Ashima Shukla
Carney’s budget triggers national outcry
December 20, 2025By: Ashima Shukla, Staff Writer Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government tabled its first federal budget on November 4. A few months ago, he remarked that Canada is facing a moment of “rupture” — seeing “the arrival of a ‘new age of economic nationalism and mercantilism’ and described the current moment as an ‘age of adversity.’” Much of the growing economic instability stems from the ongoing US-Canada trade tensions and American tariffs. To confront these challenges, Budget 2025 proposes a major shift in Canada’s financial strategy by targeting investments at enhancing competitiveness, self-sufficiency, and resilience. To that end, it outlines “$141…
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On cannabis literacy and harm reduction
December 20, 2025By: Ashima Shukla, Staff Writer We might know about weed only through its either glamorized or demonized representations in media. But what might a more mindful approach to cannabis look like? How might we hold conversations that don’t shame or…
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My body is not a project
December 18, 2025By: Ashima Shukla, Staff Writer I’ve spent most of my life running from exercise — only figuratively, of course. When I was little, my mum tried to entice me with different sports: karate, skating, swimming, and even dance. But I…
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50 years of unique idealism: UNIT/PITT’s story
December 18, 2025By: Ashima Shukla, Staff Writer What does it mean for an artist-run centre to survive 50 years? For UNIT/PITT, the answer is a commitment to remaining porous, responsive, and unpretentious. The Peak interviewed their team to learn more. Founded in…
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The Luddite Land Assembly weaves together craft, land, and music
December 18, 2025By: Ashima Shukla, Staff Writer In the age of instant everything, what if creativity could slow the world down? This is the ethos behind the Luddite Land Assembly, taking place from November 8 to 9 at The Roundhouse. This multidisciplinary…
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Dear Peakie calls on Santa’s elves to unite against corporate greed
December 18, 2025By: Ashima Shukla, Staff Writer and Mason Mattu, Humour Editor Dear Peakie, Where have you been?? We haven’t seen you since, like, February? It seems as though you got replaced by a Beedie Bro advice column? How can I be…
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We must acknowledge the Afro roots of Latin music
December 18, 2025By: Ashima Shukla, Staff Writer I remember the first time João Gilberto’s voice filled my room. It was soft, unhurried, a secret being told in half-light. “Chega de Saudade” flowed as simply as breath. What I didn’t know yet was…
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What we must confront: Living with Long COVID
December 18, 2025By: Ashima Shukla, Staff Writer The first winter of the pandemic, I was in Shanghai visiting my family when the first news reports began circulating — something about a new pneumonia, a city in lockdown. Within days, my family and…
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Indian Student Federation’s Diwali brings students and families together
November 11, 2025By: Ashima Shukla, Staff Writer On October 10, SFU’s Indian Student Federation (ISF) hosted a Diwali celebration at Crown Palace Banquet Hall in Surrey. The event, held in collaboration with the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS), featured live dance performances,…
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Latin music is integral to our playlists
November 11, 2025By: Ashima Shukla, Staff Writer I was first introduced to Latin music in grade nine, when I began studying Spanish. Somewhere between the syncopated percussion, rhythmic guitar strums, and magnetic vocals, I fell in love with the music. Around that…
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