Nova Scotia floats fees freeze
Nova Scotia has frozen post-secondary tuition fees for the 2007-08 academic year, effectively subsidizing what would have been a 3.9 per cent increase.
But student groups who were expecting a fee reduction are unsatisfied. The average yearly tuition in Nova Scotia is $6,571, and the provincial government had promised to reduce fees to the national average of $4,347 by the 2010-11 academic year. Department of education spokesman Kevin Finch said that the fee reduction was on track, and students could be seeing one large decrease in lieu of a series of small decreases.
-Jane Bao
For unis, a Second Life
Faced with high enrolment rates, Canadian universities are making space for students on virtual campuses. Such schools as McMaster University, Mohawk College, LaSalle College and UBC have been using Second Life, a 3-D virtual world that allows students to interact through simulations of classrooms, libraries and cafes.
While administrators and students embrace the opportunity for greater access, assistant professor Darren Wershler-Henry of Wilfrid Laurier University believes that Second Life should supplement, rather than replace, the conventional learning experience.
Pointing out the limited capacity of Second Life servers and the difficulties of sorting out internet policy issues, Wershler-Henry said, “if what you’re imagining is a bunch of avatars with the facial expression equivalent of crash test dummies, all sitting at their desks, then I’d rather stick thumbtacks in my gums.”
-J.B.
Cost of sinning to rise in Toronto
The city of Toronto is considering levying an additional five-per cent tax increase on tobacco, liquor, movie tickets, live sports events, live entertainment and alcohol (be it at bars, restaurants or from beer, wine and liquor stores). The possibility is part of a city proposal by Mayor David Miller to help finance many of Toronto’s under-funded public services. The proposal also includes other tax suggestions such as ones for parking space, billboards, road tolls, traffic congestion, vehicle registration and land transfers. If approved, these measures could kick in next Janury, and raise an extra $340 million dollars per year.
-Karen Ho
Chenquieh! Giant condo proposed for Yonge and Bloor
Plans for Canada’s tallest residential building are set to be unveiled next week by a Kazakhstan-based developer. Bazis International, a development company based in Almaty, Kazahkstan, purchased 1 Bloor St. E. earlier this year. Designed by Toronto architect Roy Varacalli the 80-storey condominium is set to displace high-end cookie shop M. Felix and Mr. Norton and other businesses on the southeast corner of Yonge and Bloor. The building proposal has yet to receive the city’s backing.
-K.H.
