The Cord January 18, 2017

FUTURE LEADERS

WELCOMING MACLATCHY

POLITICS, BOW TIES & SOCKS

TRUMP’S NEW CABINET

CRAZY FOR KOKKO

Platform summaries for president and BOD

Laurier’s new president in the spotlight

A look at political figures and fashion

How will Trump’s team change America?

Rookie basketball star makes big mark

News, page 3-5

Features, page 8

Arts & Life, page 16

Opinion, page 21

Sports, page 24

2 •

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

VOCAL CORD

Who is the best dressed politician in history?

@cordnews

The Cord

@cordwlusp

Letter to the Editor: 10-hour rule

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

“Obama.”

–Paakwesi Neizer-Ashun, second-year computer science

DYLAN HINES/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

“Trudeau.”

This past weekend, Tri-Con came to THEMUSEUM, where “nerds” all around K-W could participate in cosplay.

–Dylan Roberts, firstyear communications

“Angela Merkel.”

–Saif Murtaza, thirdyear business administration

“Trudeau.”

–Ian Ko, fourth-year business

Compiled by Nathalie Bouchard Photos by Marco Pedri NEXT ISSUE JANUARY 25, 2017

CORD STAFF

ON JAN. 24-26 VOTE. OH, WE ALSO DO ELECTIONS TOO. WE ELECT A PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO OVERSEE YOUR CAMPUS MEDIA. WLUSP.COM

FEATURES EDITOR Mitchell Consky features@thecord.ca

LEAD REPORTER Nathalie Bouchard news@thecord.ca

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Manjot Bhullar arts@thecord.ca

LEAD SPORTS REPORTER Pranav Desai sports@thecord.ca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bethany Bowles editor@thecord.ca

OPINION EDITOR Madeline McInnis opinion@thecord.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Will Huang creative@thecord.ca

SPORTS EDITOR Rob Fifield sports@thecord.ca

WEB DIRECTOR Brian Phillips online@thecord.ca

GRAPHICS EDITOR Fani Hsieh graphics@thecord.ca

SENIOR NEWS EDITOR Kaitlyn Severin news@thecord.ca

PHOTO EDITOR Paige Bush photos@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR Safina Husein news@thecord.ca

ONLINE EDITOR Andreas Patsiaouros online@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR Shyenne MacDonald news@thecord.ca

VIDEO EDITOR Garrison Oosterof video@thecord.ca

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Marco Pedri photos@thecord.ca LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Emi Zibaei photos@thecord.ca SENIOR COPY EDITOR Christian Paron copyeditor@thecord.ca SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Brittany Ditizio socialmedia@thecord.ca

CONTRIBUTORS Alexandra Juraschka Kayla Hegarty Anita Gogia Mira Busscher Meaghan Ince Philip Su Serena Truong Jacob Broz Emily Waitson Omair Ansari Vidish Parikh Kurtis Rideout Karlis Wilde Brittany Tenhage Chris Luciantonio Dylan Hines Tanzeel Sayani Victoria Panacci

CordNews

EDITOR’S CHOICE

ADVERTISING

“MacLatchy is named new INQUIRIES president of Laurier” by All advertising inquiries can be Kaitlyn Severin directed to Care Schummer at

care.schummer@wlusp.com or 519-884-0710 ext. 3560.

COLOPHON The Cord is the official student newspaper of the Wilfrid Laurier University community.

Started in 1926 as the College Cord, The Cord is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo, a corporation without share capital. WLUSP is governed by its board of directors.

Opinions expressed within The Cord are those of the author and do not necessarily refl ect those of the editorial board, The Cord, WLUSP, WLU or CanWeb Printing Inc. All content appearing in The Cord bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent.

The Cord is created using Macintosh computers running OS X 10.10 using Adobe Creative Cloud. Canon cameras are used

for principal photography.

The Cord has been a proud member of the Ontario Press Council since 2006. Any unsatisfied complaints can be sent to the council at info@ontpress.com.

The Cord’s circulation for a normal Wednesday issue is 4,500 copies and enjoys a readership of over 10,000. Cord subscription rates are $20.00 per term for addresses within Canada.

The Cord has been a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP) since 2004.

PREAMBLE The Cord will keep faith with its readers by presenting news and expressions of opinions comprehensively, accurately and fairly.

The Cord believes in a balanced and impartial presentation of all relevant facts in a news report, and of all substantial opinions in a matter of controversy.

The staff of The Cord shall uphold all commonly held ethical conventions of journalism. When an error of omission or of commission has occurred, that error shall be acknowledged promptly.

When statements are made that are critical of an individual, or an organization, we shall give those affected the opportunity to

In the 1990’s, the Ontario Government sought support from the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies for something called the 10-Hour Rule, which states that graduate students are not allowed to work more than an average of 10 hours per week on-campus. The OCGS adopted the rule, binding all Ontario universities to comply.

In 2014, the government realized their mistake and struck the rule from all their policies, while at the same time the OCGS reiterated their support for the rule.

The 10-Hour Rule is archaic and antiquated: tuition is significantly more expensive, rent is noticeably more expensive, more ancillary fees are levied on students and real wages have remained stagnant.

This rule has placed a hard cap on the in-study earning potential of graduate students and needs to be abolished.

Students should have the right to try and earn as much as they need to pay for their education. The rule was created due to the concern that students who work too much will fall behind in their studies.

While the principle of the policy is a fair one, the practice of the policy is categorically unfair. The rule attempts to target a very specific subset of students; those who work more than 10 hours a week, fall behind in their studies, and who fall behind specifically because of their work. Despite this, the rule applies to all students, even those willing and able to handle more work hours.

When a hard ceiling is built over a students’ earning potential they are forced to subvert the system by taking out more loans, or by forcing themselves into a lower standard of living.

This week the OCGS is meeting to debate the 10-Hour Rule and you have a chance to change their mind, if you believe this rule needs to be rescinded, contact Tamas Dobozy, our Dean, and let him know that universities should not restrict how much students should be able to earn and that you support having this rule rescinded.

-Luke Dotto, Executive Director, Ontario Graduate Students’ Alliance

reply at the earliest time possible.

Ethical journalism requires impartiality, and consequently conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest will be avoided by all staff.

The only limits of any newspaper are those of the world around it, and so The Cord will attempt to cover its world with a special focus on Wilfrid Laurier University, and the community of Kitchener-Waterloo, and with a special ear to the concerns of the students of Wilfrid Laurier University. Ultimately, The Cord will be bound by neither philosophy nor geography in its mandate.

The Cord has an obligation to foster freedom of the press and freedom of speech. This obligation is best fulfilled when debate and dissent are encouraged, both in the internal workings of the paper, and through The Cord’s contact with the student body.

The Cord will always attempt to do what is right, with fear of neither repercussions, nor retaliation. The purpose of the student press is to act as an agent of social awareness, and so shall conduct the affairs of our newspaper.

Quote of the week: “Does this smell bad to you?”

- Lead Photographer, Marco Pedri RE: juice

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

News

• 3 SENIOR NEWS EDITOR KAITLYN SEVERIN news@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR SAFINA HUSEIN news@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR SHYENNE MACDONALD news@thecord.ca

STUDENTS’ UNION PRESIDENT AND CEO

KANWAR BRAR I am a 4th year Political Science student pursuing the position of President & CEO because I believe in enhancing the student experience at Laurier.

My initiatives are focused around five pillars of: Student Experience, Advocacy, Communication, Transparency and Representation. If elected, I’d like to focus on more accessible and inclusive

programming for all students, be an advocate for long-term issues such as housing and financial accountability, conduct in-person consultations and represent all students.

I will bring a holistic perspective to this role as I’ve been engaged in everything from programming to advocacy.

I have been on the Board of Directors,

“YES” OR “NO” VOTE This year, the Students’ Union presidential elections are looking a bit different. Unlike other years, there is only one candidate for president and chief executive officer: Kanwar Brar.

This doesn’t mean that Brar will win by default. Democracy doesn’t work like that. From Jan. 24-26, Brar still has to pass the “yes” or “no” vote.

Think Brar will best represent the students and make a great Students’ Union president?

Then you have a duty to vote “yes.” Unsure about aspects of his platform? Looking for different representation? Then you have a duty to vote “no.” If Brar does not pass the “yes” vote, then the whole process starts again.

Just because there is only one candidate, doesn’t mean that your vote doesn’t matter.

Students still have a say in who represents them best, regardless of how many people have put their name forward for the position.

an O-Week volunteer, a student Senator, an IA for Political Science and a Residence Life Don. I want to combine my past experiences with my vision to enhance the student experience and give back to a school which gave me so much.

More info at: yeswekan.ca

BUT WHAT DO THEY EVEN DO? The Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union president and chief executive officer oversees the Students’ Union and advocates for undergraduate students on both Brantford and Waterloo campuses.

They act as the figurehead for the organization and instil positive relationships with other campus or community partners.

They employee a group of vice-presidents who oversee specific departments within the Union and act as a leader both inside and outside of the Union.

It is the job of the president to be the representative voice of undergraduate students when working with Laurier.

The president and CEO of the Students’ Union should be approachable, confident, trustworthy and motivated by the needs of the students.

Platforms are as is and not edited for spelling, grammar or structure.

4 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

STUDENTS’ UNION BOARD OF DIRECTORS KEVIN BONNELL

MICHAEL DEL BONO

ZEMAR HAKIM

RICKY LIU

IDRIS OMAR HASSAN

My name is Kevin Bonnell and I am a third-year health science student. Over the last couple of years, my involvement with several different clubs such as Health Science Student Association, Bridging the Gap, Residence life to name, I noticed that a common thread through all the clubs is the passion of Laurier Students, which creates a strong community within clubs but also between clubs. I want to be the link between clubs, students and the Student Union, to further foster student engagement and diversity hence allowing all students to enjoy the Laurier Community as much as I do. I will make sure that voice of the passionate students of Laurier will not go unnoticed while creating a positive environment for student development and allowing students to find their place within our school. I intend to run for vice chairman because I have a passion for university policy hence I/

My name is Michael Del Bono and I’m in my 3rd year studying criminology here at Laurier! I am running for the board of directors so that I can become further engaged in fulfilling and improving upon the strategic direction of The Students’ Union; to provide the best student experience to our membership. As a director of the board, I will always work toward a deeper understanding and representation of the corporate interests of Laurier’s undergraduate students. With fellow directors, I will also establish an efficient and strategic approach to accomplish the goals of the organization, to outline realistic goals for the future, and to demonstrate the numerous benefits which the Students’ Union provides to the Laurier community. On top of this, I intend to have a lasting relationship with the president that is impartial, constructive, and analytical of their organizational performance.

Energy, enthusiasm and excellence. These are all words that describe me, Zemar Hakim, as a student, friend and candidate. I am a passionate second year economics student seeking your vote to be a member on the Students’ Union Board of Directors. In my first year I was a member of Willison Hall’s House Council and was on the Laurier Pre-Law Society’s Special Council. This year I enjoyed a wonderful first week of school as an Orientation Week Icebreaker and am currently serving as the Pre-Law Society’s Director of External Affairs. My platform is singular and appreciates the Union as a conglomerate of every student, not only those that are already engaged. Thus my focus next year is to take an active role within relative committees to amplify connection with all students. If you share the dream of a truly connected and informed Students’ Union vote Hakim the Dream.

For the past year I have been involved on a volunteer exchange to Taiwan where I taught English to 2000 elementary students, been a Roulette Dealer at the CNE Casino undergoing transactions up to $4000 per minute, and lastly a Digital Marketing Specialist for AIESEC Canada.

If elected as Board of Director, I want to help all students strive in Laurier. I want bring more networking events to help students not in our Co-op program to find desired jobs. I want to build a positive environment for the diversities in our campus and lastly, I will make sure that your voices will be heard. Each decision by the Student Union will be consider with the best interest of our community. We are a family and I want to be that pillar to hold our home together.

I’m not just a student, I’m a Laurier Golden-hawk.

1.Wilfrid Laurier UniversityStudents Life The student life is sometimes complicated and can be hard to follow and that is why I am planning to: a) Open all lines of communications between students, faculties and students Union to ensure that every student is successful in his/her education; b) Listen to your questions seriously so that we can do our best to solve your concerns in a timely manner; c) Ensure that all students are aware of all services and programs that student union offers.

2. Academics and professionalism a) We all come to Wilfrid Laurier University for its academics and professionalism. However, we all know that there are always a room for improvement and my plan is to work with students and faculties and increase our communications to ensure that; b) Your Academic concerns are solved; c) All professors and TAs should communicate effectivity with students in a timely/

MUHAMMAD TALHA NAEEM

MOUMITA PAUL

TARIQUE PLUMMER

EMILY REZKALLA

ILANA ROITMAN

Laurier has an amazing student body. Student’s Union provides incredible opportunities for students to get involved and gain valuable experiences. I am running for the position of Board of Directors at Students’ Union to contribute in expanding creative ideas and solutions for popular student concerns. My aim will be to build upon the existing legacy and work on the issues of student integration, multi-campus student communication, diversity and equity, and internationalizing the campus approach, in terms of making it a comfortable home for the international students.

As an international student at Laurier, I had an amazing experience. I feel now it’s the time for me to come forward and share the positive experience that I have lived, with my fellow Golden Hawks, #StayGolden.

As a potential candidate for the Board of Directors for the Wilfrid Laurier Students’ Union, I believe that I will bring about positive change to serve the entire student body of Laurier. I have been a previous member of the Union as a Clubs Communications Executive, where I managed the religious and cultural clubs on campus. This gave me much insight into the inner workings of the Union, and allowed me to develop my skills as an organized leader and liaison.

Similarly, I am currently a Students’ Rights Advisory Committee Executive. I am not only a valuable resource to students in various student and tenant rights issues, but also a vital team member who works to advertise the SRAC committee’s goals to students. As a member of the board, I believe I will be able to use my strong leadership skills to be a crucial voice on behalf of Laurier.

“Corporate governance is concerned with holding the balance between economic and social goals…” I am Tarique Plummer and I’m seeking my second term as a Director on the WLU Students’ Union (SU) Board. In my estimation, the governance framework of the SU is pivotal to promoting the efficient use of resources and equally to require accountability for the stewardship of those resources.

If re-elected, my intention would be to pursue the role of Chair of the Board and Chief Governance Officer. If successful, I aim to do three crucial things: 1. Provide strong board leadership and good governance 2. Align the interests of the management team with that of students 3. Develop a cohesive and active board.

My experience spans 5 boards while being Vice-Chairman for two. I am deeply involved in the Laurier culture and I aim to translate my experiences and passion in the board atmosphere once again.

My name is Emily Rezkalla and I am committed to advancing good governance at the Board of Directors table by facilitating proactive dialogue and advocacy.

My platform focuses on two pillars: informed advocacy and community engagement. As the External Relations VP for the Laurier Law Society Moot Court, it is not only my job, but my passion to instill informed and effective advocacy in students while creating opportunities for growth in the ability to provide legitimate explanations on both sides of an important issue.

As an avid viewer of the board meetings online, a new and engaging way to be informed at Laurier, I believe expanding such community engagement is significant in building transparency and accountability and an outlet for higher voter turnout. If elected, I am confident that my experiences engaging in policy and advocacy in my university career will be a remarkable asset to the board.

My name is Ilana Roitman and I am a BBA student seeking election to the Board of Directors. Inclusive culture at Laurier is what makes me proud to be a golden hawk and what encourages me to give back to the community. I am an executive member of both arts and business faculty clubs, in addition to Waterloo based charities. On the Lazaridis Students’ Society, I work to ensure a high quality of student life.

These clubs and associations that I am a part of truly embody the Laurier spirit. I want every student to have the opportunity to involve themselves with the community and have their voices heard. To facilitate this growth, I plan to work directly with students to encourage accountability, advocacy, and equal representation. It will be my mission to act as your liaison, voicing your concerns, and acting on your feedback. Let’s make this year great!

Disclaimer: Tarique Plummer is an opinion columnist for The Cord.

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NEWS • 5

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

STUDENTS’ UNION BOARD OF DIRECTORS JOSEPH SMALL

DANA TOAMEH

KLAUDIA WOJTANOWSKI

ANTHONY ZAMBITO

It has dawned upon me to embark on a glorious journey to integrate myself and my insights within the board of directors of this school and indubitably make student union lit. The well bieng and university experience is of paramount importance to the board of directors and thus students decide to run for board of directors in order to provide their own insight and perspective on how to improve the student experience. Not only to become the university that is ranked highest in student experience but to maintain that well deserved title. Which is precisely why I have decided to run for the board of directors. To make student union even greater than it already is and to provide a fresh and gratifying experience for all students to come through the insight and perspectives I have gained through the 3 years I have spent in this school. If I am/

As your elected representatives, we owe a duty of care to the undergraduate community to address the issues that directly impact us.

We must prioritise reaching out to undergrads, extending our outreach for student suggestions, and Addressing Concerns Efficiently.

My name is Joseph Small, 2ndyear Economics and Accounting major, and I want to be your ACE. As Director, I would ensure that the Students’ Union tackles the concerns that undergrads want to see addressed: this primarily includes the lack of study spaces during exams. As newer concerns come along, I’ll strive to ensure that students have a means of offering suggestions to the Student Union.

My experience demonstrates my ability to organise our student society; I’ve been a House Council Finance Director, a payroll clerk, and a professional bookkeeper.

With this experience, my no-frills management approach, and dedication to the Laurier community, I’m confident that we can ACE this election!

My name is Dana Toameh and I am running for a seat on the Wilfrid Laurier University’s Students’ Union Board of Directors.

It is my understanding that the Students’ Union Board is the highest moral authority of the organization and thus has the major responsibility of mitigating risk and ensuring accountability.

I have been greatly involved in the Laurier fabric through being president of the Pre-med Society and Eye to Eye, Vice-President of Finance of FOSSA, the university senate, Board of Governors and the residence department.

I have a strong in finance and I’m hoping that if elected, I can utilize my fiscal eye to the benefit of the board and provide solid student representation.

My name is Klaudia Wojtanowski and I am a second year business student aspiring to minor in both Political Science and French. Currently I am a Residence Life Don working to provide a positive and empowering environment for first year students at Laurier. I would like to earn the position on the Board of Directors so that I could represent and advocate not only for first year students but the entire undergraduate population on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. I would strive to ensure that the Students’ Union acts in the best interest of students by promoting a safe, inclusive and accessible experience both academically and socially. It would be an honour to represent the voice of undergraduate students as the Students’ Union continues to grow and strive for the ultimate student experience.

Hi there. My name is Anthony Zambito, and I’m a 5th year student at Laurier’s Waterloo Campus.

This January, I’ve decided to campaign to serve as a member of the Students’ Union Board of Directors. The election, taking place on the 25th of this month, will decide who the next wave of Laurier’s student representatives will be. In writing this platform, I solemnly ask for readers to consider me as a candidate worthy of their vote.

Being a board member of Laurier’s Student Union is not an easy task. Based on what I’ve seen over the past year, being a member of the board entails two major responsibilities. The first responsibility that a director needs to fulfill is that of a student representative.

It is my honest opinion that a competent director must be an advocate for student issues both in the boardroom and in the public sphere. In the/

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

DARSHIL SHAH

DARSHIL SHAH

JOSEPH SMALL

It has dawned upon me to embark on a glorious journey to integrate myself and my insights within the board of directors of this school and indubitably make student union lit. The well bieng and university experience is of paramount importance to the board of directors and thus students decide to run for board of directors in order to provide their own insight and perspective on how to improve the student experience. Not only to become the university that is ranked highest in student experience but to maintain that well deserved title. Which is precisely why I have decided to run for the board of directors. To make student union even greater than it already is and to provide a fresh and gratifying experience for all students to come through the insight and perspectives I have gained through the 3 years I have spent in this school. If I am/

A seat on the Board of Governors should be reserved for someone who understands fiscal management and will strive to deliver the expectations of the undergraduate community. A Governor’s primary goal should be to Address Concerns Efficiently. As a foreign student in Canada, I know the importance of hard work and connections; I’m confident these values have helped me meet these expectations.

Through my work with Hawkapella, the Laurier Debating Society, and the Golden Speakers Club (to name a few commitments), I’ve developed a broad network of connections among the various departments; this network makes me capable of representing our diverse student body.

When it comes to fiscal management, experience is key; my work as a former House Council finance director, payroll clerk, and bookkeeper has given me handson preparation for the role of Governor. With these experiences, I’m certain I’ll be the ACE that the Board of Governors needs.

SENATE CANDIDATES’ PLATFORM SUMARIES CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT THECORD.CA

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6 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER

MATT BURLEY During my two years with Wilfrid Laurier Student Publications, I’ve met many people, seen many things and fought a few battles. However, one thing has remained consistent through this time; putting out quality journalism. Over the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of being the Sputnik’s Arts and Culture editor, a member of the Board of Directors and the WLUSP Brantford office assistant. By taking on these rolls, I’ve obtained a firm understanding of WLUSP and have picked up on it’s strengths and weaknesses.

I plan to take these weaknesses and make them our strengths while maintaining consistency in areas in which we already excel.

ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS

I have pride in my work and I’m extremely proud of WLUSP and what it has accomplished. WLUSP is a platform for young journalists aiming to accomplish great things. I can only hope to help them achieve these goals, through strong communication skills, knowledge of journalistic ethics and the experience I have gained from my time at WLUSP. I am aware that to be able to do this, I must divide my attention equally between both the Brantford and Waterloo campuses. I feel that by efficiently organizing my time with both campuses, all of our publications will continue to put out award winning journalism, while reaching heights that were previously unimaginable.

Throughout my four years with WLUSP I have worked as Photo Editor, Online Editor, Advertising Assistant and Keystone EIC. These roles have allowed me to grow into the organization and understand its fundamental workings, including content creation, training methods, revenue generation and more.

I chose Laurier for the very reason to join WLUSP and I started by volunteer for The Cord. As time went on I branched into new roles, seeing the value in each new experience. It wasn’t always easy but it certainly felt right. It was when I was awarded Volunteer of the Year that it really sunk in how much I not only loved investing myself into The Cord, but how great it felt to create bonds with other departments.

My understanding of the benefits of such collaboration is vital to strategizing the new year. My biggest goal is strengthening ties between Waterloo and Brantford publications, as I believe this is where the largest room for potential lies. There will always be limitations to how we operate.

But, as a leader it is important to know how to seek out the best solution for everyone and value the volunteers that make WLUSP what it is. For that reason alone, I will continually work to make next year the most rewarding that it can in the most effective way that we can do so.

I would be honoured to be the President and Publisher for Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications as another great year unfolds.

WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LISA IRIMESCU

NOA SALAMON

ALEX VIALETTE

As a Director of Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications (WLUSP) I aim to assist the organization by providing the Laurier community with informative and engaging publications. With this in mind, I pursue a policy of transparency between the Board and WLUSP volunteers by relaying all available and appropriate information back as to ensure the Board is in agreement with volunteer interests. Additionally, I would like to place emphasis on accountability, such that not only can volunteers access information on Board activity but volunteers can exchange opinions with Board members, to the extent that they can expect members will follow through with prescribed objectives and organizational values of ethical behavior.

Lastly, I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the Board given my passion for and corresponding real world experience as a radio host in the broadcasting sphere.

Ultimately, as a Board member, I aspire to support WLUSP in all capacities.

Over the past two years, I have had the pleasure of volunteering at Radio Laurier as a member of the News Production team and as Public Relations manager. These positions have equipped me with a distinct set of skills to produce quality content in collaboration with other talented, committed individuals. If elected as Director of the Board, I will strive to make WLUSP a more cohesive and publicly accessible organization that reflects the hard work of our members. I will accomplish this by continuing to strengthen the communication between volunteers at our Waterloo and Brantford campuses, ensuring that all publications are meticulously reviewed for improvement and compliance with the law, and remaining transparent in our communication with the Wilfrid Laurier student body. As a second year Communication Studies student, my passion for news publishing, public relations, and creative expression makes me an ideal candidate for this position.

My name is Alex Vialette and I am in my second year at Laurier studying Journalism on the Brantford campus. I have been working with WLUSP since day one, working with both The Sputnik and Radio Laurier. Through working in both these positions I have made myself familiar with staff on both campuses, and I believe that this is an essential aspect to being a director operating in Brantford. Being familiar with the volunteers and staff on both campuses makes it much easier to approach me and has given me perspective other nominees may not have.

As a director, I hope to ensure that decisions made by the board are educated, to help expand the WLUSP volunteer base, and represent WLUSP Brantford in the decision making process.

BEN COOKE My name is Ben Cooke and I’m a third year journalism student. As someone who has worked for WLUSP since their first year here. If elected, I plan to extend the passion I have gained onto the Board. My decisions will be completely reflective in the best interest of the school and the needs of the students. As such, we have an opportunity to adapt and evolve the journalistic landscape to fit the needs of our society. It’s our duty to make sure our integrity is at the forefront of our work.

I’m looking forward to work and create with the many talented people that come through the WLUSP offices.

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Disclaimer: Andreas Patsiaouros is the Online Editor for The Cord.

NEWS • 7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017 POLITICS

MP Chagger announces funding at Laurier Funds are given by the federal and provincial goverments to help renovate university buildings KAITLYN SEVERIN SENIOR NEWS EDITOR

On Jan. 12, the Minister of Small Business and Tourism and Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger, along with Cambridge MPP Kathryn McGarry, president and vice-chancellor Max Blouw and various members of the Wilfrid Laurier University community, revealed that local post-secondary institutes will be receiving approximately $50 million from the federal government to establish greener campuses.

These buildings will be environmentally sustainable and actually conserve energy and be really responsible.

-Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism and Waterloo MP

Announced by Chagger in the Paul Martin Centre on the Laurier Waterloo campus, the fund is part of a $2-billion fund for Canadian universities and colleges that was set up by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal govern-

ment of Canada.

The Liberal government of Ontario’s Premier Kathleen Wynne also contributed to the university’s projects. $17 million of the funding from the federal and provincial governments will help to renovate Laurier’s Peters building and to help the campus use up to 30 per cent less energy.

The university is receiving this funding for two projects: the Lazaridis Hall project, which will include the repurposing and renovation of the Peters Building and the energy efficiency management project, which aims to improve energy efficiency on campus and will enable the university to reduce energy consumption by up to $1.4 million per year.

According to a news release published by the Government of Canada, the Lazaridis Hall project will result in new research and teaching labs, as well as more space to help train entrepreneurs, start-ups and management leaders in the technology and finance sectors.

The funding for the $21.8 million renovation project includes $11.87 million from the university and $9.93 million from the Government of Canada.

“These buildings will be environmentally sustainable and actually conserve energy and be really responsible in the way these buildings are maintained and built,” said

It’s a commitment the Students’ Union and the university have both taken so it’s definitely important.

-Colin Aitchison, vice-president of university affairs

DYLAN HINES/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Laurier gets funds for Lazaridis Hall and renovation of the Peters Building.

Chagger.

Funding for the $8.89 million energy efficiency management project includes $4.45 million from the Government of Canada, $2.22 million from the Province of Ontario and $2.22 million from the university.

According to the Government of Canada, post-secondary institutions across the province will receive more than $1.9 billion from the national government, the provincial government, the institutions and private donors.

The federal funding will be allo-

cated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which aims to enhance research facilities on Canadian university campuses and improve their environmental sustainability.

Colin Aitchison, vice-president of university affairs, said that any institution the size of Laurier should make their communities as ecologically friendly as possible.

“It’s a commitment the Students’ Union and the university have both taken so it’s definitely important.

The Peters Building renovation will provide better opportunities

balls for people, things that people can use for mindfulness and to de-stress. Our goal is to get the word out about Laurier Let’s Talk Week, which is on Wednesday the 25,” Ashley Siegel, vice-president of diversity initiatives, said.

Siegel explained that although Bridging the Gap isn’t as wellknown to the Laurier student body, the club offers various resources that will become useful to the Laurier community.

Bridging the Gap’s mission is to provide resources to students, not just during Bell Let’s Talk week, but all year-round.

explain to people that these are the exact steps you can take to guide people,” Siegel said.

Ultimately, the club wants people to know that they are working for the students to make resources as accessible as possible.

Bridging the Gap will be hosting events throughout Bell Let’s Talk Week to encourage students to de-stress and talk about mental health, whether it’s to share their own personal experiences or perspective on mental health.

“Throughout the week there will be a bunch of booths in the concourse, [Bridging the Gap’s] goal is to be active with people and engage them in conversation. We also will have colouring pages and stress balls. [These] are things that people can use for mindfulness and to de-stress ... Tuesday were hoping to have a Let’s Taco About It event where we have tacos.”

Siegel also explained that on Wednesday Jan. 25, which is Bell Let’s Talk day, there will be special activities taking place to increase mindfulness and enhance the discussion of mental health on campus.

“Wednesday in the morning, we are having a yoga event which will lead to a speak-up event, which is an open floor for people to share their experiences with mental illness and share their story. There will be a mental health nurse pres-

for teaching and learning as well,” Aitchison said.

“This government, under the leadership of the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, is committed to investing in post-secondary institutions and that’s why all three institutions in the riding of Waterloo received investments through the Strategic Investment Fund and that is to ensure that students who are the leaders of today and tomorrow have access to the resources they need to succeed,” Chagger said.

According to Chagger, the beginning of these alloted funds are already being put into action.

They can be seen through the renovations being completed on the Laurier Peters Building.

The project is planned to be finished by the beginning of the spring season. “[Students] are able to see these dollars actually growing their

EVENTS

SERENA TRUONG/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Bridging the gap on mental health NATHALIE BOUCHARD LEAD REPORTER

From Jan. 23-30 on Wilfrid Laurier University’s Waterloo campus, Bridging the Gap is collaborating with jack.org to raise awareness about mental health during a week-long event called Bell Let’s Talk Week.

The purpose of Bell Let’s Talk week is to raise awareness, ex-

plain campus mental health resources, host events, engage with students at their booth in the concourse as well as continue a discussion surrounding mental health.

“Throughout the week there are a bunch of booths in the concourse. Our goal is to be active with people and engage them in conversation. We’re also going to have colouring pages and stress

There are lots of individuals at Bridging the Gap who have suffered with mental illness and know the resources.

-Ashley Siegel, vice-president of diversity initiatives

“There are lots of individuals at Bridging the Gap who have suffered with mental illness and know the resources on campus. We can

ent at this event in case people feel triggered,” Siegel said.

Bridging the Gap has now fundraised over $1,000 for Grand River Hospital’s mental health initiatives.

However, the main goal of the Bell Let’s Talk week is to make sure students know they aren’t alone and there’s a club on campus to

There are a lot of people at the Wellness Centre and professors who are understanding about it.

-Ashley Siegel, vice-president of Diversity initiative

help them.

“We want people to know about these resources and that if your mental health is really poor you can get a note from the Wellness Centre and you don’t need to write your exam that day,” Siegel said.

“There are a lot of people at the Wellness Centre and professors who are understanding about it.

You don’t have to deal with it in silence.”

8 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

HIRING

MacLatchy is named new president of Laurier University officials announce Max Blouw’s replacement KAITLYN SEVERIN SENIOR NEWS EDITOR

Deborah MacLatchy, provost and vice-president: academic, will officially be the seventh president and vice-chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University.

On Jan. 11, the university officially announced MacLatchy as the appointed president on their official website. MacLatchy will be replacing current president, Max Blouw, on July 1 on a five-year term.

MacLatchy, a recognized and awarded scientist, has been the provost and VP: academic of the university since 2009. Before coming to Laurier, MacLatchy earned an honours B.Sc. in biology, a PhD in zoology from the University of Manitoba and did her postdoctoral work at the University of Guelph.

MacLatchy began her academic career at the University of Winnipeg and the University of New Brunswick, where she served as the Dean of Science, Applied Science and Engineering and the director of their International Office.

There does seem to be a bit of a barrier, a glass ceiling or something there that makes it challenging for women...

-Deborah MacLatchy, incoming president and vice-chancellor

In 2007, MacLatchy came to Laurier as the dean of the Faculty of Science and was appointed as VP: academic and provost two years later. She also served as the active vice-president: research

from December 2014 to November 2015.

In addition to being the seventh president of the university since 1967, when Waterloo Lutheran University became Wilfrid Laurier University, MacLatchy is the second female president overall.

Lorna R. Marsden served as the first female president from 1992 to 1997.

According to MacLatchy, a female president may influence young girls and women to take on more challenging career roles.

While there are various female leaders throughout the university, less than a fifth of university presidents in Canada are women, a percentage that has not changed in decades, as said by the Globe and Mail.

“There does seem to be a bit of a barrier; a glass ceiling or something there that makes it challenging for women to become university presidents. I think partly we’ve worked hard on the pipeline … so there’s more female faculty, there’s more female deans, that means more female provosts and ultimately I think that will lead to more female presidents,” MacLatchy said.

In her time at Laurier, MacLatchy has had a role in establishing various significant initiatives at the university. She participated in the establishment of a new strategic academic plan, of innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees, she participated in the development of the university’s integrated and engaged learning model and worked in the development of the multi-campus governance framework, amongst many others. As a distinguished scientist, MacLatchy has promoted the field by participating in initiatives such as the Laurier Institute for Water Science, as well as the creation of the Centre for Women in Science.

“I’m comfortable with using analytical approaches to help in

problem solving and so understanding data, getting data, it comes very natural to me because of my background and training,” she said.

In February 2016, the university had announced they will be establishing a presidential search committee, which included faculty, staff, students, alumni and the Laurier Board of Governors, to find Laurier’s next president, as Max Blouw was nearing the end of his second five-year term as president

I’m comfortable with using analytical approaches to help in problem solving...

-Deborah MacLatchy, incoming president and vice-chancellor

and vice-chancellor.

During this time, members of the Laurier community, including staff, faculty and significant stake-holders, were asked for their input on the characteristics of the university’s next president.

Over 250 people wrote in their feedback and consultations were later held with individuals, groups and internal and external stakeholders, including various student and graduate associations, Indigenous student leaders, government partners and academic and administrative leaders, among many others.

After finishing the evaluation and interview process, the search committee voted unanimously that MacLatchy be appointed as the next president and vice-chancellor.

According to MacLatchy, the

YOUTH AGES: 12

PAIGE BUSH/PHOTO EDITOR

MacLatchy has been recognized as provost and VP: academic since 2009.

final decision was made on Jan. 10. The appointment was recommended unanimously by Laurier’s Senate and approved unanimously by the Board of Governors.

“I think it is really important in that there is such an extensive amount of work for preparing for this type of interview and also [the] work that the search committee does in order to make sure that on both sides that there’s a good alignment and that everybody’s happy and that the right person’s been selected,” MacLatchy said.

Until she takes on her role as president and vice-chancellor on July 1, MacLatchy explained the first thing she wants to commit to is figuring out how best to make her transition work for herself and for the university as a whole. She said part of this will be stepping back from her role as provost.

“There will be an acting provost put in place over the next few months as we get closer to July 1 so I can focus on not being the provost anymore and starting to be the president.”

MacLatchy explained that her transitioning period will begin in the next month or so, as she starts

focusing more on the president’s role rather than the provost’s.

I just love being at Laurier and all the interactions I’ve had on a daily basis...It’s just an amazing place.

-Deborah MacLatchy, incoming president and vice-chancellor

MacLatchy explained that she hopes that the entire process will be much more of a transitional period rather than a total changeover.

“I’m really, really, really happy to be coming into the role of president. I just love being at Laurier and all the interactions I’ve had on a daily basis with faculty, staff [and] students has just been amazing. It’s an amazing place,” she said.

– 25

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Waste changes start March 6

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Small apartment building curbside collection

Single family homes curbside collection

(3 – 6 units)

Garbage: every second week, limit of 4 untagged bags/cans.

Green bin and blue box: weekly, no limit.

Bulky item and appliance: every second week, limit of 3 items.

Yard waste: every second week (spring to fall), no limit.

Garbage: every second week, limit of 10 untagged bags/cans per building.

Green bin and blue box: weekly, no limit.

Bulky item and appliance: every second week, limit of 10 items per building.

Yard waste: every second week (spring to fall), no limit.

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10 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

STUDENT LIFE

Winter Carnival works to have more sobriety BETHANY BOWLES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Every January, students at Wilfrid Laurier University are invited to participate in Winter Carnival, the annual school spirit week that resurrects Laurier spirit after Orientation Week appears to be a thing of the past.

“It gives students something outside of the classroom … I think Winter Carnival can provide that opportunity for students to get involved and meet other people and step back from the chaos of school,” said Winter Carnival coordinator, Krista Bracco.

In the past, Winter Carnival has been ridiculed for being an exclusive event that supports drinking culture and excessive partying while students should be in class.

This year, the executives behind Winter Carnival decided to implement some changes to move away from those negative stigmas.

Kimberly Hutchings, vice-president of programming and services within the Students’ Union, explained the steps that were taken to steer Winter Carnival away from being an event solely based on alcohol consumption.

Small steps such as holding events in Wilf’s instead of the

VICTORIA PINACCI/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Co-ordinators hope to steer away from the controversies of past events.

Turret were made to take the focus away from drinking.

“Things like that help to make it more inclusive to students and also refocus it back onto student health and encourage students within our own programming to make healthier choices,” Hutchings said.

Mystery Bar Night, a trade mark event of Winter Carnival, was also transformed into Mystery Event Night.

Instead of taking participants

to an undisclosed bar in Kitchener-Waterloo, they were taken to Chicopee to go tubing.

“There was a lot of negativity from past participants, me included,” Kyle McCord, fifth-year film student and captain of Winter Carnival team Eleventh Hour, said.

“Mystery Bar Night last year was a big, fun night for me … This year, turning it into Mystery Event Night and taking the ‘bar’ idea out of it was smart and it was actually a lot

of fun just to go as a team, to go tubing at Chicopee and everyone was kind of shocked at how much fun it really was. You don’t need to drink to have fun with your team.”

Another event, the Beauty Pageant, was also taken out in efforts to be more inclusive.

“We felt that the pageant didn’t align with the values that Winter Carnival has,” Bracco said.

Hutchings elaborated further on why the Beauty Pageant has been viewed as problematic in past years.

“It became very much an event where mostly male students were encouraged to cross-dress,” Hutchings said, “and I think we really wanted to take the focus off of an event that was a little bit insensitive to transgender [people] … and refocus our programming to things that were inclusive to everyone.”

“Students value different things than they used to and they’re a little bit more aware of different cultures and different identities,” she added.

Altogether, the aims of the changes were to encourage inclusivity and healthy choices amongst participants.

“There was a complete turnaround in the inclusivity of the event. Last year, as a first time

participant, I could see some issues with things personally, as an outsider who’s been involved with community work that is about getting people involved, [making people feel] inclusive and feeling comfortable in the community,” McCord said.

There was a complete turnaround in the inclusivity of the event.

Last year...I could see some issues with things personally.

-Kyle McCord, captain of Winter Carnival team

Those who plan Winter Carnival feel optimistic about the changes made this year translating into future events.

“I’ve been on the executive team for three years [sic] and this has been one of my best years by far.

Our participants were great; we didn’t have any major issues that have maybe come up in the past.”

SOCIAL ADVOCACY

We want to continue to look at what’s on the table and what are the issues that are most pressing.

-Allen G Jorgenson, assistant dean and professor of systematic theology

PAIGE BUSH/PHOTO EDITOR

Myeengun Henry and Mark MacDonald both discussed Indigenous issues and the resistance that surrounds them.

Talks held at Seminary to discuss Water Protection NATHALIE BOUCHARD LEAD REPORTER

On Monday, Jan. 16 Waterloo Lutheran Seminary presented a talk called Protecting Water Through Prayer and Resistance: Witness from Standing Rock and Line 9.

The featured speakers were Myeengun Henry, Elder and band councillor for the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and Aborigi-

nal services manager at Conestoga College.

As well as Bishop Mark MacDonald, national Indigenous Anglican Bishop with the Anglican Church of Canada.

Both speakers shared their experience with protest and resistance of Indigenous issues.

“One of the visions of the Seminary, the public seminary, is to bring public issues and try to

bring to bare what kind of insights faith and religious life might help in terms of people like Bishop MacDonald and Elder Myeegun to help us better understand how we can participate take part in making the world a better place,” said Allen G Jorgenson, organizer of Protecting Water Through Prayer and Resistance, assistant dean and professor of systematic theology at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Jorgenson explained that the use of the Seminary is to provide a space for all to receive resources about important social and environmental topics. The Seminary has done significant work to raise awareness of issues such as Standing Rock and Line 9.

As well, they have been following recommendations from The Truth and Reconciliation Commission “We have been attentive on some of a calls for action, which is one of the things The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is to engage in these issues. We’ve been doing it for a quite a while,” Jorgenson said.

“We want to continue to look at what’s on the table and what are the issues that are most pressing, and how we can help people of faith and in the community to find ways into the questions and into the calls for action.”

The talk with Bishop MacDonald and Henry stressed the importance of consent when it comes to issues surrounding Indigenous land.

“The heart of the issue wasn’t really altogether the oil, in that sense.

People misunderstand that. I know

I’ve heard from the interviews from people at Standing Rock saying we are not actually against the pipeline, we are against that they were going to build the pipeline without asking us and we think it’s dangerous,” explained Jorgenson.

“The goal of the event was to provide an occasion for people of faith and no faith who are interested in learning from our Indigenous neighbours and how they can be involved and they have an occasion to do that,’’ said Jorgenson.

For those that missed the event at the Seminary, Jorgenson touched on the importance of staying educated about important issues that affect our society and Indigenous community.

“Myeengun Henry brought up the issue that is not just an issue of

This is an issue in our own backyard. One of the ways you could be involved is through learning something...

Raising awareness.

-Allen G Jorgenson, assistant dean and professor of systematic theology

Standing Rock, but this is an issue in our own backyard,” Jorgenson said.

“One of the ways you could be involved is through learning something … Raising awareness is part of social justice. For people of faith there’s a sense of responsibility to care for the world and just getting people aware of issues.”

NEWS • 11

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017 HEALTH

Surviving the sniffles SAFINA HUSEIN NEWS EDITOR

MARCO PEDRI/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

The common cold requires standard cough medicine found at pharmacies.

With cold and flu season among us, there are many things that students at Wilfrid Laurier University can think about and pay attention to in order to prevent themselves from getting sick and dealing with cold and flu symptoms.

“I would say one of the most important things that you can do as far as preventing getting infected is hand washing, it sounds really basic but it probably is the single most effective way to prevent transmission of infection,” said Karen Ostrander, director at the Student Wellness Centre.

A common way individuals transmit infection is through hand contact, specifically when touching your face, putting in contact lenses, before eating, shaking hands and especially after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose.

As well, nutrition is important and plays a large role in your immune system’s ability to fight colds.

“If you’re not eating well, sometimes you can get run down and you’re more susceptible to infection and similarly if you’re not getting enough rest,” Ostrander said.

“Those things all kind of line up with the student lifestyle, but it is something to think about or pay attention to.”

Though, sometimes it’s hard to prevent yourself from catching colds and flus completely. The best way to recover after becoming infected is to give your body time and rest. “[Colds and flus] are both viruses, so antibiotics don’t work.

Really, your immune system needs to basically overcome or build up immunity to those viruses,” Ostrander said.

If your symptoms are persisting for more than a week, if you have fevers that aren’t improving...it makes sense to have an assessment.

-Karen Ostrander, director at Student Wellness Centre

“There are some over-thecounter cold and flu medications that can be used to help deal with symptoms, but again, it’s not a cure.”

Medications such as Tylenol and Advil can help reduce fevers and help with general aches, pains and headaches.

Students often find it difficult

to take the time their body needs when school requests high demands. Ostrander explained that having a balance is the best way to approach situations when feeling under the weather.

“It’s not always idealistic for everyone to stay home even when you have sniffles, if you’re coughing you should be covering your cough and coughing into your elbow so that you’re not spreading those germs. A lot of those germs are transmitted through the air so you want to try to do some social distancing, stand about a metre away from people if you are out with a cold.”

Students may also struggle determining when their symptoms are merely colds and when they should seek medical assistance.

“If your symptoms are persisting for more than a week, if you have fevers that aren’t improving with Tylenol or Advil or if your throat is so sore that you can’t swallow, then that’s something that you might look into and it makes sense to have an assessment. It’s hard when to know but if they have questions, they should absolutely come in,” Ostrander explained.

Doctors and nurses at the Wellness Centre can help students asses whether or not sore throats have turned into strep throat or if coughs have turned into bronchitis.

MULTI-CAMPUS

Brantford’s participation during the elections Tyler Van Herzele and Nick DeSumma discuss the leadership opportunities for Brantford students SAFINA HUSEIN NEWS EDITOR

During this election season at Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo and Brantford students will be exposed to various events and campaign initiatives in order to become informed about this year’s candidates.

Each year, there is evidence of fewer candidates from Laurier’s Brantford campus than from the Waterloo campus.

This year, only three out of 15 Board of Director candidates are from Brantford, with the only presidential candidate being from Waterloo.

Nick DeSumma, chair of the board of directors, explained that Branford’s candidate participation may be influenced by the programs that are offered at the Brantford campus.

“In Waterloo, you see a lot of the political science programs, the communications programs and business programs that relate well with the Board of Director positions.”

“In Brantford, you have more criminology and social sciences.

With those, it’s harder to find that niche and interest in these positions,” DeSumma said.

While this may be one reason,

he also explained that student population has a big effect.

There’s approximately four times the amount of students on the Waterloo campus than there are on the Brantford campus.

Seeing that Tyler was successful last year, being a Brantford student, I think that will definitely open some doors.

Nick Desumma, chair of the board of directors

Tyler Van Herzele, president and CEO of Students’ Union, is the first Brantford student to become Students’ Union president.

While Van Herzele stated that he doesn’t think his position as president has swayed more Brantford students to consider running for positions, he does hope that it will open up the idea.

Despite calling the smaller campus home, Van Herzele believes Brantford students still have the

full ability to participate.

“I do believe I have a role to play in encouraging students to seek their full potential. What we will see is from having myself in this position, the impossibility of a Brantford student winning this election has been removed,” Van Herzele said.

“I do think it’s giving maybe some more hope to those who are looking forward at maybe running in two or three years. They might think it’s something possible to start focusing on what you need to do to make that a reality.”

DeSumma added that he feels strongly that Laurier could see another Brantford presidential candidate within the next couple of years.

“Seeing that Tyler was successful last year, being a Brantford student, I think that will definitely open some doors to other candidates or other future students,” he said.

“Because there’s that knowledge that this is possible and can work and we saw that happen and it’s amazing to see that.”

In regards to number of students who vote during election season, numbers at both campuses are low.

Waterloo’s voter turn-out last year only went as high as 26 per cent and while Brantford’s student

JESSICA DIK/FILE PHOTO

Van Herzele and DeSumma both studied at Laurier’s Brantford campus.

voting percentage is typically higher than Waterloo’s, it has been decreasing in the past few years.

Van Herzele explained that Brantford’s student voting percentage was likely higher than Waterloo’s as there are less students in Brantford and, therefore, easier to get the word out.

“Those who can identify with elections will take part. And those who have a harder time identifying with the process, don’t,” he said.

“As for the decline over time, we’re seeing that across the board everywhere, which is really unfortunate. Especially when these elections result in people who

represent all 100 per cent of undergraduate students whether or not they voted.”

This year, there’s a fairly equal balance of election events that are happening at each campus, which has not always been in the case in past years.

Transportation between campuses is being provided to encourage participation at all events.

“I encourage students to get informed, ask the hard questions, vote yes or no for president as there only is one candidate,” Van Herzele said. “Be informed and make that decision. It matters more to do that than to just ignore it.”

12 •

FEATU

FEATURES EDITOR/MITCHELL CONSKY/FEATURES@THECORD.CA

WILL HUANG/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

URES

QA

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017 • 13

Questions and Answers with Kanwar Brar: running a race unopposed

Q

Q

News Editor Safina Husein talked to lone Students’ Union presidential candidate Kanwar Brar How/when/why did you decide to run for Students’ Union president?

If president, how are you going to advocate for students on the Brantford/Waterloo campus?

The thought of running for Students’ Union President came up in first year, actually, when I was a part of a campaign team. In the past four years, I’ve reflected a lot upon running, but it wasn’t until this past summer when I started getting really serious and thinking about why I want to do this.

And it was through talking to a lot of students and talking to a lot of people within the university and within the Students’ Union which gave me a lot of insight on the operations and the work of the president. And I thought, you know what, I can do this. Having a really supportive team and a lot of people who wanted to rally behind me made me think that I can definitely do this job, which made me want to pursue it.

My platform is spread into three categories under the branches I have. So for advocacy it’s multi-campus, Waterloo and Brantford. One multi-campus initiative I want to work on for advocacy is ancillary fees and making sure there’s financial accountability. How those are used, and that involves working with student groups who are funded through ancillary fees and also working through the non-tuition fee protocol committee. In regards to Waterloo, one of the biggest advocacy initiative I have is in regards to the housing issue — that students are aware of their rights. I’m going to work with our political representatives through the university affairs department to make sure we’re lobbying on behalf of students and advocating for more preoccupancy rights. And on the Brantford campus, I want to focus on the advocacy for a Go-Bus from Brantford to Cambridge.

That’s the next part of the project which is implemented.

We’ll essentially collect metrics and use it to asses the demand. Based on a firm policy stance, seeing how we can work with Go and the province on how to advocate for that.

Q

Can you critique one aspect of the current president’s performance?

Tyler has done a lot of good things, especially being the first president from the Brantford campus. He has bridged a gap between two campuses and has made sure students understand we are a multi-campus organization. I think one thing Tyler could potentially excel at even more is taking the initiative to go talk to students first. The open office hours concept is wonderful. I think it works very well. But at times, students may feel intimidated, and it’s not only because of Tyler, but because of the role itself. Especially if you’re not involved or you’re scared to approach the person. I think Tyler could do a lot more public outreach which could improve the role and make it more visible.

Q

In your platform, you stated that you hope to focus on students’ overall wellness. Why is this important to you and how do you hope to accomplish this if elected?

Student wellness is important because it could make or break their Laurier experience. Starting in first-year, there’s a lot going on. The mentality we have to pursue is, regardless of who we’re affiliated with, which organization we’re a part of, or who we volunteer or work for, we’re here for the same purpose and that is to inspire lives and help students all together.

I’ve noticed at times we have a lot of programming going on.

And with too much over-programming, a lot of issues arise for student wellness. They find they’re stressed out and there’s too much going on. One way I want to work with that is that I think with the first 40 groups I’m imposing that can we bring all the campus partners together on one table and develop learning outcomes for all the programming we’re doing. So we can ask the questions: are we doing things for the sake of doing it or because it’s statues quo? Or can we develop more qualitative programming? Which means instead of more quantity, we put all our resources into a few things and we can work on them together as a campus and not just Students’ Union. I think it’s really important because once students realize we’re all here for the same reason and to help student wellness, it helps them progress and it helps them succeed.

Q

Why are you the best candidate for this job?

I’m the best candidate for this job because I bring a very holistic perspective. The role of the president and CEO is to serve for ever-changing student needs and always be adapting. I think the best thing a person can bring to this job is understanding where others come from and that is very important. For me, having done volunteering within the Students’ Union, whether it be programming, advocacy, Board of Directors, or outside the Students’ Union on the senate, working at PRISM, working for the department of political science, Residence Life, etc. I’ve gained a lot of perspective on student issues and how the Laurier experience impacts the Students’ Union. And I think, because of that, I have an ability to understand what students want and to listen to them, which is why I’m the best candidate for this position.

Q

Have your past experiences at Laurier helped you to prepare for running for president?

My past experiences have given me an all-rounded perspective and prepared me for this role. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned was on the Board of Directors, when I actually looked at the strategy for the organization and started looking at budgets and holding the president accountable. I saw there’s a lot the Students’ Union does which the students really don’t know about. Also, I wanted to gain a holistic perspective by seeing how students who may not be volunteers or as involved how do they experience Laurier. And by being a TA, being in Residence Life, working at PRISM Resources; which being an art student I was able to work within that faculty and that was a huge perspective for me. It showed me that there are no limitations on what you put your mind to. I think all those amalgamated together have helped prepare for me for this role and have shaped my experiences.

Q

Given that you’re the only cadidate running, will this effect the way you campaign and how will you assure that students know you are the best person to serve as Students’ Union President?

When I started this process, my campaign team and I started developing my policy ideas and platform. The whole assumption was that I was going to run for president and that there was going to be someone else running or even multiple running, because that’s been the case. That’s how I devised my campaign strategy, marketing and everything else. I officially found out there’s no one else running at the All-Candidates Meeting. So after having that information, I’m not going to throw the five or six months of work my campaign team has done out the window. We’re still going to campaign and we have been campaigning how we would have otherwise. That’s evident through our initiatives on both campuses. We have booths in the RCW Lobby, in the Science Atrium and in the Concourse. On top of that, we’re splitting into small groups and walking around campus letting students know there’s an election happening and talking about the importance of voting. One thing I’ve been telling them is that just because I am the only candidate I am not acclaimed to the position. That doesn’t mean I automatically get it. There’s still a yes and no component to it. I would need to get a majority of the vote to be elected. I ask the students about the issues that they’re facing because one of the things I want to work on as president is that this initiative has to be ongoing and not stop at elections. I think that’s the best way to be going about running this campaign.

Q

You mentioned in your platform that you hope to advocate for students by helping them and providing them with a better understanding of ancillary fees and how students’ money is being spent. Why do you think this is important and how do you plan to accomplish this if elected?

I think this is very important because in normal conversations, you hear students complain about all the fees which are non-tuition related on LORIS. They’re always wondering where this money is going. I think the thought started from there. I was able to go to the OUSA general assembly, where the ancillary papers were passed this term and it gave me a really big perspective on the issue itself.

I want to do this because this is student money and I want to make sure they know how it’s being used. So next time it goes to referendum, they have the most information available. One thing I want to do is I want to have a more cohesive and collaborative approach to this. By bringing all the students groups together who are funded through ancillary fees and asking them how can we take the information of how you’re investing and using the money and relay that to a broader student body. I think that’s the right approach to take so it’s more collaborative and students understand we’re in this together, we’re not competing against them or we’re not out there to get them—because that is not the case.

This interview was transcribed verbatim with minimal stylistic changes.

14 • GAMES

Dear Life Dear Life is your opportunity to write a letter to your life, allowing you to vent your anger with life’s little frustrations in a completely public forum.

All submissions to Dear Life are anonymous, should be no longer than 100 words and must be addressed to your life. Submissions can be sent to dearlife@thecord.ca no later than Monday at noon each week.

Dear Life, How about we get through this winter season without me wiping out on a slippery sidewalk because someone decided not to shovel or salt it.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017 Sincerely, I like staying dry

Sincerely, Needs waterproof shoes

Dear Life, When the one guy from FS241 talks and the entire first row goes ballistic. OH MY GOD! Sincerely, Is that Clint Eastwood?

Dear Life, Seeing all the throwbacks on FB of Winter Carnival got me reminiscing real hard over my times at WLU. <3 This school will forever be a part of my heart (and more likely my poor liver function). #CongratulationsJustUsLeague #ForeverMyTeam #Alumni Sincerely, I Don’t Go Here Anymore But I Miss You

Dear Life, Roses are red Violets are blue Harambe isn’t the only one Who knows Kung-Fu Sincerely, A boy that misses his ape Dear Life, Rain rain go away My feet smell like old wet cloth.

(You know exactly what smell I’m talking about)

Dear The Cord, Grow some balls and piss someone off Sincerely, Sick of the political correctness

Dear Life, When I travel to Italy in May, I better find my true love Sincerely, An Italian Dear Life, I wonder if the ocean is blue because it is always feeling down.

Sincerely, Deep Thinker Dear Life, TBH, I’ve already started looking at the 14 day forecast to see the trend of warm, spring weather.

Sincerely, Summer Lover Dear Life, Screw being two-faced. People be acting like boxes because they have 5 faces.

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Sincerely, Salty Hawk Dear Life, Idk if I’m getting high too much but doesn’t the word “high” look weird Sincerely, Mind Blown Dear Life, I wish Life would submit a Dear *insert my name* Sincerely, Wondering what life thinks of me Dear Life, Girls be wanting a sugar daddy but saying they on a diet... But thats none of my business Sincerely, Anonymous

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16 •

Arts & Life

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017 ARTS & LIFE EDITOR MANJOT BHULLAR arts@thecord.ca

WHO STANDS AT THE INTERSECTION OF POLITICS AND FASHION?

Barack Obama As his eight-year term as President of the United States comes to an end, it’s agreeable that Barack Obama never failed to make sure his look was on point – one that matched his charismatic personality. When he had duties as president, his suits were always perfectly pressed and fitted, but when he was on his own time, he knew how to capture the president-casual look. Oh and the tan suit?

Sure, that may seem like an unexpected fashion statement for a president, but that didn’t matter for a leader like Obama. A dark suit is considered to be the norm for politicians, but as the embodiment of his own “be the change” motto, President Obama declared: khaki is in for everyone.

John F. Kennedy Perhaps one of the most well-dressed presidents of the United States was none other than JFK. When he wasn’t dressed in classic suits, he dressed as the quintessential east coast American; khaki pants, knitted sweaters and boat shoes. As one of the youngest presidents to be sworn into office, JFK had a youthful presence and a fashion sense to match.

His style is remembered as timeless, which has something to say about what America stands for, a nation built on familiar beliefs to his own. JFK was casual and confident and it may not be possible to name another president who pulled off the classic wayfarer sunglasses trend better.

Social Media Coordinator Brittany Ditizio weighs in on politicians past and the impacts of their fashion choices

Behind the intelligence and leadership qualities of influential politicians is a closet, open to populations on a global scale. It is often these leaders that become noted in history as being ones able to balance both a country and its challenges, along with a fashion sense: two very important aspects of admiration. So who has done it best in Canada and our neighbouring country?

Michelle Obama We can’t forget about the female political icons that women around the world admire on a daily basis. As the current First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama surely has a personality and a fashion sense to match, quite similar to other memorable first lady, Jackie Kennedy. Michelle has used her fashion throughout her husband’s two terms in office as an appeal to young women, advocating for female empowerment worldwide. Her fashion sense can best be described as sophisticated yet fun, though it never got in the way of her down to earth personality.

Justin Trudeau The current prime minister of Canada has caught the media’s attention as being an appealing icon towards youth who knows how to showcase his fashion sense. Trudeau acknowledges the navy blue suit and tan dress shoes like no other, and the striped socks and perfectly placed hair to go with it. His style is young and sophisticated and perhaps this can say something about how he carries out his duties. Sure, he may be ridiculed on some of the decisions that he has made, but his compassionate personality tied into his spot-on look puts him above the judgment. It’s no wonder he was named one of the best-dressed men on Vanity Fair’s international list.

Kanwar Brar Shying away from world political figures and focusing on one closer to home, is the candidate for the presidency of the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union. Since he has been in the spotlight for his campaign, Brar has matched his turban to his outfits in endless ways. He also focuses on the small details, like brightly printed pocket squares and socks to compliment a solid coloured suit.

Focusing on those small details can say a lot about how he may approach the role of president, if elected. He’s taking the potential role seriously and it’s reflected in his impeccable dress.

GRAPHICS BY JOSH AWOLADE/CORD ALUMN

ARTS & LIFE • 17

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017 CAFE

FILM

Cafe pours purr-fect blend of bengals

LAKYN BARTON/WLUSP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BRITTANY TENHAGE CORD ARTS

Upon entering the Kitty Café in Guelph, Ontario, it looks quite unassuming. There’s a big sign behind a counter listing cat-themed foods and drinks and a store full of cat items.

Yet, once you pay your admission and take your shoes off, you’re allowed behind a magical door leading you into a room full of kitties. There’s a sign on the wall with the pictures of the cats that live there and plenty of room to sit and eat, as well as a big climbing tree and cat toys.

It’s a wonderful environment for humans and a great way to find the cats forever homes.

The point of a cat café is for people to adopt the kitties. The cats in the Guelph café are all from the Guelph Humane Society.

Min Kim, the owner of the Guelph Kitty Café, says that 200 cats have been adopted since they opened about a year ago. That is a great amount of cats that have found forever homes!

Min Kim also said that many University of Guelph students frequent the kitty café.

“They come to study,” he said, “but many times do not end up studying!”

He laughed, and continued to say that they get to relax with the

cats which can be great for them and help them to study better when they return home.

This is why a cat café would be hugely beneficial in Waterloo with its two university campuses and a college campus. Spending time surrounded by cats, often seen as very calming animals, can help students relax and clear their mind.

When asked if more cat cafés across Ontario would be beneficial, Min Kim says that it is a hard question to answer. He says that cat cafes are very beneficial, but it takes a special kind of person to run a cat café.

“This job does not make you a millionaire. It is for the cats.”

However, at the time of writing, the K-W Humane Society has 12 kitties that need forever homes.

What better way to find them one than to open a kitty café?

The need for a kitty café in Waterloo is great because it would not only be beneficial to the general public and the students, but to the cats who need forever homes as well.

We need that special kind of person to take initiative and start one up.

However, until we have one here, you can find the Guelph Kitty Café.

Please, visit the kitties and have a coffee. You won’t regret it.

MARCO PEDRI/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Series continues conversation CHRIS LUCIANTONIO STAFF WRITER

Last Thursday saw the return of the Laurier Film series ongoing examination of Indigenous cinema with the documentary of Southern Alberta’s hidden Blackfoot history with Chris Tsiung’s Elder in the Making.

In past years, the themes of the film series have been notable for their enjoyable diversity, ranging from topics such as world animation to contemporary queer cinema to memory on film. But “Tracking Shots,” which, with this screening entered into its third year of syndication, has been the only theme to be revisited on multiple occasions. According to Jenny Kerber, assistant professor of English and host of this screening, this is by design.

“We aim to introduce the campus community and beyond to the vibrant cinematic scene by and about Indigenous people across all corners of Canada,” she said when asked about the purpose of having this theme revisited numerous times.

Using the film series then as a

spotlight, films such as Elder in the Making get a chance to reach a wider audience and have their messages of struggle in their contribution to the arts understood.

The first bit of entertainment for the night was part history lesson and part road movie, where the final destination hopes to be self-discovery.

Elder in the Making tracks director Chris Hsiung and Blackfoot speaker and filmmaker Cowboy Smithx as they journey across Southern Alberta to seek out and define their heritage.

As stated, however, the real story of the film becomes the underrepresented history of the Blackfoot people and works extensively to show the audience how intrinsic this history is to the land of Alberta.

In this regard, the film can be quite confrontational despite the charismatic personalities guiding its journey.

While a celebration of what culture can still be found across the prairies, the film also acts as a lament for what was lost in the first place; what was buried by colonizers and what has only now started

to become visible again.

Again, this is why the film series’ dedication to promoting and disseminating these works by or about Indigenous people is of a paramount concern.

“We want to show how these underseen films and filmmakers are trying to take up timely issues and draw attention to,” Kerber said.

And the series does just that for those curious enough to attend.

From this all-too-real journey of self and one’s place in their own hard-to-recognize heritage, the series will continue on with a buddy drama about a stolen heater (Heater), an exploration of hydraulic fracking on Dene land (Fractured Land), a contemporary perception of seal hunting (Angry Inuk) and an expose of Canada’s hidden history of racial segregation (The Pass System).

This wide range of films from different perspectives, provinces, tribes, genres and subjects does exactly what the theme of this series aims for.

“As long as we have a mix of content for mass appeal, this series will continue as long as we hope,” Kerber said.

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18 • ARTS & LIFE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

EVENTS

Nerd is more than a four letter word KARLIS WILDE STAFF WRITER

I’m not able to talk to people at school.

On a superficial level, there’s a kind of sacrilege that lives in the cultlike environment of a convention.

At THEMUSEUM for this weekend’s Tri-Con, Judge Dredd posed for photographs with an Ewok. A miniature stormtrooper resigned himself to kickflips in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, while a similarly disproportionate Iron Man created dissonant music by running across a piano mat.

A product ceases to merely be a product when it is used to represent something greater.

The ironically named cosplay collective ‘Legion of Doom’ is a great example of a redirection to this kind of fan devotion: they’re a London-based group who attend

Cosplay gave them permission to be more confident.

-Tina Chan, CEO of Panic, Anxiety & Stress Support

events to raise money for various Ontario charities. By sharing their own fandoms, they’re able to harness collective energy, transforming their love of Marvel Comics and Star Wars into something more tangible. Several members of the group were in attendance at Tri-Con. The convention functioned

-Hanji Zoë, attendee

as direct fan support, including workshops on building styrofoam gauntlets and a Q&A session with two supporting cast members from the Space channel series Killjoys.

They both expressed their joy in being able to contribute to the excitement.

“I love the passion,” Tamsen McDonough said, who voices a spaceship on the series.

Vendors doled out an assortment of products, mostly from small, niche businesses: B & R Creations, one of the most obscure brands, operated a table selling custom-made chain mail (from tunics to neckties) and hand painted glass.

Web-comic artist Husein Panju

that he considered being a nerd to mean “loving stuff and being proud of it.”

The event was especially packed with teenagers and that makes sense.

“I’m not able to talk to people at school,” a young girl said, costumed as Hanji Zoë from Attack on Titan.

She explained that she considered her personality at conventions to be far less inhibited; this version of herself was more excitable, more social.

By inhabiting another personality, she was free to represent a more idealized version of herself.

“Cosplay gave them permission to be more confident,” Tina Chan,

the CEO and co-founder of PASS (Panic, Anxiety & Stress Support) said.

She operated a table on the first floor, selling kits packed with anxiety-easing tools, including a stress ball and support flashcards. The brand’s simple presence, flanked by art dealers, was an interesting reflection on the self-aware state of the community.

There’s a line between reality and fantasy, but the fan service prominently displayed at the event didn’t seem to suffer from the more routine issue of blurring those lines — it was more that real friendships and acceptance could be found in the space between those two states.

Sub-creation makes an outlet and a home for people who struggle to find where exactly they fit — that’s the heart of a convention like this.

Robyn Cheng, one of the organizers behind the event, expressed her vision for the annual K-W Tri-Con, “cosplay, interactive experiences and all things nerd,” she humorously said.

The purpose of Tri-Con is to create an inclusive space for people to hang out and enjoy science fiction and fantasy.

different problems across its four parts, each representing a specific continent and its respective cultural/social issues. The paintings, titled Miss America, Miss Asia, Miss Africa and Miss Europe, address issues of sexuality, colonialism, indulgence, war and much more.

With that being said, description on its own does the art absolutely zero justice; go and check out The Four Continents now at the KWAG where they will be on display until Mar. 12.

I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

DYLAN HINES/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

offered brand-mashing print cartoons, including such parodies as ‘Captain Hammer Time’ and ‘How to Get Away with Mordor.’

Between the diversity of virtual reality demos, characters from the video game Destiny drinking soda pop and Boba Fett musing on the future of the Star Wars franchise, there’s a unifying theme: the love, excitement and passion of identifying as a ‘nerd.’

Still, there’s a stigma attached to the word, despite its appearing even on the promotional material for the event.

Zain Rajani, a youth sequestered on the third floor playing Sonic the Hedgehog, seemed hesitant to fully accept the label, despite the fact

ARTIST

Strokes of controversy KURTIS RIDEOUT CORD ARTS

When you are first taking in one of Kent Monkman’s paintings, a thousand things race through your mind.

The Cree-Irish artist, hailing from Manitoba, tackles a plethora of themes and smoothly blends them, creating a rather polarizing image.

This oftentimes leaves the viewer feeling both overwhelmed and impacted, inevitably craving more of his work.

The sentiment expressed by onlookers was no different as he presented a number of his latest installments at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) this past Friday; Monkman was greeted by a completely packed room.

Though the main presentation area held only a small fraction of the audience, a live feed of the talk was streamed into the room adjacent — which was also at capacity.

The audience sat captivated as

Monkman took them through a history of his works, as well as their inspirations. Not unlike most of his paintings, the presentation had a strong narrative that described the artist’s growth from humble beginnings to success, without artistic compromise.

Monkman’s vision is strong throughout each of his paintings and he is not afraid to use humour or satire to make a point. In fact, a number of his works are very blunt and humorous parodies of classically accepted pieces. A recurring theme throughout Monkman’s work is his alter-ego, Miss Chief Eagle Testickle, placed in various historical narratives, often to both humorous and mesmerizing effect.

The creation of this alter-ego, central to a number of his works, was a sort of reaction to artists like John Mix Stanley and George Catlin, who often painted themselves into their settings as ‘rugged mountain guys’ — a way of showing off.

“I thought, an artistic persona

that can live inside my work and basically be the artist painting her subjects,” Monkman said. “I immediately thought of We’Wha, this very well-known Zuni, two-spirited personality who represented her tribe; this was the male who identified as female.”

“I knew that I wanted to talk about sexuality … to address homophobia in Indigenous communities and also more widely … so I created Miss Chief [Eagle Testickle] as this idea of ‘the ego and the artist,’” he said.

One of Monkman’s latest installments, The Four Continents, which is currently on display at the KWAG, centres heavily around this character as she appears as the focal point throughout each piece. Monkman arrived at the idea for the project after seeing Baroque-style painter Peter Paul Rubens’ similarly titled piece, also known as The Four Rivers of Paradise.

Monkman uses this allegorical installment to address a number of

MARCO PEDRI/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

• 19

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

Editorial

OPINION EDITOR MADELINE MCINNIS opinion@thecord.ca

Female representation in the new leaders of Laurier In the past few months, Laurier has elected a new president and a new chancellor — both of whom are female.

It seems, thus far, that no one seems to be too interested in this fact. From what we’ve seen, there has been no reaction from the greater Laurier community. It’s like any other new hire.

In our opinion, that’s a step in the right direction.

It hasn’t been sensationalized by the Laurier community.

The focus has been on what qualified, strong candidates these women are for the roles they have received.

It hasn’t been a big deal because it shouldn’t be. The lack of reaction is exactly what we hope for; seeing women in leadership roles shouldn’t be shocking. It shouldn’t be praised because it’s normal.

But at this point, we have to point out how extraordinary this

feat is for Laurier, regardless of the lack of reaction.

According to a study published by the Globe and Mail in summer of 2016, only one fifth of university presidents in Canada were female.

It wasn’t that long ago that women couldn’t go to university at all.

This normalization of women in these key leadership roles is all the better because of how far we’ve come in our understanding of gender equity and how quickly that has happened.

It’s also worth noting that Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier’s new president, is also a distinguished scientist. With an underrepresentation of women in the sciences, MacLatchy can be seen as a role model for our students.

Having women in leadership positions shouldn’t be seen as extraordinary, but we have to acknowledge the progress that has been made by these recent hires.

Self-care is the most important aspect when you’re sick than bronchitis from pushing yourself too hard.

Get your illness checked out by a professional if something doesn’t feel normal. The Wellness Centre is always a great first step, but if you’re not comfortable with that, you could always visit the hospital or one of the various walk-in clinics in the area.

All of this goes for your mental health as well.

The decision to stay home can be even harder when there are no visible signs of an illness.

Beyond the stress aspects, it can be harder to physically know your limits. While your roommate may have an easier decision if they’re throwing up from the flu, it can be difficult to pinpoint where the limits are inside your own head.

No matter your reason for considering staying under the covers, your health and wellbeing are most important.

Though we don’t condone skipping class, taking sick days are a part of every career — even that of students.

It’s that time of year again; noses are running, there’s a chorus of coughs and the “Laurier plague” is a common topic of conversation.

Is your perfect attendance record really worth it when you’re sick?

There’s an anxiety that comes from both staying at home and from going to class.

If you stay home, it feels like the end of the world. If you get behind, it’s harder to catch up.

If you do go to class, it feels like you’re disturbing everyone around you. You run the risk of getting others sick as well.

Our suggestion? Self care is always the most important aspect of your life.

Communicate with your professors. Chances are, if you have a good standing in their class, they’ll be willing to accommodate you.

Just try talking to them and building a trusting relationship.

Even if they aren’t willing to accommodate you, the worst they can do is say no. A “no” from a professor is a lot easier to deal with

These unsigned editorials are based off informal discussions and then agreed upon by the majority of The Cord’s editorial board, including the Editor-in-Chief and Opinion Editor. The arguments made may reference any facts that have been made available through interviews, documents or other sources. The views presented do not necessarily reflect those of The Cord’s volunteers, staff or WLUSP.

THE CORD IS PUBLISHED BY WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY STUDENT PUBLICATIONS 205 REGINA ST. N., WATERLOO

WLUSP ADMINISTRATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DIRECTOR Matt Burley

CHAIR Meghan Roach

TREASURER John Pehar

VICE-CHAIR Abdiasis Issa DIRECTOR Maddy Cutts DIRECTOR Mynt Marsellus

PRESIDENT Meghan Roach president@wlusp.com FINANCE MANAGER Randy Moore randy@rcmbrooks. com ADVERTISING MANAGER Caroline Schummer care.schummer@ wlusp.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lakyn Barton lakyn.barton@wlusp. com HR MANAGER/CORPORATE SECRETARY Taylor Berzins hr@wlusp.com

FANI HSIEH/GRAPHICS EDITOR

How to define your home FANI HSIEH GRAPHICS EDITOR

Where is home? In an effort to eloquently define home, I took notes from the TED Talk of two talented writers, Pico Iyer and Taiye Selasi.

Iyer spoke about identifying “home” as work in progress, constantly adding new panels to the stained glass window.

He said that stepping out of our comfort zone and into the world will let you see what you most deeply care about and find a place to call home.

Selasi characterizes home as the place where you identify as a local.

Since countries evolve, appear, disappear, contract and grow, the country you call home may resemble the constant, absolute country of your memory. That’s why we should think about home in terms of culture instead of country.

She sums it up beautifully as, “all experience is local, all identity is experience.”

Instead of asking people where they’re from, ask them where they are a local. The intention of the

question shifts the focus from nationality to where real life occurs.

Even international competitions with national teams are composed of multinational players – where people are locals will depend on where they form rituals, relation-

Since countries evolve, appear, disappear, contract and grow, the country you call home may resemble the constant, absolute country of your memory.

ships and restrictions.

The daily rituals are the coffees in the morning or wearing slippers at home instead of outdoor shoes.

The rituals themselves say a lot about the culture you were raised in and the one you are in now.

The relationships are people who shape your weekly emotional experience, people who you speak to at least once a week through texting, video calls or meeting in

person.

Finally, restrictions are the least lyrical and sexy of the three “R” test of locality.

Restriction may be a passport that bars you from entering the country you call home or political unrest that threatens the safety of you and your loved ones.

I would like to add another layer to answering the vague question, “where is home.”

Context matters.

Home in Waterloo is where I store my belongings, sleep most nights of the week and the only place I can fully unwind and relax.

When I’m in Ontario, home is Burnaby, a large city beside Vancouver in British Columbia where I spent the majority of my life. It’s also where my fuzzy and adorable German Shepherd named Max lives.

When I’m in British Columbia, home is Waterloo because it’s where I can pretend to be an independent adult.

With that said, the most important aspect about the concept of “home” is that you can choose where to call home.

With the exception of extreme cases that restrict access to certain people and places, home is where you create life experiences and develop lasting relationships.

20 •

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017 OPINION EDITOR MADELINE MCINNIS opinion@thecord.ca

Always be grateful LOSING VOTERS’ TRUST

Remembering the blessings in our lives makes the bleak days better

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

OMAIR ANSARI OPINION COLUMNIST

You don’t get a second shot at a first impression. This is a lesson that the Trudeau cabinet is learning after an extremely underwhelming thirteen months in office.

After almost ten years of a Harper government, Canadians were looking for a head of state they could finally relate to: someone who would champion the cause of the people. Instead, the man elected has left much to be desired.

Starting off strong, the prime minister withdrew Canadian fighter jets from Syria and Iraq. But it’s been a long time since February 2016.

Since then, it seems as if the lofty ideals of the prime minister have failed to reach Canadians who are more concerned with more pressing matters, such as job security and putting food on their table.

Failing to reduce the small business tax, the revenue neutrality of the tax break for middle-income earners is also in question, as it will be coming from the federal treasury and will cost more than a billion dollars a year.

Preaching about the merits of the carbon tax to people who can already barely pay for gas and heat is redundant. Accepting luxurious vacations and private aircraft rides from the Aga Khan, a lobbyist, has only exacerbated his poor reputation in the public eye.

Though all of this may have been excused, the largest problem faced by the cabinet is a breach of ethics concerning fundraising.

The frightening part of all this is that the party goes on acting as if nothing has happened, ignoring the rate at which their approval is plummeting.

According to Canadian federal law, an individual is allowed to contribute a sum of $1,550 annually to the political party or candidate of their choosing. This rather obvious piece of legislation was brushed aside, however, when cash for access events were reported late last year.

Individuals paid sums leading

up to $5,000 to attend an event with the prime minister.

Individuals are not allowed to lobby members of parliament at these events and Liberal Party spokespersons insisted that no such lobbying takes place.

However, Trudeau admitted that he had, indeed, been lobbied at events such as these, contradicting members of his own party.

From 51 to 42 per cent, the approval ratings are steadily falling as Canadians grow disillusioned with a party unable to maintain the standards that it set for itself.

The frightening part of all of this is that the party goes on acting as if nothing has happened, ignoring the rate at which their approval is plummeting.

Many argue that the reason the Liberals are losing support is because of the disconnect between their apparent ideals and their actual actions.

Justin Trudeau and the liberals still have almost three years in office and if they hope to be reelected, they must make some drastic changes, such as empathizing with everyday Canadians, rather than talking about “phasing out” the oil sands, the workplace of thousands of Alberta Canadians.

Less talk and more action must be delivered and progress must be achieved. That’s the only way we’ll get the “Real Change” we were promised in 2015.

MEAGHAN INCE/GRAPHIC ARTIST

VIDISH PARIKH STAFF WRITER

You wake up one morning, enthused and ready for the full day ahead. But then you miss your bus.

Now, you’ll be late.

You decide to walk. After all, it’s only 10 minutes.

You get to wherever you need to be, only to realize you forgot your wallet at home. Looks like you will be skipping lunch this afternoon.

You head back home, hungry and drained from a busy day and your immediate thought to your self is: “could anything else go wrong?”

The truth is, we have all faced adversity at some points in our lives. Sometimes, everything just seems to be going wrong and your whole world seems to be coming down around you.

But, this is the moment when gratitude is more important than ever.

Be grateful for what you have.

Take a second to step back and put everything into perspective. Is your situation really that bad?

Surely, there must be something positive about your day. Concentrate on the good, it will make you happier.

It will improve your quality of life.

When we take a chance to step back from our hardships, I think we can realize just how many things we take for granted on a daily basis.

I have wanted a new phone for a long time. My old one is a little worn out and when I see everyone around me with the latest iPhone, it makes me question why I don’t have the latest version myself.

However, this doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t be grateful for what I have.

The fact that I even have a smartphone is something I should be thankful for.

There are so many people in the world who can’t even afford a phone. Compared to them, I am certainly living a life of luxury.

The bottom line is there is always going to be someone who owns something that’s newer or better than you. That’s just the hard truth.

However, it’s important not to get caught up in material things.

When we take a step back from our own hardships, I think we can realize just how many things we take for granted on a daily basis.

When you choose to think with a positive mindset, I believe that you truly begin to understand the good in every situation.

Now, this doesn’t mean that everything is going perfectly; you could be having a rough day, a rough week or even a rough month.

But it does mean that you should try to choose to be optimistic.

You make a conscious decision to be thankful for everything that you do have and you choose to continue to keep a positive attitude.

There is also a very strong distinction between feeling momentarily “blue” and experiencing depression.

No matter how hard life gets, it’s important to always go to sleep each night thankful for what you have.

Make 2017 the year that you choose to be more grateful.

OPINION • 21

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

The skeletons in Donald Trump’s cabinet JACOB BROZ OPINION COLUMNIST

On Jan. 20, Donald Trump will become the 45th President of the United States.

When he is sworn in as president, his cabinet and cabinet-level appointees will be given the power they were promised during the transition period.

Oftentimes, the members of a president’s cabinet reflect the priorities and policies within an administration.

Trump is no exception to this.

Within his cabinet, a vivid picture is painted as to how he will govern domestically and internationally.

Trump’s future secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, was formerly the CEO of ExxonMobil. While Tillerson sounds like the name of Fred Flinstone’s new neighbor, he will effectively be the most powerful diplomat in the world.

Overall, Tillerson is symbolic of what looks to be Trump’s biggest move in global politics: a minidétente with Russia.

During his tenure as CEO of Exxon, Tillerson cultivated close ties

within the Kremlin and even with Putin himself.

With an apparent Russophile as America’s top diplomat, it can be expected that Trump’s America will allow Putin greater freedom in Syria and the Ukraine, while possibly ending the sanctions levied on Russian diplomats by the Obama administration.

Oftentimes, the members of a president’s cabinet reflect the priorities and policies within an administration. Trump is no exception to this.

Steve Mnuchin will be the next secretary of the treasury, responsible for overseeing U.S. fiscal policy.

While Trump’s campaign rhetoric was negative towards the “elites” of American society, Mnuchin is one of those “elites” that Trump denounced.

Mnuchin spent more than 15 years with Goldman Sachs before

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

Bannon was formerly the executive chair of the alt-right media outlet Breitbart, which has been accused of publishing racist articles in the past.

By Trump bringing Bannon to Washington, he is effectively giving the alt-right a voice in his administration: a voice that is hostile to the policies of both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

With Bannon influencing Trump’s decisions, it can be expected that Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan will have difficulty convincing the administration of the merit of their legislation, potentially inciting a breakdown of relations between the executive

moving west to finance films in Hollywood.

Trump’s movement was composed of “forgotten” middle-class workers that felt that the federal government did not understand their problems.

By appointing a Wall Street executive to a key White House position, Trump is reneging on his campaign commitments to its base.

However, this would not be the first time somebody got a bad deal from Donald Trump.

Steve Bannon was a key advisor to Trump during his campaign and will to continue to have his ear as the White House chief strategist.

and legislative branches.

The most powerful White House position, behind the president, is arguably the president’s chief of staff.

Fortunately for Congressional Republicans, Reince Priebus, the former head of the Republican National Committee, will fill this role.

An establishment Republican through and through, Priebus can be expected to check the alt-right machinations of Bannon and convince Trump to hold to some of the more level-headed and feasible of his campaign promises, like tax reductions and repealing Obamacare.

At the end of the day, he will be the voice of conservatism in an administration that was built through populist sentiment.

One key question will only be answered after Trump takes office: will he be a passive or active president?

Given his disinterest in attending national security briefings, the possibility of a passive 45th president is likely.

Trump’s level of involvement in governing will determine how much those in his cabinet are responsible for dictating domestic and foreign policy.

Thus, the competence and integrity of his cabinet is paramount in maintaining America’s prestige.

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22 • OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017 set an example for a new generation of whales, but what about his generation of whales?

There are still approximately 24 whales that SeaWorld has in captivity (some are pregnant, some are ill) and while SeaWorld is no longer doing their silly circus animal shows, those 24 whales are literally forced to stay in their toosmall tanks until they die.

They have very little room to move, when they’re sick they are pushed into smaller tanks and when they experience anxiety, they lash out on each other.

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

Blacklisting the black fish Activists have forgetten about Tilikum’s orca generation

BETHANY BOWLES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Picture your student apartment.

It’s most likely small, maybe a little dirty, but nonetheless, it’s your home. You can come and go as you please. You even have the freedom to move if it isn’t the perfect fit.

Now think about having the inability to leave. Think about your apartment having no doors, no windows. Think about staying there for the rest of your life. It

seems unfathomable, no?

In 2013, everyone was talking about the documentary Blackfish. This was the kind of film that sat in the pit of your stomach for days. This was the kind of film that sparked ideas of activism in people all over the world.

Blackfish tells the story of Tilikum, an orca whale who first lived at Sealand in Victoria B.C. and then SeaWorld in Florida. But Tilikum was different. He was the largest orca to be held captive, weighing 12,500 lbs. He also wasn’t bred in captivity. He was stolen from his home off the coast of Iceland when he was two-years-old.

Tilikum also killed three people in his lifetime.

Ending the breeding program doesn’t speak to those 24 whales who are still subjected to having children bang on the windows of the tanks with cotton candy in their other hand.

After the documentary started to gain serious traction, SeaWorld received tremendous backlash, which evidently lead to the announcement that they would end their breeding program in March 2016.

While all of this is great, what about Tilikum?

Tilikum died on Jan. 6 shortly after his 36th birthday, after 33 years in captivity. SeaWorld reported that he had a lung infection as a result of pneumonia about a year before his death.

While Tilikum’s story was the starting spark to change SeaWorld’s business model to be more humane, I feel like the world just accepted Tilikum’s defeat. Tilikum

Let’s go back to your student apartment. Imagine being forced to stay there with the same people, no windows, no doors, no ability to escape, until eventually, you fade away.

Orcas in the wild can live to be 60-years-old, depending on gender and other factors, of course. The oldest known wild orca, a female called Granny, died last year. She was estimated to be 105-years-old.

for grave robbing or wanted to become a nudist hermit on Easter Island.

We live in a world where it is incredibly easy to share opinions (no matter what they may be).

Although that can be a valuable thing, it can also be an unnecessarily obtrusive element to everyday living.

I don’t know when the line between common decency and “free speech” was blurred, but it feels like an all too frequent happenstance in which I hear very pointed remarks regarding choices that have absolutely nothing to do with the person voicing them.

I have always considered the possibility of teaching, which is something that I know would make me happy, if I eventually settled on it as a permanent choice.

When others discovered this, I almost always heard, “well you know it’s almost impossible to find teaching jobs these days.”

Thank you, random man in the

store, for making me completely reconsider my professional prospects.

I’ll be damned, you’ve somehow changed my entire mindset on life itself by feeding me vague statistics about teaching unemployment rates.

I have yet to officially decide what I want to do.

For now I’ve settled on a “top five” group of choices that routinely float around my mind and connect to the subjects and interests that bring me the most happiness and fulfillment.

I realize that not everything I like and want to seek-out in my life will resonate with each individual that I come across.

The same goes for my opinions on other people’s decisions about their lives as well.

However, it has never occurred to me to openly criticize or show disdain for a subject that someone else is getting an education for and majoring in.

Tilikum lived one half of his potential life span. He was intelligent, he was the father to 21 calves, he experienced mental health issues on a different level than humans — on a level we will never understand.

I’m happy that no other whales in SeaWorld’s hands will be forced to be an object of entertainment or be used and abused to breed, but I’m not satisfied that the remaining whales will have a good life.

I fear that all the social media activists that expressed their distaste for SeaWorld’s treatment of animals will now fall silent, as the problem has been seemingly solved.

After SeaWorld announced the end of their breeding program, their stocks went up. Ending the program wasn’t a move based on ethics, it was a move based on profit.

If SeaWorld’s customers view them as an ethical business, people won’t feel as guilty going to their parks. They will feel good about taking their children to a seemingly ethical “zoo.”

Ending the breeding program doesn’t speak to those 24 whales who are still subjected to having children bang on the windows of the tanks with cotton candy in their other hand. It doesn’t speak to the fact that SeaWorld’s primary purpose is entertainment, not animal rehabilitation, like it may suggest.

It doesn’t speak to the fact that Tilikum is dead after living a terrible life; a terrible life that caused him to be extremely aggressive, leading to the death of three

Questioning others’ academic majors Everyone is studying what they think is best for their own future, support it

EMILY WAITSON STAFF WRITER

One of the progressive things about the age we live in is the ability people have to pursue the areas of learning that genuinely interest them.

I would like to believe that education is always broadening and we are no longer limited to only “sustainable” options of employment and schooling.

I’ll never become a doctor since bodily fluids unnerve me and I have the unfortunate tendency to laugh when I’m uncomfortable.

A mathematician is out of the dream bank since the multiplication tables higher than six stress me out.

Anything else that involves streamlined practicality doesn’t interest me either.

I’m drawn more to the things that are genuinely connected to my passions rather than complete necessity.

I have bounced around numer-

ous career paths, as many typically do when they’re attempting to choose the one thing that they want to spend most of their life doing.

It can be a daunting task and it’s certainly not something that I take lightly.

Originally, when I was majoring in film (something that will forever be an unabashed joy of mine), the general responses I received when I shared this information were off-putting, to say the least.

Thank you, random man in the store, for making me completely reconsider my professional prospects.

I’ll be damned, you’ve somehow changed my entire mindset on life...

People looked at me with utter puzzlement and concern, as though I had professed a love

PHILIP SU/GRAPHIC ARTIST

People looked at me with puzzlement and concern, as though I had professed a love for grave robbing or wanted to become a nudist hermit on Easter Island.

To each their own and no matter what you may want, it’s entirely up to you to strive to get it.

Of course there are always going to be jobs that are more challenging, more competitive and more difficult to obtain.

Yet, if a person is willing to put forth the effort to get there and they deem it worth that added effort, then why the hell shouldn’t they do it?

• 23

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

Sports

SPORTS EDITOR ROB FIFIELD sports@thecord.ca

PROFILE

Practice and perseverance OWEN MARTIN STAFF WRITER

Tayania Siwek-Smith is off to a great start to her Laurier basketball career in only her rookie season.

After just nine games, she has put up some great numbers that see her in the top five of five stat categories at Laurier.

For Siwek-Smith, her story began in grade eight, when a friend of hers recommended she give basketball a shot because of her height.

“Somebody said that I was really tall and that I should play basketball,” she said, honestly.

I just tried out for the school team and I was pretty bad [at first].

But after practicing for so many years, I was able to get a lot better.”

In terms of progressing into the caliber of player that she is today, Siwek-Smith credited her coaches at the rep level.

“When I started playing for my Oakville team, my coach was really good at [working with us] to become better players. He would have one-on-one practices with us and refer us to summer teams that would travel to the States. It’s a different level of competition [in

the United States] so I was able to improve as a player,” she said.

Then Siwek-Smith chose to further her career at Laurier. But, she had to admit that she did tour around quite a bit before ultimately ending up in the purple and gold.

“At first I thought I was going to go to the States,” she said. “Then I toured a couple schools there and [found] that I didn’t think they put enough emphasis on academics.

So, when I took a tour of Laurier and the coaches were talking about how important academics are to student athletes, [that] was something that I really liked. I think that school is really important and that’s why I ended up choosing Laurier.”

The OUA level of play was a new challenge this year for Siwek-Smith. However, she seems to have handled the new challenge well so far, having overcome some of the hardships of joining a new team.

“At the beginning, it was a little hard to get used to playing with all these different players, because they play differently from the players I’ve played with in the past.

But partway through the season, I

MARCO PEDRI/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

think that everyone started playing really well together and we’re continuously improving as a team,” she said.

As for her own performance, Siwek-Smith believes she’s made great improvements to her game in the few months she’s been at the Laurier program.

“I feel like practicing every single day has really improved my game.

Through all the practices and the

higher level of competition, I’ve been able to improve my defence,” she said.

“I also want to start averaging closer to eight points-per-game, that way I have a base as I get older and improve.”

The journey seems to have just begun for this budding star.

Siwek-Smith and the rest of the Golden Hawks are looking to take their game to higher levels in 2017.

PROFILE

Home stretch for Derek Schoenmakers ERIC FLOCKHART STAFF WRITER

In a hockey career that has transported him all around the province, Derek Schoenmakers has certainly paid his dues.

The Laurier winger played four seasons in the OHL, representing the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors, the Sudbury Wolves, the Windsor Spitfires and the Kitchener Rangers, before setting his sights on the OUA with the Golden Hawks.

“It was nice to know where I was going to be for four years,” he said.

The Kitchener native is certainly happy to have returned to where his career started and to get some roots in the ground.

As a late pick in the OHL draft, Schoenmakers wasn’t certain he’d play at the major junior level and the NCAA became a more likely prospect. He intended to play a few years at the Junior B level before heading south, but then his plans were disrupted by a call to sign with Mississauga in the OHL. “It became a no-brainer,” he said.

“I went to Kitchener Rangers’ games every Friday for 15 years. It was a dream come true when I got the call, so it was tough to turn that down.”

Schoenmakers is the first to admit that his initial foray into major junior hockey was more of a

learning experience than anything, playing only 23 games in his first season.

“I was one of the little minnows compared to some of the other guys [out] there, but that’s how you start in a league like that. I just learned a lot from the older guys and the coaching staff about how to work everyday and how to act like a pro.”

The 24-year-old credits this early experience in helping shape his game throughout the rest of his career. Playing more regularly, Schoenmakers notched a total of 102 points throughout his four OHL seasons.

Looking for more stability, Schoenmakers began his career with the Golden Hawks in 2012.

Making an immediate impact, the 6’2” left winger contributed 15 goals and 11 assists in 33 games on his way to being named the team’s most valuable player in the 201314 season.

Schoenmakers would earn this honour once again following the 2015-16 season, after recording 17 goals and 7 assists in 28 games.

While reflecting on his past five seasons with the Golden Hawks, Schoenmakers noted the obvious differences between OUA and major junior hockey.

“The OUA is a little different with guys coming from a bunch of different leagues,” “There are some guys that are

tier two players and they’re the best on the team and they’re unbelievable, and there are other guys from out east that you’ve never seen, and they’re unbelievable too, so it’s kind of a weird mix like that.”

The economics major was also impressed with the even level of competition in the OUA, a stark contrast from the OHL where certain teams are decidedly dominant over others. “[The OUA] is a very competitive league top to bottom. We can beat or lose to any team any given night.

It’s tough to find the consistency of competition like there is in the OUA.” Schoenmakers has shown a similar level of consistency on his own this season, leading the team with 10 goals to go along with 10 assists and helping the Golden Hawks to a 10-8-4 record.

With seven games left in the regular season, Schoenmakers is setting his sights on the future.

“It’s going to be nice to graduate, I’ll say that,” he said, laughing.

Though the future is uncertain, he knows that hockey will always be a part of his life.

“Whether it’s playing, or coaching, or anything else, I like to think my main goal in life is just to stay in sports somehow … Hockey has given me so much in my life, whether in junior or university. I kind of want to stay connected to it and do what I can.”

EMI ZIBAEI/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

24

• SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

PROFILE

Laurier’s budding baseketball sensation PRANAV DESAI LEAD SPORTS REPORTER

One of the biggest reasons behind the Laurier men’s basketball team’s success this season has been the play of starting guard Tevaun Kokko.

The Markham native is averaging a team high 18.5 points per game and is the engine that gets the Hawks’ offence going on a nightly basis.

“My offence comes within the flow of the team’s offence most of the time. I wouldn’t get the shots that I get without my teammates.

But if we need a big shot, I might have to do something to try and spark that.”

Kokko never seems to force the issue and this has helped the Hawks’ offence thrive throughout the season.

Kokko is one the many first-year players on the team, but you would not be able to tell that this team features a number of rookies as they have displayed a tremendous amount of maturity on the court.

When asked about the team’s leadership and maturity, Kokko gave all the credit to his teammates and head coach Justin Serresse.

“Coach Justin does a good job of keeping us in check. We also have great team chemistry. I think we work well together. There’s no real egos on the team,” he said.

It is easy to see the great team

The Hawks are coming off an 87-80 win against Guelph. This win was a much needed one for the Hawks as prior to the win, the

My offence comes within the flow of the team’s offence most of the time. I wouldn’t get the shots that I get without my teammates.

-Tevaun Kokko, guard

lead that’s insurmountable for this team.

“The reason why we are able to come back is because we work really hard and we don’t stop. We’re a tight knit group. We fight for each other and we make it work,” Kokko said.

However, their habit of going

down early in games has also hurt the Hawks in a number of games.

“It’s a bad habit for sure. You never want to go down, especially against the better teams. It’s going to be much harder to come back against the better teams and we have already experienced this a couple of times,” Kokko elaborated.

Hawks had lost a season high four consecutive games.

At 6-7, the Hawks’ season has been quite inconsistent. However, growing pains are simply a part of the process for such a young team.

This is a team with great potential and a team that can compete with anyone at their best.

“I think there’s a very high ceiling for us, since we are such a young group. The sky is the limit for us. We could be a really good team in a few years,” Kokko said.

With a good head on his shoulders, the Hawks seem to have found a great leader in Tevaun Kokko.

game compared to three for Concordia. These penalties left Laurier with less time to try and mount their comeback.

“We definitely need to be aggressive, just need to be smart. Our players need to be better and hold their emotions in check,” added Puhalski, referencing his team’s after the whistle penalties.

The third period provided Laurier with their greatest chance of getting back into the game. In the period, the Golden Hawks were much stronger offensively and outshot their opponent 17-10. They had many chances in the final min-

utes of the game, especially after Concordia took a four minute, high sticking double minor penalty with just under four minutes remaining.

Laurier also pulled their goalie late, giving them a six on four advantage.

However, Concordia goaltender Philippe Cadorette made many key saves in the final moments and made 32 throughout the game to earn the victory and the shutout.

On the other side of the ice, Laurier goaltender Colin Furlong made 29 saves in his second start in as many nights, after an impressive 52 save effort in Friday night’s

game.

Puhalski noted that the game was much closer than the score showed and that his team needs a full 60-minute effort to skate away with a victory.

“I thought we didn’t come out with the urgency we needed to win tonight. We need to make sure we’re ready to play from the start. If we do I think we can come out with the two points.”

The loss drops Laurier into a tie for third place in the OUA West division ahead of their Thursday night game in Guelph against the Gryphons.

TANZEEL SAYANI/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

chemistry within this team. The players are constantly communicating on both ends of the court and they are quick to cheer up a struggling teammate.

The chemistry and the neversay-die attitude of the Hawks has led to numerous comebacks this season. It seems as if there is no

MEN’S HOCKEY

Hawks get stung ZACH SAVLOV CORD SPORTS

Despite a strong third period effort, Laurier’s men’s hockey team was unable to extend their point streak Saturday night, falling 2-0 to the visiting Concordia Stingers.

The streak saw the Golden Hawks get eight out of a possible ten points over a five game stretch, including a 3-2 shootout victory over UQTR at home on Friday night.

Concordia took control of the game right from the opening faceoff, keeping Laurier hemmed into their own zone for most of the first period. The Golden Hawks were sloppy defensively with their passing and clearing attempts and were not able to get the puck deep into the Concordia zone. Through 20 minutes, the shots were 9-3 in favour of Concordia, though neither team had found the back of the net.

It was not until the Stingers opened the scoring midway through the second that Laurier appeared to find their stride.

“It took us about 30 minutes, halfway through the game, until we got ourselves engaged. It was an okay game for us though. We need a little more urgency. I think that’s a big reason we lost,” said head coach Greg Puhalski post-game.

After Concordia took the lead,

the Golden Hawks began to up their physicality, which both teams was lacking early on. The Stingers also started following through with their hitting, which led to a more aggressive game in the second and third periods.

I thought we didn’t come out with the urgency we needed to win tonight. We need to make sure we’re ready to play from the start.

-Greg Puhalski, head coach

MARCO PEDRI/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

However, the attempts by the home side to outmuscle their opponent may have contributed more to their downfall than being advantageous, in the end. The physical nature of the game led to some after the whistle interactions between the two sides involving a lot of grabbing and shoving.

In the opinion of the officials, Laurier was the less disciplined team after the whistle, giving the Golden Hawks five penalties during stoppages throughout the