Ian Greene, an expert on government ethics and a political science professor in York University’s Faculty of Arts, says Liberal leadership candidate Paul Martin’s move to transfer control of Canada Steamship Lines to his sons mitigates conflict concerns, but does not eliminate them, reports The Globe and Mail March 13. “I think any reasonable person would say that there is still a potential for conflict,” Greene said. “I would trust a truly independent ethics commissioner, and we don’t have one yet.”
Student’s credo: No challenge is too tough
Azim Lila is a third-year York University student majoring in business with a specialization in information technology, reports the Toronto Star March 13 in a story profiling the 2002 New Pioneeers award winners, chosen by the non-profit Skills for Change organization. Born with a learning disability that impedes information processing, the 22-year-old has had to work harder than most students, says the Star. “I have to be more focused than other students. I know I have to try just that much harder,” says Lila, who came to Canada when he was nine from his native Tanzania in East Africa. “But in the end, I know my extra effort gives me a bit of an edge.” The Skills for Change organization recognizes achievements of immigrants and refugees who have enriched our communities, says the Star.
Dance grad Shannon Cooney premieres
Ever since she joined Dancemakers – a Toronto dance group – in 1994, more or less fresh out of York University, Shannon Cooney has demonstrated a distinct out-there quality that reminds you of a teenage tomboy who’d act on any dare, reports the Toronto Star March 13. She’s both powerful and sensual and so the inwardness of her new solo, premiering in the DanceWorks 2002-2003 season opening March 13 at the du Maurier Theatre Centre, may come as a surprise.
York grad trio milks geeky shtick
Cal-Culator & the Oral Presentation is a group of three dorks in search of a laugh, reports the Toronto Star March 13. Plaintain McGee is actually Conor Green, Hasegawa is Dejan Zahirovic, and Calcu-Lator, the tough-nerd human beatbox, is Enis Esmer. All are 24-year-old former York University theatre students who performed a week ago at the Rivoli in Toronto.
Runner helps York to relay bronze
Lisa Main, a fine arts student at York University and a member of the running group Cambridge Harriers, helped her York University women’s 4x800m relay team win a bronze medal at the Ontario University Indoor Track and Field Championships on their home track, reports the Cambridge Times March 7.