Dear Sandra; My biggest problem is guilt. I have three small children and I’m trying to go back to university to get a degree. Most of the time I do my schoolwork at night when they are already in bed, but sometimes when it gets close to the end of the month I turn the… Read more »

Addictions are complex, and they affect people differently. In the last two weeks I’ve discussed some of the mechanisms involved in the addiction process, since greater understanding can help develop a more tolerant perspective of addictions and people who become addicted. In this final article, I take a look at the process of quitting an… Read more »

Adult Learners Week This week is International Adult Learner’s Week, and is the first year that Canada has participated in the festivities. Events are happening across the country throughout the week and beyond, so check out what’s happening near you at the ALW web site (SEE: http://www.adultlearning.unesco.ca/actualites.php?faire=lire&identite=3). Some provinces are getting more into the spirit… Read more »

Dear Sandra: I am a full-time university student in my thirties. I’m proud to be completing my education, even if I did start later than a lot of others. The problem is that many of my friends and family members cannot understand why I’m in school at my age, instead of working. How should I… Read more »

As discussed in last week’s article, addictions are complex and can involve a variety of substances or activities. An addiction is not a sign of personal weakness or lack of moral character – anyone can become addicted. How does a person become addicted and how can you determine if you have a problem? The process… Read more »

Got a Virus? Go to Jail. The Federal Government is looking at making some changes in what it calls the Lawful Access Laws (SEE: http://www.ic.gc.ca/cmb/welcomeic.nsf/cdd9dc973c4bf6bc852564ca006418a0). A lot of these involve the new means of communicating through the Internet and what kinds of powers that police should have regarding search and seizure of this type of… Read more »

“DEAR SANDRA” advice column coming soon! Please send questions care of voice@ausu.org! Participation would help us get off the ground and running – so lend a hand and share your troubles!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve learned a great deal about addictive substances and addictions. It is a complex and multi-dimensional topic, and people hold many misconceptions about not only the process of addiction, but about the types of people who are addicts. Many people see addiction as a weakness, a character flaw in a… Read more »

Fun With Fees It’s that time of year again. Statistics Canada has released their annual look at University Tuition Fees (SEE: http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/020821/d020821b.htm). The bottom line results are that, over all, post-secondary tuition fees in Canada rose 4.1% over the last year. This is more than twice what the general inflation rate was over the same… Read more »

Last issue I began discussing an issue of concern for my family, my neighbourhood and myself. In a neighbourhood-organized rally, I was protesting the opening of a Source Adult Video store at the end of my street. Not only does this store rent adult videos, it sells sex toys, gifts, clothing and magazines. It is… Read more »