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Arts & Entertainment, Books

Ceilidh Michelle’s ‘Vagabond’ depicts hitchhiking’s joys and tears

by Lowell Wolfe on

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It takes days to travel by bus from Montreal to Sacramento, California, and even longer to hitchhike and squat along the state’s coastal highway—the famous California State Route 1. Montreal-based author Ceilidh Michelle’s new novel Vagabond condenses such a quest into just over 200 pages through a series of creative non-fiction vignettes. Vagabond takes readers into the vibrant, yet sometimes unpleasant, adventures that a younger Michelle experiences while wayfaring along the West Coast. Functioning somewhat like a memoir, the stories she tells are genuine and honest, for better or for worse. 

The novel follows a 21-year-old Michelle narrating her journey, starting with her departure from an unhealthy relationship in Montreal to Vancouver, after which travels down south to the United States to pursue her dreams. All the while, Michelle reflects on the sights and scenery, transforming the physical distance she travels into a mental expedition of self-growth. 

In an interview with The McGill Tribune, Michelle spoke about the multiple journeys encapsulated in Vagabond.

“The only difficult part [about writing the book] was trying to stay true to the emotion of each experience,” Michelle said. “I did not want to make anything too melodramatic or overwrought. I really wanted to try and capture things as they [happened]. Some of it is embarrassing, and some of it seems silly to me […] but it’s what happened, and I wanted to stay true to it.”

Michelle meets new friends along every step of her journey, such as the banjo-playing, train-hopping Half-Peach who becomes Michelle’s close companion, as well as individuals worn down by living without homes. Michelle’s encounters with promiscuous drug addicts and unsavoury street bullies paint a somber depiction of living unhoused, reminding readers that her journey is nowhere near as cushioned as that of a university student’s gap year. 

“An undercurrent […] in my writing is affordable housing,” Michelle said. “Home is so important, and it is so essential to feeling human and having dignity.”

Released on Sept. 4 under Douglas & McIntyre, Vagabond is Michelle’s second book. The author’s first title, Butterflies, Zebras, Moonbeams, published through Palimpsest Press in 2020, was shortlisted for 2020’s Hugh McLennan Prize for Fiction. While she was busy pursuing her master of science degree in creative writing at the University of Edinburgh and writing other creative projects, Michelle felt an urge to distill her memories into something more concrete, which led to the spontaneous creation of Vagabond. 

“I had written a very rough account of what had happened, as it happened, so I already had all of this archival writing to draw from,” Michelle said. “I had [another] project that I was working on with [my agent], and I basically cheated on that prototype and wrote Vagabond instead.” 

Michelle’s narrative takes readers to exciting destinations, whether they be the sometimes-comical streets of Slab City, California’s famous squatter community, or the interior landscapes of a young, curious woman as she learns about herself and the world—each place complete with its own beauty and pain. 

Fans can look forward to Michelle’s upcoming appearances at the Winnipeg International Writers’ Festival Thin Air in September and Junction Reads in January. 

Album Reviews, Arts & Entertainment, Music

Homeshake’s new album ‘Under the Weather’ is a musical rendering of distress and isolation

by Louis Lussier-Piette on

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Homeshake, also known as Peter Sagar, is a Montreal-born and Toronto-based artist known for his mellow sound and poignant lyricism. Under the Weather, his fifth studio album, is a 12-track confession of depression and isolation. Although Sagar wrote the morose album in 2019 after mental health struggles secluded him from the world, its release is timely in the context of a prolonged pandemic. 

“People will probably think that I made Under the Weather during or about COVID-19,” Sagar said. “I was just already living my life that way.” 

Sagar’s lyrics of personal distress are widely relatable. Each track explores a different aspect of depression with lyrics so honest they could be from the artist’s diary. The project’s hazy sound resonates like the fogginess of an anxious brain. Overall, the album is delicate and mellow, with passing songs melting into one another in the same slow, honeyed tempo.

“Oftentimes when you are in a dark place, you are supposed to journal, and that helps release the pressure,” Sagar said. “For me, it always found its way into the music.”

However, such repetition also becomes the album’s main flaw. While some songs rise above the album’s homogenous nature, such as “Passenger Seat” and “Tenterhooks,” others become buried underneath the stronger tracks. “Feel Better” and “Careless,” for example, fail to depart from each track’s formulaic make-up. Still, the album’s consistency does bring a sense of comfort and familiarity, with the melancholia of the album serving as the perfect remedy for the beginning-of-class blues. While the imitative tracklist prevents the album from reaching its full potential, Under the Weather is definitely worth a listen for its empathetically brooding tone.

Research Briefs, Science & Technology

Using AI to save lives

by Madison Mclauchlan on

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Content warning: Mention of suicide and suicidal ideation.

Young people aged 18-29 reported some of the highest rates of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the social isolation wrought by the pandemic, rates of suicidal ideation among college-aged individuals were troubling: In a 2019 sample survey of 55,000 students, more than 10 per cent reported contemplating suicide in the 12 months prior. 

University students are especially vulnerable to mental health struggles. When they do not have access to appropriate services or support systems, fragile mental health can spiral into self-harm or suicidal tendencies. To prevent such tragedies, identifying primary risk factors for suicidal behaviour is paramount. 

Researchers at McGill and the University of Bordeaux are on their way to doing just that, using machine learning. A new study, published in Scientific Reports, aimed to develop an algorithm to identify factors associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours. 

The longitudinal study used data from more than 5,000 students in France from 2013-2019, collecting information ranging from lifestyle habits, to sociodemographics, to mental health symptoms. The algorithm then made data-driven predictions, which were compared to the follow-up questionnaires about suicidal thoughts and behaviours. 

Marie Navarro, a PhD student at the University of Bordeaux, performed the statistical analysis for the study. In an interview with The McGill Tribune, Navarro explained the team’s reasons for using machine learning to find predictors. 

“With more classical methods like regression models, you cannot study a lot of factors,  [maximum] twenty, but otherwise, it is complicated,” Navarro said. “With AI, and especially machine learning, we used random forests, [which is] a good algorithm because you can include a lot of factors in your model simultaneously.” 

Random forest algorithms are a type of supervised machine learning typically used to predict outcomes from data patterns—like the future behaviour of a stock, for example. The novelty of machine learning in this context is twofold: Not only does it allow researchers to sift through large amounts of data at once, but it also accounts for the interactions between factors, giving the algorithm better predictive power. 

Indeed, suicidal behaviours do not result from a single, isolated factor; it is often a combination of circumstances. The study found that academic stress and depressive symptoms were top factors for those who identified as women, while self-esteem was one of the most important predictors of suicide risk across gender lines. 

“Some sociodemographic factors, like sex, are already well established as risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviours,” Navarro said. “For example, broadly speaking, girls are more likely to report suicidal ideation and even attempts, but more deaths by suicide are reported in boys.” 

Massimiliano Orri, a postdoctoral researcher at McGill and co-author of the paper, believes that universities can benefit from this behavioural data to improve suicide prevention efforts. 

“Universities are uniquely situated to identify youths that need mental health support and help them to have access to care,” Orri wrote in an email to the Tribune. “Today, the wealth of data available and the computational advances such as artificial intelligence provide us with new eyes to identify those youths using simple screening tools that can be easily developed and implemented on a massive scale.” 

The findings suggest that short assessments, perhaps through online, university-administered questionnaires, could reach a broader swath of students who may be hesitant to reach out for help. 

Despite the promising results, Navarro stressed that their work is only a stepping stone to the ultimate goal of harm reduction. 

“This study needs to be replicated and confirmed in other studies, a very important point for research in general, before any application in real life,” Navarro said. “If they are, maybe this kind of analysis can open an interesting target for prevention in the future.” 

If future studies confirm that artificial intelligence techniques like this one are an effective way of identifying at-risk individuals, then this research could result in more powerful screening tools and more lives being saved.

News, PGSS, SSMU

McGill Governance 101

by Madison Edward-Wright on

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STUDENTS’ SOCIETY OF MCGILL UNIVERSITY (SSMU)

What it does:

SSMU represents all undergraduate student interests and rights in the McGill Senate. SSMU consists of four bodies—General Assembly and Referenda, Board of Directors, Legislative Council, and Executive Council—and is led by seven elected executives, including the president, vice-president (VP), VP internal, VP external, VP student life, VP finance, and VP university affairs. SSMU, specifically the student life portfolio, also plays a large role in student life by organizing events like Activities Night and by running the undergraduate student bar Gerts. 

Recent Events:

Over the last year, SSMU has focussed its efforts on helping students navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and advocating for student health and safety on campus. On Sept. 1, the Society staged a protest, and over the summer it wrote an open letter, and published a report on the impact of COVID-19 on McGill students. In addition, SSMU has involved itself in social justice movements that extend beyond the Roddick gates, for example, by standing in support and solidarity with survivors of residential schools in Canada in light of the discovery of thousands of unmarked graves of Indigenous children on the grounds of these schools. 

POST GRADUATE STUDENTS’ SOCIETY (PGSS)

What it does:

PGSS is responsible for representing all graduate and postdoctoral students at McGill. Its monthly Council meetings address its policies and committees, and monitor executives’ actions and projects. There are five primary executives elected by McGill postgraduate students, and four PGSS members sit on the McGill Senate. The executives organize regular social and professional events for postgraduates at Thompson House, the PGSS’ headquarters. 

Recent Events:

PGSS has also been campaigning for wage increases for doctoral researchers in McGill’s Faculty of Science and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, as wages have remained stagnant for over a decade while living expenses and tuition fees have increased.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS (BoG)

What it does:

The BoG is responsible for making all final decisions regarding the university’s financial, academic, and business matters. The BoG has 25 members who vote on policies and two non-voting student representatives, one from SSMU and another from PGSS. Notable members of the BoG include McGill’s Chancellor John McCall MacBain and Principal and Vice-Chancellor Suzanne Fortier. 12 members of the BoG are appointed by other members, while the rest are elected or appointed by different campus organizations such as SSMU, PGSS, and the McGill Alumni Association. Students may only attend the community sessions of BoG meetings. 

Recent Events:

In May 2021, Ehab Lotayef resigned from the BoG due to the Board’s refusal to consider a motion for the display of an equity statement on campus. In May 2021, the BoG approved a revised version of McGill’s Policy on Harassment and Discrimination. 

MCGILL SENATE 

What it does:

The McGill Senate is responsible for overseeing all academic matters at the university, including the courses offered and their curricula. 52 of the 111-member body are elected student senators. The remaining seats are filled by representatives from all other constituencies at the university—like SSMU, PGSS, and BoG—as well as McGill’s chancellor, provost, principal, and the chair of the BoG. Meetings are held once a month and are open to the public, unless they deem a topic confidential. 

Recent Events:
At the final Senate meeting of the 2020/2021 academic year, the Senate approved the Fall 2021 calendar of key academic dates, including the implementation of a Fall reading week. In February 2021, the Senate presented a report on the university’s Policy Against Sexual Violence and its efforts to educate students about sexual violence.

Arts & Entertainment, Film and TV

‘Only Murders in the Building’ refreshingly reinvents the classic murder-mystery story

by Suzanna Graham on

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In a city filled with self-absorbed, isolated, and irritating people, it seems reasonable that New Yorkers rarely interact with their neighbours. Yet Hulu’s newest show Only Murders in the Building proves that boredom is a strong motivator for some to investigate the most despised person in their apartment complex. 

Created by John Hoffman and Steve Martin, this “whodunnit” series focusses on the humour of the mystery, rather than the circumstances of the murder—effectively subverting the traditional murder-mystery genre. Set in the Arconia, a luxurious apartment building in New York, three strangers bond over their love forof the same true-crime podcast—based off of the real podcast Serial— and narrated in the comedy by none other than Tina Fey. Comedy legend Steve Martin plays Charles, a lonely former actor who repulses most people he meets, except for Oliver (Martin Short), a washed-up, over-exuberant Broadway director. Mabel (Selena Gomez), a cryptic young woman, rounds out the comedy trio with dry wit and an ostensibly secret backstory that fills the entire subplot of the series. When the motley bunch learn that fellow tenant Tim Kono (Julian Cihi) has died, they decide to investigate with the sole purpose of creating their own true-crime podcast on the mystery, an obvious satire to the rise of true-crime media in popular culture.

Although Only Murders in the Building prefers cheesy flashbacks over any presentation of serious backstory, the ironic melodrama is bizarre and whimsical. The three unorganized and chaotic “detectives” are charming enough that their unrealistic misadventures add to the storyline. Tiny yet powerfully humorous details, such as Oliver’s intimate relationship with his bulldog, are the cherry on top of the cake. 

The show expertly blends themes of loneliness and failure with its more fantastical elements. Each main character experiences strained family ties, financial distress, and trauma, grounding the show in some of the common anxieties of a post-pandemic world. 

By intertwining comedy with the more complex aspects of the human condition, Only Murders in the Building is a refreshingly relatable modern dramedy. Though only the first three of 10 episodes have been released, the rest of the season is sure to include more comedic moments, plot twists, and hopefully, a solved murder mystery. And if not, releasing the trio’s chaotic true-crime podcast would be an acceptable alternative. 

Viewers can watch Only Murders in the Building on Hulu, where a new episode is released every Tuesday.

McGill, News, The Tribune Explains

Tribune Explains: Vaccine passports at McGill

by Dima Kiwan on

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As of Sept. 1, accessing non-essential services in Quebec will require a COVID-19 vaccination passport, which is a government proof of full vaccination. While curricular activities at McGill will not require the passport for participation, much of student life will. 

What is the vaccine passport?

The vaccine passport is a Quick Response (QR) code issued by the Quebec government that confirms an individual’s double-vaccination status when scanned via the VaxiCode app. Individuals must present government-issued photo ID and this QR code—either on paper, in PDF format on a mobile device, or on the VaxiCode app—to access non-essential events and services. 

How can students get a vaccine passport?

Fully vaccinated students wishing to obtain a vaccine passport are individually responsible for acquiring this QR code. Those vaccinated in Quebec who have not already received their QR code by email or text can download it online through the Quebec government’s self-service portal.

Those vaccinated internationally or out-of-province must go to a clinic to register their proof of vaccination before downloading their QR code. One can register their out-of-province vaccination either by booking an appointment or by attending a walk-in vaccination clinic, where government-issued photo ID and official proof of vaccination documents are verified. 

The vaccines recognized for the Quebec vaccine passport are Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Covishield, and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson; individuals who have received doses of a vaccine excluded from this list can receive an additional dose of an mRNA vaccine in Canada a minimum of 28 days after their last dose. 

How do vaccine passports affect student life?

The list of non-essential activities at McGill that will require the vaccine passport include practising varsity or recreational sports and attending sporting events, concerts, non-curricular academic conferences, and other performances as an audience member. Additionally, students will need the vaccine passport to access fitness centres and common areas in student residences such as TV rooms. Students with vaccine passports will have access to dine-in services while those without passports will only be able to access take-out services.

Students will not need the vaccine passport to access non-curricular or health-related student services, their personal residence rooms, and associated essential common areas such as washrooms, libraries, study hubs, and flex-spaces. 

McGill media relations officer Frédérique Mazerolle wrote to The McGill Tribune about the university’s future plans involving the vaccine passport.

“Our utmost priority has always been the health and safety of our students and staff,” Mazerolle wrote. “McGill has been working with and continues to work with the various government authorities to align with directives, and to adapt our plans and put in place the necessary measures that will ensure the successful return of students and employees to our campuses.”

How is the McGill community reacting to this measure?

The vaccine passport mandate has provoked controversy, both about the limits of government power in a pandemic and about how efficient vaccine passports are at limiting the spread of COVID-19. 

Douglas Farrow, a professor of theology and ethics at McGill, expressed his views on vaccine passports in an open letter published on August 30.

“Students, in my opinion, would be very foolish to trade their rights, liberties, and personal autonomy for ‘protection’ they do not need,” Farrow wrote in an email to the Tribune. “That does not work very well, and that puts their health at risk in a new way.” 

In an email to the Tribune, the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU)  President Darshan Daryanani explained that he believes the vaccine passport should be needed to access the over 250 clubs and services at McGill, and the large cultural and fundraising events to prevent further outbreaks and campus lockdowns.

“We are here to support the student activities with tools and resources as best we can,” Daryanani wrote. “While the administration claims that a student without a vaccine will ‘miss out on the full and fun McGill experience,’ at SSMU, we hope to provide alternative events to respect the safety of all.”

Off the Board, Opinion

Stop trying to make ‘cheugy’ happen

by Kennedy McKee-Braide on

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On March 30, a TikTok user posted about a made-up word she and her friends use to describe things that encapsulate millennial, girlboss, out-of-style energy: Cheugy. Since then, gen-Z-ers have embraced the term, making TikToks and other social media posts about certain cheugy staples––think minions, millennial pink, graphic T-shirts, Rae Dunn home decor, and apparently, jean jackets. 

Admittedly, the term is a fun addition to our ever-growing arsenal of internet vocabulary, and some may argue that those critical of its use are too sensitive. But below the surface, the word represents a worrying pattern amongst youth to subscribe to popular trends—which are almost always rooted in overconsumption—until they are no longer thought of as cool, at which point those who still enjoy them are seenas out of touch. 

The term cheugy can be tied to another phenomenon––micro-trends. Also known as fads, micro-trends in the fashion world refer to garments or aesthetics that rapidly gain popularity but then just as quickly fall out of style. Some examples of recent micro-trends include exercise dresses, the Y2K “coconut girl” look, and even specific pieces of clothing such as the House of Sunny Hockney Dress. 

Since these kinds of trends come and go so quickly, keeping up with them can be extremely expensive. This exposes the privilege that comes with being able to adhere to them and, ultimately, to avoid being declared “cheugy.” Of course, the average person who throws around the term is likely not doing so with any intention of making others feel tacky. But the joke risks making lower-income people who are not able to stay on-trend feel inadequate. Especially as young people return to more in-person activities, the pressure to dress a certain way can be amplified. 

The impulse towards this approach to fashion also encourages people to turn to fast fashion more often. Surely, some need to make use of fast fashion due to financial restrictions or limited selection at thrift stores due to sizing. But some who feel the pressure to dress a certain way are more likely to make use of businesses that are notoriously unethical, like SHEIN, to keep up with trends. 

Of course, individual young people cannot necessarily be blamed for this phenomenon. Companies are known to stage elaborate social media campaigns to push their products toward trend status, and most larger businesses make use of psychological manipulation tactics to encourage consumers to purchase the latest new item. Beyond these direct campaigns, the rise of social media influencers plays a role in this as well. For example, Emma Chamberlain, a popular YouTuber, posted a picture on Instagram flaunting yoga pants and Ugg boots—a combination that would have been considered cheugy two years ago—and almost overnight, the influencer had sparked a new trend. This situation is only one of many illustrating how easy it is for tides to change when it comes to fashion. 

But regardless of blame, young people who care about social justice, reducing waste, and overconsumption should be more mindful of their decisions to make fun of those who may be “behind” when it comes to trends in clothing, media consumption, or anything else. Rather than subscribing to fast-paced micro-trends, McGill students should try and hold on to clothing staples they have and like, even if the internet is telling them they have to replace them with something new and shiny. Students can also make use of clothing exchanges and McGill’s free and for sale group. These kinds of individual choices may not end this cycle on their own, but they may be able to influence others on campus to stop caring so much about being on-trend. 

Chill Thrills, Student Life

Hidden gems of McGill: Favourite spots to eat, study, chill, and explore

by Holly Wethey and Wendy Zhao on

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Coming back to campus, it is clear that a lot has changed. But a lot has remained the same. The McGill Tribune reflects on some tucked-away spots—from familiar favourites to some more obscure—to visit, remember, and hopefully find our way back to. 

1. Paddle Mac

Located on McGill’s Macdonald Campus, Paddle Mac rents out kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at a discounted rate to McGill students. For $15 an hour, students can cruise down the river and enjoy a quiet escape from urban life. McGill also offers a free shuttle bus to Mac Campus from Monday to Friday, which makes this unique experience very affordable.

2. Frostbite

This ice-cream shop, run by McGill’s own engineering students, seeks to remedy student blues with varied ice-cream flavours that are affordable and—if you have received less than 30 per cent on a major midterm—free. With events like Warm Cookie Week, Waffle-bowl Week, and Rowdy Day running throughout the year, this spot in the McConnell Engineering building is a sweet relief from busy schedules. 

Be sure to look out for their charming penguin mascot, Chub Chub, too. 

3. Soupe Cafe

Although many are familiar with the grilled cheese sandwiches from this Burnside basement cafe, one of their secret specialities is their tasty sweet potato burrito. While the McGill location is currently closed, you can still visit Soupe cafe on Rue Notre Dame to satisfy your cravings.

4. Vihn’s Cafe

A perennial favourite at McGill, Vihn’s cafe serves filling yet affordable Vietnamese dishes that have become a staple for students on campus. Their $4-5 banh mi and their $7-9 pho are classic choices, while their steamed buns and array of desserts offer unique snack options. 

Its Sherbrooke location, tucked away in the Strathcona music building, offers a tight but cozy escape from McGill’s main campus where one can chat—or commiserate—with friends. A warm bowl of pho always tastes especially comforting during winter and exam seasons.  

5. Birks

With its wooden tables and tall bookshelves, the Birks reading room in the Religious Studies building is a quiet, tucked-away environment perfect for independent studying and wistful daydreaming. Inside the building, you will come across a beautiful two-story chapel that can seat 150 people.

6. Thompson House Restaurant

Run by the Post-Graduate Students’ Society (PGSS) and located next to the Education building, Thompson House is not only a venue for many events, but also its own restaurant. On the menu, you will find a variety of dishes ranging from bean burritos to South Indian curry.

7. The hidden hallways of the McConnell Engineering Building

Exploring the large McConnell Engineering Building, you will typically find students testing drones in tall glass hallways. There’s even a maze-like hallway with a dead end. Aside from the wandering Arts students, the space is allegedly used to test robots.

8. The industrial stairwell in Macdonald Engineering

If you wander for long enough through McConnell, you might just find yourself in another building entirely. McConnell Engineering connects to the Macdonald building through a huge industrial stairwell reminiscent of Victorian times.

9. Moyse Hall 

This theatre in the Arts building is frequently used to hold productions from the English department. The mysterious tower at the top of the Arts building is also rumoured to be accessible through Moyse Hall, though a key card is now required to enter.

10. The obscure corners of the Arts building and the deep depths of Leacock

If you have never had a seminar on the top floor of the Arts building, you may not know that there are a number of high tables nestled in its dark and rustic corridors. Similarly, the Leacock basement, once home to Bar des Arts, is a fun place to explore—although it is not necessarily advisable to do so at night.

Commentary, Opinion

Gratuity has reached a tipping point

by Sophia Howard on

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In the heart of Mile End sits Larry’s, a cafe-restaurant that has served breakfast, lunch, and dinner to its visitors since 2016. In May, the restaurant made a notable announcement: It would end the custom of tipping once it reopened its doors for indoor dining. While Larry’s is not the first restaurant in Montreal to implement this policy, it is the only one currently operating, as the others have closed. As restaurants adapt to a post-COVID world, Larry’s decision to get rid of gratuity is a bold step toward positive change for workers in the service industry. 

The history of tipping is long and troubling. Its origins can be traced to feudal Europe, where lords would occasionally pay particularly helpful serfs extra money at the end of the year—both as an act of gratitude and as a way to flaunt wealth. In the 1850s and 60s, Americans traveling abroad learned about this custom, and, wanting to emulate aristocracy, brought the habit of tipping back to their servants at home. Initially, the practice received severe backlash as lower-income individuals were concerned that they could not afford it. Labour rights activists called it patronizing. Nevertheless, after the end of the Civil War in 1865, an influx of recently emancipated Black workers stimulated the United States economy. Restaurants, railways, and other industries employing servers liked the idea of not having to pay their new servers. Thus, tipping quickly spread throughout the South and slowly expanded into Canada. The practice of tipping has become ingrained in Canadian society in recent decades, even finding its way into some minimum wage legislation.

Beyond tipping’s racist roots, the practice causes discrimination in the restaurant industry today. White employees make more than employees of colour, staff on busier shifts make more than those on quiet nights, waiters make more than people working in the kitchen, and so on. Women in the service industry are more likely to face sexual harassment because of the power imbalance held by male patrons. The wage disparity between Black women and white men is twofold: Black women are more likely to work in more casual and less expensive restaurants, and they are often tipped less. Tipping is but another form of inequality in the restaurant industry. However, discrimination also goes in the opposite direction: Servers in restaurants are more likely to racially profile clients on how well they will tip. For instance, servers often offer worse service to Black patrons, as some waiters assume that they will tip less. 

As the service industry offers many entry-level positions, it is common for university students to work part-time at restaurants, like Larry’s, or at bars to help pay for school. Larry’s plans to have a starting salary of $18 per hour for their employees—a wage much higher than Quebec’s current $13.50 minimum wage and $11.40 service wage. Having a higher baseline wage means employees need to put in less hours to make the same amount of money, allowing for more of a work-life balance. This is especially important for university students, who balance many responsibilities at once. Paying employees a fair wage instead of forcing them to rely on tips treats the employees with respect, granting employees more autonomy and financial security. 

While the pandemic forced many restaurants to close, employees who were fortunate enough to continue working often faced reduced hours and risked contracting COVID-19 at work. Despite these working conditions, restaurant workers were not considered essential during Quebec’s vaccine roll-out, and as a result, many people are leaving the industry. Higher pay and equal treatment would incentivize workers to remain in the field. Larry’s might be the only restaurant in Montreal taking steps to offer a better salary and working environment for its employees, but hopefully it will not be the last. 

Editorial, Opinion

Reopen properly or close prematurely

by The McGill Tribune Editorial Board on

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Thousands of students returned to the classroom on Sept. 1, 2021. For the first time in almost two years, lecture halls were packed, podiums were filled, and at last, friends from all over the world were reunited. But as welcome as these nostalgic campus scenes are, McGill’s current safety guidelines are terribly inadequate. From failing to provide remote course options for people who cannot be, or do not wish to be, on campus, to embarrassing itself with an underprepared vaccine registration program, administrative shortcomings are generating learning inequities and steering the university on a path toward further outbreaks. McGill must push for government vaccine requirements, institute hybrid learning, and correct other accessibility issues before its reopening becomes its next unbearable shuttering.

Although Quebec law may prevent universities from instating a vaccine requirement the way many universities in Ontario and the United States have, the administration can still take a definitive stance on it. Many of McGill’s own experts have argued that a vaccine mandate would not only be legally permissible but also ethically and medically expedient. Moreover, with the rise of the COVID-19 Delta variant—which numerous researchers believe can infect and spread through vaccinated individuals as easily as those who are not—many are reluctant to return to campus due to legitimate safety concerns. Administrators are doing McGill’s scholars a profound disservice: By disregarding their professional opinions, the university is effectively reducing professors’ relationship with the university to one that is merely transactional, rather than one that is built on respect and academic accomplishment.

It would be unreasonable to demand that McGill violate Quebec law, even though some lawyers do not think implementing a vaccine mandate would do so. But there is nothing stopping McGill from issuing a statement standing with its scholars, advocating for emergency legislation, and committing to leadership in accessibility moving forward. Importantly, the institution does not need to wait for the government to do everything. It should offer a hybrid model for instruction with remote options for students who either cannot enter Canada or who do not feel comfortable being in person. At the very least, it would be prudent to persuade instructors to record their lectures, as well as to prohibit mandatory attendance rules—which some professors have applied despite the precarious public health situation. Recordings would also serve students experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms by relieving the pressure to attend class when they are feeling unwell.

International students have also been ignored in McGill’s calculus. To be able to apply for Canadian residency, foreigners need to spend a certain number of years in the country. Even if they are enrolled in a Canadian educational institution, they must be physically present, and time spent at university sometimes only counts for half of the required time. By allowing an unsafe environment to fester, administrators are forcing international students to choose between their health and their immigration eligibility. Such a situation is morally wrong and professionally unethical, not least considering that students—international students more than anyone—keep McGill alive with their tuition dollars.

Still, students are responsible for following public health measures, adhering to McGill’s mask-wearing requirements, and getting vaccinated despite it not being mandatory for essential activities. Although it is right to criticize McGill for inequitable policies that force people to be on campus while it remains an unsafe, infeasible, and inaccessible space for many, student organizations must lead by example and enforce stringent safety protocols at their events. 

The rejuvenation of friendships, the revival of frosh, and the resumption of in-person instruction are all long-awaited experiences to be grateful for. But the pandemic is not over yet. For the sake of the social stability that Quebec has fought hard to achieve and maintain, it is imperative that everyone continue to take infection prevention seriously and encourage others to do the same. Together, the McGill community must create a culture of collective accountability to seal the holes in McGill’s rickety policy framework.

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