Algonquin alumni lost to Eastway Tank explosion

by:  Magan Carty (they/them)

Two graduates of Algonquin College are among the victims of Eastway Tank, Pump and Meter Ltd.’s deadly explosion and fire in Ottawa on Thursday, Jan. 13.

What should have been a normal day at work for the victims ended tragically in the worst industrial accident since 1966 when the Heron Road bridge collapsed, according to the Ottawa District Labour Council.

How are the truckers' protests affecting the Algonquin College community?
by: Liam Fox (he/him)

The truckers "Freedom Convoy" protesting COVID-19 mandates in Canada arrived in Ottawa this past weekend, causing gridlocks and disruptions in the city.

Ottawans living and working in the downtown core have withstood continual noise from large truck horns and intimidation from some protesters.

Protesters from across Canada started to converge at Parliament Hill on Thursday, Jan. 27, although the majority of the convoy arrived on Saturday, Jan. 29.

Students will soon be able to learn new first aid techniques on campus

by: Myriam  Landreville (she/her)

Algonquin College students will be able to participate in a first aid course hosted at the college’s Woodroffe campus on Saturday, Feb. 5.

“Learning first aid and CPR is a great way to become a community resource,” said Jennifer Sybrandy, a registered nurse and the founder of National Capital First Aid. “You never know when you will come across someone who could need life-saving help.”

Her company, which offers CPR and first aid courses in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, is offering classes to Algonquin College students throughout the month of February.

Working up a sweat to calm down has been key during the pandemic

The connection between regular physical activity and good mental health has been acknowledged for decades by health professionals, however, during the COVID-19 pandemic this link has been put to the test.

Public health measures enacted since March 2020 have affected the availability of all kinds of sporting activities. From the closures of gyms to the cancellation of seasons for athletes across the country, it has become increasingly difficult to get the 150 minutes of exercise a week recommended by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.

Student athletes in Ontario are sidelined from their indoor sports

The Ontario government announced new COVID-19 restrictions on Jan. 2 including a ban on indoor sports until Jan. 27, with an exemption for “elite amateur” sports leagues.

Both the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association and Ontario University Athletics were excluded from the list of elite amateur leagues qualifying for the exemption of indoor sports.