Category: Community

Those whose vocation depends on being on the front lines become accustomed to difficult and dangerous situations. Nothing instigates conflict like a war. When the media becomes involved the individual associated with the press must be adventurous and courageous when accepting assignments with exotic locations or tumultuous settings because what will await them is dangerous.

Photographers like Philip McMaster know from experience that capturing great images requires bravery because pictures from the sidelines are a dime a dozen. McMaster, a Concordia University graduate in applied human sciences and teacher at Dawson College’s Centre for Imaging Arts and Information Technologies for courses like Event, Sports and Adventure Photography (ESA), is a freelance photographer who covers various parades, protests and events.

“I covered the Stanley Cup riot in 1994 for La Presse so I know the risks,” he says. On Saturday McMaster, who has founded organizations like Cool to be Canadian, was back on the scene again for the peace protests, which took place on Rene Levesque Street marching towards the U.S. Consulate.

McMaster was in the middle of the action between protesters and riot police attempting to capture the emotion and sentiment from being sandwiched between conflicting parties.

“The whole concept of ESA photography is about attitude and mindset; to get up close and passionate photos, to get involved and to capture the right image at the right time,” adds McMaster. “You can’t get the same image as you would when you can actually see the expression on a person’s face.”

There were hundreds of thousands demonstrations throughout the world to march in opposition to the US / British lead strikes on Iraq this weekend. In Montreal the rally did not keep the peace as demonstrators threw mud, sticks, ice and rocks to riot police who were positioned near the American Embassy. Their message was to stop the bombings in Iraq, which are causing the many civilian casualties.

When situations get violent and out of hand, those in charge of keeping civility within large numbers of people may not take the time to differentiate between violent protesters and others at a rally who have different purposes for attending.

McMaster who, although was not participating in the violence, became targeted by police because his presence was perceived to apparently pose a threat.

“I was discussing good photo composition and demonstrating photographer positioning with a one of my ESA students at the rally,” says McMaster. As the protesters became rowdier he was thrust into the front of the rally and then directly faced riot police. This began what was a misfortunate series of events.

“I dropped my umbrella and before I had the chance to retreive it, the police kicked it behind their lines. They refused to return it,” he adds. When McMaster pointing to where it was and adamantly asked for it back, riot police grabbed his arm and used brutal force to take down his six-foot-one athletic frame.

“There is no question that I didn’t pose a threat to [the police] but they chose to pull me through the police line and beat on me, knock me down and tear up my knee, causing a great deal of pain in both ears by pressing their knuckles under the earlobes,” he adds.

He was arrested subsequently with eight others who were also on the front lines. According to Lynne Labelle of the media relations office for the MUC Police, nine people were arrested for illegal assembly and three of the nine were charged with resisting arrest. “Intervention teams were on the scene and two police officers were injured.”

Olivier D’Amours, who accompanied McMaster in the patty wagon after the rally, holds that those arrested were demonstrating quietly. “We were arrested because we were scapegoats for those behind us who were too far out of reach and were throwing objects at the police,” says the second year Universit

After mentally preparing yourself for what seems like an eternity, the day has finally arrived to go one step further, stare fear straight in the eye and take control of your destiny. After saying an emotional goodbye to family and friends and to the last traces of familiarity as you move toward the unknown, you look forward anxious yet petrified.

On the plane, you imagine your life for the next three years, full of accomplishments and failures, freedom and responsibility. You have images of new friends, new professors, new places and a new you floating in your head that all seem so surreal.

All your expectations culminate as you get off the plane, fumble through customs, pick up your luggage, and stumble through the airport doors to stand amazed and lost; a lone international student in Canada. Will this be the beginning of the rest of your successful academic career in Montreal or the start on a pathway to culture-shock hell?

The university you decide to attend before you land in the cultural mosaic that is Montreal, plays an important role in your quest to integrate and adapt. “It’s very important that international students get the support they need to start off on the right foot,” says Claudette Fortier, co-ordinator of the International Students Office (ISO) at Concordia.

Montreal’s universities have their work cut out for them because the city is proving to be extremely popular, especially with French speaking countries. According to the ISO, in the fall of 2002, Concordia added another 700 foreign students to its student body, representing 124 countries bringing the total foreign student population on campus to over 2,400.

France was the highest represented country at Concordia, along with Universit

As the day escaped into sunset and the crowds withered away, green banners, hats, balloons and streamers continued to litter Ste. Catherine Street on Sunday between du Fort and St. Urbain as people in high spirits celebrated St. Patrick’s Day sipping their green beer in a festive occasion of shamrocks and kisses.

The 179th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade took full swing at noon on Sunday with anxious observers awaiting the 70 floats and bands that passed by during the three hour procession.

The weather only added to the event with numerous party-goers basking in the sun on the north and south side of the street. Although the temperature was wonderful, it would not have stopped Montrealers from attending the annual celebration even if Jack Frost swept through the city.

History has it that Montreal’s St. Patty’s Day parade is the longest running parade in North America and it not only represents Montreal’s strong Irish community, but also reflects the many cultures that make up this multi-cultural city.

“Just along the parade route you see so many different nationalities that come out to enjoy the parade, as well as in the parade we have different communities,” says Kenneth Quinn, interim parade director from the Organization for the United Irish Societies of Montreal.

“I think that [the parade] is an opportunity for the community to revitalize itself, to be aware of its cultures in terms of music and song and literature and its contribution to Quebec society,” adds Michael Kenneally, director of the recently established Irish studies program at Concordia.

Kenneally was chosen to be this year’s Grand Marshal for the parade. “It’s a great honour because it’s seen by the people who pick you as being representative of the Irish community and that occasion, and being a figure that the Irish community wants to honour or acknowledge.”

Kenneally has been involved with the Irish community in Montreal for many years and has recently accomplished the integration of the Irish Studies program at Concordia that officially started in September 2002.

“For the Irish community [the parade] is always an invigorating time of the year and then it’s also a time of reaching out and sharing Irish culture with the other communities,” says Kenneally.

The United Irish Societies of Montreal organize the annual parade and choose the Grand Marshal each year since its inception in 1928 for the sole purpose of organizing the event. Before that time, the parade was organized by the St. Patrick’s Society of Montreal of which Kenneally is the past president.

Today, the United Irish Societies of Montreal acts charitably by making Christmas baskets. Easter baskets and provides entertainment for seniors residents.

The St. Patrick’s Day parade, however, is still the Societies’ biggest challenge and they pull it off each year with great success and pride.

“To me, it really signifies the coming of spring, that’s one, and two, it allows the Irish community to display its Irish pride, and number three, it shows what a multicultural city Montreal is,” says Quinn.

With the weather well above zero, the coming of spring did arrive for everyone in Montreal. After the parade came to an end people remained outside in the warm weather and enjoyed the change in temperature from the bitter cold days everyone experienced over the past few weeks.

Young and old, people were decked out in green sparkling shamrocks, foam top hats, and signs and buttons that shouted ‘Kiss Me I’m Irish’ and ‘Everybody’s Irish on St. Patty’s Day.”

A statement that is all too true, not only for organizers and participants, but also for those watching the parade that came out to enjoy a day of peace and coming together.

“It’s about unity, it’s about people from a whole bunch of different cultures pretending to be Irish, getting together, and just having a good time and being united,” says Patrick Belanger as he held up his glass of green beer and cheered his friends at Cheers where the partying continued well into the evening as did many bars around town.

For more information on the United Irish Societies of Montreal visit their web site at

www.bar-resto.com/uis

For more information on the centre for Canadian Irish studies at Concordia visit

http://artsandscience.concordia.ca/irish/index.html

Flowers. Baby animals. The presence of greenery as far as the eye can see. The sun bathing you in its rays. Renewal. New life.

As winter is drawing to an end and March 21 is rapidly approaching, people are eagerly anticipating the arrival of spring.

The very prospect of rebirth, however, is merely one of the many things exciting Concordia students about the time of year.

“It’s my favorite season probably for the same reason I like Friday best,” says Matthew Paradis, a 21-year-old psychology student.

“It’s the anticipation of the summer coming, just like the anticipation of a weekend coming. I think that’s what makes spring so special. The smells of spring remind me that school is almost over, just like the smells of Friday remind me that the week is almost over,” he adds.

Naomy Nostrome agrees. “It’s like everything is new; the sun is out more. When you see the sun coming out, you’re awake all of a sudden,” says the 21-year-old business student.

Having motivation to be active is just one of the many psychological affects of spring, points out Louise Carline, a nurse at Concordia’s Health Services. Due to more sunlight and longer days, people generally appear to be in more joyful spirits.

“In the spring, you want to exercise. People are happier and lighter,” Carline says. “I think people feel less tired [and] are able to concentrate more. It’s so dreary in winter. I really think that the weather has an affect on people.”

Vivian Szabo, a 21-year-old education student, can personally testify to this feeling of excitement and need to be active.

“I can’t wait to get outdoors away from this stuffy, closed environment [and] out into the open space where you’re liberated,” she says. “Everything’s changing. If you’re going to be hiking, you’ll see the snow melting and the grass beginning to grow, and you expect tulips. Just the thought of tulips makes me energized.

“I’m the kind of person that can’t be in one place, and I have to move. I get restless and this is a way for me to get rid of all this stuffed up energy.”

What is often forgotten, however, is that the solar festival known as Ostara or the celebration of the Vernal (spring) equinox also falls on March 21.

One of the eight major holidays of the pagan year, Ostara marks the transition from the dark to the light half of the year when day and night are equal in length, with the light eventually outlasting the darkness. It is the time for planting crops and celebrating the first signs of fertility and rebirth.

Ostara is the name of the German goddess associated with fertility and spring with her Anglo-Saxon equivalent being Eostre.

The goddess is also called Lady Day, which signified the time when she returned from sleeping underground to meet and marry the young sun god. Ostara is said to have given birth to the new sun nine months later.

Eostre is a lunar goddess with her fertility symbols including the egg and rabbit. The egg is representative of the Cosmic Egg of Creation and is central to the pagan celebration of spring in Northern Europe, particularly in Germanic and Slavic countries.

The dyeing or painting of eggs is an Ostara ritual which Christians adopted in their celebration of Easter.

The rabbit symbolizes the moon because of a past belief in which one could see a hare’s image in the full moon.

Spring is also symbolic for allergy season. From late February through October, those with allergies have ample time to suffer.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, ways to alleviate related symptoms are to keep your windows closed at night in order to prevent pollens from drifting into your home and instead use air-conditioning to clean and cool the air.

Other methods in which to deal with an allergy is by minimizing activities and staying indoors during peak pollen hours which are usually between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Taking a shower after spending time outside is also recommended.

Still, allergies cannot dampen the spirits of someone who anticipates the possibility of romance. Nostrome believes there is a possible correlation between spring and love. “They’ve always said that spring’s the season of love,” she says.

Romance or no romance, spring is an exciting new season of change and possibility.

“Winter is so dark and when spring comes, you can expect the new birds to be born and the new trees. You can expect new life; a new beginning,” says Szabo.

In an obscure part of town, away from the trendy bars on St. Laurent Blvd and the upscale boutiques on Peel St., a congregation of Dolce & Gabbana wearing, Louis Vuitton carrying, Jimmy Choo strutting beautiful people emerge like clockwork from the half-dozen or so silver Mercedes Benz’s parked outside an unidentifiable warehouse.

Inside, the energy from the awaiting crowd of photographers, international journalists, buyers, young fashionistas and sponsors for the week long event in Montreal is high while the atmosphere in the large room echoes with pulsating beats.

From the dark abyss, the first figure appears barely recognizable without the spotlight shining from above. More follow suit in single file, rhythmically swinging their hips in tight leather and delicate paisley wrap-skirts, on strategically scattered white powder.

The look is retro-vintage, the colours are simple and earthy, and the silhouettes are long and lean.

These are creations from local artists Elisa Dahan and Eran Elfassy of Mackage who represent just a sample of the many influential individuals who have been thrust into the limelight as the next generation of Montreal fashion designers.

During the fourth semi-annual Montreal Fashion Week, local designers like Mackage, Cole B, Luc Laroche, Marissa Minicucci, Nadya Toto, and Danier Leather among others have presented their fall 2003/winter 2004 collections to the viewing public.

Fresh new talent will continue to emerge, like the four introduced in the Designer Debut runway on March 6 at the Spectrum, and although many have studied abroad or closer to home in technical institutions, sometimes the most creative of the bunch rises from a conceptual understanding of the basics in design.

Concordia’s fine arts department encourages their students to explore their field by learning and using different mediums as a means of expression. “It’s a theoretical perspective,” says Joanna Berzowska, assistant professor for the design arts program.

“Concordia’s design teaches you about the flaws in commercialism and it doesn’t teach you as much in technical skill as it does conceptual,” says Krista Bursey, a third year student in design arts. Sometimes textbook knowledge will open more doors to experimentation and self expression.

Bursey and her classmate Jason Wasserman are a couple of students who have ventured that extra mile and organized an exhibition which touches on a variety of artistic mediums; they call it Ecclesia.

“The space that we’re working out of is an old cathedral and ecclesia appropriately means a religious assembly,” says Bursey.

Incorporating the iconic image of a heart, the creators focused on a relationship of nature and technology. “It’s a commercialization of biology and of the heart itself, which is so heavily symbolic with spirituality and nature.

“We wanted to create a show that is multi-disciplinary while having a variety of mediums therefore affecting all your senses,” says Wasserman. “We decided to use painting, design work and fashion; we designed outfits and prints for the band, the DJ and ourselves using the same imagery as the themes.”

So what allows them to stand apart from others within their field? “We’re very interested in creating a final product that is not just conceptually valid and understandable to people within the arts community, but one that everyone can understand and appreciate; finding a balanced between the conceptual side and the commercial side,” says Wasserman.

Whether fashion related events are publicized or not, the general consensus is that Montreal has tremendously contributed to the trade.

“Montreal is a natural centre for the fashion industry because of its vitality and the lifestyle,” says Patrick Thomas, president of the Montreal Fashion Network. “The majority of the businesses are based here.”

Whereas Paris, New York, Milan and London remain the recognized fashion capitals of the world, the garment industry in Quebec has made its mark on the world scene with its historical involvement in the fur industry and its association with various commercial markets.

Moreover, according to Statistics Canada, the top employing industry in Montreal is fashion and the rate of production within the trade has generated 50 per cent of the country’s annual output.

Lastly, Quebec designers have exuded an attractive and powerful vibe towards buyers and the international media and the Montreal Fashion Week has fortified its status within the trade by being included on the calendar of fashion events along with others across the continent.

Nonetheless, with all the opportunities presenting themselves, newcomers can also face disappointment and negative criticism. Oral Cole, designer for Cole B Co., has been classified and stereotyped within the industry as unconventional.

His runway show on March 6 at Time Supper Club displayed his unique and diverse image by accentuating the straight cuts of the garments with leather, fur and zipper detailing and some shockingly low waistlines; Cole awed the crowd and managed to raise a few eyebrows in the process. “I was influenced by a good friend of mine also known as Mackage,” says Cole.

Today, by participating in his own catwalk, Cole is a leading example of a local success that is passionate about his work. “No matter how hard it gets and you want to walk away; don’t,” he adds.

Whether the chosen space is a church or a nightclub, artistic expression has no boundaries and those interested in being part of the budding industry will only help contribute to its growing popularity and economic prosperity.

Fashion is influenced by trends, current events and the artistic inspirations of each individual designer. There is a fine line between what is in vogue and what is art and those who can differentiate and successfully utilize these juxtapositions may someday get the opportunity to join others in Montreal who have set out to publicly display their creations.

Ecclesia will be held on March 16 at 1234 de la Montagne at 8 p.m. and admission is free.

For more information about the Montreal Fashion Week and its contributors visit www.mfw.ca or www.montrealfashionnetwork.com

Originating in ancient Egypt, magic is an art that has mystified and entertained audiences for almost 5,000 years.

From Houdini’s Challenge Act to the levitating skills of David Blaine, the tricks of the trade have been purposely kept from the public to ensure a continuing response of curiosity, confusion and credibility.

Once the illusionary art is revealed, however, is there still any magic left?

After a 27 year-long career of shuffling card decks, playing mind games and performing coin tricks, Todd Shapiro remains enthusiastic about his craft. “I believe in magic,” says the long-time Montreal performer known as the Amazing Todsky. “It’s all about the wows.”

Clad in an unassuming and earthy getup, the magician returned to his Alma matter on Feb. 24 to educate university students with his act.

Graduating from Concordia University with a degree in creative writing, Shapiro has performed for the young, the old and the rowdy in over 1500 shows. “I enjoy, like they say, ‘having them in the palm of my hand,'” he says.

“His degree is something he could always fall back on. Magic is what he wants to do,” says Miranda Wray, who saw his act in her journalism class at Concordia.

Although he is commissioned primarily to entertain at birthday parties and retirement homes, Shapiro is trying appeal to a generation in between and closer to his age. “I want to reach [university students],” he adds.

With the high expectations of an MTV generation, he might want to stick to the kiddies. “I believe there are things that cannot be explained, but I don’t know if I would call it magic; there is a mystery to the world,” adds Wray.

Using storytelling and slapstick comedy, Todsky’s act is influenced by late magicians Doug Henning and Cardini, comedians Steve Martin and the Three Stooges and his involvement with Green Peace.

“I won’t pull a rabbit out of a hat, I don’t think he would appreciate it; I like simple tricks [and] I love the laughs,” he adds.

“He has his own sense of humor,” says Wray. Shapiro’s performance is an educational experience touching on aspects of the environment and other social issues.

Shapiro believes that society values quantity over quality and that the use of elaborate pyrotechnics in other magician’s shows has cheapened the fundamental art of entertaining through magic.

“You will always have to outdo yourself,” he says and then emphasizes the importance of showmanship over flamboyant and complicated stunts.

Shapiro believes that the simplicity of the trick and the “oohs” and “ahhs” from the crowd is the most satisfying and enjoyable aspect of a job that is not always easy or appreciated. Shapiro’s retro act reflects the basics of magic and, propagating that fact, has performed for audiences all over the world.

He’s journeyed from Venezuela to the Sinai Desert and holds from all his experiences that magic will remain in his future. “I aspire to appreciate the magic of everyday,” adds Shapiro.

An individual will often choose to become a magician to gain access to the most carefully kept secrets of all time.

Using the dexterity that only comes with hours of practice, he will entertain and mystify audiences. Once the mystery and fantasy ends and optical illusion becomes a reality, a magician can only remain successful within his vocation by truly believing in his craft.

“There is real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment,” says Norman Vincent Peale, an author of Enthusiasm Makes The Difference.

For more information about the Amazing Todsky’s performance, target audiences, background and critical acclaim visit his website at www.todsky.com

The kids at the Club call her Diva because it’s all about the clothes. Her own kids call her Mom. Kids from the neighborhood call her at home late at night just to talk out a problem or to hear a caring voice and it’s all in a day’s work – an 18 hour day that is – for Concordia Alumni Tamara Lorincz.

When Lorincz arrives each afternoon at the LaSalle Boys and Girls Club she knows it is not a nine to five job; there are no set hours. She can only guess about the time she will return home.

Her two kids come to the club to see her and help out. It’s all part of the territory for the applied human sciences graduate who took the leap from graduation day to teen group co-ordinator in less than 24 hours.

For Black History Month, the Club in collaboration with several community groups, including Black women on the rise, the Loyola Community Centre, the Maison de Haiti, and several others held the Fourth Annual Celebrating the Richness of Black Culture Day.

On Feb 15, Concordia University provided a venue for families from different areas in Montreal to focus on African, West Indies and American black culture. Over 250 members learned about the richness of Black culture as they participated in map making, puzzle building and food sampling from different cultures of the world.

“The event is just part of our year-long dedication to continuously explore all cultures of our membership,” says Mark Branch, the executive director of the Boys and Girls Club. “It is just one of the ways we try to develop respect for each other and their cultures. We do it all year.”

As a LaSalle resident, Lorincz first approached the Club to complete a 16-hour stage for one her courses, and then she remained as a volunteer. By the summer of 2000 Lorincz was hired as the Club’s teen group co-ordinator. “It was my first real job,” she says. “Applied human sciences really gave me the tools to start out in this field and I have applied a great deal of what I learned at Concordia.”

“I was forewarned by my professors in applied human sciences that working with youth would be both rewarding and frustrating,” says Lorincz.

The LaSalle Boys and Girls Club was her first and only stop after graduation. The Club is just one of the 104 youth centres across the Nation that is affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.

In Montreal there are four centres and there may be more in the future.

“I knew about the Club from my kids. I also live in LaSalle and know the area and the Club always had a good reputation,” says Lorincz.

“Parents and kids have called me at home to ask me questions or to talk about a problem. It all started when I needed to call parents for various reasons and did not block my phone number,” she says, mentioning the many late night phone calls she receives. “This field is not like any other. Working with youth goes way beyond money,” Lorincz says. “My advice to anyone starting is that you cannot come in and work nine to five. You must be available when you are needed.”

Branch, also an alumnus, sat Lorincz down before hiring her and spelled it out. “You have to approach this work like it is a vocation,” he said. “In essence, what concerned professionals really do is, first, make the youth’s life more predictable and, second, develop roles for them through which they can consolidate an identity incorporating something larger than themselves.”

He graduated from the exercise science program at Concordia, began serving youth twenty years ago and like so many, he began as a volunteer. The desire to be of service led him along a career that started as animator to his present position as executive director.

He often jokes that to be a youth worker you are just like the head cook and bottle washer, a jack-of-all-trades. “Today’s youth worker must be able to stimulate interest in teens, encourage personal development and assist them to become contributing members in society, and that means you have to be able to respond to every crisis and concern and be able to do ten things at once,” says Branch.

He has seen a marked change in the attitudes of youth in the last twenty years. “When I was a kid I was told if I did A, B and C, I would get D. Today’s youth have a sense of hopelessness in that they cannot see past tomorrow.” According to Branch, this hopelessness has manifested itself in violence and crime.

One cannot dispute the data. Even though there has been a decline in youth crimes in Canada, a 2002 study released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information concluded that youth violence remains double the rate of a decade ago. It is particularly pronounced in girls, especially in violent crimes where the rate has increased twice as fast as boys.

The rate of young people charged with violent crimes fell one per cent in 2001, the third straight annual decline. However, despite these recent decreases, the rate of youths charged with violent crimes in 2001 was still 77 per cent higher than it was a decade ago.

The increase in violent crime among young people has been much greater than the increase for adults. Since 1988, the rate of violent crime among adults has increased only six per cent. The data may indicate the ups and downs, but front line workers have been sounding off on the problem for the last twenty years.

“It is so much to deal with,” says Lorincz. “There are times when I feel so frustrated because I cannot be there for everyone. My best bet is to listen and offer advice and not give them any B.S.” Lorincz adds that that life experiences are beneficial and important skills.

The ramifications of increased youth violence and crime mean that more community resource workers like Lorincz are needed. As kids are steered more towards community centres the need for more staffing increases.

“In the last five years we have seen about a 20 per cent increase each year,” says Branch. “But this increase has not been matched with an increase in our staff.”

The LaSalle Boys and Girls Club has four full time and seven part time workers and is backed by a fully staffed and committed board of directors. The club relies on over 60 volunteer members, many who have come as part of a university or CEGEP, to clock in over 9,000 hours to help free up the staff to deal with priority issues.

“Without our volunteers our task would almost be impossible,” says Branch. “When it comes to helping our 550 youth members we need every bit of help we can get.”

As membership has increased so has the need for more equipment and new facilities. In July of 2000 the Club launched a Capital Campaign for the construction of a new facility. To date the campaign has raised an amount close to the $2.1 million mark.

Lorincz is excited about the new facilities but she also feels uneasy. “I say thank God for the Boys and Girls Clubs because where would these kids be: sitting in the malls, on the courts unsupervised, or sitting in front of many electronic tools, or using fake I.D. cards to sneak into bars, but if the problem continues to grow we still may not have the resources and that scares me.”

Keeping up with need has kept staff busy. While the club has several intervention programs running throughout the year, there is always what has been called “satellite” projects to help personal development.

As Branch watches kids come to the club and begin to bloom he also knows that maintaining staff and keeping intervention programs running is becoming harder each year.

“I would love to spend all my time with the kids,” he says. “Most days my place is in my office writing grants for funding or talking on the phone with government people.”

Lorincz just shakes her head and understands. “When I want to try something new I have to ask my kids to help raise the funds. There are only so many car wash Sundays or chocolate bar drives I can ask of them.”

“But this is the wave of the future for anyone interested in community social work,” adds Branch.
“But it is required for our kids’ future.”

And that is what it is all about: caring for our kid’s future. Because every kid has potential.

For more information visit www.bgccan.com.

It’s Saturday night and you have a hot date. You run through the check list: scented candles, bottle of wine, chocolate souffl

We exist for the future and we strive for success. The notion that our dedication to our studies and the hard earned bucks we invest in education might be jolted by the uncertainty of the job market is enough to shatter ours dreams of professional triumph.

The favourable predictions for the Canadian economy in 2003 will provide some optimism to those not wishing to become professional students. Over the next fiscal year, 3.2 per cent economical growth is predicted, according to the Conference Board of Canada’s Canadian Outlook Winter 2003.

“Strong consumer spending, helped by 2002’s record employment growth, and the anticipated new spending in the federal government’s February budget should maintain Canada’s economic growth at a solid pace in 2003,” says Paul Darby, director of economic forecasting.

However according to a recent report done by the Royal Bank of Canada, a decline of 2,100 jobs occurred in January and employment growth was flat resulting from a 36,500 decline in the number of part-time workers offset by a gain of 34,400 in full-time workers.

“Every indicator says 2002 was an amazing year [for Canada] with the most job creation in Quebec. Montreal, being the bilingual city of Canada, had the biggest job growth in the country,” says Andr

She begins to weep uncontrollably. On her dresser stands a picture of her deceased mother. “Is there any point in living?” she cries, eying the pills on her nightstand.

He walks around miserable and heartbroken. “How could she have dumped me when everything was going perfectly?” he thinks. Fingering the gun inside his coat pocket, he suddenly clutches it tightly.

While there are many factors that contribute to a person’s desire to commit suicide, loss is a major one. which is why Suicide Prevention Week is Feb. 9 to 15.

One place to seek guidance is at Concordia’s Health Services where students who come in with suicidal thoughts undergo an assessment, says Health Educator Owen Moran.

“Several things can happen after the assessment: the person can be referred to one of our mental health professionals or to outside sources, the person may be prescribed medications that are effective in treating problems like depression, [and] a person will receive information about suicide,” he says.

Even though more suicides do not occur because of St. Valentine’s Day, Sandra Simbert, an ex-Action-Suicide employee, says the correlation between suicide and loss is extremely high. Losses include a romantic relationship or friendship, a family member, job/success or health.

Having worked for three years as a telephone volunteer and another three as a part-time supervisor at Action-Suicide Montreal Inc., Simbert is happy she was able to listen to and encourage people, reassuring them help was out there.

“Empowering other people in their time of crisis is always key. As a volunteer, I was in the frontline talking on the phone directly to people. It was nice to hear people call back and say, ‘Thank you.’ I don’t think there’s a salary that can give that satisfaction,” says the urban studies student at Concordia.

A non-profit organization that has been serving Montreal since 1984, Action-Suicide receives about 3,000 calls per day and about 25,000 calls per year. This year, its metro campaign will be advertising not only their organization but also that help is available.

The sad truth is that Quebec has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. From 1998 to 1999, Quebec had the highest suicide rate in Canada – 21.3 per 100,000 people. In 1997, 1,370 people committed suicide in Quebec, 1,071 of who were men.

Whereas men and women both attempt suicide, men are more likely to carry it out. They commit four out of every five suicides, and Quebec men have the highest suicide rate in Canada. Simbert says suicide is highest for men between 20 and 40 years of age.

While men are more likely to use extreme methods such as guns or hanging, women generally use less extreme ones such as pills. Men are also less likely to ask for help and talk about how they are feeling.

According to the American Association of Suicidology, warning signs to keep in mind when trying to determine if a person is suicidal is to notice if he or she talks about suicide, has attempted suicide before, has had recent severe losses, withdraws from friends and social activities, gives away cherished possessions, shows signs of depression and increases alcohol or drug use.

Listening without judging, being proactive by taking away pills, acquiring professional help and reminding him or her help is available may help save a life.

Achsa Ramadeen, a 22-year-old English literature student, strongly believes talking and listening is crucial. “This year I know someone who committed suicide. The family told her that she could wait it out, but she hung herself. People can know what’s going on, but they won’t know how the person is really feeling inside,” she says.

In Moran’s opinion, ways to reduce suicide is through education and awareness, dispelling myths about suicide and providing support through help lines. Spotting and treating depression is also important since 80 per cent of people who commit suicide have a history of depression. He points out that since there are many more resources today, it shows that society sees suicide as a major problem.

In a day and age where the suicide rate only continues to climb, being informed and knowing help is out there is important because it could either save your life or someone else’s. Simbert says the Action-Suicide hotline, in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is there to help.

“I know people are curious about [suicide], but not everyone knows what to do. Part of the campaign this year is that even if you’re worried about something, call,” she says.

The Action-Suicide hotline is 723-4000.

For on-campus help, Concordia’s Health Services is located at 2155 Guy in room ER-407 on the Sir George Williams campus at 848-3565 or in room AD-103 on the Loyola campus at 848-3575.

Rated one of MTV’s top Spring Break destinations, Cancun offers a larger-than-life retreat for any traveler. From soft, white, sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the Caribbean’s turquoise coast to the modern extravagance of the newest hotels, restaurants and bars, this tropical destination offers everything for the person seeking extraordinary entertainment.

The most popular and obvious reason most people plan a trip to Cancun is for the sun and to get away from the everyday drudgery. “Getting away from work, [escaping] from the routine, and [doing] nothing,” says Concordia undergraduate Ghassan Hassan on what he considers to be the ideal vacation.

Today, with an average temperature of about 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, Cancun is one of North America’s top spring break destinations according to Kathy Zenetzis, a travel agent at Voyages Campus.

This Mexican getaway features over 25,000 rooms available for travelers and 200 restaurants from which to select while providing its guests with a variety of things to do besides sit in the sun. Day tours in the jungle, swimming excursions with dolphins, snorkeling and sailing are but a few of the activities available to tourists.

Another popular site to visit is the ancient Mayan culture dating back centuries. The old city of Chichen Itza founded in 445 BC and deserted in 1204 AD is one of the most famous regions of the Mayan world according to www.embassyofmexico.org. Cancun’s history is so rich and beautiful that the traveler must take a day trip to the ruins to experience the ultimate retreat and archeological treasure. Its past runs deep.

Originally, the newly formed state of Quantana Roo thought tourism would be a good way to create jobs for the local residents of Cancun. However according to a recent study completed by retired geologist Peter V. Wiese, the industry has had to employ individuals from outside the country who were experienced in tourism. The locals were hired in the domestic and labour-intensive workforces.

Cancun was built for the rich elite during the 1970s and has gone through many changes. For over thirty years, the main “Hotel Zone” has lay along 14 miles of beachfront known as Cancun Island, according to www.gocancun.com. It is within 30 minutes from the Cancun International Airport and was developed once the Mexican government realized the importance of travel for the economy. They deemed Cancun an ideal place to focus their efforts in the development of a picturesque resort town.

In 1988 Hurricane Gilbert hit the city resulting in airport closings and thousands of tourists being forced out of their hotels without food or water. After the disaster, competitively priced travel packages were offered in order to win back the trust of travelers. However, the strategy attracted budget conscious vacationers who did not spend a fraction of what the rich elite once had on shopping and dining.

Before the tourism industry developed in Cancun, the island was industrially bare where, according to Wiese, different types of marine life including many species of sea turtles dwelled. However, most travelers do not know about the severe impact that resorts can have on natural wildlife; especially places like Cancun where various species of marine life inhabit the region.

“The environment is very important but you’re not aware of everything that is going on unless you do research,” says Heather Dane, a commerce student at Concordia, who has visited Cancun.

The resorts were built over 80 per cent of the land and the filtration of fresh water through the ground has been affected by the chemicals and oils which are then filtered into the Lagoon where most marine life inhabits. The water in Cancun is generally safe and purified but Turista, an illness that causes symptoms such as stomach discomfort, must be avoided to enjoy a worry-free vacation. Drinking bottled water to avoid any risk is recommended by www.paradiseparties.com.

There are many factors to consider when traveling to a resort destination. In respecting the local wildlife and preserving the natural habitat of its native species, outsiders will continue to enjoy the opportunity to visit foreign lands for years to come.

For more information about travel packages visit Voyage Campus on the Mezzanine in the Hall building.

The Concordian made a mistake by suggesting that students are being “bamboozled” by the Concordia Student Union Dental Plan in a feature article entitled “CSU dental plan not mandatory” that appeared in the Jan. 29, 2003 edition of the Concordian.

The Dental Plan was initiated by a petition of over 500 Concordia students and mandated by a campus-wide student referendum held in March 1996. The Dental Plan fee was approved and levied by the Concordia University Board of Governors in May 1996.

Contrary to the article, Lev Bukhman was VP Finance of the Students’ Society of McGill University in 1991-1992.

No former Concordia Student Union executives are employed by the Quebec Student Health Alliance (ASEQ), which was selected as the provider of the CSU Dental Plan via a competitive bidding process.

According to Bukhman, the Quebec Order of Dentists, is the regulatory body governing dentistry and has never disapproved of or criticized the CSU Dental Plan, the Student Dental Network or ASEQ.

The Concordian apologizes for the error.