Vanier Community Sponsored Refugee Family: A Sad Update
Last year, we introduced you to Ruba and Elias, 6-year-old Carla and 6-month-old Crystel. After a wait of over two years, they finally arrived in Montreal June 19, 2018. The entire family had been thriving, with both girls in school, Ruba taking business classes at McGill, and Elias working at a local company.
Last week, we had some devastating news. Elias has passed away suddenly. We are rallying around Ruba to give her our love and support. We have reactivated our fundraising campaign so that we can help her pay for the funeral expenses, and try to offer a nestegg for her and their two young children. I don’t know yet whether we can offer tax receipts for new donations, but we hope that you can help us once more. Your donations will help us ensure she and the girls can focus on healing and continue making a future here.
You can donate to our GoFundMe campaign (https://www.gofundme.com/f/pgazk4ss), or make a cheque payable to the Vanier Community for Refugee Sponsorship.
We thank you in advance,
The Vanier Community for Refugee Sponsorship — Maggie Kathwaroon, Maggie McDonnell, Janice Paquette, Mark Prentice, and Nancy Wargny
New Insurance Information
REMINDER: You can make changes to your insurance choices during the month of November. Contact HR directly. Attached is the English version of the Info letter regarding changes to our insurance plans with La Capitale.
Newly Tenured Teachers – Insurance deadline!
Congratulations! No more GOSs!
Note that enrolment in Long Term Disability is obligatory now that you have acquired tenure. Also, if you wish, you have 30 days to sign on with La Capitale for life insurance without a medical examination.
Sustainability
Last night at the GA, we discussed the reduction of our travel emissions. Here are some links from the presentation.
The website of the organization suggested by Valerie Plante, mayor of Montreal, during her address to the United Nations for information and services regarding carbon offsets can be found here:
The website for the No-Fly Climate Sci initiative supporting academics and institutions who commit to reduce their travel carbon emissions can be found here:
The Concordia Flying Less Policy can be found here:
Retirement Recognition
We’d like to remind you that the VCTA budget includes $150 for departments to organize an event for retirees. Simply send an e-mail to the VCTA of your intent. Keep original receipts for food, gift cards, etc. And let us know who is to be reimbursed.
Commuter Train Closures in January
Users of the EXO train are probably already aware that next semester, the train’s path will be affected by the REM construction work. From January 2020 onwards, there will be no service between Centrale and Du Ruisseau stations. Trains coming from Deux-Montagnes will stop one station before Montpellier, which is the closest station to Vanier College.
This will have an impact on the commute of many people at Vanier. We encourage train users to plan for alternative routes. Let us know if you hear of great alternatives we could share with all.
Nego
The following text, written by a colleague from Cégep St-Laurent and published in Le Devoir, details some of the issues faced by precarious teachers in the cégep system. We encourage you to read and share it.
https://www.ledevoir.com/opinion/libre-opinion/566374/les-precaires-permanents
Marker Recycling Program
Jake’s COOP has joined a recycling program for markers. We can bring to the store any kind of used markers, including refillable ones, from any brand to be recycled. They also take pens which are recycled through a different program.
A note about coffee
The VCTA offers coffee to our members in the VCTA office as well as in the staff lounge in the N building. We received recently a donation from Marley Coffee, in conjunction with the Sustainability office, which we brew alongside our regular coffee.
We have been offering certified Fair Trade coffee for many years. Come grab your morning, or afternoon, cup!
White Poppy Campaign
Wonder why some people are wearing white poppies? Come to the VCTA office and get a card that explains the campaign. You can also pick up a white poppy at the same time. Red poppies, as usual, are available throughout the college – for example, in the printshop.
Upcoming Meetings
Nov 14 – Association Council, 13h30, F216
Nov 15 – Academic Council, 13h30, F216
Nov 28 – CRT, 14h00, F216
Dec 10 – General Assembly, 14h00, F216