2016 CSA general election results
On March 21, 2016, the University of Guelph’s Central Student Association (CSA) released the unofficial results for the 2016 CSA general elections. Of the four students who ran for the five open executive positions, all four were elected to office.
Fourth-year biomedical science student Meghan Wing secured 2,219 “Yes” votes, winning the seat of Academic and University Affairs Commissioner. Second-year political science student Zoey Ross secured 1,978 “Yes” votes to win the seat of Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner. Fourth-year sociology student Ryan Shoot secured 2,230 “Yes” votes to win the seat of Finances and Operations Commissioner. Final-year arts student Miriam Kearney secured 2,082 “Yes” votes to win the seat of external affairs commissioner.
As there were no candidates for local affairs commissioner, the seat will remain vacant until the fall 2016 by-elections.
Though the executive commissioner elections were successful, the CSA membership failed to achieve quorum. As such, the referendum questions have not passed.
President Obama visits Cuba, meets with President Castro
For the first time in a generation, a U.S. president has stepped foot on Cuban soil. On March 21, 2016, President Barack Obama became the first American president since Calvin Coolidge in 1928 to visit the communist nation of Cuba.
President Obama’s historic three-day visit began in Havana, where he met with Cuban President Raul Castro.
“This is a historic visit and a historic opportunity,” said President Obama, in a March 21, 2016 speech in a new U.S. embassy in Havana.
At a press conference, President Castro discussed some of the obstacles that remain between Cuba and America.
“The blockade stands as the most important obstacle to our economic development and the wellbeing of the people,” said President Castro at a March 21 press conference.
President Obama reaffirmed his desire to reconnect with Cuba as a trading partner, highlighting the need to strengthen ties between the two nations.
“We’re moving ahead with more trade,” said President Obama at the same March 21 press conference. “With only 90 miles between us, we are natural trading partners.”
—Compiled by Sameer Chhabra