Green Blinds the Eyes: A Parking Lot Story

Xaverians, start your engines 

After years of planning, the Victor and Mona Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health was set to break ground in the upcoming weeks. However, in a shocking twist StFX administrators have changed plans. In which they reveal the new direction the university aims to take. Below is the press statement released: 

“After reflection, we realized that a university does not need more learning spaces, grass, or walkable areas, instead it needs more places to park cars. We are calling this initiative ‘Less Grass, More Gas’ and there is nowhere better to start than paving over one of our few remaining fields! That is why we are happy to announce, that the Victor and Mona Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health is being redesigned and renamed to ‘Parking Lot P20 Institute for Innovation in Parking!’” 

In fine print below the article, a line read “this is totally not because of budget cuts.” However, financial experts in Antigonish are not buying it for a second. Some are pointing out that the $15 million dollar building, is now only going to cost an estimated $250,000. One scholar, who asked to remain anonymous, stated “The only greenery that StFX cares about is money. They’re pocketing over $14 million; I wouldn’t be surprised if they find a way to raise parking pass prices even with more supply.” Somehow breaking all economic laws of supply and demand. 

A 6th year, River Lily, has been vocal in opposition to the construction of the parking lot. Quote: “I have been here a long time, and never once thought campus needed more parking, but instead more greenery. This is almost as bad as the town bike lane beside Coady.” And the majority of students seem to be on her side, though some are less environmentally concerned, stating “another parking lot is just another opportunity for me to get a parking ticket.”  

Some students however are in favour of another parking lot with student Ash Fault stating: “I admire the university’s ability to try something new. I came to StFX because of how many parking lots they already had (19), and the addition of another one makes me even happier to call this place home!” Though their inclination to parking lots is not surprising, after he founded the parking lot club back in 2019, with the mission statement: ‘c’mon one more!’  

Overlooking the project is Otto Mabile, who is frequently referred to as ‘the Mozart of asphalt.’ He is known for the designing of the West Edmonton Mall parking lot, said to be the biggest in the world. He pays extra attention to the ratio of yellow to white lines, making him quite the eccentric parking lot designer. We reached out to Mabile to get the inside scoop of this new project: 

“I plan to take inspiration from how empty and soulless Mulroney’s architectural design is and apply it to the parking lot. I really admire the university’s pursuit of a less-walkable campus, and I think a large parking lot will help achieve that goal. I think that a drive-thru style classroom is the next big idea I am going to pitch, but we will have to wait and see.” 

So, there you have it, Xaverians, a “Less Grass, More Gas” era has come to StFX. Do you welcome the asphalt, or are you more keen on the green?  

The Saint Mary’s River vs. the Cochrane Hill Gold Mine Project

The Saint Mary’s River is most widely known for being Nova Scotia’s longest river. This river represents far more than this. It is an incredibly important home to several endangered species such as the wood turtle, mainland moose and most importantly, the Atlantic salmon. The amount of biodiversity that is supported within and surrounding the Saint Mary’s ecosystem is often overlooked but is necessary for maintaining the health of the Saint Mary’s River and the community it supports.

The Saint Mary’s River Association are a group of community members taking action to protect and preserve the river. There has been a major ongoing project to restock the river with Atlantic Salmon, which over the past few years has been showing genuine promise in returning the Atlantic Salmon to their prime. The Mckeens drainage basin is an especially productive area with rare footage recently being recorded of Salmon spawning here. The Salmon is slowly getting back to their prime in this river because of the incredible biodiversity that it holds and the help of the Saint Mary’s community.

Unfortunately, the biodiversity that this river supports does not garner the recognition that it deserves. Despite the millions of dollars that the Saint Mary’s group has invested into the restoration of the Atlantic Salmon here, all their work is at risk. Atlantic is proposing a Gold Mine to be put in place on Cochrane Hill. This proposal is for about 600 acres of land directly above the Archibald Lake drainage basin (which creates a cold-water refuge site for salmon when it runs into the Saint Mary’s) and more importantly the Mckeens drainage basin. A large chunk of this proposal is for a tailings pond that would be 70m tall and 2km long above some of the most productive salmon spawning area in the river, that’s in the Mckeens drainage basin. This tailings pond would potentially leach into the drainage basins on either side of Cochrane Hill, creating an imminent threat for the Salmon of the river.

Making matters worse is the fact that the community that must face the environmental devastation of the mine will gain no monetary compensation. A few short-term jobs will be generated within the community, but the company does not even make the promise of hiring 10% of it’s employees from the community. The provincial benefits are only marginally better, with a 1% royalty on the project. What is astounding about this number is how other provinces such as British Columbia have a 13% royalty for gold mining. In comparison, Nova Scotia is essentially giving away it’s land for free and mining companies are coming in hand over fist to pick up all the mining contracts available. These mining companies are going into rural Nova Scotian towns, with the promise of creating much needed jobs and leaving the community with environmental degradation that will last far longer than the brief economic relief. Atlantic Gold says “This is not your grandfather’s mine” to try to appease the community members fighting this mine. The irony in this is palpable, as the mining done a century ago with mine shafts was certainly safer ecologically than the open pit mine being proposed at Cochrane Hill.

I interviewed Scott Beaver, the president of the Saint Mary’s River Association, and he had a hard time conceiving the scale not only of the mine but the impact that it would have on this beloved river. The Saint Mary’s River Association has hired environmental consultants to

come and assess the potential effects of the Gold Mine on the community. Their findings have been overwhelming. “Significant risk and minimal benefit” is how Scott Beaver summarized it. Scott Beaver has been president of the Saint Mary’s River Association since 2016. He has devoted countless hours to the community and to the health of the river. Unfortunately, since the Cochrane Hill Gold Mine was first proposed in 2017 by Atlantic Gold Corporation, most of his time has been spent fighting for the health of the salmon that he has come so far to recover. One of the mines proposed by Atlantic Gold has already been put in place. The Touquoy Mine in Mooseland is a cautionary tail for what Cochrane Hill could one day become.

Even worse is that the odds are stacked in favor of the Gold Mine. The process for determining whether the mine should be allowed to go through is called an approval process. The key word is “approval” because the entire process is centered around approving the mine to go ahead with their plan. Even if there is community pushback for the mine, in scenarios such as the Cochrane Hill Gold Mine, at best the mine may be delayed for a few years and must make some small changes to their plans. Even if their plans are rejected, they can resubmit another proposal a few years later. After speaking with Scott, he said that the only way to generate real change is to change the archaic mining laws in Nova Scotia. One strategy could be increasing the royalties that mining companies must pay, this would help to decrease the number of mines in Nova Scotia.

The Saint Mary’s River represents a battle ground for the recovery of the Atlantic Salmon and the health of the ecosystem it signifies. We are in the middle of a climate crisis, and it is battles that the Saint Mary’s group is fighting that will create a positive impact today and for generations to come. If you are interested in learning more, please visit “The Gold Mine Conversation: Cochrane Hill Gold Mining in NS”. If your interested in helping the Saint Mary’s River Association in their fight against the proposed gold mine, go to stmarysriverassociation.com and donate today!

Our Mental Health and Wellbeing, The Value of Proper Treatment and the Ignorance of Our Society, a Discussion. Ft. Sebastian Harenburg.

As a species, it is undeniably true that our health and overall wellbeing is complicated. Throughout history, our medical understanding of health has twisted and changed into that which we know now. As of today, our physical and mental health are treated as separate entities. They are mutually exclusive, with no interaction between the two categories. That is completely false, and a result of stigmas, misnomers and information spread by uneducated individuals. In reality, as individuals, we are the result of our combined mental and physical wellbeing. We are the centre point, the middle of the Venn Diagram, whatever way you wish to interpret it. We are not 2-dimensional beings. We are complicated and beautiful, but our society does not allow that. Our society is still built upon the concept that our physical well being holds more value, and our mental health need not be addressed. Our society is one of fools.

In more recent years, mental health has been on the forefront of everyone’s mind. At least in my case, tips and tricks on dealing, living and in some cases treating one’s mental health problems are all over social media. However, many of these are unrealistic. Mental health treatment is not something one can walk into with the ideation that you will be cured quickly. It is a slow and gruelling process and more often than not, the so-called “antidote” is never found. Mental health treatment is about learning to live with all your flaws and mistakes, it’s about learning to love yourself and let yourself live. And yet, despite all of this information and education being spread, those that are still living in the medieval ages are allowed to speak. Those loud, arrogant and uninformed individuals often have the loudest voices. As such, on a broader scale, mental health is still stigmatized. It is often still seen as a phase, particularly in younger individuals. It is often still seen as a need for attention as opposed to a cry for help. It is often written off as a “bad day”, despite the fact it’s often been a bad life. Our mental health issues are being brushed aside and mistreated, and personally, I’ve had just about enough.

On the contrary, society has taken our physical health in stride. If you’re ill, you can go see your general practitioner for 5 minutes and walk out with a prescription. If you have an injury, you can call 911 and receive immediate treatment, or visit the ER and be treated with respect. If you have a common cold or the flu you can take time off of work or school in order to rest. So can someone please tell me why you can’t do the same if you can’t move because your depression has decided to take residence on your shoulders? Why, if you walk into the ER and say you’re feeling like you’re a danger to yourself they’ll make you wait for 3 hours. Why if you call the NS mental health line you get put. on. hold. Please, someone - anyone tell me.

In actuality, there is an incessant overlap between our physical and mental health conditions. In recent years, the mental aspects of physical health are being more addressed. The concept that when a patient is diagnosed, they are anticipated to go through a series of emotions and states to cope with the weight of said diagnoses. The same understanding and reasoning is not given to mental health patients. Despite the fact that there are physical aspects to mental health issues. Those that suffer from mental health conditions are much more susceptible to physical chronic illnesses and pain.

In a number of cultures, mental health is still regarded as something “taboo”, and as such, there is often very limited, realistic information regarding the symptoms of mental health. I have been

clinically diagnosed with moderately severe, major depressive disorder. So let me tell you, depression hurts. As a collective, the emotional aspects of depression are those that are most talked about. The physical ones however are rarely mentioned. Deposition can impact one’s sleep, appetite, and pain tolerance and can cause muscle aches, headaches, stomach pain and vision problems. There are so many physical aspects of depression, and that’s just one mental health disorder.

On the search to learn more about how our society has treated and informed individuals about these overlapping aspects of our health I reached out to Sebastien Harenberg, a sport and exercise psychology professor who teaches here at StFX

Professor Harenburg was a breath of fresh air in the midst of the devasting research I had gathered for this article. He provided a series of enlightening opinions on the matter and proceeded to partake in one of the most interesting and academic conversations I’ve ever encountered. I prepared a series of questions for Sebastian, and his responses were not only heartfelt and empathetic but also logical and well thought out.

In your opinion, how should a professor respond to a student that approaches them seeking support for mental health issues?

“It’s a really good question, as to, how someone should respond to someone with mental health issues (…) For me, one of the fundamental realisations is that high school teachers or university professors or coaches are not trained to diagnose or treat, or for anything with these issues. Referral is the most important thing to do once you find out someone is struggling. (…) In my opinion, one of the things when it comes to mental health is that mental issues are not necessarily visible, and (as such) a lot of times it requires the student to self disclose and that requires a basis of trust”

Do you believe there is a difference in severity or the treatment of physical health in comparison to mental health?

“Well to me, they are not entirely separable. To me, if you’re having an injury there are mental components that come with it and if you have a severe mental injury there are physical components that come with it.”

Should mental health treatment be insured in Canada?

“It quite obviously should be in Canada, but I think what we’re seeing, and its quite remarkable that in a country as civilized and as rich and as progressive as Canada is, is that there’s not more support for mental health.”

Following these questions, we engaged in an interesting conversation regarding the impact upon the professor when a student seeks support for their mental struggles.

“If you are not trained, or have not experienced it, it can put you into situations that you are uncomfortable with”

One of the most notable points he shared with me was in regards to the role a professor should play when a student is struggling.

“It is not my job to dig into something and say, Hey! You tell me what’s going on, but my job is to say hey! How can I support you right now? How can I help you be okay? That is the number one priority, that you are okay, we can talk about academic performance after.”

As a closing point, I asked whether Sebastian had any advice or wisdom he would be willing to share with the StFX student body.

“StFX is here, and StFX cares. If you’re struggling, don’t assume that your professor is uncaring and know that you have support. You always have the option of going to the counselling centre, and you always have the option to take advantage of the multitude of services available.”

Professor Harenburg was a delight to speak to. The amount of care and respect he has for each of his students is astounding and wonderful to see. We had a wonderful conversation regarding the difficulties of implementing change within our society, the financial struggles associated with it, and generational stigmas that impact our mental wellbeing. At StFX, we are profoundly lucky with the number of services provided to us, however, that does not mean we cannot improve. While StFX has a wonderful foundation, the rest of our country does not.

Within Canada, the number of reliable mental health services out there is laughable. There is an abundant lack of resources available to those who need them, and those that are available are not properly funded, nor are they accessible to all. In the North, particularly the Northwest Territories there is an extreme lack of mental health professionals available, resulting in an obscenely long waitlist if you are seeking support. Hence, very few can actually receive treatment out of fear that they are taking someone else’s spot or just lack of time. In a number of provinces and territories including the Yukon, Nunavut, British Columbia and Manitoba, therapy is only covered through health insurance if one is institutionalized. This can not continue, and quite frankly is atrocious.

Representing StFX University, we as a community hold more power than we realize. The purpose of this article is not to berate or target you as individuals. It is to inform and educate you on the severity of these issues from someone they are directly affecting. I want to be treated with respect, I want to be able to receive the help I need. I understand that I am incredibly lucky, with the financial capability and familial support to seek proper treatment, but I am deeply discouraged by the fact that not everyone can do so. Mental health treatment is invaluable, equally so to that of physical health treatment. To the reader, I implore you to further educate yourself on this topic, be empathetic to those suffering around you and try to understand the severity of this issue. If you as a reader are willing to share your story, please contact me, and I will ensure that is told. You deserve to be heard, you deserve to be respected and you deserve to be valued.

Contact information: email me at x2021cto@stfx.ca or text me at 902-324-9978

Causes of Climate Change and How Students Can Help

Climate Change is defined as a long-term shift in weather or temperature patterns. Although this can happen naturally, the current shift is the result of hundreds of years of burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. The burning of these materials emit greenhouse gases which get caught in the Earth’s atmosphere, trapping the sun’s heat. As a result, the Earth’s temperature has raised approximately 1.1oC from its usual levels. Consequences such as extreme weather, severe fires, intense droughts, flooding and rising sea levels as a result of melting polar ice will be seen.

One cause of climate change is the increased rate of deforestation. A lack of trees means that there is less vegetation to pull carbon dioxide—the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities—from the air. Increased levels enhance something called the greenhouse effect. This is when greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, absorb solar energy, keeping heat close to the Earth’s surface.

Another cause of Earth’s rising temperatures includes our cities’ connections to greenhouse gases and pollution. The reliance of these dense populations on fossil fuels makes them the highest greenhouse gas emitters. 60% of the world’s greenhouse gases are released by cities, even while they make up a mere 2% of the Earth’s surface. The lack of green spaces within cities only exacerbates the issue.

Over-consumption is a large factor in climate change. Use of power, how an individual moves around, what they throw away, and what they eat all contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, consumer goods such as clothing or electronics increases them as well. Not only do many humans create a lot of waste, but the fossil fuels needed to manufacture all the goods and services produces large amounts of greenhouse gases.

But what can students do to help? There are, in fact, many opportunities for individuals who wish to do something to slow down the rate of climate change. Things such as walking or riding a bike instead of driving, while small on the individual scale, can have a large impact if many make the effort. The well-known saying of “reduce, reuse, recycle” is a great proverb to take advice from. Single use plastics are very harmful to the environment, so reuse what you can and recycle what you can’t. Throughout campus many waste-bin areas are available where garbage can be sorted into different categories for more effective recycling. Additionally, obtaining

consumer goods from sustainable sources is a great way to make sure the production of a product doesn’t directly harm the environment. It also is a way to support companies that try to limit their effects on surrounding ecosystems and habitats.

On a larger scale, it is important to make one’s voice heard to local politicians and lobby groups. Climate protests outside of City Hall have been ongoing throughout year and are likely to continue into the new semester. Organized by local activists, community members and students come together to make known their desire for change. Such requests include the use of more renewable energy, as well as demands for governments to set better targets for to combat global warming. As the saying goes, the more the merrier! These groups, while effective, can always use more support. StFX has a society called the Antigonish League of People for Climate Action (ALPCA) where students looking to get involved in the community can meet and rally for their goals. This group is a great way to step into the climate action community.

The UN’s Sixth Annual Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report

Discourse around climate change is nothing new. Protesters have been taking to the streets for decades in the fight for both climate change and global warming. Politicians have made empty promises and made the environment a key issue in their campaigns, all while building new pipelines and pursuing economic interests, at the peril of the environment. Scientists have been ringing the alarm bells for ages, and yet, companies still fail to change towards a more sustainable future and economy. Some politicians even deny that climate change exists at all. In 2021, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released their AR6 report on the state of the global climate and the fight against climate change. They have been releasing yearly reports for 6 years. The panel’s findings are grim to say the least.

Scientists have been warning the general population that we must keep our rising global temperature below 1.5 degrees Celsius or we will run the risk of encountering very dangerous living conditions in the future. According to the IPCC’s report, the earth is warming very quickly. As set out in their report, we are already approaching the 1.5°C threshold. Humans have been estimated to have caused a rise of approximately 1.07°C of our current global warming trend. By staying below the 1.5°C threshold, we could prevent some of the irreversible consequences of climate change, but we will still face some scary stuff.

By staying under 1.5°C of warming, according to the report, it is still likely that the Arctic will continue to warm quickly. Furthermore, if we fail to meet this threshold, the consequences will worsen, every additional 0.5°C of global warming will have some very serious side effects on

the climate. The more we warm the planet, the less the environment can absorb all the greenhouse gases we emit. This would only worsen the effects of the climate changes occurring.

As outlined by the IPCC, unless we cut our emissions of greenhouse gases drastically and soon, we are on track to warm the global temperature by at least 2°C. We are already at the halfway point. The IPCC’s report includes 5 scenarios of the severity, the Arctic could warm before the end of the 21st century. In all scenarios, the threshold of 1.5°C is at least reached. In other scenarios, the increase is at over 4°C. Staying within the range of 1.5°C is our best-case scenario.

Despite the scary possibilities outlined, there is hope. By reducing our greenhouse gas emissions now, we can prevent anything more than a 1.5 degree rise from happening in the future. The reports from the UN are not meant to scare us, but to push us to take climate change seriously and to act while we still have the luxury of time. We still have time, at least a decade, to move to a cleaner and sustainable future. Let’s use this time wisely.

Decision Regarding Status of Exams

As many of you are aware by now, the current COVID-19 situation at StFX is dire, with 21 students testing positive for COVID-19, as of Wednesday, December 8, including 12 confirmed cases announced on Tuesday. More confirmed cases are expected in the coming days, and the school is encouraging students, staff, and members of the community to get tested as soon as possible. Of course, this leaves many wondering about the status of exams, with first term classes finishing up on Tuesday and in person exams scheduled to begin on Thursday, December 9. Unsurprisingly, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer, Dr. Robert Strang, suspects rising cases to be related to this past weekend’s X-Ring ceremony and celebrations. If you are fully vaccinated, you must monitor yourself for symptoms until December 18 and book a PCR test. If you are not fully vaccinated, you must isolate regardless of if you’re experiencing symptoms or not, and, in general, anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should get tested immediately. Nova Scotia Health’s mobile unit will be at the Keating Centre on campus on Wednesday from 2 pm to 6 pm, and Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm. You can book an appointment or drop in.

An email from President and Vice-Chancellor Andy Hakin was sent out to students, faculty, and staff regarding exams, stating that members of administration would be meeting with public health to discuss the issue. Undoubtedly, many were anxiously waiting with emails open for the final decision. In a follow-up email from acting Academic Vice-President and Provost Timothy W. Hynes, it was announced that scheduled in-person exams will proceed, unless the instructor has changed the mode of delivery. If students have not been contacted by their professor regarding a change, the exam will proceed as scheduled. Faculty must notify their students, their deans, and the Registrar should they change the exam delivery mode. Instructors who move to a synchronous online exam must ensure it matches the date and time of the pre-existing exam schedule, and instructors who move to an asynchronous online exam must ensure the deadline is consistent with the pre-existing exam time. In short, students will have the option to write in whichever format their professor chooses, or if they are unable or uncomfortable to write in December, they may instead choose to write in January. Nova Scotia Public Health officials have assured the University it is safe to write in person, but despite recent events, social isolation requirements, and the fact that many students are uncomfortable writing exams in person, this final verdict has been decided.

One Year On and CETA is Gaining Strength

A message from the Minister of International Trade Diversification

Global trade impacts the lives of middle-class Canadians every day. From the blueberries you put in your oatmeal in the morning to the mackerel you cook at night for dinner- Canadians are very much a part of important global relationships that impact the lives of millions of people around the world every day. 

As we mark the first anniversary of the signing of the Canada European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), I would like to reflect how this agreement is creating more well-paying jobs in Canada and lower living costs for middle class Canadians. 

CETA is a trade agreement between Canada and the European Union (EU) that at its core lowers tariffs and opens access.  That means for Canadians benefit from greater choice and more buyers for the goods we make every day and services we can provide from ICT to transportation engineering. CETA goes further still by addressing things such as labour standards, the removal of unnecessary regulatory requirements, automation of border procedures, and many other factors that shape how Canada trades with the EU. Taken together, CETA makes it easier for the first-time or would-be exporter to crack into the lucrative European market and grow.

In just one year after signing CETA, we have seen 98 per cent of all tariffs between Canada and the EU become duty free. That is real change for Canadian families who now don`t have to pay the extra taxes on imported goods. But it isn’t just real change for consumers; it is also real change for Canadian businesses.  At the Port of Montreal alone, we have seen 20 per cent more traffic in goods headed across the Atlantic. 

Photo: international.gc.ca

This enormous step in growth for Canada and the EU has been the reason why new shipping lanes have been added to accommodate container traffic.  When 9000 tariff lines drop to zero, workers and farmers, entrepreneurs and artisans can compete and succeed with any one based in Europe, a market of over 500 million consumers.  

Canada`s success depends on our government`s ability to diversify trade. The EU is the world`s second largest economy and Canada`s second largest trading partner after the United States. As we look to our neighbour to the south and the intensifying trade situation we find ourselves in, it is evident that Canadian jobs and Canadian families depend on the success of CETA. 

Canada’s success also depends on doing trade differently.  The Opposition favours the speed of the status quo approach but we all know that has left far too many on the sidelines, ill-equipped or unable to take advantage of new access to more markets. 

Our government will not settle for any deal, we want the right deal and will do the work necessary to get it.  

CETA ensures that increased trade workers’ rights and environmental protections are enhanced and protected and that small and medium-sized businesses gain meaningful access to procurement and sales across the EU. 

We got CETA signed by thinking about what would make that budding entrepreneur, small business owner, farmer or manufacturer better equipped to compete and succeed. 

We will continue to keep Canadians and Canadian businesses in mind when we are working to expand trade diversification. It is our job to open more doors and make sure that Canadians have access to global markets. CETA paves the way for new customers, clients and the good middle class jobs that come with it.

Throwback: Synthesis Day Sunday

Youth Activism Conference 2018: Paintings represent weekend learning of Youth Leaders

Chaplaincy on Campus

A note from Sister Jovita MacPherson

Chaplaincy is a vital part of Student Services here at X in our focus to serve the whole person and community. As this new academic year begins, we want to let you know who the Chaplains are. We also want to share something fascinating about each one

Full time and on 4th Bloomfield, we have Father Gary MacPherson. Some fascinating things about Gary: in his family he is the 13th child and the 10th boy!

You can find Gary in room 402B and you are invited to attend the 5pm Student mass on Sunday.

Working with Gary, full time, is Sister Jovita MacPherson. Some fascinating things about Jovita: she is Father Gary’s sister and she met Larry Bird! You can find her in room 403B.

Photo: mystfx.ca

On 3rd Bloomfield we have 3 visiting Chaplains who have office hours each week.

Rev. Sue Channen, is an Anglican priest from St. Paul’s on Church Street. Some fascinating things about Sue are: she loves being out of doors and you can expect to see her walking around Antigonish or through campus and until it gets too cold, one of our lovely beaches.

You can find her in office 313B on Thursdays from 1pm to 4pm. You are also invited to attend Sunday Service at 11am.

Rev. Peter Smith, is the minister from St. James United Church on Main Street. Some fascinating things about Peter are: his Mother and his wife are both ministers and he once served breakfast to Scotty Bowman.

You can find him in office 313B on Fridays from 9:30am to 12:30pm. You are also invited to attend Sunday Service at 10:30 Jerry Clubine is the pastor at Full Gospel Assembly which can be found at edge of Antigonish, 2758 Highway 4. Some fascinating things about Jerry are: he is the first one in his family on both sides and as far back as they know, who went to university and graduated twice. Also, his mother is also an ordained minister.

You can find him in office 313B on Wednesdays from 1pm to 4pm and you are invited to join their community on Sunday at 10:30 am.

Come and meet the Chaplaincy Team or join us sometime for Coffee with the Chaplains.

All of us are here for you!

Antigonish Library June Events

Call (902) 863-4276 for events' information

Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5, drop in)
Mon, June 4, 10am – 11am, Antigonish Town & County Library
A weekly library program for children ages 3-5 years. Please join us for stories, crafts, games & more. 
 
Block Play Tuesdays (NEW! drop-in)
Tue, June 5, 10am – 4pm, Antigonish Town & County Library
Join us in building something awesome with our new blocks, brought to you with support from Community Health Boards in the North Shore, Pictou and Antigonish Counties through their wellness funds!
 
A Special Storytime for World Oceans Day, with the library and Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans!
Tue, June 5, 10am – 11am, Antigonish Town & County Library
Join library staff and staff from Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada as they host a storytime with a special reading of 'The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark.' All are welcome! On World Oceans Day, people around our blue planet celebrate and honor the ocean, which connects us all. Get together with your family, friends, community, and the planet to start creating a better future. Working together, we can and will protect our shared ocean. Join this growing global celebration on 8 June! For more information, please visit: www.worldoceansday.org
 
ToddleTime (ages 18 months - 3 yrs, drop-in)
Wed, June 6, 10am – 11am, Antigonish Town & County Library
A weekly library program for toddlers (18 months - 3 years) & parents/caregivers. Please join us for stories, songs, fun & games. 

Community Cafe presents 'Realism in Art' video by Peter Murphy with commentary by Anna Syperek
Wed, June 6, 2:00pm – 3:30pm, Antigonish Town & County Library
Join us for a talk on Realism in Art, a video by Peter Murphy with commentary by Anna Syperek.

Knitting Circle (all ages, drop-in)
Wed, June 6, 2pm – 3pm, Antigonish Library
Stop in, connect with others and knit! All are welcome, for more information call 902-863-4276.
Knitting for Kids (drop-in)
Wed, June 6, 3pm – 4pm, Antigonish Town & County Library
Join us for a weekly knitting program for kids! .
 
ABCs for Babies (ages 0 - 18 months, drop-in)
Fri, June 8, 10am – 11am, Antigonish Town & County Library
A weekly library program for babies (0-18 months) & parents/caregivers. Please join us for stories, songs & fun activities. 
 
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5, drop in)
Mon, June 11, 10am – 11am, Antigonish Town & County Library
A weekly library program for children ages 3-5 years. Please join us for stories, crafts, games & more. 
 
Young Readers Club
Mon, June 11, 3pm – 4pm, Antigonish Town & County Library
A monthly book club for kids ages 9-12, the YRC meets after school at the library to share thoughts about the awesome books that they've read and talk about them. The first meeting, books that will be read will be decided on. Registration is required. Light snacks will be provided. For  registration, please call the library at 902-863-2476.
 
Block Play Tuesdays (NEW! drop-in)
Tue, June 12, 10am – 4pm, Antigonish Town & County Library
Join us in building something awesome with our new blocks, brought to you with support from Community Health Boards in the North Shore, Pictou and Antigonish Counties through their wellness funds
 
ToddleTime (ages 18 months - 3 yrs, drop-in)
Wed, June 13, 10am – 11am, Antigonish Town & County Library
A weekly library program for toddlers (18 months - 3 years) & parents/caregivers. Please join us for stories, songs, fun & games.
 
Knitting Circle (all ages, drop-in)
Wed, June 13, 2pm – 3pm, Antigonish Library
Stop in, connect with others and knit!
 
Knitting for Kids (drop-in)
Wed, June 13, 3pm – 4pm, Antigonish Town & County Library
Join us for a weekly knitting program for kids! 
 
Armchair Travellers presents 'India: Wishing Wells Projects, Farming and Tibetan Refugee Communities' with speakers Karen Fish & Mary Van Den Heuvel
Thu, June 14, 7pm – 8pm, Antigonish Town & County Library
Travel around the world without having to leave the library by listening to the adventures of others! All are welcome. For speaker suggestions, call 902-863-4276.
 
ABCs for Babies (ages 0 - 18 months, drop-in)
Fri, June 15, 10am – 11am, Antigonish Town & County Library
A weekly library program for babies (0-18 months) & parents/caregivers. Please join us for stories, songs & fun activities. 
 
Open Mic Night
Fri, June 15, 6:30pm – 7:30pm, Antigonish Library
Join us for Open Mic night - recite some poetry, play an instrument; all are welcome!

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Bring Your Parents to X-Ring

For some, Dec. 3 may be one of the most memorable days of your life. You’re going to get that ring that everyone on this campus has been dreaming about. Instinctively, we want the people we care about the most to be there on the days we care about the most.

For many, parents come up for their big day. Parents come from near and far, they come by plane and come by car. Alright, enough rhyming. Seriously, it can be a really big deal to people and I get that. However, the points made less often are why maybe parents don’t make the best plus one for a day like X-Ring.

1.     Super-sub tickets.

Let’s state the obvious right away: it is flipping hard to get more than the allotted two X-Ring tickets. In fact, I’d describe it as a downright scramble. Trying to find multiple tickets can add a lot of stress last minute while planning for X-Ring. Unfortunately, this time falls right around the time that many need to be studying for exams if they plan to fully partake in the scheduled X-Ring events. Clearly, this is some added stress that is not really needed nor welcomed. Stick to the book and facetime your parents to show them your ring on Dec. 4.

2.     Partying.

Albeit some parents are super cool, others are not really. No offence, Mom and Dad. If your parents are super chill, power to you, but a few things to consider if they are not. For one, this is likely the first time your parents are going to meet some of your friends. Some of your friends that you get absurdly drunk with. If X-Ring isn’t a party, I don’t know what is. This may not be the best first impression to make on your parents. Even worse is the people that aren’t your friends. Can you imagine the look of disgust on your mother’s face as she walks out of the Inn’s bathroom having heard three people puking in the stalls? Not the most ideal.

3.     Expenses.

On the one hand, having your parents here for the weekend can save you some money. They’ll probably buy you supper, maybe pay for your cabs to and from the super-sub. On the other hand though, how fair is it? Some people’s parents literally fly in. They buy actually plane tickets, to come watch their child get their X-Ring on a screen, sitting on bleachers that seem like the inside of a sardine tin. Plus, X-Ring can fall on any day of the week, which can mean taking time off work for many parents. Even if StFX is closer to home, your parents are spending gas money for an experience that can be comfortably had in their own living room. Save them the trouble.

4.     The nature of the day.

For many if not most parents, StFX is not their personal alma mater. They might have little to no interest in the school itself. They just want to be there to support you. Ah, an ode to unconditional parental love. However, an X-Ring may mean very little to them besides an over-celebrated school ring. As not being members of the StFX community, it can be hard to fully appreciate the nature of the day. Instead, maybe choose to celebrate just with your friends, people that fully understand and are as equally as excited as you about it.

At the end of the day, for many of you, it is worth all this hassle. Hats off to you and your parents, you must be a very tight knit family. Personally, I told my family to enjoy the ceremony from the comfort of their own home if they even watch it at all. As they say, X-Ring is for the students, and graduation is for the parents. Give them a break, and tell them you can’t wait to see them over the Holidays.

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Gender Identity: Not a Debate

Immediately, I will start by saying that I am a cisgender female and therefore cannot speak about counter-dominant gender identities in terms of personal experience but only as to what I have learned through my education and from observing the world around me.

In more modern times, Western and liberal societies are trying to be more accommodating to all of their citizens. For these reasons, we are starting to see more concrete distinctions between definitions of gender and definitions of sex. Sex is your anatomy; what parts do you have? On the other hand, gender is how you identify on the scale of masculinity and femininity. Gender identity has nothing to do with your anatomy but rather with where on this scale – or at all on this scale – you feel your gender identity falls.

This is not something for an outsider to determine. The way you feel in your body is very much subjective and your own experience. For instance, I was a mega tom boy growing up. I spent most of my time playing with boys in my neighbourhood over girls, and would rather play cops and robbers three times over than ever play kitchen or dolls. By that logic, it would be easy to assume that I might later identify more with males than with females. Is that true? No, not at all. I am very much a woman and love being a woman. Gender isn’t so much about whether you strictly adhere to specific gender roles, but more about whether or not you feel right in your “assigned skin.” Though it is true that a biology professor and a sociology professor would have very different takes on the topic, it is not really a debate in my opinion.

Some people like to make the argument that it is a matter of biology – all other animals are male or female and just work with what they were born with. Ha, well let me drop some facts for you. In swims the anemonefish. All clown anemonefish actually are born with the predisposition of being male. However, when the female of the group dies, the dominant male will actually physically change sexes and become female, and another male will step up as the dominant male.  Not so black and white now, is it? In fact, in nature, gender works in many different ways than it does in human’s dominant Western narratives. For example, some species actually take on the physical appearance of their opposite gender when trying to mate in order to throw off potential rivals. Another oddity, male seahorses are actually the ones that give birth to little baby seahorses.

Now that we’ve cut through that particular level of bullshit, some people also make the argument that if we accommodate everyone, there will be an infinite amount of genders. “Why should we have seventy different types of gender when there are two sexes?” My question is, what is it to you? I have never understood why a cis-gendered person, whose life is much easier for that exact reason, could be so damn concerned with what other people do to be happy. Close-minded cis-people like to act as though saying “they” as opposed to “he or she” is more of a chore than it would be for others to conform to a gender that they do not identify with. Put frankly, grow up.

The longer the list of gender identities, the more possible that a young teenager that does not feel like themselves, feeling confused and utterly alone, can then go online, find a community of people that feel just like themselves and finally say “eureka! I know who I am now!”

The human brain is structured in a way that we like to categorize and label things to make it easier to organize and understand the world around us. We see a Robin and categorize it as a bird, which is also an animal, which is also a living organism. Labels and categories can be extremely beneficial to people that feel marginalized and as though they do not belong within dominant narratives. For them, finding a subcommunity of people just like themselves – be it transgender, non-binary, gender fluid, or any other – may give them validation, proof that they do hold a place and that they are valued members of society as opposed to an outsider.

People like to make jokes, such as “oh okay well I identify as a toaster.” These fears and objections are just not really realistic. Gender identity, as mentioned previously, is in regard to how you feel you fit on the scale of masculinity and femininity. A toaster has nothing to do with gender whatsoever and will therefore never be considered a gender identity.

Finally, as far as safety is concerned, the people most at risk when a transgendered person is in a public bathroom is that transgendered person. Most instances of attacks involving transgendered people in a public bathroom feature the cisgendered person as the transgressor, not as the victim. “What if men just start dressing as women to sneak into the women’s washroom?” News flash: they could do that regardless of legislation. The same people that argue that guns don’t stop crime and that women are “asking for” rape are also trying to tell us that someone is a danger to women everywhere just because they have a penis… and that legislation would solve that problem… hmm…

Bottom line, people are not willing to do the research because they know their point is moot. More than one form of gender identity is more than fine, it’s ideal. Sexism exists in terms of men oppressing women, granted. However, there is another form of sexism too. The form that forces individuals both sexes to submit to the societal norms and values assigned to them by whatever genitals they are born with. So next time you’re running your mouth about things you not only understand but refuse to research, please remember that you are contributing to a larger problem. You may as well tell a woman her place is in the kitchen.

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In Response to "In Response to Party Culture"

As most of you have probably heard, Maclean’s magazine recently rated StFX as the “#1 Party School in Canada”.

I picked up the last issue of the Xavarian Weekly hoping to get some varied, clear, and concise thoughts and opinions on our newly achieved honour. Instead, there was only one piece that denied the accuracy of the survey, then conceded to it, accused the faculty of conspiracy and the school as having “a problem”, debated StFX’s image without giving much of an opinion, and finally called for an academic revolution within the liberal arts faculty to regain its prominence over “practical degrees” such as business and nursing.

I hope I wasn’t the only one left scratching my head at this.

I appreciate the attempt to resurrect the extinguished glory days of StFX liberal arts program (I’m an arts student myself), but it is simply wishful thinking. StFX will never be what it was, nor will any other university. The author does admit it is a product of “the flow of the times”, and he is absolutely correct. The university scene is evolving.  People want more than an education from post-secondary institutions. There is a cry for an all-encompassing experience as well as the guarantee of job certainty in today’s turbulent employment market. You can’t blame StFX for changing with the times, and if you don’t like it you can go “invest” yourself in a different university. 

Obviously, I think there were a few issues left unaddressed by the latest article, and wish to clarify, inform, and give you my opinion on what it means to be the “#1 Party School in Canada”.

Under normal circumstances, national recognition of any type would be warmly welcomed by the student body, faculty, and staff with humility and pride, but this news seems to elicit a mixed reaction from the Xaverian community. 

There are people who deny it. They ardently swear StFX isn’t any worse than any other university and that our academics mean more to us than you’d think.

There are those who love it. They will tell you StFX has way more and way better parties than any other school across the country, which is probably true. 

There are those who will tell you, yes, partying is part of StFX, but it’s not all of StFX. Look at our sports teams and our academics. We are so much more than just a party school. This is the message sent by Kent Macdonald in the “We are StFX” video posted to Youtube two weeks after being nominated top party school. 

There are alumni who hate to see their alma mater be slapped with such a title, and there are other alumni who concede to it without much argument. As the author of the previous article mentioned, “Came for the party, stayed for the ring” is not a new expression.  

In my opinion, all these reactions boil down to the same thing: people trying to control StFX’s image. But if there’s anything I’ve learned, there are some things that are out of your control. Yes, we are the top party school. But I don’t think we should flout it, flaunt it, or attempt to assimilate it with the rest of our identity any more than anything else. 

Ultimately, this news in no way changes my experience at StFX. 

Some say, but what about my academic/professional future? How will this “party image” affect the value of my degree? My response to those people is that you were the one to decide to come to StFX. This isn’t the first time we’ve been ranked amongst the best party schools by Maclean’s, so unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past fifteen years, you can’t deny knowing what you’ve gotten yourself into. 

In the end, you came to StFX for a reason. Whether you came for the all-encompassing experience and a practical degree or for the pursuit of higher learning and top-notch professors, you will have the chance to experience all of these things before graduating. And that’s what I think the most valuable part of the StFX experience is - it’s having the choice to be a part of all these things that make StFX great.