SSMU Membership Fee increase: "Yes" with reservations The Tribune endorses a “Yes” for this quesetion insofar as it will improve the Students’ Society of McGill University’s (SSMU) financial sustainability and maintain its ability to provide services for students; however, the presentation of the motion is currently too ambiguous. If SSMU[Read More…]
Opinion
Opinions from our editorial board and contributors.
An endeavour for a representative and legitimate Parliament
Canada’s electoral system is in need of a reboot. It discourages people from voting by the simple fact that a majority government may be formed without a majority of the popular vote. Andrew Coyne, columnist for The National Post, summed the system up, saying that it sustains “false and exaggerated[Read More…]
On the emptiness of ‘post-national’ values
Being Canadian has never been so confusing. According to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada has transcended the nation-state paradigm to become the first ‘post-national’ state, where ‘openness,’ ‘respect,’ ‘compassion,’ and ‘willingness to work hard’ are the country’s only distinguishing values. Trudeau’s presumable aim is to counteract bigotry and divisiveness by[Read More…]
New name for the McGill bookstore, “Le James,” should stand
The decision to rename the McGill bookstore’s new iteration “Le James” raises the question of the value in using the names of past figures who were known to be racists, misogynists, or bigots on campus. While these questions began to be asked at universities in the United States, such conversations[Read More…]
In defence of Ebenezer Scrooge
As the holiday season becomes more distant, reflecting on the value of a particular Christmas trope is no less valuable. If Christmas is the season of selflessness, then surely one of the great symbols of Christmas is Ebenezer Scrooge. Contrary to common belief, however, he should be known for his[Read More…]
Editorial: McGill advising does not provide sufficient tools for students to carve their own path
With add/drop coming to a close, students’ laments of academic advising at McGill are likely to abate. But at the moment, undergraduate students bemoan the bureaucratic advising system. The fundamental flaw with the McGill mindset is that students are expected to be independent without necessarily having been provided the tools[Read More…]
Evaluating practices when students grade their professors
“Very helpful and really hot!” “Great lectures that keep students engaged.” “He is a bumbling fool.” These are common comments that one might come across while browsing instructors’ profiles on RateMyProfessors.com. The site is widely used by university students, and is regarded by many as an indispensable tool for selecting[Read More…]
Editorial: For a 21st Century education, McGill must focus on the present
The plans for the new McLennan-Redpath library, referred to as Fiat Lux, are ambitious. Although the university hopes that this impressive crystalline addition will epitomize the 21st century, propelling the university into modernity will take more than a shiny design. The most wide-ranging consultation with students took place on whiteboards[Read More…]
Does intersectionality benefit activist movements?
Campus organizations frequently work together on political and social justice issues. Last Fall, Divest McGill worked with Aboriginal groups on campus during the simultaneous Fossil Free and Aboriginal Awareness Weeks, and Divest McGill and Demilitarize McGill oftentimes collaborate. While the methods of each of these organizations have been criticized and[Read More…]
Media needs to increase pressure on Liberals to deliver on national policy
In the early days of 2016, refugees have dominated the news cycle in much of the world. While in the United States, most Republican politicians seem to be arguing over the best plan to keep refugees out, up North the discussion is the opposite. Canadians are wondering why only 6,000 of[Read More…]
