NovemBer 15, 2005

THE CADRE @ 15

International Buy Nothing Day

Mandy Carmichael Contributor

There are a lot of students on campus who care about social issues. In fact, I’ve noticed a lot of signs and posters promoting carpooling, environmental awareness and that oh so good FAIR TRADE COFFEE that is percolating in the cafeteria of the SUB as I write this article. So, for those of you already doing your part and for those of you who would like to be part of the action, I would like to draw your attention to Friday, November 25", this year’s International Buy Nothing Day.

As some of you may already be aware, November 25" is the day after the U.S.A.’s Thanksgiving holiday. It is also the day that people in the US spend more money buying stuffthan any other day of the year. (Think pre- Christmas Boxing Day bonanza). Now, everyone knows that we, our neighbors to the south and a few other select elite countries are responsible for consuming an unfair percentage of the world’s resources. Therefore, numerous countries around the world have joined together to boycott buying on the day after America’s Thanksgiving every year. You might at this point be wondering why the name sounds so familiar, but you never seem to know which day “Buy Nothing Day” falls on (at least I was wondering that). The awful but obvious truth is that so far, ABC, NBC, CBS and every other

major television network in the US (and probably in Canada), have refused to advertise this event.

In order to address the awareness issue, your newest student group (the Student Collective for Social Consciousness) will have an information booth set up from November 21* to November 25" in the SUB between 11AM and 1PM. We encourage all of you to stop by and get involved. Also, our weekly meetings are Thursdays at 6PM in the Women’s Center and all are welcome to come with any ideas or projects that you would like to see put into place in your community.

So, what can you do today to participate and become part of instigating change? The answer is simple. Start thinking about International Buy Nothing Day! On the week of November 21“, plan ahead. Buy the things you need before the big day; tell all your friends to do the same, and then on November 25", do nothing! Don’t spend money. Don’t consume. Don’t be a part of the problem. To put a positive spin on it... Just do it! Be part of the solution! Take a stand and send the message to big corporations that it is we who control them and not the other way around!

For more information about Buy Nothing Day, go to www.adbusters.com.

Shawn Murphy Commends AVC for Receiving $213,462 in Funding

CHARLOTTETOWN -— Shawn Murphy, MP for Charlottetown, commended the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) for its leading-edge research initiatives, which have attracted funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation. The University if Prince Edward Island will receive $213,462 in funding to support cutting-edge research infrastructure at the Atlantic Veterinary College’s Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory.

“Tt is a testament to the AVC’s excellence in research that the CFI has approved funding for this project,’ stated M.r Murphy.

“The University of Prince Edward Island has demonstrated exceptional growth in recent years and its reputation as a leading research facility continues to strengthen. It is important to continue fostering this growth,” observed Mr. Murphy.

The mandate of the CFI, which is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada, is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian research facilities to carry out world- class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.

The CFI’s funding announcement follows on the heels of

UPEI’s designation as a Research University of the Year. UPEI was one of three Canadian universities to receive this distinction by Canada Research Infosource Inc. The consulting firm identified these academic institutions as demonstrating superior achievements in eaming research income and publishing research.

“Prince Edward Island is fast becoming a center for specialized research and innovation,” noted Mr. Murphy, citing construction of the National Research Council’s Institute for Nutrisciences and Health and the new Holland College Centre for Labour Force Innovation as examples of federal government funding initiatives supporting development of this fast- growing sector.

“We are building a strong foundation for the Island’s continued pursuits in research and innovation, and I believe the Island will prosper greatly from such investments,” concluded Mr.

Murphy.

Media Enquiries

Shannon Courtney 566-7007 shawnmurphymp@pei.aibn.com

AVC Receives an ‘Ultimate Gift’ Today, November 7, the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) of the

University of Prince Edward Island (UPED) confirmed arrangement for an “ultimate gift’ from Donna and Richard Hassard. The Hassards, AVC campaign co-chairs presented the College with a generous donation of $12,000 per year, a portion of which will be used for life insurance premiums on a $1-million policy. The proceeds of the policy will be earmarked for the future upgrading of the planned AVC Student Learning Commons.

“We are grateful for the strong support and commitment of Donna and Richard toward AVC,” said Dr. Tim Ogilvie, Dean of AVC. “They are dedicated

| members of the AVC community who are leading the way to fulfilling our expansion

plans. The “ultimate gif?’ ofa $1 million life insurance policy confirms their inclusion in the UPEI Visionary Society of planned giving to higher education.” With a goal of raising $7.5-million toward the $32-million AVC expansion and renovation project, the AVC Capital Campaign has already raised $1.2 "