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  • Vancouver, B.C.: Where Animation Thrives (French version available)

    Vancouver, B.C.: Where Animation Thrives (French version available)

    Many industries were negatively impacted due to the pandemic, but animation flourished and continues to flourish. The temporary pause from live-action projects meant that people flocked to animated, on-demand media that they could watch from home. The demand for animated media rose, and there were certainly companies that worked to meet that demand.

    Vancouver, B.C., was one city reaping in the benefits of this animation demand, as a top city in the business. With over 8,000 people employed within over 150 businesses in Vancouver’s visual effects and animation industry, there is certainly a lot of talent to be found locally — and it pays off. Between 2017-2019, the average annual salaries for people within this industry were $77,176, a number 48% higher than the average provincial wage.

    With a clear demand for animation within Vancouver, what exactly makes Vancouver so attractive for people who wish to study or work in animation?

    1. Vancouver Has Many Animation Studios

    Vancouver’s first animation studio was started in 1967, but more than 50 years later, the city has over 60 animation studios and over 150 related businesses. In fact, Vancouver has the greatest concentration of domestic and foreign-owned studios in the visual effects and animation sector.

    Examples of Animation Studios Located in B.C.

    Atomic Cartoons

    From Canadian classics like Teletoon’s Atomic Betty and Treehouse’s Max and Ruby (seasons 6 and 7) to other works like Netflix’s Hilda (some episodes of season 1) and Disney Junior’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends (2021), Atomic Cartoons has had its hands crafting some unforgettable childhood memories since 1999.

    Bardel Entertainment

    Founded in 1987, Bardel Entertainment has two studios located in Vancouver and Kelowna. The studio is known for their work on popular shows like Netflix’s The Dragon Prince, Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty, and Cartoon Network’s Teen Titans Go!

    Titmouse, Inc.

    Vancouver is one of Titmouse’s locations, alongside its other studios in Los Angeles and New York City. The studio has worked on shows like Amazon Prime’s The Legend of Vox Machina and Niko and the Sword of Light, and Cartoon Network’s Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart.

    1. Vancouver Has Many Animation Programs

    If you want to learn how to animate, Vancouver has a lot of options! There are animation programs at schools like Vancouver Animation School, Capilano University, LaSalle College, and many more. Not only can many animation studios be found within the province, but the practice can be taught locally, and to a high standard as well.

    In Animation Career Review’s list of “Top 10 Professional Animation Training Programs in Canada” for 2021, six institutions were from British Columbia, and the other four were from Ontario. The top three B.C. institutions for animation were:

    1. Vancouver Film School

    In operation since 1987, Vancouver Film School provides four main branches of programs for students interested in visual effects and animation: 3D animation and visual effects, animation concept art, classical animation, and creature animation.

    1. Vancouver Institute of Media Arts

    Founded in 1995, Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts) offers a 2D or 3D character animation program for students interested in animation.

    1. Think Tank Training Centre

    Established in 2005, Think Tank Training Centre offers learning about computer animation, visual effects, and game design in a single one-year program.

    1. B.C. Tax Credits Help the Animation Sector

    British Columbia has tax credits, Film Incentive BC (FIBC), that help the animation sector and make the province more attractive for animation companies. The credits reduce tax that must be paid on taxable income. Therefore, these tax credits help companies run by giving them a little break on the expenses that they must pay.

    Examples of B.C. Creative Production Tax Credits

    B.C. Production Services Tax Credit

    Production companies that permanently operate within the province can receive a 28% refundable tax credit on eligible labour costs.

    Digital Animation, Visual Effects, and Post-Production (DAVE) Tax Credit

    Production companies employing B.C. talent for post-production and sound services can receive a 16% refundable tax credit on eligible labour costs.

    Scriptwriting Tax Credit

    Production companies that incur expenses related to scriptwriting can receive a 35% refundable tax credit on eligible labour costs, before the work goes into the final stages of production.

     

    Sources:

    “About – Bardel Entertainment.” Bardel Entertainment, https://bardel.ca/about/.

    “About – Titmouse.” Titmouse, https://titmouse.net/about/.

    “About VFS.” Vancouver Film School, https://vfs.edu/about-vfs.

    ACR Staff. “Top 10 Professional Animation Training Programs in Canada – 2021 School Rankings.” Animation Career Review, https://www.animationcareerreview.com/articles/top-10-professional-animation-training-programs-canada-2021-school-rankings.

    “Atomic Betty.” Atomic Cartoons, https://atomiccartoons.com/project/atomic-betty/.

    Canada Revenue Agency. “British Columbia Film and Television Tax Credit.” Government of Canada, https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/corporations/provincial-territorial-corporation-tax/british-columbia-provincial-corporation-tax/british-columbia-film-television-tax-credit.html.

    Canada Revenue Agency. “British Columbia Production Services Tax Credit.” Government of Canada, https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/corporations/provincial-territorial-corporation-tax/british-columbia-provincial-corporation-tax/british-columbia-production-services-tax-credit.html.

    “Film Incentive BC.” Creative BC, https://www.creativebc.com/services/motion-picture-tax-credits/film-incentive-bc/.

    “Hilda.” Atomic Cartoons, https://atomiccartoons.com/project/hilda/.

    Krewen, Nick. “Surge in Animation Drives Demand for Talent in B.C.: Report.” Playback, https://playbackonline.ca/2021/10/15/surge-in-animation-drives-demand-for-talent-in-b-c-report/.

    “Max & Ruby.” Atomic Cartoons, https://atomiccartoons.com/project/max-ruby/.

    “Programs.” Vancouver Film School, https://vfs.edu/programs.

    “Programs.” Vancouver Institute of Media Arts, https://www.vanarts.com/programs/.

    “Projects.” Atomic Cartoons, https://atomiccartoons.com/projects/.

    Robinson, Chris. “Vancouver, Canada’s Animation Powerhouse, Is Thriving In The Pandemic.” Cartoon Brew, https://www.cartoonbrew.com/business/vancouver-canadas-animation-powerhouse-is-thriving-in-the-pandemic-194208.html.

    “Spidey and His Amazing Friends.” Atomic Cartoons, https://atomiccartoons.com/project/spidey-and-his-amazing-friends/.

    “VFX, Animation, Character & Environment Design Programs for Games and Films.” Think Tank Training Centre, https://www.tttc.ca/programs/.

  • Show Them How It’s Done: 5 Ways to Conduct an Effective Interview (French version available)

    Show Them How It’s Done: 5 Ways to Conduct an Effective Interview (French version available)

    It’s a given that the pandemic had a big impact on our online activities, but Statistics Canada gives a much clearer picture of just how much. Based on a report released in June 2021, 75% of Canadians 15 years of age and older engaged in various online activities, with almost half (48%) saying they engaged in these online activities for the first time.

    Keeping these in mind, it’s no wonder that most interviews now are done via online platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. If you’ve been tasked to conduct an interview soon, whether it’s for your job or something related to a school project, it pays to arm yourself with these five sure-fire tips on how to do an effective interview. Read on below.

    1. Lay out a professional environment.

    Knowing you’re the one conducting the interview may bring about the temptation of keeping it casual, but it’s just as important as being on the other side of the camera. The pressure may not fall on your shoulders in a major way, but you still have a mission to accomplish during these interviews. This means you’ll have to find a spot that gives off the most professional vibes possible and fight that urge to use the beach or Golden Gate Bridge background. Keep an eye on too casual behaviour as well, such as munching on snacks or drinking coffee constantly during your interview.

    1. Give a roadmap for the interview.

    Don’t let candidates go into an interview blindly. Before firing off with your questions, introduce yourself accordingly and provide an outline for the interview. This doesn’t have to be a lengthy one – you want the interviewee to do more of the talking, after all – but relaying the gist will give a better picture of how the interview will be conducted. You can also emphasize that towards the end, you’ll allow time for the interviewee to ask questions.

    1. Prepare the questions beforehand.

    To ensure the interview meets your goal, do your part and review the interviewee’s resume or any related documents and list down your questions. This will make the interview more focused and time-efficient. Doing research is also a great way to know if the interviewee has an interesting aspect that you would like to further delve into during the interview.

    1. Keep an eye out for non-verbal cues.

    In face-to-face interviews, it’s easier to watch out for non-verbal cues, but this is something you shouldn’t miss out on during remote interviews. It’s an effective way to assess your candidate’s confidence and grace under pressure. If the interviewee looks away while talking instead of looking directly at the camera, then it’s a good sign that they’re unsure of themselves and may not be a reliable team player when the situation calls for it.

    1. Give yourself a breather.

    While it’s tempting to pack in as many candidates as you can, it’s important that you give yourself sufficient time to take a break in between interviews. This is also a good way to ensure you can mentally draw a line among your candidates and distinguish them from one another, instead of lumping them all together. You’ll have a better chance of assessing who will be the best fit for the job or the school project you’re working on.

    Doing interviews comes with its own set of challenges. So be sure to give the above tips a try, and you’ll be more than ready to conduct the interview and find the best candidate!

     

    Sources

    Domencic, Andrew. “5 Tips for Conducting an Interview.” Geneva College. https://www.geneva.edu/blog/career/5-tips-for-interview

    Monster. “Interview Tips for the Interviewer.” https://hiring.monster.com/resources/recruiting-strategies/interviewing-candidates/interview-tips-for-the-interviewerus/

    Statistics Canada. “Internet use and COVID-19: How the pandemic increased the amount of time Canadians spend online.” https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/45-28-0001/2021001/article/00027-eng.htm

  • Important Facts for International Students Settling in Canada

    Important Facts for International Students Settling in Canada

    By Selina

    Congratulations, you have arrived in Canada! Below is some useful information to help you get started with settling in.

    Geography

    The Canadian landscape varies from mountains and grasslands to forests, lakes, and shorelines. The climate varies depending on where you are in the country. The winter season in Canada can get very cold with snow and ice (especially in the north and inland), while some parts (such as the west coast) tend to have milder but wetter winters.

    Climate

    Wind chill, which is a way to measure the temperature effect of wind, can make a cold winter day feel colder (especially when the wind gust or speed is strong). For example, a -2°C winter day can feel like -10°C when wind chill is factored in. Similarly, in the summer, the humidex measures the effect of humidity or moisture in the air. A high humidex value can make a hot summer day feel hotter. For example, a 25°C summer day can feel like over 30°C when the humidex level is above 80%.

    Because Canada is located north of the equator, the UV index can be quite strong as it is closer to the North Pole (and hence the sun) in the summer. UV index provides information about the risk of exposure to the sun. The Weather Network (available through its TV channel, website, and mobile app) provides the latest UV readings at all times of the day, across Canada. A high UV reading (above 6) means that you should seek protection from the sun by using sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, or try to find shade.

    Time Zones

    There are 6 time zones in Canada:  Pacific (PST), Mountain (MST), Central (CST), Eastern (EST), Atlantic (AST), and Newfoundland (NST). The time difference from coast to coast is 4.5 hours. For example, when it’s 3:00 p.m. in Vancouver (PST time zone), it’s 7:30 p.m. in Newfoundland (NST time zone). Vancouver is in the Pacific (PST) time zone, and Toronto is in the Eastern (EST) time zone.

    Due to Daylight Saving Time, clocks are turned forward by 1 hour on the 2nd Sunday in March (“spring forward”) and turned back by 1 hour on the 1st Sunday in November (“fall back”). This happens on an annual basis in most parts of Canada, except in certain regions of Saskatchewan and small parts of British Columbia, Alberta, Nunavut, Ontario, and Quebec.

    Languages

    English and French are the 2 official languages of Canada. Being a very diverse and multicultural country, Canada is home to over 200 languages from around the world, and 60+ Indigenous languages. It’s common to hear various languages, dialects, and accents in public, especially in cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver. The most common languages outside of English and French include Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Urdu, German, Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.

    Business Hours and Holidays

    The typical business and store hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This can vary by business or store. Many stores and clinics have extended evening and weekend hours. Some restaurants and grocery stores are open 24/7 (this is more common in big cities such as Toronto).

    The following are the national statutory holidays (celebrated nationwide and are paid days off work for most employees):

    New Year’s Day – January 1

    Good Friday or Easter Monday – Spring (usually in March or April)

    Canada Day – July 1

    Labour Day – First Monday in September

    Christmas Day – December 25

    In addition to the above national statutory holidays, different provinces and territories of Canada recognize other public holidays:

    Family Day – Third Monday in February in most provinces

    Victoria Day – The Monday before May 25 (Queen Victoria’s birthday)

    Civic Holiday – First Monday in August

    Thanksgiving – Second Monday in October

    Remembrance Day – November 11

    Boxing Day – December 26

    Legal Age for Drinking Alcohol

    The legal age for buying and consuming alcohol in Canada is 19 in most provinces and territories, except in Quebec, Alberta, and Manitoba, where the legal age is 18. Drinking and driving is prohibited and can result in demerit points or suspension of one’s driver’s license.

    Electricity

    Appliances in Canada use 120 volts and plug B. An electrical converter is needed if you bring appliances from another country that uses a different voltage. This can be purchased at airports and most hardware stores in Canada. Electricity is often referred to as “power” in Canada.

  • Secure Your Safety with These 5 Street-smart Strategies

    Secure Your Safety with These 5 Street-smart Strategies

    According to an analytical report supported with funding from the Department of Justice Canada’s Policy Centre for Victims Issues (PCVI), there has been a growing number of youths aged 24 and under who have fallen victim to police-reported violent crime in Canada based on national, provincial, and territorial fact sheets. This may be a topic that most of us are afraid to discuss, but the alarming statistics don’t lie. The youth are especially vulnerable to being victims of criminal activities, and that’s all the more reason to have this subject out in the open.

    However, there’s a misconception that once we are on campus, we are safe from another person’s wrongdoings or offences. In fact, according to an article in the Globe and Mail, a study of more than 20 educational institutions revealed that students on campus grounds have been victims of offences of harassment or discrimination made by staff, faculty, and fellow students.

    With this in mind, you can definitely benefit from taking extra safety precautions to ensure that you don’t become a part of the statistics. Below are a few strategies that can help keep you safe on campus at all times:

    Be vigilant.

    If you have to go from one building to another to attend your classes, it’s best to stay alert at all times, especially at night. This sounds easy enough to do, but you may have certain habits that make you completely lose your focus on possible threats. For example, if you have a penchant for texting or checking your Instagram or Twitter while walking, you are making yourself a likely target. Same as when you blast your Spotify playlist to the maximum through your headphones. Both are bad habits that will most likely cause you to lose your attention and be oblivious to someone with bad intentions who may be following you.

    Always inform someone of your whereabouts.

    It can be annoying when people keep asking where you are headed to when you go out, but simply letting them know can be a vital strategy to keep you safe. Even if you are simply making your way to the school library for marathon study sessions, it’s ideal to let someone know where you will be in case something terrible does happen. For instance, if the library closes at 10pm and you are still not home by 12 midnight, the person can take some safety measures, such as inform the campus police or call mutual friends.

    Keep your laptop secure.

    Keep your laptop in your bag when not in use, and only bring it out during class or when you’re doing schoolwork or in a study session. Theft crimes are common on campus, and laptops are often the most desired items by thieves. These days, it’s not so much about the costs of these items per se, but what they contain. Not only would your laptop contain important school papers, but hey also contains personal information that can be used in an identity theft offence. This wrongdoing can prove to be extremely taxing if you are to become a victim. The thieves can spend money from your accounts, apply for new bank accounts, loans, and credit cards in your name, and commit other crimes using your credentials.

    Simplify!

    Women like to adorn themselves in high-end jewellery, and that’s perfectly all right, as these ornaments are a good way to express ourselves and make a fashion statement, but they can also make you a target for thieves. Thus, if you know you will have a busy day in class and you are heading straight home after, there’s truly no need to be all dressed up. Leave the precious charms and trinkets at home where they will be safe. If you’re the type who feels naked without any adornments, go for budget pieces that you can wear every day. This way, if you do happen to misplace it or lose it, you wouldn’t be cursing yourself, which is the likely scenario if you happen to lose a pair of emerald earrings, which is a family heirloom.

    Be wary of strangers.

    This is easier said than done, but we’ve always known about this rule since we were kids, right? After all, we’ve been told about it time and again by our parents or older siblings. Of course, this is not equivalent to us saying that every stranger is bad; it’s simply that you have to go with your gut instinct and be wary of whom you associate with, especially if you’re not familiar with them. If ever you find yourself in a situation where you would have to go with an unfamiliar face, whether to study or go to an event with, ask a friend to tag along. Better safe than sorry!

    SOURCES:

    https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2018001/article/54960-eng.htm

    https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/canadian-universities-under-pressure-to-formalize-harassment-assaultpolicies/article29499302/

    https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-avoid-or-recover-identity-theft

  • Looking at ChatGPT

    Looking at ChatGPT

    By Bhargavi Venkataraman

    What is ChatGPT?

    ChatGPT, according to its own engine, is “an AI-powered chatbot developed by OpenAI, based on the GPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer) language model. It uses deep learning techniques to generate human-like responses to text inputs in a conversational manner.” It was initially developed by the San Francisco-based startup known as OpenAI, co-founded by Elon Musk and Sam Altman. It is an example of generative AI, tools that accept written prompts imputed by users to generate human-like text, images and videos.

    Since ChatGPT was released in November 2022, it has attracted a lot of headlines, both positive and negative. There is a side saying that it could improve the idea of work by assisting us with mundane and complicated tasks. There is another side saying that this type of artificial intelligence could impinge into dangerous territory that is more suitable to be handled by sentient beings. Nevertheless, it is clear that there are both positives and negatives to the tool.

    Pros 

    Efficient: One of the main appeals of using this tool is how quick and relatively accurate it is, especially in certain areas. For example, it is particularly good at routine or perfunctory tasks. A common application for it is customer service. It can react in real-time to customer requests and use data about customers to provide personalized responses, all with reduced wait times. Theoretically, this might allow human employees to focus on more complicated tasks, maintaining customer satisfaction and increasing productivity on the whole.

    Relatively accessible: The engine is trained to respond to multiple languages, enabling it to have a global reach. Further, it is free to use, so people of various demographics are able to benefit from it. People in many spheres, including academics, business, medicine, etc., are utilizing the tool to their benefit.

    Could spark innovation: Due to the quickness of the engine and how much information it has access to, this is a good tool to spark a rapid exchange of ideas and potentially propel innovation. I recently used ChatGPT when I was prepping for some interviews and wanted to get different perspectives on ethical dilemmas or world issues. I can also see this working well in wanting to gather different sides to a controversial topic or debate quickly. Although the accuracy of the engine might be questioned in conversational scenarios where there might not be a correct answer and you are just trying to spark discussion, ChatGPT could be a very useful tool. Here is an example of a question I asked ChatGPT about a world issue and how it responded:

    Cons

    Inaccurate: This is a relatively new tool, and thus, it is still learning. There are many topics on which it makes mistakes. It also doesn’t do very well with obtaining information after 2021. One area in which it makes a lot of mistakes is in math. I have tried to input math questions into it, and it sometimes completely makes up information and defies mathematical principles.

    Ethical Issues/Plagiarism: Particularly within the academic sphere, this is a large reason why there is distrust regarding the use of ChatGPT. Many times, students attempt to use ChatGPT to cheat on exams or written assignments. This is an obvious breach of academic integrity. Nowadays, institutions have to make extra efforts to surveil work and ensure it isn’t done using AI. Additionally, ChatGPT does not do a good job of crediting or citing people’s work. This means using the engine to do work is often unethical. This, in addition to the inaccuracy, it could spread misinformation to vulnerable populations, which could be extremely problematic.

    World Domination: I know this might be dramatic wording, but this is one of the biggest fears with AI, especially with one as advanced as ChatGPT. The worry is that the engine would take over many jobs and remove the need for human employees. Even with the customer service example I gave above, allowing ChatGPT to take over rote customer answering calls replaces thousands of employees who do the job currently. Content creators online are fighting back against this by incorporating ChatGPT into their work. For example, chefs are using the engine to generate viral recipes and testing them out. Right now, they are finding that the tool is not very good for these jobs, but many believe it is only a short time before it will be.

    All in all, ChatGPT is a rapidly learning and highly advanced tool that currently has a wide variety of uses. It is a very exciting development in this technological revolution, but not everyone is convinced that it is a good thing. There are a lot of ways in which the engine could be used to increase productivity and support current jobs, but there is a lot of fear about its current inaccuracy and future ability to affect jobs done by humans. I would urge all of you to try it out for fun, be mindful of its limitations and keep a watch out for how it will develop in the future.

  • When Being Let Go Is a Good Thing: 5 Reasons to Hold Your Head Up High

    When Being Let Go Is a Good Thing: 5 Reasons to Hold Your Head Up High

    A man being fired from his job goes on a rampage. We’ve seen this premise in movies and TV shows one time too many that it’s become almost a trope now, like the ugly duckling turning into a swan or the underdog guy winning the manic pixie dream girl of his dreams.

    Being let go of a job that one loves can be a devastating experience, especially when the news comes out of nowhere and you’ve put in a lot of time and effort into your work. However, it’s not as dramatic as it has been depicted in pop culture.

    If you’ve recently lost your job, remember that it’s not the end of the world. Read below on how you can turn this negative into a positive.

    Let’s get started!

    1. You have freedom.

    It’s normal to get attached to a job you’ve had for years, which you feel you’ve been amazing at, especially if you’re the type who prefers routine. However, maybe you’ve stuck with the job for as long as you can because of fear of change, which may be something that has held you back from searching for one that’s truly in line with your career goals. Now, the opportunity falls into your lap, and you’re free, and the door’s wide open for you to explore what else is out there.

    1. You get to do a self-evaluation.

    When you have your work commitments and your time is spent keeping up with deadlines, it’s challenging to find the time to step back and evaluate where your career is at even though perhaps you had meant to do it for a while. Now that you aren’t thinking of work-related tasks anymore, this is a perfect time to reflect and analyze your career and whether you’re truly on the path that’s aligned with your career goals. This doesn’t happen overnight, so give yourself time to figure things out.

    1. You can find your inner strength.

    Being dismissed from a job can be emotionally taxing, but it’s during these gruelling times that we discover we’re stronger than we perceive ourselves to be. Maybe the thought of you losing your job has plagued you for a while, and now that it has happened, you realize that it wasn’t exactly the monster that you thought it would be. It’s something you’re able to deal with, and therefore, you condition yourself to be ready for whatever challenge comes your way next.

    1. You make use of your creativity.

    Being fired doesn’t mean one can take it easy, especially when they have loads of financial obligations to fulfill: student loans, rent, credit card debt, and others. True, these financial commitments can be overwhelming, but they can also serve as an opportunity for you to reach out to your creative side and discover ways to make money to at least tide you over until the next job comes along. This can be a passion project like designing websites or baking custom cakes. These or anything that fancies your interest can help you earn money until things get better. If you truly love doing it, maybe you can even retain it as a side gig when you’re back to work full-time.

    1. You turn into a better version of yourself.

    Losing a job will motivate you to up your game, so to speak. Maybe you’ve always known that additional training or courses could be an advantage, and now’s a good time to catch up on those. You set your mind to being a better version of your previous self and work on yourself. This way, when you start the job search process, you’ve built enough confidence to project that you’re the best candidate for the job and nothing will get in the way.

    Being let go can be heartbreaking, but there’s always a way to turn things around. As the saying goes, there’s always a silver lining in a grey cloud.

     

    Sources

    Ryan, Liz. “The Ten Best Things About Getting Fired.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2016/12/27/the-ten-best-things-about-getting-fired/?sh=3d1ac9bf77e5

  • October 2025 Scholarships – Apply now!

    October 2025 Scholarships – Apply now!

    AmericanMuscle Student Scholarship Program
    Scholarship Value: $2,500
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: October 15, 2025

    Stantec Future Leaders Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 46
    Award Deadline: October 15, 2025

    P.E.O. STAR Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $2,500
    Awards Available: 100
    Award Deadline: October 15, 2025

    The Brandon Langhjelm Essay Contest
    Scholarship Value: $2,000
    Awards Available: 3
    Award Deadline: October 26, 2025

    Taking Flight Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 7
    Award Deadline: October 30, 2025

    Excellence in Ag Scholarship Program
    Scholarship Value: $16,000
    Awards Available: 4
    Award Deadline: October 31, 2025

    Wolf Scholars
    Scholarship Value: $80,000
    Awards Available: N/A
    Award Deadline: November 10, 2025

    Maryknoll Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 6
    Award Deadline: November 17, 2025

    Seymour Schulich Scholarships and Awards
    Scholarship Value: $15,200
    Awards Available: 24
    Award Deadline: December 1, 2025

    Walsh / Di Tolla / Spivak Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 10
    Award Deadline: December 31, 2025

    Schulich Leader Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $120,000
    Awards Available: 100
    Award Deadline: January 28, 2026

    Jake Weitz Memorial Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 10
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

  • Job Applications 101: Choosing the Best References (French version available)

    Job Applications 101: Choosing the Best References (French version available)

    When applying for jobs, providing high-quality references is a valuable skill that can set you apart from other candidates and help you secure the role. It is as essential to the job search process as writing resumes, sending cover letters, and attending interviews. Even universities and colleges will sometimes request a letter of reference, especially if you’re interested in a highly specialized program.

    But how do you know who to ask (or how to ask them)? This article reviews some strategies for identifying potential references and avoiding common mistakes.

    1. Consider the Focus: Personal, Professional, or Academic

    It’s essential to pick the best reference for the opportunity at hand. The first step is to think about which type of reference makes the most sense in your situation.

    Most of the time, a hiring manager will ask for professional references. In this case, you would ask someone you know from past work experience, such as a former manager, to provide a reference.

    However, if you didn’t have a great relationship with your last manager or don’t have much work experience, you may submit personal references instead. You could ask a coach, camp counsellor, landlord, or mentor to provide you with a statement that speaks to your good moral character and a few key strengths. These references may seem less intimidating, but the trade-off is that the person you choose may not be able to speak directly about your performance as an employee.

    For students, academic references are another option. You could ask a teacher or professor to write you a positive reference. Since they’ve supervised and evaluated you as a student, they can likely comment on your work ethic and general abilities. If you’ve done well in a particular class, you might consider asking that teacher for a reference.

    1. Find Supervisors and Mentors, Not Family or Friends

    You should not use references from family members or friends for a job application. There are some exceptions to this rule – for example, if you’ve worked for a family business, it would be okay to provide a reference from whoever supervised you most closely, even if they’re a relative. But most of the time, references should come from people who have connected with you in the community through work, volunteering, or extra-curricular activities. Even “personal” references should come from people who know you in a more official capacity, such as a landlord or a coach.

    1. Pick Someone Who Knows You Well

    Remember that a good reference comes from someone who has a lot of positive things to say about you and your achievements. They should know you well enough to answer specific questions about you and elaborate on your past experiences (whether paid or unpaid). You need to pick someone who can provide specific examples to support your job application and verify the qualifications you’ve listed on your resume. If you’ve never spoken to this person one-on-one, they’re probably not a great choice.

    Always Ask Permission & Give Them Options

    Once you’ve identified the people you want to ask for a reference, you must reach out and ask for permission. This is an essential point: you must always ask each person for permission before listing them as a reference. Even if they’ve agreed to write you a reference for past job applications, you should ask again before beginning your next job search.

    It’s also polite to give them an easy way to decline your request. You don’t want to make them feel pressured or put on the spot. Some recommended phrasings include:

    • Would you feel comfortable providing me with a reference at this time?
    • Do you feel like you know me well enough to write a detailed reference?
    • Do you have enough availability to provide me with a reference?

    If you haven’t spoken to them in a while, it’s a good idea to write a brief email that outlines your relationship with them and what you’ve been up to since you last connected. For example, what jobs have you held since then? What have you achieved? In addition to reminding them of your qualifications, this prompting gives them material they can use to draft the reference.

     

    Resources:

    Alberta Alis. (n.d.). “How to Choose the Best Job References.” https://alis.alberta.ca/look-for-work/resumes-and-references/how-to-choose-the-best-job-references/.

    Huhman, H. (2015, January 29th). “5 Tips to Choose Your Best Job Reference.” Glassdoor. https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/5-tips-choose-job-reference/.

  • Merry Christmas in October: From Celtic Festival to “Queer Christmas” (French version available)

    Merry Christmas in October: From Celtic Festival to “Queer Christmas” (French version available)

    When September comes, students get ready to head back to school. When October comes, everyone gets ready for Halloween. From walking among spirits to seeking candy from neighbours, the day certainly changed over thousands of years.

    For many people, Halloween remains a spooky holiday: children get dressed up in scary costumes, carve pumpkins, and collect candy. For the LGBTQ+ community, Halloween means Christmas comes early as “Queer Christmas”: a time of year when dressing up provides freedom of expression.

    The Origins of Halloween

    Halloween started out with a Celtic connection 2,000 years ago. Celtic people held festivals on Samhain, a period between October 31 and November 1. It marked the end of the harvest season, meaning that people would harvest their crops and hold feasts with their loved ones.

    During this time, they believed that spirits were able to walk among them, as the barrier between the living and the dead weakened for these two days. Since the Celtic people considered Samhain dangerous, dressing up as spirits and fairies, the act of “guising”, helped protect against evil forces.

    Guising combined with another tradition, souling, to create trick-or-treating. Souling involved poor, often young children going door-to-door asking for “soul cakes.” These soul cakes represented the release of trapped souls. Who knew that something so haunting would come in the form of a sweet bun?

    The Origins of Queer Christmas

    As the tradition spread to places like North America, Halloween slowly drifted away from its original Celtic roots. Not all Halloween costumes needed to be scary, and all sorts of candy replaced soul cakes.

    Even before Halloween became widely known as a trick-or-treating day, the LGBTQ+ community also transformed Halloween into their own unique day that celebrated dressing up and being around friends.

    Halloween parties were all the rage among LGBTQ+ communities in New York and San Francisco during the 1960s. As many American states still had laws against cross-dressing (dressing in clothing traditionally associated with other genders), Halloween provided a safe way to express oneself without breaking any laws.

    The Christmas aspect comes from sharing a space with like-minded people. Like Christmas in December, it involves being surrounded by family. The LGBTQ+ community is a family, where they support and relate to their shared experiences.

    Halloween Today

    The tradition of Samhain festivals continues to be celebrated in separate ways by children and adults of the 21st century. For the ghouls and witches out collecting candy, they celebrate dressing up as fellow spirits while sharing delights with their friends.

    For the partygoers, Halloween gatherings remain huge for the adult crowd. Among this crowd lies the LGBTQ+ community, a group who continues to embrace a holiday that allows them to experience their true selves, surrounded by their found families.

    2,000 years changed a lot of aspects about Halloween, but it has never changed the idea of people celebrating an evening together. Happy Halloween, or should I say, Merry Christmas to all!


    Sources: 

    Atkin, Elizabeth. “How Did Trick or Treating Become a Halloween Tradition?” Metro, 30 Oct. 2021, https://metro.co.uk/2021/10/30/how-trick-or-treating-became-halloween-tradition-15508512/.

    CBC kids team. “Samhain — the Original Halloween!” CBC Kids, 11 Aug. 2022, https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/a-history-of-halloween.

    D., Katherine. “Happy Gay Christmas! A History of Halloween and the LGBTQ+ Community.” Richland Library, 1 Nov. 2021. https://www.richlandlibrary.com/blog/2021-10-19/happy-gay-christmas-history-halloween-and-lgbtq-community.

    “Halloween.” LGBTQ Foundation, https://www.lgbt.foundation/halloween.

    “How Trick-or-Treating Became a Halloween Tradition.” History, 25 Oct. 2021, https://www.history.com/news/halloween-trick-or-treating-origins.

    Schmidt, Samantha. “Halloween Is ‘Gay Christmas’ for Many in the LGBTQ Community. This Year, It Has Been Canceled.” Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/10/15/halloween-is-gay-christmas-many-lgbtq-community-this-year-it-has-been-canceled/.

  • It’s My First Year of Post-Secondary, What Should I Expect? (French version available)

    It’s My First Year of Post-Secondary, What Should I Expect? (French version available)

    The first year of post-secondary can often feel very scary and sometimes overwhelming for many students. Post-secondary is such a large leap from the comfort zone of high school; students often feel as though the pressure and work expectancy can be overbearing. This is why it is important to know what to expect before you enter post-secondary, and have a better understanding of how to prepare yourself for the journey ahead.

    So, what does the first year of post-secondary have in store for you?

    The first —and arguably most critical— expectation for post-secondary is: prepare yourself for a heavy course load. I’m sure it’s no surprise post-secondary is more academically challenging than high school. However, with the course load of each semester being much more condensed than that of a typical high school semester, the workload becomes intensified. This is often a big shock for most students, which is when the sense of being overwhelmed begins to come in.  A full course load in high school is not equivalent to that of a full course load in post-secondary, so be sure to prepare yourself for the next level and only accept as many classes as you can handle.

    Although you’ve probably heard it many times before, the next thing you should expect in post-secondary is to study! While of course studying has always been an important aspect throughout your education, now more than ever, you will need to study and learn the proper techniques on how to do so effectively. Gone are the days of cramming for an exam the night before; say hello to learning proper study techniques in order to reach academic success! (You’ll find proper study techniques are a lot less stressful than cramming, anyway!) One of the most effective study tips is to review your notes from each class every day. That way, when exam season rolls around, you won’t have to re-teach yourself any of the material; you’ll already have all of the knowledge memorized, and a quick refresher should be all you need!

    Despite taking all the right steps for academic success, expect some amount of stress. With new surroundings, unfamiliar professors, and a new level of academic pressure, some stress is going to arise. However, there is no need to fear, just prepare yourself and you’ll get through it! When you feel stress starting to take over, remember to make time for yourself to recharge before you burn yourself out! Exercise is a key aspect of staying physically and mentally healthy in post-secondary. Remember to give yourself breaks while studying, and try to exercise as much as possible! Remember, if you’re ever feeling too overwhelmed, there are resources available to help guide you. Seek your institution’s counselling services if you find your stress levels unmanageable.

    With classes, assignments, exams and any potential out-of-school obligations, expect to be busy in post-secondary! Time management is key to maintaining your stress levels while still reaching academic success. Use a day planner, agenda, or calendar to keep track of important deadlines and exam dates, and plan your days accordingly. Ensure you are always giving yourself an adequate amount of time for studying and assignments, in order to avoid the “cramming the night before stress,” and are always handing in the best representation of your capabilities.

    Expect to meet some awesome new people! While post-secondary might feel slightly intimidating at first, remember you are not alone! There are plenty of other first-year students who feel exactly the same way as you do. Post-secondary institutions offer a variety of clubs, sports teams, and programs that cater to a wide variety of different interests and talents. Get involved in different school activities that interest you; chances are you’ll meet some other great students who share similar interests. Remember, new friends can be found within the classroom, too! While you may feel shy or intimidated at first, remember the students in your class are in the very same position as you. Reaching out to students in your classes helps you break the ice, find new study-buddies, and potential lifelong friends.

    So, while post-secondary will undoubtedly be quite a change from anything you’re used to, remember you’re there for a reason! Just keep in mind what to expect when you walk through those doors, understand how to prepare yourself, and before you know it, you’ll be handling your first year of post-secondary like a pro.