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  • Addressing the State of Food Insecurity on Canadian Post-Secondary Campuses

    Addressing the State of Food Insecurity on Canadian Post-Secondary Campuses

    Many students need to juggle many tasks while studying at post-secondary institutions. Worries about tuition, jobs, and rent are common, that some may not have enough time to consider another important one: food. The stereotype of college/university-aged adults living on instant ramen meals daily is one joked around frequently, but that reality is not far from the truth. Many Canadian post-secondary students struggle with food insecurity, which means they cannot access enough healthy foods on a consistent basis.

    Defining Food Insecurity in Canada

    Food insecurity works on multiple levels. Simply getting enough food to eat is not enough, the quality and consistent access to that food also matters. The Government of Canada defines food insecurity as:

    • The inability to get or eat an acceptable quality and/or quantity of food in “socially acceptable ways”
    • Or the “uncertainty that one will be able to do so”

    The latest report by Statistics Canada from November 2023 showed that food insecurity rose among Canadians in 2022. 18 per cent of Canadian families experienced some sort of food insecurity over the past year. This marked an increase by two per cent compared to 2021’s numbers.

    Food Insecurity Among Post-Secondary Students

    Numbers of food insecurity are even larger among post-secondary students. During these years, many students need to consider many expenses when they may not have a lot of support. While anyone can attend school at any age, those attending post-secondary at younger ages may lack much financial support. A 2021 study by Meal Exchange surveyed 13 post-secondary institutions across Canada, which showed that 41.7 per cent of students faced food insecurity that year. This affected those between ages 30 and 34 the most (72.5 per cent of that demographic), with the 25 to 29 age group behind them at 66.3 per cent.

    When looking at a wider range of institutions, the numbers still apply there. A 2022 study by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) looked at institutions across North America and found that approximately 20 to 50 per cent of post-secondary students face food insecurity. This study wanted to see how best institutions can help students with food hubs: places where students can access food and support.

    Supporting Students

    Many Canadian institutions offer some sort of food security support. This can happen through a dedicated school food bank, through financial support, or other means. One of the common places this happens is through a school’s student union, which might offer their own food initiatives. Though Canadian student unions often operate separately from their respective schools, many still provide much-needed services for their members.

    Some examples of food programs offered by Canadian student unions include:

    Outside of school food banks, other options such as bursaries, grocery gift cards, and community fridges exist. Many schools, like the University of Calgary and York University, list their food supports and resources on their website. Each food initiative offered by institutions varies but they are worth looking into for any student needing help.

  • A Prime Minister’s Problematic Legacy: Sir John A. MacDonald and a Long History of Racism

    A Prime Minister’s Problematic Legacy: Sir John A. MacDonald and a Long History of Racism

    You probably learnt all about Sir John A. MacDonald as Canada’s first Prime Minister, as well as his many achievements in your history classes: how he built Canada’s government, aided in the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and successfully expanded the new Dominion of Canada, building it into the country we know today (Britannica). That said, underlying each of these achievements is a very dark history of violent genocide and racism.

    With the rising knowledge of cultural genocide and the legacy of colonialism in Canada; many people have become aware of the large part in which Prime Minister MacDonald played in all this. Sure, he did a lot for Canada, but this was often at the expense of others. Especially the Indigenous people. According to Robert Alexander Innes, an Indigenous Studies Professor, when the Canadian Pacific Railway was built, MacDonald withheld food and resources from an estimated 5,000 First Nations people until they agreed to move from the construction site and onto designated reservations, even if this was their land (2021). As one of the leading legislators of the Indian Act, he oversaw the creation of the residential school system, stating it was necessary to “kill the Indian in the child” (McCarten 2021). According to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, about 4,118 children died in the residential schools, some of which may never be recovered (Deer 2021). With this knowledge becoming more prominent within the wider public sphere, monuments and statues dedicated to MacDonald have since been defaced, some even being beheaded, and he is no longer on the ten dollar bill like he used to be.

    This has raised the question: If MacDonald has such a problematic legacy, does he deserve to be studied and acknowledged as part of Canadian history? Even if his legacy is indeed very violent and difficult to come to terms with, Sir MacDonald still has his defenders. For instance, in his article, “Why should Sir John A. take all the blame for Canada’s injustices to Indigenous peoples?” Canadian journalist John Ibbitson argues that many politicians throughout history have been found guilty of genocide and racism, and he did not act alone. However, MacDonald has likely been held to higher standards because as Prime Minister, he was the one who had the most power to change things. Many have also argued that, in some ways, Sir MacDonald was actually a bit more progressive than many of his counterparts. In a letter to Peter Jones, an Ojibwe chief, Sir MacDonald wrote, “I hope to see some day the Indian race represented by one of themselves on the floor of the House of Commons.” (Hopper 2018).

    There is also the argument that many other prime ministers failed to do anything about the residential school system, even if they were fully operational around the 1830s all the way to 1996. Yet, none of them did anything. Everyone needs to be held accountable for their actions, but especially Sir MacDonald because he is largely responsible for beginning all of this in Canada. It should not be a secret that he was a white supremacist and a racist; this is something that must also be fundamentally acknowledged as part of Canada’s history.

    When it comes to history, it is easy to pick and choose which parts we want to acknowledge and actively include. But if you do not learn from the actions of those who came before you, then you are doomed to repeat the same actions. This is not a question of whether John A. MacDonald can be erased from Canadian history; he’s part of it no matter the type of man that he was. The question, and where we should start to act is learning about all sides of Canadian history: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Perhaps we can utilize history to create a different kind of legacy for Canada (Nurse 2021).

     

    Bibliography

    Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Sir John Macdonald.”  Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Jan. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Alexander-Macdonald.  Accessed 18 March 2023.

    Deer, Ka’nhehsí:io. “Why it’s difficult to put a number on how many children died at residential schools.” CBC News, 29 Sept. 2021, https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/residential-school-children-deaths-numbers-1.6182456. Accessed 14 March 2023.

    Ejeckam, Chuka. “Canadian media justifies Canada’s genocidal foundations.” rabble, 1 Feb. 2023, https://rabble.ca/columnists/canadian-media-justifies-canadas-genocidal-foundations/. Accessed 14 March 2023.

    Hopper, Tristan. “Here is what Sir John A. Macdonald did to Indigenous people.” NationalPost, 28 Aug. 2018, https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/here-is-what-sir-john-a-macdonald-did-to-indigenous-people.  Accessed 14 March 2023.

    Ibbitson, John. “Why should Sir John A. take all the blame for Canada’s injustices to Indigenous peoples?” The Globe and Mail, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-why-should-sir-john-a-take-all-the-blame-for-canadas-injustices-to/. Accessed 14 March 2023.

    McCarten, James. “Canada’s tragic residential-school reckoning could be grim harbinger for U.S.” LethbridgeNewsSnow, 27, June. 2021. https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2021/06/27/canadas-tragic-residential-school-reckoning-could-be-grim-harbinger-for-u-s/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIts%20founder%20coined%20the%20phrase,prime%20minister%2C%20Sir%20John%20A. Accessed 14 March 2023.

    Nurse, Andrew. “The Problem of Legacy: John A. Macdonald and the Politics of History.” WordPress, 1 Feb. 2021, https://earlycanadianhistory.ca/2021/02/01/the-problem-of-legacy-john-a-macdonald-and-the-politics-of-history/.  Accessed 14 March 2023.

    Rodriguez, Jeremiah. “John A. Macdonald defenders fear admitting Canada is ‘linked to white supremacy,’ scholars say.” CTV News, 14 Jan. 2021, https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/john-a-macdonald-defenders-fear-admitting-canada-is-linked-to-white-supremacy-scholars-say-1.5266977?cache=tjcjnjuh. Accessed 14 March 2023.

  • Post Covid World – Adjusting to Social Activities Again

    Post Covid World – Adjusting to Social Activities Again

    By Natasha Cooper

    It’s sometimes hard to think about the time, not that long ago, when it felt like the world was standing still.  In March of 2020, in a matter of a few short weeks practically everyone in the world would say goodbye to life as we knew it before the pandemic.  What might be even harder to recognize is the time lost, and the tremendous impact the Covid pandemic and isolation has had on many people.  Indeed, there’s mixed emotions about it all.  Many might not want to think about it and are grateful that they got through such a tumultuous time and are still healthy, when so many cannot say the same.  However, it is probably not a stretch to say that there are still many that cannot shake this lingering effect of the pandemic.

    Whether you were working, or in school, traveling, it does not matter; isolation protocols certainly had a profound impact on us all. On top of that, those who did experience having Covid would know all too well the fear that surrounded it.  Even if one was not too concerned about their own health, many were petrified of spreading the illness to perhaps loved ones who were more vulnerable to the illness.  While there is still much to be learned about the lingering effects of the Covid pandemic, both mental and physical studies are already suggesting that there are growing numbers of  people reporting an increase in their anxiety.

    Going back to work, or school, traveling again, or re-emerging into social life can be challenging for some right now. It should also be noted that returning to social life after Covid can be a varied experience for any person depending on their personality type.  While extroverts might be getting over how difficult the pandemic was for them, and the kind of effect that had, introverts might have thrived during isolation, and are now dealing with the stress of re-engaging in a social life.  Here are some things to keep in mind while adjusting to life back out in the world again post-pandemic.

    1. The pandemic was an entirely new experience for most people, do not feel alone in still not feeling normal or fully integrated back into social life
    2. It’s okay to take things slowly; this includes going back to social activities or being in big crowds etc.
    3. If possible, find ways of remaining flexible with your work, school, or social schedule. This might help ease some of the anxiety. If this is not possible, try and be creative in coming up with some other strategies to make this transition easier for yourself.
    4. Practice mindful breathing if you find yourself overwhelmed in a large crowd or social setting.  Mindful breathing exercises can generally be done almost anywhere at any time and have been proven to help improve overwhelming feelings of panic and stress.
    5. If at any time you feel like it is all too much and you might need help, reach out.  Phoning friends or reaching out to a professional is never something to be ashamed of, and there are many resources out there for struggling individuals.  Below are just a few.

    As we find the Covid pandemic finally in the rear view, remember we all went through this as a collective society.  A post-Covid world might be a frightening place, but it is filled with new possibilities and objectives to make this a safer, and hopefully more caring world.

  • The Winter Blues: An Overview

    The Winter Blues: An Overview

    As autumn is now here in full force, winter is just around the corner. Campus life can become grim in the winter season, especially during exam time. If you’ve ever heard of the winter blues, it something of a mild depression accompanied by low energy levels and lack of motivation because of the darker days and long, cold nights. Fortunately, there’s a lot that can be done as students to prevent the winter blues from occurring:

    1. Get enough exercise.

    Although it might not be motivating to go for a run in the winter, there are other ways you can exercise to stay healthy during the cold season. It’s also a great way to reduce the stress from studying for exams. Most of all, the effects of exercise works wonders to pick up your energy and leave you feeling good for the rest of the day. It’ll also increase your metabolism for all that feasting you’ll be doing during the holiday season.

    2. Complement exercise with a healthy diet.

    What you eat and when you eat can really take a toll on your body and mood throughout the winter. Refined and processed foods can often leave us feeling bloated and slow from the lack of nutrients. Instant food and the frozen aisle may sound convenient as a student, but it can lower your energy levels immensely. Try your best to incorporate more complex carbohydrates and nutrients into your diet to stay physically healthy and avoid the winter blues.

    3. Soak up the sun when you can!

    You might not be getting enough Vitamin D in your diet, but you can sure try to make it up by making the effort to bask in the sun when you can. Although the winter doesn’t often offer up many opportunities to be in the sun, make the effort to leave the indoors to soak up the sun when it’s around. The days becoming shorter are one of the many reasons for winter blues. Similar to the effects of exercise, soaking up the sun can affect your mood greatly. If the sun is not where you are, try changing the light bulbs in your dorm to something that’s warm and cozy to mimic natural light in the winter.

    4. Get up and work towards your goals.

    Studies have shown that healthy behaviours like goal setting prevent depression in the long run. For example, people that exhibit commitments to exercise and good sleeping habits tend to have less sad or mildly depressed days throughout the year, meaning they are less likely to experience the winter blues. Although these research results are not conclusive to everyone in all regions, the results are likely to be mood boosting wherever you are.

    Good luck beating the winter blues!

  • The Importance of Teaching the History of Residential Schools in Elementary School

    The Importance of Teaching the History of Residential Schools in Elementary School

    By Natasha Cooper

    Just like Math, English and Science, History is a very important subject for students of all ages to learn.  For generations of Canadians, we have learned about the history of our nation in schools.  The curriculum often includes the founding of our country, the journey of becoming a British colony to an independent nation, the wars that brave Canadian men and women took part in, and much more.  But it has not been until recent years that Canada as a nation is beginning to assess and reconcile the history of cruel treatment to Indigenous peoples and the residential schooling system.

    Residential schools were a school system set up by the Canadian government often with church affiliations in the 1880s.  The primary goal of these schools was to teach Indigenous children the customs and beliefs valued in White societies.  In doing so, they separated their students from their families, and stripped them of their own cultures and languages.  In these schools, children were abused, mistreated, and neglected, leading to severe trauma and even the death of many of these students.  These schools continued to run in Canada all the way until the 1990s, meaning that there was over a hundred years of abuse facilitated in these schools, resulting in generational trauma, and a near cultural erasure of the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

    It was not until the early 2000s that the Canadian government began seriously investigating all of the tragic misconduct that was taking place in these institutions.  Now as a nation, it is time for us collectively to reconcile these atrocities, and much of this begins with educating not only ourselves, but our children on the darker parts of our history in relation to Indigenous peoples and its enduring legacy. Many may wonder why or how kids should be taught about such a sad topic in history, however children are extremely smart, and empathetic, making them a very important demographic to be learning about this.

    While some Canadians did not even know of residential schools until well into their adulthood, as a society we now have the opportunity to properly educate young people about this matter in a respectful and caring manner.  It is sad to think about having to tell today’s children about what the government has done in the past to kids not so different from them, but just because something is hard, does not mean it should not be done.  Canadian curriculums have been able to teach elementary school children about the World Wars, and many other scary parts of history in an appropriate way, which proves that the same thing is possible when educating children about residential schools. Being honest with children and teaching our full history instills important values, and helps make children more culturally aware and sensitive to the land they are living, learning, and playing on. It is also an undoubtedly important step to be taken while mending our relationship with Canada’s Indigenous peoples.

    Most importantly, teaching children of all ages about the history of residential schools in Canada will help safeguard future generations, and ensure that such a thing can never happen again.

  • How to be an Ally to Indigenous People

    How to be an Ally to Indigenous People

    By Avreet Jagdev

    What is Allyship?

    Allyship is a word which means building relationships with marginalized communities to help support and advocate for them. Marginalized groups are those that may have fewer privileges and be discriminated against for factors such as their race, culture, religion, gender, class, sexual orientation, or disability.

    Why is it important?

    It is important to be an ally because it means you have an active role in working with people from disadvantaged communities towards their goals of justice and equity. In other words, you get to be a part of the solution and help make the world a better place for communities that face mistreatment, just because of the identities they encompass.

    Allyship & Indigenous communities

    In Canada, our Indigenous communities have a long history of mistreatment and abuse. Indigenous people were the first to live here, but European settlers who wanted ownership over Canadian land caused their communities to face many adversities, including forced assimilation through the Indian Act and residential school system, as well as physical harm to their communities, such as through the physical removal of their people so that the Canadian Pacific Railway could be built.

    To this day, Canada’s Indigenous peoples face many inequalities including lack of access to safe drinking water, and ongoing struggles for justice for communities such as Grassy Narrows, an Indigenous reserve in Ontario which has faced many injustices such as mercury contamination and clearcutting of their forests. These ongoing problems highlight why it’s important to support and be allies of Indigenous communities. There’s a lot of work to do to make things right.

    How to be an Ally to Indigenous communities

    1. Listen genuinely and seek to understand.

    It is important for allies to educate themselves about the experiences and challenges that Indigenous communities face. In addition to educating yourself about current issues, it is important to learn about the historical context of their oppression as well. The issues that Indigenous communities currently face are the result of a history of trauma and discrimination.

    1. Show up

    A big part of being an ally is taking action. This can be done by showing up to events and actions, signing petitions, donating, volunteering, or lobbying as an act of your solidarity and allyship. This may also involve speaking out against discrimination and amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples.

    1. Being open to feedback

    Learning is not a one-time thing, but an ongoing process that never ends! This is why it is important for allies to continually listen and be open to feedback. Making mistakes is okay, but it’s important to learn from and grow from them. Being a long-term ally means continually learning about what is going on, and what can be done.

    1. Centering Indigenous voices

    A key aspect of allyship is recognizing and prioritizing the perspectives and leadership of communities you are an ally of. To be a strong ally with Indigenous communities, it’s important to center their voices and perspectives when it comes to issues that they face.

  • How the Arts Help Emotional Expression and Mental Health in Youth

    How the Arts Help Emotional Expression and Mental Health in Youth

    Engaging in the arts can help youth express and navigate their emotions, as well as help with their mental health. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, 70 per cent of Canadians “experience symptoms of mental illness” before they turn 18. It is important to address mental health during these critical younger ages. Doing activities that encourage youth to use their imagination, like drawing, painting, writing, and music, can create one way to maintain a healthy outlook during stressful times.

    Defining Art

    “Art” is a broad topic containing many types. Like many abstract and large topics, it’s often to define art in one statement. The World Health Organization (WHO) defined five categories of art in their 2019 report on art’s positive impacts on heath:

    1. Performing arts (music, dance, theatre, singing, and film)
    2. Visual arts, design, and craft (crafts, design, painting, photography, sculpture, and textiles)
    3. Literature (writing, reading, and attending literary festivals)
    4. Culture (going to museums, galleries, art exhibitions, concerts, the theatre, etc.)
    5. Online, digital, and electronic arts (animations, filmmaking, and computer graphics)

    Benefits of Making Art

    A 2021 report by the English Language Arts Network (ELAN) noted that creative arts reduce stress and boost resistance to negative experiences within youth. While specific art therapy sessions with a professional exist, the benefits of making art apply to other social situations. When participating in the arts with others, it creates a sense of belonging, and connections with those around. Additionally, art helps children develop their own identity and as well as support and gain an “awareness of diverse identities within society.” Making these social connections make children feel more confident and less isolated in their lives, leading to greater health overall.

    The Flexibility of Art

    Art’s flexibility lends itself well to help people explore their emotions. Many creatives cite life experiences as inspirations for their work, and often art is a reflective process.  A simple piece of blank paper can be filled with text, or colour, or pictures — it all depends on what comes to mind. Art allows individuals to create anything they want, and this acts as a pathway to the mind. Emotions flow into works, whether they want to look into their current feelings, ones of the past, or ones they want to feel. Art can be a naturally therapeutic medium for its ability to let people think about which aspects of themselves they want to express.

    Arts for All

    Though participating in the arts is especially helpful for youth, the benefits help people of all ages. Creating art at a young age could start a life-long hobby that improves life even as someone grows older. Art is one of those things that will naturally evolve the more people get involved and as they change as people. Though someone’s art abilities and creations may vary throughout their life, having a consistent hobby helps to destress in busy times. Having a hobby such as art helps create a health work-life balance later on, and acts as something to keep people happy for the rest of their lives.

  • The Significance of Land Acknowledgments

    The Significance of Land Acknowledgments

    By Avreet Jagdev

    Over the years, there has been a larger focus on land acknowledgements across Canada. What are land acknowledgements, and why are they so important?

    Land acknowledgements are a recognition of the land on which Canada exists. Many Indigenous communities are from Canada, and these communities were the first people to live on this land — long before others arrived. When European settlers arrived to Canada, Indigenous communities faced many injustices and were forced to assimilate into European culture. This resulted in long-term injustices that continue today.

    A land acknowledgment is a way to recognize this history, and show respect and gratitude for these Indigenous communities and the land they called home before anyone else.

    Land acknowledgements vary in what they look like, but usually, they are shared as a statement towards the beginning of an event or meeting. The most basic aspect of a land acknowledgement is a recognition of the land that the meeting or event is taking place on, and the traditional territories that exist on that land.

    For example, the City of Toronto is traditional territory to many Indigenous communities, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. A land acknowledgment in Toronto might begin by naming these communities.

    Land acknowledgements often also include gratitude and respect for the land on which they are on. Some land acknowledgements are more personal, and include personal reflections on relationships with the land, or with Indigenous communities.

    Land acknowledgments are important for many reasons and are a key aspect of reconciliation, a word which means repairing Canada’s relationships with Indigenous communities. Firstly, they show respect to the Indigenous communities who have existed on this land for thousands of years, and this is a way of recognizing their history and connection to this land. This recognition is an important step towards reconciliation because Indigenous communities have faced a long history of having their relationship with the land denied or neglected. In addition, Indigenous histories have been left untold — so by recognizing Canadian land as traditional Indigenous territory, land acknowledgements are a step forward in repairing this issue.

    You can contribute to this reconciliation by researching the traditional territories and Indigenous communities that are associated with the city or town that you call home. You can also reflect on your relationship with the land on which you live, and learn more about its history with Indigenous peoples.

    Land acknowledgments are a lot more than just words. They are a way to connect us with Canada’s past, and learn more about the Indigenous communities which live alongside us. Overall, land acknowledgments are an important step in reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous communities, and allow us to think more critically about the land that we live on, and the history that took place here.

  • Degrassi: The Next Generation Marks 20 Years of “Pride”

    Degrassi: The Next Generation Marks 20 Years of “Pride”

    Many Canadians have likely heard of the iconic youth drama series Degrassi. Beginning as The Kids of Degrassi Street in 1978, Degrassi transitioned into telling the stories of high school teens. The most prominent iteration of Degrassi was 2001’s Degrassi: The Next Generation, which began 10 years after 1991’s Degrassi High.

    The core identity of Degrassi remained the same: to showcase the stories and lessons experienced by Canadian youth. Degrassi didn’t shy away from taboo topics such as teen pregnancy, drug use, gang violence, and school shootings. The series often carries the associated phrase, “it goes there.” The kinds of stories told on Degrassi were more groundbreaking than Canadian youth media at the time. This month, on October 8, the series reaches a 20-year milestone since the confirmation of its first out gay lead character, Marco Del Rossi. On October 8, 2003, Degrassi: The Next Generation aired part one of the Season 3 episode “Pride.”

    The Context of “Pride”  

    Degrassi: The Next Generation introduced Marco, portrayed by Adamo Ruggiero, as one of the new characters in Season 2. He becomes friends with the existing main cast, and sparks a quick relationship with fellow newcomer, Ellie Nash, portrayed by Stacey Farber. However, he questions his sexuality during this period. They agree to keep fake dating to keep Marco safe.

    Marco and Ellie join a couple other Degrassi students for a beach day in the first part of “Pride.” In this episode Marco meets Dylan, the older brother of his close friend Paige. Dylan is an out gay teen, who easily combats homophobic comments. Marco directs his attention at Dylan, neglecting Ellie in the process. Ellie and Marco’s following break up leads Marco’s friend Spinner to set him up with another girl. The episode ends on a powerful scene with Spinner confronting Marco about his lack of interest in his date: Marco comes out, a very important milestone for the series and for Canadian youth television.

    The Impact of “Pride”

    “Pride” released at a time when same-sex marriage was not yet legal in Canada, meaning that LGBTQ+ rights and representation was much smaller than today’s society and media. It acted as a step towards representation in Canadian TV, and especially important to youth, who go through a lot of personal growth in the teen years.

    Marco’s story also impacted the world outside of TV, including his own actor’s life. Marco’s coming out journey helped his actor come out. “What Marco gave me is a community,” Adamo Ruggiero said in an interview with AV Club. “In the promotion of the show, I connected with a queer world.” Marco helped Ruggiero enter a world that he also shared. Ruggiero came out in 2008 and continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Canada.

    LGBTQ+ rights in Canada continue to improve, but still face resistance from some. Just last month, many people across multiple provinces gathered to protest sexuality and gender identity (SOGI) education in schools. LGBTQ+ representation like Marco in Degrassi: The Next Generation provides one way to comfort LGBTQ+ youth who may not feel supported in their everyday lives.

  • Transphobia in Canada: A look into the issue, and what must be done.

    Transphobia in Canada: A look into the issue, and what must be done.

    By Avreet Jagdev

    Transphobia is a term that refers to discrimination against transgender and gender-queer people. At the core, it is rooted in a rejection of transgender identity, and refusing to acknowledge or understand that being transgender, non-binary, or gender-queer is valid and real.

    Transphobia can manifest in many forms: from verbal and physical harassment and abuse, to the removal of trans rights, to the systematic exclusion of trans people. In Canada, members of the trans community say that they are seeing and experiencing signs of rising transphobia across the country.

    In the past, Canada has taken action towards protecting trans rights. Notably, the passing of Bill C-16 in 2017 amended the Canadian Human Rights Act to include gender identity and expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination. Despite this act, transphobia continues to exist in Canada today. One example is the rise in opinion articles, published by news organizations including the Toronto Star and CBC, which have pushed transphobic ideas and opinions.

    It is very harmful to members of the trans community when anti-trans ideology is publicly shared online, especially when it is done from widely known and credible sources such as CBC and Toronto Star. The problem doesn’t end here, however. Even notable author J.K Rowling was criticized for transphobia, for her stance against inclusive terms such as “people who menstruate”. She believes terms such as these take away from the women’s rights movement. However, these terms are essential to the inclusion of transgender, non-binary, and gender queer people in the fight against period stigma.

    Outside of transphobia in the news and from public figures, anti-trans discrimination impacts transgender people in their personal lives, such as at work or school. This is often done through misgendering, which trans people can often experience from their peers, co-workers, or managers. Misgendering is when people refer to a transgender, nonbinary, or gender queer person using terms or pronouns related to how they identified before transitioning. This can be intentional or unintentional, but is harmful because it invalidates trans identity. This has negative consequences for the overall mental health of the misgendered person, by making them feel invalid, not understood, and stigmatized.

    Rising levels of transphobia are evident in many other Canadian news headlines. In July, a family-friendly drag show in Victoria was canceled after the cafe it was planned to be hosted at received violent and threatening calls, with one caller even threatening to “shoot up the place”. Drag story-time events in public libraries have also received criticism rooted in homophobia and transphobia. Meanwhile, Pride flags in various locations in Ontario and British Columbia have been ripped down, and a seventeen year old in Mississauga was arrested for threatening to conduct a mass shooting at Pride celebration.

    Evidently, transphobia is rampant in Canada, despite trans identities being legally protected by Bill C-16. It is important to take action against all forms of discrimination when we see it, including anti-trans and LGBTQ discrimination. You can help lessen the harmful impact of anti-trans discrimination by being a good ally to the transgender and queer people in your community, and by unconditionally respecting and celebrating their identities.