Tax season is here, and the Accounting & Finance Student Association (AFSA) is back in 2026 with its free tax clinic.

A group of trained volunteers are providing free tax return services for low income individuals and families starting today (March 21), and continuing March 22, 28, and 29.

“It’s generally beneficial for all students to file a tax return,” said Ben Ma, co-leader of the tax clinic. “Most students are eligible for low-income benefits, which will average around $1,100 over the course of the year. Plus you can accrue tuition credits, which can save you 14 cents per dollar of tuition when you eventually have income in the future.”

The clinic generally works on a walk-in basis, however, more complex situations may take more time, so fill out the screening tool linked here to determine whether you need to book an appointment.

“Usually we see about 200-300 clients a day,” Ma said. “Since we have about 50 volunteers at one time, we’re able to handle most returns within an hour.” 

Volunteers cannot prepare a return that involves the following: self-employment, rental income, interest income over $1,200 (except those claiming a T2202 tuition credit), a foreign investment property worth over $100,000, disposition of marketable securities, employment expenses, bankruptcy, deceased persons, or total income above $40,000 (for individuals) or $55,000 (for couples, with +$5,000 for each individual dependent).

The clinic is hosted in the Science Teaching Complex room 1012 from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. today, along with March 22, and March 29. On March 28, it will be hosted during the same hours in the J. R. Coutts Engineering Lecture Hall, room 301. 

Anyone with additional questions can reach out directly at taxclinic@uwafsa.com. 

Hundreds of people attended The Waterloo Forum moderated debate in the Science Teaching Complex between Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith and Conservative MP Matt Strauss on Wednesday evening, March 18.

Hosted by the University of Waterloo Young Liberals, Waterloo Conservative Club, and the Political Science Student Association, the event focused on a broad range of topics, including affordable housing, healthcare, young people in politics, immigration policies, floor crossing, and the medical assistance in dying (MAID) program. 

Erskine-Smith represents the riding of Beaches-East York, while Strauss represents Kitchener South-Hespeler. Each MP had a set amount of time to answer each question, and the speaking order was randomized, decided by a virtual coin flip. The debate was formatted into four sections: open ended questions, policy modelling questions (both allowed time for rebuttals), adversarial questions drafted by Liberal and Conservative clubs addressed to the opposing MP, and an audience question-and-answer period.

Young people getting involved in politics

While discussing younger people getting involved in politics, Strauss said it was his hope that they would not feel that they have to run for elected office, and that there are many ways for young people to get involved, such as activism. “I feel like a lot of the times, the solutions are simple… It is government regulation and heavy handedness and red tape that is preventing homebuilders from [building homes.] Builders want to build, and it’s politicians who stop them.” 

Erskine-Smith noted that there are costs to politics, such as being away from family and loved ones. He added that it’s important that people, no matter their profession, should stay engaged in politics. “Name your problem that directly affects you, or a problem that affects a loved one, and I guarantee it all tracks back to politics,” he said. “If you want better, you should participate.”

Affordable housing

The moderator, science faculty senator Jordan Bauman, noted that the cost of housing has risen significantly faster than wages recently, creating barriers for students and new graduates. He asked what policies each MP would implement to address the issue. 

Erskine-Smith noted that it’s about getting the government out of the way and driving down the cost of homebuilding. He added that Ontario is the only province in Canada that does not have a provincial housing agency, and that these responsibilities are instead pushed onto municipalities, who are ill-equipped to deal with the housing crisis on their own. “We need to treat housing as a home first, and an investment second,” he said, adding that homebuyers should be prioritized over investors. 

Strauss stressed the importance of property rights. He told a story about his friend who came to Canada from Albania who eventually became a housing developer in the region. He purchased a plot of land, planning to build 32 townhouses on it, but the City of Cambridge told him he could only build 16. He ended up fighting with the city council for two years. “I have that exact story, or ones that sound like it, from every corner in the province. Politicians don’t build houses — builders do, and we have to let them.”

Healthcare

Bauman asked MPs how the federal and provincial governments should approach healthcare understaffing, while clarifying the involvement of the private sector.

Erskine-Smith noted that there is plenty of private delivery in the public healthcare system, and that public health insurance should be “non-negotiable” in the system. “When it comes to private delivery, the thing we absolutely need oversight over… is to make sure we don’t see upselling. We don’t see additional charges that undermine the idea of universality, that undermine the idea of core public health insurance.” He added there are plenty of ways to improve the healthcare system, including more competition in the duopoly of blood services, supporting doctors getting into the practice, and serving underserved communities.

Strauss told a story about he and his postpartum wife bleeding and in the emergency room two days after their son was born. After six hours of waiting, there was no bloodwork, no bed, and no doctor that visited them. “I told the triage nurse in [the ER] that ‘I’m a doctor, I’m going to take her home. If she bleeds again, I’m going to take her to a different hospital because this is crazy.’ And he said, ‘Yes please. That would be great, thanks.’” Strauss compared it to visiting a burger restaurant, waiting six hours for a burger, then telling them you’re leaving to go to a different restaurant — they would eventually go out of business. “You can have a strong public insurance model, but if you take out the idea of competition, you lose the invisible hand. Suddenly everyone’s incentive is to get you to take your bleeding, postpartum wife home instead of providing her the care so that she’s a happy customer,” Strauss said.

Immigration

Erskine-Smith said that federal immigration targets need to be aligned with the province when it comes to their housing and infrastructure targets. He said that there have been challenging immigration numbers post pandemic, due to the temporary foreign workers program and international students. “International students, more broadly, are incredible contributors to our community. But the system was incredibly mismanaged by [Premier Doug] Ford, and then we came in too late at the federal level to fix those rules and to bring numbers down.” 

Strauss said that the federal government quadrupled the number of immigrants allowed in annually, and that it was the Liberal party that allowed that. He added that he loves immigration, and that his mother is a refugee to Canada, but uncontrolled immigration hurts local employment and the healthcare system. He asked how this was determined on the Liberal benches. “How did this happen? When you were studying public policy at Queen’s or Oxford or both, did anyone ever run a case study of ‘What if we quadruple immigration this year?’ It’s bananas, and it’s hurt a lot of people.”

The full debate is available on YouTube. 

There were a total of 218 Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) charges from St. Patrick’s Day festivities this year, between March 13 and March 18.

The most common charge was related to the highway traffic act at 128. The liquor licence and control act charge was next at 58. Other charges included bylaw (12), other (10), criminal code (6), trespass to property (3), and the cannabis control act (1).  

WRPS released the results on their website today, March 20. The number of arrests was not specified. Police estimated that the crowd reached its peak on March 14 at 7,500 people.

This year’s enforcement data shows a decline from 2025 and 2024 – last year’s celebrations led to more than 254 charges and 17 arrests, while there were 257 charges in 2024. This year, things were still busy, but clearly more controlled.

During the St. Patrick’s Day period, mainly on March 14, City of Waterloo bylaw officers responded to 72 calls related to noise and nuisance complaints, a drop from 129 in 2025. On that same day, they issued the following penalty notices: seven nuisance party (an $800 fine) charges, six charges for blocking traffic ($800), 21 noise violations ($400), and three public urination charges ($400). There were also 49 property standards orders given out for clean-up.

“We are disappointed that students and others continued to gather on our streets, creating a nuisance and a community safety concern,” said Grant Curlew, acting director of municipal enforcement services, in a release. “We are thankful there were no significant injuries, and that crowds were smaller, more contained, and dispersed more quickly than in previous years. ”

Most of us are well-aware that what we eat directly influences our physical health as well as our general sense of well-being. Have you ever gulped a sugary soda looking for a late-night study boost and then rapidly found your energy (and concentration levels) crashing to a whole new low? Well, if you’re looking for some easy, affordable snacks that will not only satisfy your cravings, but that can also support optimum cognitive function, we’ve compiled a few great choices.

Nuts & Seeds

Whether it’s trail mix or a handful of peanuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds, snacking on nuts and seeds provides you with a variety of minerals and nutrients, not to mention a solid dose of protein. 

Brain-boosting nutrients: The healthy fats and antioxidants present in most nuts and seeds can support memory, processing time, and overall neuron function. If you’re curious what nut comes out on top, walnuts are often touted as the top contender, given its high amount of ALA omega-3 fatty acids.

Air-popped popcorn

We all have times where we want nothing more than a snack that we can continually graze on while studying a tough concept. Air-popped popcorn is a relatively low-calorie and tasty snack option.

Brain-boosting nutrients: This movie theatre favourite is packed with polyphenols, an antioxidant that can reduce oxidative stress and its effects on the brain and body.

Dark chocolate

You’ve probably seen dozens of social media influencers and health gurus emphasize the health benefits of a few squares of dark chocolate. For optimal benefits, aim for a bar that contains about 70% or more cocoa.

Brain-boosting nutrients: Flavanols are what make dark chocolate such a great option if you’re looking to support optimal brain functioning. Flavanols can support long-term cognitive functioning and boost focus.

Fruit salad or homemade fruit smoothie

Whether it’s a mix of kiwi, apples, and grapes or whatever fruits you currently have on hand, snacking on whole fruit or blending them together with milk or water can be the ideal snack. Not only is it hydrating and appealing, but fruit also boasts many beneficial nutrients!

Brain-boosting nutrients: Harvard Health Publishing shares that research shows berries in particular can boost memory. Again, the winning nutrient here is the flavonoids found within berries such as raspberries or strawberries, that not only lend these fruits their bright colours, but also their cognitive-boosting effects.

Cheese with whole-grain crackers

A classic snack and for good reason! Who doesn’t love cheese alongside some crunchy crackers? Whether you’re a fan of sharp cheddar, some classic mozzarella, or perhaps some mild provolone, pairing cheese alongside whole-grain crackers combines a solid amount of protein and carbs, keeping any unwanted energy crashes away.

Brain-boosting nutrients: It is the amino acid tyrosine found within cheese that can help you ace that exam. Research finds that about an hour after cheese consumption, ‘convergent thinking’ is increased. This kind of thinking, known as ‘deep thinking’ essentially means you can solve problems with less guesswork or simply move along your study session faster and more effectively. Tyrosine also promotes cognitive ‘top-down’ control, which helps explain its study-boosting power.

As we near the final few weeks of classes, there’s little doubt that exhaustion and stress have started to take a toll. Regardless, reserving even a few hours this weekend for some fun might just give you the break you need, so that when it’s time to hit the books, you’ll feel refreshed and recharged. This weekend, you need not go far from campus to find big fun!

The GLOW Centre is hosting a lavender ball this Friday, March 20 from 7-10 p.m. in the SLC Black & Gold room. The night of dancing is open to all UW undergraduate students, who are welcome to bring along one guest. Tickets are $4 for undergrads and $7 for guests. If you’re hoping to plan your outfit for the night, keep in mind the theme is ‘starry night.’ Complimentary food and beverages will be provided. Don’t miss out on a night of good music and new connections! Tickets can be purchased online on the event page on WUSA’s website or some remaining tickets may possibly be available for sale at the door.

Are you craving something tasty to beat the end-of-term stress? Come out this Saturday, March 21st between 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and get ready to whip up some amazing dishes. All levels of kitchen expertise are welcome to attend. You’ll be making chimichurri chicken thighs, spring salad, and strawberry mochi. Tickets are $25.00 and can be parched online on their WUSA event page.

Finally, if you want to wrap up your Sunday night with a little UW entertainment, the St. Jerome’s musical theatre club is hosting Little Shop of Horrors: The Musical from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 each for students and $25 for members of the general public. The show takes place at Waterloo’s Maxwell’s Concerts & Events Hall. You can purchase your ticket online on the WUSA events page.

After a heartbreaking first-round OUA playoff exit to the eventual champion Guelph Gryphons in triple overtime two weeks ago, the Warriors are now competing for an opportunity at redemption, this time at a national level. 

The 2026 Miller Waste U Sports Championship will be hosted in Elmira at the Woolwich Memorial Centre from March 19-22, UW’s second consecutive year hosting the event, and will feature the top eight teams from all four U Sports conferences. The sixth-seeded Warriors will take on the Gryphons in the first round at 7 p.m. on the 19th, though the first matchup of the tournament will be between the seventh-seeded UManitoba Bisons and the Concordia University Stingers at 3 p.m. on the same day. 

The key for the Warriors in this matchup is to control the puck and capitalize on opportunities. The OUA is one of the strongest conferences in Canada, and the winner of this game will be a favourite to win against either the Stingers or the Bisons in the semi-finals. Last year, the Warriors crushed Concordia, who were ranked the second-best team in Canada headed into the playoffs, 5-1 in the semi-finals before claiming silver against the Bishop’s Gaiters in the finals. 

“I think it’ll be a great game,” says Tatum James, second-team OUA all-star forward for UW.

This year, the tournament is seeing some familiar faces, as well as returning ones. Here’s the full list of teams and everything you need to know about them.

1. UBC Thunderbirds

Region: Canada West (champions)

Record: 4-0 playoffs, 26-2-0 regular season

The Thunderbirds are the top seed for just the second time in program history. Though they’ve historically been a top-3 seed, they’ve struggled to advance past the semi-finals, usually exiting in the first round or finishing with a bronze medal. They’ve been ranked number one in U Sports for 15 weeks; that’s the entire regular season. Their star-studded roster includes two first-team All-Canadian players: forward Grace Elliot and defenseman Jaylyn Williams. They also have the reigning FOX 40 coach of the year, Graham Thomas, who led them to a record-breaking 26 wins this year. They’ve only lost 13 out of 112 regular-season games in the last four years, and swept their competition in the playoffs to make their fifth consecutive U Sports championship appearance. If they win, it’d be the first time in program history. They’ll be playing their first game on Friday, against the UMontreal Carabins at 7 p.m.

1. Concordia University Stingers

Region: RSEQ (champions)

Record: 4-0, 22-2-0

Right behind the Thunderbirds are the Stingers, who have been ranked #2 in Canada since Nov. 17, though they started the season ranked #5. Another team filled with talent, their roster includes first-team All-Canadian and U Sports player of the year Jessymaude Drapeau, who finished with the most points this season, 39, and led her team to a clean sweep of the playoffs to cement the second seed. Supporting Drapeau are forward Émilie Lussier and defenseman Émilie Lavoie, both second-team All-Canadians. The Stingers won it all in 2024 and have completely dominated their conference. They finished with 22 wins; no other team has more than 13. They’ll be playing the first match of the tournament today at 3 p.m. against the UManitoba Bisons.  

1. Guelph Gryphons

Region: OUA (champions)

Record: 5-1, 19-4-3

The reigning OUA champions and the team to beat for the Warriors. It’s their first time at U Sports since 2018, and history is in their favour; the last time they qualified, they won the entire tournament. Their roster includes the OUA player of the year and first team all-star, forward Katherine Heard, and second team all-stars Arielle Macdonald, Maeve Sutherland-Case, and Sophie Helfenstein. It’s anyone’s game against UW, and they’ll be playing tonight at 7 p.m.

1. UNB Reds

Region: AUS (champions)

Record: 5-2, 20-6-2

The Reds attend the U Sports championship year after year and have had a strong season. Nevertheless, the AUS is one of the weaker conferences, and historically, they’ve been first or second round exits, including to teams ranked lower than them. They’ll be playing the Gee-Gees on Friday at 7 p.m. 

1. UOttawa Gee-Gees

Region: OUA (finalists)

Record: 4-3, 15-9-2

The runners-up for the OUA championship are a dark horse to win it all this year. They returned to the OUA two seasons ago after playing in the RSEQ, and are making their first appearance in U Sports since 2009. They’re coached by Olympic Gold Medalist Ali Domenico, who joined the program two years ago, and are led by Gillian Warren, who has the most points of any OUA player competing. Their goalkeeper, Clara Genier, has an inhuman 0.927 save percentage; for context, the highest save percentage in NHL history is 0.944. Though Guelph bested them in the OUA championship, it was an incredibly tight series that could’ve gone either way. They have a strong matchup against UNB, who they’ll be playing on Friday.

1. University of Waterloo

Region: OUA 

Record: 1-2, 17-8-1

Despite starting their season 3-7, the Warriors made an incredible turnaround to finish 17-9, and have proven they aren’t a team you can write off. The squad boasts two first-team all-stars, forwards Keiara Raitt and Carly Orth, a second-team all-star in forward Tatum James, who holds the record for most career goals by a Warrior, and an all-rookie player in Brooke Williams. The depth and experience of this team cannot be discounted, and they’ll be carrying that with them against the Gryphons.

1. UManitoba Bisons

Region: Canada West (finalists)

Record: 4-4, 13-9-6

It’s the Bisons’ return to U Sports after last qualifying in 2019, where they won the bronze medal in that outing. They’re the only team in the tournament not to rank in the top 10 during the regular season. They’ll be looking to secure an upset victory over the Stingers today at 3 p.m.

1. UMontreal Carabins

Region: RSEQ (finalists)

Record: 2-3, 13-9-2

The other team from the RSEQ, the Carabins, have had an eventful season. They won all of their games against RSEQ teams, except for the Stingers, who are responsible for 11 of their 12 losses this season. They have a difficult matchup against UBC, but they’ve overcome the gap before; in 2024, they upset the Thunderbirds 4-2 in the first round. They play on Friday at 7 p.m.

The UW Faculty, Alumni, Student, Staff (FASS) theatre company held a 2025 winter show the past weekend. Their show was titled ‘What (Not) To Do After Graduation’ and was held at the Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre between Thursday, March 12 and Saturday, March 14.

The comedy show follows three students after graduation as they enter a job market. With a total of eight scenes, characters Junie, Elle, and Conrad graduate together, scroll through LinkedIn, face the ‘OSAP Repo Squad,’ and have hilarious conversations with professors and family members. 

Allie Beldan, FASS president, along with Isabella Sciorili, director of the show council, were in the green room ahead of the show with the rest of the cast and crew as everyone geared up for opening night.  When asked about their favourite part of the process, cast members said having fun, looking at the lines and joking with each other. 

The cast consisted of a wide range of STEM students, including accounting, psychology, biomedical science, and more. Sciorilli mentions needing a creative outlet after entering STEM and to nourish a creative side. The sentiment seems to be the same for many of the other cast members, all looking for a way to express themselves outside of school and work. 

Zara Syed, in her final year of mechatronics engineering, plays Junie. She describes the irony of her situation, having auditioned for FASS in the winter of 2025 but had to drop the role to focus on her job search. After she accomplished what she wanted career wise, she was able to return to FASS and commit to a role. She says, “That’s exactly what the play is about, the things you sacrifice.” 

Nick Boyce, who has been with FASS since 2016, the primary script writer, talks about his experience with job hunting the past few years, and describes it as “just so miserable.” With help from other members of the cast and crew, they were able to create a fun twist on job hunting and that included a choreographed sword-fighting scene.

The crew started off the show with a ritual, getting the crowd to join in and perform a few lines of “Singing In the Rain.” Throughout the show, the cast seamlessly helped to rearrange the stage and quickly switch between costumes at times. And of course, staying on brand with UW, there were several mentions of co-op, computer science terminology, and MathNews. However, the highlights from the show were the epic sword fight scene and the personification of LinkedIn.  

Beldan mentioned that FASS has a policy that whoever auditions gets a part. With a wonderful community, putting on great shows since 1962, FASS is a great way to get involved with the community. Whether it be enjoying some UW themed shows or joining the cast in having fun on stage, FASS seems to have a spot for everyone and anyone.