What Led to Consolidation

This article details some of the steps that led to the proposed consolidation of Antigonish. The bill to consolidate the Town and County is currently being debated in Halifax. Last month, close to 300 Antigonish residents met up at a make-shift town hall in Tracadie to voice their frustration towards the process. Liberal party leader Zack Churchill and NDP MLA and municipal affairs critic Kendra Coombs were present. Local Conservative MLAs Michelle Thompson and Greg Morrow were not. All italics in the article are mine unless mentioned otherwise. Special thanks to the people of the Town and County of Antigonish.  

The consolidation process has been described by its champions as led by the Town and County of Antigonish with help from the Department of Municipal Affairs (DMAH). As well, they claim that the residents of Antigonish have been sufficiently informed on the matter to the extent that a plebiscite is not required to amalgamate. Reading over internal DMAH communications as well as their communications with Antigonish, it’s evident it was them who created and implemented the consolidation process, as well as instructed the town and county on what to do. The DMAH consistently omitted information they believed would hurt their goal and the amalgamation of Antigonish, and in this aim were not transparent with staff and residents of Antigonish.  

On September 29, 2021, Kate Gorman, Marketing Communications Officer for the Town of Antigonish, emailed Ross MacDonald, Municipal Advisor at the DMAH, to follow up on an email from Nick Barr, Director of Governance and Advisory Services. She wrote, “[Barr] referenced- ‘There are many, many reports that support ‘regionalization’ but I won’t bog you down with those for the present purposes. I would actually like to read those reports, I think they would be very helpful for me moving forward through this process.” Gorman followed up on October 6, asking again for these reports to get a better understanding of the pros and cons of consolidation.  

MacDonald finally got back to Gorman on October 15, with a list of 12 materials and references, 8 of which were written before the year 2000. He added another document called ‘Reasons to consolidate- the successes,’ which he asked Gorman to share only with staff. Overall, the documents had a lot more ‘pros’ than ‘cons’ regarding consolidation.   

On October 18, 2021, Shirley Donovan, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator for the County, emailed Ross MacDonald asking if he could “find out if consolidation with the Town of Antigonish would affect our education contributions?” Ross forwarded that message to Bongsun Cho-Macdonald, Manager of Municipal Finances at the DMAH, at Nick Barr’s suggestion. He didn’t CC Donovan or Kate Gorman. Cho-Macdonald responded, explaining how education contributions work, then said, “Consolidation would impact Education because I assume that the consolidated municipality would have their new tax rates.”  

Barr, who was CC’ed by Cho-MacDonald, responded, “Just to be clear, the contribution will not increase as a result of a consolidation, it will simply be based on the combined UA for the new unit. In other words, the education contribution/rate is based solely on the UA and will not be impacted by any change in governance.” In Cho-MacDonald's response, he wrote, “I had that in my draft email but deleted because I didn’t know exactly what she is trying to figure out. Anyway my answer is yes and no because it is going to be impacted because new tax rates will be based on the new council's decision. Does this make sense?” Ross MacDonald responded, “Makes sense to me.”  

If you, the reader, are unsure if Education Contributions will rise, because it seems that Cho-MacDonald and Barr are making contradictory statements, that's the point. More on this later. It’s unclear what response Donovan got.

On February 17, 2022, at 3:55 PM Glen Horne, CAO of the Municipality of the County of Antigonish wrote an email titled ‘Subject: Consolidation Update to Nick Barr and Ross Macdonald’: “Good Afternoon DMAH friends... Our website is now active (https://antigonish/) and features our first iteration of FAQs... We are still driving to a council decision in June.” Six minutes later Mark Peck (Associate Deputy Minister at the DMAH), who was CC’ed in the email, forwarded it to Barr, adding that “[Horne] was very supportive of all you are doing for them btw.” Barr, the Director of Governance & Advisory Services at the Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing, wrote Glen Horne at 4:04: “Thanks Glen! This is great [smiley face emoji with blushing cheeks].” At 4:07 he emailed Peck, “I read through the FAQ’s and some of them aren’t 100% accurate, but I’m going to let it go. Nitpicking won’t do us any good.”  

To reiterate, the DMAH is telling the staff at Antigonish that their educational website is great, while privately admitting that the information is wrong. Kat Muth, a third-year Nursing student at StFX, isn’t at all surprised by Barr’s comments, “It feels like they’re trying to keep this whole thing hush-hush, they don’t care what the people here want.” 

Muth, who’s lived in the Town of Antigonish since 2021, said she hasn’t received any mail or notices from the town about consolidation. She added that this, coupled with the cloak and dagger techniques used to circumvent the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and deny the people of Antigonish a vote, has caused her to lose trust in the municipal and provincial governments to act in her best interest.  

Crucially, Barr didn’t even tell Horne that the website was inaccurate. The DMAH here is not taking the role of a neutral party assisting Antigonish in making an educated decision but curating the information available to Antigonish staff and residents in pursuit of their own goal. In their own words, “Nitpicking won’t do us any good.” The people of Antigonish are not included in that ‘us’, nor is Glen Horne.  

On June 21, 2022, the mayor and warden sent a letter to Minister Lohr entitled ‘RE: exploration of the consolidation of the Town and County of Antigonish,’ in which they wrote, “The Province of Nova Scotia is an important partner in this decision and the future of our municipalities and communities. Details and commitments concerning the process of a legislative merger and funding for transition and post transition are crucial to our decision. As our councils approach a decision point we want to take this opportunity share [sic] with you our process to date and discuss these two areas in particular.”    

On July 13, 2022, Glen Horne wrote a letter to Mark Peck, entitled ‘Re: Antigonish Consolidation Transition Funding approval.’ Horne wrote, “thank you for arranging and attending our July 6, 2022 meeting with Minister Lohr... Following our discussion with Minister Lohr, I would like to request a meeting with Town CAO Jeff Lawrence and I[sic] to begin to develop a proposal for transition funding in support of consolidation, should the Councils decide in favour. As you know, the province’s support in terms of transition funding is critical to our Council’ decision.” Subsequent emails indicate that Peck and Barr worked with Horne and Lawrence on the funding request in the following weeks. What became of it is missing or redacted in what I was able to access.  

In November of 2022, after both councils passed motion towards consolidation, the Minister wrote a response to an inquiry (CORR310M/smh) from a constituent concerned about the process.  In the draft letter of this email, he explained that consolidation was a council-led process, and that he “also want[s] to be clear about the financial support that the [DMAH] provided to the County and Town of Antigonish with respect to this process... At this time, the province has not committed to any other funding with respect to consolidation in Antigonish County.”  

Antigonish residents have indicated to me that they think it’s highly unlikely that the mayor and warden would have pushed through amalgamation without a promise, explicit or not, from the provincial government that they would be guaranteed funding. This mirrors what Glen Horne said in his letter to the minister.  

From a CBC article on February 27, 2024, Lohr says that the province will give money to Antigonish for transition costs, as it has for other municipal mergers. He didn’t say when that decision was made. An unnamed Antigonish resident suggested that on the July 6 meeting the province and Antigonish agreed to an implicit “under the table” non-binding commitment to funding that will be finalized at a later date. This would both reassure Antigonish enough to move forward towards consolidation as well as allow the minister to play fast and loose with the word ‘commitment’ in his letter to constituents. There is no evidence that proves this.  

The minister, in the draft letter to the constituent adds, “I would further note that the [MGA] does not require that a plebiscite be held to affect the proposed consolidation.” This is technically true in the most misleading definition of the word ‘true’.  The MGA does not require anything at all that could affect the proposed consolidation. Remember, the DMAH lobbied ‘consolidation’ with the express purpose to circumvent the MGA. To mention that the MGA does not require a plebiscite for consolidation but omit the fact that the consolidation process occurs outside of the MGA in a response to a constituent is intentionally deceiving. It would be like your waiter telling you that all their chicken eggs are free range but neglecting to say that your omelet’s made from duck egg. And the duck who laid it is chained to a cage in the basement. The DMAH and Communications Nova Scotia refused to provide me with the final version of this letter.  

While it’s unclear if the letter was edited before being sent out, it was written by a government official who was fully aware of the context deliberately being excluded in response to inquiries from a citizen of Nova Scotia about our democratic processes. This line, “The [MGA] does not require that a plebiscite be held to affect the proposed consolidation” was parroted in a Communications Nova Scotia ‘Issues Summary’ from March 9, 2023, without any other context.  

On October 10, 2021, Nick Barr emailed Stephen Ong, Director of Contracts and Special Projects at Justice Financial Advisory Services, regarding the town’s policing contract. In brief, the town and county have RCMP contracts that have a 70/30 cost share with the province. There was concern in the DMAH that a consolidated Antigonish would have their share rise to 90/10, paying significantly more money for the exact same service, like what happened to Windsor-West Hants. In this email Barr responded to Ong’s suggestion that it could be possible that a consolidated Antigonish keep its 70/30 split. This would be done by doing away with a regional municipality, and having the town join the county. This is the current plan for consolidation. Barr wrote, “When we went through the [Windsor-West Hants] consolidation, I didn’t understand this was an option.”   

About 10 minutes later, he forwarded the email chain to Mark Peck and Ross MacDonald, explaining, “On Thursday I told Glen that DoJ would get back to us this week but I'm not going to send him this information until the three of us have had the opportunity to discuss the matter first... Glen asked me what would happen if it turned out that consolidation would lead to an increased policing costs, and I told him that we’d have to discuss the matter internally to see if there was a willingness to provide some additional financing to mitigate such costs. Sorry for dropping the bad news on Thanksgiving.”  

The next day Ong answered some of Barr’s questions on the specifics of the PPSA (Provincial Police Service Agreement) and the MPSA (Municipal Police Service Agreement). Barr followed up with even more questions, including a clarification of how the definition of a municipality in clause 1.1(a) (rr) excludes rural municipalities under Chapter 295 of the Revised Statues of Nova Scotia 1989, the Municipal Act, and section 7 of the MGA from subsection 10.3, among others. To Barr’s credit, this is actually pretty complicated stuff. 

 Barr ended his email by asking for an in-person meeting with Ong, saying, “This is our #1 priority so we’ll work around your schedule.” Ong’s response stressed that Public Safety Canada (PSC) would have to agree to any course of action and based on what happened in Windsor-West Hants, it seems unlikely; “Thus, both the Town and County should be aware of the risk.”  

On October 12, 2021, Donna Jewers, Public Safety and Policing Consultant, who’d been CC’ed in all the previous emails, noted, “The best practice that we learned from Windsor-West Hants is to have PSC involved with discussions from the beginning... if Windsor/WH did not “consolidate” and change their name then the 70/30 split would probably have been allowed to continue, as it was a result of the name change that PSC determined it was a ‘new’ entity that impacted the 90/10 cost-share ratio. Due to that reference, it resulted in a $1.5 million increase in policing for the same service.” 

Putting aside “consolidate” in air quotes, this is outstanding. These emails demonstrate that consolidation cost Windsor-West Hants 1.5 MILLION DOLLARS for exactly what they had before. Windsor West Hant’s Operating Budget for 2023/24 is $31.1 million dollars, they’re paying $5.5M for policing.  Under a 70/30 split the exact same level of policing would cost $4.2M, meaning the Regional Municipality of West Hants loses over a million dollars every year because Nick Barr and the rest of the DMAH didn’t know any better. They rushed through an extremely complicated process without nearly enough due diligence and the people who suffer are the taxpayers of Windsor-West Hants.  

If the people of Windsor-West Hants look around their community and try to imagine how a million dollars every year could be put to work to benefit the community and wonder how the hell was that allowed to happen? Why didn’t I get a vote on this? What other hidden costs did consolidation bring? They aren’t alone. Unfortunately, the residents of Antigonish may soon be asking those same questions.  

From a CBC article in 2021 on the aftermath of consolidation, West Hants staff said expenses rose by $2 million “due to the Mandated Education Contributions and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police contract” (Remember the Education Contributions Nick Barr said won’t rise as a result of consolidation in Antigonish?). ‘Efficiencies’ saved West Hants $500,000 on the operating budget, which, for all of you business majors, is actually a lot less than $2 million. The ‘Best Practice’ the DMAH learned in West Hants cost taxpayers $1.5 million dollars a year. Who knows how much the “Best Practice” they learn in Antigonish will cost? 

Public knowledge of the work our elected--and especially our unelected--government does is crucial to a functioning democracy. Not knowing what our government does hurts us. To quote Nick Barr one more time, from an email to Ross MacDonald and Glen Horne on September 8, 2021, “We certainly don’t want anyone to be left with the impression that we’re hiding anything from the public.” What’s the public’s impression?  

The DMAH and Communications Nova Scotia were contacted for a quote for this story. They declined an interview and ignored most of my questions. All the emails I got were from copies of records under the FOIPOP Act (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act), of which only one of the copies is available online. 

Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing phone number: 902-424-6642. The person who answers your calls has nothing to do with the proposed amalgamation of Antigonish, but they can connect you with someone who does. 

On the Proposed Amalgamation of Antigonish

On October 20, 2022, the Municipality of the County of Antigonish and the Town of Antigonish passed resolutions asking the province to introduce special legislation to amalgamate them. In the County, Councillors Mary MacLellan, John Dunbar, and Gary Mattie voted against the proposition, Councillors Shawn Brophy and Harris McNamara abstained, and Warden Owen McCarron, Deputy Warden Bill MacFarlane and Councillors Donnie MacDonald, Hugh Stewart, Remi Deveau voted for it. At the time of the vote, Hugh Stewart was Deputy Warden and Bill MacFarlane was a Councillor. The Town also voted in favor of the resolution. Mayor Laurie Boucher, Deputy Mayor William Cormier, and Councillors Andrew Murray, Mary Farrell, voted for the motion while Councillors Sean Cameron, Donnie MacInnis and Diane Roberts voted against it.

This decision came over a year after both councils voted unanimously to explore consolidation. On May 15, 2022, a Town Council motion to have a plebiscite was defeated. In response to the previously mentioned October Resolution, a lawsuit was filed against the County, claiming the council had acted illegally. On December 6, 2023, Justice Gabriel declared that it was legal for the County to ask the province to pass special legislation. He said the issue of a plebiscite was not for the courts to decide.

On January 24, 2024, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing John Lohr wrote a letter to the mayor and warden, asking them to reaffirm the council’s resolution. Both councils are set to vote via Zoom on January 30, 2024. Even though Justice Gabriel’s ruling is currently being appealed, Lohr promises that if the councils renew their ask, “The Province is prepared to introduce special legislation during the next session of the Legislature, commencing on February 27.”

 Ironically, it was on February 27, 2018, that future Premier Tim Houston gave an impassioned speech critiquing the Minister of Municipal Affairs, at the time, on the proposed amalgamation of Houston’s riding of Pictou: “This government is obsessed with amalgamation. First it was the Health Authority, then it was the school boards, and now they're pushing the concept of municipal modernization... the heart of the problem is amalgamation itself. In a 2016 plebiscite the people of Pictou County made their feelings very clear, Mr. Speaker - two-thirds of the voters rejected a proposal for municipal amalgamation in the county. Any change to our governance structure should start with the people - what the people want. It shouldn't finish there... [the Minister could] just reiterate that he will not dictate terms or force amalgamation on Pictou County or any jurisdiction in this province.” Six years later, it is Houston’s own Minister of Municipal Affairs that is planning to pass legislation to amalgamate the County and the Town of Antigonish without a plebiscite. Has Premier Houston been in Halifax so long he’s forgotten that Antigonish County is also a jurisdiction in this province?  

This trajectory would mirror the process that created the West Hants Regional Municipality in 2020. If the legislation passes, the municipal elections in the Town and County scheduled for October 2024 will be postponed until the Spring of 2025. During that period, the Municipality of the County of Antigonish would be governed by a “Transition Committee” consisting of the mayor, the warden, and other municipal officials.

The Municipal Government Act (MGA) provides two avenues for municipalities in Nova Scotia to amalgamate, Parts XVI & XVII. There are some differences between the two processes, but both require the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) to take a prominent role, order studies and reports to determine if amalgamation will be in the best interest of the residents, and to hold hearings before rendering a decision. In Part XVII, the NSUARB must organize a plebiscite (a vote on amalgamation). In Part XVI it is not mandatory to order one. The plebiscite held in Antigonish in 2006 was ordered through Part XVI. The vote failed.

The proposed special legislation will circumvent the existing MGA, will not require a study to be done by the NSUARB to determine if it is in the best interest of the Town and County, and will not require a plebiscite. Simply put, the Government of Nova Scotia would pass legislation to join the Town to the County.

 The NSUARB approach and the special legislation approach are referred to as ‘Amalgamation’ & ‘Consolidation,’ respectively, by the Town and County of Antigonish. According to Antigonish.ca: “Whereas amalgamation or dissolution is a process where the NSUARB makes the decisions. With consolidation, the province would create special legislation to empower the “Transition Committee” that represents both municipal councils. The Transition Committee would have the authority to determine what the new Municipality would look like. The [NSUARB] would still be involved in reviewing elector district boundaries, but much of the detailed work of the merger would be coordinated locally.”

This definition is unique to municipalities in Nova Scotia. The difference between consolidation and amalgamation varies depending on where and in what context it is being used; the Canadian government’s definition of both terms as relates to business mergers is not synonymous with the definition on the Antigonish website.

Kevin Latimer, Coordinator for the Windsor-West Hants Consolidation, wrote an article, “Nova Scotia restructuring offers new model for consolidation”, which was published in Municipal World in September of 2019. This article was shared with the Town Council before they voted to explore consolidation. In the article, Latimer uses both consolidation and amalgamation without explaining any difference between the terms.

On September 12, 2021, Glen Horne, Chief Administrative Officer of Antigonish County wrote an email, in which he says, “Good morning Ross & Nick- We have identified the need to clearly distinguish between amalgamation and consolidation as we prepare our early communications.” Ross MacDonald, Municipal Advisor, and Nick Barr, Director Governance & Advisory Services, employees at the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing (DMAH) and report to Minister Lohr.

That same day Nick Barr wrote back, “Glen, the truth is that we started to use the word “consolidation” because, to your point, the word “amalgamation” has a very negative connotation for many residents [emphasis added]. That said, my advice is not to get too caught up in a debate over terminology but focus on process.” Here Barr admits to changing the terminology the government uses to inform the public because of its negative political connotation.

The next day at 8:43 a.m., hours before both councils voted towards exploring consolidation, Glen Horne wrote, “We can draft something ourselves [about consolidation vs. amalgamation] if necessary based on our understanding of the processes, However, I thought it would have greater standing and avoid some criticism from opponents if it came from the DMAH, as the authority on municipal reform and a neutral party in our ongoing conflict [emphasis added]... I hope I have made my request more clear.” The Oxford Dictionary’s definition of the word ‘propaganda’: “information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.”

StFX students who live in the Town of Antigonish may be surprised that the town might no longer exist when they come back to school in September. An analogous situation would be if the StFX Students’ Union, which we elect every year, passed a resolution asking the province of Nova Scotia to dissolve it and join another union. Now, the U holds referendums yearly on particularly important issues, but imagine they decided against letting students vote on joining another union. That is in essence what the Town of Antigonish is asking the province to do.

Town of Antigonish Mayor Laurie Boucher highlighted in our interview, and on other media, that one of the benefits of special legislation is that it allows the Transition Committee to work on consolidation without the NSUARB. The Antigonish website states that, “The Transition Committee would have the authority to determine what the new Municipality would look like... much of the detailed work of the merger would be coordinated locally.” Critics of this process argue that this means a small group of people will create the municipality with far less oversight compared to what they would have under the traditional MGA process.

Warden Owen McCarron of the Municipality of the County of Antigonish said he’d be in touch for an interview but did not get back to me.

Mayor Boucher also pointed out that the Town and County conducted an extensive consultation process with residents in the Spring of 2022, as well as setting up a website, Antigonish.ca, which explains to the residents the benefits of consolidation. The website is easily accessible. Notably, in 2006, the NSUARB recommended amalgamation as a measure that would benefit both the Town and County of Antigonish.   

The consultations that were had with the public were concerning the creation of a Regional Municipality, like Halifax. However, the councils voted for the dissolution of the Town into the County to save money on policing costs. The mayor argues that in practice the difference is purely superficial, and all the core ideas remain the same; amalgamation will still follow the Town and County’s “7 Guiding Principles regarding Consolidation” (available on Antigonish.ca).

 One key difference between a Regional Municipality and a County is that a Regional Municipality (Class A) is given priority in applying for grants compared to a County (Class B). Grants are vital for the economic wellbeing of the Town and County. According to the mayor, “There might be something that would affect [grant application] but it wouldn’t affect it that much.” Councillor Sean Cameron disagrees: “If we were a Regional Government, it wouldn’t have an effect. But if we’re a Municipality of course it would.”  

It rubs some Antigonish residents the wrong way that amalgamation was not an issue on which the mayor, the warden, or any of the councillors campaigned. It was not a part of either council’s strategic plan. A petition with over 4000 signatures was circulated among the residents of Antigonish demanding a vote on amalgamation. A Mainstreet Poll was conducted in the Spring of 2023 as well, and had 70.4% of Antigonish residents in support of a plebiscite.

Assuming that Antigonish is dead set against using the MGA and having a plebiscite, there are still municipal elections scheduled for October, which would allow the mayor, warden and councillors to make their position on consolidation known to voters and ensure the new council had a democratic mandate. Councillor Cameron argues that even if the councils pass another resolution, the province shouldn’t introduce special legislation until the residents of Antigonish have a vote on the matter.  

Kat Muth, a third-year Nursing student at StFX, moved to the Town of Antigonish in May of 2021. She was excited to vote in the upcoming municipal elections and would be severely disappointed if she didn’t get the opportunity, “The fact that they're trying to pass the legislation when they should be listening to the people that actually live here is wrong.” Muth is concerned by the possibility that the town she calls home, which has existed for over a hundred years, will be dissolved without a vote or the consent of its residents.

In an op-ed from April 28, 2023, the mayor and warden wrote, “Historically, plebiscites have a low participation rate that undermines the legitimacy of the outcome.” It is important to note that both councils were elected with less than a 35 per cent turnout in 2020, amid a pandemic. In a report, Brighter Community Planning & Consulting, who were hired by the Town and County, wrote “Plebiscites are a blunt tool to engage the community, they may polarize residents instead of listening to their concerns and addressing them effectively in the decision making process.” This notion, that voting is somehow an ineffective way of practicing democracy, is something all Canadians should pay attention to. The mayor pointed out to me that plebiscites are not typical in Canada, especially at a municipal level. This is true, but should it be?

Antigonish residents may be split on whether they want to amalgamate, or how they want this amalgamation to take place, with either the NSUARB or the Transition Committee taking a central role in this process. But it doesn’t really matter. Whether the Town of Antigonish will dissolve and join the County is not an issue residents of either municipality will vote on. If the councils pass another resolution, the only Antigonish residents who can vote on Antigonish’s future are MLA Michelle Thompson (902-863-4266) and Greg Morrow (902-424-4388), MLA for Guysborough-Tracadie. Mr Morrow represents the eastern part of Antigonish County, including Tracadie, Linwood and Havre-Boucher.

Edit: This article has been edited for accuracy. The previous version inaccurately described Michelle Thompson as the only MLA from Antigonish.

WUSC at StFX: Celebrating 40 Years, Lasting Friendships, and X-Rings

StFX’s WUSC Society has a lot to celebrate this fall. Two of their Student Refugee Program students and three of their executive members all received their X-Rings this December 3rd. Angelique Uwamariya and Anyich Panchol are two Student Refugee Program (SRP) students in their fourth year here at X. These two received their X-Rings alongside WUSC Co-Presidents Sierra Banks and Chloe Oleksiuk as well as the society’s vice-president Kristen Marshall. Recently, I got to ask these students about receiving their X-Rings and their time with the WUSC society.

            The WUSC (World University Service of Canada) is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to helping youth around the world gain access to education. So far, the program has empowered over 2000 young refugees from 37 countries and now supports over 150 students per year through their partnerships with over 100 Canadian post-secondary institutions.

            Another celebration for the WUSC is that the society is commemorating their 40th anniversary at StFX. StFX is currently home to eight students from different countries around the world who are financially supported by the society. The WUSC also runs social activities to help integrate the SRPs within our community, such as their recent ‘Paint and Sip’ night at Candid Brewery.

Angelique Uwamariya, an SRP student in the nursing program, is originally from Burundi. She came to StFX through the WUSC program in 2018. She says that she is extremely grateful for the program’s support in helping her move to Canada to pursue her university education. Specifically, Ms. Uwamariya is very appreciative for everyone who has helped fundraise and support her journey here at StFX. She credits the WUSC with helping her be “one step away” from achieving her “dream of becoming a nurse” and says the society not only supported her financially, but emotionally, too.

            Anyich Panchol, who is also an SRP student in the nursing program, is from South Sudan but was born in Kenya. She came to StFX through the WUSC program in 2019. Ms. Panchol tells me that when she first came here, she wasn’t exactly sure about Antigonish. However, with some help from the WUSC, she says that she has “learned to appreciate the small community and classroom sizes and how easy it has been to navigate through the town.” Ms. Panchol also conveys her extreme gratitude for the WUSC society and says that she has “met amazing people who played a significant role in her academic journey.”

            Both Ms. Uwamariya and Ms. Panchol express their excitement about having received their X-Rings. Ms. Uwamariya tells me that she has been looking forward to getting her X-Ring since first year and that it will be a reminder of “all the years, friends, and good memories [she has] had in her undergraduate studies.” Ms. Panchol says that her X-Ring will always serve as a reminder of where she had the opportunity to pursue her post-secondary education.

For the executive members involved, the WUSC is more than just something to add to their resume. Ms. Banks says that our school motto—Quaecumque sunt vera, meaning “whatsoever things are true”—is “a reminder to do the right thing, to do the right thing for the right reasons.” She says her work with the society has given her the opportunity to live this motto and see the true embodiment of Xaverian traits. Ms. Marshall explains that she has watched the society grow immensely over the last few years and that she is thankful for the opportunity to have contributed to such important work. Ms. Oleksiuk says that the society has been “one of the most fulfilling experiences” of her life and that it has been extremely rewarding to make a positive impact in the school, community, and in the lives of the international students.

            Both the executive members of the society and the SRPs say that they have come to see each other not just as peers or co-workers, but as friends. When I asked about one thing they have learnt from the SRPs, Ms. Banks expressed that “they have taught me to value my educational experience more than I ever did before. These women have worked so hard to get to where they are now and are still working so hard. They can move to a completely different country, start studying, working, engaging in the community, and still excel at all they do.” Pursuing a career in education, Ms. Banks says that learning about the SRPs’ value for education has contributed to her passion for teaching and will stay with her forever. Ms. Marshall similarly notes that “What I admire most about our students is their work ethic.” After graduation, Ms. Marshall—who is in the Human Kinetics program—will be pursuing a career in health care. Since some of the SRPs have similar aspirations, she says they have often leaned on each other for mutual support. Ms. Oleksiuk, who is in the Health program, says that some of the SRP students started in the same year as her, giving them the opportunity to “grow together over the last four years.” Ms. Oleksiuk added that she takes extreme pride in the SRPs’ journeys and that she is “enthusiastic about witnessing their future success and flourishing.”

            In my interactions with both the executive members and the SRPs, they all had nothing but positive things to say about their time with the society. The executive members all encouraged anyone who is interested to get involved and Ms. Oleksiuk hinted that they have some exciting events coming up next semester. If you’re looking for a way to get involved and make an impactful difference, the WUSC may be the right fit for you.

‘TIS THE SEASON: EMBRACING THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

As the air turns crisper and the days grow shorter, there's a palpable sense of anticipation that fills the atmosphere. Yes, the Christmas season is upon us once again—a time cherished for its warmth, joy, and the spirit of giving.

The approach of Christmas brings with it a series of delightful traditions that span cultures and generations. From adorning homes with twinkling lights to the familiar tunes of beloved carols playing in the background, there's an undeniable charm that accompanies this festive season. For many, it's a time of rekindling connections, as families and friends come together, sharing stories, and creating new memories. The scent of freshly baked cookies wafts through kitchens, and the sound of laughter echoes through homes adorned with festive decorations.

Central to this season is the act of giving. It is not just about the tangible presents wrapped in colourful paper but also the intangible gifts of love, kindness, and compassion. It's a time when hearts open a little wider, reaching out to those less fortunate, spreading goodwill and cheer. In addition to the exchanging of gifts, the beauty of Christmas also lies in the moments spent around the dinner table, sharing meals and exchanging anecdotes. It's in the warmth of a hug, the sparkle in a child's eyes at the sight of Santa, and the nostalgia evoked by familiar traditions.

Moreover, the Christmas season symbolizes hope—a beacon of light amidst the darkness, reminding us to believe in miracles and embrace the magic of the season. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and appreciation for the blessings in our lives. As the days draw nearer to the 25th of December, let's embrace the essence of Christmas. Let's extend kindness to strangers, express gratitude for the love we receive, and cherish the moments of togetherness with our loved ones.

In a world that often seems chaotic, the Christmas season serves as a gentle reminder to pause, reconnect, and spread joy. So, let the twinkling lights, the aroma of pine, and the joyous melodies uplift your spirits as we step into this enchanting time of the year.

NAVIGATING THE ONSLAUGHT: FACING EXAMS AS THEY DRAW NEAR

As the academic semester progresses, there comes a point when students find themselves at the threshold of examinations. This juncture, while anticipated, often brings with it a tide of mixed emotions—excitement, anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

The approaching exams tend to act as a catalyst, nudging students into a heightened state of productivity. Suddenly, study sessions become longer, libraries overflow with diligent scholars, and the ambiance of coffee shops transforms into a haven for intense focus. For some, the looming exams act as a source of motivation, pushing them to delve deeper into their subjects, revise diligently, and seek guidance whenever needed. However, for others, the pressure can be daunting, leading to anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed.

Managing this period effectively is crucial. Organizing your schedule is very important. You can break down the syllabus into manageable chunks, creating a study schedule that accommodates regular breaks for relaxation and rejuvenation. Prioritize topics based on importance and allocate adequate time for each. You can also practice by engaging in past papers, mock exams, or sample questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format and refine your time management skills. Practice not only reinforces your knowledge but also helps in identifying areas that need more attention.

In addition, do not hesitate to seek support and to reach out for help. Consult professors, tutors, or classmates if there are concepts you find challenging. Explaining topics to others can also solidify your own understanding. Furthermore, maintaining wellbeing, amidst the academic rush, is vital to prioritize self-care. Ensure sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise to keep your mind sharp and focused.

Finally, remember to embrace positivity and cultivate a positive mindset. Visualize success, stay optimistic, and believe in your capabilities. Self-doubt can be crippling—replace it with confidence in your preparation. Remember, exams are not just a measure of your knowledge but also a test of your ability to handle pressure and apply what you've learned. Approach them with a calm demeaner, knowing that you've done your best to prepare. In the end, it’s crucial to understand that exams are a part of the learning process. They do not define your worth or intelligence. They are checkpoints, guiding you on your academic journey. As the exam date draws nearer, embrace the challenge with diligence, determination, and a sense of resilience. After all, it's not just about the outcome but the journey of learning and growth that accompanies it.

GOOD LUCK!

Life at X! International Student Version

In the heart of Nova Scotia, the decision to make Antigonish and StFX my academic goals, stands as one of the most enthralling choices I've made to date. From the moment I set foot in this quaint town, saturated in the magnificent glow of the orange sun, I sensed an undeniable magic that went beyond the boundaries of mere geography. The Keating Center, with its top-notch infrastructure, welcomed me, and for the first time, I understood the absolute notion of love at first sight.

The crisp autumn air showcased the true essence of autumn, painting each blade of grass and every leaf in hues that almost seemed almost unreal to me. Everything I saw on social media about the town of Antigonish and StfX was a living reality now. The campus, with its harmony of historical charm and modern vitality, unfolded before me like an endless path of paradise waiting to be walked. It wasn't just a university; it was a manifestation of community, a living reality to the intricate dance between old traditions and the rhythm of a university student life in perfect sync. I soon discovered that it was more than a scenic backdrop, rather it was a wide array woven with historical richness and reverberating with modern day’s ethos. Its top-notch infrastructure, a perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern functionality, reverberated in the footsteps of the students and the people of the town, who walked its streets in eras long past, was in perfect harmony with the vibrant energy of student life.

Walking the StFX campus felt like a journey through a cultural crossroads. In the classes and lecture halls, students from different corners of Canada and across different countries met, each bringing unique perspectives that transformed academic discourse into a vivid plate of ideas. The university's commitment to inclusivity reverberated through the wide array of student societies, creating a rich and vibrant community that showcased the global diversity it held. Beyond the academic environment, the town of Antigonish revealed a rich heritage rooted in the heartbeat of the Mi'kmaq people. Cultural events painted the town with astounding colors, offering a jaw-dropping glimpse into the everlasting connection between the land and its original inhabitants. The first week was filled with activities and informative sessions, which eased the transition for international students like myself, which nurtured the fear of an international and cultural shock into a sense of belonging.

Antigonish, more than a picturesque locale, emerged as a living testament to the intricate play of heritage and progress. The symbiotic relationship between the town and StFX University showcased the narrative of cultural coupling, where the rich history of the past and the modern day’s environment went together harmoniously to create a perfect sync and dynamic community—a microcosm reflecting Canada's commitment to embracing diversity.

As time unfolded, I realized that StFX not only embraced but actively nurtured the rich cultural identity of Antigonish. The university's collaboration with local organizations reverberated in perfect harmony, weaving a deep relationship that nurtured the shared heritage of campus, town, and the Mi'kmaq.

Venturing beyond academics, my journey into the cultural ethos of StFX deepened through volunteer experiences. From contributing to Kevin's Corner to serving as a Returning Officer for the Students Union, each role became a line in the intricate fabric of my StFX journey. Involvement in various student communities expanded my horizons, revealing an intricate nature of planning within the Students Union that propelled me to exceed my perceived capabilities. These volunteering experiences not only enriched my time at StFX but also fostered a keen insight and vision for the years ahead.

Long before I knew it, I had my first glance at winter in Canada. Though it’s only November, as someone hailing from a moderately hot climate environment, the lowest temperatures I faced was 18 degrees celsius. And I’ve been told it gets as cold as minus 40 on some days, however I look forward to my first winter here and hope I don’t find myself welcoming any frost bites. The landscape, the people, and the experiences blend together, leaving an everlasting mark on the chapter of my university life. With great enthusiasm, I have been in the Town of Antigonish for just about 2 months but yet my journey has always felt like I belong here. I have not known what I have in store for me, for this enthralling, enriching and nurturing journey, I look forward to with great enthusiasm towards the rest of my journey as a student at X and being part of the beautiful town of Antigonish.

Interview with Angus Kennedy and ALPACA

Earlier this semester, in late September, I had the chance to interview Angus Kennedy, a fourth-year Honours Biology student, who is a recognized student leader and pioneer on campus. Mainly as president and founder of the Antigonish League of People Advocating for Climate Action, a student society (ALPACA StFX) and community organization (ALPACA) at StFX and in Antigonish. He is currently working on his honours thesis and is also the Captain for the X-Men Rowing Club team. Ethan Copp (Class of ‘24), who has also been on the StFX Men’s rowing team since his first year, is featured in this article as well. Finally, I was able to reach out to some esteemed StFX alumni, Alex Cook (Class of ‘23) and Peter MacGregor (Class of ‘23), who are featured at the end of this article.

Why did you start ALPACA in the first place?

      In the summer of 2021, I was driving home from a landfill that I had been using as a site of a study I was doing. I was listening to the radio with my field partner and the CBC was reporting on the most recent IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report. They were reporting that the IPCC found we were already past some of the climate change tipping points that they had previously warned of. I was frustrated. I knew we were not changing things as fast as we needed to. I started thinking about what could be done and I thought about activism and advocacy. I brought this idea to some friends of mine who had similar environmental inclinations, Peter MacGregor, Ethan Copp, and Alex Cook. Together we decided to start the Antigonish League of People for Climate Action (ALPCA) later changed to the Antigonish League of People Advocating for Climate Action.

Why are you still running it?

      I'm still running it because, simply, I have not yet left Antigonish, and I still feel I have much to contribute to this group and the environmental movement in Antigonish.

Why do you think it's important to keep it going?

      We need to keep going because there is still so much work to do. To be frank, it doesn't feel like we have accomplished many concrete things at StFX since our inception. We have put on events, made progress on some projects, and built momentum and organization, but we are far from the accomplishments we hope to achieve.

      Momentum can die quickly for movements at post-secondary institutions. Students graduate and then whatever project they had been working disappears. So, we need to keep ALPACA or an environmental group like it going, so that when one group of students graduate the movement doesn't need to start all over again.

Do you worry at all about it not continuing when you leave StFX? Why or why not?

      I have worried about it not continuing after I left StFX. When we started everyone involved was a part of my immediate friend group. Last year a lot of them graduated. This year though we have a good number of 2nd and 3rd years getting involved, which puts my mind at ease. I think that ALPACA will be in good hands when I leave, and I wish them the best of luck.

What are some of the goals of ALPACA? Have some of those goals been accomplished?

      ALPACA's broad goals are, as outlined in our constitution: 1. To serve and protect the environmental needs of the Town and County of Antigonish, their wider communities, and the world as a whole, and 2. To promote accountability and ambition on environmental goals and benchmarks within the Town and County of Antigonish, as well as their surrounding communities.

      Those goals are a little abstract to declare as accomplished, but we do have some specific projects that we are looking at. Those projects being Divest@X, a project to get StFX fully divested from fossil fuels, the replacement of the heating plant on campus, making transit in Antigonish more efficient and accessible, and stopping Atlantic Gold's gold mine project near Archibald's Lake in Guysborough County. The only of those that is resolved is the gold mine project. I'm unsure how much you can attribute that to us, but Atlantic Gold, to our knowledge has given up there. The other projects are still being worked on.

Finally, I reached out to Ethan Copp, Alex Cook and Peter MacGregor to learn about what they are up to these days.

Ethan Copp is a fourth year Honours Climate and Environment (CLEN) student from Palmer Alaska. These days, he says that he is “working on completing my degree and doing research on air quality in Kincaid Park in Alaska”. Upon completing his degree, he intends to “go home and pursue graduate school at Alaska Pacific University in the Outdoor and Environmental education program”. Additionally, it is his final year of rowing, so he is finishing with his last few regattas as well. 

Alex Cook and Peter MacGregor have both relocated to the western side of Canada for the year upon graduating last spring. I was curious to see what they were up to, knowing that they were heavily involved as organizers within ALPACA, and remembering them as being leaders and mentors in and out of the StFX Rowing team. I asked them what they were doing now. Here is what they had to say:

“My name is Alex and I recently graduated from StFX with a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology. I was a part of ALPACA for two years, as the social media coordinator and the Fridays for Future organizer with Franny [MacGregor]. I am currently taking a year off school, where I am living out West and working! I am planning on coming back to StFX in the Fall of 2024 for the BEd program. My name is Peter and I also graduated from StFX this spring! I graduated with an honours in biology. When I was a part of ALPACA I sort of helped to organize all different facets of the club, but focused mainly on our work with the Saint Mary's Association and Archibald Lake. I am living in Revelstoke for the winter to enjoy the mountains and winter there while I figure out what my next step will be!”

A Couple Spontaneous Days in Scotland

When you can barely keep your eyes open on the plane ride home, you know that it was a good trip. Recently, I traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland; a place that has been on my bucket list for years. During my study abroad, I made it my goal to travel as much as I could while still being able to study and go to (most) classes. My trip to Scotland was somewhat booked on a whim, but I’ve now realized spontaneous decisions are, oftentimes, the best decisions. A week prior, my friend and I decided that we wanted to take a trip to Edinburgh, so that’s exactly what we did. For a £50 return flight, we couldn’t turn the offer down.

When we landed in Edinburgh, we got in late and ventured to our hostel in the heart of the city. This was my first time in a hostel, and, honestly, not my last. I was hesitant to stay in a room full of fifteen strangers (sorry Mom), but truly, it was worth the price. The next morning, we got up early and took a trip to the Edinburgh Castle. If you ever find yourself in Edinburgh, you should definitely take a trip to the castle as it has spectacular views of the city and provides a detailed insight into the history of Scotland. After we spent the morning at the castle, we walked around the city and went to a pub for lunch. If you ever find yourself in the UK, the pubs here are a staple. The pub can be a great place for a quick bite to eat, a drink with friends and family or a place to go for a fun night out. In other words, no matter the occasion, the pub is the place to be.

Later that afternoon we walked around the city, visited the Scott Monument, and took a tour of the Edinburgh Dungeons. If I thought we couldn’t fit more into our day, I was wrong, because we had a busy night ahead of us. We went out for dinner at an upscale pizza joint and headed out to–you guessed it–a Pub. Our goal was to do a pub crawl; however, we only made it to one. Even though we only ventured to one place, it was a good choice. The pub was filled with live music, and we danced the night away until 2:30 am.

I woke up the next morning tired, but ready to conquer the day. We walked around the city, did some shopping, and headed to Upland’s Roast, a small coffee shop on campus at the University of Edinburgh. I think I had the best hot chocolate of my life. 10/10. Later, we headed to Glasgow to visit some friends. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it back on the 11:45 pm train from Glasgow back to Edinburgh. Am I surprised? Not at all.

We woke up bright and early the next day to catch the 7:30 am train back to Edinburgh to head home. From planes, trains, and automobiles it may have been the longest day of my life. However, our short, eventful, and jam-packed trip to Edinburgh was definitely worth the £50 return flight. If you ever get the chance to go to Edinburgh, or, go on any spontaneous trip, do it. You won’t regret it. Even though everything may not go as planned, you’ll have some good laughs and make some pretty good stories along the way.

Gaza: A Personal Account

I'm not here to draw a simple line between good and bad, for the narrative is infinitely complex. What compels me is an impassioned refusal to stand idly by while innocent civilians are thrust into the crucible of danger and despair. This isn't a headline lost in the noise; it's the haunting reality etched into the daily lives of Palestinians dwelling in places marked by decades of occupation, relentless oppression, and the enduring pain of apartheid, an affliction that has festered for over half a century.

I stand as one among two million souls, each bearing witness to the cruel annals of time etched upon this land, etching a story of resilience in the face of unrelenting adversity from the Israeli occupation. What unfolded in Gaza didn't originate on October 7th; rather, it is the culmination of seventy-five years of anguish under occupation. It's a response to the accumulated suffering of seventeen long years of blockade that Israel imposed, where two million people have been stripped of their most basic needs – electricity, clean drinking water, medicine, and freedom of movement.

In my personal history, I recount a tale of heartache and loss, a narrative interwoven with the bitter sting of Israeli airstrikes claiming my father in 2006. And our home lay shattered four times over because of Israeli bombing over the years. Today, I bear witness to war crimes waged not just against the infrastructure of a people, but against the very essence of two million lives – a war whose dimensions transcend war, unmasking itself as a campaign of genocide and ethnic cleansing.

My family, like countless others, has been displaced thrice, embarking on a harrowing journey from the north to the south, every step taken beneath the specter of constant shelling. Their journey was not one of choice but of desperation, as ten children, six of them aged five or under, sought shelter amidst the chaos. Yet, in Gaza, refuge remains an elusive dream, an impossibility, as it is a place bereft of electricity, devoid of clean water, and starved of vital medications. Everyone lies on the bare ground, bereft of mattresses and blankets, where the shelling shows no mercy, distinguishing neither stone from human. The victims are overwhelmingly children and women, their homes razed with them trapped within. Even the wounded and afflicted find no sanctuary, for hospitals and ambulances fall prey to Israeli bombing.

I have been in Canada for over four years. I have not been able to see my family since coming to Canada in August, 2019. In this war, till now, my family’s house and my entire town, Beit Hanoun, was demolished by the Israeli airstrikes. I have lost 30 of my relatives, including a cousin and her five children, my mother’s cousin and 20 members of his family, and my father’s cousin with three of her four children. Every time I am successful in talking to my family, I feel it is that last time. I am forcing myself to accept that I might lose some family members in this war, if not all of them.

What transpires in this crucible of suffering isn't merely a humanitarian catastrophe; it is war crimes and ethnic cleansing. The world cannot turn a blind eye, for it must bear witness to the heart-wrenching story of Gaza's people, a tale of resilience amidst despair, where hope lingers in the shadows, and the cry for justice reverberates.

Raising a Glass to Candid: The Success of Student Night

In Antigonish, a handful of go-to spots always manage to draw students looking for a fun night out. Pipers’ Pub reigns supreme on most Friday and Saturday evenings, boasting themed nights and the musical talents of DJ Shadow to keep the crowd entertained. On Wednesdays, despite its current renovations, the Inn remains a top choice for students, especially during its famous wing night. With an eclectic mix of music, delectable food options, and a variety of cocktails, it's widely regarded as one of the liveliest campus hangouts. For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, Burnside (formerly known as Spindrift) is a favorite haunt any day it's open. Its warm oak seating invites patrons to unwind with a casual beer and conversation. Even Dooly’s has its charms on a weeknight, offering a perfect setting for a friendly game of pool. However, when Thursday night rolls around, no other bar in town can compete with the popularity of Candid. This charming brewery has seen an exponential rise in its following over the past year, often sporting a line down College Street, with students eager to enjoy its live music and craft beer. But what has made Candid the place to be on a Thursday night?

Upon entering the brewery patrons are greeted by a warm atmosphere with comfy seating, large tables for conversation, board games, a vintage super-Nintendo system, and a pool table.  The interior of the brewery is quite unlike other bars in Antigonish which contributes to its appeal. It is quiet during the day and offers a space for quiet study and conversation, while at night the bar is often at capacity (especially on Thursdays) and offers a lively dance floor. Their rotating menu has something for everyone including seasonal beers, and several core beers that can be purchased year-round. For those who might not be huge craft beer fans, the brewery also offers cider, seltzers, and wine. And don't forget their Thursday student deals on pints – a temptation that's hard to resist given the quality of their beer.

Beyond the allure of discounted pints, Thursday nights are all about live music at the brewery. Despite rarely charging an entrance fee (another benefit for university students), the brewery hosts a different artist or band nearly every week, with a few regulars like Parker MacIsaac who always manage to draw a crowd. What initially started as a platform for students to showcase their musical talents has blossomed into something much more significant. The musical diversity on display is impressive, ranging from folk to country to hip-hop, ensuring that there's something for everyone. The audience leaves the brewery on Thursday nights not just satisfied but often buzzing with excitement and a sense of community.

Owner Bryan Druhan spoke about the many positive aspects of Candid as both a work environment and hang-out spot. As a small family-owned business the brewery started from humble beginnings. The popularity of student nights he stated was “very organic” and began just after Christmas in January of 2023. This growth underscores Candid's remarkable journey and its special place within the hearts of locals and students alike. “We get a really good crowd,” says Bryan, “the people that come here are really cool and respectful.” Despite the great atmosphere, beer, and live music, the people are one of the best things about Candid on a Thursday. Candid Brewery's appeal extends beyond just Thursday nights. They offer a daily happy hour from 4 to 7, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and camaraderie after a long day. It's an inviting space for people of all backgrounds, programs, and interests to gather, relax, and enjoy live music.

The family-owned nature of Candid Brewery adds a personal touch to the establishment. Bryan Druhan and his team are deeply connected to the community, as many staff are St. FX students, and this connection is evident in their dedication to creating a welcoming and enjoyable space for everyone. Candid Brewery stands out as a local gem that brings people together, fosters a sense of belonging, and makes lasting memories. As Emmy Stewart, a third-year student, said, “some of [her] favorite memories at university have been 'singing along to live music and playing board games for hours” at the Brewery.

So, what is next for Candid? The brewery has recently expanded its menu outside of beer, which includes candy, chips, and grill cheeses (which this author is looking forward to trying). The brewery is also a relaxed and quiet spot during the weekdays, which makes it the perfect spot for collaboration between students. Bryan is keen on spreading the word that it's a great place to study or have a quiet chat with friends. A noteworthy event of late at Candid was the Taylor Swift-themed sing-along night on September 29. It was a hit with regular patrons, and they're enthusiastic about the prospect of more themed nights in the future. The community can also expect to see Candid Brewery host more open mic nights soon, providing a platform for local talent to shine.

Candid has truly become a staple establishment in Antigonish, offering a welcoming haven for both locals and StFX students. With its warm atmosphere, diverse entertainment, and community-centered approach, Candid is more than just a place to grab a pint; it's a home away from home for many. And as it looks ahead to a future filled with exciting new experiences, Candid Brewery's journey continues to capture the hearts of all who enter its doors.

Exploring the Potential of ChatGPT and Chatbots for University Learning

To learn how ChatGPT can transform university learning, we interview a professor who has integrated it in their assignments.

On November 30th, a company by the name of OpenAI launched an AI conversational chatbot called ChatGPT. This chatbot, built on a Large Language Machine Learning model, quickly gained traction, with the New York Times hailing it as the finest artificial intelligence chatbot ever made available to the public.

The early days of ChatGPT were met with a mixture of excitement and skepticism. Various news outlets covered the launch of ChatGPT, with some calling it a revolutionary breakthrough in AI technology, while others expressed concerns over the potential risks and ethical implications of such advanced language processing tools.

While some were quick to embrace ChatGPT, the education world exhibited a more cautious response. Some educators and institutions were worried about the potential for students to misuse the AI, enabling academic dishonesty or undermining the learning process. There were concerns that relying on AI-driven content generation could lead to a decline in critical thinking and writing skills, as students might opt for “the easy way out” over genuine engagement with the material.

As a student or faculty member at a university, you may have heard of ChatGPT or even used it in some capacity. Since then, GPT (The Model working in the background) and ChatGPT have evolved significantly, making the tool even more powerful than it was just five months ago.

Newer versions of the GPT model have been launched with GPT-4, in the words of its creators “exhibits human-level performance on various professional and academic benchmarks”. In fact, it was claimed the GPT-4 is capable of scoring in the top 10 percent of the Uniform Bar exam and getting a 700 score in an SAT. 

 Additionally, several new competitors have made their way into the market from Bing’s AI Chat (which offers references in its response and is in fact based on GPT-4) to Google’s Bard (available only in the US as of April).

No matter which side of the debate you are on, there is no doubt that ChatGPT is a game-changing innovation, surpassing tools you may have used in the past.

I talked to Margaret Vail, the StFX Systems and Data Services Librarian and Kaitlin Fuller, the StFX  Scholarly Communications & Health Sciences Librarian. They have been interested in how ChatGPT can be applied in helping students do research in the library.

Kaitlin became more interested in ChatGPT when she saw discovery layers like Elicit or Consensus using language models. These are AI assistants that use technology similar to ChatGPT but specifically geared towards research. They discussed how ChatGPT can be used to enhance workflows, support student research, and help with internal processes. Margaret noted that ChatGPT can be most useful for scaffolding and getting started as students find it difficult to start from a blank slate. She cautioned however that it is important to remember Chatbots like ChatGPT are “essentially predictive text and we do not know how it is predicting the text”. Other potential uses in research are finding synonyms (useful when looking up search terms), summarizing and analyzing articles, and outlining methodologies.

Both Kaitlin and Margaret explained the importance of critical thinking and information literacy when using language models like ChatGPT, as they can be helpful tools but should not replace the intellectual activity and decision making involved in research and learning.

Next month the library will be organizing a webinar titled “ChatGPT in Academic Libraries” to explore the use of this new tool and applications in academic libraries.

To gain a better understanding of how ChatGPT is being integrated (or can be) into university education and in the class, I sat down with Dr. Donna Trembinski, an Associate Professor from the History Department.

Dr Trembinski is a medieval historian. She was, in her words, “traditionally trained to look at books” but also has a huge interest in technology and enjoys using new technology in her class which was what made her interested in ChatGPT.

What was your first reaction to ChatGPT?

Dr Trembinski: When ChatGPT came out, I'm in lots of discussion groups and I saw there were two responses. One was, this is the end of humanities as we know it. And the other was, what can we do with it? And so, that's why I kind of got interested in doing something. And when I ran it for this class as an assignment, it really was just to see how it would work.

Can you tell me a little bit more about what you did, how you used ChatGPT in the class?

Dr Trembinski: So, there's one assignment. And it was partially just to let students know that I knew that ChatGPT existed. I said go and use ChatGPT, although I know there's a lot of choice now, and to ask it a question about a pre-modern subject and have it write, like a 700-word essay. And then they were to do any editing that was required, like copy editing. And then also to comment on where sources were required, and to comment on the quality of the essay. So, it was an optional assignment. And they didn't have to do it. But I had about probably 80% of the class turn it in.

You asked them to generate the essay. And then also like a look at the sources. This is one of the things that most of these large language models cannot do at the moment. Because they're just predicting the next word. How did you get them to look up the references?

Dr Trembinski: I didn't, I didn't necessarily have them look up the references, although some students did. I only said when you think there should be a footnote that's not there, make sure you mark it and say why you think there should be a footnote. However, I did have assignments where students went and found sources. And they found language that was very similar to some websites, especially encyclopedias such as National Geographic. So, I think that I presume that they were just searching the terms, like, sort of like, you know, putting in Google.

You obviously gave the same assignment to all the students. Did you notice a lot of similarities or were they very different?

Dr Trembinski: So, they were able to come up with a question. The responses were quite different. What was similar was that it was grammatically pretty decent. But in terms of digging in historically with a question, it was very superficial.

Some people are saying that this is the end of the essay, literature review, and summarizing because ChatGPT does a lot of that work for you. What are your thoughts on this?

Dr Trembinski: Let me think about that a little bit. First of all, we're not there yet. The technology is not there yet. So, if you're asking me to think 10 years into the future, what does that look like? I think what's going to happen is our students are going to be getting jobs where the chatbot will produce the text, and we will be editing, and fact-checking the text. And so, I think I'm probably going to be assigning more assignments like this one, which was experimental. So, if that's what you're asking me, yeah, I think probably, we're going to have to turn to looking at chatbot-produced text and look at editing and refining it rather than producing from nothing. Is that the end of research? Depends how good these machines get at reading. But what's so much of what we still produce in the humanities is behind paywalls now. So, it'll be interesting to see, and I know ChatGPT is not mining. Many of them aren't mining behind paywalls.

I mean, we don't know if they do it or not.

Dr Trembinski:  No, I know they don't. I can tell by what it's producing, it's not. So, at least I haven't yet seen evidence of work that's behind paywalls. In fact, I don't see it. What it seems to be reading as far as I can tell is more general information. That's sites like Wikipedia. So, once it starts reading the things that's behind paywalls and becomes a bit more sophisticated, then I think... Then I don't know how can I manage that?

Let's say they were able to access the content behind the paywall, from a student's perspective, how would it change? Like you said that you might make it more difficult, for instance, assignments.

Dr Trembinski: Well, I don't know how it's going to be difficult, but I think I'm going to do more of it because I think that's what students are going to end up doing. When they go into the work world, right? They're going to be accessing these and they're going to have to fact-check and make sure the research is correct. There was a huge debate. Where people were like, we have to shut it. We have to say you can't use it. I'm like, I don't think that's the answer because cat’s out of the bag. To be honest, I'm not a futurist. Whatever that means. But I see no point in ignoring a technology that's going to be revolutionary.

Since you're in history, there are a lot of visual elements to it as well… And the newer models that have come up, such as GPT-4 incorporate the image aspect in addition to text. So, from your perspective, not just in class, but also in research, how do you see that changing research and academia in general? Since it can take images as input and give out images as well.

Dr Trembinski: I see it being much more useful for teaching at this point. I think it will eventually be good for research. One of the things that I struggle with in some of my classes is producing decent textbooks because I don't teach in a traditional way that follows a history textbook. So, one of the things that I think is going to happen very quickly is we'll be able to use something like a chatbot to produce a reasonable text. We're going to have to edit it, but it will write it much more quickly, and the images will help as well. So, I can see that being something that happens in the next three, four years.

What are your opinions on banning it versus increasing the amount of work that you have. For instance, if you're doing a literature review of five papers. But you're like, okay, now you have these tools. So instead of preventing students from using it, I'm going to make you review 15 papers. Is that how you would approach it?

Dr Trembinski: I think probably the latter. But I also think if I ask a group of students to produce an essay and research it themselves. And not to use ChatGPT. They will do it ... Like students generally want to do well and don't want to cheat. So, I don't think it needs to be banned for a couple of reasons. I really think students will do the assignment as required mostly. Maybe that's naïve of me but I don't think so. And I don't want to start from a place of distrust of my students, right? And the other thing is, I think as we see what these tools can do. And I'm still very much learning what these tools can do. I'm going to make my assignment maybe not harder, but I'm going to use this tool in a way that I think is appropriate for training my students to use this tool.

So that brings me to my next question. A lot of the time these large language models like GPT-4 hallucinate a lot. It'll either make stuff up, or it'll give you actual links. But if you go on that link, it does not exist. it's making stuff up as it goes.

Dr Trembinski: So fascinating, right?

What do you think about all of this? Like, how do you see that from an academic perspective?

Dr Trembinski: This is why I thought fact-checking was a good idea. And this is why that assignment was done. And I did see it happen with my own assignments. But my favorite so far is someone who wrote an essay about pre-modern religion. It's large. And it kind of thought pre-modern religions, for all, meant one thing that was kind of mulled on kind of smoosh together. And it was Egypt and Greece. And it absolutely made up, I think, total theology for them. And we didn't ask for sources for it. So ChatGPT didn’t provide sources. But it was so clear that it was grounded in some idea of reality. But it had made up a whole theology. So, if you're asking me, yeah, it's clearly a problem. I've seen it myself. It will probably get better.

And one of the demos that I've seen about GPT-4, the newer one, which is not out yet, but one of the demos is its use from a teacher's perspective. It was actually focused more on school learning, lesson planning, and stuff like that and obviously for students as well. Do you see it being used in some way from a teacher’s or professor’s perspective?

Dr Trembinski: I think that for me, personally, the best use is going to be producing text or images around stuff that I can't find textbooks for. But right now, what I've seen is, it is not particularly great for even producing like first-year essays. But I think in a year, that'll be totally different. And I'm going to have to figure out what to do then. The first thing that has to happen for me for it to be really useful for students, it has to start looking at academic literature, which is what I was going to do with this. But what it'll be interesting to see is whether it actually forces those paywalls to come down. This will not happen because I'm not an optimist about this stuff. Or rather, the technology will just be adopted and bought by some of those larger consortiums. And then you'll have to pay to access it that way. It would be nice to see it break the paywalls and actually make some of the academic literature much more widely available. Open sourcing and open digitally, you know, open journals and things like that have tried to do that. But we haven't been able to successfully do it. I'm not sure that this will either, but it'd be great if it did.

What are your thoughts on the detection aspect of it? People have attempted or are trying to detect if a work was written by a Chatbot.

Dr Trembinski: I had a very interesting experience with this. I actually was marking an essay that I thought was probably produced by ChatGPT. And I ran it through one of the checkers. I ran it through a couple of detectors. I can't remember which ones, but I ran it through a couple. It came back like 67 percent maybe; then I took my daughter's novel, which is writing. She's 12 and I ran it through and hers came out about the same. So, what I actually think is detecting is like patterns and writing. And when you haven't had enough practice as a writer, it comes out as though it's computer generated.

And it's not a huge problem because of the way I design my essays. My research essays as I expect them to be really focused and I have not been able to have ChatGPT produce anything that is as focused as I would like it to be. It wants to talk about the big grand questions and I'm like, I want to talk about this tiny little thing. So, it hasn't been an issue for me yet just because of what I expect in terms of historical research essays, but I do think eventually it will be. But then we’ll cross the bridge when it comes.

So basically, you don't see it as being enough at least for now. It's not good enough to generate the essay, but it does help you in certain passages in certain areas or maybe brainstorm ideas.

Dr Trembinski: It's great for finding that relatively well, wouldn't say it's specific information but finding information on a particular topic that you'd like to see; I had it write an essay when I was playing around with it, based on a very short primary source that the students wrote a discussion on, and it was able to do that and it was not a terrible essay based on this thousand word primary source that it could find on the internet. So, I'm going to have to be careful because I thought I probably would have given that essay probably B minus. I was like it can be done but I don't think it's quite there yet, so I'm not worried about it because I'm searching every other paper I encounter.

What are your thoughts on its use as a summarizing tool? Given a lot of text, the newer GPT-4 can actually take in a lot more words as input.  It's a common thing in a lot of classes to go and read papers and summarize them. Maybe give a presentation on them. Do you see that changing?

Dr Trembinski: Yeah, well, I mean I actually think it's going to be an important tool. I try not to get my students to summarize. I try to get them to analyze based on the summary. So, as a tool to help them further understand what they've been reading, they'll be able to process, eventually be able to process a lot more information… So, it will be interesting to see how that changes. That's how I really expect things to go. As a historian, I do worry about what's going to get lost in the gaps we're not reading through everything. And sometimes what's interesting is what's in the gaps. But I do take it realistically these tools are there and they're going to be enormously helpful.

Do you have any closing thoughts on these tools and when and how to use them?

Dr Trembinski: Like I said, assignments, and, first of all, I think I'm going to do it again because the students were really engaged in thinking about it. Sometimes I don't think they know we know the stuff. I'm eager to see where it goes. I think we ignore technology at our own peril.

But it's pretty interesting to have some of the more creative stuff that is coming up and it'd be interesting to have students produce something and then critique it, like a sonnet or something like that. I can see lots of ways, so I don't want my students to be afraid of that. And I don't want to be afraid of it myself. I want them to see what they can do with it and have fun.

Interview With Derin Derici

This week, I sat down with student Derin Derici to discuss some fundraising efforts she organized for Turkey. As most know, Turkey and Syria were hit with 7.8 and 7.7 earthquakes on February 6, 2023. The damage has been severe, and the people of Turkey and Syria need our help.

When beginning the interview, I asked Ms. Derici to introduce herself. Derin Derici is currently in her fifth year at StFX. She has already completed a degree in Marketing last year and will graduate with a degree in Economics this year. Originally from Bolu, Turkey, Ms. Derici has been very involved in the campus community. She works for Convenience U and X-Patrol. She has given campus tours and been the International Representative for the Students’ Union. Furthermore, Ms. Derici has acted as an off-campus leader as well. Currently, Ms. Derici is also the Marketing Director for the Schwartz Business Society.

When asked about her fundraising efforts, Ms. Derici said that “When the earthquake first started, we did fundraising tables.” These were up from reading week until mid-March. Before the fundraising began, Derin Derici had also set up posters around campus with QR codes so students could send direct donations. She said that Elizabeth Yeo and Susan Grant helped in the process of the posters as well. As we discussed the posters, Ms. Derici explained that 50 million people have had to migrate because of the earthquakes in Turkey. Of other activities Ms. Derici said that “the Inn on the Wednesday Wing Night, both [Sean Ryan and Shawn Kieley], they gave permission to give half of the cover fees to the earthquake fund.”

Ms. Derici has also been involved in off-campus fundraising. She is a member of the Turkish Society of Nova Scotia’s marketing board. The Turkish Society of Nova Scotia has also been raising funds for relief efforts. They are to host a ceremony for Turkey in Halifax, including the raising of the Turkish flag. Ms. Derici is currently working with the society virtually, though she is excited to go to Halifax to be able to continue her efforts physically within the society. Elizabeth Yeo and Susan Grant also “made a huge website” for the fundraising efforts. As per Ms. Derici, they have been very diligent about updating the website for each new fundraising event. The Turkish flag was also raised on the university campus and Morrison Hall has been illuminated with red lights to represent the Turkish flag as well.

It is not to say that fundraising has been a walk in the park. Certain events that were to take place could not as there were not enough students available to organize tables around campus simultaneously.

When asked about the amounts raised, Ms. Derici said “so far, the fundraising table, we raised $758, I’m assuming.” The Inn also raised an additional $400 for the fundraiser by splitting the Wing Night cover fees. As for other planned events, Ms. Derici mentioned that all donations made at the Schwartz Business Society’s end of year banquet will be given for Turkey. As per donations at the event, Ms. Derici explained that “With the Schwartz Business Society, we are expecting $1000 approximately in the end of March.” Jars had also been set in each residence on campus and the donations from said jars will be collected soon as well. As for the Turkish Society of Nova Scotia, Ms. Derici stated that “they raised $20,000 so far and then that’s only the first round of fundraising.” When MPs Sean Fraser and Seamus O’Regan came to give a talk earlier in the semester, they offered their support and any help they may be able to give.

Ms. Derici has a link in her Instagram bio where students can directly donate to non-governmental organizations. Ms. Derici also suggested students visit AHBAP.com, as it “is an earthquake fund for Turkish organizations.” She also mentioned that Red Cross Canada has an earthquake fund, too. Ms. Derici also informed us that the Turkish Society of Nova Scotia shares all fundraising events on their social media platforms and has links on their platforms where anyone can donate.

I then asked Ms. Derici if there was anything else she would like students to know. She stated that “An earthquake like this, it’s gonna take 5 years to repair the whole cities.” She said that multiple rounds of fundraising over the next few years will be necessary to help repair the cities. If students can donate more than once over the span of this time, it would be extremely helpful to the people of Turkey. There are also ongoing efforts to bring Turkish families to Canada and Turkish students in Canada trying to reunite with their families as well. She urged students to continue their support and to keep donating, when possible.

Forensic Psychology Program at StFX and the Annual Forensic Psychology Day

 The applied forensic psychology program at STFX is 1 of 4 undergraduate programs in forensic psychology across Canada. The program recently (in 2020) was adapted to the 4-year undergraduate program that it is today, before the only option was a 2-year concentration of forensic psychology which began in 2013. The program has grown exponentially in the last few years and is providing lots of opportunities for students in regard to practicum placements and future opportunities.

Forensic psychology is the interface between psy- chology and law. The applied part is referring to the practical skills that are also emphasized in the program. Such skills include active listening, critical thinking skills, clinical/investigative interviewing and psychological profiling.

So, what do most students of Forensic Psychology do after they leave StFX? A few students currently in the program took the initiative of tracking down previous students of either the 4-year undergraduate program or the previous 2-year concentration to find out what careers they are in now. The results they gathered indicated that the majority of students go into fields such as clinical psychology, counseling, social work, policing, and law.

The program headed by Dr. Watt is set to host the annual Forensic Psychology day at X coming up on March 10th. There will be several guest speakers coming in to give talks on a variety of different forensic psychology areas. Just a few of the speakers include Dr. Mary Ann Campbell from the University of New Brunswick, who will be giving a talk on trauma informed police interviewing. Dr. Ternes from Saint Mary’s University will be speaking on deception and lie detection. This day is something many students in the program can look forward to, the talks will surely be informative and may even give students an indication of where the Forensic Psychology degree at StFX could lead them in the future.

I personally am excited for the annual Forensic Psychology Day at StFX, I have really enjoyed being a part of the program and can’t wait to see where the program goes moving forward!

Interview with Christian Lejeune, First Year Representative

What made you pick X?

“I wanted to get away from home, just get a different scenery than Calgary and get out of Alberta- learn to be completely reliant on myself and not need my parents anymore in my life. As much as I love to have them in it, I like to be independent. I had a few family friends recommend STFX.”

What made you pick Mac?

“My gym teacher in Calgary told me that Mac’s the party residence so that’s why I had it as my top choice and I was happy when I heard I got in.”

Fastest shotgun record?

“I’m not an impressive shotgunner. You’d think with the amount that I do it I would’ve improved but no. I honestly don’t even time it, I couldn't even tell you that. But not the best.”

What made you decide to run for house council, and later first-year rep?

‘I really like getting involved in positions where you have a say in what goes.  I learned about house council before I learned about the First Year Rep Position, I just saw that I could get involved with planning stuff in Mac, and thought ‘yah, I want to do that’. Then later I found out about the first Year Rep Position, so I applied for that and somehow won the vote. And I’ve been loving it so far.”

Why do you think you got picked over Kevin Bronson and Phoebe Cesario?

“That’s tough, they were good candidates, they were good candidates, they probably would’ve done a great job in the role. I think I got it because I had most of Mac backing me up and I also branched out early in the year and met people in the other residences.

How’s working at the U?

‘It’s a super friendly group of people and it's a fun time whenever we have our council meetings. I’ve tried to talk with as many first years as possible and see what problems they may have or things they want changed; many issues people seemed to have been with residence life so I brought that up and will see if there’s any flexibility. Another thing people mentioned was more X-fest events throughout the year and lots of people were asking questions about house hockey.”

I haven’t heard much about MacBurke. What's happening with that?

“Yeah, so they’re not doing that.  Our first council meeting I asked about that.’ And we found out, that every residence gets just one game against a different residence so for Mac it’ll be against Riley. We’re not allowed to play any of the other residences and not Bishop’s. It's not tournament style either which is also unfortunate. I think that they're doing this as a stepping stone to get back into the tournament style, they hadn’t done it in the past few years because of both Covid and damages in past tournaments. They wanted to put that to an end, and this is their way of seeing how it works. If every residence has one game and it all goes well then maybe, they’ll reintroduce the tournament. I’ll be coaching the Mac team against Riley.’

Any comments on the U General Elections?

“Congrats to both for doing so well, they had a super close election. I would’ve been glad to see it go either way, I think they're both great, capable people.”

Can we expect to see more of Christian Lejeune running in later years?

“It’s safe to say yes.”

So Finally, Kenny’s or the Wheel?

“Kenny’s, I got to say Kenny’s.”

The Best Christmas Starbucks Drinks

It’s no secret that StFX students love Starbucks. And there’s no better time to go to Starbucks than Christmas (I mean who doesn’t love their Christmas cups!). So, why don’t you try out something new?

Below are some of the best Christmas drinks to get at Starbucks this Christmas!

1. Caramel Brulé Latte

2. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha

3. Peppermint Mocha

4. Irish Cream Cold Brew

5. Iced Sugar Cookie Oat Milk Latte (this is also non-dairy!)

6. Chestnut Praline Latte

7. Salted Caramel Mocha Latte

The Ultimate Christmas Movie Bucket List

It’s that time of year. The time where you can cuddle up by the fire with a big blanket, some hot cocoa and binge watch your favorite Christmas movies. We compiled a list of some of the best Christmas movies to get you in the holiday spirit!

1. For a classic, watch: The Scrooge.

2. A newer movie: Bad Moms Christmas.

3. For some romance, try: Love, Actually.

4. For some more laughs, watch: The Family Man.

5. My personal favorite: Christmas with the Kranks.

6. For some 90s action, try out: Miracle on 34th Street.

7. Is it really Christmas if you don’t watch The Grinch?

8. It also can’t be Christmas without watching Home Alone.

9. Or Elf.

10. Don’t forget everyone’s dad’s favorite movie: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

11. And everyone’s mom’s favorite: It’s a Wonderful Life.

12. The Holiday is sure to hit you in your feelings.

13. Every teacher’s favorite Christmas movie: Polar Express.

14. A family classic: A Charlie Brown Christmas.

15. To remember your childhood: Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas!

16. Something you don’t want to watch around Grandma: Bad Santa.

17. We can’t forget this classic: A Christmas Story.

18. And lastly, for something a little scary: Krampus.

So, how many do you think you can watch before Christmas?

‘Tis the season!

How to Destress During Finals: X Tips

1. Watch a Christmas Movie

‘Tis the season. Hanukkah films are also a vibe.

2. Read a Book

Actually, that’s probably the last thing you want to do during finals.

3. Procrastinate For Hours on Instagram

Because after that you’re definitely going to get started on your essay.

4. Grab a Carton of Eggnog

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a splash of maple syrup and a couple of cups of Bacardi.

5. Call Your Family

Honestly, if you want to destress you’re better off reading a book.

6. Smoke Weed

Don’t waste your money at the NLSC, the rez has pretty good $40 ounces.

7. Go For a Drive

If you don’t know anyone with a car and are stressed out by the thought of hitchhiking, going for a walk is almost as good.

8. Go Shopping

Good luck with that. You’re in Antigonish.

9. Go Online Shopping

Get started on gift shopping for the holidays. But stick to a budget and remember you’re paying ten thousand dollars a year to be here. Speaking of which:

10. Don’t Check Your Bank Account

One problem at a time.

11. Go to The Library

A good place to study and the staff are going to be a bigger help with your bibliography than SparkNotes.

12. Listen to Christmas Songs

I don’t have any Hanukkah tracks on my Christmas playlist but I’m sure they go hard.

13. Go to Meal Hall

And remember you don’t have to eat there till 2023. Mom’s asparagus eggplant fettuccine never looked so good.

14. Build a Snowman

When you give up halfway through you’ll be bored enough to start studying.

15. Delete Tinder

Because finals are depressing enough.

16. Reinstall Tinder

But if you’re gonna spend the night at their place bring your laptop and class notes.

17. Avoid The News

Unless you want to see World War 3.

Exchange at StFX: What You Need to Know

International exchange applications are now open for the 2023-2024 school year! To be eligible for exchange, you must be a student going into their second or third year of study, have a GPA above 70%, have at least 30 credit hours, and not be on academic probation. If you are interested in participating in the exchange program, it is important to meet with an Education Abroad Advisor to ensure you are eligible and to help you begin the application process! If you are interested in meeting with an Education Abroad Advisor, email exchange@stfx.ca.

The application process entails the preparation of application documents, filling out a preliminary study plan, and an interview before being granted final approval. If you want to participate in the exchange program for the 2023-2024 school year, the final deadline to submit applications is January 15, 2023. Check mystfx.ca for eligibility requirements and the list of countries with partner schools below to see which university you are eligible to attend: Barbados, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom.

The DIRT on StFX Donors

StFX released its Donor Impact Report (DIRT) for 2020-2021, a document lavishly praising the individuals and groups who gave money to the institution. Many donors gave less than $500, most less than $1000. The highest spot on the list is claimed by the Lifetime Xaverian Patrons whose cumulative donations often exceed millions of dollars. If it seems unlikely that one could afford to be that philanthropic with a clean conscience, it’s because it is. DIRT explains that while the university receives funds from other sources, it’s simply not enough; “Although operational costs continue to increase, government funding to universities has diminished over the years — and, we cannot raise tuition beyond competitive rates without risking enrolment.”  In 2011-2012 local tuition was $5,108—for 2022-2023, it was $9,650 (adjusting for inflation $5,108 in 2011 is $6,479 in 2022). Evidently, the administration feels that it has squeezed the student body for every penny it can, and now must find another benefactor with a chequebook and a pen.

The ethical standards that StFX holds for its students and faculty are a reflection of the institution. StFX’s official motto, Quaecumque Sunt Vera, means “to preserve and convey ‘whatsoever things are true.’” StFX extends this motto beyond academia to the individual person. Integrity, dignity, and respect for the worth of each individual are important values to the university; however, this standard is not held to donors.

With their names on every plaque, hall, building and bench on campus—not to mention DIRT—the names of those who gave money are easy to find. How they got the money is unmentioned.

This article was not written to persuade StFX to refuse donations as someone must pay the obscene cost of post-secondary studies and why not it be the bourgeoisie who can afford it rather than raising tuition on an already indebted student population? Nor is it to criticize the administration, which has the unenviable task of running a university for thousands of students and staff. But an understanding of what is funding our education is important, ignorance on the matter would be an academic disservice. StFX should encourage a healthy discussion on the subject; hypocrisy is not too strong a word for an institution that will prostitute the prestige of a name on its donor list and reap the benefits of sins committed for profit without acknowledging them.

Barrick Gold, a Canadian Mining Company, has given more than $500,000 to StFX. While generous, it’s much less than the $5 million Barrick has paid in fines over the last 20 years for the workplace and environmental violations in the US. Those infractions pale compared to a $16 million fine in Chile after the native population near the Pascua-Lama mine developed cancerous growths. They have dozens of mines across the globe and countless crimes.

Sean Boyd, who was CEO of Agnico Eagle Mines for over 20 years and is its current Chairman is listed as giving the same amount. AEN got fined in 2013 for chemically contaminating fisheries in Nunavut, then again in 2017. Not only does AEN disrespect Nunavut’s environment and wildlife, but also its culture; last year, they faced backlash after an internal campaign to discourage Inuit workers from speaking Inuktitut at work was made public.

StFX is committed to sustainability. This includes a push to make the campus more pedestrian friendly. It also includes accepting cash from Big Oil. Allan P Markin, former Chairman of Canadian Natural Resources Limited gave between $1 and $5 million. It’s unclear if Markin should be criticized more for CNRL’s long history of oil spills or for a 2-million-dollar lawsuit where he sued his stepson for custody of the kid’s dog; a birthday present Markin ‘gifted’ him.

Over a million dollars from Imperial Oil Foundation- a Canadian subsidiary of ExxonMobil, the planet’s biggest and most infamous carbon company.  And of course, there are millions from various members of the Irving clan, Atlantic Canada’s (R)oil family.   

Magna International, a car chair manufacturer, gave more than $250 000 to X. Magna, notoriously anti-union here at home, faced widespread condemnation in 2020 for retaliatory firings and union-busting attempts against organizers in the Balkans. Magna’s CEO was the second highest paid in Canada in 2017 netting $20.4 million, not including $24.5 million in unexercised stock options. In 2018, surprise pay cuts shut down plants in Serbia; management stiffed some workers for between $30-$200.

One of the more recognizable names on the list is Chairman and CEO of Blackstone, Stephen A. Schwarzman, who headed Donald Trump’s Strategic and Policy Forum. He made headlines during the Obama administration for comments on the President’s plan to raise the taxes on carried interest, saying “It’s a war. It’s like when Hitler invaded Poland in 1939.” Under Schwarzman Blackstone began buying up single-family homes after the 2008 financial crisis and leasing them out exorbitantly. To cover their investment, Blackstone paid over $8 million to fight a California bill that would allow municipalities to legislate rent control. Blackstone settled in 2018, then again in 2019 for over $20 million because a motel chain it owned gave guest lists to ICE without a warrant in a cowardly attempt to deport migrants. Schwarzman donated over a million dollars to the university.

Wafic Said, a good friend of Brian Mulroney, has donated over four million dollars to StFX in exchange for his name in gold at Mulroney Hall and an honorary doctorate. A billionaire international arms dealer who bought an $800,000 shortcut to obtain Canadian Citizenship in the 80s (over $1.5 million today), Said was involved in a British criminal probe into bribes paid to Saudi Princes for the sale of warplanes to the authoritarian regime. The investigation was closed as a result from pressure from the Saudi government.

Victor Dadelah has his name just below Said’s on DIRT, as well as in the Victor Dadelah Chair in Democracy and Governance at the Mulroney Institute. Not long ago, Dadelah also had his name all over the Panama Papers, the notorious list of aristocrats who cheated taxes for years. Dadelah has distanced himself from La Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee, a mining company he partially owns through a long string of subsidiaries. CBG has been denounced by Human Rights Watch for polluting the water and air in the Boko region of Guinee.

Not to forget a few more of the charitable people who contributed to StFX: billionaire Urs Schwarzenbach has admitted to trafficking and tax evasion in European art dealing, ‘Honourable’ Hal NR Jackman was charged with six counts of political financing breaches and Fred George was President and Chairman of Gammon Gold when Gammon lied about the amount of gold it would produce. George, who is an ‘Honorary’ Naval Captain, responded to the resulting $13 million dollar lawsuit by saying “Everything I promise, I deliver”. Except for gold. Quaecumque Sunt Vera. (All three men donated over a million dollars).

H.B Morley was an executive of Stauffer Chemicals when the company polluted the environment near a factory in Pinellas County Florida. He was chairman when it was accused of lying about its earnings by the SEC. Morley and Larry Tannebaum, owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, both gave over half a million dollars.

When discussing StFX’s benefactors it’s impossible to forget Gerald Schwartz, the patron and namesake of the Gerald Schwartz School of Business. In 2021 his company, Onex Corp. was ordered to pay $40 million dollars for its role in a door manufacturing price-fixing conspiracy. One would hope this is not the sort of business practice being taught in the classrooms at Schwartz.

A New Class of Xaverians, and What Their X-Rings Say

On December 3, 2020, as per Xaverian tradition, the class of 2021 received their coveted X-Rings. Deciding what to engrave on the inside of one’s ring can be a big decision, and we were curious about what this year’s class had in mind — so we asked them to tell us about what they chose! To learn more about each ring, click on a photo and mouse over it to read the wearer’s explanation.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize