Montreal

The Black Community Resource Centre’s Tribute to Stanley G. Grizzle

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Almost a decade after his passing, Stanley G. Grizzle’s legacy continues to live on. The Black Community Resource Centre (BCRC) has launched a new podcast project, persisting to tell stories that matter to people of colour. The podcast is a tribute to Grizzle’s accomplishments and highlights his work as a Black sleeping car porter.
The BCRC is a non-profit organization that helps the Black anglophone community achieve its dreams and reach its full potential.
Black anglophones in Quebec between 15 to 35, can become a podcast recruit. They will engage with Grizzle’s excerpts for 12 months during this time they will record a podcast series and gain a broader knowledge of the history of Black communities in Montreal.
Jean-Philippe Djehoury, 25, is a podcast participant. He believes the project will unite the Black youth.

“I think it’s good to be in a place with other Black people, working on the same project. I think it’ll be a beautiful experience,” Djehoury said.

Djehoury added that storytelling also motivated him to sign up for the podcast.

“Telling one person’s story can tell the story of many other people. Grizzle was a judge and many other things. He worked with the Black community,” Djehoury said. “We have the chance, as a group, to tell an amazing story.”

Ayana Monuma, project coordinator of the podcast series, said that Grizzle’s work as a sleeping car porter is essential to teach because of his contribution to the Black community.
Black sleeping car porters worked in Canada from the late 19th century until the mid-1950s. They played important roles during train rides, such as taking care of sick passengers, ensuring there were no thieves on the train, and organizing baggage. Despite all the essential work they did, they experienced racism and exploitation. To conquer the discrimination, they began advocating for better working conditions.
However, Canadian unions such as the Brotherhood of Railroad Employees (CBRE) did not allow Black people to join. As a result, the Black Sleeping Car Porters created the first Black labour union in North America, the Order of Sleeping Car Porters (OSCP).

“We’re using him (Grizzle) to talk about everything. It always kind of starts with sleeping car porters, because that’s what brought money into the Black community, to allow other doors to open for us,”Monuma said.

Monuma added that the knowledge the youth will gain from the project will allow them to use those skills to pursue jobs in sound engineering or launch their own podcasts.
BCRC will provide recruits with all the equipment required for the podcast series, and the youth will participate in remote workshops.
Monuma explained that there will also be two funded trips to Library Archives Canada. They will visit the Ottawa and Gatineau locations.

“I’m feeling excited, and I’m looking forward to seeing the creativity that comes out of it and what the youths come up with,” Monuma said.

The deadline to apply for the podcast series is Nov. 15. Applicants can send an email to ya@bcrcmontreal.com. They should include a brief statement about why they are interested in this project and what they hope to bring to the team.

The Black Community Resource Centre’s Tribute to Stanley G. Grizzle Read More »

Barracoon Feminism and Black Women’s Gaze

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Launched in October 2023, the Dr. Esmeralda Thornhill Black Feminist Speaker Series each year brings to the Simone de Beauvoir Institute, to Concordia University, and to Montreal, Black scholars, researchers, artists, Community organizers, and/or Agents of Change whose work on Black feminism centers, theorizes, and problematizes Black Women’s reality. Last October 10, 2024, this Black Feminist Speaker Series welcomed to its platform the first invited speaker – professor, anthropologist and filmmaker, Dr. Aida Esther Bueno Sarduy, who delivered a mind-gripping presentation that kept a packed audience riveted in rapt attention at Montreal’s Afromusée venue.

Speaking to her selected title, Barracoon Feminism and Black Women’s Gaze, Dr. Bueno Sarduy captivated her listeners as she shared parts of her ongoing research which uses audio-visual tools to focus on the struggles of Black Women. More specifically, as illustrative complements to her lecture, the audience had the privilege of screening both her nine-minute short film, Guillermina, and the trailers for her other two cinematic productions – a six-minute short film, Joaquina de Angola, and Ana de Borges, a full-length feature film currently in production.

In Guillermina, a series of drawings, sketched figures in simple lines, serve to bring to life the memories of a 40-year old Cuban White man whose over voice sentimentally reminisces, evoking his memories of a happy childhood spent cocooned in the loving affection of his Black nanny named “Guillermina” – but he admits that to this day he knows nothing of this much beloved Significant Other …including her fate.

Then follows a succession of archival formal photographs that capture Black nannies or nurses holding or watching over White babies, infants, toddlers on their laps, or in prams. This picture gallery freeze-frames for posterity their Black-Woman-gaze – facial expressions with deep knowing eyes … non-verbal, yet so telling! Black Women, unknown, unnamed, relegated to the background, side-lined to the edge, dismissed in the corner, serving as foils, utilitarian fixtures, objects obeying on command – seen yet unseen, visible yet invisible.

This nine-minute film was eye-opening if not jolting to some, for it compelled us to start questioning the one-sided history that we as a society have traditionally embraced and accepted. Guillermina also forces us as Peoples of African Descent to acknowledge the ways in which, because of history’s biases and omissions, our current “historical consciousness” is a falsified one that we must resolutely re-examine, problematize, and correct – just one of the multiple “Barracoon Feminism” lessons that a number of us have taken away.

For myself and Black Women like me:
“Barracoon Feminism” comes heavily freighted with the weight of our obfuscated history. “Barracoon Feminism”immediately teleports me back to the barracoons or slave barracks – slave quarters or holding places of confinement that still awaken and trigger so many “plantation memories” which surge up to flood and engulf me… memories of our Black-Woman-bodies objectified – by White men, White women and White children– our bodies politicized, commodified, monetized, and capitalized as units of labour, ripe and ever-ready for exploitation and hard, backbreaking, ‘from-sunup-to-sundown’-work – field work, house work, caregiver work, reproductive work, forced sex work –in short, objects… chattel to be used, mis-used and abused.”

For us Black Women, Dr. Sarduy’s phrase “Barracoon Feminism” is a meaningful and fittingly coined term that reflects with authenticity our past and present lived experience and reality, even as it honours our Black-Woman-perspective.

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Going Plant Crazii with Lloyd Rose at the Montreal Vegan Festival

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Rosie Awori

This weekend the Montreal Vegan Festival kicks off, featuring vibrant flavours, meaningful discussions and innovative vegan experiences from across the globe. This year’s festival welcomes Lloyd Rose as the spokesperson—a homegrown Montreal talent whose culinary platform has earned him over 810k followers on Instagram. Known for his unique blend of Caribbean and vegan flavours, Lloyd is soon to release his second cookbook, Island Vegan: 75 Flavourful Recipes from the Caribbean.

Speaking with the CONTACT, Lloyd shared his journey to veganism, revealing that a documentary seven years ago led him to go vegan overnight. “I grew up eating a lot of meat, and after learning the environmental and ethical impacts of my choices, I couldn’t enjoy eating meat in the same way,” he explained. “It wasn’t just about food but also about finding ways to help others discover a lifestyle that aligns with their values and health goals.”

For Lloyd, cooking has always been second nature. Although he never attended culinary school, he began experimenting with food at an early age, learning from his mother and drawing inspiration from the flavours of his friends’ homes and favorite cooking shows. Through trial and error, he developed a deep understanding of flavours and textures that would later shape his vegan creations. “When I first went vegan, I was limited in what I knew how to make,” he recalls. “Now, I use my platform to show that veganism isn’t just eating lettuce. It’s a world of vibrant, flavourful food, and it’s easier to create than most people think.”

The leap from experimenting in his own kitchen to becoming a social media sensation happened almost by accident. Friends urged Lloyd to post his recipes on Instagram, but at first, he was reluctant. “I didn’t even have a profile picture,” he laughs. “I was just sharing occasionally.” But during the pandemic, his casual posting evolved. “I realized people were really hungry for this—especially those who were looking for plant-based options that didn’t compromise on flavour.” With a combination of visually striking dishes and compelling storytelling, Lloyd’s Plantcrazii account took off, attracting followers around the world. Soon, he found himself fielding offers for collaborations, sponsorships, and even his first cookbook deal, Crazy Good Vegan.

Lloyd emphasizes the importance of staying true to authentic Caribbean cooking, adapting recipes for vegan diets without losing the soul of traditional dishes. His upcoming cookbook, Island Vegan, which will be out in December but is currently available for pre-order, is a tribute to the traditional flavours of the Caribbean, capturing dishes that are true to their origins while using only plant-based ingredients.

“A lot of Caribbean food today has become watered down,” he says. “I wanted this book to feel like home cooking—the kind of recipes that stay close to the roots.” He talks about his recipes with a passion for detail: jerk jackfruit sliders with smoky, complex flavour; a roti stuffed with fragrant, spiced curry; and a sweet plantain loaf that offers a twist on the classic banana bread. The cookbook is Lloyd’s way of preserving authentic Caribbean cuisine for a new generation, while giving it a plant-based twist.

This year, Lloyd will cap off the Montreal Vegan Festival with a cooking demo alongside Marie-Michelle Chouinard, another prominent figure in the Montreal vegan scene. The demo, set for Sunday afternoon, is expected to draw a large crowd as Lloyd showcases some of his signature dishes, sharing techniques, tips, and perhaps a few anecdotes along the way. “I’m excited to meet people and show them that vegan food is not only about health, but it’s also about joy, culture, and connection,” he says.

The Montreal Vegan Festival will run from the 9th – 10th November and promises a lineup of events that will likely appeal to new and experienced vegans alike. There will be discussions on veganism’s environmental impact, the evolution of the Montreal vegan restaurant scene, and even panels on vegan-friendly financial investments and nutrition. Notable speakers include Christian Ventura of Sushi Momo and vegan influencer Loounie, among others. The festival also offers something new this year: thanks to a spacious new venue, attendees can now enjoy full hot meals on-site.

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10 Years Later; Reflections on the BLM movement in Montreal.

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Desirée Zagbai

The death of Michael Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old Black man who police officer Darren Wilson fatally shot, sparked protests and riots in Ferguson Missouri. The demonstrations became an essential part of the Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM) in America and around the world.

In 2014, hundreds of Montrealers gathered outside McGill University for a candlelight vigil, in solidarity with the U.S. protesters who had taken to the streets after a grand jury decided not to charge the police officer involved in Brown’s death.

Ten years later, systemic racism is still happening in Canada. A Quebec court recently ruled that systemic racial profiling exists within the Service de police de la Ville de Montreal (SPVM).

Earlier this year, the Montreal Police banned the controversial thin blue line on its uniforms which had been linked to white supremacists and other racist groups. Many police forces in North America wore the thin blue line patch at the height of the BLM movement.

Emma Ansah is a journalist reporting on the injustices Black Canadians face. After 13 years in the media industry, her activism for the Black community continues.

“What keeps me motivated is that the news never stops; it’s constant. Every time you turn on the news, you hear about something that’s going on with Black people. There’s a lot you don’t hear,” Ansah said.

Ansah expressed how she believes the anti-Black racism in Canada is getting more covert. She believes that all types of anti-Black racism have always existed and that protesting and rallying is not enough for a systemic change; she maintains that the creating of councils, summits and fundraisers with experienced Black people would be more effective.

“I think the first thing is to make sure that you have certified Black people teaching this, and it could be a consultation firm that’s been sort of tasked to go to all of the school boards and all the institutions and training,” Ansah said.

Ansah added that after BLM leaders Patrisse Cullors and Melina Abdullah bought a $6 million house that allegedly was from donations they received, she stopped subscribing to the BLM movement. She thinks all efforts should go to support the Black community.

“In that regard, it sort of taints the whole purpose of the BLM movement. Do I think that it’s a great organization? Absolutely, all of the things that we should be doing as a community are to help eradicate all the things that continue to go on within our community,” Ansah said. “So, I think the movement is a great concept. I just don’t subscribe to it right now because there are just far too many discrepancies going on.”

Ansah expressed that she hopes the BLM movement will be remembered as an organization that made a change.

Mykeisha Marie, 28, thinks the BLM movement has significantly changed today’s society.

“I can definitely say it’s been a revolutionary as a movement,” Marie said. “I believe there have been a lot of people who have been aware of what’s been going on, especially with police brutality and just how Black and brown people are mistreated in society, so I’m very glad that this type of movement does exist.”

Marie explained that she wished the movement had received a better approach. She added that she thought the BLM movement was aimed at uniting Black communities but found that some Black people did not show solidarity with each other.

“Like, even with certain Black people, they will look at other Black people and say, no, I don’t associate with that type of thing. So, to me, I don’t understand. If we’re all supposed to be uniting and trying to work together, I feel like you can’t just simply pick and choose because it’s a trend,” Marie said.

Despite the ongoing issues Black Canadians face, Marie is not giving up hope on the BLM movement.

“So, to me, it’s something (BLM) that will be written down in history, and hopefully, in years to come, it will be taught in schools, especially in grade five and six history classes,” Marie said.

According to the charity organization Black Health Alliance, to fight anti-Black racism, people need to acknowledge that anti-Black racism exists and that it affects the well-being of Black Canadians.

 A study in the National Library of Medicine investigated the connection between Canadians’ race, discrimination, and risk for chronic disease. It found that Black Canadians were most likely to experience discrimination.

The Black Health Alliance also emphasizes that support from all government levels is required to fight anti-Black racism. Recognition from businesses, schools, healthcare, social service, and community agencies would be helpful.

10 Years Later; Reflections on the BLM movement in Montreal. Read More »

Egbert Gaye Honoured Posthumously by National Assembly

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The ripples from the life and legacy of Montreal Community Contact Founder and Managing Editor, Egbert Gaye, continue to be felt even after his passing on June 4th, 2023. He pioneered the only anglophone newspaper, serving Quebec’s Black and Caribbean Community and over 30 years later it is still going strong.

Quebec’s Minister of Economy, Innovation, and Energy, Christopher Skeete, posthumously awarded Egbert with the Deputy’s Medal. His wife, Elizabeth Gaye, son Emar Mitchell, daughter-in-law Djemira Mitchell, brother Patrick Gaye, and sister-in-law Sharon Bledman accepted the honor on his behalf.

Born in Grenada and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Gaye immigrated to Montreal in 1980. Twelve years later, he established the Montreal Community Contact, a vital newspaper for amplifying Black and Caribbean voices, addressing systemic racism, providing opportunities, and showcasing their triumphs. He gave other journalists a chance to hone their skills and many of the CONTACT alumni have seen great success across Canada and internationally.

The Medal of the Deputy, awarded by the parliamentarians of the National Assembly, aims to recognize the merit of persons or organizations from their electoral district and who have carried out an exemplary action useful for the good of the community of the said constituency in the cultural, sporting, social or entrepreneurial field. Egbert’s commitment to social justice and equality and tireless efforts to uplift the Black and Caribbean community make him a well-suited recipient of this honor.

By recognizing his pioneering work in Black journalism, the National Assembly has honored his memory and celebrated his impact on the community.

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Lydie Dubuisson’s directorial debut at Black Theatre Workshop

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Desirée Zagbai

Lydie Dubuisson lived next to Black Theatre Workshop (BTW) for three years without knowing it existed. After meeting an artist from BTW she worked her way into success and will make her directorial debut at the theatre with the play Taking Care of Maman.

Taking Care of Maman is about Eli (played by Seeara Lindsay) and her neighbour (played by Alexandra Laferrière), who helps Eli deal with her mother’s struggle with depression during COVID-19. The play evokes the influence of intergenerational relationships and offers the audience a message of hope and healing during difficult times.

Dubuisson began taking theatre seriously in 2018. When she first walked through the doors at BTW, she realized that she could use her playwright skills to achieve her theatre goals.

“It was my first time seeing Black folks doing Shakespeare, doing theatre, not even entertainment, not even back up. It was a whole production of Black people doing Shakespeare, which broke a little of my brain. I thought I needed to get in there, and that was it,” Dubuisson said to the CONTACT.

Dubuisson explained that she faced some challenges throughout her career, such as learning how to enter the theatre industry, working in an office during the day, and then switching to working in a musical theatre with kids and professionals afterward.

Looking back at the hardships, she now sees her progress as a good lesson.

“It was a beautiful journey to learn to respect the people carrying the work and then understand how I could get to the other side and be a part of that industry. Not just a player and always auditioning, but becoming a creator,” Dubuisson emphasized.

Dubuisson said that she hopes children watching the play will understand how to find help during hard times. She wants them to realize they can choose the community with whom they wish to share their personal stories, whether a teacher or someone they trust to help.

She expressed that part of why she loves plays is that people can absorb and observe their message. Some people might connect with a scene that, for example, clarifies why they are in a state of panic.

Dubuisson added that she wants the audience to remember their role while watching plays, which becomes crucial to their experience.

“Remember that as a part of the audience, you’re also a part of the story. Walking into a theatre, you’re part of the story. You’re part of the reactions. You’re part of who’s holding the characters, the people on the stage. So, remember you’re a player in this play and anything else you see. Once you enter and you sit, you’re in the space,” Dubuisson said.

Taking Care of Maman will be performed from Oct.11 to Oct.12. The show on Oct. 11 is sold out, but tickets are available for the Oct. 12 show, which starts at 2 p.m. It will be at the Teesri Duniya Theatre; for more information and tickets: https://blacktheatreworkshop.ca/Taking-Care-of-Maman

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Unpacking Eating Disorders among Montreal’s Black Community

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Desirée Zagbai

Eating disorders within the Black community in Canada have been bubbling under for decades. Spoken about in hushed tones, it has been found that factors such as trauma, mistrust in health care, and stereotypes have contributed to the ongoing cycle.

According to the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC), the lack of representation and research has left many Black people uncertain about how to get help or unsafe on how to acknowledge their eating difficulties.

Montrealer, Catherine Ndiaye, 21, a law student at McGill University, battled with anorexia for two years. Her healing journey was difficult, and she had no support from the Canadian healthcare system.

Ndiaye was hospitalized and was diagnosed with anemia, however, the medics didn’t bother investigating what caused the anemia. For her, this lack of thoroughness served as a wakeup call.

“Doctors couldn’t even identify the cause. If I continued down that path, I could’ve died, and nobody would’ve understood,” Ndiaye said.

Ndiaye had to do her research and found out that she had anorexia. She started working on her relationship with food, went to the gym and found immense support from her parents through it.

She expressed that the current cultural beauty standards also impacted how people viewed her drastic weight loss. She would get compliments instead of concerns regarding her physical change.

Today, when she looks at her pictures during that time, she realizes how dire her situation was.

After the hardship she went through, Ndiaye emphasizes the importance of taking care of one’s health.

“What you see on TV isn’t reality, and you shouldn’t stress yourself out by looking a certain way,” Ndiaye said. “It’s better to be in the shape you’re supposed to be and healthy instead of forcing yourself to conform to a certain standard while being unhappy and unwell.”

Ary Maharaj has worked at NEDIC as an outreach and education coordinator for six years. He expressed that there is no proper race-based data on how eating disorders affect communities of colour, Including Black people, Indigenous communities and other racialized communities.

Maharaj expressed that based on the data NEDIC has so far, Black people experience eating disorders at similar rates to white folks. However, the difference is that Black communities and many other people of colour are less likely to reach out for support.

He mentioned that the experiences of racism, trauma and cultural mistrust of healthcare systems are some of the problems that can hinder Black people from prioritizing getting help for their eating disorder.

“They’re having to separate themselves when they’re accessing help. So, they might not be able to feel like they can get help as a whole person. Because the help that they’re getting isn’t adaptable to their pertinent needs. Common eating disorder treatments are tailor-made for white women, which doesn’t represent other races,” Maharaj said.

Maharaj expressed that at the NEDIC, they often hear that many communities of colour, including Black people, feel the need to self-advocate. This can be hard since it takes a lot of literacy, resourcefulness, strength, and bravery to do your own research and express your grievances to healthcare providers with lots of power. It creates an additional barrier and can make their journey a bit more complicated, especially in the beginning when they try to access care.

He emphasized that the expectation should be that healthcare providers make sure that care is available for the whole person bearing in mind that race and culture are a big part of who a human is.

Maharaj mentioned that the fact that there is an underrepresentation of Black healthcare providers creates an additional barrier. The waiting lists can get long for Black therapists and healthcare workers who want to help Black communities, this creates another problem where the Black experts feel that they are the only ones who can help them.

“To be better at this, we need healthcare providers of all races and identities to feel more comfortable taking a stance of cultural humility about eating disorders,” Maharaj explained. “By changing that system, I think it will make it easier for Black people and families to feel like they can trust the healthcare provider they’re seeing to provide holistic care for their well-being.”

Maharaj expressed that seeking help is essential and members of the Black community should seek help on their terms, whether it be a family doctor in their community or using the NEDIC resource called “Let’s Talk About Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders in the Black Communities.” They can print it and show it to the healthcare provider to better understand their need for help.

In any case, where someone would rather be anonymous, NEDIC operates a national toll-free helpline and live chat that does not require personal information. Maharaj emphasized that there are different ways to get help and depending on one’s concern they can choose what works for them.

“Some help is from the hospital, but people can also find help in community or peer support,” Maharaj underscored. “I imagine that for many folks of colour and including the Black folks that we’ve talked to, it’s sometimes being the unconventional treatment approaches that have been helpful.”

Dr. Natasha Johnson has been a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist at McMaster Children’s Hospital for 18 years. From 2015 to 2022, she was the co-medical director of McMaster’s pediatric eating disorder program.

Johnson explained that the standard of care for people who have eating disorders is the same for every person once they identify it. For the most part, the recommendation is the family-based treatment. It is a highly effective method to help young people recover from eating disorders.

She added that ultimately, in Canada, about five per cent of teenagers can have eating disorders. However, eating disorders often go unrecognized or have a delayed diagnosis, especially if someone is racialized, gender diverse, of a higher weight, or a boy.

“So it’s not a difference that’s written into policy, but it’s a difference in the way that doctors, clinicians, other healthcare providers, even community members, may appreciate or not appreciate an eating disorder based on what kind of biases they have in their heads about what an eating disorder should look like,” Johnson highlighted.

Johnson mentioned that throughout her 18 years at McMaster, she was usually the only Black doctor. In the past two to three years, she has seen one or two Black nurses in their inpatient eating disorder unit.

“In my EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion) work, it is known that outcomes for Black communities for a lot of different health conditions are worse than they are in others in the white community, for example, and that’s where data is collected,” Johnson said. “So, for example, the mortality of Black infants is higher than the mortality of white infants.”

Johnson expressed that one thing that can be an antidote to that mortality rate is having concordance between the health care provider and the patient. If the provider and baby are Black, then the mortality rate is different.

She said that if there were more representation in health care in general, outcomes would be better, not only for eating disorders.

Johnson believes things are improving. The death of George Floyd in 2020 was a catalyst for many organizations, including healthcare organizations, to recognize the existence of anti-Black racism and the need to address it as a priority. It is because where there is data, the outcomes of Indigenous and Black people across several sectors, including healthcare, were significantly worse than many other communities.

She said that proper attention and effort have been made, in some cases, to try to communicate the correct cultural information to communities in their language and have healthcare providers who look like those community members to share that information.

“So, I am blessed to be part of a group called Our Kids Health, and specifically, there’s a chapter of Our Kids Health called Black Kids Health. That chapter has a number of Black healthcare providers, including me, who will make Instagram reels, TikTok reels, and Twitter posts about health-related information specifically geared towards the Black community,” Johnson emphasized.

Johnson underscored that it is important for the Black community to improve its health literacy. While health care providers and institutions work on communicating in an inclusive way, Black people could find the different names of diagnoses and take notes of that, write down the medicines they are taking so they are better prepared when they enter health care spaces, and talk about mental health with their families and children.

 These efforts would be useful in reducing the stigma within Black communities regarding mental health.

Johnson emphasized that better results will result from more representation in more sections, including health care.

“There are a number of medical schools, including McMaster, that have facilitated streams for Black students. So, I assume we will see more Black doctors on the front lines and other Black healthcare providers because of the simultaneous growth. I think of welcoming Black students to the various campuses across Canada,” Johnson said.

Unpacking Eating Disorders among Montreal’s Black Community Read More »

A Heartfelt Tribute to His Father

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Rosie Awori

When he started his musical journey over 30 years ago Mike S’obrian, commonly known as Stemz, didn’t know that it would be music that would help him navigate a period of deep grief in his life.

“I’m still going through it,” he says to the CONTACT via phone interview.

The “it” he is referring to is the passing away of his father Allan “Tony” Ramroop S’obrian in July 2024. His father was born in Trinidad and Tobago and like most immigrants came to Canada with the hopes of offering a better life to his family.

He moved to Montreal from Trinidad in the 1970s and soon found work doing whatever he could to provide for his family. As Stemz tells it, his father didn’t actively create music while in Canada but he came from a rich musical heritage which he introduced his children to.

“I got into music because of him,” he explains, “back in Trinidad he played in a band with some family members. He played the bongo and was often always around the band and music, which is how I ended up playing and touring with the band for many years.”

As his father’s health deteriorated, Stems felt it necessary to put the touring on hold and come and be close to him in Montreal.

“It’s how I even ended up creating my studio (Stems recording studio) I wasn’t actively in music, but I could still create beats here and there without having to tour.”

And when his uncle passed away in Trinidad, he went into the studio to create a track to help him process the grief. He didn’t finish it but he had laid out some of the composition.
That was almost two years ago. Then when he lost his father, he picked it back up. This time pushing through the pain and creating the full track titled Traveler.

He explains how it was therapeutic for him to finish the song, and he hopes the song will resonate with those who have gone through some kind of grief and give them comfort. The paradox of sad music that although we don’t enjoy being sad a lot of research has shown that we do enjoy the art that makes us feel seen through grief.

“My dad loved life, he loved family, he loved bringing people together through cookouts and parties,” Stemz shares, “so I know he would be proud of me for pushing and doing this song.”

Stemz created and produced the track and it was mixed and mastered by Azaryah, and the vocal engineer David Millien, while Jay walker wrote and sang the vocals.

“Traveler” is now available on Spotify, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms.

A Heartfelt Tribute to His Father Read More »

Thousands of Montrealers march for climate activism

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Over a thousand protesters marched through downtown Montreal on Sept. 27 on a national day of action for climate change. Photo Andrea Caceres

Macintyre Strudensky,
Local Journalism Initiative

Protesters rally for climate action, calling for improved efforts to reduce fossil fuel emissions

Over a thousand protesters gathered at the George-Étienne Cartier monument on Sept. 27 for a national day of action for climate change. The protest, organized by Fridays for Future Canada, was one of many occurring simultaneously across Canada.

The Syndicat des Cols bleus regroupés de Montréal, a labour union group focused on promoting social justice, facilitated the march. A multitude of organizations were also present in solidarity, including the climate organization Coalition québécoise des lacs incompatibles avec l’activité minière and the Québec solidaire political party, with an appearance from its leader, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois. 

Protesters were loud and lively as they marched down Park Ave. before turning on Sherbrooke St. W., making their way across downtown Montreal towards Place du Canada. Among the crowd, some protestors pounded drums and played instruments while others waved signs with slogans such as “We are not fossil fools,” “Let’s leave the dinosaurs alone” and “Lets burn capitalism, not the planet.” 

“The climate is in a disastrous state at the moment,” said Jennifer, a climate activist at the protest who has been granted anonymity. “The Paris Agreement stipulated 1.5 C as the maximum increase for global warming. In 2023, the Earth surpassed warming beyond that point. Unfortunately, the governments of the world have not made the necessary changes to bring that back down again.” 

Protesters at the march sought to advocate for climate awareness and demanded governmental action to reduce fossil fuel emissions. Photo Andrea Caceres

Frustration, unrest and urgent calls for action were the themes of the protest. Many protestors expressed disdain at what they feel is government inaction towards climate change mitigation efforts. 

“It’s important for us because, the more people that resist the status quo, the more changes will occur,” said Mikellena Nettos, a former employee at The Climate Reality Project Canada who attended the march. “Hopefully we can reduce emissions to move towards a greener and more communal future.” 

Mehramat Kaye, a volunteer for multiple NGOs and organizations such as Environnement Jeunesse, described her experience in advocating for climate action. 

“I’ve started volunteering for NGOs since high school now, so three years. It’s a core value of mine,” Kaye said. “As an optimistic person, I think it’s very important for people to be here today and spread awareness for the cause.” 

Jennifer expressed her optimism in seeing so many young faces at the protest.

“I think it’s amazing that so many young people are here today taking a stand,” she said. “Unfortunately, I don’t think my generation has been effective in caring for the environment. We’ve been complacent.”

As a woman in her sixties, she explained that compared to younger generations, she feels much of the older generation are more guilty of supporting banks and other big companies that are titans of the oil industry.

“[My generation has] been siding with three Canadian banks among the strongest supporters of the oil industry in the world,” Jennifer said. “That includes RBC, TD and Scotiabank.”

Ending the march just outside Bonaventure metro and Place du Canada, activists finished with a closing round of drumming to complete the parade through the city. 

“I think what people need a lot of the time is the right avenues for action,” Nettos said. “And I think this [march] is a good place to get started.”

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Montreal debuts its first trans film festival

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Montreal’s first trans film festival went on from Sept. 19 to Sept. 22, and showed 80 films from all around the world. Photo Ariana Orrego

Hannah Beach,
Local Journalism Initiative

EXPOSURES presents a diverse array of films by trans, two-spirit and gender-diverse creators

Montreal’s inaugural trans film festival EXPOSURES was held at Espace Transmission between Sept. 19 and Sept. 22, showcasing 80 works created by or in collaboration with trans, two-spirit and gender-diverse filmmakers.

The event featured 13 screenings that included three features and 37 short films, attracting a large audience with its diverse lineup of films across different genres and languages. The theme of EXPOSURES was “breaking new ground,” which recognizes its inception as the first festival devoted to trans cinema in Montreal, and one of six to exist globally. 

EXPOSURES was founded in 2023 by Iris Pint, a PhD candidate at McGill University studying trans and queer cinema. Since its inception, the collective has organized 20 screenings across Montreal, inspiring Pint to curate the four-day festival. The collective is dedicated to providing easy access to queer and trans-made media. 

“I’m bringing these films to Montreal and I’m making them accessible,” Pint said. “We always have solidarity tickets to give for events; people who need a discount or who need to come for free can always e-mail us or DM us. […] We always try to accommodate.”

Among the highlights were several Canadian premieres, including Dog Movie, which opened the festival on the evening of Sept. 19. Chicago-based director Henry Hanson joined a Q&A session after the screening of his improvised cringe comedy. About 150 people filled Espace Transmission’s loft space to see Dog Movie, which tells the story of a trans couple who have been hosting their friend Blue on their couch for six months, only to decide suddenly to adopt an elderly dog—also named Blue.

On Friday, Sept. 20, One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All made its Canadian debut. The film was directed by Eugene Torres, a Manila-based filmmaker, and is a dramedy about an adoptive family coming together to reunite their all-queer volleyball team to fulfil the dying wish of the protagonist’s late gay adoptive mother.

That night brought another full house of about 150 people for Video Nasty, a body-horror-themed collection of shorts. Eleanor Anderson-Lafleur, one of the Video Nasty programmers and a self-proclaimed transfeminine movie nerd, introduced the screening. 

“Body horror is a very trans genre, both because you know it’s dealing with kind of the body not doing what you want it to and […] it offers up the possibility to consider new ways of inhabiting that body,” Anderson-Lafleur said. “It offers the possibility of the radical reconstruction [of] our bodies, and that’s something we are very familiar with as trans people.”

Throughout the screening of Video Nasty, there were squeamish reactions and gasps of surprise from the audience, but continuous laughs throughout.  

“When you have enough body horror on your own, it can be helpful to externalize it,” Anderson-Lafleur said.

One of the most talked-about short films was “Tastes Like Pork,” directed by Dante Dammit, about a cannibalistic cis woman determined to eat the penis of a trans woman. The film provoked many laughs, as well as grimaces and groans.

Another short film that caused strong reactions was “The Princess and the Peacock,” directed by Daniel Baker-Wells, which tells the story of Mona Guyard, a transfeminine “freak-show” performer. The film chronicles Guyard’s upbringing and her performance art practice in Berlin, which involves piercing her skin with peacock feathers.

Mia Poirier, an aspiring filmmaker, commuted from Longueuil for the Video Nasty screening. 

“If they do it next year, I’m going to want to go,” Poirier said. “It’s interesting, the whole link between queerness and weirdness and horror.”

Molly Maliszewski is the other Video Nasty programmer and one of the festival organizers. She said that having a festival focused on trans and two-spirit creators and stories is important in the current moment. Maliszewski explained that mainstream films, especially of the horror genre, tend to depict transness on the outside. She found it refreshing to see films that moved beyond the trope of transness being used as “shorthand for what is scary because it’s like a transgression against a norm.” 

“All those films together in a space full of trans people who were willing to engage with horror, that created something really special,” Maliszewski said. “It’s horror movies made by trans people […] for other trans people, [without worrying] about explaining themselves to another audience.”

Montreal debuts its first trans film festival Read More »

Cooking for a cause: Mama Khan’s flavourful feasts fuel social impact

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The mother and son duo restaurant will be providing free Iftar boxes for Ramadan. Photo Menel Rehab

Menel Rehab,
Local Journalism Initiative

Pakistani restaurant’s Iftar gatherings change lives one meal at a time

Providing nourishment, comfort, and a sense of belonging to those in need, Pakistani restaurant Mama Khan’s initiatives extend beyond culinary delights to create a positive impact.

For the month of Ramadan, Mama Khan is offering special Iftar boxes as part of their ongoing charitable efforts. These Iftar boxes provide a complete meal experience, including appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks, allowing patrons to break their fast with nutritious and delicious food. 

The restaurant is continuing its commitment to giving back to its community during Ramadan by donating a portion of the proceeds from the Iftar boxes to charitable causes.

Through these initiatives, Mama Khan aims to foster a sense of unity, compassion, and generosity while providing nourishing meals to individuals and families observing fasting traditions.

Owner Abdul Raziq Khan explained that his restaurant’s journey took off as a ghost kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic. They started with the intention of testing the waters, unsure of whether it would be successful or not. However, they received exceptional feedback, prompting them to expand their operations to a physical location on St. Denis Street.

“We actually started two doors down,” said Khan. “We started there in a small area and we would get a lot of people and sometimes we would get overbooked. So, the previous person who owned this space approached the restaurant and asked if we wanted a bigger space. The restaurant has been at 4135 St. Denis St. for nearly a year and a half.”

The restaurant’s name pays homage to Khan’s mother, who serves as its head chef. “I reopened Mama Khan on her birthday, Oct. 13, so it is also our annual opening,” Khan added.

Over time, Mama Khan evolved its menu and dining experience, transitioning from take-out to a dine-in restaurant. Khan emphasizes the importance of experimentation and adaptation in the restaurant industry, viewing each day as a learning opportunity. 

Additionally, he highlighted the authenticity of Mama Khan’s cuisine, rooted in Peshawari culinary traditions.

“It’s Pakistani cuisine, but more specifically from Peshawar,” added Khan. “We’re from the northern province of Pakistan. So you get the butter chicken palak paneer, that’s more Indian Pakistani dishes. But then you also get the Pishawi curry, which is from my city, and you get the kebab which is specifically for my city as well. These are dishes that you probably find somewhere else but it wouldn’t be truly authentic to where it’s from.”

Khan encountered challenges in collaborating with other organizations due to a lack of recognition of his restaurant at first. To overcome this, he took the initiative during critical moments, such as providing free food during power outages and extreme weather conditions, which garnered attention and recognition for Mama Khan’s charitable efforts. 

This led to the establishment of the Mama Khan Pay it Forward program, where customers can donate $5 to provide a free meal to someone in need. This initiative evolved into offering Iftar boxes during Ramadan, continuing the spirit of giving back to the community. 

The restaurant has collaborated with organizations like Islamic Relief and local student clubs, such as the Muslim Student Associations of Dawson and Concordia, in organizing fundraising events and charity activities. These partnerships demonstrate Mama Khan’s commitment to supporting charitable causes and fostering community engagement.

“I had an event that happened on March 16 and 17 with the Islamic Relief,” said Khan. “We raised almost over $4,800 for Palestine; we did an auction, and we did a fundraiser.” Attendees enjoyed a curated menu featuring appetizers like Chana Samosa, main courses including Kebab and Chicken Curry, and dessert with Kheer (rice pudding). Additionally, a refreshing Mango Lassi was served as a drink. The event also included activities such as auctions, with proceeds contributing to fundraising efforts. 

On March 31, Mama Khan hosted another special Iftar event in collaboration with Islamic Relief. This event aimed to raise funds for Palestine through a four-course meal. The event raised over $12,000.

A mother of one of the volunteers, who was granted anonymity for her safety, said she was impressed by the way younger people seem to be involved. “I am Palestinian and I have lost family members. It’s been war for so long over there you kind of become numb. It gives me hope when I see younger people throwing events like this,” she said. 

“Mama Khan is a humanitarian restaurant,” said Ahmad Mousattat, leader of Islamic Relief’s collegiate-level operations in Quebec. “Our values align and (Khan) gave us all the food for free.”

“The whole fabric of the restaurant is woven through community,” added Khan. “You get that vibe that it’s more than just a restaurant.”

With files from Gabrielle Laperrière-Leblanc.

This article originally appeared in Volume 44, Issue 13, published April 2, 2024.

Cooking for a cause: Mama Khan’s flavourful feasts fuel social impact Read More »

Marching for Truth and Reconciliation

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Hundreds marched through downtown Montreal on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Photo Andrea Caceres

Andrea Caceras,
Local Journalism Initiative

Montrealers mobilize for fourth annual Every Child Matters march

Hundreds of Montrealers marched on Sept. 30 to commemorate the Indigenous Survivors and victims of the residential school system in Canada.

People gathered in Mount Royal Park at 1 p.m. and marched to Place Ville Marie in downtown Montreal while chanting phrases such as “Land back” and “No pride in genocide.”

“The importance of this march is to honour the Survivors of residential schools and how they impacted the Indigenous population,” said Selena Martineau, a protestor and employee at Resilience Montreal. Resilience Montreal is a shelter for Montreal’s unhoused population, who co-organized the march. “We are here to uplift them as much as possible and honour what they’ve gone through,” Martineau said.

This march was additionally co-organized by the Native Women’s Shelter, a shelter dedicated to providing support and frontline services to Indigenous women and their children. 

Nine speakers as well as a residential school Survivor spoke to the crowd preceding the march. Demonstrators marched through Parc Ave., Sherbrooke St. and Mansfield St. to René-Levesque Blvd.  

“[Indigenous peoples] gave up their lives, they gave up their language, they gave up their cultures, as lessons for us to take,” said Alex McComber, assistant professor of family medicine at McGill University. “We say never again, this will never happen again to any of our children.”  

Philippe Tsaronséré Meilleur is the director of Native Montreal, an organization specializing in offering services and community connection to Indigenous children and families.

“It’s important for Indigenous people and allies to have a moment to be able to say, through society, that the changes have not already taken place to stop intergenerational harm for Indigenous children,” Meilleur said. “It’s important for us to feel that we’re all together to say this message and to allow allies that have moments to also come and support us.”

From the 1830s to 1996, Christian church organizations and the Canadian government forcibly removed children between the ages of 4 and 16 from their family and forced them to attend residential schools in Canada. The goal was to erase Indigenous cultures and to assimilate Indigenous children into European settler colonialism.  

The orange shirt is an emblem, with rich history, which raises awareness of the abuse that Indigenous children had endured in residential schools. 

As a girl, Phyllis Webstad was forced to attend a residential school. On her first day, she wore a bright orange shirt given to her by her grandmother. Residential school administrators cut off her hair and stole her belongings, including Webstad’s orange shirt, which she never wore again. 

According to research conducted by the Save the Children Canada organization, residential schools had a rate of mortality rate between 40 and 60 per cent, and the majority of children experienced severe physical, emotional and sexual abuse.  

In Canada, hundreds of unmarked children’s graves have been discovered on the sites of old residential schools in recent years. 

According to Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, former grand chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, this is not the only problem. Sky-Deer said the Canadian government often makes empty promises regarding the needs of Indigenous communities. She stressed how boil advisories and a lack of infrastructure and housing are problems for many First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.  

“We have to do something, we have to get them off their feet to make some real substantial changes to our nations, to our communities,” Sky-Deer said. “It shouldn’t be like this in 2024, our people have been through so much.”

This article originally appeared in Volume 45, Issue 3, published October 1, 2024.

Marching for Truth and Reconciliation Read More »

The key is social housing

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Thousands attended a housing rights protest in Quebec City on Sept. 14 to 15. Photo Zosia

Zosia,
Local Journalism Initiative

Thousands participated in a weekend-long protest for more substantial housing rights in Quebec.

The Front d’action populaire en réaménagement urbain (FRAPRU) organized a two-day series of events from Sept. 14 to 15 calling for the Quebec government to address the ongoing housing crisis by increasing social and community housing within the province.

FRAPRU aims to advocate for the right to housing, focusing specifically on funding for social housing projects and the regulation of the private housing market. The demonstrations are part of the organization’s “La clé, c’est le logement social” campaign.

The protest began on the evening of Sept. 14 with an encampment in Quebec City. Protesters had intended to camp at Parc de l’Amérique-Française before police threatened them with arrest despite the FRAPRU stating they had been in discussion with the city regarding the encampment.

“[The police officers] were quite aggressive in letting us know that if we dared to put up one tent that they would seize it, fine us, [and] arrest us,” said Citizen Action Committee of Verdun (CACV) representative Kay Lockyer.

The group relocated to the grounds of the National Assembly after police endorsed the move. At the parliament, the Sûreté du Québec had already set up barricades, threatening protesters with arrest should they attempt to sleep on the premises. 

Around 60 people slept on the ground in front of the National Assembly, with some symbolically putting up tents. The group was surrounded by police presence, including several large police vans. Protesters reported unease with the heavy surveillance by the police, but no arrests were made during the demonstration. 

Catherine Lussier, a coordinator at FRAPRU, says that this police interference is indicative of the larger sentiment of the government’s lack of willingness to hear the concerns of citizens. “It feels like they don’t want to hear the message,” said Lussier. “That’s why we pushed back and we are still here.”

On Sept. 15, housing committees across the province including those from Outaouais, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Québec-Chaudière-Appalaches, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, and Montréal came to Quebec City to support the provincial action.

Labour unions, feminist organizations, and housing advocacy organizations participated in the protest to show solidarity with the movement.  

“The fight for housing is a social issue but it is also a labour issue. An injustice faced by one person is an injustice to all,” said François Proulx-Duperré, a representative of the labour union Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN). “The fight for unionism and for housing is interrelated, they are integrated, one into another. Count on us in your fight because it is also ours.”

According to the FRAPRU, around 1,300 people attended the march which started at the Parc de l’Amérique-Française and ended on the grounds of the National Assembly of Québec. Protesters lined the barricades with drawings of keys and threw keys into the fountain outside the parliament in protest.

 “If we’re not investing in social housing, we are going to see more homelessness,” said CACV representative Lyn O’Donnell. “We’re all experiencing housing precarity. Everyone is talking about the housing crisis because everyone is living it.”

This article originally appeared in Volume 45, Issue 2, published September 17, 2024.

The key is social housing Read More »

Stingers fueled by $100,000 alumnus donation

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Stingers quarterback Olivier Roy loads up for a pass during the Stingers football home opener against the Laval Rouge et Or. Photo Alice Martin

Jared Lackman-Mincoff,
Local Journalism Initiative

Former Concordia football player sets up student-athlete scholarship

When Al Fiumidinisi played for the Stingers football team in 1985, he faced a reality much different from his comfortable CEGEP life.

Playing football for Champlain Lennoxville in CEGEP, Fiumidinisi and all of his teammates lived on campus. They had a practical daily routine that allowed them to do everything they needed to on a given day.

“Classes would finish at 4 p.m. We’d have our practices from 5 p.m. until about 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. Afterwards, we’d go to the cafeteria to eat and study, and go to bed,” Fiumidinisi said. “It was the perfect scenario.”

Not to mention that he was playing for one of the best CEGEP teams in the country at the time.

But once he arrived at Concordia, all of that changed.

He realized that, like himself, most of his teammates lived off-campus. He lived on Montreal’s North Shore and had to commute roughly three hours per day to and from the Loyola Campus, where his games and practices took place.

“It was taking me about an hour to an hour-and-a-half to get to school. And then I would go to my practices,” he said. “[B]y the time I got home, it would be 11:30 p.m., 12 a.m. I was exhausted.”

He really wanted to continue playing football, but quit after one year.

“I just couldn’t do all the travelling,” he said.

In June, almost 40 years after his time at Concordia, he donated $100,000 to the university,  designated as a scholarship for student-athletes. For the next 10 years, one member of the Stingers football team and one member of a Stingers women’s team will each receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Fiumidinisi—currently a senior portfolio manager at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce—majored in finance and minored in accounting at Concordia. As such, he also instructed that the scholarships be awarded to student-athletes enrolled in a John Molson School of Business program.

Fiumidinisi remembers the difficulties of balancing his studies and sports, and wanted to help those who are going through the same struggles.

“Some people just like to build their bank account and get as much as they can. That’s not my game,” he said. “My kids are well taken care of, and everybody’s good. I think it’s good karma to give back.”

Fiumidinisi took out student loans to pay his tuition. He is hoping that the scholarship will help alleviate the recipients’ financial stress, and perhaps allow them to afford slightly higher rent.

“Instead of paying $1,000 [for] someplace really far away, maybe they could spend $2,000 and be much closer to campus and be able to do the sports they need to do,” he said.

The Stingers are used to receiving small, recurring donations from their alumni. Receiving large sums of money all at once usually only happens once a year on Giving Tuesday, an annual and well-known November tradition where the university encourages students, staff, and alumni to donate to its various departments.

“It’s always uplifting when we see alumni giving back based on the importance that they found and derived from the non-academic aspect of their time at Concordia,” Recreation and Athletics director D’Arcy Ryan said.

Ryan says that the new scholarship also holds practical value for the department.

“If we’re using it on the front end and deciding beforehand what team will get it on the women’s side, it can be used as a strong recruiting tool,” he said.

This is the single largest donation the Stingers have received since late 2022, according to Ryan, when Montreal-based Power Corporation of Canada donated $1.3 million to Concordia Stingers athletics. It aimed for the department to develop resources in women’s sports for nutrition, mental health and mentorship.

One member of the Stingers women’s hockey coaching staff, Devon Thompson, was able to hone her coaching skills and leadership abilities thanks to the donation.

In late 2021, former Stingers basketball player George Lengvari donated $1 million each to Concordia and McGill basketball programs.

“I’m kind of hoping [Fiumidinisi’s donation] has trickle-down effects with regards to other alumni looking to do something in a similar vein,” Ryan said.

The Stingers football coach will make a recommendation to the Concordia financial aid and awards office each year, while the women’s scholarship recipient will be decided by the Athletics department.

“These kids work hard. They spend 35 hours a week just doing football and they go to school,” said head football coach Brad Collinson. “Some of them have part-time jobs, so anytime we can relieve some financial stress from them, it’s important.”

The Stingers football team is allowed to hand out a maximum of 33 scholarships per academic year. This new scholarship does not add to that total, but it gives the team another one to work with.

Nevertheless, Collinson hopes that the winners will be inspired to pay it forward when their time comes.

“The winner of that will be very happy and very appreciative of what an alumnus did for them,” Collinson said. “And hopefully moving forward when they graduate, they’ll do the same.”

Fiumidinisi shares the same wish. He believes that everybody—not just Concordia alumni—should do their part in helping others.

“If everybody gave back, I think we’d live in a better place,” Fiumidinisi said.

This article originally appeared in Volume 45, Issue 1, published September 3, 2024.

Stingers fueled by $100,000 alumnus donation Read More »

Atora Romain: Transforming a basement into a successful hair salon

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Desirée Zagbai

Atora Romain, owner of the hair salon Hairstyles Unrivaled, started her career as a hairstylist at eight years old. As a 14-year-old, she began braiding with a pen during lunchtime at school, and since then, she has evolved. Romain has owned her hair salon in downtown Montreal for eleven years. She became inspired to start her own business when she realized she did not want to conform to the nine-to-five lifestyle. She finds the flexibility of creating her schedule and going on vacation at any time satisfactory.


During the pandemic, the benefit of not having a commercial space got in her favour. Customers who could not go to other hair salons came to her renovated basement by appointment, still considering the restrictions and avoiding crowds.
Romain describes her clientele as loyal and does not see herself doing anything other than being a hairstylist; her passion has grown with time.

“Hair allows me to be creative,” Romain said.

Romain has a hair oil brand called “Hair Elixir,” and it is handmade. She also sells bonnets and black shampoo. She emphasizes that her goal as a hairstylist is to ensure happiness for her new and devoted clients.

“My clients are like a walking canvas. So I always make sure they leave happy. . . I make my work speak for itself,” Romain expressed.

Romain mentioned that being a business owner has its ups and downs. In 2010, she encountered some challenges. She became a single mom and could not keep visiting people’s homes and braiding their hair with her son beside her. This situation motivated her to go back to the workforce and stabilize herself.
However, her son became sick one day, and she stayed home for two days. After taking care of her son and being back at work, she got fired during half of her shift. Despite the hardship, Romain stayed persistent with her business idea.

“So then after I decided, you know what, I’m going to register my business because my child right now is my priority. So what I needed to do was to work around my child,” Romain expressed.

Romain ensures that her prices are affordable for her customers. She emphasizes that she wants everyone to get access to her services. A giveaway will begin soon; less fortunate people will receive a free hairstyle. Romain has homeless people in mind, and if anyone else could benefit from the offer, she will create a monthly slot for that person.
Romain advises anyone else who would like to have their own business that patience is vital to success.

“You can’t expect a big profit. So at the beginning, focus on building; eventually, you’ll get where you want to,” Romain emphasized.

Atora Romain: Transforming a basement into a successful hair salon Read More »

Labour Day: What it means for Black Canadians

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Desirée Zagbai

Black Canadians have significantly impacted the labour force in Canada. However, the increased Black unemployment rate limits their opportunities.

Layla Michel, 20, a computer science student at Concordia University, has been searching for a job since March 2024. She expressed that she has more free time now. Still, it has been stressful, and she believes that systemic racism plays a part in the Black unemployment rate in Canada.

“I think in Canada, the thing is that they like to say that it’s not as bad as the U.S. You compare a lot, and so you kind of end up ignoring our issues,” Michel said. “But I think it’s there, and just because our issues aren’t the same as the states, they are not equal in the same regard. It doesn’t mean that it’s not there,” Michel emphasized.

She mentioned how she believes that racism in Canada is more hidden, and people are more lenient with the racist remarks they make—some hiring managers will not be blatant and tell a Black individual that somebody will not hire them due to their skin color.

Michel believes that networking is a solid way of fighting the unemployment situation. Having connections may also help one get into the job market.

“People who are hiring are usually strangers, and if they already have a bias against Black people, they already have this barrier. So if you don’t have any connection with them or someone they know, it’s very hard,” Michel said.

Research by Statistics Canada shows that from 12 months to June 2024, the Black unemployment rate

rose by 4.4 percentage points to 11.9 percent.

Solange Pati, owner of the West African restaurant Maquis Yasolo, was inspired to create her own business to promote the “afro-québéqois” culture. She has been self-employed for more than 20 years and keeps experiencing the same issue—getting a stable loan as a Black business owner.

Pati explained that she gets approached by many Black individuals looking for jobs. To help some of them, she tries to schedule them for her restaurant’s events. However, since she cannot take out a loan to help her business, it becomes difficult to help more Black job searchers.

She expressed that the most significant issue Black business owners face is the ability to get a loan for their business.

Despite the financial challenges she is still facing, she remains favourable to the people around her.

“I always say to my employees and the family, one thing that we have: we have this space in our food, and nobody can take that,” Pati emphasized.

Pati mentioned the slave labour Black people have gone through in Canadian history; the Black community has felt the impact of kidnappings, rape and abuse.

She believes Labour Day in Canada is more than a symbol. It represents the path of Black Canadians in Western society.

“We worked hard to build what the Canadian society is today,” Pati emphasized.

Suzanne Spiteri has been the research lead at the Labour Market Information Council (LMIC) for two years. She has conducted multiple projects and research on the labour market and Black Canadians.

She believes the main reasons for the increased Black unemployment rate are due to systemic racism, biases, and the legacy of colonialism.

“If we don’t make real efforts to change the systems, then everything is going to stay exact,” Spiteri said.

Spiteri is working on a project about unemployment among Black youth in Canada. She believes that there will be a large population of Black youth who are not in formal education, employment, or training. It can affect their future employment prospects without proper education, causing them to decline when they are not involved in the labour market as a youth.

Spiteri explained that there is the racism of “low expectations.” Some teachers have low expectations about Black children, and this influences how they educate them. If adults do not believe in Black children at an early stage, they will have a hard time believing in themselves and their potential to get higher education. Which later will lead to limited opportunities. She emphasized that without a fundamental systemic change, the cycle will continue.

“We need to untangle the legacy that we have with settler colonialism. We need to ensure that people get the equal rights and freedoms provided to them,” Spiteri emphasized.

Labour Day: What it means for Black Canadians Read More »

STEM WITH MISS SABI – EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCIENTISTS

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Rosie Awori – Local Journalism Initiative

Montrealer, Sabi Hinkson has dedicated her life to pedagogy as a full-time public school teacher and a PhD candidate she’s now keen to see more young people, especially minorities, in Science Technology, Engineering and mathematics (STEM). To this effect, she started ‘STEM with Miss Sabi’, a tutoring center in Lasalle offering afterschool and summer tutoring in STEM subjects. As she tells it she has always loved the sciences.

“I was always very passionate about science and math,” she said to the CONTACT. “I have a degree in biochemistry and scientific research, but I felt I was more useful in the classroom than in a lab.”

For Hinkson, she sees that as a step to change how students engage with science. She explains that underrepresented minorities do not engage in STEM for various reasons including lack of role models, mentoring, peer support; and insufficient mathematics preparation to thrive in STEM fields.

Hinkson, who has taught in private schools across Montreal and now works in the public system, found herself drawn to education despite her initial reluctance.

“I didn’t want to be a teacher because I saw how much work my mom did at home as one,” she explained. “But you know, you’re a product of your environment, and I still ended up teaching.”

Her teaching journey took a pivotal turn when she pursued a master’s degree in teaching and learning science and technology at McGill University. It was during this program that her research took shape, influenced by the heightened awareness of racial injustice during the George Floyd protests and the Black Lives Matter movement.

“When I started thinking about my journey as a Black woman and a Black educator in STEM, I realized I was often the only Black person in my science and math classes,” Hinkson said. “I never had a Black teacher in those fields, and many of my Black students today have told me the same thing.”

That realization inspired her research into the underrepresentation of Black students in STEM, which Hinkson believes starts early in their education.

“In elementary school, Black students are often told what they can and cannot be,” she said. “They don’t see themselves as scientists because they’ve never had a Black science teacher or math teacher. I had a student who told a teacher she wanted to be a doctor, and the teacher suggested she try nursing instead. It sends a message about what fields we’re ‘allowed’ to aspire to.”

The center is more than just a place for students to brush up on their math and science skills—it’s a space where Hinkson can teach her way, free of the constraints of traditional classrooms.

“I wanted an environment where I could teach without worrying about rules that limit what I can share with my students,” Hinkson said. “I have paintings of Black scientists, inventors, and engineers on the walls. Kids need to see themselves reflected in these fields, and that’s what I’m trying to do here.”

Hinkson says that her tutoring center has become a reflection of her values and identity. “Every aspect of me is in this space,” she added. “I’m a woman of faith, I love science, math, and sneakers—you’ll see all of that in here.”

In addition to running her tutoring center, Hinkson is currently spearheading a drive to collect scientific calculators for her students in her school, many of whom do not have them now that the Quebec government has banned cell phones in classrooms.

“With the cellphone ban, some of my students don’t have calculators, and that’s essential for them to follow along in math class,” Hinkson explained. “I want to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed.”

Hinkson’s ambition doesn’t stop at tutoring. She hopes that one day “STEM with Miss Sabi” will grow into a full-fledged school, a space where her approach to teaching can flourish.

“I’ve always wanted to open my own school,” she said. “This tutoring center feels like a stepping stone. I want to create a place where all students not just Black students feel safe, comfortable, and most importantly, where they’re learning and getting better.”

To learn more about the center, help with the calculator drive or book a STEM tutoring session visit:http://www.sabihinkson.com

STEM WITH MISS SABI – EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCIENTISTS Read More »

Rising Costs in Montreal: Homeownership Becoming Elusive in Traditionally Affordable Areas

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Dimitris Ilias, LJI Journalist

In a city known for its diversity and cultural richness, some of Montreal’s most cherished neighborhoods are experiencing a dramatic shift in their real estate markets. Areas that were once seen as affordable havens for new immigrants and working-class families like Parc-Extension are now facing steep increases in property prices, making homeownership a challenging prospect.

The Economic Shift

In the past, neighborhoods like Parc-Extension offered a more accessible entry point into the housing market, attracting a diverse mix of residents with its relatively low-cost housing options. However, the landscape is changing rapidly. As of July 2024, the average price for a home in these areas has surged to around $533,100. This means that potential buyers now need an annual income of approximately $109,170 to afford a property, taking into account a mortgage rate of 5.29% and a stress test rate of 7.29%.

This increase in the required income marks a significant departure from previous years, reflecting broader trends across Montreal, where rising property values and higher interest rates are creating barriers for those looking to buy a home.

Financial Challenges and Market Dynamics

The calculations for buying a home in these evolving neighborhoods assume a 20% down payment, a 25-year amortization period, and additional costs like property taxes and heating. For many residents, especially those in lower-income brackets or new to the country, meeting these financial demands is becoming increasingly difficult.

Furthermore, for buyers unable to make a 20% down payment, the overall cost of purchasing a home increases due to the need for mortgage insurance premiums. This additional expense raises the required income to secure a mortgage, placing homeownership even further out of reach for many.

These financial pressures are not only a challenge for new buyers but also for long-standing residents who may be feeling the effects of gentrification. As more affluent individuals move into these neighborhoods, property values — and therefore property taxes — continue to rise, potentially displacing those who have lived there for years.

A Citywide Trend

What’s happening in these neighborhoods is part of a larger pattern affecting the entire city. Montreal, once known for its relatively affordable housing compared to other major Canadian cities, is now seeing price increases across multiple districts. This trend is pushing middle- and lower-income families further from the urban core, making it more difficult for them to stay in the city. While certain areas remain more affordable than Montreal’s more upscale neighborhoods, the difference in price is shrinking. The rise in housing costs in these traditionally more accessible areas is indicative of the broader economic pressures facing Montrealers.

Rising Costs in Montreal: Homeownership Becoming Elusive in Traditionally Affordable Areas Read More »

Using Humour to Bring Healing

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Rosie Awori

Podcasts and the pandemic have become almost synonymous with many people feeling the need to share all their thoughts and experiences while in confinement.  But for Montrealer Lorraine Elizabeth Campbell, starting a podcast was how she started her healing journey.

“You know, people weren’t even making eye contact with each other. It was just a terrible time,” she says to the CONTACT.

 “Being the person that I am, I’ve always been in service to others, I’ve always cared for others. So that didn’t stop even during COVID-19, I was still considering other people’s feelings before my own. And I think that’s almost like a trauma response. And it’s also something that you find a lot with mostly black women. We put everybody else before us. But I was in a terrible relationship, so I decided to start a podcast to share many of my thoughts and experiences.”

As she spoke on her podcast, the Star Parent: Parenting Ourselves and Parenting Others, she discovered she has a way of packaging her pain through humour. While not making light of abuse she managed to balance humor and discomfort and encourage scores who have also suffered at the hands of a narcissist or any abuser.

“I escaped the relationship in my mind, and I put all my heart into this podcast. It literally evoked a flame inside of me and it just got hotter and hotter and when I saw how much this was Irritating my ex. That I was creating and not focusing my time on him. It made me realize that this is the right thing for me to do. And so when he finally discarded me, I still poured into my podcast. But then I also felt that I was freer to do other things, and that’s when I got into improv and stand-up comedy. And I realized that I have a voice. I have a very impactful voice.”

Her way of translating her experiences into humour became the animating force behind her standup routine. She got training from Sandy Armstrong to hone her craft. And she then got ushered into the world of improv. Studies show that laughter leads to positive changes in heart rate, blood pressure and muscular tension.

Now that she has honed her skills in stand-up comedy, mastering the art of audience engagement, she will soon be joining a group of fellow comedians for the Narcissism A Comedy Night’ show on the 31st of August.  She wants to share her experience and show survivors and even those in abusive environments that there is hope after abuse.

Unfortunately, Campbell continues to face mental torture from her abuser.

“I have to find housing urgently because my ex knows my landlord and had me kicked out,” she says.

She is currently going through litigation trying to fight to see her child who was forcefully taken away in 2022 due to false accusations levied against her by her ex-partner. The court process has been long and tedious and she has faced a lot of racism and frustration.

As Campbell tells it, sometimes legal aid doesn’t give comprehensive coverage and help especially when it comes to women of colour and issues around abuse. That’s why she is adamant that a portion of the proceeds from the show will go to Women Aware, an organisation that assists and empowers survivors who have experienced or are experiencing Intimate partner violence (IPV) in order to improve their quality of life and affect social change.

Campbell will be coming alive on stage on the 31st of August at 3716 Notre-Dame St. W from 8 pm for ‘Narcissism A Comedy Night’, the event will both be a night of comedy and a fundraiser for narcissistic abuse survivors like herself. Ticket prices are $40 and the night promises to be one of healing, laughter and enlightenment.

Tickets and more information can be found on: www.montrealimprov.com  and to support her gofund me: https://gofund.me/5bd8a430

Using Humour to Bring Healing Read More »

Juneteenth: The first steps towards Black freedom

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Desirée Zagbai

On Aug. 1, 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act ended centuries of colonial enslavement of Africans in Canada.
Throughout history, approximately 15 million Africans were enslaved in the transatlantic slave trade. During this time, Black people had their freedoms stripped away; as mentioned by the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, the colonists controlled a large part of the slaves’ lives. “Slave owners subjected enslaved people to terrible working and living conditions. Physical and sexual abuse was a constant threat. Enslaved people lived tremendously difficult and very short lives.” The slaves had to endure harsh conditions for a long time, and they had no choice but to follow the colonist’s orders. During the period of slavery, approximately two million people died while crossing the Atlantic. The immense violence and kidnapping took many more lives.
However, despite the hard situations enslaved Africans were in, they used their bravery as shields and planned how to run away from their slave owners. In 1777, it was reported that many slaves fled from British North America into Vermont State, where slavery was abolished at that time. In many instances where slaves successfully fled, advertisements were posted for the public in an attempt to find them again. There are still ad examples from Nova Scotia that show how the slave owners described enslaved Africans and how much power they believed they had over them.
In 1793, Upper Canada passed an act to end the practice of slavery. This took a long time, and the first steps made it illegal to bring slaves to Upper Canada. Slaves’ children would be free as soon as they turned 25 years old. Another act that had similar elements did not pass in Québec due to the powerful influence a lot of slave owners and elected officials had in that time. They had the possibility to refuse potential acts, which inflicted more suffering on enslaved Africans’ lives.
The slave owners used halters around the slaves’ necks and whips to abuse them while they were fighting through every day of forced labor.
Black people’s suffering did not fully end when slavery was abolished. There is still anti-Black racism in Canada. This includes racist stereotypes, discrimination, racial profiling, and limited opportunities such as taking out a loan for one’s upcoming business.
Mushagalusa Chigoho is the CEO and founder of Afromusée in Montréal. The museum shows different parts of African heritage in Canada and its many cultures.
Chigoho expressed that financial and structural barriers can make it more difficult for Black Canadians who want to succeed with upcoming projects. He emphasized that the Black community has more successful scholars and entrepreneurs nowadays, but believes that there is still a long way to go for Black freedom.
Chigoho stated that there are ways that could help the Black community stay firm and go forward despite the anti-Black racism that still exists in Canada.
“If we are strong economically and we first educate our own community to be proud of who we are, I think those are the two solutions for me,” Chigoho said.
Emancipation Day is to teach others about the slave history in Canada, understand the truth about enslaved African experiences, learn how people can get involved within Black communities and explore ways to fight anti-Black racism. Despite the injustices Black people have endured for decades and still do in the 21st century, movements such as Black Lives Matter evoke how they will never back down from racism and how firm a community can be if everyone gathers together and finds ways to get closer to freedom. As Martin Luther King said, “Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself.”

Juneteenth: The first steps towards Black freedom Read More »

Ty Henry’s rise to the NHL

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Rosie Awori

Chicago Blackhawks’ recent draft pick, defenceman Ty Henry, didn’t come to success through mere chance, but through faith in God, hard work and the encouragement of those who came before him. Just shy of 18 years old, Henry always dreamed big and his father Pastor Andrew Henry says his being picked for the National Hockey League is exciting but not surprising.

“I knew my son had the ‘it’ factor when, at a party, he raced one of his friends 10 times and on the 10th time he threw himself across the finish line to win the race. That moment,” his father said, chuckling, “confirmed to me that this kid was a fighter and would do anything to win.”

Andrew and his brother, Mark Henry, president of the Jamaica Association, huddled on a Zoom screen to speak to the CONTACT following the exciting announcement that the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks drafted Ty. To appreciate Ty’s story, it is important to know his foundation.

His father, Andrew, who had a successful 8-year run as a professional football player in the Canadian Football League (CFL), says because he knew that his son was destined for greatness, he was intentional with his parenting.

“God already had shown me this. Even before Ty got picked, I knew it was coming. It’s not just like that for Ty — for all my kids the Lord speaks to me about them,” he explains.

While it sounds like the words a well-intentioned father would speak about his children, Mark explains that they had to be deliberate about being fathers and had to learn from scratch because they didn’t grow up with a father.

“Our father was an absentee father and later on he died, so my siblings and I basically had to fend for ourselves since our mother had to work and put food on the table.”

And in Mark’s estimation, the community had already considered them lost causes.

“We shouldn’t even be here,” he said. “We were those troubled kids in the community and my brother (Andrew) struggled with his studies and didn’t seem to be talented in sports. But that all changed when we came to Canada.”

Their move helped broaden their perspectives and change their paradigm. The Henry brothers wanted to intentionally break the cycle of paternal absenteeism and abandonment. When Andrew noticed Ty’s athletic ability, he decided to give his son all the support he could. Not just as a father but as a former pro athlete and as a pastor.

Growing up in St. Leonard, Ty’s interest in hockey came from his maternal grandfather, who was always taking him to games and encouraging him to try the sport. He started out playing for the Braves, a Junior A ice hockey team, before joining Hockey Montreal Elite where he rose to be the captain. Unfortunately, at 13, he was sorely disappointed when he was snubbed for that year’s Quebec list of the top 13-year-old hockey players in the province.

“If he wasn’t the best, he was at least the second-best defenceman but perhaps because his name is Henry and not some French name he didn’t make the cut,” Andrew said.

But thanks to his grit, Ty refused to let that define him. He took the brave step of going to do a year of high school in New York before moving to Toronto where he joined Hockey Equality, which helps fund Black and minority young boys who want to play hockey. The organization pushed him to become even better. He was drafted by the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Erie Otters where he has played for the past three years.

Reflecting on his son’s journey, Andrew says that they all had to sacrifice to achieve success.

“He had to sacrifice being away from us to go get better and we as his parents had to sacrifice emotionally and financially to support his dream.”

Ty’s future with the Blackhawks has more development opportunities. The Blackhawks will work with the Erie Otter to ensure that he improves on his strengths and weaknesses so that he can become an even better player, one who can possibly play a major league game.

Andrew encourages other young people who are looking to follow in Ty’s footsteps not to shy away from sacrifice.

“’ It’s a process and sometimes you have to leave home to get what you want and look at Ty, he did that.”

Ty Henry’s rise to the NHL Read More »

Montreal Expands Social Intervention Teams Across the City, Including Parc-Extension

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Montreal is set to expand its innovative social intervention program, the Équipe mobile de médiation et d’intervention sociale (EMMIS), to all 19 boroughs by 2025. Originally launched as a pilot project in the Ville-Marie borough in 2021, EMMIS has proven to be an effective tool in mediating crises in public spaces, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the homeless or those under the influence of substances. The expansion of this program signals Montreal’s commitment to addressing social issues through proactive and community-based approaches.

One of the neighborhoods that will soon benefit from EMMIS’s services is Parc-Extension, an area known for its vibrant cultural diversity but also for facing significant social challenges. Parc-Extension, with its high population density and diverse immigrant community, has been grappling with issues related to poverty, housing, and social exclusion. The deployment of EMMIS in this neighborhood is expected to provide much-needed support to its residents by addressing conflicts and crises in a non-police capacity.

The program’s expansion is part of a broader strategy by the City of Montreal to enhance public safety and community well-being without relying solely on law enforcement. EMMIS teams, consisting of trained social workers, will intervene in situations where police presence is not required, focusing on de-escalation and providing immediate assistance.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante emphasized the importance of this initiative during a recent press conference, highlighting the increasing presence of vulnerable populations and the need for a more systemic approach to social issues. While acknowledging that EMMIS is not a catch-all solution, she pointed out that it has become an essential part of the city’s efforts to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all Montrealers.

As the program rolls out across the city, each borough will receive tailored services that reflect its unique realities. The success of EMMIS in its initial boroughs has been notable, with a significant increase in the number of calls for intervention—doubling from an average of four calls per day in 2023 to nine in 2024. This uptick in demand underscores the program’s relevance and the critical role it plays in supporting Montreal’s most vulnerable residents.

However, not all reactions to the expansion have been positive. The Réseau d’aide aux personnes seules et itinérantes de Montréal (RAPSIM) has expressed mixed feelings, praising the non-police nature of the intervention but criticizing the program for responding primarily to complaints from businesses and citizens rather than directly serving the needs of the homeless.

Despite these concerns, the expansion of EMMIS across Montreal, including into neighborhoods like Parc-Extension, represents a significant step forward in the city’s approach to social issues. With an increase in the number of social workers and the introduction of a dedicated phone line (211) for requesting interventions, the city hopes to build a more supportive and responsive social safety net.

As Montreal continues to evolve, initiatives like EMMIS will play a crucial role in ensuring that all communities, including those as diverse and dynamic as Parc-Extension, have access to the support they need to thrive.

Montreal Expands Social Intervention Teams Across the City, Including Parc-Extension Read More »

Basics Journey Into Music

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

When you speak to Alexander Basuk, popularly known as Basics its clear that his desire is not for fame and applause but to lift the next generation. To allow them his shoulders to stand, so that they can rise even faster than he did. He has 10 years under his belt in the music industry with a laundry list of accomplishments. With songs like, Let Me Know, Cigarettes and Poutine, Lotus Wrap among others as he tells it, Basics is just getting started.
Basics grew up in Little Burgundy, “in the 80’s when Little Burgundy was Little Burgundy,” he asserts. After that he moved with his family to Point St. Charles. His ethnic background of Italian and Black shaped his outlook and he credits his mother’s music choices to being part of his formative inspirations.

“She was listening to music of the 70s, 80s and 90s. She was listening to current era music of my age when I was young,” he explains to the CONTACT. “So l grew up listening to hip-hop and R&B from that time. So that was probably the biggest influence on me, was just like rapping along or singing along to the music. I realized later was the thing I taught me how to sing, was just trying to like copy how they were singing or rapping.”

In high school he didn’t focus too seriously on music only trying to see if he could use it to impress girls, and when that didn’t work, he faced his books. He later went on to CEGEP at Dawson College, it was here that he had he started thinking about performing music. Although he didn’t think it would be possible for him to see any kind of success, he started rapping with a friend who would beat box and he would rap to the beat. He had his own radio show on the campus’ radio station and when he was done with his shift, the radio manager noticed he liked to freestyle and let him use the mics to record his raps.

“It was very makeshift and low quality, but it was kind of like my first glimpse into doing my own music and I realized okay, recording is possible,” he says “but I didn’t know any studios or any places to go record. I didn’t have anyone person that I knew who was making music that I could go to.”

He performed on stages at school but took time to study the industry and grow in his craft as a
musician. In the early aughts exposure and accessibility was not what we know it to be. The internet was still sinking its roots into the ether and so exposure was quite limited, so he honed his craft through spoken word events, freestyles, open mics and cyphers. However, a chance encounter when he was working at a bank opened a door into recording.

“We were doing this training at the bank for customer service and there was someone who was playing some beats and I told him they sounded cool and we started talking about music, I got to know about recording and the structure of music” he recalls.

At this time the industry had grown and the fire for music came alive and in 2014, over ten years later Basics released his first singe and since then he hasn’t looked back.
Once he built his momentum he got to take part in various competitions. One such was ‘La Fin de Faibles/The End of the Weak,’ competition which is an MC competition that started in New York in 2000 and has expanded to over 16 countries around the world. As it stands, Basics, boasts being the three-time Canadian champion from 2017-2019. His music has seen him go across Europe, the states and other countries.

As a primarily English rapper, he sees the discrepancy between the anglophone and francophone music industry. “You often see the problem in funding as francophone artists get more support from the government.”

However, Basics’ take on equality in language is a unique one, “I would like to be able to speak all the languages of the world, not just French, that way I could connect with a wider audience,” he remarks.

He bridges the language divide through his collaboration having worked with prominent names in the Quebec music scene such as, Wasiu, Raccoon among others. He has also been named among the World’s Best Freestylers by Vice.

And even through all of these his main goal is to help those coming up after him. To this effect he holds writing workshops to help aspiring rappers and poets refine their skills. And after his wins at the End of the Weak, he now is a mentor and a coach for the talent that takes the stage. For Basics, its important that he gives his shoulders to those who need so that they can advance more quickly and go further and faster than he did.

“I didn’t have anyone to show me what to do but I want to show these 16 or 17 year old’s what I know and what I wish I knew then. I want my coaching pool to be wide, to have been part of the formation of the greats would make me very happy.”

Basics has new music coming out in August and is excited for new collaborative features as well. For more dates and details on all his projects his social media handle is ‘justspellbasics’ across all platforms.

Basics Journey Into Music Read More »

New CARIMAS Festival Promises Fresh Energy

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

After being canceled last year due to funding challenges, Montreal’s famed Caribbean parade, previously known as Carifiesta, is set to return this summer under a new name and with renewed vigor. Marking 50 years since the first parade in Montreal, this year’s festival, dubbed CARIMAS, is organized by the Caribbean Coalition Network of Montréal (CCNM). The CCNM comprises various cultural associations representing the Caribbean diaspora in Montreal. United in their mission, these groups are committed to fostering collaboration, empowerment, and cultural preservation among Caribbean communities in the city.
The festival will kick off on June 9 with a series of culturally rich events scheduled throughout the summer. CARIMAS will commence with two beauty pageants: the first for pre-teens on June 9, and the second for teens and young adults on June 22. Additionally, a special day for children, Petit Carimas, will take place on June 29. The grand celebration will continue on July 6 with a vibrant street parade, culminating in the festive Carimas Sizzle later that evening.


Jason Forbes, president of the YUL Cultural Association, promises an electrifying experience. “Expect a lot of energy, vibrance, colors, and costumes,” Forbes said during a press conference.
In a bid to expand the festival’s reach, Forbes adds, “This year, we’re inviting members from the African community. We’ve always had the Haitian community involved, so we’re definitely going to be bringing three groups from the Haitian community to be involved this year. We’re also looking at the Chinese community to bring some of their dragons and showcase that on the road as well.”


The CARIMAS Festival builds on a rich yet challenging history. Born out of Montreal’s Trinidad and Tobago carnival roots, the parade has embraced influences from all over the Caribbean, including English, French, and Spanish-speaking regions. The event began as an anniversary celebration at Union United Church in 1974 and later became an independent organization. It went through various community groups before becoming the Carifiesta Parade, but its journey hasn’t been without turbulence.


Last year’s parade cancellation, following a $30,000 funding rejection from the City of Montreal, sparked community outrage. City Councillor Alneus noted that Carifiesta organizers did not meet the revised criteria for funding. Despite the setback, the CCNM secured a $30,000 grant from the City of Montreal for this year’s event, and the community is rallying to ensure CARIMAS’s triumphant return.


Despite the vibrant plans, the festival’s organizers face financial hurdles. They have launched a fundraising campaign with a goal of $75,000 needed to support the elaborate costumes and floats, as well as initiatives for youth involvement, accessibility, and community outreach. “Going forward for the next five years, we’ll be reinvesting in the carnival to ensure we don’t face such financial challenges again,” states Laura Waithe from the CCNM.


In a statement, the CCNM expressed their gratitude for early donations. “We’re thrilled to announce that thanks to your incredible generosity, we’ve surpassed the $1,000 mark in donations! We hope to have a minimum of 740 people in Montreal and beyond to give $100 to meet our goal by our target date – Monday, May 20 – Victoria Day.”


Many who remember Montreal’s Parade from its glory days are optimistic that this new start will not just match its historical highs but exceed them, offering a fresh and inclusive experience. Montrealers and visitors are invited to participate in this reinvigorated cultural celebration, ensuring its success and continuity.

New CARIMAS Festival Promises Fresh Energy Read More »

Photo Credit: Andrae Lewis, The Link Rosie Awori, Montreal Community Contact David Venn, Nunatsiaq News

QCNA Announces 2024 Better Newspaper Competition Winners

Local Journalism Initiative, QCNA NEWS / / / , , ,

Photo Credits: Andrae Lewis, The Link

Pictured: Rosie Awori, Montreal Community Contact & David Venn, Nunatsiaq News

QCNA is proud to honour our member newspapers once again this year through the Better Newspaper Competition, recognizing excellence in news coverage, including reporting on education, agriculture, environment, health, and civic affairs.

An in-person Awards Gala highlighting this years winners was held on June 28th at The Holiday Inn & Suites Centre-Ville Ouest in Montreal, Quebec by over 100 participants. The prestigious Awards Gala was succeeded by a two day strategic planning session, organized and developed through QCNA and facilitated by strategic consultant Frances Ravensbergen, inviting 28 delegates from official language member publications across Quebec to join us in shaping a new vision, mission and focus for the organization.

We were thrilled to see the number of entries into the contest rise this year to over 600 submissions, which evidenced a continued passion for journalism, reflected in the work of every participant organization and individual in this profession. Over 100 participants were in attendance at the awards gala.

Photo Credits: Andrae Lewis, The Link

QCNA Board Members (left to right): Cynthia Dow, Charles Dickson, Nikki Mantell, Brenda O’Farrell and Lily Ryan. Missing from photo: Michael Sochaczevski and Sharon McCully

Among 40 awards presented that evening, some highlights included:

  • The Low Down to Hull & Back News, who took home 11 awards (many 1st place!) and was named Best Overall Newspaper for 2023-2024.
  • The Eastern Door newspaper (located in Kahnawake) had 13 big wins, including young journalist Eve Cable, who was presented with the honorable Paul Dumont-Frenette Outstanding Journalism Award for reporter of the year.
  • Two new QCNA awards were given out that evening, inlcuding the Best Contributed Photo Award (won by Anthony Qrunnut, a Grade 9 student at Igloolik’s Sivuniit Middle School) and Best Nature/ Environment Photo (won by Sarah Rennie for The Gleaner).
  • The first Egbert Gaye Dare to Make a Difference Award in tribute of founding owner/editor of newspaper Montreal Community Contact, was presented by Rosie Awori on behalf of the publication.

A full list of this year’s winner is available here.

The QCNA would like to thank the following sponsors who helped ensure the success of this years event:

The Department of Canadian Heritage
MP Anthony Housefather
MP Anna Gainey
MP Marc Miller
MP Marie-Claude Bibeau
The Honourable Greg Fergus, P.C., M.P.
Elizabeth Prass Deputy of the National Assembly of Quebec

And many thanks to businesses who provided services or donations:

The Holiday Inn & Suites Centre-Ville Montreal & Encore
Sabrina’s Linen Rentals
Michèle Desormeaux – the supplier of the trees
The Royal Canadian Mint
Via Rail Canada
NAV Canada
Moulin Wakefield Mill Inn & Spa
Hebdo Litho

And lastly, to the volunteers: 

AV Tech support provided by Tom Hansen and event volunteer extrodinaire Skye Metcalfe.

QCNA Announces 2024 Better Newspaper Competition Winners Read More »

Reduce, reuse, Recyborg: How a Montreal co-op is pushing back against consumerism by creating a better waste-disposal system

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Recyborg member Maelle Minier removing a Renaissance price tag from a donated stereo set-up. Minier said audio equipment is one of the most frequently repaired types of items. Photo Max Moller

Max Moller
Local Journalism Initiative

In 2020, Recyborg, an e-waste recycling cooperative, was founded by Geneviève Montpetit, Nicolas Proulx-Roussy and François Pedneault.

While the trio was involved in the creation of the program, Pedneault was at the core of Recyborg’s foundation. 

“The idea was to become the scrap metal store,” Pednault said. 

Pednault had spent a decade working in scrap metal recycling before realizing there was a better way to handle many of the items he was scrapping. 

“If it’s metal or anything electronic, bring it. We’ll deal with it, no matter the condition,” he said. “There’s an out for it.” 

While Recyborg still has similarities to a simple scrap metal store, its operation is more finely-tuned and extensive, with two main components. 

The first is collection and logistics. Clients pay Recyborg to pick up items for processing at their workshop. Everyday, their collection truck slowly weaves through the city doing pickups, which can range from small electronics to heavy industrial equipment from both individuals and large corporations.

Once dropped off at one of Recyborg’s workshops, either at 3811 Rue Ste Catherine St. E or 1900 le Ber St., the items then enter the second stage: sorting and repair. This process begins by testing items to see if they are functional enough to be resold. If unfunctional, Recyborg sees if it’s possible and worthwhile to repair the item. If the item is too damaged or too expensive to fix, they are then stripped for components. Those will then either be used to fix other items or sold online to buyers all over the world. 

“Sometimes [reselling is] the only way to find some of these parts, because they’ve become obsolete,” Pednault said.

If the co-op hits a roadblock with the gadgets, they either strip the items for scrap metal, or otherwise recycle the material. If they get items that they are unfamiliar with, or don’t want to deal with, they’ll pass them on to an online auction service.

Juni Skeene, a newer addition to the Recyborg team, said they found out about the co-op a little over a year ago when they were giving away old computers on Facebook marketplace.

“I came in and my eyes lit up,” said Skeene. “It was like the cavern of Ali Baba.” After offering their electronics repair skills, and a decent amount of pestering, Skeene was able to get involved on commission, and eventually started picking up shifts at the co-op. 

At its core, Recyborg’s purpose is to help end extractivism, the culture of extracting non-replenishable resources from the earth, in favour of reusing resources. 

“The convenience and appeal of consumerism is so easy and attractive,” said Skeene. “We’re trying to fill that gap by providing the creature comforts of getting something new… to beat consumerism at its own game.”

Recyborg is also very non-hierarchical, employing a co-op structure. Member Maelle Minier explained that this means all their decisions about the state of the business and future plans are made collectively. She added that they don’t have jobs like human resources, both because of the co-op structure and budget reasons. Because there is no prime management at Recyborg, members collectively decide their work schedule. Skeene said that this structure has made them feel very at home, and helped them develop good relationships with the people they work with.

While the co-op was initially operating out of a thousand-square-foot rented depanneur on Ste Catherine St. E, the space was soon outgrown. Pedneault recalled that the small space was quickly becoming overcrowded, full of dust, sparks and hulking machinery. At first, Pedneault wanted to move the whole co-op to a bigger location in the same area, but they couldn’t find anything suitable. 

The co-op eventually settled on Batiment 7, a shared industrial space in Pointe-Saint-Charles, deciding to keep both spaces in order to have two drop-off locations and access two client bases.

One of the biggest difficulties for Recyborg has been a lack of funding. Minier said that the summer of 2023 was financially difficult for them, but is somewhat better now. “[Financial] projections say that we’ll die in a year, but it used to say that we were gonna die in three months,” she said.

She said that funding from the government would help them a lot, but that it’s been difficult to apply for any grants. “We’re trying to get recognition from the city because we are… covering their hole,” said Minier. 

Minier added that while the city gives grants for ecological transition, they did not meet the city’s required criteria, and therefore were not eligible for funding. The only grants they were able to receive were when they were starting up, and were able to secure small business grants from Montreal’s Fonds de développement de l’économie sociale two years in a row. Pedneault said that their early grants helped them upgrade their services by buying new equipment, yet the grants don’t really help with everyday expenses.

Another part of Recyborg’s work is education, with Minier having gone into primary schools to teach children about responsible waste disposal, and how the term “rubbish” is defined. 

“Most of the things we got here, people say it’s rubbish. But we don’t see them as rubbish. Rubbish depends on what look you put on it,” Minier said.

Minier added that it’s important to teach the younger generations responsible waste disposal early, so that they carry the habits for the rest of their lives.

“[Recyborg is] a lot of work, that’s for sure,” said Pedneault. “But with the right people, anything is possible.”

“People want to have more from their job than just a pay-day,” said Pendeault. “We love our jobs… We’re not just making profit. We’re diverting lots of stuff from garbage. So we get a pay-day, and we also get to have an impact on the environment.” 

Skeene noted that by using Recyborg, customers can actively choose to step out of consumerism and extractivism. 

“It’s a revolutionary act to buy used,” they said. 

Skeene added that Recyborg has made them feel like they’re contributing to something revolutionary that is helping the planet.

Starting this month, Recyborg will offer a weekly workshop service at their Hochelaga location, where people can bring in broken electronics and be taught how to fix them for a pay-what-you-can price.

Reduce, reuse, Recyborg: How a Montreal co-op is pushing back against consumerism by creating a better waste-disposal system Read More »

Montrealers continue fighting against police brutality

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Photo Felix Legault

Julia Cieri
Local Journalism Initiative

Speakers and participants did not want to reveal names for their safety.

On March 15, the annual demonstration against police brutality was held at Beaudry metro station. It was organized by the Collectif 15 Mars, an autonomous group of activists from diverse backgrounds united by opposition to police intervention.

Nearly a hundred people gathered on the streets of the Gay Village, most wearing face covers and masks. Police officers on horses, bicycles, and on foot flooded the surrounding areas with expensive and excessive gear. 

The collective opposes racial, social and political profiling, pushing to stop police arrests aimed towards sex workers, Black, Indigenous, unhoused individuals, and people struggling with mental illness. It says the protest is a call for an end to police stop-and-search, mixed squads, and the presence of private security agencies in public spaces. 

The city of Montreal’s municipal budget for 2024 saw an increase of $33.8 million granted to the SPVM, representing 18.3 per cent of the overall budget. The government has been criticized once again for prioritizing law and enforcement over other essential services. In contrast, social housing is only getting 3.2 per cent of the total budget, urban and economic development only 4.1 per cent, and public transport 10.2 per cent. “We increase faster the budget of people who intimidate people rather than the budget of the people who heal,” said a representative of CLAC’s Legal Self-Defense Committee. 

Le Collectif wants to redirect the finances put into the police budget towards community services to help unhoused individuals who are continuously and increasingly repressed, questioned, arrested and prosecuted. “The real crime, for us, is that while we earn peanuts, social inequality explodes and the bosses pocket more and more,” another speaker said. They argue that the state prefers to finance profiteers, with the sole objective of “pauperizing the population and keeping themselves rich.” 

The event began with a few speeches, passionately spoken through megaphones, denouncing the police as being a central part of an oppressive system which abides to laws made for owners and the rich. “We recognize them as systems that carry out colonial, transphobic, and classist violence”, said a speaker. 

As protesters marched on Ste Catherine St., police squads swarmed the sidewalks, walking along intimidatingly as attendees taunted them and shouted “Fuck the police, no justice no peace,” “The police are serving the rich and the fascists” and “Whose streets? Ours!”. 

For many, the police have caused harm and distress. Ziggy, a participant who didn’t want to share their name, expressed their personal experience with the cops. “When I was 14, I jumped the metro and it ended with the cops being called,” they said. “I got brutally beaten by two cops and ever since there’s been this burning hate.” 

Others reflect on the reasons for the increasing emphasis on the police force. “In a capitalist and colonial context, the state needs to have the police to ensure that they maintain the oppressive institutions put in place in society,” said Will, a protester. 

Angelique, another attendee, also views oppression as the core of police enforcement. “The city values the police because it’s all about oppression and control,” they said. “It’s never been about the people or liberty.”

The demonstration dwindled two hours later and ended at Guy-Concordia metro station.

Montrealers continue fighting against police brutality Read More »

Mosque hosts event for Palestinian youth activism

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Attendees listen to pro-Palestinian activists Bara Abu Hamed, Danna Noor, and Ali Salman. Photo Sarah-Maria Khoueiry

Sarah-Maria Khoueiry
Local Journalism Initiative

On March 7, Palestinian activists Bara Abu Hamed, Danna Noor, and Ali Salman took a seat behind a table draped with the Palestinian flag at Masjid Ahlillbait Mosque to speak for a youth activism event.

The event, organized by the mosque’s youth group, Muslim Youth of Montreal (MYM), was a collaboration between several pro-Palestine organizations in Montreal, including Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights Concordia (SPHR ConU), Montreal4Palestine, and Thaqalayn Muslim Students’ Association Concordia (TMA). 

According to Hassan Ridah, an organizer with the MYM, Muslim youth needs to be more involved in the movement, as he believes Muslims to be the biggest group affected by the war on Gaza.

“The genocide in Palestine is a humanitarian crisis, not a crisis towards one main group,” he said. “But the people being targeted are Muslim Arabs specifically, so we want to see a bigger proportion of Muslim Arabs [in protests]. To put [the event] in a mosque brings people more together and puts them in touch with their community through their origins, especially with the upcoming month of Ramadan.”

Sara, an attendee who asked to stay anonymous for safety reasons, says she was there to educate herself alongside people who share her values, and learn more about community organizing from the youth at the frontlines of the movement in Montreal.

“We can’t keep our eyes closed and do nothing,” she said. “It’s our duty to speak out.”

Each speaker at the event highlighted the importance of the youth’s energy in any movement, as young people are the ones who push forward and remind older generations that there is still hope.

“It has always been the young people who have reminded their parents that there is still the possibility of liberation,” said Noor, who is a member of SPHR ConU. “Youth have always been the catalysts. In every movement they bring the energy, they bring the light.… We’re setting ourselves up for our own futures.”

She believes that it is not only a responsibility, but a privilege, to actively advocate for Palestine, especially when she lives in the “centre of imperialism.” She says she has tools and opportunities Palestinians in Palestine don’t possess, and therefore considers it her duty to “[break] the status quo” upheld by complicit institutions in the West.

As well, Salman, also part of SPHR ConU, brought up the complicity of universities and CEGEPs in funding Israel.

“My main point here is to urge people as much as I can, students especially, to mobilize and to find out what these universities and CEGEPs and institutions that you’re a part of [do], and… use your energy in the right way,” stated Salman.

They then opened the ground for questions, which ranged from asking about how to find reliable sources for donations, and how to reconcile being part of complicit institutions and fight from within, to the relevancy of certain chants in protests. The topic that was brought up the most, however, was the place of religion in the movement.

While most acknowledged the need for Muslims to show a unified front, both Abu Hamed and Noor emphasized the problem with framing the Palestinian cause solely as a religious one.

Noor says this furthers the colonial narrative when activists should be more focused on gathering people standing against a certain ideology rather than working alongside institutions.

“There’s a lot of danger in saying let’s unite religious groups,” she affirmed. “At the end of the day, it’s about Indigenous people’s relationship with imperialism and settler-colonialism.… It shouldn’t be a question of Jews and Christians are joining the Muslims for the Palestinian cause. It should be that the Palestinians are leading the people who are against settler colonialism towards collective liberation.”

Among messages of strength and solidarity, still, a heavy sense of grief remained. Some shared stories about family members in Gaza, and others tackled the impossibility of implementing change from Western countries.

“You funded genocide,” Abu Hamed said with tears in his eyes. “I funded genocide. 151 days is too much. Every day that passes by—I can’t see people live normally. This is not why we came to Canada.”

Mosque hosts event for Palestinian youth activism Read More »

Park Extension’s Potential Role in Montreal’s Innovative Waste-to-Fertilizer Initiative

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Dimitris Ilias-LJI Journalist
Montreal’s journey in transforming its wastewater byproducts into agricultural gold has taken an innovative turn, with the city’s ambitious goal to convert 80% of its sewage ash into fertilizer by 2030. This initiative, which turned 26% of the city’s 47,000 annual tons of sewage ash into agricultural fertilizer in 2022, presents a unique opportunity for boroughs like Park Extension.
From Sewage to Fertilizer: The Process
The process begins at the Jean-R.-Marcotte wastewater treatment plant in eastern Montreal, where sewage is decanted to remove organic matter, forming sludge. This sludge is then dehydrated and incinerated at 840°C, eliminating organic matter, microorganisms, and partially, hormone and medication residues. Notably, preliminary studies indicate that the resulting ash is free from perfluorinated compounds (PFAS), persistent environmental pollutants.
Fertili Ashes: A Safe Agricultural Boost
Dubbed ‘fertili ashes,’ this byproduct is certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for use in cultivating animal feed crops like maize. Monitored for quality, these ashes are distributed mostly across farmlands, replacing chemical fertilizers and reducing environmental impact. Non-usable ash is sent to landfills.
Park Extension: A Strategic Player
Park Extension, a borough with a growing interest in sustainable living, can play a crucial role in this project. While the borough itself may not have extensive farmlands, it could become a pivotal point in the logistic chain for fertili ash distribution. With its strategic location and community engagement, Park Extension can support this green initiative in multiple ways:
Education and Awareness: Hosting workshops and information sessions about sustainable waste management and the benefits of fertili ashes.
Community Gardening: Utilizing fertili ashes in local community gardens, demonstrating their effectiveness and safety.
Logistic Support: Serving as a collection and distribution hub for fertili ashes to nearby agricultural areas, thanks to its central location.
Research and Development: Collaborating with local universities and research institutions to study the long-term impacts of fertili ashes on soil and crop quality.

Park Extension’s Potential Role in Montreal’s Innovative Waste-to-Fertilizer Initiative Read More »

Before the meals hit the wheels

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Meals being packed away in preparation for delivery. Photo Iris Ducournau

Justine Beaussier
Local Journalism Initiative

Located in the middle of the Plateau, Santropol Roulant adapted the concept of Meals-on-Wheels (or Popote Roulante) to deliver 115 to 130 meals, five days a week, to low-income individuals and those who suffer from social isolation.

In 1995, two workers from Café Santropol decided to create Santropol Roulant. The creation of the organization came from the desire to encourage employment and community involvement opportunities for Montreal youth.

The community food hub Santropol Roulant began as a branch of the nearby Café Santropol, however, after a few years, the organization became independent with the help of a growing number of volunteers and external donors. 

Santropol Roulant has now grown to be a productive and creative place with its five collectives and numerous projects in schools or with other associations. 

Susan Kazenel has been volunteering at Santropol Roulant since 1999. She currently volunteers in the kitchen making meals. She reflects on how the kitchen, since its origin, has quadrupled in size. “Sometimes I stop by the old place and wonder; ‘how did we do it,’” she says. 

Clare Shuley, the fundraising and communications coordinator of the Santropol Roulant, explained that their mission works towards food security and social inclusion.

Before the meals hit the wheels, the kitchen adapts to every volunteer’s needs, as social inclusiveness is one of the association’s concerns. For instance, one of the volunteers is visually impaired and the kitchen is adjusted to his needs when he comes to volunteer thrice a week.

The meals are also adaptable and made according to the beneficiaries’ needs. They can, for example, be gluten-free or softer for those who have difficulty chewing. Meal recipients will call the organization as the volunteers cook around 9 a.m to 1 p.m., to choose the options they desire.

Once the meals are ready, a secondary team of volunteers enters the kitchen to pack the meals into boxes. Then, at about 3 p.m., the last round of volunteers will come to collect the meals in their Popote Roulante bags that they design themselves with the help of Protogear, a textile prototyping service. When the bags are filled, all delivery personnel leave Santropol Roulant to bike, walk or drive to the beneficiaries homes. The homemade meals are then distributed between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to recipients, where delivery personnel might stay for a quick conversation. Shuley explains that, for some beneficiaries, this meal delivery will be their only social interaction of the day. This moment can make a big difference to their daily lives, even if it is only a few minutes, she explains. 

After Jitendra Desai lost his wife to cancer, he started developing complications with his heart; he was struggling with his day-to-day tasks. In 2012 Desai started utilizing the Meals-on-Wheels service thanks to a hospital social worker who recommended him to Santropol Roulant. The 84-year-old is also a vegetarian and has his meals catered to his needs. 

“It is not only the food, it is also all the services they offer,” says Desai. “ The pizza delivery service was not operating but Santropol still delivered me my meal,” he says, referring to a very snowy day. 

Santropol Roulant relies on a wide range of funding to sustain itself. The meals made daily cost around $17 each to make, however private foundations, individual donors as well as  government grants, help alleviate their costs. Those who benefit from Meals-on-Wheels pay around $6 per meal they receive. 

Another mission of Santropol Roulant is to fight for food security. Some beneficiaries with financial difficulties are able to benefit from a price reduction and pay for their meal at a subsidized price of $4.50. In some cases, the meals can even be free. 

While all of these resources allow the Santropol Roulant to gain a little autonomy and visibility, it also relies heavily on volunteers to provide these services. Shuley highlights the fact that it is a great place for students who want to meet people and create intergenerational relations. It is a bilingual association, so French and English speakers are both welcome.

Before the meals hit the wheels Read More »

Montrealers urge government to stop Bill 31

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Protesters hold up a sign reading “it took three months to recognize a genocidal ‘state’. Do you really think the CAQ is worried about its tenants? Liberation for all.” Photo Andraé Lerone Lewis

Sarah-Maria Khoueiry
Local Journalism Initiative

On Feb. 3, around a thousand protesters gathered in front of the Saint-Édouard Church on the corner of Beaubien and Saint-Denis Street, where organizers handed out pamphlets and chant guides to the crowd.

The protest, organized by the Coalition of Housing Committees and Tenants Associations of Quebec (RCLALQ), aimed to publicly oppose  Bill 31. This bill, if passed, will allow landlords to reject lease transfers with no valid explanation, and then cancel the lease.

“The rents are already too high, and they will be higher after that,” said Martin Blanchard, the coordinator of the RCLALQ. “There are other things that we are mad about, but the lease transfer thing is the most damning.”

Among other concerns expressed by organizers such as Rosalye, the community organizer of the Comité logement de la Petite Patrie, is the discrimination against tenants from marginalized communities. Rosalye’s last name is revoked for fear of being refused an apartment in the future. She believes that expressing a negative opinion on current housing management could deny her housing in the future. Rosalye thinks France-Élaine Duranceau, Quebec’s housing minister, is directly “attacking tenants” by only consulting with landlords rather than talking to tenant rights’ organizations.

She also explained that the bill would allow municipalities to sell social housing (HLM).

“The fact that people will be able to buy HLM [is] so problematic,” she added. “That’s something we should be proud of as Quebecers to have for people that have less revenue.”

Most chants called for the resignation of Duranceau. The RCLALQ also demanded a rent freeze, rent control, abolishing security deposits, and the conservation of lease transfers.

The protesters marched down Beaubien Street, all the way to Marché Jean Talon by way of Little Italy, and finally reached the Centre de Ressources et d’Action Communautaire de la Petite-Patrie (CRACPP). The centre is home to the Comité logement de la Petite Patrie, an organization that helps people facing issues with housing, such as rent increases, vermin, discrimination, and gentrification.

Many speeches also brought up the link between the housing crisis, immigration influx and asylum seekers.

Cédric Dussault, the spokesperson of the RCLALQ, argued in an introductory speech that the housing crisis had touched regions with low immigration rates, like Gaspésie, discrediting the link between the two issues.

“It’s trying to deviate the tension from something else,” said Blanchard. “The problem [is] that the rates are too high and that the owners have too much leeway driving up rents.”

Among the attendees was Rich, a 64-year-old man living in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce who was recently evicted from his house, and who wished to remain anonymous. He believes the government doesn’t have a clear idea of how passing this bill will affect the population on a long-term basis.

“I just wish we weren’t here today,” he said. He expressed his disappointment in regards to the government’s lack of vision as to what the decisions are today and how they’re going to affect us. “It’s just going to get worse,” he said.

He believes that protesting gets exposure in the news that can help bring change.

“Through advocacy, you’re never alone,” Rich said.

Multiple attendees were waving Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyehs. A sign written in the colours of the Palestinian flag read, in French, “Three months to recognize a genocidal ‘state.’ Do you really think the CAQ cares about tenants? Liberation for all.”

Juan Carlos Angel Ramirez, a protester with the Alliance Ouvrière contingent, thinks that the issues are interconnected.

“If the people here rise up against the [Canadian] government […] maybe, that’s how we can change things [everywhere] somehow,” he said.

Montrealers urge government to stop Bill 31 Read More »

Skyrocketing food prices impact Montrealers

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Photo Dorothy Mombrun

Ellie Wand & Hannah Scott-Talib
Local Journalism Initiative

When Liam Neary began his studies at Concordia, he expected a monthly grocery bill of around $250.

Now, having almost completed his second year, his food budget has gone up by approximately one hundred dollars—simply from buying enough to cook around three meals per week. “It’s only been going up since,” Neary said.

Like Neary, nursing student Gabrielle Axelle Elie’s Provigo trip now costs her close to $100, almost double to what it cost a few years ago.

According to a 2022 Maclean’s education report, 40 per cent of post-secondary students in Canada are food insecure, and heading into the upcoming year, inflation will continue to drive food prices higher and higher for students like him.

Canada’s 2024 Food Price Report states that overall food prices are likely to increase by 2.5 to 4.5 per cent over the coming year—a slight decrease from the five to seven per cent increase the year prior. The report states that broader factors such as labour disputes, climate change and the geopolitical impact of the Russia-Ukraine war contributed to food inflation throughout 2023.

COVID-19 lockdowns have resulted in higher energy prices, which is straining the food distribution system, and is driving the price of food up, according to Statistics Canada. 


Rebekah Walker is a second-year Concordia student who lives off campus. She says that she currently spends on average $250 per month on groceries. Like Neary, this is more than she had initially budgeted going into university. “I’m making it work and it’s okay,” said Walker. “[But] I feel like if it goes up more, it’ll be a lot harder to manage.” 

When it comes to cutting costs, Dalhousie University’s recent New Year’s Food Resolution Survey showed that 43 per cent of Canadians plan to focus on food promotions and sales to spend less on groceries. In addition to this, the survey revealed that many are looking at ways to reduce food waste to be more cost-efficient in the new year, making use of methods such as canning and freezing, purchasing more non-perishable food items, preserving and eating more leftovers as well as making their meal portions smaller. 

Meanwhile, students at Concordia are finding their own ways of keeping costs down when it comes to grocery shopping.

On his end, Neary religiously checks grocery flyers before going food shopping. His meals are planned and dependent on sales. “I go out of my way to go to the cheapest grocery stores,” he said.

For Walker, cost efficiency comes in the form of sharing groceries within her household. Between her and her three other roommates, products such as milk, butter, and bread are bought collectively, with everyone taking turns to pay for them. However, Walker said that certain perishable items like fruits and vegetables don’t often end up on her grocery list. “They’re pricier and they go bad, so it’s kind of a waste of money,” she said. 

Food Bank Canada’s 2023 Hunger Count also revealed that food bank usage is at an all-time high nationwide. The organization noted that around two million people visited Canadian food banks in 2023, which was reported to be a 32 per cent increase since March 2022.

“[With] what I see in grocery stores, it’s not a huge shock that people need to use food banks,” said Neary. “[But] It’s upsetting that that number has increased so drastically.”

There are several student-run initiatives aimed at fighting food insecurity at Concordia. One of these is the People’s Potato, a student-founded vegan soup kitchen, which is funded by a student fee levy paid through the Concordia Student Union. It provides free meals to students from Monday through Thursday at the Sir George Williams campus. 

For those at the Loyola campus, the Hive free breakfast and lunch program, which is also a student-funded fee levy group, provides free vegan and vegetarian breakfast and lunch to students during the weekdays. 

A few times a month, Walker said she makes use of Concordia-based initiatives such as The People’s Potato and Hive Free Lunch to get a meal, as both operations offer free meals to the community. “I think it’s really convenient, [and] it’s healthy, good food,” she said.

Boris Restrepo, a collective member of The People’s Potato, said that food insecurity is a reality for many students, but is a symptom of larger, systemic problems. “Food insecurity is a reality or a large portion of society, and this includes student communities,” he said. 

For Restrepo, addressing food insecurity means addressing the broader issues at play. “There’s a long list of things that our governments can be doing,” he said. “Universal basic income, access to mental health services, public funding for education or affordable access to education, consolidation of student loans.” 

Restrepo also wants to see food banks have access to more autonomous funding, making them less reliant on large charities.  

Montreal’s food banks are experiencing a severe lack of help and donations. As demand for food grows drastically, places like Moisson Montreal—the largest food bank in Canada—are reportedly not distributing nearly enough food in comparison to the number of clients they are receiving. Additionally, as the provider of food donations to over 300 organizations across the city, the situation is getting desperate, as expressed by Maggie Borowiec, Moisson Montreal’s director of philanthropy.

At Casa C.A.F.I., a support centre based in Verdun that offers food donations to immigrant families, funding has become a problem as well, according to Director Ana Gloria Blanch. She said that the centre received government funding during its first two years of business, but since then, that funding has been pulled. Now, for its food services, Casa C.A.F.I. relies on volunteer work and public donations to remain in operation. 

“The organization is stuck with the [notion] that everybody wants to continue, but we don’t have any money,” said Blanch. “Right now, we are asking others, ‘what do you want to do? How are we going to continue?’ It’s not fair.”

In contrast, Canada’s largest food companies also continue to face ongoing profiteering allegations heading into the new year. According to a 2023 Bloomberg News poll, 15 per cent of respondents deemed the food inflation crisis is in large part a result of profiteering on the side of grocery giants. 

Restrepo doesn’t think the food situation will happen anytime soon. “The system is ruthless,” he said. “Under capitalism, it seems like efforts are always based on profitable and questionable means.”

Skyrocketing food prices impact Montrealers Read More »

Over-policed and underserved: The stark contrast in police activity in Montreal’s different neighbourhoodsOver-policed and underserved:

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Photo Dorothy Mombrun

Iness Rifay
Local Journalism Initiative

The identity of Jade was concealed for their safety.

Jade was 15 when they first witnessed police violence. 

In the summer of 2016, they and their two friends were walking around the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood, near Martin-Luther-King Park. They all had been drinking and were under the influence. 

“Kids sometimes get into their parents’ alcohol and take it,” they recalled. “We were being loud and having fun.”

“I think someone called the police on us because of that,” Jade added. 

One of Jade’s friends was a taller Black girl of the same age. They believe the officers didn’t think she was a minor because of her height.

Upon arrival, the officers seized the girl and slammed her on the ground. 

“I remember looking over at my friend and feeling so helpless,” Jade said. “They didn’t bother coming to us and asking us who we were.” 

The police officers continued pushing her face on the ground, while asking her about the white friends she was with. According to Jade, the police had kept in close contact with the girl’s brothers, and would often roam around her house. 

“It was ridiculous,” Jade said. “When they asked her about the white girls she was with, it became apparent that they were targeting her because she is a Black person.”

“I didn’t need to be convinced anymore that the police found it easy to be so violent,” they added. “We have murderers walking around on the street.” 

In the past, Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce has borne witness to several instances of police brutality against visible minorities. 

In 1987, 19-year-old Anthony Griffin was arrested for not paying a taxi fare. He attempted to escape the police station, but stopped in his tracks when told to. Police officer Allan Gosset then shot him in the head.

In 1990, Presley Leslie, 26, was shot several times at the Thunderdome dance club. According to the police, Leslie had allegedly fired into the crowd and threatened officers. However, testimonies following his death hinted at Leslie not having carried a firearm. Moreover, the pistol police believed he used had never been checked for fingerprints.

Mohamed Anas Bennis was shot twice in Côte-des-Neiges in 2005 after allegedly attacking a police officer. He was 25.
 
More recently, in 2018, 23-year-old Nicholas Gibbs was shot and killed by officers who alleged he was threatening them with a knife. A video captured the moment when they shot him five times, twice with his back turned. 

“There are no consequences for police who use violence,” said Ted Rutland, a researcher on policing and public safety in Canadian cities. “There has never been a police officer who has permanently lost their job for killing someone in Montreal.”

Additionally, sectors determined to be more “likely to have criminal activity” by the police force see an increased police presence, according to a 2023 report conducted on the SPVM. The report also states that data does not present an explicit enough tie between criminal activity and interventions. 

“More marginalized communities are always going to be suspected of criminality to a greater extent,” Rutland added. 

Amongst the top six neighbourhoods that see the most police interventions, according to self-reported and SPVM data, are Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Montreal-Nord, and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension. 

According to the report, interviews with 69 different police officers found that 85 per cent of them believed racism was not present within the police force, or not to a greater extent than the general population. 

The report found that the overall statements from the officers “are not denying the existence of racism because it’s a truth that disturbs them. They are genuinely convinced that the allegations are false and unfair.” They also allege that when carrying out their duties, they don’t “pay attention to race or gender.”

Rutland believes the issue of racism goes beyond individuals within the police force, but stems from a settler white-colonialist system. “There is a fear of Blackness, of Indigeneity, of the unhoused,” he said.

“There is crime in every neighbourhood. They will all see a certain amount of crime every now and then,” he added, “but the discriminatory, racist and classist way that police resources are deployed means that poorer, more racialized people are just going to get caught for the crimes they commit way more often.”

Some may even be wrongfully charged, such was the case for Mamadi Fara Camara, a Guinean PhD student who was arrested in Park-Extension and detained for six days from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, 2021. He had been charged with attempted murder, assaulting a police officer, and disarming a police officer, all of which were dropped two days later. 

“If he had been arrested in Westmount, or any other upper-class neighbourhood, this mistake would not have been made,” said Amina M’Haia from the Park-Extension Roundtable. “They’re mainly white neighbourhoods.”

Camara sued the city for $1.2 million in damages. A settlement was reached for $347,000.

“I think there is profound systemic racism at play,” M’Haia added regarding Camara’s case.

“When we have a [premier] who won’t recognize that Quebec society has a racism problem, it’s hard to talk about.” Following Joyce Echaquan’s death and the subsequent report that was made, Premier François Legault stated that there was no systemic racism in Quebec.

Data on Park-Extension’s exact racial profiling statistics is difficult to come by, as the borough is grouped with Villeray and Saint-Michel. 

A report was conducted on racism in the sector, but only consulted 45 people, which M’Haia deems unrepresentative. She says a lack of funding is preventing larger-scale studies. 

“I’ve lived in Villeray, and I’ve never seen more police than in Park-Ex,” M’Haia said. “There is racism even in the statistics. As long as we’re immigrants, we’re all in the same basket.” 

M’Haia shared that the complaints on racial profiling the roundtable receives “barely scratch at the surface of the issue.” 

From Jane’s several family trips to Little Burgundy to growing up in Côte-des-Neiges, they found these assumptions to disproportionately impact racialized youth. 

“A lot of kids have had to grow older, faster,” they said. “They’re aware of things that a white family living in Outremont wouldn’t let their kids know.”

Over-policed and underserved: The stark contrast in police activity in Montreal’s different neighbourhoodsOver-policed and underserved: Read More »

The Yellow Door: Combatting senior isolation

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Kathryn Rieb (second from left) and Gabrielle McLaren (right) participate in the knitting circle alongside two members. Photo Demetra Kritsidimas

Demetra Kritsidimas
Local Journalism Initiative

Amid the clicking of knitting needles and a table full of vibrant-coloured yarn, the Yellow Door’s Tuesday afternoon knitting circle weaves together individuals from all generations. This scene captures the essence of the organization’s mission to bridge the gap between young and elderly communities through a plethora of activities.

The Yellow Door aims to minimize social isolation and exclusion of seniors, which is related to serious health effects and reduced quality of life. According to the International Federation on Aging, “the number one emerging issue facing seniors in Canada is keeping older people socially connected and active.” The government of Canada estimates that 30 per cent of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated. To combat the increasing senior isolation, Yellow Door helps up to a dozen seniors at each of their events.

Ever since moving to Montreal six years ago, Caroline Alince, the wellness group program coordinator, has been actively involved within the organization. Contributing as a volunteer since the age of 18 and getting hired into a full-time position this September, Alince said they have always been interested in the Yellow Door’s mission and thought it was a great community space.

The Yellow Door runs an initiative called the “55+ Community Hour” every Wednesday afternoon. A new activity takes place every week, with certain popular ones on a recurring basis. Seniors who would like to partake in this weekly hour are required to sign up free of charge to become a member. 

“I choose [the activities], but I also like to listen to seniors’ input about what they would like. That’s one of the only wellness groups that’s exclusive to our members.” Alince explained. 

So far, the community hour has seen activities like line dancing, bingo, workshops held by special guests, potlucks, a reading group and yoga. The group also goes on field trips, for instance, their apple-picking excursion this fall.

The Yellow Door also teaches seniors about technology. The idea was created in response to people’s reliance on technology during the pandemic. Dubbed BiblioTech Connect, the initiative notably allows seniors to borrow tablets. Tech Cafés are also hosted, where seniors can bring their own devices while volunteers give presentations and initiate small group projects about tech-related topics to help seniors get more familiar with their cell phone or tablet. 

If the members need more help, the organization provides one-on-one support with trained volunteers. Those Tech Help sessions are also great social bonding moments for many seniors. “Sometimes seniors have to wait a little bit before they’re able to get help, and I’ve seen some members helping each other while they wait and that’s really cool,” said Alince. “A lot of times they’ve actually problem-solved before we even get to it, and it’s really amazing to see that kind of mutual help.”

According to Alince, Tech Help is quite popular, with 10 to 12 members attending each session. 

The Yellow Door’s contributions to well-being, however, go beyond its senior members. Many volunteers have found a place of belonging through the organization. 

Gabrielle McLaren, who is currently employed at Concordia University, has been volunteering at the Yellow Door since moving to Montreal for her Master’s degree during the pandemic. She says that the most fulfilling part of volunteering is meeting people from all walks and stages of life. 

“I had a pretty good academic community, but then I realized, I didn’t want to only talk to people who were equally entrenched in academia in Montreal,” said McLaren. When a call went out for more people to join the Tuesday afternoon knitting circle a little over a year ago, McLaren began volunteering and has kept coming back ever since.

Kathryn Rieb, a software developer, relates to McLaren’s experience. Upon moving from Victoria, B.C. to Montreal last August, and knowing nobody in town other than her partner, Rieb  wondered how she could immediately become a part of something in this new city. Having enjoyed previous volunteer experiences, a few Google searches led her to join the knitting group at the Yellow Door.

“I really enjoyed having an immediate and accepting community. From the first day I showed up, everyone was so kind, everyone was happy to talk about their projects and share, and it was so easy to become a part of this group,” Rieb said, as she knit a wine-coloured turtleneck.  

McLaren found that a simple activity like knitting can offer much more than just social benefits. “I knit in classes, I knit on the bus, and I get comments like, ‘I could never do that.’ And the answer is, no, you for real could, and it actually is shown to be good for you,” said McLaren. “Textile crafts are good [for maintaining] your cognitive abilities and they have good emotional regulation benefits. It’s also cool to do volunteering that is good for you and that is good for the people who are participating.” 

As the winter months approach—a time linked to heightened senior isolation—the Yellow Door continues to organize lively activities like their Nordic walking group on Fridays, and a potential snowshoeing or skiing field trip. They are also marking the holiday season with a fundraising drive, a holiday concert on Dec. 6, and meal deliveries to seniors who are homebound on Dec. 14. 
Alince said they are looking forward to making new community connections and collaborating with organizations doing similar things in order to increase the number of participants and share resources. They have already reached out to Growing A.R.C. Montreal, a non-profit group with a community garden for new summer activities. 

As the pandemic highlighted the need for increased attention to seniors, the Yellow Door’s mission is as vital as ever, as McLaren put it, to “make sure people in [our] community aren’t falling through the cracks.”

Alince gets testimonies of the impacts the Yellow Door makes every day. “It’s amazing to see that that is actually happening with these seniors who are making connections every day, remaining active, and yeah, it’s just good to talk to them about that and be a part of [the Yellow Door’s mission],” they said.

The Yellow Door: Combatting senior isolation Read More »

Integration over extraction; prioritizing action: Sharing ideas on the role of academia in addressing homelessness

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(Left to right) Carmela Cucuzzella, Shayana Narcisse, Jayne Malenfant, Chris Brown listen to Jonathan Lebire (far-right) speak at Comm-un’s panel on universities role in addressing homelessness. Photo Julia Cieri

Hannah Vogan
Local Journalism Initiative

On Nov. 25, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., community members and students gathered at Concordia University’s SHIFT center to learn about the non-profit Comm-Un, and discuss the role of universities in addressing homelessness.

Founded just over a year ago, Comm-Un is a non-profit collective deeply rooted in the Milton-Parc community, an area of Montreal made up of a number of unhoused Indigenous and Inuit persons.

In 2018, Indigenous people represented 12 per cent of Montreal’s unhoused population, despite representing just under one per cent of the city’s total population. Inuit made up 25 per cent of unhoused Indigenous people, despite making up only five per cent of Montreal’s Indigenous population.

Comm-Un’s panel addressed and critiqued the multiple social-worker and research programs throughout Montreal universities, highlighting what is missing in the exploration and intervention of homelessness.

Comm-Un believes the most important part about working with the unhoused is healing trauma.

According to Jonathan Lebire, founder and director of Comm-Un, the different approaches to homelessness—like “housing-first,” a concept that is recovery-focused which prioritizes swiftly placing individuals experiencing homelessness into stable housing, followed by further support and services that are offered based on individual needs—isn’t effective. Comm-Un, however, approaches care for the unhoused differently; to make healing and love the first step with unhoused communities.  “I coach, I listen, but I don’t tell them what to do. They tell me what they need to do and I make sure they can do it,” Lebire told The Link.

“Unhoused people experience lots of trauma—most of the services now are focused on just survival needs, and we need some spaces that consider the healing process,” said Concordia PhD student Moh Abdalreza. Abdalreza helps organize, plan events and projects, and so much more, according to Lebire, who has dubbed the Concordia student “Super-Moh.” Abdalreza researches the relationship between art and homelessness. 

A frequent sentiment expressed by Comm-Un is that there is a lack of communication between government bodies, neighbours, media and (most importantly) the unhoused regarding efforts to create safe spaces and take steps towards healing for a vulnerable population.

“We found that there is a big gap between lived experiences of unhoused people and policy making processes,” Abdalreza said.

Comm-Un also launched their current project and proposal for the collective at the panel. Their project, “Street University,” is described to be a strength-based space, alternative to day-shelters. 

“[Street University] is about moving from fragmentation to reintegration, from survival needs to healing, and also merging resources,” Abdalreza noted. 

Abdalreza stressed how universities have access to many resources. He shared how they own large amounts of land, infrastructure, and public spaces that have a copious potential to be employed for the benefit of the community. He feels many students who study homelessness within the walls of an institution fail to have actual conversations with their subjects; unhoused people.

When it came time for the panel, rectangular tables with three chairs were dually positioned in front of the panelists. Tables were set with crayons, markers, and paint-sticks coupled with paper to encourage art during the discussion.

The night, which drew in an audience of all ages, began with Lebire introducing himself and Comm-Un. He shared how, when he was about 16, he was unhoused. 

Lebire left his home for Sherbrooke, Que., with $20 and a backpack. When he came back to Montreal, he wanted to make a change. He went to the Université de Montréal to become a social worker. However, school didn’t help him understand the complexity of being a social worker and working with unhoused populations. 

“By the magic in life, I was introduced to the Indigenous people at Atwater park,” said Lebire. This changed how he saw intervention work.

The floor was then turned to the five panelists and researchers whose work aligned with addressing homelessness; Jayne Malenfant, Shayana Narcisse, Carmela Cucuzzella, Janis Timm-Bottos and Chris Brown.

When the question was posed to panelists about the universities’ impact on addressing homelessness, Malenfant expressed dissatisfaction with the disconnect from university researchers and those being researched. 

Malenfant, an assistant professor in social justice and community engaged studies at McGill University, spent a period of her life unhoused. 

“I often ask, ‘what is the point of working with researchers, and what is the point of working with universities when we as (unhoused) communities can take care of ourselves?’” she said. “The way we evaluate impact in the university is not just. It is not grounded in community knowledge, and there aren’t ongoing mechanisms for evaluation that are led by people who are directly impacted by the issues we are studying. The accountability isn’t there,” Malenfant explained. 

She believes one way universities could improve with its research approach, particularly when tackling homelessness, is by resourcing people with lived experiences and allowing them to lead the research.

For Timm-Bottos, the founder of Montreal’s first art-hive, social infrastructure within universities is the catalyst for action and change.

“We need to have gathering places, otherwise people are afraid of each other,” said Timm-Bottos. “We need to have these safe environments where we can throw off our identities and be real with each other.” She elaborated on how art is a method to communicate and learn from those residing in different socio-economic classes.

Comm-Un’s art hive is a testimony to Timm-Bottos’ shared sentiment. Members of the community paint, draw, carve stone or create any craft desired. Once the crafts are made, Lebire will

 sell the creations —sometimes for upwards of $200— and relay the money back to the artist. According to Abdalreza, there is a type of communication that transcends beyond words when those of different power dynamics gather to create art and learn techniques from each other.

Lebire borrowed the mic from panelists for a moment to heed caution of the delicacy that should come with conducting research of the unhoused.

He described how, if you’re considered unhoused by the system, it’s primarily because you went through struggles which transformed into traumas that were not dealt with—as there was no safety net in place. Lebire explained how these traumas want to be forgotten.

“The worst thing for [an unhoused individual] is somebody poking you, and reminding you of all of these [traumas],” asserted Lebire. “Whenever all of these researchers ask those questions, you have to keep in mind, you are bringing those things back up for a person that still does not have any means to deal with it. So every time, you trigger [their trauma] without giving a healing opportunity.” 

Narcisse is a creative with a focus on visual art and works toward action with her art. She has a lived experience with homelessness, and believes researchers with the subject of homelessness should approach the research in a holistic way: hiring the street workers and compensating them for the time spent learning from their experiences.

The panel later made room to hear and inquire further on the audience’s ideas on where they think the role of universities fit in addressing homelessness.

One participant expressed suspicion in whether an institution can have an acceptable role in helping the unhoused community.

“Unless we radically transform what a university is—and it can be in the service of direct action by collectivity that is autonomous—we have to be really skeptical about what we can do,” they explained.

The night concluded with a workshop where everyone was encouraged to share and explore alternative ways to mobilize researchers and leverage university resources effectively. 

Looseleaf was passed around, prompting participants to jot down resources and programs with their paint-sticks and markers— information Comm-Un could utilize to strengthen Street University. 

During the workshop, ideas were bounced off of both organizers and participants in hopes of mending ideas and outlets that Comm-Un can use to leverage storytelling through their work.

“If we want to understand [homelessness] from different perspectives. We need a new way of research and understanding that is connected to action,”  Abdalreza said.

Integration over extraction; prioritizing action: Sharing ideas on the role of academia in addressing homelessness Read More »

Bill 31 will mean more impossible choices for Montreal women

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Bill 31 will only make the housing crisis worse for women. Graphic Panos Michalakopoulos

Benjamin Lucas
Local Journalism Initiative

Content warning: this article mentions suicide and abuse.

Posters on signposts, recurring protests down major streets, petitions and newscasts reveal the outrage of renters against the Legault regime’s proposed end to lease transfers through Bill 31. 

The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated: Quebec now stands at a crossroads, with a 44 per cent increase in homelessness in five years and 500 households left without a lease last moving day. The effects of the housing crisis have cascaded across all Canadian society. 

Women, who are at an economic disadvantage, are impacted more than most—with single mothers being 38 per cent more likely to spend more than a third of their income on rent. The result of this is that women having experienced abuse have to make a choice: remain with their abusers on whom they depend for housing, or face homelessness. 

The housing crisis is putting women in a double bind, forcing them to make impossible decisions, and exacerbating it will only put more strain on already scarce resources. Like living in any other city, being in Montreal brings you face-to-face with certain social realities. 

Advocates and experts say that lease transfers are one of the mechanisms that keep rent controlled, and in addition, the Coalition Avenir Québec’s (CAQ) bill would allow for the selling off of much-needed social housing. Given that Montreal is the only city in Canada with more renters than owners, this is especially dangerous.

Throughout Canada, the story is the same. There is  a simultaneous rising of rents and domestic abuse. Women’s shelters have lost $150 million in federal funding and face high staff turnover due to their inability to pay them. One woman, interviewed by the CBC, said, “I can’t try to find a job, I can’t better myself, I can’t be safe if I don’t have a home.” 

What is a woman to do? Some have even attempted suicide to escape this double bind. 

This is not hypothetical. The strain of the housing crisis on domestic violence survivors has already been seen as they lose alternatives to living with their abusers. In Montreal, the women’s shelter Chez Doris was forced to shut down temporarily because it could not feed everyone nor did it have the staff to keep up with demand. This drives women to other shelters, putting more strain on them in turn. A conservative estimate places the number of women turned away from Canadian shelters because of a lack of space at 19,000 per month.  

Wait lists for social housing in Canada can be a years long wait, and even the (relatively) fortunate women who can find a bed in a shelter may be unable to find a long-term place to go afterwards, leaving them to spend up to a year in the transition homes. At every stage, the housing crisis means abused women are left with no place to go to get away from their abusers. 

Stories from women in this situation are stark and display the impossible situations that they face. Women’s experiences include fearing losing custody of their children because they lack a stable home, spending weeks in abusive homes waiting for calls from shelters, or making the decision to return to the men abusing them. Living with their abusers means forfeiting full participation in society, as explored in Kylie Cheung’s book Survivor Injustice, including losing control over their ability to vote, reproductive system, and too often escalating to losing their life.  

The CAQ’s policy makes all this worse. By increasing rent, more people will be made unhoused, and this will put even more strain on the shelters that are available now. More women will be unable to leave their abusers. This comes in the aftermath of a rising tide of domestic abuse, just one sordid result of Legault’s COVID-19 policy.  

Perhaps all of this is easy for Legault to ignore, but it is impossible for women who have become ensnared in it. If the state fails to provide alternatives, it is complicit in this abuse. Legault should obey the will of Montreal renters and rescind Bill 31 immediately. 

Bill 31 will mean more impossible choices for Montreal women Read More »

Transgender community and allies gather for trans remembrance march

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People march down the streets in support of the transgender community. Photo Andraé Lerone Lewis

Leo Litke
Local Journalism Initiative

On the evening of Nov. 20, over 100 transgender people and allies gathered at the George Étienne Cartier monument to commemorate this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance.

The vigil, spearheaded by trans activist Celeste Trianon, comes as one iteration of a yearly event commemorating members of the community who have lost their lives from transphobia. The first Transgender Day of Remembrance was held in 1999, and was created to avoid forgetting those lost to transphobic violence. 

“People have told me the importance of remembering people’s lives, remembering those lost,” Trianon said.

This event comes two months after the pro-trans counter-protest on Sept. 20. Though playing a key role, Trianon was not the sole organizer. “A lot of times when I organize protests, there is this false impression that it’s just me.” 

Throughout the event, Trianon spoke about the importance of community and collective action. “If there is one organizer you can pinpoint here, it’s the community.”

Attendee Lucille Sullivan said that due to the stark increase in anti-trans legislation in the United States and Canada, it is “a difficult time for trans people […] [It’s happening] in 49 states, so it’s not just in the south, it’s everywhere.” 

Sullivan said that the visibility of holding an event like this was important for those who wouldn’t otherwise interact with the community. “I hope people take a look and maybe see it and if they don’t know a lot about trans people educate themselves.”

“A lot of the time there’s kind of misconceptions. People don’t really know much about trans people and like to spread hateful rhetoric without knowing anything about us,” said Sullivan. 

Many volunteers helped contribute to the successful running of the event. Rajendra Kapilabandestio, a cisgender volunteer who acted as a traffic marshall, said that “[he acts] in solidarity with the transgender community.” 

“Trans rights are human rights and I think they need to be protected,” he said. “Slowly human rights and trans rights are being eroded throughout the country and we need to protect trans people and trans rights.”

Kapilabandestio said that it was important for him to be there, “to remember the trans activists and trans people who have died in the struggle to secure these fundamental human rights.”

Before speeches began as attendees gathered around the base of the monument and the steps below, organizers encouraged people to take candles and food they had prepared in advance. Concordia group The People’s Potato was handing out carrot and ginger soup, blueberry muffins and tea to attendees.

Trianon addressed the crowd, speaking to the importance of community and the resilience of trans people. She then held a minute of silence to remember those who have passed in the past year before inviting two speakers to join her at the base of the monument.

One organizer read tributes to a few transgender people lost in the past year that had been submitted prior to the event, and another speaker who was with Queers for Palestine (a new organization run through Mumbaadarat, Helem Montréal, and P!nk Bloc Montréal) stepped up to the monument. They spoke about the importance of liberation for all queer people worldwide.

Trianon then instructed the crowd to gather in the street in preparation to march toward La Fontaine Park. The large trans flag was removed from the monument and brought to the crowd, where attendees held on to the edges and carried it between them as they walked.

Chants such as “trans rights are human rights,” “we’re sexy, we’re hot, genocide is not,” “bottoms, tops, we all hate cops,” and “À qui la rue? À nous la rue!” began as the march started and made its way down the streets. 

At one point, an attendee’s electric candle was thrown into the trans flag and was bounced around by those flapping their portions to create waves across the surface, resulting in many candles bounding on the surface of the flag.


The group marched from Parc Avenue down Mont-Royal Avenue, where Trianon stopped the group in front of the Mont-Royal metro station and instructed marchers to participate in a die-in, a form of protest where participants occupy an area and pretend to be dead in order to call attention to unjust death caused by social or systemic issues, if they so wished.

Most marchers laid down, and Trianon continued speaking. She condemned transphobic violence and the complacency it was acknowledged with, asking rhetorical questions about how many more trans people must die before systemic issues were acknowledged. “We are not expressing any demands. We are marching first and foremost for ourselves, for the people who need it,” she said.

The group then continued until it reached La Fontaine Park, where Trianon spoke again. “If you have trans people in your lives right now, try and check in on them. The last few months have not been easy for trans people anywhere and I believe it is our civic duty to make sure that they are doing well,” she said.

Trianon closed by thanking everyone for their presence and encouraging attendees to bond with each other.

Transgender community and allies gather for trans remembrance march Read More »

Anglophone Montrealers rally against Bill 96

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Task Force president Andrew Caddell speaks to the crowd at Sunday’s rally. Photo Russell Tellier

Russell Tellier
Local Journalism Initiative

On the afternoon of Nov. 19, 300 people assembled in Trenholme Park in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce to protest Bill 96. The protest was organized by the Task Force on Linguistic Policy, which launched a lawsuit against said bill in May. 

“Today we are obliged to take the Quebec government to court to ensure our constitutional rights are protected,” said Marc Perez, a member of the Task Force’s board of directors. Task Force secretary-treasurer Dale Weber, meanwhile, described Bill 96 as both “illegal” and “mean-spirited.” 

The Task Force, which does not receive financial assistance from the government, is funding its lawsuit through individual donations.

In addition to other changes, Bill 96 further restricts access to English services in Quebec, increases French-language instruction in English CEGEPs, and imposes francization requirements on businesses with 25 to 49 employees. The bill was implemented by Minister François Legault’s government in May 2022 ostensibly to protect French throughout the province. 

“What we see also is that the percentage of people, especially on the island of Montreal, speaking French is decreasing. So, French will always be vulnerable in North America,” Legault said in September.

“French is not in decline in Quebec, no matter what the Premier may say,” said Geoffrey Chambers, the former president of the Quebec Community Groups Network, while addressing the crowd at Sunday’s rally. “The story of French in Quebec is a massive victory, a success. And we fully support and applaud that fact. This new piece of legislation does not protect the French language; it attacks the English-speaking community.”

Likewise, protesters Danielle Carter, Irwin Rapoport and Sharon Schmerer rejected the argument that French is in danger. 

“I think there are 1,000 or 2,000, at most, fluent Mohawk speakers. That’s a language that’s in danger,” said Rapoport. “There are about 6.9 million French speakers in Quebec. The language is not in danger. They’ve got thriving media and entertainment and publishing.”

According to Statistics Canada, 237,420 Indigenous people in Canada reported in 2021 that they could speak an Indigenous language well-enough to conduct a conversation. This constituted  a 4.3 per cent decline from 2016, and the first decline since this specific data collection started in 1991.  

Schmerer said: “The first language anywhere in the world is English. What’s wrong with two languages?” 

Both Chambers and Carter said that the Quebec government is trying to get rid of Quebec’s anglophones. “[Bill 96] has a devastating effect on the education system,” Carter said. 

“People are losing their jobs because they don’t speak French. Already we know that anglophone Quebecers are the poorest demographic in Quebec,” Weber said.

A recent study conducted by the Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT) found that the provincial poverty rate for anglophone Quebecers (10 per cent) is almost twice as high as it is for francophone Quebecers (5.8 per cent). PERT also said that anglophone Quebecers are more likely than their francophone counterparts to be unemployed. 

Whilst Perez predicted that Bill 96 will eventually be overturned, Rapoport also expressed optimism, predicting that most of the legal challenges against the law will succeed.

Concordia student Robert Toto described the fight against Bill 96 as “a long uphill battle.” “I think the best thing to do is just continue fighting and keep going at it and simply not give up,” he said. 

The rally, which drew a small police presence, occurred between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. amidst cold weather. Cars that drove by honked in support of the protesters, many of whom were holding anti-Bill 96 signs. 

The Task Force organized a car procession that started at the Walmart on Decarie Boulevard before the rally and ended at Trenholme Park. 

Task Force president Andrew Caddell said that more anti-Bill 96 demonstrations will be held.

Anglophone Montrealers rally against Bill 96 Read More »

Public transportation workers protest lack of funding

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Workers of transport unions protesting outside of Transport Minister Genevieve Guilbault’s office in downtown Montreal. Photo Corinne Boyer

Corinne Boyer
Local Journalism Initiative

On Nov. 14, hundreds of bus drivers, maintenance employees, and other staff from public transport companies protested in front of Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault’s office to petition for more investments in transportation.

The demonstration, which started at 10 a.m. had union workers sounding their horns, blasting music, and holding signs of Minister Guilbault’s face that said “return of the sardine class in buses,” mocking her refusal to invest in public transport until ridership returns to higher levels of commuters.

The protest was planned in retaliation to her government’s proposal in late October to pay only 20 per cent of Quebec’s collective transport $2.5 billion deficit. Four of the union presidents spoke at 11:45 a.m. to denounce this lack of investment.

“We all know that the government must give more money to the Société de Transport,” said Julie Sigouin, president of the Société de Transport de Laval (STL) drivers’ union. “With more money, we’re going to be able to have more buses on the road and more trains in the metro.”

Lack of funding has caused large deficits in the transportation sector and has forced transit companies to implement cutbacks. These cutbacks have largely affected the number of buses that are able to run on a daily basis. If such abatements are put into effect, the metro may have to close at 11 p.m. and buses may only run until 9 p.m.

Nicolas Nadeau-Fredette, media relations and public affairs manager at Trajectoire–a non-profit association that specializes in collective transport for Quebec–confirmed that passenger traffic is at more than 100 per cent in certain areas, and union representatives and transport workers fear that this will encourage the public to take their cars.

According to Nadeau-Fredette, union workers are asking for investments in operational services, which would allow for more bus drivers to alleviate these high traffic rates in certain areas. Though he says that the minister is refusing to invest more sums of money until commuter traffic returns to its pre COVID-19 overcrowding rates.

As negotiations continued, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government agreed to pay 70 per cent of the deficit, a 50 per cent increase to what they initially agreed to pay. Ultimately, they changed the way to calculate the deficit, which resulted in the potential reimbursement of a smaller amount. This led to contention amongst union groups and transport employees and led to their decision to demonstrate.

“Quebec municipalities responded by saying they agree that the government should pay 70 per cent but to calculate from the right numbers,” Nadeau-Fredette said.

Union representatives are asking the government to honour the promises made by former Minister of Transport, François Bonnardel in 2021. They also want the government’s honesty and transparency in their calculation methods for the 70 per cent deficit debt that they promised to pay off.

“Adequate funding ultimately saves households money, since transportation is the second-largest budget item for Quebec families, who are already hit hard by the cost of living,” said the president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Marc Gingras.

The Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique and the CSN are calling on Premier François Legault and Minister Guilbault to make the right choice for the future of Quebec as well as future generations by investing the essential amounts of money into transport services. 

Public transit workers say they will continue to plan demonstrations if the government fails to heed their calls and that a future strike is not out of the question.

Public transportation workers protest lack of funding Read More »

Snowdon metro station.

Transit cuts raise concerns amongst Montrealers: STM is considering service reductions due to financial shortcomings

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Snowdon metro station. Photo Dorothy Mombrun

Claudia Beaudoin
Local Journalism Initiative

Monica Jackiewicz wraps up her 12-hour night shift at the hospital, exiting around 7:30 a.m., thoroughly drained. The metro has been her reliable mode of commuting home, but she’s now learning that on weekends, it might be off-limits for her until 9 a.m.

On Oct. 30, the Société de Transport de Montréal’s (STM) director general Marie-Claude Léonard confirmed a contingency plan in light of budgetary challenges. This plan entails substantial service cutbacks which include the metro closing at 11 p.m. every day and resuming operations at 9 a.m. on weekends in addition to reducing the frequency of bus services. 

Léonard further clarified that these are merely proposals, and they do not intend to implement such measures unless deemed necessary.

Jackiewicz expressed concern that these cutbacks would force her to resign from her job, given her current work schedule, which includes day shifts starting at 6:30 a.m. and night shifts that typically finish around 7:30 a.m. 

According to Jackiewicz, there was a lack of consideration for the broader societal benefits that the metro provides.“If it’s keeping hospitals open, isn’t that a benefit worth considering?”

With fewer services available, additional time will be added to Jackiewicz’s commute. She mentioned that this would leave her with insufficient time between her shifts, making it unsustainable.

As budget deadlines approach, Quebec Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault has decided to allocate $265 million out of the requested $424 million by the Autorité Régionale de Transport Métropolitain in additional funding for 2024. This remains a notable advancement in light of their initial commitment to cover only 20 per cent of the budget.

Guilbault said she believes that budget adjustments can still be made without resorting to significant service reductions.

While the STM’s contingency plan is still under consideration, the disclosure has prompted inquiries and concerns within the affected communities as they contemplate the potential repercussions of such a change.

“I already thought 12:30 a.m. was early compared to the Toronto metro,” said Dalena Nguyen, a student from Ontario attending Concordia University. The metro serves as her sole means of transportation during her studies. She described the 11 p.m. metro closure as feeling like a curfew. In contrast, The Toronto Transit Commission closes approximately at 2 a.m. daily.

Nguyen’s weekly schedule would not be affected, yet most of her exams have been on weekends. Though the bus might be an additional option, her 15-minute commute would grow closer to an hour. “I don’t really like buses because I find them not very accurate to the time. I’m always worried I’ll be late for the bus,” Nguyen said.

In a recent press conference, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante emphasized the cultural, economic, and environmental significance of the STM, stating, “The government needs to continue to show their enthusiasm to support public transit.” 

While Montrealers advocate for transit as an essential service, market fluctuations and such alterations make it challenging to rely on. Earlier this year, STM users also experienced fare hikes–an increase of approximately 3 per cent. 

STM Chairman Éric Alan Caldwell highlighted the direct relationship between service cutbacks and ridership at a talk organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal on Oct. 30. He demonstrated that from 2011 to 2018, when the STM experienced service reductions, ridership declined. Whereas, when service levels improved, ridership tended to increase.

Christian Favreau, a Climate Justice Montreal member and active participant in transit campaigns, shared a similar sentiment. In addition to his personal disappointment, he emphasized the broader consequences of these decisions.

“Public transit is a climate solution in a way that electric vehicles are not,” said Favreau. He discussed the overall emissions generated during the production of these cars, along with their accessibility to the public.

In its new five-year climate action plan, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) announced that transportation was the cause of 42.8 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Quebec in 2020. 

A budget of $3.8 billion has been designated to support Quebec’s transportation sector, with a strong focus on promoting electric vehicles.

“What we are seeing is that the bulk of the CAQ’s five-year climate action Budget is going towards electrical vehicle subsidies,” said Favreau. “But [to do that] we need to get cars off the road.” 

He emphasized the pressing need to alleviate urban congestion and minimize the extent of paved surfaces to address the looming threat of heat waves.

The significance of the transit system as a contributor to climate action is acknowledged in the STM’s sustainable development plan 2025, highlighting that the STM contributes to averting 2.3 million tonnes of annual greenhouse gas emissions.

“The transit system isn’t being viewed as a public good or public service because every time it’s in the news we are talking about a deficit,” said Favreau. “We need to be revolutionizing the way we see our buses and metros.”

Transit cuts raise concerns amongst Montrealers: STM is considering service reductions due to financial shortcomings Read More »

University students and faculty march together down Maisonneuve Street to protest the tuition hikes on Oct. 30.

Montreal students and faculty rally against tuition hikes

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

University students and faculty march together down Maisonneuve Street to protest the tuition hikes on Oct. 30. Photo Marta Malvina Mostardini

Leo Litke
Local Journalism Initiative

On Oct. 13, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) announced that tuition would greatly increase for out-of-province and international students studying at English universities in Quebec in fall 2024.

The government will double the tuition for incoming out-of-province Canadian students, as well as require universities to pay $20,000 for every international student enrolled. The money will be used by the government to support francophone universities. 

Currently, Concordia students have three tiers of tuition rates. According to the Concordia Student Union (CSU), Quebec residents pay $90.84 per credit, out-of-province students pay over triple their rate at $283.52 per credit, and international students pay $790 per credit. With a full course load of 15 credits, one semester of tuition is respectively $1,362.60, $4,252.80 or $11,850, before other university fees and expenses. 

French language minister Jean-François Roberge argued that these tuition hikes are measures to protect the French language in Montreal, a city he deemed “too anglicized.” 

However, not everyone agrees with this sentiment. “Anglicization is actually an irrational fear that is used to mask not only the prohibition of education to poorer individuals but also to the broader English-speaking community,” said Alex O’Neill, a co-organizer of the Blue Fall protest against these tuition hikes. 

The CSU, the Students’ Society of McGill University and the Bishop’s University Students’ Representative Council are all supporting the protest, alongside two student associations from the Université du Québec à Montréal: the Student Faculty Association of Political Science and Law and the Student Faculty Association of Science and Education as well as their sub-organizations, who are joining in solidarity. 

On Oct. 26, Concordia English professor Nathan Brown published an open letter in support of the protests, criticizing Concordia’s Office of the Provost for their statement discouraging staff from participating. “I think that was a missed opportunity,” he said, adding that it is an issue that students, staff, faculty and administration should be united on. “I think we should be doing everything we can, at every level, to push back against this legislation.”

Brown isn’t the only Concordia staff member to voice their concerns. Jarrett Carty, the liberal arts chair at Concordia, expressed his severe concern about how this will affect his department. 

In an email correspondence to the Liberal Arts College, he stated that “there are simply no sound arguments or evidence behind this announced policy,” describing the potential effects as “utterly devastating” to specifically Bishop’s and Concordia. He noted that the immediate drop of students will severely impact Concordia’s Liberal Arts College, where out-of-province students make up 30 per cent of enrollment each year.

“The fact that the universities only found out with the public is an issue of itself. There’s no transparency, there’s no clear communication,” said Noah Sparrow, another co-organizer of the Blue Fall protest. Since the government’s announcement, the specifics of how this will affect certain groups is still unclear. 

While it is reported that this will not affect research-based masters or PhDs, O’Neill is not convinced. “The word on the street is that they won’t be, but there are certain elements that are being communicated directly to the universities that conflict with that statement,” he claimed, mentioning what he has been told by an employee at McGill.

“There’s obviously a specific intersectional racial element to it,” O’Neill said. “We’re talking about the Middle East—specifically North Africa—as well as the French Caribbean, where there is cultivated talent. There are diverse perspectives that are obviously going to be afforded to other parts of Canada […] if this policy passes.” 

Yasmine Wagdy, a prospective Concordia international student and fluent francophone, had hoped to start at Concordia next fall but is not sure if she will be able to. “I don’t really have a plan for what I’m going to do now […] because if they do double the tuition I don’t think I’ll be able to go,” she said.

A report by the CBC highlights that it is difficult for immigrants to learn French in a six month period of time. “I think French is a beautiful language, I speak French constantly and I think people around the world recognize that French is a nice language to learn,” said Davoc Beaupré, a francophone Concordia student. “I think that people are naturally curious, given the time and opportunity to be able to. I don’t see how you can twist [this policy] around to make it positive.”

English universities’ reactions to the tuition hikes could potentially limit current or potential students’ opportunities to learn French. McGill announced the suspension of a $50 million dollar plan to improve the French skills of its students and faculty, citing difficulty finding funding following the announcement of the hikes. 

Bishop’s has stressed that the increase in tuition will have a major impact on the school, as a third of its student body is from outside Quebec.

During a press conference on Oct. 25, Quebec Premier François Legault stated that “the number of English-speaking students in Quebec threatens the survival of the French language,” describing the hikes as being difficult, but ultimately necessary.

“Montreal is an internationally renowned […] city for university students,” said Sparrow, who, along with O’Neill, attributed part of this reputation to the city’s multiculturalism. Sparrow added that by virtue of being educated here, he has immensely benefited from Montreal’s cultural diversity.

“I think international students complete the mosaic that is Montreal,” O’Neill said.

Brown is concerned about the announcement’s effects on the city as a whole. “We want that intellectual culture of the city to be as robust as possible and I think this legislation is a really short-sighted threat to that,” he said.

At time of writing, there is no information regarding how the hikes impact current students looking to transfer programs for next fall. Students are required to finish their degree in five years or less in order to retain their current rates.

A walkout organized by O’Neill and Sparrow took place at 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30. The walkout began at Dorchester Square before marching by Concordia and ending at McGill’s Roddick Gates.

Montreal students and faculty rally against tuition hikes Read More »

The Atwater Community Pantry: “Free food, mutual aid project for all”

Local Journalism Initiative / / / ,

The Atwater Community Pantry welcomes donations from everyone, and encourages the community to take from the box when needed. Photo Cate Gransaull

Shyam Ragavan
Local Journalism Initiative

Located in the Congrégation de Notre-Dame, the Atwater Community Pantry is a bright green wooden cabinet often stuffed with bread, juice boxes and hygiene products. The pantry was founded by the Green Earth Club, a student association at Dawson College which focuses on helping the community and fighting climate change. 

Over five million people used food banks and similar discounted or free food initiatives across Canada per month in 2022 according to Second Harvest, a national food rescue organization. This year, the number is expected to rise to over eight million, a 60 per cent climb. 

As mutual aid projects emerged during the pandemic, it sparked inspiration for a group of Dawson College students. One of these students was John Nathaniel Gertler, a former member of the Green Earth Club turned co-founder of the Atwater Community Pantry.

“Some people give from their own pantry at home, some people go to the grocery store and buy things. The main way that the community [pantry] gets filled is volunteers go to bakeries and restaurants to pick up food,” Gertler says.

The pantry welcomes donations from everyone, as long as the food is non-perishable.

“It transforms people’s mindset in the sense that we’re here to help each other. We aren’t saying this is mine or this is yours. We are helping everyone,” says Ana Sofia Hernandez, another member of the club.

The pantry is about mutual aid, rather than charity. “There’s a lot of people who volunteer and take food from the pantry. That’s the whole idea of mutual aid. It’s not like the rich helping the poor, [but rather] about people supporting one another,” Gertler says.

Other food aid services in Quebec such as the Welcome Hall Mission’s Marché Bon Accueil and The Depot Community Food Centre (formerly the NDG depot) require either membership cards or registration. The Atwater Community Pantry, however, is free for anyone to use.

“There are a lot of people housed in precarious situations who take from the pantry. A lot of [unhoused] people, members of the Atwater community and even I take from the pantry,” Gertler says.

The club organizes community meals to meet the people involved in the project. Due to the pantry’s anonymity, it can sometimes be difficult to know who is interacting with the pantry. “We’re still learning and trying to get better at bringing together the community,” Gertler says. 

Gertler and other members of the club went to nearby restaurants and asked if they would like to donate leftover food instead of throwing it out. Shaughnessy Café and Forno West bakery were among those who agreed to contribute to the pantry.

Resilience Montréal, a non-profit day-shelter, also orders food for the pantry. The partnership came about as many students had volunteered there.

Non-perishable food donations include: bagels, granola bars, water and canned food; as well as staples like rice, flour and sugar which are accepted by the pantry. Apart from food, menstrual products are also welcomed by the pantry.

Tianqi Wang, a student at McGill University, volunteers at the Atwater Community Pantry. It was his first time volunteering for the pantry and he had brought a huge bag packed with bread from Forno West bakery.

“I saw the poster near the Atwater metro. I followed their Instagram and then I signed up with the link in their profile,” he says. 

Wang hopes that people who have access to surplus food and resources would donate to the less privileged groups in order to reduce inequality. 

The pantry’s heavy reliance on volunteers, or lack thereof, has caused problems during the summer when most students are not around to fulfil a needed quota for the pantry. This is just one of many challenges faced by the club. For example, the initiative is based on the Congrégation de Notre-Dame, a women’s religious order founded in 1658. This community was directly associated with the Société de Notre-Dame de Montréal, and helped to found Ville-Marie, now Montreal. 

Members of the convent of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame established a boarding school for Indigenous girls which operated with the goal of Indigenous religious conversion to Christianity and cultural adaptation to French norms. The system followed a structure similar to residential schools found in late nineteenth and twentieth century Canada.

Indigenous people make up a large part of the unhoused community in Atwater. 

“We see a lot of concrete effects of settler colonialism. We see people struggling with intergenerational trauma, whether it be drug abuse and mental health issues,” Gertler says. He continues by lending his perspective on the congregation’s seedy past:

“As far as we know, the Congrégation de Notre-Dame wasn’t directly involved in setting up or servicing residential schools, but it was a part of a network of catholic institutions [involved in] genocidal activity. We have a discomfort being involved with an institution like that, but at the end of the day, [The congregation has] been really good hosts to us, and haven’t questioned some of our more political activity, which is hard to find, even in a more progressive institution like Dawson.”

While the unsettling history of the congregation lingers on with the pantry, the students have their eyes set on more ambitious projects.

“We [also] organize clothing drives. In the winter, we have a bin where anyone can put their old garments, which we then take to Resilience Montréal,” Hernandez says. “This semester, we plan to organize fundraisers for Guatemala, Hawaii and Morocco. [The countries] are suffering from humanitarian crises and environmental effects of climate change.”

Their Instagram is regularly updated with news about their latest initiatives, ways to get involved and how to sign up as a volunteer.

The Atwater Community Pantry: “Free food, mutual aid project for all” Read More »

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