What do you think is the most important aspect of the VP Internal’s job?
I think the most important aspect is providing radically diverse experiences for incoming students. The portfolio has been far too focused on the same sets of events every single year, and not broadening the horizons to the great experience that Montreal has to offer.… I’d like to see more collaboration with events that are often done by McGill students but don’t occur on campus, so that instead of leading people around the same little circuit for one week during Frosh or during the broader school year, there’s actually a chance to explore some of the awesome events that are going on downtown.
What kind of realm of experience do you have for this position?
A big part of my campaign is the fact that I’m not affiliated with SSMU. I think there’s a culture of insiderness associated with the SSMU. I come from a background that’s been invested in an informal sense in organizing and planning events in various cultural institutions throughout the city—music events, artistic events. I’ve also done work promoting and managing restaurants, so things like working with a budget are definitely within my purview. I’ve done informal work on campus to promote and facilitate general assemblies.
There’s been some polarization on campus this year. What do you think is the VP Internal’s role in addressing this divide?
I think the VP Internal should take a principled position with regards to the issue of tuition fee increases. I think the current political debate and discussion is important to foster no matter what side of the political spectrum you may be on, but I do think that the current political issue is one that will affect students if tuition fees go up. It will limit accessibility for students to come to McGill and that’s very important to recognize and address as VP Internal. The position should really focus on creating more spaces for students to discuss and engage with the political issues that we face on our campus and within this province.
If you could high five anyone in history, who would you high five?
I would high five that Invisible Hand in the marketplace.… I mean, what bigger hand could you high five?
