By William Li, Contributor
CW: Racism
On Jan. 27, somebody with too much time on their hands decided to put fake quarantine notices on a residence room door, complete with McMaster University letterhead and yellow caution tape. McMaster quickly issued a clarifying statement—no, the coronavirus had not arrived on campus, and no, the notices are not legitimate.
The stunt was deeply insensitive to those who have been and are being affected by coronavirus, though it was not unique. Somebody at Queen’s University decided to throw a coronavirus-themed party complete with surgical masks and biohazard decor. Additionally, there have been numerous reported incidents of Chinese people, and East Asians more broadly, being stereotyped as dirty and diseased.
Outrage in response to these incidents is understandably justified. The Wuhan coronavirus, which the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency, has already killed hundreds and infected tens of thousands. These aforementioned incidents expose a stunning disregard for the anguish and anxiety that many ethnic Chinese folks are experiencing. Our traumas are rendered as props for amusement; our bodies are reduced to objects of stigma.
However, outrage alone is inadequate. Likewise, thoughts and prayers, while appreciated, should not be used as an excuse to avoid more substantial discourse and action. Instead, we must do more.
For one, McMaster Daily News’ coronavirus frequently asked questions would be significantly more helpful if it at least acknowledged the racism on campus. Secondly, alongside calling out racism, we must also critically examine why coronavirus is a serious issue, so that students are better able to discuss it without being dismissive or discriminatory.
A fake sign put up as a prank in a residence hall. The original photo was posted on Spotted at Mac, a confession page for McMaster students.
Some students have suggested that media hoopla is triggering an overreaction—that, based on the numbers, coronavirus might even be less lethal than the flu. However, this unfairly dismisses legitimate concerns.
Firstly, as students, we must refrain from medical hot takes until more information becomes available. Currently, nobody knows how accurate the Chinese government’s numbers are given their history of dishonesty, such as during the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak, experts have cautioned that coronavirus figures are likely higher than what officials are willing, or able, to report. For example, many have questioned the low figures for Xinjiang, especially given the crowded conditions in the concentration camps holding Uyghur Muslims.
However, we should not refrain from criticizing the structural injustices that created this crisis. The silencing and subsequent death of whistleblower Li Wenliang shows how the Chinese Communist Party, with its toxic nationalism and intolerance of dissent, has created a deficient governance system that prioritizes submission to authority over justice and transparency. The anguish in China—desperate people crowding overwhelmed hospitals, others dying in the streets—makes criticism essential to ensuring government accountability for the suffering.
Understanding these circumstances—the lack of verifiable information and the structural injustices at play—provides crucial context. Both create uncertainty, which then encourages extra caution.
For example, China has led the way in travel restrictions, quarantining first Wuhan, then nearly the entire province of Hubei. Other countries soon followed: Singapore, Taiwan, Australia and dozens more have since banned arrivals from Mainland China. Although the efficacy of travel restrictions is debatable, such dramatic measures show a desire to take precautions against an unknown disease with no cure or vaccine.
On campus, some students have taken precautions as well, most visibly with wearing face masks. Unfortunately, mask wearers have since become targets for stigmatization, as if everybody wearing one is either infected with coronavirus or being overly dramatic. In reality, mask-wearing predates coronavirus, and is a versatile East Asian cultural practice, such as with K-pop inspired fashion accessories or symbols of popular resistance in Hong Kong.
During flu season (or international epidemics), wearing a mask is also basic social etiquette in keeping your germs to yourself—nobody likes being stuck in a bus or lecture hall next to somebody coughing like a trombone, mouth uncovered and germs spewing everywhere. Surgical masks also offer basic protection against liquid droplets, thus making them a sensible complement to handwashing. Next time you see somebody wearing one on campus, please be considerate of the cultural and hygienic reasons for wearing masks, instead of responding with fear or ridicule.
In the coming weeks, please be mindful of what others, especially those of us with friends or family in China, are going through. Call out racism when you see it, but don’t stop there. Take time to critically analyze the systemic problems behind the coronavirus outbreak, though refrain from conflating criticism of the Chinese government with denigrations of China or Chinese people. We should all be outraged at the public health disaster in China; we must simultaneously be supportive of fellow students who are negatively impacted. Racism and ignorance detract from these efforts, and thus we must resist efforts to divide us during times of crisis.
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In last week’s referendum, full-time undergraduate students voted to uphold the current agreement between Hamilton Street Railway and the McMaster Students Union, which gives students bus passes for 12 months with expanded service on the 51-University bus line.
Out of five options, 43 per cent of students that voted chose the 12 month expanded bus pass as their top choice on the ranked ballot.
Students also had the option to decide between a 12 month pass without expanded service, an eight month pass with or without expanded service and no bus pass at all.
Prior to 2014, the MSU provided a subsidized HSR bus pass that lasted from September to April. In a 2014 referendum, students voted overwhelmingly in support of a year-round bus pass with expanded 51-University service.
The MSU renews their contract with the HSR every three years. Students voted to uphold the agreement in 2017, and did the same this year.
To establish the agreement for the base fee of the bus pass, the MSU engaged in a negotiation process with the HSR alongside the university, Redeemer college and Mohawk college.
In September 2019, students paid $225.55 for their bus passes. Next year, under the renewed agreement, they will cost $223.92, climbing to $229.62 in 2022. In comparison, an unsubsidized monthly HSR bus pass costs $110 per month, or $1,320 for a full year.
According to a 2017 briefing from the McMaster Graduate Student Association, the city of Hamilton has a vested interest in offering a reduced bus fare. A subsidized bus pass encourages students to explore the city, which can in turn lead to greater population retention.
The HSR stands to benefit from this deal as well. Approximately 12 per cent of the revenue collected by the HSR comes from the McMaster U-pass.
McMaster is one of many post-secondary institutions across southwestern Ontario to provide some sort of subsidized bus pass for undergraduate students. Within Hamilton, Mohawk college and Redeemer college also offer subsidized bus passes for students. Students at Queen’s University, the University of Western Ontario and the University of Guelph also decide via referenda to provide compulsory passes for undergraduate students. The costs vary depending on the university, ranging from $90 to $240.
Now that the McMaster bus pass has been voted on via referendum, students cannot opt out of the fee. This is because, when HSR knows how many students will pay the fee, they can project service levels and secure revenue. In turn, they agree to provide a bus pass at a substantially reduced cost.
After the student choice initiative was announced in January 2019, there was some concern that the bus passes would be designated as non-essential, which would have prevented the MSU from making an agreement with the HSR for subsidized bus passes.
In February of last year, Merrilee Fullerton, then the minister of training, colleges and universities, announced that the bus passes would remain mandatory.
The agreement with the HSR will be renegotiated in 2023.
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Recently, Hamilton has seen an influx of craft breweries establishing themselves around the city. With craft beer on the rise, MERIT Brewing Company is one of the industry leaders, brewing locally in their space on 107 James St. North.
Co-founder of MERIT and McMaster alumnus, Tej Sandhu, wanted to create a communal, welcoming space by combining a tap room, brewery, kitchen and bottle shop.
“Really what we hope it is, is a space for community around [MERIT]. So much of what we built this place to be is to facilitate conversation, facilitate our community, and facilitate a great experience for people around these things that we love producing . . . in a space that is easy to get to, that is accessible, that’s inclusive, that is open and that is friendly and warm. Those are things that we had as our goal for what we wanted the space to be but for what we keep as our goals for everything we do as well,” said Sandhu.
MERIT Brewing Company on James Street North.
On Oct. 1, the Ontario Craft Brewers, a membership trade association that represents local breweries in Ontario, participated in a government roundtable in the Niagara region. The OCB represents the voices of approximately 30 per cent of craft breweries around Ontario
“We participated in the roundtable to provide our perspective and make sure the voice of local brewers is heard on potential changes to the alcohol system, which are critical to our future growth and success,” said the OCB via their Twitter account.
(1/2) The Ontario Government is currently consulting on potential reforms to Ontario’s beverage alcohol sector. As Niagara is home to many craft producers, the govt hosted a series of roundtables this weekend w/ reps from craft wineries, distillers, cideries, and breweries.
— Ontario Craft Brewers (@OntCraftBrewers) September 29, 2019
(2/2) We participated in the roundtable to provide our perspective and make sure the voice of local brewers is heard on potential changes to the alcohol system, which are critical to our future growth and success.
— Ontario Craft Brewers (@OntCraftBrewers) September 29, 2019
The association also shared photos with Sam Oosterhoff, a Progressive Conservative member of provincial parliament from the Niagara-West riding. Oosterhoff has claimed that he wants to remove abortion rights. Additionally, he has actively opposed Bill 128 — the All Families Are Equal act, a piece of legislation that removes the words "mother" and "father" in favour of gender-neutral terms allowing all parents to be treated equally. He continues to defend his socio-political beliefs when confronted by the media. The tweets promoting Oosterhoff with the OCB were taken down after being posted.
The original tweets posted by Ontario Craft Brewers following an event with Sam Oosterhoof and Ontario breweries. This tweet has since been removed off of the OCB Twitter account.
Ontario Craft Brewers tweeted this photo with Sam Oosterhoff at a roundtable event. The photo has since been removed off of the OCB Twitter account.
Although not an OCB member, MERIT Brewing Company released a statement about the OCB’s event via their Facebook page on Oct. 1.
“MERIT was not part of this discussion, nor are we members of the OCB, but we would like to say that we are unequivocally against the views of MPP Oosterhoff and outraged over the OCB’s decision to promote their work with him as some sort of gain for the industry or brushed off as part of their responsibility to work with the government,” said the statement.
MERIT turned their attention to the community that was being affected by the OCB’s statement. The team reflected on their values of creating a welcoming, diverse space but found that the industry association that indirectly represents them was doing the opposite.
“While working together with the government is a good thing — when there's someone whose beliefs, outside of beer . . . are directly attacking not only owners of the businesses but staff members, people who are our guests and our consumers, that really strikes a chord as something that . . . the OCB did without thinking [about] what the implications are,” said Sandhu. “. . . We were angry because even if you're not an OCB member, the OCB indirectly represents our industry. They are the only association that we have. Their stance [on] promotion and their communication is reflective of our entire industry in Ontario.”
The OCB has issued an apology on Twitter.
— Ontario Craft Brewers (@OntCraftBrewers) October 1, 2019
Sandhu emphasized that MERIT, and all members of the OCB, had the responsibility to hold higher organizations accountable for their actions.
While MERIT had voiced their concerns on an industry level, Sandhu also reflected on local level concerns in Hamilton.
On Oct. 1, as a part of Hamilton’s “Fast 40” initiative, local and fast-growing businesses were recognized for contributing to the city’s economic development. MERIT Brewing Company was one business amongst many to receive the award given by mayor Fred Eisenberger. In light of tensions between Eisenberger and the LGBTQA2S+ community, while MERIT claimed their reward, they left shortly before a photo opportunity with Eisenberger.
Merit Brewing Company has recently been recognized by the City of Hamilton for contributing to the city’s economic development.
“There has been a ton of conversation internally about the handling of the LGBT community, the mayor’s response to the concerns that have been raised and the threat to our staff that are part of the community as well. [Our] action wasn’t meant to be a massive ‘F-U’ to the mayor, it was a way we could ask for accountability. It was something that was small that we thought would have, at the very least, an impact on showing our staff and our guests that we are standing up for them and not standing with someone who isn’t protecting them,” said Sandhu.
MERIT Brewing Company does not see themselves as a voice for marginalized communities, but rather as a microphone that allows their voices be heard. MERIT felt that their action was a step towards greater accountability among local leaders.
Regardless, you don't take a picture of brewery owners smiling and raising a glass with this guy. It's horrible PR. pic.twitter.com/W7njlY6jMu
— Robin LeBlanc, from work (@TheThirstyWench) September 30, 2019
Eisenberger has asked to sit down and meet with MERIT. While the company did not confirm a meeting before this article was released, Sandhu hopes to open a door for members of the community to start communicating with the mayor.
“Conversation is not enough; action needs to follow a conversation . . . You still need to have conversations to get to action . . . We’re trying to do our part. It’s inherent and embedded in what MERIT’s about, from why we are called “MERIT” to what we strive to do here and have be our experience. This is something that we feel is not only our responsibility, it’s our privilege to be able to speak out on these things and it’s something that we are doing because we’re passionate about it,” said Sandu.
Local businesses like MERIT Brewing Company are lending their voice to members of marginalized communities in hopes of not only starting a conversation but also demanding action.
The Silhouette has reached out via email to Ontario Craft Brewers and the office of MPP Sam Oosterhoff for comment; however, we have not received a response.
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With social media being a modern tool in helping people discover cities, it’s no surprise that Hamilton’s fast growing arts and culture scene is dominating local’s Instagram feeds. If you’re new to McMaster or maybe aren’t as involved in the #HamOnt scene as much as you’d care to admit, it can be daunting and tough to find relevant-to-you accounts to follow. Here is your go-to guide for some of Hamilton’s most interesting, most helpful and most quirky Instagram accounts!
1. @awakemcmaster - You know those little delicious chocolates infused with caffeine? Well Awake McMaster’s IG account tells you where to get them for free on campus!
2. @macssc - The Student Success Center’s account is prime for seeing various academic opportunities for students!
3. @maccampusstore - Keep up to date with all sales, giveaways and new merch!
4. @bruhaexclusive - Hamilton’s online ticket selling platform has a colourful feed that informs you of all the cool events happening in the city.
5. @mydogscafe - For all your dogs-in-coffee-shop needs.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZUI3x_llGZ/?taken-by=mydogscafe
6. @HamiltonVintageCollective - An IG account that reposts exciting items from all of Hamilton’s online vintage sellers.
7. @sexdrugshamont - Not as dirty as it sounds, sexdrugshamont’s feed is full of landscapes, Hamilton architecture and photography.
8. @933cfmu - Our media sibling here at Mac, CFMU is McMaster’s local radio station!
9. @mcmasterbiogreenhouse - Find out about exciting McMaster greenhouse events, like when the rotting corpse plant is in bloom or when the plants sales are happening!
10. @hamontmarket - Peep the deliciousness and local goods of the Hamilton Farmer’s Market!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZYkzmphW6h/?taken-by=hamontmarket
11. @gwgshop - A cool local clothing brand that has a fiery IG feed.
12. @munchkinslime - Slime accounts are all the rage right now! Check out Hamilton’s only slime specific IG!
13. @cakeandloaf - This local bakery makes the most aesthetic baked goods for your Instafeed.
14. @so_beerboys - Into beer and Southern Ontario brews? This account is for you!
15. @rabit.Tiger - A weird gem of an account, Rabbit Tiger is a stuffed tiger “taking on [HamOnt] one paw at a time” (I think this is run by a child, but let’s give them some love.)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZWi0lVhHie/?taken-by=rabit.tiger
16. @redchurchcafe - Pictures from one of the most aesthetically pleasing coffee shops in the city!
17. @girlonthewing - Patches, plants and femme apparel, Girl on the Wing’s IG feed is exactly like stepping into her store on King St East.
18. @hairythelonghair - Missing your family’s fur baby? Hairy the Cat can help quell your sadness.
19. @donutmonsterhamilton - Hamilton’s fave donut shop only does limited runs! Turn on IG notifications so you can be up-to-date with which flavours are available.
20. @nolunchmoney1280 - Find out where to get free food on campus!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZZjEv-B04y/?taken-by=nolunchmoney1280
21. @hamiltontigercats - Go sports! If you like Football, go support our local CFL team!
22. @hamiltonflea - Need to furnish your student house on a budget? Check out Hamilton Flea.
23. @herecomesthebrain - Into dark, candlelit bars with craft beer? The Brain is here for all your eclectic needs. (Also they show their daily pie selection on IG.)
24. @cheapiesrecords - Stay up to date on what awesome vinyl’s are in stock at Hamilton’s favourite record store!
25. @brdtattoos - Need a sick line tattoo in Hamilton? Brett Davis Tattoo’s has your back (or literally any other part of your skin.) Tell him Susie sent ya!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwJjdaAY0Z/?taken-by=brdtattoos
26. @sugarbone - A McMaster alumni student of the Multimedia program, and Insta famous artist, Cheyanne of Sugarbones has all your kawaii patches, pins and apparel needs covered.
27. @ihearthamont - Kristen Archer is HamOnt’s biggest fan. Her Instagram shows you in the ins and outs of new and old Hamilton businesses and events.
28. @hamiltonstreetart - Hamilton is home to many artists, some of which take their art to the streets, literally! Hamilton Street Art documents the beautiful murals and graffiti around the city.
29. @awesomehamont - The Academy of All Things Awesome brings you the most unique pop-up events in Hamilton!
30. @havnode - Havn’s IG account gives you an inside look of what's happening in the gallery and event space.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZFFjhmBoKh/?taken-by=havnode
31. @rebuildhamilton - Interested in checking out unique architecture around the Hammer? Rebuild Hamilton has you covered.
32. @TasteofHamilton - Looking for HamOnt’s tastiest foods? Check out Taste of Hamilton.
33. @hamilton_tool_library - Into DIY projects but don’t want to buy expensive tools? For $29 a year, you can rent them out at the Hamilton Tool Library!
34. @hamfemprenerus - Connecting Hamilton's women identifying entrepreneurs!
35. @hamiltonburlingtonspca - Dogs, puppers, fluffers and kittens! Check out all the local animal friends that are ready to be adopted!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZaAWoUHf9D/?taken-by=hamiltonburlingtonspca
36. @cupofhamilton - Trying to find the best coffee in the city? Look no further, as Cup of Hamilton does all the work for you.
37. @meetmeinhamilton - Kind of like Humans of New York or Humans of McMaster, Meet Me in Hamilton photographs and shares stories of Hamilton locals.
38. @hauntedhamilton - Feeling spooooooky? Get in the Halloween mood with ghost tours of Hamilton!
39. @hamiltonskies - Hamilton skies are way too beautiful not to take pictures of. Submit yours to this IG account!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYtEF0YlQjT/?taken-by=mcmastersilhouette
By: Abdullah Elsayes
For years, the Hamilton population has been growing below the national average growth rate, but things are about to change for this underrated city.
Hamilton is investing in long-term developments that will bring in more residents to this city and enhance the living conditions for current inhabitants. Ultimately, this will better the city’s average population growth rate.
First, it is important to acknowledge Hamilton’s history since we all have a role to play in the city’s contemporary development.
From the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, Hamilton was recognized for its industrial production, specifically, its steel production.
In the late-twentieth century, other aspects of the economy took precedence, especially the technology we take for granted, and Hamilton was reckoned a post-industrial economy.
Its image failed to match the growing economic sectors of the modern era. This, of course, contributed to a slow city population growth.
Earlier this year, Hamilton founded the Our Future Hamilton initiative with a focus to further enhance the city in the next 25 years. This proposal concentrates its priorities on community engagement, economic prosperity, public health and safety, environmental responsibility, built infrastructure and culture and social diversity.
As of the 2017 budget, it is evident that the city has begun its investments towards their future planning. City council has allocated $2.2 million towards downtown and commercial districts, $14.5 million towards recreation and $27.2 million towards West Harbour development.
It is clear that the city is devoting its finances for a more convivial Hamilton atmosphere, which is something we will all benefit from.
In the late-20th century, other aspects of the economy took precedence, especially the technology we take for granted, and Hamilton was reckoned a post-industrial economy.
Moreover, this initiative also makes Hamilton residences one of the most affordable in the Greater Toronto Area. For instance, the average cost of Hamilton city centre real estate is $4,165.10 per square metre, much cheaper than its neighbouring cities such as Toronto with $7,525.11 per square metre. This alone is attracting people, and potentially students, to the city hence increasing the population growth rate, which is great in terms of Hamilton’s economy and urban development. As Hamilton continues to develop, we will be exposed to a tremendous city that sufficiently provides community engagement, public health and safety, environmental responsibility, and social and cultural diversity.
As a result, more students will have the opportunity to engage in their community off campus and commit themselves to activities and livings they enjoy. Over 55,000 community members have pledged their opinions for the Our Future Hamilton initiative. It is clear that this development is for the residents of Hamilton, and the students of McMaster University. All of us have something to enjoy from this city’s planning. We’re in for a bright future in the years to come.
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By: Alexander Sallas
Content warning: article contains mentions of suicide
On March 6, Hamilton city councillors approved a new transgender rights protocol. Trans people can now use bath and change rooms based on their gender identities. A blank write-in box will be added to city forms beneath the male and female options and disclosing someone’s gender identity without their consent is an official form of discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Lawyer Nicole Nussbaum called the motion “on the cutting edge of best practice”. The move is also in alignment with McMaster’s Trans Inclusion Project, which is in the process of degendering at least one washroom per campus building and providing education and outreach materials.
These are positive steps forward to the quality of living and inclusion of trans people in our city and school. Unfortunately, one of the main concerns that continues in spite of these actions is the regressive thinking on this topic that still runs rampant.
The most frightening evidence related to this is how the abnormally high suicide rate among the trans population, 41 per cent compared to 4.6 per cent of the overall U.S. population, is largely a result of this societal rejection. A 2012 study found 57 per cent of trans youth who did not have supportive parents attempted to commit suicide in the past year, while just 4 per cent of transgender youth with “very supportive” parents did.
Unfortunately, one of the main concerns that continues in spite of these actions is the regressive thinking on this topic that still runs rampant.
A 2014 Williams Institute study found the prevalence of suicide attempts among trans and gender non-conforming people is elevated among those who disclose to everyone that they are trans or gender non-conforming and among those that report others can tell always or most of the time that they are trans or gender non-conforming even if they don’t tell them. It is clear that the ostracization and ridicule performed by anti-trans individuals greatly increases the number of the trans and non-gender identifying attempting to kill themselves.
These startling statistics are proof that we need to continue to work towards inclusivity. Hamilton’s and McMaster’s advancements towards understanding, including and accepting its trans community are great steps, but they should be seen as progress rather than an as end goals.
These actions also represent steps forward in policy based on health care as the medical community increasingly sides with the pro-trans movement. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the standard criteria for the classification of mental disorders, was updated in 2013 to replace the diagnosis of gender identity disorder with gender dysphoria.
This original GID diagnosis was interpreted by some to imply that gender variance was mentally unhealthy, that it reinforced the binary model of gender and that it resulted in additional stigma for trans people. The new gender dysphoria classification, in comparison, applies only to the discomfort experienced by a person that results from gender identity issues. These policy adjustments by Hamilton and McMaster represent the ability to update to modern definitions and try to leave behind outdated perspectives on those affected.
The left is often accused of emotional pandering and prioritizing feeling over fact. In these cases of increasing the mental wellbeing of those affected by reducing societal rejection and making decisions based on the most recent developments in psychology, facts are on their side.
I applaud the Hamilton city council for this recent move and McMaster’s continued efforts on their Trans Inclusion Project.
Following multiple speeches in favour, city council has voted to implement a city-wide protocol aiming to protect trans people in Hamilton.
Trans rights have been a topic in Hamilton ever since the city reached a legal settlement with a trans woman after she was denied entry to a women’s washroom in April 2016, and when anti-trans ads were put up in bus shelters in August 2016. Following these experiences, the city created a working group to codify gender identity into the Hamilton bylaws to ensure equality for all individuals.
On Mar. 6, city council’s audit, finance and administration committees approved the protocol following various presentations from different groups both in favour and against the protocol.
The protocol saw immense support from the McMaster, with delegations from the McMaster Students Union’s Queer Students Community Centre and the Equity and Inclusion office, among others.
“I have never felt safe or secure in this city. Even now, as I’ve listened to past presenters, I sat trembling in my seat, fearful for myself and my own well-being,” said Daniel Blum, on behalf of the MSU’s Transgender Community Group. “This cannot be the safest place to raise a child nor to be a child growing until all children, including transgender children, may feel safe and secure in all areas of our city.”
“We say that trans rights are human rights, so why must we come up here and prove that we are human enough, that we feel pain enough for this protocol to pass?” said Tai Jacob, on behalf of the MSU’s Women and Gender Equity Network. “The protections granted to trans and gender nonconforming people, through this protocol, tell us that we are welcome in city spaces.”
Multiple groups reviewed this protocol, namely the Ontario Human Rights Commission and an independent lawyer who specializes in human rights and trans rights.
The protocol aims to protect trans people employed by the city and to provide a clear set of guidelines in order to foster a more inclusive environment.
It includes policies giving trans employees the right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to their gender. The protocol formally ensures all information concerning health, and especially sex reassignment surgery, is kept confidential unless completely necessary to share such information.
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="49" gal_title="Trans Protocol"]
The protocol formally states individuals have the right to choose their own pronouns, a thought in line with the supposition that all individuals are able to pick their gender.
It also limits the data that may be collected about gender, arguing that this information must prove to be crucial in order for such a survey to be allowed in these settings. It also states when information concerning gender be collected, that it is collected in an open-box format rather than forcing individuals to choose between “male” and “female”.
The protocol entitles individuals to dress in accordance with their gender identity or gender expression without receiving backlash. The protocol commits the city to allowing individuals to use the washroom that corresponds to their gender identity and provides all-gender, single-stall bathroom for those who desire it.
The passing of this protocol marks a historic moment in Hamilton’s LGBTQ history, and illustrates a push towards support for marginalized groups in the city.
For over 40 years, the Sexual Assault Centre for Hamilton Area has been working diligently to support survivors and to end sexual violence.
Through services including a 24-hour support line, individual or group counselling and advocacy program, public prevention education, and a Diverse Communities Outreach program that offers supportive programming for Hamilton’s diverse racial and cultural communities, SACHA aims to “challenge the social and political structures that contribute to the violence, oppression, and exploitation of all people”.
“It’s really important that we have independent, community-based, sexual assault centres where people can go that are not part of the criminal system,” said Lenore Lukasik-Foss, director of SACHA. “We can offer support, listen, our services are free, and that’s really important because we know survivors don’t tell anybody. We want to be there so that they can talk to us. Its not just the counselling work that we do but the prevention work is really important if we’re ever going to prevent sexual violence,” she said.
In Feb., the Globe and Mail released the results of a 20-month long investigation, titled “Unfounded”, which detailed how police in Canada address sexual assault allegations. The report found that one in five sexual assault allegations throughout Canada are dismissed as baseless by local police departments, with a national average of about 19 per cent.
According to the report, upwards of one in three sexual assault allegations in Hamilton are deemed as baseless by the Hamilton Police Department, leaving the city with an unfounded sexual assault rate of nearly 30 per cent over the past five years.
The instance of a false accusation of sexual assault is rare, however. Only two to eight per cent of all reported sexual assaults in Canada are false reports, leaving all other cases that are deemed unfounded as void to local law enforcements.
With these statistics coming to light, it can be difficult for survivors to share their stories with law enforcement officials. This makes it a critical time for local support centres, such as SACHA, to continue to provide free support services to survivors.
SACHA receives limited funding from local and provincial government sectors in addition to donations from local businesses and supporters. But the majority of the funding they receive comes through fundraising events, such as their annual Chocolate Fest, which took place in its 13th year on March 2.
“We need the help from our community supporters to ensure we are able to continue to provide our free services and programs to help survivors,” said Annie Horton, events and fundraising coordinator at SACHA. “The money raise from fundraisers goes to keeping us afloat – generally, whatever aspect of the organization needs the funding most will see it first.”
Fundraising also serves as an important method to raise awareness and recognition within the community. The promotion of a fundraising event enables community members to make connections to the organization and for the organization’s overall message to be widely circulated, which Horton notes as an important aspect in SACHA’s active efforts to prevent sexual violence.
“Without fundraising events and involving our community, our programs wouldn’t be as recognized as they are and continue to be,” said Horton. “It’s so important to involve our community in the work we do. Hamilton is an incredibly supportive and active community, especially now with what has been happening in the media. It’s great to see the city come together in solidarity.”
SACHA hosts informative and necessary events throughout the year that provide necessary education and awareness needed in challenging the existing barriers for people of all genders. From Take Back the Night, Hamilton’s Feminist Zine Fair, to Chocolate Fest, each event promotes awareness and community within the city of Hamilton.
Canada is turning 150 this year, but the future of a set of Hamilton buildings that predate the confederation remains cloudy.
Last week, Hamilton’s city council’s planning committee voted in favour of demolishing units 18-28 King Street East, and to demolish all but the facades of buildings 18-22 facing Gore Park. The plan is to turn the strip of pre- and immediately post-confederate buildings into a five-storey rental or condo property with commercial space on the ground level.
Built between 1840 and 1875 by renowned architect William Thomas, the Victorian-era row houses remain a staple in Hamilton’s heritage and streetscape.
“[The buildings are] part of the original Gore Park plan and integral to the street life of that area. They’re three to four storeys and because they’re pre-confederate and early Victorian style buildings, they actually fit well with the streetscape,” said Thomas Allen, the architectural journalist behind Rebuild Hamilton.
“[The demolition is] something that’s concerning because all that old, original charm that was once there is now all in danger,” he said. “That’s a scary thought to a lot of historians and a lot of people that live in Hamilton because they wouldn’t want to see the character of Gore Park vanish.”
The demolition has been up for debate since 2013, when the buildings’ owners applied to demolish the strip of buildings. At that time, Ward 2 councillor Jason Farr worked in favour with the developer to save the building’s facades. However, upon the developer’s disinterest, he pressed city council to approve the buildings as heritage property, which was successful
Although the buildings are slowly deteriorating, they remain structurally sound. Several groups around the city are protesting the destruction of these historic buildings, including Friends of the Gore, an ad-hoc committee who “oppose complete or partial demolition of 18-28 King Street East and support city council’s unanimous resolution to designate them under the Heritage Act.”
“The buildings serve as an important connection to our history, but they also provide a very real and modern contribution to the urban landscape of today,” said Ned Nolan, member of Friends of the Gore. “People today are gravitating to old, revived buildings because of their character, craftsmanship, beauty and unique ways in which they interact with the street at a human scale.”
The demolition is not scheduled to begin for another few months, as the city has to approve the development plans. The developer has to withdraw the objection of heritage designation, but groups around the city are hoping to see the province step in.
"The buildings serve as an important connection to our history, but they also provide a very real and modern contribution to the urban landscape of today."
Ned Nolan
Member of Friends of the Gore
Andrea Horwath, Hamilton Centre MPP and Ontario NDP leader, wrote to Ontario Culture Minister, Eleanor McMahon, in an attempt to ask the province to take immediate action in order to save these heritage buildings from demolition. The letter reflects on the historical significance of the buildings, and urges McMahon to take action.
“It is clearly time for a renewed conversation at city council about heritage,” said Nolan. “I believe the Ontario Heritage Act gives municipalities the power they need to create a presumption of heritage preservation on all our old buildings, and I think this should be seriously explored by council.”
By Aidan Johnson, Councillor for Ward 1
This article is in response to our Jan. 12 editorial “Who represents student at city hall?” and is presented as it was received.
In October 2014, I had the honour of being elected city councillor for Ward 1 (West Hamilton). Many students voted for me. I remember those votes every day. I’ve been able to build a relationship of trust with the student community. It is a bond that I value.
The primary concerns I hear from students relate to ecology and human rights. Both spheres of policy are constantly on my mind. To make a greener, bluer City, I have put wheels in motion to ban sale of bottled water at all municipal sites. I am also working constantly for deeper protection of Cootes Paradise – the fragile marsh-land that rings campus. To address climate change, I’ve worked successfully for a $1 billion investment to build light-rail transit (LRT) in Hamilton – a potent alternative to cars. Our new LRT line will begin at McMaster.
On the human rights front, I have been working with Hamilton’s transgender community to create a Trans and Gender Non-Conformity Protocol. This policy will help secure the equality rights of trans citizens, student and non-student alike. I am hopeful for the Protocol’s enactment. I have also helped secure an investment of $50 million in Hamilton anti-poverty initiatives, which will benefit low-income students.
On January 11, the Sil published an editorial by Scott Hastie, arguing – rightly – that I have work to do, to strengthen my bond with the student community.
The editorial makes several good points. However, it also makes some points that I take issue with.
Hastie refers to my work to protect Westdale Cinema. I am advocating for Heritage protection for this beautiful, old building (now for sale). I have asked Mac to consider partnering for use of Westdale Cinema as a lecture hall, or for other purposes -- e.g. art space, meeting space.
The editorial calls my suggestion that the Cinema be used as lecture hall “an insult to students”. Hastie’s point is that it’d be hard to get from class at the cinema to a class on campus immediately after. This is fair.
However, trying to involve Mac in saving the cinema is not “an insult”, to anybody. The fact that many students enjoy Westdale Cinema is one of the reasons I’m advocating to save it.
Hastie refers to a recent motion passed by Hamilton Council to hire two co-op students as bylaw officers for our Mac neighbourhoods. Hastie asserts that this decision “deepened the divide between McMaster students and residents”.
But it is not clear how additional enforcement will harm students. Bylaw enforcement targets landlords. It does not target student tenants. Indeed, I would argue that better bylaw enforcement helps students, as it will create a safer and more hygienic neighbourhood. It will hold landlords to better account.
On January 12, the Sil published an editorial by Scott Hastie, arguing – rightly – that I have work to do, to strengthen my bond with the student community.
Hastie refers to Council “dragging its heels” on landlord regulation. This criticism is justified. In my two years as councillor, I have advocated constantly for landlord licencing. I am hopeful that we can make real progress on this soon.
Hastie calls for students to become more politically engaged. I strongly agree with this. Students are already significant leaders. Hastie himself is a good example. It makes sense for all students to become more involved in politics.
Hastie’s editorial offers me a good challenge: “reevaluate the way you consult students”. I am grateful for this invitation. I visit campus often. I meet with students regularly, and have student interns in our Ward 1 office every year. But I appreciate the need to consult even more.
I am looking forward to further deepening my working relationship both with the whole student community.
