Engaging With The Snow

DANUTA SKOWRONSKI EPIDEMIOLOGY LEAD FOR INFLUENZA, BCCDC

DR.

Anyone who wants to avoid a miserable illness [ . . . ] can receive that direct protection by being vaccinated.

CRAB Park Tent City organizes online winter fundraiser

CRAB Park “Axy Village” volunteers hope for continuous support from local community throughout the harsh winter

ADITI DWIVEDI // NEWS WRITER

CRAB Park tent city “Ayx Village” is the only encampment deemed legal by the BC Supreme Court. This year they organized a fundraiser to support residents throughout the winter.

Fiona York, a volunteer and advocate of Ayx Village, sat down for an interview with The Peak. York hopes to receive continued support from the community and appeals to the provincial government to take concrete steps towards solving the housing crisis in BC. According to York, the Tent City in Vancouver is “a landmark of the whole country because it’s the first time there has ever been a legal outdoor sheltering space.”

CRAB Park provides shelter, warmth, food, access to healthcare facilities, and housing outreach programs. CRAB Park also offers its residents the opportunity to build a community. York says, “It is very difficult to keep restarting and not having any stability, so it is really significant that people can actually stay put in one spot and have access to some resources.”

The winter weather in BC causes the number of residents to drop significantly as it becomes tough to survive outdoors. Not only does the cold weather impact the health and survival of the residents but also the structure of their spaces. “Most tents

MEDICINE MANAGEMENT

aren’t really designed to withstand those kinds of temperatures and weather conditions,” York adds. The winter fundraiser for the CRAB Park Tent City was started to mobilize the community to donate funds and other essentials like blankets, jackets, boots, and meals during the holiday season.

At the time of publication, approximately $6,000 had been collected through the online fundraiser. Volunteers used roughly $3,000 to hold a big Christmas dinner, give gifts to the residents, and purchase groceries for the week following Christmas.

According to York, the support-workers and the residents “don’t normally have the ability to purchase tents and tarps for people, we usually rely on donations,” but the surplus funds from the fundraiser allowed them to purchase other necessary items like headlamps and torchlights, as requested by residents.

York indicated that residents usually deal with mental health issues, grief, and the stress of being away from families during the holidays, which is why the fundraiser became a way to help

Protect Our Province BC calls for immediate unrestricted access to Paxlovid

BC has the most restrictive eligibility criteria in Canada for access to Paxlovid

ADITI DWIVEDI // NEWS WRITER

With the onset of the winter season, and a surging triple-demic of respiratory illnesses, the organization Protect Our Province BC released an open letter addressed to the provincial leaders. The letter calls for the immediate relaxation of BC’s restrictive eligibility policies, and increase in access to Paxlovid, for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19.

Paxlovid, also known as Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir, is an oral antiviral medication developed by Pfizer, to stop the virus from multiplying and encourage a faster recovery. Paxlovid has proved effective against Omicron and its subvariants, in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. However, some have noted that Paxlovid is being drastically underused in BC despite its potential for positive outcomes.

Dr. Lyne Filiatrault, a retired emergency physician and a member of Protect Our Province BC said in an interview with The Peak, “Your access to tools in the fight against COVID-19 should not be determined by the province you live in.”

In provinces such as New Brunswick, the requirements for access to Paxlovid are being 18 years and older and having one medical condition. In BC, there are a few specific requirements for access. This includes an age of 70 years and older, and three medical conditions, people who are “clinically vulnerable,” or those who are Indigenous, among others. BC has the most specific criteria compared to other provinces in the country.

Filiatrault said the public health leaders of BC believe patients are primarily contracting mild COVID-19 infections. However, the

number of COVID-19 related deaths this year in BC is more in number than the deaths of 2020 and 2021 combined. Filiatrault noted, “I think it aligns with the entire management of the pandemic in BC.” She further stated the provincial administration of BC “have been gatekeeping the access to rapid antigen tests, access to PCR tests, access to four doses, and now to Paxlovid, and it’s almost been all along the pandemic.”

The federal government granted access to 70,000 doses of Paxlovid to the province of BC but until September 2022, only 12,000 of those doses could be prescribed to patients under the eligibility criteria. One of the potential solutions suggested by the Protect Our Province BC is to also allow pharmacists, along with clinicians and family doctors, to prescribe the medication, like other provinces of Canada have done.

them through the season. York believes an important part of the fundraiser is to help the community “[erase] some of the stigma [and] negative ideas around people who live outside, people who live in tent cities.” She adds that compassion from the community, and understanding the needs of the residents goes a long way towards keeping the encampment up and running.

York believes that until now, the focus of the government has been directed towards temporary shelters whereas it should be on quickly building permanent housing structures. She also states the government should aim to recognize the lived experiences of people and incorporate their opinions in the decision-making to better suit their needs. “Recently, the announcement from the provincial government about housing came as a surprise and there was no consultation with people who actually live in the camp or people who are houseless.”

To donate to the CRAB Park Tent City winter fundraiser, visit their fundraiser website on chuffed.org. They are also accepting donations of jackets, blankets, boots, socks, and warm meals.

DR. LYNE FILIATRAULT

On December 16, the BCCDC website for clinicians was updated with a broader list of conditions to be met for access to the medication. However, Filiatrault said most clinicians, pharmacists, and potential patients are not aware of these

changes because they were brought in quietly, and without adequate publicity. Additionally, she pointed out they are “also including some of the social determinants of health, though limiting it to a single racialized community or Indigenous community; they are not looking at other communities of colour that are marginalized. We are calling on them to expand that.”

Like most drugs, Paxlovid has limitations and potential risks for its users. For instance, patients with liver and kidney issues should not be prescribed the drug. According to Protect our Province BC, a discourse around the disadvantages and positive effects of the drug needs to be established which is only possible once medical practitioners and patients gain required awareness about the drug.

Studies are currently investigating whether Paxlovid might be helpful for prevention of long COVID and the reduction of related symptoms like heart diseases, blood clots, and neurocognitive disorders.

PHOTO: Ted McGrath / Flickr

PHOTO: Nathan Dumlao / Unsplash

Your access to tools in the fight against COVID-19 should not be determined by the province you live in.

FUTURE

There are still ways to support sustainability without breaking the bank.

FASHION’S

Rising sea levels will likely result in the wall needing to be made higher.

Independent research has shown that the economic benefits of tar sands are often overstated.

RETHINKING THE WATERFRONT

This year, instead of setting formal goals, I have compiled a list of twentyfour things I hope to do before 2024 based on values like kindness, adventure, and community

In a way, it feels as if queerness is only accepted by the mainstream media whenever it is portrayed by straight people or for straight consumption

LE PETIT LASER DESIGN CO

BU CANDLES

Inspired by making decorations for her son’s first birthday party, Joyce made a full-time job out of her creative outlet by starting this small boutique. Le Petit Laser Design Co specializes in hand-crafted wooden designs, from personalized ornaments to wall decor. Joyce’s shop is a great place to look for memorable keepsakes for new parents (including pet parents!) or unique tokens of appreciation. Stamps are also available for any book lover wanting to personalize their home library.

Since 2021, Jacob Stretton has been promoting awareness of inclusive employment with his natural handcrafted soy candles. As someone with down-syndrome, Stretton’s mission is to showcase that “every light deserves to shine.” Valuing selfcare, wellness, and sustainability, BU Candles has created a variety of eco-friendly candles perfect for gift giving. From seasonal aromas like Sugar Plum and White Cranberry, to fresh scents like Mystic Pear, there is something for everyone.

Based in Coquitlam, Shirley L. has raised nearly $900 from a portion of her geometrical accessory sales to donate to local cancer research centres in honour of her aunt. Crafted from a combination of wood and silicone, Shirley offers a selection of lanyards and keychains in neutral colour palettes. 10% of all proceeds are donated to cancer research. By purchasing from Shirley, you are not only receiving a unique piece, but making a contribution to the fight against cancer.

Autistic, self-taught artist, Margaux Wosk, celebrates neurodiversity with mixed media collections inspired by pop culture of the ‘60s–‘90s. They aim to eliminate the stigma surrounding what autistic and disabled people are capable of. Wosk has created several collections of enamel pins, patches, stickers, and other accessories, receiving attention from institutions around the world. Support Wosk by purchasing through their website, on Etsy, or find them in one of over 20 retailers.

community change

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The women’s team welcomed the first of three Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) opponents at home on December 3, starting with nationally ranked, Western Washington. Three weeks after losing 69–60 to Western Washington, SFU rallied to an 89–78 victory against Alaska Fairbanks on December 29. Sophomore forward Gemma Cutler alongside junior guard and forward Jessica Wizotzki enjoyed a big night. Cutler tied her SFU record for points and three-pointers while setting a new personal best for shot blocks. Wizotzki’s 24 points in the contest marked the junior’s sixth game in a row with at least 20 points. A game later, in an 86–69 defeat to Alaska Anchorage, Cutler set her new career-high points total, and Wizotzki moved to seven 20-point games on the season.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

The men’s team started December with a 75–61 loss against Western Washington. In what was their first GNAC opener of the campaign, SFU recorded 13 blocks, a league-high since joining the NCAA in 2010. The Red Leafs jetted off to take on New Mexico State two days later in a lopsided 77–35 loss.

A narrow 79–73 win against the Hawaii Pacific Sharks in Honolulu during the Hoops in Hawaii Holiday Classic, snapped the team’s four-game losing streak. Despite dropping their next game, SFU finished the tournament with a decisive 74–69 victory over Chaminade on December 19.

The men concluded their 2022 season against Saint Martin’s and Western Oregon. Senior guard and forward Jahmal Wright recorded a career-high of 22 points, while sophomore forward George Lefevbre recorded a 20-point career-high game during SFU’s December 29 matchup against Saint Martin’s. However, the team would fall in both of their matchups, bringing them to 5–8 to start the year.

SWIMMING

The swim team competed at the weekend-long Husky Invitational in Washington on December 2. The women’s side took home all five relay wins in the team’s last university competition of 2022. The men’s and women’s teams posted strong performances from individual athletes, starting with senior Jordan Doner’s winning time in the women’s 100 m breaststroke (1:02.98). Teammates Marcus Mak won the men’s 200 m backstroke in 1:47.72, and Dylan Kormendy won the men’s 200 m breaststroke in 1:59.84.

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

In late November, the men’s cross country team earned their fourth invite to the 2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Cross Country Championships. The team finished 19th, scoring 453 points at the December 2 event. SFU was led by sophomore Charlie Dannatt, whose 15thplace finish is the best by an SFU athlete at the NCAA championships. He is also the second Red Leaf to earn All-American honours.

FOOTBALL

The Red Leafs’ football program closed out their 2022 season on December 2 with the highly anticipated return of the Shrum Bowl. The coveted matchup between SFU and UBC returned for the first time in 12 years, packing the SFU stadium with close to 3,000 fans on a cold Friday night. After an exciting back-and-forth game that saw the majority of the scoring occur in the last quarter, UBC would emerge victorious, scoring with 25 seconds left in the game to steal an 18–17 victory from SFU.

WOMEN’S WRESTLING

The sixth-ranked women’s team had a full day of competition on December 18 at the Wartburg College Desert Duals. The team won all but one of their dual matches, pulling out victories against Schreiner (53–6), Wayland Baptist (44–11), and Tiffin (44–13). Team members Emily Cue (senior, 170 pounds) and Eleni Fakaosi (sophomore, 143 pounds) were undefeated at the meet.

MEN’S WRESTLING

At the Carolina Clash on December 3, the men’s wrestling team faced two top-10-ranked teams in the NCAA. The men won two of their five duals matches, including victories against Kentucky Wesleyan (34–9) and Belmont Abbey (26–23). Red Leafs’ competitors Magnus McCrackin (sophomore, 157 pounds), Randy McDonald (senior, 141 pounds) and Taniela FelicianoTakafua (junior, 285 pounds) each won three matches. During the Minnesota State Cactus Duals on December 17, the Red Leafs dropped three dual matchups against Minnesota State, San Francisco State, and Colorado State Pueblo. Junior team member Maka Yacapin won his three matches, remaining undefeated during the competition.

1. Uncomfortable and deeply personal questions from extended family members casserole

I can imagine that if you’re a private person, you would invite extended family members and loved ones to dissect every aspect of your life. Coming in strong at number one is: “Do you have a partner yet?” Of course, because you haven’t freely shared that information, it practically means you’re begging someone to ask you about your love life. Other honourable mentions include: “And what exactly are you planning to do with that degree,” “What were your grades this semester,” and “Why are you crying?”

2. Disappointment pudding

Whether it be disappointment in others, yourself, or in your aunt’s lack of ability to cook without setting the kitchen on fire (sorry, Angie), disappointment embodies the true spirit of the holiday season. Although you could set your expectations low (like me, an intellectual) so as to not experience disappointment, the holidays are truly not the same without this side dish.

3. The five-spice will to live

The most rare holiday side dish indeed. For those of you who managed to cook up this delicious dish, PLEASE! TELL ME HOW!* Please and thank you (don’t tell me to look at my notes from my psychology courses, because I don’t take any). *Note: this does not apply to my therapist. Keep your thoughts to yourself, Royce.

4. Coal

Yum, this holiday side dish will surely be accompanied with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia . . . right? Or was that just me? We all got coal as children, no? Oh cool, it was just me! Thanks mom. I’ll just cross this one out, then.

5. Delayed brown paper packages tied up with string

There’s nothing quite like the excitement that comes with not knowing whether your holiday presents will arrive in time for present exchanges. On that note, whoever gave me my first (fine, second) copy of Fifty Shades of Grey that they had lying around in their house, I know my real gift was delayed coming in the mail. You wanna know how I know it was your personal copy you decided to re-gift to me? It must be the fact that certain definitely appropriate phrases are underlined in pen (without a ruler, nonetheless, you animal.)

6. Just . . . just tears of children

Why, one of my favourite side dishes is the tears of children — especially after having defeated their sorry asses at Sorry. Taking it easy on the children only sets them up for failure. So, assert your dominance, but make sure to temper your bitterness. You don’t need to be Uncle Krampus. (Hmm, maybe I should be nicer to my cousins, if you children are reading this, which only one out of you three can, I sincerely apologize . . . Not. You should try to, I don’t know, actually win for once). One day I will be humbled, but not today, wee!!!

7. Holiday chee— Beer. Alcohol. Just alcohol.

‘Tis the season to enjoy one of the best holiday dishes, fa-la-la-laliquor, to your heart’s content. Indulge in some ponche crema (hold the eggnog, of course) and validate your unreasonable overspending on holiday cocktails from your local restaurant or bar.

8. Cancelled flights to flavourtown

Nothing puts me in the holiday spirit quite like flight cancellations and heavy delays. But, I suppose this tracks — not only is your love life failing to take flight this holiday season, so is your actual flight. If only this happened like it did in the movie Home Alone, but then Kevin wouldn’t have learned that favouritism is real, kids.

9. Snow, a fuckton of snow

Oh my, you snow this one’s my personal favorite — especially when I’m on my way to work and cars without snow tires plague the roads. Oh what fun it is to ride on the roads you might as well call a slip and slide, am I right? This side dish is such a fan favorite, you can almost say it’s to die for.

10. Hallmark movie hash

Ah, yes. A classic side dish is indeed Hallmark movies. Don’t you just love the lack of diversity and watching the same movie but in different fonts? Not to mention the completely natural dialogue and Oscarworthy acting. Don’t mind me, I’m just about to cozy up with some hot chocolate and watch a Hallmark movie where the lead who is fed up with her mundane desk job decides to bring her rich — but not totally present — boyfriend/fiance back to her small hometown where the holidays are a big deal. Then, the hometown run-in with the exboyfriend/the one who got away/childhood best friend who got hot. He successfully sweeps her off her feet and they both decide to live happily ever after in her small hometown because she’s #DownToEarth.

SUDOKU