E23 - CAAT Tales: Cuts, Courage and the In-Between: What this Moment Means for All of Us

In this heavy-hitting episode, host Julie White takes us to the front lines of a system in crisis. From a spirited rally outside the offices of MPP Nolan Quinn to the devastating news of mass layoffs and "involuntary transfers" at St. Lawrence College, this episode explores the human cost of chronic underfunding and systemic restructuring.We hear from union leaders, frontline healthcare workers, and students who are all witnessing the erosion of public education in real-time.We talk with Local 417 President Christina Decarie about the historic mass layoff of faculty across SLC.Finally, we transition from the structural to the personal with author Deanna Davies, whose new book, The In-Between, offers a somatic lens on navigating profound uncertainty and loss.Key Segments & Timestamps[00:26] The Rally at Cornwall: Julie White introduces the episode from a protest in support of education, highlighting the "consequences in real time" of recent provincial decisions.[01:20] Solidarity in the Face of Demoralization: OPSEU/SEFPO President J.P. Hornick discusses the fight against an employer trying to "deliberately demoralize" staff and the filing of an unfair labor practice.[03:37] The Healthcare Connection: Frontline healthcare workers and college alumni explain why the "starving" of the college system directly threatens the longevity of public healthcare and the local workforce.[13:12] A Student’s Perspective: Jack Peets, a nursing student, describes a campus without a library or bookstore and the crushing burden of the 70% loan to 30% grant OSAP flip.[19:44] The Loss of Varsity Culture: Coach Ryan VanDyl speaks on the cancellation of tournament sports—like cross-country and golf—and the impact on student mental health and recruitment.[24:07] The "Saddest Day" at SLC: Christina Decarie, President of Local 417, breaks down the elimination of faculty positions and the "shifting sands" of the St. Lawrence/Fleming merger.[35:21] Member Spotlight: Deanna Davies: A moving conversation about Davies' new book, The In-Between, exploring embodied leadership and the cost of silence during times of organizational threat."Cuts aren't numbers on a spreadsheet. They're people. They're services. They're the future of public education." — Julie White"Silence is not neutral, empty or passive. Silence does something. When information disappears... uncertainty becomes embodied." — Deanna DaviesResources MentionedThe In-Between by Deanna Davies: Available on Amazon and Lulu.Elevate3.ca: For more information on Deanna’s work in somatic healing and leadership.OPSEU/SEFPO Local 417 & 418: Updates on the St. Lawrence College faculty and support staff advocacy.Calls to ActionStay Informed: Follow the ongoing updates regarding the St. Lawrence College and Fleming College merger and its impact on regional programming.Contact Your Representative: Hold local MPPs accountable for the funding of public post-secondary education.Tell Doug Ford workers and students are united for fair education. Sign the open letterSupport Local Authors: Check out The In-Between for insights on staying grounded when the external world lacks stability.