Items

• 
  2021-03-22

  Alberta and Bigfoot

  This article tackles a plethora of issues facing Albertans today, one of the most prominent being a lackluster b-tier animated series on Netflix which seriously threatens our economic and social stability. Jokes aside, I’ve chosen to add this document to the archive as it truly does represent the embarrassing state of affairs that Alberta finds itself in today; as a result of this conservative government’s primacy of privatization and a tax-payer fed propaganda machine which has mythologized the idea of conservative fiscal responsibility. Furthermore, this document sheds light on the attempt to revitalize an oil extraction method from the 1950s which involves detonating a nuclear device underground as a means to boil bitumen. Needless to say, these campaigns to ‘protect’ Albertan economic interests through propaganda have done the absolute opposite, furthermore this draws attention to the very real threat the UCP poses to the environmental stability of Alberta. More so, this news article touches upon the monopolization of both the oil and gas industry and telecommunications networks underneath the UCP regime, resulting in job losses and the flight of several companies from the province – companies which have undoubtedly received tax breaks and corporate donations of tax payer dollars from Kenny’s government. Another point, I feel like this is a very poignant topic currently within the political sphere of not just Alberta, but on a more general sense. Essentially, ‘culture’ wars are given primacy over real tangible material crises. Issues such as housing, food insecurity, job security all which was fundamentally ignored during the pandemic, and subsequently the apparent quest to preserve a failing single resource based economy is to blame. These pursuits which result in effectively no change to the material conditions of Albertans are somehow entertained by the media and popular culture at large. It is this document which highlights the ways in which culture wars largely serve to preserve the legitimacy of the current state of economic affairs, effectively creating a scapegoat to real tangible systemic change which is more than overdue. That is precisely where I see the value in uploading this document to the archive, in that it highlights the absolute ignorance of our current crises within this province. Politicians are more willing to discuss a cartoon Bigfoot rather than the material conditions of the citizens they are meant to represent, and furthermore are ignorant to their survival in the midst of a pandemic.
• 
  2020-03-17

  Taking my plants home for a month

  On March 17, 2020 I drove to the university campus where I work to retrieve materials from my office and to rescue my plants. The WHO had just declared the pandemic. My university administration had sent an email in the late afternoon saying that the campus buildings would be closing for a month starting at midnight that same day. So I rushed to campus to grab some essentials. It was surreal to enter my office and pack it up when just days before things felt normal but there was a growing sense of dread. I saw this artwork in my office - I keep it to help me remember that hard times can be turned around through a shift in perspective. It cheered me up as I packed up my plants. I posted about it, saying that I was packing up my office for 'a month at home'. I've been working from home and teaching from home for over a year now. Campus remains closed to non-essential activities. My plants have taken over our unused guest room in the ensuing year. When I look at this I am viscerally reminded of that day and how much uncertainty there was - and naiveté about what we were in for.
• 
  03/13/2021

  Margaret Geddes Oral History, 2021/03/03

  Interviwee Name: Margaret Geddes Interviewer name: Padraic Cohen Date of Interview: 3/13/2021 Location: Cochrane, Alberta Canada. Transcriber: Otter.ai + edits from Padraic Cohen Abstract: In this oral history, I interviewed my grandmother, Margaret Geddes on her pandemic experience as a senior. In particular, Margaret spoke about her youth growing up in rural southern Alberta, Calgary. Margaret grew up from a Roman Catholic family and she reflects on how religion changed for her throughout the course of the pandemic, as she was unable to goto in person masses; ultimately she believes her faith had been strengthened due to the pandemic. She also spoke about her experience with a prominent polio outbreak in Calgary in the 1950s and draws some interesting comparisons to the current pandemic. Margaret also goes onto speak about her experience with the COVID-19 vaccination, and shares her thoughts on the what it was like to sign up, receive and prepare for her next vaccination . She also spoke about how long she believes the pandemic will go on for, and how she will remain masking in public as a result of the pandemic skeptics out there.
• 
  2021-03-14

  Brenda Cohen Oral History, 2021/03/14

  In this oral history, I interview my mom, Brenda Lee Cohen on her pandemic experience with a particular focus on her work with the Calgary police service as a crime and intelligence analyst supervisor. In this interview, Brenda talks about her initial experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, she recalls the first day of the pandemic as she and her husband were stuck in America. This particular interview touched upon what her work environment was like during the pandemic and topics such as systemic racism, the police ‘culture’ and the revocation of a popular program for city employees known as the ‘golden handshake’ in the midst of the pandemic. Brenda also spoke briefly about her experience with misogyny within the workplace and how these ideas are so prevent within a space which mixes the civilian and police worlds. Finally, Brenda also spoke about what she is most thankful for in this pandemic, and ultimately reflects on her own inability to express her thoughts and emotions – and how one day when she is out of the police environment, things will be different. Interviewee Name: Brenda Cohen Interviewer Name: Padraic Cohen Date of Interview: 03/14/2021 Location: Cochrane, Alberta Canada. Transcribed by https://otter.ai Partially transcribed by Padraic Cohen
• 
  2021-01-10

  Protestors Gathered to Demand and End to Line 3 Pipeline

  Yesterday, hundreds of protestors gathered to demand an end to the Line 3 pipeline construction by Enbridge in Aitkin County, Minnesota. The group blocked traffic on U.S. Highway 169 and MPR is reporting eight people were arrested. The pipeline construction will bring nearly a million barrels of tar sands per day from Alberta, Canada to Superior, Wisconsin. Tar sands oil is one of the most carbon intensive forms of energy and the US Congressional Research Service found it produces 14% more carbon emissions than conventional crude oils. If global carbon emissions continue to follow their current trajectory, the global temperature will rise roughly 5.4 degrees (F) by century’s end, resulting in catastrophic changes to the planet. Enbridge has been working on construction of the 338-mile pipeline since December -- claiming it will create thousands of construction jobs. Recently, a lawsuit was filed asking a federal court to halt construction, stating the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to address several environmental issues and tribal treaty rights when it approved a water quality permit.
• 
  2021-03-04

  Pipeline Actions

  From Drew Arrieta's post: Activists and community members are taking part in a series of actions in Minnesota this week to stop Line 3 construction. The replacement pipeline will bring nearly a million barrels of tar sands - one of the most carbon intensive forms of energy - daily from Canada to Wisconsin. Almost 30 years ago, the current Line 3 pipeline ruptured in Grand Rapids, MN, spilling 1.7 million gallons of oil onto the frozen Prairie River. It is the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history. On Tuesday, a letter was delivered to management at multiple Chase locations signed by 41 Indigenous women supported by over 150 organizations requesting they stop providing financing to Enbridge, the company which operates and is building the pipeline.
• 
  2020-03-05

  Why the Canadian Housing Market Is Soaring in the Pandemic

  "In Vancouver last month, the benchmark price for detached homes rose by 13.7 percent compared with a year earlier, reaching 1.6 million Canadian dollars. In the Toronto area, the average selling price for detached homes rose by 23.1 percent over the same time period, and a composite price that includes all kinds of housing topped 1 million dollars."
• 
  2020-04-15

  Racist Meme

  This racist meme, posted on the Facebook page "French Canadian Memes," highlights the prejudice displayed by many Canadians at the beginning of the pandemic
• 
  2020

  Manitoba Ban on Non-Essentials

  Manitoba government banned the sale of non-essential items in large superstores in conjunction with further restrictions on large gatherings
• 
  2020

  Tyler Shandro

  A meme depicting Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro thinking of the amount of money he can make from kicking people off health care and signing them up for Vital Partners
• 
  2020

  Caulfield Elementary School

  A socially distanced classroom at Caulfield Elementary School in British Columbia, where in-person classes are allowed to take place in a modified fashion
• 
  2020

  British Columbia Mask Mandate

  Sign outside a Chilliwack business stating that masks must be work upon entry
• 
  2020

  Sophie Gregoire Trudeau Gets "All Clear"

  Sophie Gregoire Trudeau announced via social media that she was given the all clear to cease her self isolation following her COVID-19 diagnosis
• 
  2020-07-07

  Maskless Andrew Scheer and Brian Pallister

  This picture, posted by Twitter user "Canadian Dollaz," shows Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer and Manitoba premier Brian Pallister sitting maskless in Pearson Airport on 7 July 2020.
• 
  2020-04-06

  We Will Get Through COVID-19

  Photograph of a sign on a fence to convey positive message in spite of COVID-19.
• 
  2021-01-06

  Quebec Premier François Legault stated that dire measures were necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19.

  In this tweet, Quebec Premier François Legault stated that dire measures were necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19.
• 
  2020-04-11

  Canadian Members of Parliament practicing physical distancing while the House of Commons is in session

  Canadian Members of Parliament practicing physical distancing while the House of Commons is in session.
• 
  2021-01-06

  Quebec imposes curfew, tightens lockdown restrictions as coronavirus health crisis deepens

  In his first address of the New Year on Wednesday, Quebec Premier François Legault announced a tightening of lockdown measures aimed at bringing the second wave of the novel coronavirus in the province under control.
• 
  2021-02-26

  Coronavirus: Quebec considering ‘immunization passports’

  With coronavirus vaccinations now underway in Quebec, the province’s health minister is floating the idea of a so-called “COVID-19 passport” — digital proof that people have gotten the jab in order to access venues or activities.
• 
  2021-02-13

  Advocates call on Quebec to prioritize those with developmental disabilities for COVID-19 vaccine

  Research suggests people with Down syndrome are more vulnerable to the coronavirus.
• 
  2020-05-27

  Together for What's to Come

  A mural painted in Vancouver, British Columbia, that was meant to maintain a sense of morale during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 
  2020-11-30

  L’hiver sera difficile

  This hopeful message from Canada's Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, says that Canadians have a plan to get through the winter, and then will move on to economic recovery.
• 
  2021-01-25

  A Year of COVID-19 in Canada

  This is a collection of photographs for the anniversary of the first COVID-19 case in Canada. The photographs depict the changes the country underwent in the last 12 months.
• 
  2021-02-26

  Health Canada approves AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine

  Health Canada has approved the Oxford University-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, estimating its effectiveness at preventing infection at 62.1%. This means there will now be three vaccines available against COVID-19, the others being Pfizer and Moderna.
• 
  2020-07-16

  Tim Hortons Social distancing

  A photo showing a carton of Timbits: donut holes sold by Tim Hortons, a popular Canadian fast food chain. Beside it is another photo of a sticker telling Tim Hortons patrons to stay 46 Timbits apart.
• 
  2021-02-24

  Canada Collection image

  This image has been uploaded to the archive for Dr. Kole for the Canada collection
• 
  2020-04-05

  Anxiety lingers as N.L. officials trace majority of coronavirus cases to funeral home

  Funeral home in Newfoundland was linked to a superspreader event
• 
  2021-02-16

  None of Ottawa's new travel rules apply to the largest group of people entering Canada — truckers

  Truckers are not being tested or facing restrictions like other cross-border travelers. This has led to some push back as they likely see more interactions with others than other travelers, including non-essential travel such as recreation. There are talks to either require quarantine and possibility to prioritize truckers for the Covid-19 vaccine.
• 
  2021-02-15

  Do you have the right to protest? The coronavirus's impact on freedom of assembly

  A group gathers to protest against social isolation rules of the COVID-19 pandemic in Edmonton, Alberta.
• 
  2021-02-15

  Justin Trudeau Coronavirus Update

  Image from Macleans Magazine of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressing the nation at the beginning of the pandemic.
• 
  2021-02-15

  Black Lives Matter Protests Across Canada

  This is a collage of the various BLM protests across Canada from the summer of 2020. The images are (top row, left to right): Toronto, Chatham, Vancouver, Calgary and (bottom row, left to right): Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax
• 
  2021-02-15

  COVID-19: We're doing this for this

  Video created by the Government of Canada urging the public to wear a mask so "one day we can go back to" travelling, getting together with friends and family, and eating at restaurants.
• 
  2021-02-15

  Canadian Mask

  Image from an article in the McGill Reporter titled "COVID-19 pandemic uniting Canadians like no other event in decades".
• 
  2021-02-15

  CoVID Canada: From Far and Wide graphic

  Logo created for the COVID-19 Canada exhibit from students at the University of Western Ontario.
• 
  2021-02-13

  Canada is 'playing chicken' with COVID-19 by reopening while variants are spreading widely

  Many are criticizing provinces plan's to continue to open up as Covid-19 variants are springing up throughout the country. Places like Quebec have begun to reopen businesses such as museums, malls, and hair salons while having a curfew in place. Newfoundland is facing a current surge with a variant strain.
• 
  2020-12-20

  Borders

  The way covid has affected me has been through seeing my family in Canada. Each year my family travels from Akron Ohio to Ontario Canada so we can see my mom's family. My dad's side lives in Akron so we see them a lot, but it is hard to travel to see my family in Canada sometimes. Covid just made it that much harder. Clearly traveling up there in the middle of the epidemic in the spring would be a bad idea so that already took away one of our three trips out of the year. Then halfway through the summer before we were thinking about going up to our cottage the borders shut down. That really put a damper on things because now two of our trips were cancelled. At this point it has been a little over a year since I have seen my family and that is unprecedented in my lifetime. Finally, as Christmas was approaching, we had hopes that covid would be handled by then, but the borders remained closed and the cases and deaths kept rising. This was upsetting because I was looking forward to seeing my family at least once in 2020 and those dreams collapsed. When we go up to see my family at Christmas time it normally starts off as the first few days are catching up with each other. I love to tell them my stories and they all love to hear them. We then proceed to relax the next few days by going out to lunches with everyone and then making dinner at someone's house. Things can get pretty wild once the people of age start drinking. We have had many karaoke nights along with pool parties and barbecues during the spring. They may not go smoothly, but everyone ends up having a great time. I miss goofing around with my cousins who are all younger than me by one to 8 years, so I always am the leader of the group and decide what fun we get up to every night. Often times we end up chilling in their basement listening to music and telling stories after everyone starts to go to bed. Then on Christmas we wake up to a big breakfast and start opening up family gifts. After all the gifts are open it's time for lunch and to start partying again. We then proceed to get dinner ready and then after dinner we go right back to partying. We normally stay another two days and then leave. All in all it is a really relaxing experience and a chance to get away from the world. It really sucks that covid ended up taking that away from me.
• 
  2021

  The Regions of Canada

  This is a map of Canada that shows the regions of the country.
• 
  2021

  Map of Canada

  This is a map of Canada that details the provinces and territories.
• 
  2020-12-17

  New Ale House Sign: London ON, Canada

  A pub in downtown London Ontario, Canada has been making its opinion of the pandemic restrictions heard through their ever changing sign out front.
• 
  2021-02-08

  Recognize Their Courage and Sacrifices

  Evaluating the financial impact of the pandemic on the country, House representatives are asking the government to remember and acknowledge those working on the frontlines and their families. The Bloc Québécois demands the government "significantly and sustainably increase Canada health transfers before the end of 2020."
• 
  2021-02-02

  Inadequate Sick Leave Jeopardizes Canadian Health Workers and Patients

  Due to inadequate medical supplies, lack of vaccines, and inability to slow down the spread of the virus, the pandemic rages on. To make matters worse, over half of Canadian workers lack sufficient sick leaves, which contribute to more outbreaks and the dangers of contracting COVID-19.
• 
  2021-02-07

  Canada's LGBTQ+ Community Struggles with Housing & Health (On Top of the Discrimination)

  Unfortunately, the LGBTQ+ community is no stranger to discrimination. From school, to work, to finding a safe place to stay. We have heard about campuses closing due to the pandemic, and thus left many in the community to reevaluate their housing options. Some have had to return to their family home, despite some of those homes being less than accepting of them. With everyone concerned over their health, it is only right to allow everyone to feel safe where they live, too. However, this does not only affect the youth populations. The older members of the community have also been struggling with housing and healthcare. As one of the linked articles wrote, there is a lack of data collection regarding the LGBTQ+ populations. Their needs and concerns cannot be tackled with if the data were never there to begin with. It seems to go downhill from here as health concerns increase while their mental health deteriorates.
• 
  2021-02-03

  Canada labels the Proud Boys, neo-Nazi groups as terrorists

  I’m mainly sharing this article for posterity; it was published on the day when the Canadian parliament listed the Proud boys and 13 other white supremacist/Nazi organizations as terrorist groups throughout Canada. For me, this is a positive development in my country; yet it shouldn’t have taken this long, nor should it of needed a coup attempt on the U.S. government to occur in the first place. This relates to the social justice collection mainly that it is an example of the state actually taking action against white supremacy (for a change), largely this is the result of Jagmeet Singh, the NDP and Canadians who voiced their fears and concerns regarding the effects of white supremacy, and the threat it poses to each and every one of us. I wanted to include this to demonstrate the effects of the January 6th coup on Canadian politics and society; it should also be interesting that Canada is the first country to label the Proud Boys as a terrorist organization.
• 
  2021-02-04

  My mom's quarantine crochet

  These two photos are of a recent crochet project my mom just completed, I just think they’re absolutely adorable – they remind me so much of my first teddy bear from when I was a baby. I’ve been telling her that kids would love if she made more of these, we could donate them or sell some on Etsy I keep telling her – but she doesn’t believe me when I tell her that her work is amazing. I just wanted to upload this to the archive to show how my mom has coped with quarantine life, and how her creativity has exploded over these last few weeks. In a weird way it’s very sentimental to me, because it reminds me of my own childhood and the amount of love my mom gave me throughout my upbringing when she could, I just want other people to be able to feel the love that’s been poured into this object during these unloving times.
• 
  2021-02-04

  My daily view

  This is a photo from my bedroom, and has been what I wake up to every day, and have been waking up to for the last 22 years of my life. I haven’t left my house in weeks aside from running to get groceries or a coffee. I haven’t gone out for a hike, a walk, almost nothing for these months. I’m mainly sharing this photograph to illustrate just how monotonous my life has become, and while this sounds depressing, because it is, I feel like I’m doing my part by not going out – it’s probably the only thing that’s making this bearable. All I do every day, is wake up and begin working on classwork and my internship, and then finish off with some games online with my friends, but I’ve even stopped doing that recently. I don’t really have a drive to do much anymore aside from school work. I feel even worse with the fact that I can’t find any work which would fit with my class work. So largely, I just feel incredibly useless, I take so long to get my school work done, and have little time to just do what I’d like – and on top of that I don’t even know what I’d like to do. Needless to say, this pandemic has really, really put a funk on me; class work is the only thing keeping me going at the moment, or I’d just be a potato in bed.
• 
  2020-05-11

  Canadian Shield makes face shields

  Canadian Shield is a company that makes face shields. They released this video showing the process.
• 
  2021-02-03

  Masks mandatory inside middle and high schools in B.C.

  Masks are now mandatory inside middle and high schools in British Columbia, Canada. Elementary students are currently not required to. Schools are also asking for more money in order to help with improving safety for returning staff. While much of the population is currently wearing masks, the government has been relatively laissez-faire compared to the United States on compliance.
• 
  2020-05-01

  Used PPE

  A photograph of the soiled PPE at St Paul's Hospital in Vancouver.
• 
  2020-03-27

  Donating PPE

  Université du Québec à Montréal donated PPE to hospitals at the beginning of the pandemic.
• 
  2020-11-11

  Just One Positive Wedding Guest

  What started with one positive wedding guest, led to 50 infected guests, 10 infected households, and a deadly outbreak in a long-term care home which resulted in 81 cases. In total, this large outbreak triggered three hospitalizations and one COVID-19 death.