available every three months and worth up to $1000. He would like to improve student aid, and needs-based grants, as well as grants for minorities. McKinnon would also like to extend the six month grace period at the end of a student loan to two years and halve the current interest rate on such loans. He would also like to have student loans be available for apprenticeships. Rod Brindamour (Green) Brindamour would like to improve transportation, especially the Evergreen Line. He would also like to cut down the commute by encouraging small businesses to move into smaller communities from downtown. If elected, he will also push to forgive half of student loans upon completion of an accredited program. The other candidates were not available for comment by our deadline. Help decide how the DSU spends yo u r m Oo n ey By Nikalas Kryzanowski, News Editor Ha. we go again. With the abrupt departure of former internal relations coordinator Ally MacGrotty from the Douglas College Student Union, and the vacancies in the Aboriginal and Disabled Liaison positions from last March, the DSU looks set for a by- election. “It’s not quite meant to have the tone of a federal election,” said Geoff Lenahan, treasurer and de facto leader of the DSU. “We would rather have candidates discuss the positive things that they would do rather than tear down their opponents with personal attacks.” Nominations for the positions are currently being accepted from October 1-8. Candidates can pick up forms from the DSU office with no late submissions allowed. After this, candidates are to attend a brief orientation session that outlines the rules of the campaign. Such rules are strict and go as far as limiting candidates’ ability to make personal attacks and be deeply critical of one another. Then campaigning begins in earnest with booths, posters and a bit of public speaking at the all-candidates forum, which will take place on October 15-16 at both campuses. Here candidates will be allowed to showcase to the student body their platform. 6 The biggest challenge that the candidates may face is getting the general student body involved rather than simply convincing their own friends to vote for them. “It’s going to depend on how well they engage the students,” said Lenahan. “We’re aiming for last year’s numbers [of about 500 voters] but it’s going to be difficult because there are only three positions running as opposed to twelve.” Polling is to be held the week of October 20-24 with voting taking place at both the New Westminster Atrium and at the David Lam campus. Internal Relations is one of the executive positions in the DSU and it is the job of the successful candidate to liaise between the student union and the college itself by addressing issues that relate to the internal affairs of the school. The Aboriginal liaison job description involves looking out for the interests of Aboriginal students on campus while the Disabled liaison does the same for disabled members of the college. NEWS SHORTS Nikalas Kryzanowski Margaret Trudeau to speak at David Lam Wife of former Prime Minster Pierre Trudeau will be on hand at the David Lam Campus on October 9" as a keynote speaker for the 2008 Depression, Anxiety Screening and Education Day. The theme of the event is “Life, Balance & Happiness.” There will also be displays on hand from mental health agencies showcasing the resources available to anyone who might be in need. The event has been organized by the Psychology Department at Douglas College as well as the Canadian Mental Health Association, the BC Schizophrenia Society, the Mood Disorders Association of B.C., the Simon Fraser University Counseling Department, Fraser Health, and the Ministry of Children and Family Development. The event begins at 10 a.m. Dean Howie takes over as athletics director The Recreation and Wellness Centre has undergone some personnel changes this fall, most notably the addition of Dean Howie as Director of Athletics for the College. He officially took over the position on September 29". Howie was the men’s soccer coach at Champlain College in Saint-Lambert, Quebec, for the past 12 seasons, leading them to several provincial championships and a national championship as well. He is also the past recipient of the Canadian College Athletics Associations’ coach of the year award. New Westminster election on November 18 Not to be outdone by the Canadian election, the American election, other municipal elections and even the elections right here at Douglas College for education council and the DSU, and the City of New Westminster will be holding its elections as well. Nominations close October 10". Confirmed as candidates this year are city councilors Jonathan X. Cote, Bob Osterman and Betty MacIntosh, who are running on the city’s only slate called Voice New Westminster. Current mayor Wayne Wright is also running for reelection but he will face competition from Blair Armitage who will be looking to unseat him. Students living in the city are eligible to vote.