Alcohol ban in residence

An alcohol ban has been placed on a residence at St. Thomas University, a Catholic university located in Fredericton, NB. The ban took effect on Nov. 28 in co-ed residence Harrington Hall.

Macleans on Campus reported on Nov. 29 that several incidents led to the ban, such as broken glass in residences and washroom paper towels being set on fire.

Fire extinguishers had also been discharged, which constituted a health and safety risk.

The ban will continue indefinitely.

— Savoula Stylianou

Blair speaks on faith issues

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair attended a symposium at the University of Toronto to discuss the role of faith in health issues.

University of Toronto’s campus newspaper, The Varsity, reported that Blair spoke about creating an interfaith dialogue. He said things that threaten people all over the world, like illnesses, can be worked on by people of different backgrounds.

Blair also spoke about his foundation, the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, which looks to create a global interfaith movement.

Blair said Canada is a perfect example of how different people with different beliefs come together to coexist.

— Savoula Stylianou

E-book partnership signed

Canadian Campus Retail Associates (CCRA) has signed a new partnership agreement with Google eBookstore to provide digital copies of books to students.

The new initiative from Google books is available to almost 20 Canadian post-secondary institutions under the CCRA, a network of Canadian university and college stores, including Queen’s.

Thirty per cent of the online eBooks are course reading materials, while 70 per cent of the eBooks are general books, reported the Gateway, University of Alberta’s student newspaper.

Students can use their school ID or personal Google account to purchase eBooks, which vary in price. They can then upload the eBook to their laptop, smartphone or electronic eReaders.

Queen’s uses the service along with Brock University and York University.

— Savoula Stylianou