Jonas May
- News Editor, The Dalhousie Gazette
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Articles by Jonas May
Chartwells manages half of SUB food vendors after Abstract takeover
Chartwells now manages half of the Student Union Building’s food vendors, after taking over the Abstract Café, the building’s last student-run vendor. Chartwells also manages Burrito Loco and the Market, a convenience store that opened its doors last year. The other three food vendors — Tim Hortons, Booster Juice and Bento Sushi — are all franchises.
The Gazette Reviews: AIFF Films Based on True Stories
By: Mia Phillips, arts and culture editor Often, in cases of tragedy such as a plane crash, more attention is given to the series of events that led to it. Public records will more easily recall the details of the accident rather than the lives it claimed and the human impact it caused. 111 Echoes from Halifax is not that kind of story.
The Gazette Reviews: The biggest blockbusters at AIFF
By: Ellie Gary-Jones And just like that, the director of All of Us Strangers has given the world yet another queer drama filled with hope, lust and longing — yet this one sits at a different temperature. With little romance and lots of snow, Andrew Haigh adapts Colm Tóibín’s short story into a family drama set in the Colorado Rockies in the early 1950s.
The Gazette Reviews: AIFF films shot in Atlantic Canada
By: Theodore Boyce Back in Black is a textbook example of a movie with a fun, grabby premise that never quite manages to transcend it. The movie follows the daughter of a small-town funeral home owner, who, when her father’s business falls on hard times, tries to cause freak accidents around town to boost sales.
Dal hires 5th provost since 2024
Dalhousie University has hired Brenda Merritt, the dean of health, as the university’s acting provost and vice-president academic. Merritt entered the position on Sept. 14, becoming the fifth acting provost, interim provost, or provost at Dalhousie since 2024. She replaces interim provost Heather Bruce, dean of agriculture, who has held the role since August after replacing Wanda Costen, who left the university in July.
King’s has invested $2.76 million in entities they say are unethical. Why won’t they divest?
Two years ago, the University of King’s College became the first university in Halifax to divest from weapons manufacturers. Today, the school owns $34,000 of stock in Lockheed Martin, the world’s largest weapons manufacturer. It’s part of $2.76 million in investments from the university into unethical entities, including fossil fuel extractors, tobacco companies, weapons manufacturers and aerospace and defence companies.
BREAKING: Dal faculty union votes no confidence in president, former provosts and board chair
Dalhousie University’s faculty union voted that they have no confidence in three leading positions at the school, evaluating their work from July 2024 to June 2026. Over 420 faculty members, nearly 72% of those who submitted their ballots, voted that they have no confidence in the three positions. The anonymous vote opened on Sept. 15 for over 1100 full-time professors, librarians, counsellors and instructors who make up the Dalhousie Faculty Association.
Faculty union holds vote of no confidence in Dal president, others
Dalhousie University’s faculty union is holding a vote of no confidence in the school’s president, two former provosts and the chair of the board of governors. The anonymous vote opens today for the nearly 1,000 full-time professors, librarians, counsellors and instructors who make up the Dalhousie Faculty Association. Voting results will be revealed on Sept. 22. The vote evaluates the work of the three positions from July 2024 to June 2026.
Tigers men’s soccer team prepared to defend AUS title
Winning a championship is difficult; defending it one year later is harder. After a triumphant playoff run, the Tigers enter the 2026-27 school year with a title to defend. The team finished second in the Atlantic University Sports regular season standings last year, before facing Cape Breton University’s Capers in the championship final. Dalhousie University striker Mohammed Wahdan scored the winning goal in double overtime to complete the win, and Dalhousie secured their 14th AUS championship.
Make-A-Wish partner society founded at Dalhousie
Two students at Dalhousie University have founded a new society to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Canada. Zeen Ali and Angel Womack will launch Dal Make-A-Wish this fall after partnering with the non-profit organization to be a third-party fundraiser. Ali, a former Make-A-Wish kid and third-year medical science student at Dal, has been looking for ways to give back to the organization. “It’s an honour; I’m very pleased to be able to do this,” says Ali.
Dal Faculty union agreement revealed 10 months after lockout ends
The new agreement between Dalhousie University and its faculty union was revealed in July, over 10 months after the labour agreement was ratified, ending a four-week lockout that delayed the start of the fall semester last year. The deal sets the work terms for the Dalhousie Faculty Association’s nearly 1,000 members for the next three years. The collective agreement’s details were the source of intense negotiation between the DFA and Dalhousie, culminating in a four-week lockout.
BREAKING: Police reopen downtown Halifax, confirm no ongoing threat
2:14 Update: At 2:00 p.m., Halifax Regional Police confirmed that there is no ongoing threat downtown. All streets have been reopened, and most transit routes have returned to normal scheduling. Much of downtown Halifax has been evacuated on Monday morning due to a bomb threat.
SMU alum will attempt to run 1,000 km across Nova Scotia to fight food insecurity
Over 23 days, Darcy Eygun aims to cover 1,000 kilometres across Nova Scotia to help raise awareness for food insecurity in the province. “Hopefully [the run] stands as a reminder of the state of the province and the importance of raising funds for food insecurity,” says Eygun. “I hope we can all come together and reflect on our role in helping out neighbours that live throughout Nova Scotia.” To meet his goal, Eygun will need to run the equivalent of a marathon per day.
Canada’s World Cup success fuels pride in Halifax soccer fans
As Team Canada prepares to suit up for the FIFA World Cup’s knockout round, Haligonians are loudly showcasing their support for their men’s national team. During game days, bars and restaurants across the city transform into energetic watch parties full of Haligonians supporting the country’s third World Cup appearance. Despite losing their final group stage match 2-1 against Switzerland on June 24, Canada’s 1-1-1 record in the group stage clinches the club’s ticket to the knockout round of 32.
Aging Scotiabank Centre May Be The Achilles Heel Of Halifax's PWHL Bid
With facilities at the top of mind among PWHL executives, the Scotiabank Centre may end up being the element hindering Halifax’s expansion odds. The PWHL officially announced Detroit as the league’s ninth franchise on May 6. The Motor City is expected to be one of as many as four markets expected to be added to the PWHL for the 2026-27 season.
Healthcare CEO, financial expert named 26th president of King’s
After months of searching, the University of King’s College board of governors and presidential search committee have named Tim Vine as the university’s next president. Vine is the current president and CEO of North Shore Health Network, a health organization with three hospital sites in rural Ontario communities that provide short and long-term care. He will assume his role as the 26th president of the university on July 13.
Dal board of governors chooses not to vote on divestment motions
By: Jonas May, news editor and Dylan Follett, assistant opinions editor Dalhousie University’s board of governors chose not to vote on divestment motions presented by Dalhousie Student Union president Maren Mealey at a March 24 board meeting, instead sending them to the university’s financial committee for review. Mealey tried to add two motions to the meeting’s agenda, calling for divestment from entities related to fossil fuel production, weapons manufacturing and human rights violations.
Killam Library renovations paves way to make Dalhousie greener
The Killam Memorial Library’s greenhouse gas emissions and energy use are projected to drop more than 50 per cent following a recent retrofit, with Dalhousie University’s Office of Sustainability aiming to replicate the approach in other campus buildings. The library was targeted because of the building’s high energy consumption, as well as outdated equipment and energy systems. The retrofit cost $17.6 million, with approximately $500,000 being funded by the provincial and federal governments.
Nova Scotia Student Strike timeline
Students across Nova Scotia went on strike from March 15 to 21, demanding lower tuition rates and divestment from weapons manufacturers and fossil fuel companies. Nova Scotia Student Strike (NSSS) organized the strike efforts, marking the first provincial student strike in Canada outside of Quebec. This week-long strike was the beginning of the advocacy organization’s three-year plan, building to an indefinite strike in 2028.
DSU passes student strike motion with 62.3% in favour
Members of the Dalhousie Student Union voted to join a province-wide student strike from March 16 to 21. It’s the first successful strike vote in DSU history. The vote passed with 62.3 per cent support, with 145 students in favour to 85 against. Maren Mealey, president of the DSU, says she will work to meet with Dal administrators to discuss the issues included in the strike motion. “It’s really incredible to see students mobilize around issues that they care about,” says Mealey.
Provincial budget cuts $3.7M in graduate scholarships
Dalhousie University graduate students who receive funding from the provincial government were stunned to learn their scholarships are being cut from next year’s budget. “I was heavily relying on [the scholarship] to help pay for my tuition,” said Alzena Ilie, a fourth-year clinical psychology PhD student at Dalhousie and a current recipient of Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship (NSGS) program funding.
Dalhousie men’s hockey coach steps down with no championship wins in 15 years
Dalhousie University’s men’s ice hockey team will have a new leader behind the bench when they take the ice next season. The university will immediately begin looking for a replacement for Chris Donnelly, who on Feb. 25 after 15 seasons. Cindy Tye, Dalhousie’s director of athletics and recreation, declined to comment on the staffing change.
Student union election decided by just 12.5% of students
For the sixth straight year, the Dalhousie Student Union’s general election had a voter turnout of less than 13 per cent of the student population. “There is a wide understanding that people don’t vote,” says Reid Delaney, the DSU’s chief returning officer, who is responsible for organizing the election.
Dalhousie projects $13.1 million deficit for 2026-27 academic year
Dalhousie University is projecting a $13.1 million deficit for the next academic year. On Jan. 29, the university’s Budget Advisory Committee released its proposed operating budget for 2026-27 and projections 2028-29. The report anticipates the university returning to a balanced budget by the 2028-29 academic year, a year later than the university’s previous target of 2027-28. Dalhousie projected a $20.6 million deficit for the 2025-26 academic year.
Anjali Seshadri elected DSU president
By: Jonas May and Dylan Follett Anjali Seshadri says she is entering her term with confidence after being unofficially elected as the next president of the Dalhousie Student Union on Feb. 14. “There’s a lot of promise in the changes that I want to make in the union,” says Seshadri, a third-year applied computer science student.
Dalhousie announces new residence building, opening fall 2028
Dalhousie University will construct a new housing complex next to the university’s arts centre on Henry Street, the university announced on Feb. 11. The university’s first student housing development since 2014 will house 213 students. Construction is scheduled to begin in May, with a projected opening in fall 2028.
Q&A with DSU board of governors representative candidate, Steven Mata
Steven Mata is a third-year microbiology and immunology student running in the Dalhousie Student Union election for a board of governors representative position. Mata is one of two candidates running for this role, alongside Mizel Cluett. He is the current faculty of science representative for the DSU. This interview has been edited for clarity, grammar and length. I spent the last year seeing how the DSU operates and works, and it was very fun.
Q&A with DSU vice-president academic and external candidate, Opry Dey
Opry Dey is a third-year computer science student running in the Dalhousie Student Union’s general election for vice-president academic and external. Dey is running uncontested for this position. She ran for president in last year’s by-election. She is currently the creative director for the Dalhousie Bengali Student Association and the outreach director for the Dalhousie Palestinian Society. This interview has been edited for clarity, grammar and length.
Carney kept his elbows up in Davos, says prof, students
Prime Minister Mark Carney caught the attention of Canadians when he stepped onto the podium in Switzerland to deliver a public address on Jan. 20, and Dalhousie University students and faculty have taken notice. Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, made headlines around the world. The speech encouraged the world’s middle powers to come together amid threats against Canada and Greenland’s sovereignty made by United States President Donald Trump.
NDP leadership candidates make campaign stops at Dal
By: Jonas May and Lily Van Beek Political hopefuls are recognizing Dalhousie University as a crucial stopping point during their national campaigns. Three of the five leadership candidates in the ongoing federal NDP race attended Pints and Politics events hosted by the Dal & King’s NDP society. Finn Geddes, the society’s Dalhousie vice-president, says she was surprised at how many students attended these events.
Students surprised at Kim Brooks’ Order of Canada appointment
The appointment of Kim Brooks to the Order of Canada has drawn mixed reactions from Dalhousie University students. Brooks, president and vice chancellor of Dalhousie, was inducted into the order alongside Dr. Patrick Croskerry, the director of Dalhousie’s critical thinking program in the faculty of medicine. They were two of 80 new appointments announced by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon on Dec. 31. Brooks is the third Dalhousie president to receive the Order of Canada, joining Tom Traves and Henry Hicks.
International enrolment continues to decline, putting financial strain on Dalhousie
Dalhousie University over projected international student enrolment for the 2025-26 academic year by over 600 students. “It’s going to have a really multi-layered negative effect on Dalhousie,” says Ajay Parasram, an international development studies professor at the university. Dalhousie had 2,713 full-time international students enrolled as of Oct. 1, according to a preliminary survey released by the Association of Atlantic Universities on Oct 15.
Dalhousie students continue to seek tuition refunds for lost class time
As the fall semester comes to an end, Ella Kang is one of many Dalhousie University students still seeking tuition reductions. “The struggles [students] have faced academically and financially are going to carry over into the next semester,” says Kang, a third-year medical science student at Dalhousie.
CUPE members say Dalhousie deal is a ‘stepping stone’
Dalhousie University reached a new deal with the union representing its nearly 1,000 part-time academics and teaching assistants, over a year after the previous collective agreement expired. Executive members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3912 say it’s a good deal, but they’re already preparing their return to the bargaining table.
The Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity opens doors for research showcase, hands-on experience
By: Jonas May and Fallon O’Grady Berry A new marine biodiversity centre is set to open at Dalhousie University next month, and professors say it will create opportunities for students to showcase their research and gain hands-on wildlife experience. Construction on the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity began in 2024.
Newfoundlanders show support for the Regiment in Halifax
Caylen Blake played against a team from his home province for the first time in his major junior hockey career when the Newfoundland Regiment visited the Halifax Mooseheads on Oct. 17. The Regiment’s face-off with the Mooseheads was the first time a Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) team from The Rock took the ice in the Scotiabank Centre since Jan. 29, 2008. Blake, 17, was born four days later.
Dalhousie teaching assistants reflect on contract negotiations
Editor’s note: This story was reported before CUPE and Dalhousie University reached a deal on the evening of Oct. 20. Adrian Rumson was prepared to hit the picket lines for the second time since he began his graduate program at Dalhousie University in 2022. This time around, he is a member of the bargaining team for the Canadian Union of Public Employees 3912, representing the union’s members at Dalhousie.
Breaking news: Dalhousie part-time faculty narrowly avoids strike, reaches agreement with university
Dalhousie University narrowly avoided its second labour disruption of the term, after reaching a tentative agreement with the union representing its part-time faculty and teaching assistants late Monday night. The Canadian Union for Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3912 planned to strike on Tuesday morning if it could not reach a collective agreement with the university’s board of governors. In August, almost 90 per cent of members voted in favour of striking if necessary.
Part-time instructors, teaching assistants prepared to strike on Oct. 21
Dalhousie University students are facing another potential labour disruption as part-time instructors and teaching assistants prepare to strike next week. Dalhousie’s bargaining unit has a conciliation meeting scheduled with the university’s administration on Oct. 20. Job action could begin as early as Oct. 21 if an agreement isn’t reached.
Tap water unsafe to drink due to discolouration on Halifax campus
At 12:40 p.m. on Thursday, DalSAFE sent out a release alerting students that water at Dalhousie University’s Halifax campuses is discoloured and unsafe to drink. “[People are] advised not to drink the tap water unless from a filtered source like drinking fountains or water bottle fill stations,” said the release. This is due to off-campus work by Halifax Water, who are currently attempting to flush out the discolouration. As of 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, there is no change in status.
How the 2025 Emmys turned generosity into a gimmick
Award shows are traditions meant to celebrate artists, but the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards found a way to undermine its own purpose by placing a dollar sign on the speeches that everyone is there to see.
Dal professors worry about a condensed fall semester
With the fall semester shortened due to the faculty lockout, professors at Dalhousie University are restructuring their courses to fit a condensed schedule. “Normally, I have 12 instances of classes,” says Spring Farrell, a Dalhousie pharmacology professor. “Now, I have to ask myself, ‘What can I do with 10? What can I cut? What can be compressed?’” The university’s board of governors and the Dalhousie Faculty Association ratified a new collective agreement on Sept.
Reading week to go ahead after Dal announces schedule changes
Dalhousie University’s senate confirmed that reading week will go ahead as scheduled from Nov. 10 to 14 after announcing changes to the academic schedule on Sept. 22. Fall break, a permanent fixture at Dalhousie since 2016, was previously up in the air. The university was undecided whether to cancel the break to make up for class time lost to Dalhousie’s faculty lockout.
Students take a seat on campus to support faculty
In a Sept. 16 joint statement, Dalhousie University and its faculty association announced they reached a tentative agreement to end the labour disruption. This article was produced ahead of that announcement. Dalhousie University students gathered for a sit-in in front of the Henry Hicks Building on Sept. 9 to support the Dalhousie Faculty Association, as negotiations continue with the university’s board of governors.
New campus café blends coffee with community
When tasked with rebranding Dalhousie University’s longstanding student pub, the Grawood, Lenka Tomlinson knew she wanted to create a more inviting and accessible space for students on campus. Tomlinson, the manager of the Abstract Café, says that the Grawood was “losing a ton of money” and needed a change of vision. “We wanted to find something to completely revitalize both the space and the intention behind the service,” she says.
Dalhousie faculty receives community support through the fourth week of lockout
In a Sept. 16 joint statement, Dalhousie University and its faculty association announced they reached a tentative agreement to end the labour disruption. This article was produced ahead of that announcement. As Dalhousie University’s lockout of its faculty enters its fourth week, picketers can still be found on the outskirts of campus. Kiran Banerjee and Jason Haslam, co-chairs of the DFA’s job action committee, have been organizing and operating the DFA’s efforts behind the scenes.
Students concerned DFA lockout will impact tuition
Over four weeks into the Dalhousie Faculty Association lockout, students are growing increasingly concerned about paying tuition for a fall semester that could leave them without classes. Katie Ritchie is a second-year master’s student at Dalhousie University.
Q&A: DSU president talks lockout, student advocacy and what’s next
This interview has been edited for clarity, grammar and length. What is the Dalhousie Student Union’s (DSU) current status with what’s going on with the Dal Faculty Association (DFA) lockout? Just last week, we passed a Senate motion that allows for some academic protections for students who choose to honour picket lines and don’t complete classwork or attend classes taught by non-DFA instructors during that process.
Health Minister says pharmacare would cost ‘more than we have’ as drug coverage deal stalls
Health Minister John Dornan says cost concerns explain the province’s delay in signing a pharmacare agreement with the federal government, and that residents are already “relatively well covered” with the existing coverage in New Brunswick. The Pharmacare Act, passed as Bill C-64 in October, lays the groundwork for a national universal pharmacare program, with the first phase covering contraceptives and diabetes treatments.
Photovoice project aims to confront systemic racism in New Brunswick
On Saturday, contributors showcased photographs to spark dialogue on dismantling systemic racism in New Brunswick at Fredericton’s Charlotte Street Arts Centre. The event was organized by the Madhu Verma Migrant Justice Centre, a non-profit organization that aims to support migrants in New Brunswick. Titled ‘Like the Air We Breathe,’ the project was a collection of photographs that aligned with recommendations made in a 2022 report on systemic racism in New Brunswick.
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