scotia refused to provide me with the final version of this letter.  

While it’s unclear if the letter was edited before being sent out, it was written by a government official who was fully aware of the context deliberately being excluded in response to inquiries from a citizen of Nova Scotia about our democratic processes. This line, “The [MGA] does not require that a plebiscite be held to affect the proposed consolidation” was parroted in a Communications Nova Scotia ‘Issues Summary’ from March 9, 2023, without any other context.  

On October 10, 2021, Nick Barr emailed Stephen Ong, Director of Contracts and Special Projects at Justice Financial Advisory Services, regarding the town’s policing contract. In brief, the town and county have RCMP contracts that have a 70/30 cost share with the province. There was concern in the DMAH that a consolidated Antigonish would have their share rise to 90/10, paying significantly more money for the exact same service, like what happened to Windsor-West Hants. In this email Barr responded to Ong’s suggestion that it could be possible that a consolidated Antigonish keep its 70/30 split. This would be done by doing away with a regional municipality, and having the town join the county. This is the current plan for consolidation. Barr wrote, “When we went through the [Windsor-West Hants] consolidation, I didn’t understand this was an option.”   

About 10 minutes later, he forwarded the email chain to Mark Peck and Ross MacDonald, explaining, “On Thursday I told Glen that DoJ would get back to us this week but I'm not going to send him this information until the three of us have had the opportunity to discuss the matter first... Glen asked me what would happen if it turned out that consolidation would lead to an increased policing costs, and I told him that we’d have to discuss the matter internally to see if there was a willingness to provide some additional financing to mitigate such costs. Sorry for dropping the bad news on Thanksgiving.”  

The next day Ong answered some of Barr’s questions on the specifics of the PPSA (Provincial Police Service Agreement) and the MPSA (Municipal Police Service Agreement). Barr followed up with even more questions, including a clarification of how the definition of a municipality in clause 1.1(a) (rr) excludes rural municipalities under Chapter 295 of the Revised Statues of Nova Scotia 1989, the Municipal Act, and section 7 of the MGA from subsection 10.3, among others. To Barr’s credit, this is actually pretty complicated stuff. 

 Barr ended his email by asking for an in-person meeting with Ong, saying, “This is our #1 priority so we’ll work around your schedule.” Ong’s response stressed that Public Safety Canada (PSC) would have to agree to any course of action and based on what happened in Windsor-West Hants, it seems unlikely; “Thus, both the Town and County should be aware of the risk.”  

On October 12, 2021, Donna Jewers, Public Safety and Policing Consultant, who’d been CC’ed in all the previous emails, noted, “The best practice that we learned from Windsor-West Hants is to have PSC involved with discussions from the beginning... if Windsor/WH did not “consolidate” and change their name then the 70/30 split would probably have been allowed to continue, as it was a result of the name change that PSC determined it was a ‘new’ entity that impacted the 90/10 cost-share ratio. Due to that reference, it resulted in a $1.5 million increase in policing for the same service.” 

Putting aside “consolidate” in air quotes, this is outstanding. These emails demonstrate that consolidation cost Windsor-West Hants 1.5 MILLION DOLLARS for exactly what they had before. Windsor West Hant’s Operating Budget for 2023/24 is $31.1 million dollars, they’re paying $5.5M for policing.  Under a 70/30 split the exact same level of policing would cost $4.2M, meaning the Regional Municipality of West Hants loses over a million dollars every year because Nick Barr and the rest of the DMAH didn’t know any better. They rushed through an extremely complicated process without nearly enough due diligence and the people who suffer are the taxpayers of Windsor-West Hants.  

If the people of Windsor-West Hants look around their community and try to imagine how a million dollars every year could be put to work to benefit the community and wonder how the hell was that allowed to happen? Why didn’t I get a vote on this? What other hidden costs did consolidation bring? They aren’t alone. Unfortunately, the residents of Antigonish may soon be asking those same questions.  

From a CBC article in 2021 on the aftermath of consolidation, West Hants staff said expenses rose by $2 million “due to the Mandated Education Contributions and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police contract” (Remember the Education Contributions Nick Barr said won’t rise as a result of consolidation in Antigonish?). ‘Efficiencies’ saved West Hants $500,000 on the operating budget, which, for all of you business majors, is actually a lot less than $2 million. The ‘Best Practice’ the DMAH learned in West Hants cost taxpayers $1.5 million dollars a year. Who knows how much the “Best Practice” they learn in Antigonish will cost? 

Public knowledge of the work our elected--and especially our unelected--government does is crucial to a functioning democracy. Not knowing what our government does hurts us. To quote Nick Barr one more time, from an email to Ross MacDonald and Glen Horne on September 8, 2021, “We certainly don’t want anyone to be left with the impression that we’re hiding anything from the public.” What’s the public’s impression?  

The DMAH and Communications Nova Scotia were contacted for a quote for this story. They declined an interview and ignored most of my questions. All the emails I got were from copies of records under the FOIPOP Act (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act), of which only one of the copies is available online. 

Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing phone number: 902-424-6642. The person who answers your calls has nothing to do with the proposed amalgamation of Antigonish, but they can connect you with someone who does. 

5 Ways to Celebrate St. Patricks Day Safely

St. Patrick's Day is a highly anticipated event for St.FX students, second only to homecoming, that brings the campus together for celebration and fun. However, amidst the excitement, it's crucial to prioritize safety and be mindful of fellow students and neighbors who might not share the same level of enthusiasm for the holiday. While the day is known for its spirit and activity, it's important for students to celebrate responsibly and respectfully. In recent years, efforts have been made to promote a more inclusive and considerate approach to St. Patrick's Day festivities, emphasizing the importance of community. As such, it's important for students to be aware of their surroundings, look out for one another, and uphold the values of respect and inclusivity that define the St.FX community. Here are some tips to make sure everyone has a happy and healthy weekend.

1. Pace Yourself

Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself and know your limits. Overindulging can have serious consequences and cloud your judgment, leading to risky decisions. By being mindful of how much you consume, you can stay in control and enjoy the festivities responsibly.

2. Stay Hydrated

Stay hydrated, t's just as important as pacing yourself! Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and evening can help prevent dehydration and ensure you feel your best. Keeping a water bottle handy can be a great reminder to take regular sips and keep your body hydrated

3. Look out for Friends

Look out for your friends and make sure everyone has a safe way to get home. If a friend has had a bit too much to drink, it's important to step in and help. You can arrange for a ride home or find a safe place for them to rest. Being there for each other in these situations can make all the difference in ensuring everyone stays safe and has a good time

4. Be Respectful

Respect for others, including neighbors and students who may not be celebrating, is essential. Understanding that not everyone celebrates St. Patrick's Day and that some individuals may prefer peace and quiet is important. Being mindful of noise levels, particularly in residential areas, can help ensure that everyone can enjoy their day or evening without disturbance.

5. Take care of Yourself

Looking out for yourself is key during the celebrations. Take it easy and listen to your body. Dress for the weather, especially if you'll be outside a lot. Stay aware of what's going on around you and watch out for any potential risks. Taking care of yourself means you'll be able to have a great time without any worries.

Roots to Results: Cultivating Environmental Health Equity

The StFX Health Society team has been busy gearing up for their upcoming 2nd annual health conference, Roots to Results: Cultivating Environmental Health Equity, and the event is just around the corner. I recently had the opportunity to chat with second-year students Reese Mann and Katie MacNeil, who serve as the Co-VPs of Conferences for the StFX Health Society, to discuss various aspects of this highly anticipated weekend.

Reese Mann is originally from Moncton, New Brunswick, and her primary health-related interests include health equity, youth development, and exploring the various ways our environment influences our health.

Katie MacNeil, a proud Antigonish local, draws inspiration from her agricultural background, driving her passion for food security and public health policy. Her aspirations include a future career in health policy or as a physician assistant.

Katie and Reese have been at the forefront of planning the upcoming conference, with the support of their 15 fellow StFX Health Society executive members. This student-led society is passionate about enhancing the health of both students and the greater community. Emphasizing the power of a great team, Katie and Reese highlight how the executive members bring out each other's strengths. This collaborative effort makes it possible to achieve great things, like the organization of various fun and educational events, actively promoting a sense of unity within the Health program at StFX.

The conference on March 22nd and 23rd will explore critical topics, including health equity, the impacts of climate change on both physical and mental health, and strategies for building resilience against climate change through public policy, individual initiatives, and community action. Attendees can look forward to gaining a new and expanded perspective on climate change and environmental health equity.

When it comes to the highlights of the upcoming conference, Katie is most looking forward to the think tank session. She sees it as a valuable opportunity for participants to reflect on the insights shared by the impressive lineup of speakers. The commitment to community engagement, involving both students and the greater Antigonish population, has been a priority since the early planning stages, and Katie is excited to see this vision come to life.

Reese had a tough time picking the most exciting part of the upcoming conference! Among her honorable mentions are the Smudging ceremony led by Kerry Prosper, the climate grief session hosted by Dr. Ivan Drouin, and, like Katie, the think tank session facilitated by Dr. Riley Olstead. In terms of speakers, she looks forward to hearing Chief Pauline Frost of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in Yukon delve into discussions on social and community wellness, renewable resources, and economic development. Reese highlighted Chief Pauline Frost's unique perspective, noting that she will be the only speaker from outside of Atlantic Canada.

If you're still unsure about attending, here's what Katie and Reese believe makes the 2nd annual health conference a must-attend event:

Katie emphasizes, “The networking opportunities with the speakers and leaders in the field, the chance to enhance your understanding of the environmental impact on your health in a consumable way, and the potential for a change in perspective on the topic make this conference a must-attend. This topic is not highlighted enough on campus, especially not from a health perspective.”

Reese adds, “Attending this event will broaden each attendee's perspective on the interconnectedness of health and the environment while hearing from some of the biggest changemakers in the health and environmental sectors. You will leave this conference with a greater appreciation for Mother Nature, a drive to improve your health, and learn various tools to make a difference in your community. Whether you are super interested in health, the planet, public policy, equity, or harnessing a sustainable future, there is truly something here for everyone.”

The duo envisions this two-day event, featuring insights from eight changemakers in the fields of health, environment, and public policy, as an initial step for attendees to improve their relationships with the environment. They hope the conference prompts participants to realize that in crises like climate change, we shouldn't remain stagnant but rather be equipped with the tools to proactively protect both the planet and our own health.

Come join Katie and Reese, alongside the entire StFX Health Society, at the 2nd Annual Health Conference, 'Roots to Results: Cultivating Environmental Health Equity', on March 22nd and 23rd in the Barrick Auditorium. All are welcome, and the event is free of charge!