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February 21, 2002

posted on Feb. 21: Canada’s Privacy Commissioner delivers speech to communication studies students

Students in Communication Studies 1B03, History of Communication, had ringside seats recently to Privacy Commissioner George Radwanski's speech entitled Watching You: Privacy Rights and Video Surveillance. Radwanski believes that the Hamilton police department's proposal to install six video surveillance cameras in the downtown area represents "the thin edge of the wedge that will irrevocably change our whole notion of our rights and freedoms." Lecturer Laurence Mussio said the subject of the commissioner's speech strikes at the very heart of the mission of the communication studies program. "The issues raised point in dramatic fashion to the need to generate a sophisticated understanding of how communication technology shapes our societies. How technology, public safety, and our constitutional rights to privacy all interact are matters of the most urgent kind." The privacy commissioner outlined four specific criteria that he believed should be met when considering any measure that might limit or infringe privacy. "First, it has to be demonstrably necessary to address a specific problem. Second, it must be demonstrably likely to be effective in addressing that problem. Third, it must be proportional to the security benefit to be derived. In other words, you don't use a sledgehammer to kill a fly. And, finally it must be demonstrable that no less privacy invasive measure would suffice to achieve the same result." Radwanski's 35 minute presentation argued that these tests must be applied to any proposal to install surveillance cameras in Hamilton and cited the experience of various U.S. and European cities that found video surveillance systems made no difference in their crime rates. "London has roughly 150,000 video surveillance cameras. Last year, it had more cameras than ever before. And guess what? Last year, street crime in London increased by 40 per cent." Radwanski concluded his speech by challenging the students to, "Be an example of strength, not timidity. Base your decisions on facts, not on scaremongering. Build a genuinely safe free society, not a falsely safe police state." Mussio was pleased that his students had the opportunity to hear firshand the views of the privacy commissioner and noted that, "the commissioner's address offered my students an excellent opportunity to engage their rapidly developing historical understanding of communications with a serious contemporary public policy issue. In an era of accelerating innovation in communications, I am convinced that these skills are more critical than ever to the vitality of civil society."

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February 19, 2002

posted on Feb. 20: Mary Keyes’ life, legacy celebrated at memorial service

She was tireless in her commitment to students. She never lost sight of what was important. She was the portrait of grace, integrity, respect. She was mentor to many. She encouraged and challenged us to find the common purpose that binds us together not the small details that make us different. She truly believed that mistakes helped a person to grow. These were among the warm and heartfelt thoughts and remembrances colleagues, friends and students shared with several hundred people who gathered in Burridge Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the life of Mary Keyes. Attendees included Keyes' father, Charles, and members of her immediate family, as well as friends and colleagues who knew Keyes for many years, including Canadian astronaut Roberta Bondar. "There are thousands of faces on this campus: students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, neighbourhood children here for sports camp. For many of us, getting to know more than a handful of the people who make up McMaster can be difficult. It wasn't difficult for Mary. She knew everyone," said Acting President Peter Sutherland of Keyes, who headed student affairs at McMaster for the last 10 years. "Whether it was working with student leaders, the students she taught, coached and counseled, her staff, the faculty or administrative colleagues, Mary took the time to get to know as individuals the people with whom she worked. They, in turn, had tremendous respect for her as a mentor and friend." Other speakers included Cathie Miller, director of housing services, who spoke on behalf of colleagues in student affairs, and Sam Minniti, president of the McMaster Students Union.

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February 19, 2002

posted on Feb. 19: Materials science & engineering professor named NSERC Fuel Cell Technologies chairholder

Tony Petric, an associate professor of materials science & engineering, has been appointed the NSERC Fuel Cell Technologies Chair. Petric leads an active research group involved in fuel cells, ionic electronic and mixed conducting oxides and thermodynamic properties of reactive alloys. "Tony Petric is eager to expand on his research work in fuel cells," said Mo Elbestawi, dean of the Faculty of Engineering. "The Faculty is fortunate to have such an enthusiastic researcher of his ability. We are excited about awarding this chair to Dr. Petric." The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) is funding the new Faculty of Engineering research chair, in collaboration with industrial sponsor Fuel Cell Technologies Corp. and the Faculty.

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February 19, 2002

posted on Feb. 20: Remembering an unsung hero and a champion of many causes

Earlier this week, the McMaster crown lost a precious jewel. McMaster students have not merely lost an administrator, but rather they have lost a seasoned . . .

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February 19, 2002

posted on Feb. 20: Mary Keyes’ legacy: An institution that is stronger and more compassionate

It is a tremendous honour to have the opportunity to speak this afternoon on behalf of McMaster University and President Peter George, who deeply regrets . . .

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