Western University's president issues statement on encampment
A large Palestinian flag flies over the encampment near Western’s University Community Centre.
The demonstration is in support of Palestinians in Gaza as Israeli incursion into the territory continues.
They’re also calling on Western to divest from agencies or organizations whose work supports Israel’s military effort.
In statement issued early Wednesday evening, Western officials said they have again met with encampment members.
The statement includes a message from Western President Alan Shepard.
It the first time Shepard has issued a formal response to the Western Divestment Coalition protest.
In the message, he states that Western has been disclosing investment information since 2022.
The message outlines seven points designed to serve as a path toward ending the demonstration.
One of the commitments is for a meeting between coalition members, university leadership, and the Western Investment Team to demonstrate a commitment to transparency.
Shepard is proposing a Provost's committee to ensure current and future agreements and partnerships are grounded in human rights considerations and Western community values.
He's also proposing a process that will allow Western community members to express their concerns in the future.
While the president's message is mostly conciliatory, it also calls out the behaviours of some involved in the encampment, saying they've been intimidating visitors including high school students taking part in campus tours.
He also alleges encampment participants have committed acts of vandalism and engaged in assaultive behaviour towards staff.
Shepard calls the behaviours unacceptable, saying they cannot go on.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hong Kong police issue arrest warrants and bounties for six activists including two Canadians
Hong Kong police on Tuesday announced a fresh round of arrest warrants for six activists based overseas, with bounties set at $1 million Hong Kong dollars for information leading to their arrests.
U.S. president-elect's son shares post on X of Donald Trump buying Canada on Amazon
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada.
What is flagpoling? A new ban on the practice is starting to take effect
Immigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as 'flagpoling.'
Trudeau sends Christmas greetings. Read his full message
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his Christmas message on Tuesday. Here is his message in full.
Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights
American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive.
Economists say more room to fall as Canadian dollar continues downward trend
Experts say the next few months are going to be rough for the Canadian dollar as it appears set to continue its downward trend.
How much is too much alcohol over the holidays? A doctor explains
The holidays are here, as are the parties, happy hours and other get-togethers that often offer abundant mixed drinks, beer and wine.
Storms to continue rolling through B.C.'s South Coast over Christmas Day
The tempestuous weather that descended on southern B.C. Monday afternoon will linger for the next few days, with a storm forecast for Christmas Day.
The Santa Awards: Ranking the best (and most ridiculous) Father Christmases ever to grace our screens
Behold, for your festive perusal, some of the most beloved, cherished and out-there onscreen renditions of dear old Saint Nick.