THE CORD THE TIE THAT BINDS WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY SINCE 1926

VOLUME 59 ISSUE 16 • JANUARY 16, 2019

WE’VE GOT THE TEA ON THE CANDIDATES. Features, page 12

THE FUTURE IS FEMALE

MULTI-CAMPUS APPROACH

HOW AND WHERE TO VOTE

A TIME TO REMINISCE

RIVALRY RENEWED

Representation in the upcoming election

Candidates advocate for Brantford

Important election dates and considerations

Alumna reflects on value of time at Laurier

An in-depth look at the Battle of Waterloo

News, page 9

News, page 11

Arts & Life, page 18

Opinion, page 21

Sports, page 22 SADMAN SAKIB RAHMAN/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

2 •

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

VOCAL CORD If you were running for SU President, what would be on your platform?

@cordnews

The Cord

@thecord.ca

CordNews

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

“Increased accessibility across all services.” –Sam Somos, third-year communication studies

“More resources for upper-year students to get involved.” –Alexis Falla, second year global studies

EVA OU/PHOTO EDITOR

Laurier student Adam Vincent will be representing Canada a the Winter Junior Curling Championships.

“No classes past 8:00 p.m.” –Paige McGary, firstyear psychology

“Cheaper tuition.” –Chloe Fansher, firstyear psychology Compiled by Margaret Russell Photos by Jackie Vang NEXT ISSUE JANUARY 23, 2019

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Emily Waitson arts@thecord.ca

CORD STAFF

OPINION EDITOR Alyssa Di Sabatino opinion@thecord.ca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Safina Husein editor@thecord.ca

SPORTS EDITOR Pranav Desai sports@thecord.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sadman Sakib Rahman creative@thecord.ca

GRAPHICS EDITOR Kashyap Patel graphics@thecord.ca

WEB DIRECTOR Garrison Oosterhof online@thecord.ca

PHOTO EDITOR Eva Ou photos@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR Hayley McGoldrick news@thecord.ca

ONLINE EDITOR Katherine Weber online@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR Aaron Hagey news@thecord.ca

VIDEO EDITOR Sarah Tyler video@thecord.ca

FEATURES EDITOR Madeline McInnis features@thecord.ca

LEAD REPORTER Margaret Russell news@thecord.ca

LEAD SPORTS REPORTER Abdulhamid Ibrahim sports@thecord.ca LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Jackie Vang photos@thecord.ca SENIOR COPY EDITOR Sara Burgess copyeditor@thecord.ca SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Vacant editor@thecord.ca CORDCAST PRODUCER Brielle Huang cordcast@thecord.ca

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Joseph DeFilippis Emma McVicar Jacob Broz Sabrina Lavi

Cyntoia Brown’s case is troubling by Alyssa Di Sabatino

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES All advertising inquiries can be 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

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: No one said anything funny. Goodnight.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

News

• 3 NEWS EDITOR HAYLEY MCGOLDRICK news@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR AARON HAGEY news@thecord.ca

STUDENTS’ UNION PRESIDENT AND CEO

ZEMAR HAKIM

IBRAHIM MUSA

TALHA NAEEM

KLAUDIA WOJTANOWSKI All platforms were cut off at 150 words. All platforms are as is and not edited for spelling, grammar or structure.

Hey Golden Hawks! I’m Zemar Hakim, a fourth year Economics student running to be YOUR Students’ Union President. I have extensive Students’ Union experience as a Director of the Board, an O-Week Icebreaker, Coordinator and Executive of committees under Programming & Services and University Affairs. Under Clubs & Associations, I was VP for the Laurier Pre-Law Society. Currently I am Residence Life Don. My Entirely Multi-Campus Platform serves students Internally (through Students’ Union Departments) and Externally (through the University lens). Internal: 1. Enhanced Food Bank Services

2. Volunteer Discounts 3. Essential Student Rights Services 4. Organized Club Distribution External: 1. 24-Hour Student Building Access 2. Smoothie Bars in Athletics Facilities 3. Extra-Curricular Recruitment Committee 4. Campus-Campus Event Transportation Questions? Say Hi when you’re on campus! On January 22nd-24th vote Zemar Hakim for YOUR Students’ Union President! “Zemar Hakim for Students’ Union President” on Facebook @Zemar4SUPrez on Instagram

YOU lead the way! Under my presidency, I will ensure that students are heard and listened to. The following 7 items are on my to-do list, as they’ve been raised most often in my personal discussions with other students: 1. Transparency → weekly tweets/reports (daily if: need be/time permits) 2. Summarized Audits (vs a single 30 page document) 3. Every penny of yours accounted for → “Where’d it come from? Where’d it go.” 4. Study spaces → Extend time in which certain build-

ings are open 5. Decrease parking permit costs 6. Maintain and enhance the welcoming environment at Laurier 7. Improve the Wi-Fi network! But wait.. how can I represent you, if we don’t stay in touch? Shoot any questions, or concerns via: Twitter: @Ibrahim4pres Email: ibrahim8musa@gmail.com And definitely feel free to just say hi, whether its on campus, or online!

My name is Talha Naeem and I am a presidential candidate for Students’ Union elections. I plan on serving Laurier’s student body by providing holistic services for health and wellness. I aim to serve physical and mental health needs by digitalizing the access to services and providing support before it becomes a crisis. I aim to empower student leaders by providing financial and organizational support for their co-curricular and extra-curricular initiatives. Whether it is an entrepreneurial initiative, a student

club or association, or a desire to represent Laurier, I will provide students with all they need to be successful at Laurier. I will serve students by increasing student engagement and representing our student needs like parking, multi-campus transportation, lowering the cost of text-books, advocating for student rights (limiting international student tuition fee increases), and serving the multi-campus vison. For full platform visit talhaforpresident.com. Talha Naeem, it’s My Friendship-Your Leadership.

The goal of my platform is to represent, support and advocate for Laurier undergraduate students at both campuses. A few of the initiatives that I plan to implement if elected as your 2019/2020 SU President are: 1) Providing Mental Health First Aid Training for O-Week Volunteers and expanding the training to other student groups on campus such as club presidents, TAs etc. 2) A promise that club reimbursements will take 1-2 weeks

3) Provide explanations for Ancillary Fees (the additional charges on Students’ Tuition) As President, I would strive to ensure that the Students’ Union acts in the best interest of students by promoting a safe, inclusive and accessible experience. It would be an honour to be the voice of undergraduate students as their Students’ Union continues to grow and provide a unique student experience while at WLU. To learn more about me and my platform please visit www.wethevoice.ca.

LAYOUT BY SAFINA HUSEIN/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PHOTOS BY EVA OU/PHOTO EDITOR

4 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

STUDENTS’ UNION BOARD OF DIRECTORS OSMAN ALWI Did not submit a platform.

THOMAS HAMILTON My name is Thomas Hamilton and I am running for election to the Wilfrid Laurier University Student’s Union (WLUSU) Board of Directors. I am a third-year student working towards a degree in Communications with a Management Option. I have a strong passion for politics (both on and off campus) and for student life here at Laurier. As a board member, I will bring a fresh perspective to meetings and work hard to represent and engage students from both Brantford and Waterloo. One of my goals as a board member is to engage students not only in the decision-making process but in the Students Union itself. It is unfortunate that most students know little about the Board of Directors or the role of the SU. With the help of other directors, I look forward to engaging and working together with Laurier’sgrowing community.

ANDREW DANG

FEISAL BORJAS

OWEN BOURRIE

KARNEET CHAHAL

The perfect university would ensure that every student reaches their full potential. That’s why Laurier needs leaders that act on the current needs of the community and examine every issue with integrity. My name is Feisal Borjas, and I am eager to serve on the Board of Directors to take Laurier’s leadership where it’s never been before. First, I will strive to foster unity and accountability on the board to make decisions to serve the students first. I will also ensure that the board takes an active role in providing opportunities for stronger student involvement. Finally, I will urge the Students’ Union to adopt stronger policies promoting the free expression of ideas, because that’s how meaningful change can occur. If elected a board member, I can promise three things: a willingness to serve, desire to learn, and unwavering passion for the betterment of Laurier.

My name is Owen Bourrie and I am working towards re-election on the WLUSU Board of Directors. This past year, I have had the unique privilege of serving as the Vice Chair of the Board, allowing for me to demonstrate my strong leadership skills, while simultaneously allowing me to grow my understanding of the Students’ Union policy. If re-elected, I plan on pursuing the role of Chair of the Board and Chief Governance Officer. My main goal for Chair is to focus on more sufficient and indepth Board training in order to create more effective directors to represent your best interests. As my role of CGO, I plan to create initiatives to increase the number of candidates running, with an empathises on encouraging more women to run for election. I hope you will allow me the privilege to further represent your best interests serving on the WLUSU Board of Directors.

I want to ensure that our university’s motto, Veritas Omnia Vincit – Truth conquers all, is upheld. This should and can easily be done through constant, clear & accessible communication such as what the board has done throughout the month and what they are working towards; at least everymonth. Also hosting open forums where students can voice their opinions and participate in civil discussions with other students and members of the board. Initiatives should be taken in regards to the parking situation, opportunities for getting involved,food services, hours for the library, and the mental wellbeing of students. Through truth, transparency, accountability, and effort I hope to work alongside other passionate individuals to ensure the best interests of students in terms of academics and student life are first priority. All in all, ensuring students within all communities are heard. It would be an honour and privilege to represent you al

STEPHANIE HIGGS

SAMEED HUSSAIN

DEVYN KELLY

JULIA PEREIRA

I am Sameed Hussain and I am a Criminology Student seeking re-election on the Students’ Union Board of Directors. This past year I had the privilege to work as a Director of the Board with the Students’ Union. My growing love and passion for this organization and University has led me seek re-election for my second term as Director. My experience and knowledge as a current director, and my numerous involvements inside and outside of Laurier make me an outstanding candidate. If reflected I will continue to be an active and effective Director. My platform stands on three main goals that I will focus on as Director. The first goal being: Accountability. I will work with the Board to hold the President accountable for their actions and promises through the use of executive limitations. Along with the president, I will make sure the Chair & CGO is also held responsible/

According to Nelson Mandela “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow”. I Devyn Kelly, a third year Political Science Student am seeking election to the Board of Directors because the Students’ Union in one word is ‘you’. They represent every undergraduate student across all faculties, on both campuses. From my experience on house council, my two years as an icebreaker, to working as a Campus Ambassador as well as the Hiring & Recruitment coordinator on the Waterloo campus, I can confidently say I am widely immersed in the Laurier community. As a director of the board, my vision is more accessible modes of communication for students and a more informed student body. I will represent the voices of all students, working towards a more cohesive intercampus relationship. Along with the rest of the board, I hope to contribute to bettering the Students’ Union in supporting student needs.

My name is Julia Pereira. Currently, I am in third year studying Political Science and Communication Studies. My involvement at Laurier includes a breadth of experiences that has shaped my interest and passion to represent Laurier students on the Board of Directors. As a dance instructor at the Athletics Complex, an executive for the Student Alumni Association, and a Students’ Union Outreach Committee member, I hold a variety of perspectives that would make me excellent representative to act on behalf of all student voices here at Laurier. One of my main priorities includes increasing effective communication between the students and the Students’ Union. Such relationship is crucial to ensure that the Board is representative of all student perspectives. If elected to the Board, I will work diligently on behalf of students to deliver and enact valuable policies that work in the best interests of the student body.

Did not submit a platform.

All platforms were cut off at 150 words. Platforms are as is and not edited for spelling, grammar or structure.

Did not submit a platform.

NEWS NEWS •• 55

WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 16. 18, 2019 2017

STUDENTS’ UNION BOARD OF DIRECTORS SALONI SHARMA

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Did not submit a platform.

AKSHAT SHAH

TY THOMAS

My name is Akshat Shah, currently a second-year Economics student and I am running for a position on the Students’ Union Board of Directors and on the WLU Senate. The Students’ Union is the one organization whose views and ideals are driven by the beliefs of all students, as without you, the students, there would be no Students’ Union. As a Director of the Board, my main goal is to represent and advocate for the students of Wilfrid Laurier University. To achieve such a goal, some plans that I will strive to implement and act upon include: a greater use of social media to connect students with the Students’ Union and developing a perspective of collective opinions from different student groups to ensure the utmost representation of all WLU students. Through these strategies I hope to provide all WLU students with what they desire most, the greatest student experience.

My name is Ty Thomas and I am a third year student who is seeking to expand my impact on the larger Laurier community. I am committed to enhancing your experience at Laurier through providing a voice for you in the 2019 - 2020 school year. Throughout the past 3 years, I have focused my energy and time into enhancing the first year experience as a Residence Life Don, as well as taking on the role as an advisor for two different councils in the First Year Leadership Program, in order to increase the number of individuals that I could impact. I want to continue thissupport for all Laurier students and be the voice for individuals who deserve to be heard, recognized, and advocated for. My goal is to adopt your expectations and to be the leading voice in fulfilling your visions for your individual self, council, or club.

MITCHELL BERGIN

KARNEET CHAHAL

I am running for the election of the Board of Directors because I believe I maintain and personify the skills necessary for addressing and furthering the needs or recommendations of the student body. Throughout my time being a student of Wilfrid Laurier University, I have accumulated experience through being a crucial member of various executive teams, ranging from roles within political bodies on campus to respected external clubs. I am fully aware of the importance in the processes in which the Student Union carries out towards tackling various issues and the funding for events throughout the academic calendar. With previous experience in being an event coordinator for Sigma Chi and VP of policy for the Laurier Young Liberals accompanied by their applicable organizational skills, I feel I will be able to transition smoothly into a position among the Board Of Governors.

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

VOTE ON CAMPUS OR ONLINE FROM JAN. 22 TO JAN 24. #LAURIERVOTES

All platforms were cut off at 150 words. Platforms are as is and not edited for spelling, grammar or structure.

6 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER

AARON HAGEY In the short time that I’ve been involved with WLUSP, I’ve demonstrated a passionate and powerful commitment to this organization. In less than a year, I became a News Editor for The Cord, News Director for Radio Laurier, a director of WLUSP’s board and I’ve contributed content for Blueprint, The Sputnik and The Community Edition. During my time in these positions, I’ve had the privilege of learning valuable skills from countless staff members and volunteers. I consider WLUSP to be the highlight of my university experience and I hope to continue expanding the potential that this impressive publication body has to offer. Moving forward, I would endeavour to work with the resources available in order to improve each publication’s presence on campus while encouraging more effective

strategies for volunteer management and recruitment. As well, I would work to establish an improved structure of communication between all staff and volunteers. Building a stronger community bond between the smaller publications and delegating the appropriate time and space to have everyone’s voices heard and respected equally, is something that I believe is vitally important. Above all else, I want to continue to foster the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that encouraged me to sign my first volunteer contract and expand on the successes of the current President & Publisher. I am incredibly excited to have this opportunity to prove that I am capable of being the next President & Publisher of Wilfrid Laurier Student Publications.

GARRISON OOSTERHOF Dear Laurier students and WLUSP members, I’m very glad for the opportunity to run for President of WLUSP. I’ve spent more than a year preparing for this position and I’m excited to show you why I know I’m the best candidate. I’ve been a member of WLUSP for over three years and a manager at The Cord for two of those years. I’m confident that my knowledge of print, graphics, photography and website management will enable me to lead this organization and be a supportive resource for each department. I’m very proud of the teams I’ve been apart of and the professional relationship that have developed. As President, I will continue to be focused on building strong

relationships that will be a bridge across any barriers in our organization; whether they be the distance between Waterloo and Brantford or between print and radio. I will lead by example using teamwork, honest communication and persistent organization to bring us together and showcase our integrity and talent. I encourage everyone to attend your nearest Open Forum to hear more of my specific and practical goals for WLUSP this year. I’m eager for the chance to show you that I have a firm grasp on the responsibilities of this position and that I am determined to bring about a positive culture of respect and common vision.

INTERESTED IN BUYING THIS VALUABLE PRINT REAL ESTATE? EMAIL CARE LUCAS CARE.LUCAS@WLUSP.COM FOR PRICING. INVEST IN PRINT REAL ESTATE. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED.

NEWS • 7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019 STUDENTS’ UNION

New year, new Winter Carnival HAYLEY MCGOLDRICK NEWS EDITOR

JACKIE VANG/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

On Sunday, Jan. 13th, 2019, the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union annual Winter Carnival event kicked off, signalling the start of a week’s worth of activities for participants in the event. Winter Carnival is an annual event where teams that range from 20-40 participants get together to compete in various events such as dance-offs, sled building and dodgeball tournaments, among other team building activities. “Winter Carnival is under the Students’ Union and it is part of student programming. It’s a week of fun, so it’s like spirit building team activities. This year we have 14 teams ... and they compete against each other for the winning spot,” said Sammi Marino, Winter Carnival co-ordinator for this year’s event. “We have three cups: we have an activities cup, a spirit cup and then an overall winner, so the type of programming we have is honestly just fun games where teams can come out, participate and have fun, really building on those relationships and making good friends.” Students in any year can participate in Winter Carnival and students who may not have a group

of 20 friends who want to sign up for the event can sign up as a free agent and be placed on a team to compete with. “Anybody can join it, anybody can make a team and then the exec team basically facilitates all the programming and makes all the programming for the participants,” Marino said. “The benefit of joining Winter Carnival is it’s really easy to meet new people, just because you’re not only with your team. You do spend a lot of time with your team, like maybe doing programming together, because there is something in November called ‘Promo Week’ to get excited for Winter Carnival and it’s basically poster hunting around campus.” Posters and promotional materials for Winter Carnival are placed around campus and teams can find these posters to earn points towards the Winter Carnival week that happens in January. “The main thing about Winter Carnival is facilitating friendships and getting to know new people on campus,” Marino said. Winter Carnival has existed for decades at Laurier, as it is not only a way to meet new people and potentially win with a team, but also shows off Laurier spirit throughout the week the same way Hawk Weekend does for first-year

students. “As for events, this year we just finished an event we called ‘the Amazing Race’ and it’s a scavenger hunt around campus, we have a captain’s dance-off and every year we have a mystery event night, so we pre-order busses and we send teams on these busses. They don’t know where they’re going and we literally drop them off at an event space,” Marino said. The mystery event night is open to any student at Laurier regardless of their participation in Winter Carnival as long as they buy a ticket for $10 on the Student’s Union website. “I love seeing my team succeed in everything they’ve worked hard for. We had a very late start in hiring — my team wasn’t hired until the middle of first semester — so they definitely worked extremely hard in those couple months and I’m really proud of them to get it together in such a small timeline,” Marino said. “It’s really rewarding to see that they’re having fun putting on this programming that is their own, because we do have activity executives as well as spirit executives.” “I also love to see participants come out and compete and have fun because it’s nice to see them doing something other than academics,” she said.

EDUCATION

Waterloo Region Museum unveils new space exhibit MARGARET RUSSELL LEAD REPORTER

The Waterloo Region Museum has an exciting new exhibit opening on Feb. 1 until April 28. Journey to Space will be a large, interactive exhibit that is designed to encourage hands-on cosmic learning for all ages. Adele Hempel, the Museum’s curator and manager, explained that the exhibit will fill their 500-square-foot gallery with several different sections. The first will illustrate “the dangers of space exploration,” said Hempel. Followed by “travelling to and in space,” which will be an informative guide to space-travelling vessels and rockets, as well as protection in space. These sections will include “an interview video with an engineer explaining ION engines,” Hempel added. “The next section will be about weightlessness, so people get to actually learn about the specifics behind that,” Hempel said. “Next is ‘living in space,’ and it does talk quite a bit about the ISS (International Space Station), which is great because of all the recent activity with our Canadian astronaut being up in space right now,” Hempel said. “It really aligns well with all of that.” In December, Canadian Space Agency astronaut David SaintJacques began his voyage into space on his first mission and is the first Canadian to return to the International Space Station since

2013. The fifth component of the exhibit will be on working in space, and the sixth will be about movement in space. “You’ll actually feel like you’re in a spaceship,” Hempel stated.

You’ll actually feel like you’re in a spaceship ... It opens to the public on Feb. 1 ...

-Adele Hempel, curator, manager for the Waterloo Region Museum

The final section of the exhibit will regard the future of human exploration in space and what we may hope to see forthcoming. The exhibit was designed to create an authentic learning experience for patrons. Many of the sections will include audio, visual and mechanical simulations for all those who wish to attempt a space adventure. “It opens to the public on Feb. 1. Our actual launch is for our members and invited guests on the evening previous,” Hempel stated. The exhibit will be open for 12 weeks and admission is at no additional cost for general admission

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

to the museum, $11 for adults, $8 for students and seniors and $5 for children. In collaboration with this exhibit, several special events will be taking place. Breakfast with the Empire on Feb. 16 will be a space-themed breakfast which will

include family-friendly interactive learning activities, scheduled on Family Day weekend. As well, Guardians of the Gallery is a museum after-hours party including beer samples, food and entertainment. This 19+ spacethemed event will be the perfect

place to get dressed up in an intergalactic costume and stick around for a night of dancing. Additional details regarding the exhibit, as well as the museum’s special events, are made available on the Waterloo Region Museum website.

8 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

ADVOCACY

Wet'suwet'en First Nations strikes in Waterloo MARGARET RUSSELL LEAD REPORTER

Last week, on the evening of Jan. 8, a group of nearly 200 local activists joined together in Uptown Waterloo square to demonstrate their solidarity with the Wet'suwet'en First Nations. The solidarity protest, one among many held across the country, was in response to recent conflicts in British Columbia between the Wet'suwet'en peoples and Coastal GasLink. The company is in the process of building a 700-kilometer natural gas pipeline that will run through Wet'suwet'en territory. After months of protest and dispute regarding the building of this pipeline on ancestral lands, members of the Wet'suwet'en had set up a road blockade to prevent Coastal GasLink workers from proceeding. Last week, in response, the RCMP arrived to forcefully remove the blockade and arrest protesters following a court injunction. Those who congregated on Tuesday in Kitchener-Waterloo came with banners, signs and drums to show their support for the Wet'suwet'en peoples as well as all Indigenous land disputes taking place across the continent. “I was pleased with the turnout … there was a lot of support from students and from the communi-

cers were thanked by protesters for being notably respectful about the solidarity demonstration. The blockade formed by solidarity protesters was meant to be a symbolic action, directly referring to the blockade set up at the Gidimt’en access point in northern British Columbia.

I was really glad that something took in Kitchener-Waterloo in solidarity because it was an international day of action. -Tamara Lorincz, activist in attendance and member of KW Peace

EVA OU/PHOTO EDITOR

Activists collected in uptown Waterloo square in protest, showing their support for the Wet'suwet'en First Nations.

ty,” said Tamara Lorincz, who was in attendance at the protest on Tuesday and is a member of KW Peace. Some of the signs and banners brought to the protest read statements such as “Respect our Water” and “Honour the Treaties.” “There were a couple of short speeches and some drumming, and then people moved into the intersection at King Street to block traffic … It was led by Indigenous

women with drums who formed a circle in the middle of the intersection.” The drumming circle that was observed encouraged participation by protesters, as well as passers-by and young children who were seen dancing joyfully to the music. The traffic blockade by protesters caused Grand River Transit buses to halt and eventually “turn off their engines and the drivers went to wait in the square,” Lorincz

added. “There was more a spirit of solidarity during the blockade and positive energy,” Lorincz recalled. “There wasn’t any kind of aggressive energy at all.” “After about maybe 15 minutes of blocking the traffic, the police showed up [and] were really just encouraging cars to not wait and to move away from the [demonstration],” Lorincz said. Waterloo Regional Police offi-

“I was really glad that something took [place] in Kitchener-Waterloo in solidarity because it was an international day of action” Lorincz added. Solidarity protests for the Wet'suwet'en First Nations were seen all across Canada last week, most notably in Vancouver which saw hundreds of people marching through the downtown streets to encourage support, awareness and action.

a chance of avoiding [something worse],” Hamilton said. “I do think [perceptions are] changing.” As far as future planned climate change activism events, there are a number of unconfirmed whispers of activity that will be manifesting in the future.

However, Divest Waterloo has officially planned an event for Feb. 7, “Our Water Our Future,” from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the First United Church in Waterloo. They and a number of other groups plan to discuss the impact that Bill C66 will have on the local environment and water sources.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Environmental activists fighting to fix our future carbon footprint AARON HAGEY NEWS EDITOR

On Tuesday, Jan. 15, between 5 to 7 p.m., a number of environmental activist groups hosted the “Stewards of our Future: Protecting What We Love” community discussion event at the Rotunda at Kitchener City Hall. Hosted through the collaborative efforts of Divest Waterloo, Faith & the Common Good, The Centre for Public Ethics and the Grand River Environmental Network (GREN), the event featured the chance to engage with Dr. Dianne Saxe, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. Focusing on two main goals, the preservation and care for life on earth as well as the protection of local water sources and land rights, the event gave the opportunity for local residents to interact with and amongst each other, create a conversation and prompt an open dialogue regarding what to do about preparing for the environmental crisis we are currently in. Laura Hamilton, a climate change activist and member of Divest Waterloo, believes that “the big story coming out of this event is how well it’s been received by our community.” The interest, she believes, came as a result of COP24 (Conference

of the Parties) — the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference. From Dec. 3, 2018, to Dec. 14, 2018, in Katowice, Poland, environmental advocates like Sir David Attenborough, Al Gore and Greta Thunberg came together to discuss the implications and future of climate change and come to an agreement regarding the 2015 Paris Agreement.

... We’ve done some big events before, but nothing has ever had this kind of immediate response.

-Laura Hamilton, activist and member of Divest Waterloo

Amongst the powerful and reverberating speeches that punctuated the conference, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, contributed his own thoughts on the matter of climate change. “Every day we fail to act is a day that we step closer towards a fate that none of us wants … Our fate is

in our hands. The world is counting on all of us to rise to the challenge before it is too late,” Guterres said at the conference. “It’s a crisis and there’s no denying any of it now — and yet there’s this kind of inertia … We thought: ‘wouldn’t it be cool if [Dr. Saxe] came and talked about climate change in that context and we had a panel respond to her?” Hamilton said. The response to the event was more than they expected. They originally expected around 220 guests — as the Rotunda can fit approximately 200. However, by Tuesday, they had over 350 registered to come, with even more expected to show up — their largest event yet. “Tickets went on Eventbrite in a matter of days — and we’ve never had it happen for an event before … We’ve been organizing Divest going on five years here in our community and we’ve done some big events before, but nothing has ever had this kind of immediate response,” Hamilton said. Hamilton attributes a large portion of this success to the overwhelming international support behind COP24. “The language was plain and the urgency became more apparent to people ... We have to turn the ship around in the next year if we stand

JACKIE VANG/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

The Future is F NEWS • 9

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16. 2019 REPRESENTATION

Students' Union Elections: The Future is Female

PHOTOS BY EVA OU/PHOTO EDITOR

HAYLEY MCGOLDRICK NEWS EDITOR

For the 2018-2019 school year, the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union had only one female on their board of directors. The year before — despite adversity they may have faced — they had four. This year, women are being represented at the forefront of elections season; out of the four presidential candidates, one is Klaudia Wojtanowski, a BBA student with previous experience as a director on the board as well as her current role, an undergraduate representative on the board of governors. The lone female who ran for a board of governors’ position for this current year, Wojtanowski is the first female presidential candidate Laurier has had since 2015, when Olivia Matthews won the race for 2015-2016 president. Along with a female presidential candidate, five female candidates are running for board of directors — Lana Toameh, the single female director last year, will not be running for re-election; however new candidates Devyn Kelly, Julia Pereira, Karneet Chahal, Saloni

Sharma and Stephanie Higgs are all looking to be female representations on the board for the upcoming year. Sharma and Chahal are also running for positions on the senate. Other than the chair and vice chair of the board, this year the board was made up of 10 directors with only one being female. 12 candidates are running for positions as directors, meaning that over one-third of candidates are female, and the upcoming year could potentially see an increase in female representation on the board, as this year only one-tenth were. “I think that last year was really hard hitting for me, being one of two females that ran for over 30 positions, and it was not only a shock but also a realization across the board of seeing how women were treated at the board table in such a public setting,” Wojtanowski said, speaking on her past and current roles within the board of directors and board of governors. “By running in elections, and The Cord running that story, I think it inspired a lot of women to run this year, to show that we can do it

and we deserve a seat at the table.” Out of 17,000 undergraduate students, over 9,300 identify as females, according to Common University Data Ontario, so approximately 54 per cent of students are female; yet only one director for the 2018-2019 school year was a representation for the female population.

The more diversity that we have on our board, in our students’ union, the better we can function as an organization ... -Klaudia Wojtanowski, WLUSU Presidential Candidate

“11 people who identify as male, and one female, that’s not representative of the student body at Laurier, we don’t need mandatory requirements for gender for the

board, it’s not necessary, but we do want a fair chance, and it’s amazing that we have so many females running for director positions this year,” Wojtanowski said. “Of course, I’m the one female presidential candidate out of the four, but we haven’t even had a female presidential candidate since Olivia Matthews ran, so it’s been a while since we’ve even had a candidate.” Last year, with Director Toameh being the only woman to run for a board position, it was a decrease from the five candidates who ran the previous year. Wojtanowski was also the only female to run for a position on the board of governors. “Females do get scrutinized in a different way. A lot of people are diverse in gender or of colour, and it’s a different perspective that people take. It’s really awesome to see that people took that to heart and thought that it’s not representative, it’s not fair, and I can’t speak for what they thought but they just believed in their own ability,” Wojtanowski said. “You have that tendency just to doubt yourself that little bit extra

than some of your male counterparts and looking at the university landscape and what positions can be achieved at the university, the board has done a great job representing all students no matter their gender, and I want to make that clear.” This year’s five female candidates are an increase from last year, but in the last five years no more than five females candidates have ever run for board of directors positions, with the elected number being even lower than five. “Other women need representation like that, to see that it’s possible, and that’s where it makes an impact, we have so many amazing female leaders on this campus," Wojtanowski said. "If they decide to take a stand, especially somewhere publicly like in elections, that makes it more representative of Laurier too." “The more diversity that we have on our board, in our students’ union, the better we can function as an organization because we’re taking into account different people’s stories and backgrounds from wherever they come from," she said.

Members get it. JOIN THE CHAINERSHIP.COM

10 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

BUSINESS On Monday, they launched their first expansion to the service, growing their services to the Aldershot GO Station and Mapleview Mall in the Burlington area in the hopes of expanding their current market. That connection allows the opportunity for those in the Waterloo Region and Guelph the ride with them and connect with the GO and VIA Trains.

We need to have more people choosing to be a passenger: not just to reduce our emissions, but also improve the health of our cities. -Jason Hammond, founder and President of Wroute

SAFINA HUSEIN/FILE PHOTO

Wroute: a sustainable, affordable, enviro-friendly passenger service AARON HAGEY NEWS EDITOR

A new local start-up company, Wroute Inc., has recently announced the expansion of its sustainable, flexible and affordable ride services, to connect Burlington and Hamilton to the Guelph and Waterloo regions.

“We launched in September with a route from Kitchener to Guelph, going from Fairview Park to Guelph Central Station, in Tesla Model X Electric SUVs,” said Jason Hammond, founder and President of Wroute. Offering a fleet of electric and zero-emission cars, including Tesla Model X 100D vehicles, Hammond

hopes to saturate a growing market for sustainable and convenient transportation options. “The idea is to make the passenger system more robust, fill in the gaps where there is either no service or really low-frequency service so that people can choose to be a passenger more often,” Hammond said.

“It’s always been arbitrarily difficult to get between Kitchener and Guelph for communities that are so well integrated economically and socially — the passenger service should reflect that,” Hammond said. According to a Jan. 3 press release on Wroute’s website, their ultimate goal is to “begin to address the need for improved passenger transportation service across the western edge of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.” “A connection to local cities for the airport is something the region has been wanting for a while now,” Hammond said in the release. “We are pleased to offer student

pilots, commercial passengers and commuters to the aviation business community a sustainable and convenient service.” Furthermore, the zero-emission aspect of the service is an endeavour on Hammond’s part to satisfy the growing demands for action on climate change. “We need to have more people choosing to be a passenger: not just to reduce our emissions, but also improve the health of our cities,” Hammond said. “We’re focussed on a zero-emissions approach — and that’s why we mostly use electric vehicles.” At Wroute, environmentally-sustainable practices go hand-in-hand with ethically sustainable business practices. All employees are paid full-time living salaries with benefits — and they don’t accept gratuities. “What we’re trying to do is to be a good employer while we’re at it,” Hammond said. “The thing that sets us apart from other options is that our employees are full-time and our vehicles are operated by staff and they’re owned by the company, so it’s quite professionalized.” As for the growth of the company: though it is still young, Hammond is optimistic for the future, as he understands that the demand is growing far greater than the supply is able to keep up. “The model is quite scalable. We can go more and more places — and we certainly hear that from our passengers,” Hammond said. “Every passenger has their own opinion about what city we need to serve next, so we have a long list of requests,” he chuckled.

SAFETY

New distracted driving, DUI laws being enforced SAFINA HUSEIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The start of 2019 has brought about substantial changes with regard to laws, regulations and fines with regard to distracted and impaired driving. In order to combat and deter individuals, even more, to refrain from texting and driving as well as driving under the influence, these new laws involve license suspensions and higher fines to pay. Mike Hinsperger, staff sergeant of Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS) traffic services, explained that the new distracted driving legislation came into effect Jan. 1, 2019. “It’s now a max fine for a single, first-time offence for a cell phone violation of $1000 and then in addition to that, a second fine is $2000 and a third subsequent fine is $3000,” Hinsperger said. Along with these fines come a court-convicted licence suspension. “Court would issue a three-day suspension for conviction for a first-time cellphone use infraction, a second-time within two years of conviction would be a seven-day suspension and a third time within two years would be a 30 day suspension and anything after three convictions would be an additional

30 days,” Hinsperger said. The license suspension as a result of a distracted driving fine would be issued in court, and not administered by the officer when stopped roadside. “A lot of people who are tempted to use their cellphones and other electronic devices ... will put it in a bag in the back seat ... and just forget about it until you stop,” Hinsperger said.

Probably one of the biggest changes with the impaired driving piece is the new mandatory for alcohol screening section. -Mike Hinsperger, staff sergeant of WRPS traffic services

There are times when drivers can use electronic devices. For example, if a driver is lawfully pulled over on the side of the road and is fully stopped, a driver can legally use their phone in their car. “There’s three conditions that can go with that … you’re pulled

over and lawfully parked, you’re off the roadway, and you’re not interfering with traffic flow,” Hinsperger said. As well, some other exemptions would be using a GPS that is mounted in the vehicle. If the electronic device is mounted and therefore can’t move while the car is in motion, a driver can lawfully turn it on and off and activate the device. “The key with all of these is that they have to be physically mounted in the car so that they can’t move while the car is in motion,” Hinsperger said. In addition, as of Dec. 18, 2018, new laws have come into place surrounding impaired driving charges. “Probably one of the biggest changes with the impaired driving piece is the new mandatory for alcohol screening section,” Hinsperger said. With this new legislation, officers can arbitrarily stop any vehicle on the road and make a lawful demand for a breath sample to test for alcohol. “We don’t need suspicion of consumption of alcohol. Prior to Dec. 18, we would need some sort of suspicion that someone had consumed alcohol … [such as] the person’s breath … anything like that where the person provides

SAFINA HUSEIN/FILE PHOTO

some sort of suspicion to the officer that they had been drinking. It’s a pretty substantial change,” Hinsperger said. Another significant change goes along with any individual’s refusal to provide a breath sample. “One of the biggest changes that

came into effect was the refusal to provide a breathe sample which now holds the same sentence on conviction as the highest blood alcohol amount if a person is convicted in an elevated amount of alcohol in their system at the time of the offence,” Hinsperger said.

NEWS • 11

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16. 2019 STUDENTS’ UNION

Looking at the Students’ Union election season:

As Brantford has changed from a small-sized to mid-sized campus, with the acquisition of additional educational and administrative buildings, so too must its representation as a school increase as well.

That is only possible if we have representation equally ... it’s up to Brantford students to decide whether they want to be involved in the process or not. -Talha Naeem, WLUSU election Presidential Candidate

Brantford Representation NIRUPAM SINGH/FILE PHOTO

AARON HAGEY NEWS EDITOR

With the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union election around the corner, student participation in the democratic process, especially from the Brantford campus, will be more crucial than ever to inform how the direction the next academic year will take. With one Brantford candidate running for the position of President and two for the Board of Directors, representation from the Brantford campus in the Students’ Union election will be lower than it was in comparison to last year, which saw five in total. Talha Naeem, the sole Brantford Presidential candidate, is not concerned by this. In contrast, he and his campaign team have been preparing the rest of the campus to be as involved during the election season as possible.

“Brantford students are much more informed per person as compared to Waterloo students in terms of elections,” Naeem said.

We need to let the Brantford students know how we are advocating on their behalf.

-Talha Naeem, WLUSU election Presidential Candidate

“We have spoken to every single group of the students on the Brantford campus and had a conversation about ‘why is this representation important?’”

NIRUPAM SINGH/FILE PHOTO

Naeem is convinced that what must be included in this expansion is one of the “student perspectives” as well. “We need to let the Brantford students know how we are advocating on their behalf. If they need better food services, if they need something like Wilf’s or [the] Turret, if they need multi-campus transportation, if they want to be acknowledged and recognized — what is the way to do that?” Naeem said.

“That is only possible if we have representation equally from the Brantford campus and for that, it’s up to Brantford students to decide whether they want to be involved in the process or not.” Candidates like Naeem are showing more resolution with regard to the issues that Brantford is facing as a campus, especially when it comes to showing how strong their collective voice is. However, to do that, he urges active participation in the election process. “This is their chance to vote and show a strong voice and it’s an opportunity for me to reach out to my fellow students and talk to them and let them know ‘hey, we can make this happen through this election, through this annual general meeting,” Naeem said. “We can hold our organization accountable and make the strong statement that we are not just a small campus that nobody cares about. We are individuals and we have a strong voice.” Despite the reservations or physical distance that may make the Brantford campus feel ostracized, alienated or isolated from the Waterloo campus, it is this year’s election that will set the tone of the level of involvement Brantford students will want to have in the upcoming year.

12 •

Q& A

FEATURES EDITOR/MADELINE MCINNIS/FEATURES@THECORD.CA

1 2 3

FEATU

WIT

WAN PRESI

ZEMAR HAKIM How, WHen and why DID YOU DECIDE TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT?

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO ADVOCATE FOR STUDENTS ON BOTH CAMPUSES?

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITIOn?

I was very involved in the Students’ Union and I was just doing it for fun obviously, for the joy of making new friends, having a good time and for my passions, and then people started to tell me ‘You might have the resume for this job’, and last year, about a year ago, people a year younger than me started talking about me running, and I didn’t think that I would, and then I talked to my manager about a year ago, so it would be in November I talked to my manager, and we’ve basically been working on the platform and campaign since.

I initially started to think about it a coupl friends actually just brought it up, I assume later I guess they became a little bit more se they’re like ‘you stand for a lot of the things for, a lot of students can relate to you,’ so I w maybe’ and I started to see a lot of the thing reality. And so that kind of gave me that mo initiative to go for it.

So my entire platform is multi-campus, all the initiatives and mandates in that are for the Brantford and Waterloo campus. There’s an external section which is through the university lens, so these are your 24-hour student building access that I’ve provided, smoothie bars in the athletic complex here, and in either the YMCA in Brantford or if they are continuing putting gym equipment in the Wilks House Gym. So that’s all external, and then internally, because the Students’ Union is multi-campus, all the platform points within the departments of programming & services, financial administration, university affairs and clubs would fit on both campuses as well

As President, you do stand for the studen voice of the students -- I’d like to think of it have a voice and you are going to be the m the students can be heard from.’ So in my o way that can actually happen is if the stude person. Social media is fine and all, but tha make with students in person is completel don’t mean in groups, I mean one-on-one

I think I’m the best candidate for this job because I’m very informed in the Students’ Union, and I’ve been involved in pretty much every department; I’ve been a VP of clubs, I learned the hiring and recruitment process through being a coordinator of the university affairs department, and the programming and services department, and I’ve been on the board so I know policy.

I feel as though many students can rela overly active throughout the school, I can am I just focused on my studies. I have fo balance, where I can balance my work lif my academic life and my volunteering al of Laurier and beyond -- and I feel that m relate to that and being relatable is very,

URES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019 • 13

TH THE CAnDIDATES

NT THE SCOOP ON THE STUDENTS' UNION IDENTIAL CANDIDATES? WE'VE GOT THE TEA.

IBRAHIM MUSA

le months ago. My e jokingly, but then erious and then s that students stand was like ‘hmm, gs they said in otivation to take the

TALHA NAEEM

Throughout my engagement at Laurier, I felt at the end of my education I am a transformed personality. I have learned a lot from my peers, my mentors and I’ve contributed to build the Laurier community. That has inspired me to now step forward and take this initiative of being the President and continuing to serve the student body. It happened naturally -- I cannot think of a moment, but this was a collection of lovely moments that helped achieve that idea and deliver to students my platform which resembles their needs.

KLAUDIA WOJTANOWSKI

I’ve always had an interest in leading the student body in some way, shape or form, and it’s something that I’ve done my whole entire time here at university, you know I started off in Bricker, which is a residence, so that’s 250 people, and then going forward with the Board of Directors there’s undergraduate students, across two campuses, and then continuing on that path with the Board of Governors at a higher level, presenting students and being their voice, now having the opportunity to run for Students’ Union president just that on its own is really amazing. I really finalized my decision this summer, it was a lot of reflection and thought, and making sure that I was making the right choice for the right reasons, and that it was something that I knew I would be the best person for the role because I always have the best interests of students at heart, and that includes who should be their Students’ Union president because it affects a lot of students in ways that maybe they don’t even recognize yet.This his answer has been shortened.

nts -- you’re the t as ‘the students megaphone in which opinion, the only ents are talked to in at connection you ly different; and I e conversations.

If I am the President, I will put forward the initiative of multi-campus. I have taken classes on both campuses, done volunteer work on both campuses and done paid position work on both campuses. That has enabled me and given me enough knowledge of both campuses to build a platform which is multi-campus and have a multi-campus approach when I go to my position. I will be working on multi-campus transportation to connect campuses, I’ll be having equal services on each campus and still have the flexibility to resemble each other’s need.

I think that’s an excellent question. I think that a lot of people look at the Students’ Union, look at Laurier, and think Waterloo and Brantford. The cool thing about the Students’ Union is it’s 18,000 undergraduate students across two campuses. There is nothing, really, that should dictate that we are separating things at all. When you’re the Students’ Union president, you’re focussing on both campuses at all times, and I think that most of my platform is multi-campus. It’s really important though to focus on that equity piece, right? Because Brantford students have different needs, and Waterloo students have different needs in certain areas. So, we need to hone in on those as well, you know, I think being multi-campus is absolutely phenomenal, and it gives us an opportunity to so many wide arrays of programs and opportunities to really expand our reach, and my goal as the Students’ Union president would be to continue that process, and you know integrate where it’s necessary and where it’s important, and making sure that every student feels the way that they should as a student in university, that they have that same access to support, to resources, so multi-campus? Absolutely, but let’s also focus on the things that are Brantford specific, and the things that are Waterloo specific. So, advocating for those students no matter where they come from, no matter what year they’re from, or even if they aren’t at Laurier yet. What are those students looking for in their future campuses?

ate to me -- I’m not n’t say that, but nor ound this perfect fe, my social life, ll inside the walls many students can very important.

In my Laurier career, I have more than 20 co-curricular recognitions on my record and I have volunteered on both campuses. I have served Students’ Union as chair of the board and CGO and also the chair of elections and also served as a director on the board within the volunteer positions as well. This makes me uniquely qualified and have the vision of both campuses and makes me uniquely qualified in a way that I have this qualification to serve the students and once I go to the office to serve the students, I have that connection with the students. I have volunteered not only for Students’ Union but every single department on campus -- I already have those connections built and I know what are the needs of our diverse campus and what are the needs of our student body with the wealth of organizational information and knowledge that I gained from my work within Students’ Union.

You know what, I am the best candidate for this job, and the reason why is first and foremost, yes, you’re representing the voice of the students, it’s something that I’ve done across the board. No one can say that I’m not outspoken, I have 100% advocated for students and not been shy about what students’ opinions are, and what they should do, and where the students’ union really fits into that, and where undergraduate students fit into that. I’m the undergraduate rep on the board of governors, there’s only two, there’s 50 people there, and they’re all adults, academics, people in executive positions at the university. I’ve had no problem raising my hand at those meetings and advocating for students’ needs. Recently you got an email about the strategic plan, students got an email about the strategic plan, and the outreach towards undergraduate students, I’m happy to say I was the one that asked the question at the last board of governors meeting when we were saying hey, what are we doing, how are we reaching out to stakeholders, and I didn’t hear anything about undergraduate students. This answer has been shortened for length. The rest can be found online at www.thecord.ca.

14 â€¢ GAMES

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GAMES • 15

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

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.

Can’t wait for post mortems at noon and 2! Sincerely, Parnav Dear school, Still haven’t been to class this term lolololol. Sincerely, I try Dear School, Why are you picking up already?

Dear Life Well Well... look who it is... the consequences of my actions. Sincerely, Self-destructive

Sincerely, A non-free student Dear Life, I’m scared to apply to summer jobs.

Dear A, I’m so proud of how well you handle everything. No matter how budy and stressed you get, you always make an effort to be kind and caring to everyone around you. Keep being great. Sincerely, E

Sincerely, A poor student Dear lil’ boss, Keep up the hefty appetite you’ve had lately and sick gains will be in store for you in 2019. Sincerely, A big fan

Dear Students’ Union, Dear Tuesday Night, Please make your election season longer, I don’t think my body can handle the stress of so many things needing to be done soon.

I never thought I’d talk about penises so much at my workplace, but here we are.

Sincerely, Not Enough Time

Sincerely, Sex Ed

Dear Life,

She won’t see this and I won’t tell her it’s here but everyone who reads this, just know, she is the best friend and partner a man could ask for.

I want my bed. Sincerely, Not a night owl Dear Food,

Sincerely, The Gare Bear

Stop being so good and so bad at the same time.

Dear Gare Bear, Sincerely, Sakiki

You’re so cute. Sincerely, We love you

Dear Laurier Students,

Dear Saints, Please don;t ket me down this weekend.

Take the time to get informed and read the candidates’ platforms because it is more important than you think. Sincerely, They can do stuff

Sincerely, Your biggest fan Dear Cord Staff,

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

WLUSP ADMINISTRATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DIRECTOR Aaron Hagey

CHAIR Terrence Mroz

DIRECTOR Rosalind Horne

VICE-CHAIR Shyenne MacDonald

DIRECTOR H.G. Watson

DIRECTOR Maiya Mistry

TREASURER Garrison Oosterhof

PRESIDENT Terrence Mroz president@wlusp.com FINANCE MANAGER Randy Moore randy@rcmbrooks. com ADVERTISING MANAGER Care Lucas

care.lucas@wlusp. com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lakyn Barton lakyn.barton@wlusp. com HR MANAGER Paige Bush

SUDOKU

16 •

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

Arts & Life

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR EMILY WAITSON arts@thecord.ca

OPERA

The KWS production of “Carmen” brings together music students AARON HAGEY NEWS EDITOR

Last weekend, Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Music, in collaboration with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, brought together over 150 music students, delivering a series of polished and brilliant performances of Georges Bizet’s Carmen, an “opéra comique” — and one of the best known in the world. There were two concert version performances — meaning it presented with little to no staging, sets or costumes — the first of which was Friday, Jan. 11 and the final was Saturday, Jan. 12. Amongst the singers were three recent graduates and one current student of the Music program, one of the voice instructors and the choir — which was comprised of four different Laurier choirs: the Laurier Concert Choir, the Maureen Forrester Singers, the Laurier Singers and the Laurier Opera Chorus. Because I am the farthest thing from a performance, music or opera critique, I will not endeavour to evaluate the value or quality of

the opera that this collective put forward. I will, however, speak to the effort required to conceive of such a production. Orchestrating — no pun intended — such a large collection of individuals is no meagre feat. Bringing together two very distinct ideologies of singing groups — the professional versus the educational — brought about its own set of unique and daunting challenges. “It’s interesting — what the public sees is a very polished and finished product … [But] the behind-the-scenes complexities are enormous,” said Glen Carruthers, dean of Laurier’s Faculty of Music. The role and function of a professional arts organization, like the Symphony and the role and function of an arts education institution, like the Facility of Music, are very different. On one hand, the Faculty of Music puts a much heavier emphasis on the learning process and its importance. “It’s about helping young people to understand the various components necessary for a successful a career in music … What’s essential, in our case, is that the learning

process [is] front and centre for the students throughout the preparation,” Carruthers said. In contrast, professional musicians such as the Symphony tend to be less concerned about the process, focussing instead on creating a finalized, efficient, smooth result. “So you somehow have to find a middle-ground between process and product … That being said: we [still] need[ed] a superb product as well in the end, which we did have,” Carruthers said. There is a colossal effort that goes into organizing all the various choirs, students and professionals necessary for a performance like this. Carruthers explained that the logistics behind it are quite similar to putting together lego: “you’ve got all the component parts and you hope it will fit together and make a complete whole,” he said. The performance sold out on both nights, which is not unusual for the Faculty. However, given the conversations that Carruthers had with a number of others, the “artistic standard” of the performance was still quite “high” — which sounds good enough for me. But what about the value that

JENNIFER WEBB/CORD PHOTOGRAPHY

music holds in our lives, especially as it becomes more fundamental to our experiences and personalities with each passing year? “I think that music has, clearly, an aesthetic value, period. We don’t need to justify the existence of the art form [that way] … That being said, we live in exceedingly complicated times,” Carruthers said. “I’m certain that arts and culture are going to play an increasingly important role in our society as the complexities unfold … These art-forms and others like them are crucial to the health and wellbeing of our society.”

However, music — and performances like these — also play a pivotal role in the lives of a number of students in Laurier’s Faculty of Music. “I think it was nice to come together in a big group [and] professional setting and work with an experienced conductor, an experienced orchestra, collaborate and make really beautiful music,” said Sabrina Di Battista, a student in Laurier’s Music program. “I want to be an opera singer myself and I’m currently in the opera at school. It’s the biggest part of my life, it’s what I want to do for a living.”

HEALTH

Feeling the burn despite the cold EMILY WAITSON ARTS AND LIFE EDITOR

KASHYAP PATEL/GRAPHICS EDITOR

During the winter months, I notice that I tend to fall into a cold weather “funk” — I’m more moody, I have less energy and my motivation to eat well and exercise regularly is almost non-existent. Basically, I want to ride out the gloomy weather and lack of sunlight until spring in my bedroom watching Netflix and relying on Uber eats orders — so I end up becoming a slightly less threatening version of a grizzly bear in hibernation. Because so many people are driven indoors due to the cold and lack of regular daylight, it’s understandable that we aren’t motivated to be focussed on our physical and mental health. After all, an estimated two to three per cent of Canadians suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder every year, which heavily impacts our desire to be keeping on top of our everyday health routines. This year, I told myself that I would try to change this pattern that I fall into and use new techniques to tackle my overall

disinterest with working out and eating mindfully. I complain more than anyone about being outside in uncomfortable conditions, especially if it’s really cold.

I have less energy and my motivation to eat well and exercise regularly is almost non-existent.

But I can’t really argue with experts — we need vitamin D from the sun and we don’t get enough of it during the colder months. Skating, skiing, snowboarding, hiking — whatever Canadian activity it may be, find a pretty place to post about on Instagram and take advantage of the ability to get moving to do something that gives you some amount of joy. Purchasing winter produce and not shying away from frozen options (they’re just as good as fresh,

don’t let the internet trick you into thinking otherwise) can save you a ton of money on overpriced vegetables and fruit. Looking forward to workouts is something I’m not used to feeling and I’ve learned that finding things that I like doing, which also hold me accountable for completing them, make a world of difference as to whether or not I exercise consistently. I’ve been testing out different workout apps that encourage me to do some physical activity every day and I’ve been looking into fitness classes at a local workout studio that seem motivating. Being in a fun space where I’m boxing, participating in a spin class or trying out different yoga routines with upbeat music taught instructors who want to see their classes succeed, is far more enjoyable than slugging away in the gym by myself. It can be really hard to muster up the desire to break a sweat or eat better when the weather outside isn’t really that desirable. But I’ve noticed I always feel better about doing something, rather than nothing. My mood, however resistant I may be initially, always improves after I do something active and positive for my overall wellbeing and health.

ARTS & LIFE • 17

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019 SHOPPING

More bang for your book: where to find used reads in KW YITIAN CAI/CORD PHOTOGRAPHY

JACOB ARAND STAFF WRITER

Despite the best efforts of the digital world, physical books refuse to go gently into that good night. Honestly, I’m glad. I tried the whole Kindle thing and, to me, nothing beats the feeling of holding a book in your hands. The tactile feedback of turning the pages, the ability to easily check your progress at any point, and most importantly, the smell. But while physical books have remained and even grown in popularity throughout the years, so have the prices. If you want to diversify your bookshelf without breaking the bank, used bookstores are your best bet. When looking to buy used books in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, options aren’t exactly plentiful. Aside from Amazon, there are three physical stores that specialize in used books: A Second Look Books & Movies, KW Bookstore and Old Goat Books. But which one is the best? To give each of these locations a fair shot I had a series of criteria in mind when I made my visits: atmosphere, selection, and website. In terms of selection, I broke the category down even further by administering three tests: the Lord of the Flies test, the “Susan Sontag” test and the Harry Potter test. These are all pretty self-explanatory as I was checking for both availability and price at each of the stores. KW Bookstore I know when reviewing something you should check your bias at the door, but it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t tell you that KW Bookstore has been my least favourite bookstore for years. That being said, I did my best to put aside past-experiences and look at it with fresh eyes. What I saw wasn’t bad but it wasn’t extraordinary either. In terms of selection, KW Bookstore is the smallest of the three, but I did find that they had a strangely large inventory of German books if that’s your thing. Unfortunately, it failed two of my three tests as there was no Susan Sontag or Lord of the Flies to be found. I did stumble across a copy of the last Harry Potter book, but the price was pretty steep at $20. The atmosphere was fine. I will say that the smell is the most prominent at KW Bookstore, so if

you love the scent of musty books like I do, this is the place to be. While it looks like KW Bookstore does, in fact, have a website, I couldn’t get it to open on any browser. So in that regard, it gets a failing grade. However, they win back a point with music selection; I had a very pleasant time browsing the store while being serenaded by Erykah Badu. Old Goat Books Old Goat Books wins the atmosphere competition, and you will understand why as soon as you walk through the door. With shelves shooting at least eight feet from the ground, Old Goat Books is almost overwhelming to peruse. The narrow walkways make you feel as though you are surrounded by knowledge and entertainment that could come crashing down upon you at any moment. Ironically, despite its appearance bearing striking resemblance to the world J.K. Rowling created, there was nary a copy of Harry Potter to be found. It’s the same story for both Lord of the Flies and anything by Susan Sontag. Navigating the labyrinth that is Old Goat Books can be challenging, but luckily finding what you are looking for is easy due to the friendly staff and the intuitive website.

only store to pass more than one of my tests with a copy of Lord of the Flies being found easily. Their Harry Potter books were the most expensive, but they were also in pristine condition, so take that as you may. Before I wrap-up, there is technically one more used bookstore in the area: The Laurier Bookstore. While the bookstore that we all know and love does well with atmosphere and website, the selection is a little sparse if you’re

not in the market for textbooks. I did, however, find a copy of Trainspotting for the used price of $14.25, so that was pretty cool, I guess. In terms of used bookstores in the area, it really comes down to preference. If I had to pick the ‘best’ bookstore it would go to Old Goat Books with very little competition. This is largely due to the website giving it a commanding lead. But A Second Look still holds a very special place in my heart.

Maybe it’s because they have the largest collection of hardcover Stephen King novels. Maybe it’s because they sell movies as well as books. Or maybe the dog gives them more of an edge than I thought. Either way, don’t let my opinions sway you. Check out these stores and support local businesses. Otherwise, we’ll have to go to Indigo for all of our books, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but I don’t think any of us make enough money for that.

ﬁll a gap in your program

A Second Look Books & Movies Just like with KW Bookstore, I have a confession to make. A Second Look has been my go-to bookstore for as long as I can remember. Once again I tried to be impartial, but as a human being my bias is always present. I like A Second Look because it’s just so cozy. It has the largest selection of the three bookstores around, and if they don’t have it on the shelves there is a good chance it will be in the back. The separation of their stock can be little confusing with some books fitting into multiple categories, but if you have any questions one of the knowledgeable staff members will be more than happy to help. Also sometimes there is a dog at the store which gives them an edge in my opinion. On the website side of things they take a hit, but it seems as though Old Goat Books is the exception in this category instead of the rule. A Second Look was the

Athabasca University has over 850 courses to choose from to meet your needs and courses start every month. AU has over 6,600 transfer agreements around the world (including with this institution).

18 • ARTS & LIFE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

Thinking of voting in the upcoming Students’ Union Election? Video Editor, Sarah Tyler, breaks down the voting process. First things first, are you a Laurier undergraduate student? Yes

I wish

Do you plan on voting/submitting a ballot? Of course

Have you read the platforms, watched live streams, or paid attention to campaigns on campus or on social media? Nope

Yeah

Check them out while you still can!

Will you be on campus between January 22-24?

Nahh

Will do

Yes

Which has more free time? Participate in abstention (submit a ballot without having your vote count)

Reconsider your choices

Tuesday/Thursday Life

Vote online (wherever you are)

Wednesday Life

Vote on campus on Tuesday or Thursday

Sorry, you are currently inelligible to vote.

Vote on campus on Wednesday INFOGRAPHIC AND LAYOUT BY SARAH TYLER/VIDEO EDITOR

• 19

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

Editorial

OPINION EDITOR ALYSSA DI SABATINO opinion@thecord.ca

President’s Note: SU accountability TERRENCE MROZ PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

For more than a decade, Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications (WLUSP), the parent organization that houses The Cord and The Sputnik among many other publications, has overseen the moderation of the Open Forums and Presidential debates for all incoming Students’ Union election candidates. WLUSP provides this service in collaboration with the Students’ Union in an effort to keep the overall election process fair, accountable and transparent to WLU students. This combined service is essential for a fair and transparent election process and for students to make informed decisions on student leadership for the following school year. To have a third-party moderator is to ensure that candidates are questioned fairly and accurately with no bias or favour towards certain candidates. We, as an impartial third-party, ensure important and ethical questions are compiled from our own staff and the student body and are asked to every candidate in an effort to preserve WLU students’ rights and the democratic values of an open debate. As with any form of government, the Students’ Union needs the watchful eye of the press. The Fourth Estate of the press is essential in a fair and open debate. This year, Adam Kovacs, the Students’ Union Chair of the Board, and his election management team decided against a third-party moderation and instead chose to moderate the open forums and Presidential debates themselves. Less than 24 hours before the first Open Forum in Brantford, WLU Student Publications received the Open Forum schedule and noticed the change in moderator. Despite requests to address concerns with the first Open Forum schedule in a meeting set for later that same day, the schedule was distributed anyways. Although we had been in communication with Chair Kovacs and Chief Returning Officer Troy Frieburger for weeks prior to this, we were not consulted or approached in any way regarding this change — it was provided without reason and at the last minute by Chair Kovacs. During the same meeting with Chair Kovacs, WLUSP was offered the opportunity to follow the already distributed schedule and moderate only incoming Senate and Governor candidates. This was apparently due to Chair Kovacs’ schedule that prevented him from arriving to the debate on time. We declined the offer due to our journalistic and ethical obligations. As a media organization,

we simply cannot ethically justify only moderating only a selection of all candidates, and step aside as proper vetting is eliminated for other candidates. When officials are elected into power, whether nationally, provincially, locally or on campus, it is understood and trusted by those voting that the vetting process is conducted with honesty, integrity and without internal conflict of interest. The public should trust the election process to ensure candidates are not given positions of authority and financial compensation based on personal agendas. However, President and CEO of the Students’ Union Tarique Plummer made the decision to join Kovacs and sit on the moderation panel Wednesday in Brantford during the first of two Open Forums for the election season. Here, Plummer and Chair Kovacs led the question period for all Board of Director and Presidential candidates, many of whom currently work for them now. If every debate of an election is moderated by individuals with a possible direct stake in the outcome, how can we be sure of the fairness of these debates or elections? It cannot be known where questions originate, the motivation behind them, possible conflicts of interest or even if more meaningful or hard-hitting questions were avoided being asked. At the time of print, WLU Student Publication has not received a response from Chair Kovacs or Chief Returning Officer Troy Frieburger, despite our expressed concerns about the lack of accountability in this year’s election and our proposed collaborative solutions to ensure the final Open Forum and the Presidential debate actually foster open debate. We have also not received any schedule for the next Open Forum or the Presidential debate further hindering our ability to provide accurate coverage to WLU students this year. Through conversations with Chair Kovacs and Chief Returning Officer Troy Frieburger, we are under the impression that Chair Kovacs will be moderating the Students’ Union candidates for both the Waterloo Open Forum and the Waterloo Presidential Debate. We are unsure if President Plummer will be joining him in moderation. As a member of the student media, and a WLU Student who pays annual fees, I am deeply troubled by the actions thus far in the election by current Students’ Union officials, and fear for the loss of trust in next year’s elected candidates by the student body and campus as a result. Students however are not left without autonomy in this situation — I encourage any student who feels strongly about this to express it in person tonight at the Waterloo Open Forum at 5:00 p.m. in the Concourse and at the Presidential Debate on Jan. 17 at 8:00 p.m. in the Concourse.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

KASHYAP PATEL/GRAPHICS EDITOR

Forgetting how to be an athlete HAYLEY MCGOLDRICK NEWS EDITOR

Being an athlete was always my identifier for the majority of my life. Playing soccer since the ripe age of two turning three, playing basketball since the fourth grade and dabbling in other sports along the way, sports were pretty much all I ever knew. From age eight I started playing competitive soccer, and at age 10 I started playing basketball competitively, so the next eight years of my life were a pretty set schedule. Winters were full of basketball practices, some games, and tournaments almost every weekend, with soccer practice at the field on Sundays and dry land training during the week. Sprinting from a basketball practice to make an exhibition soccer game was an event that occurred more than once. Summers were a little calmer because it was just practice and a game each week with the occasional tournament. The basketball season ended

in May, as soon as soccer season started. When I got to high school, the combination of high school sports plus my two competitive sports I played for my city consumed my entire being. I was an athlete in every sense of the word. Early morning practices turned into late nights at the field, and 18hour days full of sports and school were just part of life. The problem with identifying as an athlete is that when it stops, the whole world does too. Never being super amazing at either sport, and never realizing that it takes practice and dedication to take it to the next level, 18 is where it all stopped for me. None of my teammates went on to play sports either, but some of my classmates who played other sports had full-ride Division 1 scholarships to go play a sport they loved in the States; three things I wanted so bad but would never achieve. The summer after I turned 18, as I’m a November baby who never actually was the age of her competitive group, a few girls I used to play competitive with attempted to make a team. But eight girls out of a roster of 20 would show up and the same set of girls that once won a league

together for their city could no longer win a game. No one took it as seriously because there were no practices or coaches anymore; that structure we all knew so well for over a decade just vanished without any warning. I wish I could have stayed 17 forever. I also started working for the club I grew up playing with. It was the first tournament I worked at instead of played in for the first time in 10 years; I cried as soon as the trophy ceremony started. Identifying as something for your whole life and then it all coming to a halt doesn’t mean all those great memories and the athleticism doesn’t exist anymore, it’s just a switch up in the routine. I still write and talk about sports, I still play the odd intramural and I still have a dream of working in sports post-grad. I never wanted to play sports as a career, but I also never thought it was going to end as quickly as it did. I still get jealous seeing varsity athletes on campus because they just got four more years of living that dream after high school. The dream doesn’t necessarily have to come to an end, you just have to find alternate channels to live it through.

20 •

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16. 2019 OPINION EDITOR ALYSSA DI SABATINO opinion@thecord.ca

The Upside makes room for discussions on disability EMMA IRIS MCVICAR OPINION COLUMNIST

On Friday night after the long week’s haul, I attended a movie that has, perhaps expectedly, become a topic of controversy, but left me speechless and in awe. Bryan Cranston stars alongside Kevin Hart in The Upside as a paraplegic. Some have questioned if minority groups should be represented on film by non-members of that group. Cranston, an able-bodied actor, faced backlash for his role as a disabled man. When asked about his role on an ET Canada interview, Cranston responded to the controversy. “I’m wealthy, I’m very fortunate, does that mean I can’t play a person who is not wealthy? Does that mean I can’t play a homosexual? I don’t know. Where does the restriction apply? ... I think it is worthy for debate to discuss those issues.” I agree, debate is needed. Indeed, the film touches on a number of important social dis-

KASHYAP PATEL/GRAPHICS EDITOR

cussions. Based on a true story, Dell (Hart) is an African American ex-con. He struggles to reconnect with his son and pay child support to his ex. He becomes a caretaker for Philip (Cranston) who is a wealthy white man, burdened with paralysis after an accident. Philip’s life is devoid of meaning when we first meet him. Sympathetic applicants speak to him

gently, which irritates Philip who knows no amount of pretending will make his life easier. Dell enters and is blunt, outspoken and a tad offensive. Seeing this, Philip smiles for the first time in the film. He sees real potential here. Dell is hired. We immediately see the characters starkly contrast one another. Their weaknesses quickly become each other’s

strengths. While Philip is unimaginably rich and powerful, immobility leaves him deeply dependent on others. His perspective is pessimistic. Dell attempts to make amends with his family but struggles to overcome his past decisions, become responsible and learn to care for others. The film is immediately understood to be comedic through its playful jokes. The best ones come at times when a character feels helpless in their situation. Cranston captures Philip’s frustration, powerlessness and despair in an intensely emotion evoking performance. All the while, Dell makes jokes about his impairment that immediately lightens Philip’s mood. The focus began with whether minority roles like paraplegics should be played by able-bodied actors, but the goal to build understanding of these issues is to have the issues themselves portrayed well. Somebody identical to the character at hand wouldn’t be an actor, so we wouldn’t have a movie. Both actors perform beautifully. Cranston and Hart are not their characters, but the skill and purpose of an actor is to embody a character to bring stories to life.

They are merely tools to convey larger messages at hand. The film showcases humour that leads to the sharing of culture and developing respect. Offensive jokes lead to a more relaxed and positive outlook on both of their lives. Two radically different worlds give each character a much needed outside perspective to make life-changing shifts. When Dell and Philip appropriate jokes about each other’s status, the humorous approach lifts the heavy sentiment of these very real topics and allows healthy conversation to be had by showing that laughter always lifts spirits when dealing with difficulty. It doesn’t matter that an able-bodied actor played a paraplegic man. The focus of the film addresses so many important issues, as well as disability, and opens them up for discussion. Wealthy versus worker culture, single-motherhood, black and white narratives, pain, depression, acceptance and salvation are just some of the topics addressed. Shifting the focus away from those who specifically plays the characters brings attention to the fact that the film did a tremendous job of representing the struggles disability brings while showing a

their representatives and senators to appeal for Brown’s clemency. It’s very possible that this influx of support for Brown could have positively impacted the outcome of her sentence. It’s sad to me that Cyntoia

Brown’s case would have almost seemed hopeless if it were not for the excessive social media attention and celebrity involvement, but it’s also promising to see the ways in which internet advocacy can actually pay off.

Cyntoia Brown’s case is troubling ALYSSA DI SABATINO OPINION EDITOR

Last week, Cyntoia Brown was granted clemency from her 51 year prison sentence, and is set to be released on parole in August 2019. Cyntoia Brown has served 15 out of 51 years for murdering the man who solicited her for sex at the age of 16. It was in 2004 that she was tried as an adult for killing 43-year-old real estate agent Johnny Mitchell Allen, a man almost 30 years her senior. Throughout the years, Brown maintained that she committed the act in self defence, and that she was forced into prostitution at a young age. She said that she was solicited for sex by Allen, and while at his house she noticed a gun on him that she thought he was drawing, when she shot him out of fear for her own life. Her prosecutors decided that she shot him to rob him, and not because her life was in danger. As a victim of child sex trafficking, Brown’s clemency is a victory for human rights activists who have been rallying for her release since it originally garnered media attention.

Celebrities such as Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and LeBron James showed support for her on social media as well. Much of the outrage over her sentence came from the fact that people found a life sentence in prison without parole to be too harsh for a child who had been subjected to so much violence and abuse. Her sentence seemed to ignore all the mitigating factors of her case. She had appealed for release multiple times throughout her sentence without much luck, until now. Brown has taken extensive steps to rebuild her life since getting locked up. Having earned an associates degree, she is on track to finish her bachelor’s degree this spring. This was taken into consideration during her recent appeal. Brown also has fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and the governor in charge of her case considered this while finalizing her release. Obviously, none of these mitigating factors justify her crime. But the idea of the crime not fitting the punishment has been very prevalent during her appeal, as well as the fact that she has shown exponential emotional healing and growth throughout her sentence. Brown’s case has sparked a debate on criminal justice reform, with some of her former prosecutors rallying for her release. Her case shows the ways in

which black women are sidelined in civil rights debates, but her case is not unique. While this case garnered much media attention, other stories of women taking a stand against their traffickers and then being punished for it are slowly being brought to light as well. Hopefully, Brown’s sex trafficking survival story can be used as a catalyst for helping other unjustly incarcerated black women. According to a report by The Sentencing Project, black women were imprisoned twice as much as white women in 2016. These numbers have been slowly dropping recently, but the disparity is astounding. In an interview, Alex Chambers, a survivor and advocate for Brown’s freedom, said that the narratives around black women and girls need to be actively countered, and that victims should be rendered as worthy of “care and support instead of punishment.” We see a lot of archetypal frat boys and business men commit sex crimes and get off scot-free, but the story rarely ever pans out similarly for young black women who have been exploited. In 2004, prosecutors may have found it easier to punish girls like Cyntoia, but almost 15 years later it’s possible that the script is being flipped. In December, social justice organizations were encouraged to send letters and make phone calls to

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

OPINION • 21

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16. 2019

Overcoming presentation anxiety

JACOB BROZ STAFF WRITER

On Spotted at Laurier, I frequently see posts where students detail the anxiety they face when giving a presentation or attending a class. As a person that is prone to overthinking and worrying, I can sympathize with their position. Few people enjoy coping with anxiety induced by factors imposed upon them. In the short-run, dealing with anxiety brought about from classroom demands may feel unnecessary and something worth avoiding. However, dealing with it now will make one stronger in the long-term. Public speaking and classroom participation can, in some cases, be legitimate fears. Although I have not experienced massive anxiety from these activities myself, I can completely understand how they can place a person under enor-

mous pressure. Unfortunately, the workplace will be no better for your anxiety than university is. You could be required to give lengthy presentations to stakeholders or perform ad-hoc projects where you have no clue where to begin. Trust me, your employer will not go out of their way to assuage the sources of your anxiety. It may be tough, but it is reality. University is the bridge to the modern workforce. It is here where we are supposed to be given the skills to excel in a field of our choosing. Employers are seeking educated workers that are able to articulate themselves competently. Universities would be doing their students a tremendous disservice by caving to student fears and exempting them from anxiety inducing experiences. I think this will be one of the greatest challenges facing universities going forward. We have witnessed a dramatic change in the university-student relationship in recent years. If universities have implemented safe spaces to “protect” students from “harmful” ideas, how much further will they

Life after Laurier SABRINA LAVI LAURIER ALUMNI

Every new year in Waterloo ushers in a new dusting of snow and the return of thousands of Golden Hawks to the nest. For some, it’s one of many winter semesters and for others, it’s a first. But no matter what stage you are at, rest assured, your time at Laurier will follow you, long after you hand back your cap and gown at convocation. I know this much, because it rings true for me almost everyday. I arrived in Waterloo, a brighteyed and ever-hopeful 22 year old looking to continue my education after spending four years studying politics and sociology at the University of Toronto. A graduate degree in politics seemed like the logical choice — I enjoyed reading, writing and defending my opinions. But most notably, the university was ready to foot the bill.

No matter what stage you are at, rest assured, your time at Laurier will follow you, long after you hand back your cap and gown at convocation.

As a graduate student, I had the opportunity to develop and create an original piece of writing. I choose to examine the relationship between political issues, prominent media outlets and think tanks. As part of my research, I spent months and many agonizing

hours coding and content analyzing newspaper articles. Little did I know, all of that effort would help me down the road. My solid understanding of media outlets has helped propel my ability to build relationships with reporters and secure coverage for a host of clients I work with daily. Before I even made the leap into public relations, I had already begun exposing myself to certain elements of PR while studying at Laurier. I held tours to prospective graduate students, showcasing what the department and campus had to offer. Without even knowing it, I was positively contributing to the institution’s brand. I was essentially pitching, something I do almost every day to prospective journalists across the country. Not only has being a Golden Hawk helped my career, but it has also impacted my personal life. One of my former colleagues who worked alongside me through all of the late nights at the DAWB, trying to complete our statistics assignments (for the record Dr. Perrella, I still don’t understand syntax), is now one of my closest friends. Despite living in two different cities, we continually make the effort to keep up-to-date on the events happening in each other’s lives. We make periodic trips to visit each other in Waterloo whenever we feel the slightest pinch of nostalgia. This friendship has helped me through some of the toughest moments in my life and without a doubt will continue well into my golden years. So, to all of the Golden Hawks returning to campus and to those who will spend a great deal of time waiting at Wilf’s to be served, why not take this opportunity to reflect on what you’ve achieved and what’s yet to come.

go? This is not saying that universities should go out of their way to incite anxiety, but they should at least recognize that anxiety is a normal, healthy component of the educational process. The inclination to coddle and accommodate can be beneficial in modest doses. However, these factors should not dictate the university-student relationship. Learning occurs when we step outside our comfort zone, and that is exactly what occurs when an individual overcomes their trepidations to speak to a sizeable audience. When they speak to a group of shareholders or coworkers in the future, they will be much more prepared. I believe that students should not look at presentations as an obstacle but rather as an opportunity. You have a captive audience of students that are, most likely, bored out of their goddamn minds and waiting for the lecture to end. Add a personal flare and strive to entertain your audience. Your professor is probably tired of listening to cookie cutter presentations and your presentation could provide a

KASHYAP PATEL/GRAPHICS EDITOR

change of pace. This is at least how I approach presentations, but it does help in relieving anxiety. Everybody will have their own technique. There are those exceptional cases where people are absolutely petrified of public speaking. This can be symptomatic of a larger issue, and therapy and medications exist that can make a world of difference.

Fringe cases notwithstanding, students have the ability to reframe the way they see presentations and overcome their fears. Avoiding classes that entail presentations is merely making a small problem larger. Essentially, the hurdle is only becoming taller. Fears should be conquered at the earliest possible opportunity for maximum effectiveness. Your future self will thank you.

22 •

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

Sports

SPORTS EDITOR PRANAV DESAI sports@thecord.ca

COMPETITION

GARRISON OOSTERHOF/FILE PHOTO

Reigniting the greatest rivalry in Laurier history PRANAV DESAI SPORTS EDITOR

Wilfrid Laurier University’s varsity football games against the Western Mustangs usually create the highest amount of excitement for Golden Hawk fans. The games between Western and Laurier feature a ton of passion from both players and fans, and the rivalry has seemingly gotten bigger and better every year. However, the Golden Hawks’ rivalry with the University of Waterloo has the potential to overtake Laurier’s rivalry with Western in the future. The games between the two neighbouring schools are promoted as “The Battle of Waterloo” and although the ‘Battle’ hasn’t garnered the same attention as football games against Western in recent times, the rivalry is making a strong comeback. The Battle of Waterloo has now become a full-fledged competition between the Hawks and the University of Waterloo Warriors. The schools keep track of the result of every Battle of Waterloo game throughout the year, and whoever has the better record at the end is presented with a trophy and more importantly, bragging rights. “The Battle of Waterloo has been promoted as that since the beginning of time. But this series [between the two schools] really began through Roly Webster, a Laurier alum who is the Director of Athletics and Recreation at the University of Waterloo. Two and a

half years ago, we sat at Mel’s Diner with myself, Roly Webster and the two football head coaches from the two teams. We discussed that the Battle of Waterloo has always been a big matchup in football, but we wanted to expand it to all the varsity sports,” Peter Baxter, Director of Athletics and Recreation at Laurier, said. “It’s something that both [Laurier and Waterloo] athletic departments are helping market to students. We want to build [the series] over a three to five-year period and hopefully we can sell out all the varsity games that are played between the two schools.” The competition officially began at the start of the 2017-18 school year and it was Laurier who came out on top at the end with 11 wins, four losses and four draws overall to win the series.

... the Battle of Waterloo has always been a big matchup in football, but we wanted to expand it to all the varsity sports. -Peter Baxter, Laurier Director of Athletics and Recreation

The Golden Hawks are currently leading the Battle of Waterloo for 2018-19 with seven wins, five

losses and a draw as they look to defend their Battle of Waterloo throne. The hype behind the Battle of Waterloo has been intensified not only because of the competition itself, but also because of the marketing done by both schools. “We sit down in the summertime with the marketing teams and they come up with ways to make [the rivalry] fun. It’s just a way to get people talking about the rivalry and trying to generate some excitement around it. Even when we have the matches between the schools, we try our best to get the fans engaged in the event itself,” Baxter explained. The tremendous marketing effort has been put on display especially through social media. The Laurier Athletics Instagram account has featured numerous videos involving the mascots from both schools and the mischief between them has provided a lot of entertainment for both sets of fans. The launch of the Battle of Waterloo competition shows a clear intent from both schools of rekindling a rivalry that was more prevalent than ever in the late 1990s. “In football, we used to play the opening game of the season on Labor Day Monday against Waterloo. We used to share a stadium and of course that game would be full of students every year. 20 years ago, Waterloo was winning the Yates Cup in 1997 and 1999, and they beat us in the final in 1999. They beat us in a capacity, homecoming,

type of crowd,” Baxter said. “Over the years, when the league expanded with Queen’s and Ottawa coming in, we couldn’t schedule that game on the same weekend all the time. Waterloo also had some challenges with their record, but when they hired [coach] a few years ago, things changed.” The Warriors had the footballing edge over the Hawks in the 1990s, as their two Yates Cups topped the Hawks’ solo Yates Cup in 1991. However, the tides have turned since then. The Hawks have captured two more football OUA championships in the 2000s, while the Warriors have failed to reach the finals since 1999. Things have started to change for the Warriors in recent times. The Warriors hired head coach Chris Bertoia four years ago and the team has shown major signs of improvement. Bertoia played for Waterloo during their Yates Cup wins in the 1990s and he has also had a successful coaching career since then. He has been able to carry that success into his Waterloo coaching tenure. Bertoia was named the 2017 OUA Coach of the Year, and the Warriors football team finally beat the Hawks in 2018 after a 16year drought. Although facts, statistics and wins and losses make this local rivalry intriguing, the idea behind the Battle of Waterloo competition wasn’t to see what school will come out on top, it’s all about making the rivalry more competitive and exciting than ever.

“It’s not necessarily about who wins or loses, it’s about getting a competitive game and creating a great experience for both sets of fans. It’s also great for the student athletes because there’s nothing better than playing in front of a packed gym. We want to create a great rivalry,” Baxter concluded.

It’s not necessarily about who wins or loses, it’s about getting a competitive game and creating a great experience ... -Peter Baxter, Laurier Director of Athletics and Recreation

Even though football season is over, there are still plenty of ‘Battles’ left in the 2018-19 season. A total of four basketball games and two hockey games are remaining between the two universities. It is going to be interesting to see if the Hawks can defend their Battle of Waterloo title or if the Warriors will make a comeback to tie the annual series at 1-1. No matter the result, this initiative has already taken big strides towards reigniting the rivalry and the competition will only make the Battle of Waterloo better every year.

SPORTS • 23

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019 MEN’S CURLING

Laurier curler to compete at Junior Championships ABDULHAMID IBRAHIM LEAD SPORTS REPORTER

There is a first time for everything and sometimes, that first time comes from a vision or something you witness that you know you would like to be a part of and you just need to work towards. As the saying goes: trust the process, your time is coming. “This is my first time playing at a national event. I was in the spare pool for the Stratford Curling National Championships like two or three years ago. I got to see the atmosphere and everything, but I never actually like played in it. So when I was there, it was really eye-opening to see and it made me want to work harder to try and win one for myself,” said Adam Vincent of the Golden Hawks men’s curling team. He will be competing at the Canadian Junior Curling Championship after qualifying as a member of Team Steep this past weekend at the U21 Ontario Provincial Championships at Annadale Golf and Curling Club. This came following a big win for Team Steep, defeating Team Mooibroek 8-7 in the championship match, sending them on to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, the host city for the 2019 New Holland Canadian Junior Championships.

“It’s definitely incredible. We’ve been working at this for pretty much our entire lives, try and go to national championships, so it feels really good that our hard work is paying off,” Vincent said. What this also means is that for a seventh straight year, Laurier will have at least one athlete compete at these Canadian Junior Championships. “Laurier always has incredible curling athletes like every year, so it’s not a surprise that at least one person is representing Ontario at the national championships for U21. We have great coaches and a great program so usually there’s at least one person going, so it’s nice to continue the streak.” Competing at a national level is something that most consider a dream in a plethora of sports. Letting excitement get to your head can turn that dream into settling for less than expected. Keeping a level head allows for a higher level of focus. After all, the entire point of competing is to go for the win. “Usually, Ontario’s considered a very hard province to get out of, so whoever wins Ontario is usually expected to probably be top 4 and competing in the championship round and hopefully making the final. We have pretty high expectations and we definitely wanna

represent Ontario well and win a lot of games and try and make that semi-final and then final,” Vincent said.

We’ve been working at this for pretty much our entire lives, try and go to national championships, so it feels really good ... -Adam Vincent, Laurier men’s varsity curler

“Since it’s my last year in U21, I think it’s just gonna be very exciting but we have to dial it back and it’s just like a curling event. The biggest thing is just to try and perform the best we can and take it one game at a time,” Vincent stated. With each step of the way to the final coming in the form of each game played leading up, Team Steep will be looking to reach the top. The tournament begins on Jan.19 with the semi-finals and finals being played on Jan. 26.

EVA OU/PHOTO EDITOR

24 • SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Matt Minutillo becoming a key piece for young Hawks Third year guard’s standout play is one of the biggest reasons behind Laurier’s illustrious season JOSEPH DEFILIPPIS STAFF WRITER

In a season that has seen Laurier’s men’s basketball team reach a U-Sports Top 10 ranking for the first time since 2012, guard Matt Minutillo has largely been the team’s unsung standout player to this point. Minutillo, who was a key role player for Laurier over the past two seasons, has developed into one of the most lethal perimeter scorers in the entire OUA. As of Jan. 13, Minutillo sits first in the OUA in three-point percentage, converting on shots from behind the arc at a 46.7 per cent clip. Averaging 10.9 points, 2.9 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game through 14 regular season games, Minutillo has done an effective job of positively impacting Laurier’s play on both ends of the floor. “I think I’ve definitely been playing well so far this season,” Minutillo mentioned when asked to evaluate his individual results. “I owe a lot of that to my teammates — being there for me, working hard and putting me in the right spots.” One of the reasons that Minutillo has been so important to Laurier this season is due to his offensive consistency, as he has only posted under 10 points in a game twice over his last eight appearances. “A lot of things in this league just come with experience,” Minutillo stated. “Working on your craft in the summer, putting in the time with your teammates, figuring out chemistry, [it all] definitely helps with putting yourself in the right positions to be successful.” Now in his third season, Minutillo takes on a unique role as a mentor for a relatively young Golden Hawks roster.

same thing.” “[By] third year you definitely just gain a lot of experience; you understand what it takes to be successful in this league. It’s important to try to share that with your teammates, especially the young guys.”

[The] main goal for the rest of the season is to get a first round bye in the playoffs, so finish top two in the conference. -Matt Minutillo, Laurier men’s varsity basketball guard

EVA OU/PHOTO EDITOR

“It’s an interesting growth procedure you go through as a varsity

athlete. Coming into your first year and learning from the older guys,

just trying to absorb everything you can, and even second year the

As the Golden Hawks sit tied for second in the OUA West division with 10 games left to play, Minutillo has a clear vision for what he hopes the team can accomplish. “[The] main goal for the rest of the season is to get a first round bye in the playoffs, so finish top two in the conference. Ideally for our team, we think we are able to get to Nationals this year.” “If we get that first round bye, all we have to do is win two games and we’re at Nationals, so that’s definitely a team goal for us. I just want to do anything I can to help the team get to nationals and experience that feeling first hand.” If Minutillo continues on his upward trajectory, he may just be the extra spark that this Laurier team needs this season to push them into the conversation with the elite basketball programs in Canada and improve their already impressive top-10 nationally ranked basketball team.

BRIEF

Golden Hawk teams look to find consistency PRANAV DESAI SPORTS EDITOR

It was an eventful week for the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks middle distance team. The team competed at the Sharon Anderson Meet in Toronto on Jan. 14, an event which was important for the Hawks as it was their first meet of 2019. Third year runner Sydney Pattison was the star of the show for the purple and gold as she finished third in the 1000-metre race, taking home a bronze medal. Pattison finished the race with a time of two minutes and 58.57 seconds, which was approximately six seconds behind first place and two seconds behind second. Ali Schouten, Lisa Kerry, Jessica Martin and Sarah Cranmer-Byng each ended the meet finishing inside the top 20 for a multitude of different races, showing off the

depth of talent that Laurier has. The next big competition for the Hawks will take place on Jan. 19 as they will look to continue their early 2019 success at the Don Wright Meet in London, Ont. The Wilfrid Laurier men’s basketball team bounced back from their loss at home to Brock on Jan. 9 with a massive victory against the McMaster Marauders on Jan. 12. It was the perfect revenge game for the Hawks, as this was a Marauders team that had defeated Laurier on Jan. 4. The Hawks dominated the first half as they took a 16-point lead into halftime and although the Marauders made a mini comeback in the third quarter, the Hawks eventually managed to pull away in the fourth quarter winning by a final score of 87-73. The Hawks record is now 9-5 and they are still ranked as a top 10 team in Canada as of now.

It was a rough week for the women’s basketball team as they continued their slow start to 2019 with two more defeats against Brock and McMaster. The Hawks started well defensively against the Badgers, but after falling behind in the middle of the game, they just didn’t have enough to climb back, losing by a final score of 59-53. Things went from bad to worse against McMaster. The two teams were tied at halftime, but Laurier collapsed in the second half as they got outscored by 16 points to lose by a final score of 59-43. The team will now look to bounce back against Algoma in a two-game set this weekend. The Laurier men’s hockey team continued to show inconsistency this past week as they went 1-1 against Western and Ryerson. It was a great game on Friday for

the Hawks against Western as they put on an offensive clinic against the Mustangs.

Third year runner Sydney Pattison was the star of the show for the purple and gold as she finished third in the 1000-metre race.

They managed to score three goals in the first period and never looked back from there, winning convincingly by a final score of 5-1. Against Ryerson, however, the Hawks’ failed to repeat their success in a tough battle. Laurier jumped out to a 2-0 lead

but they unfortunately could not hold on, losing by a final score of 4-3. Up next for the Hawks is a twogame set against Lakehead this weekend. In what can be considered as a rebuilding year, the Laurier women’s hockey team added two more losses in what has been another tough season overall. The Hawks took on the Badgers on Jan. 9 and although they managed to fire up 39 shots, they couldn’t find a way to score, losing a hard-fought game by a final score of 1-0. The Hawks took an early lead in their next game against York University, but unfortunately couldn’t continue that level of play, as they conceded three to lose by a final score of 3-1. Up next, the Hawks will look to get back on track versus York and Guelph this weekend.

The Cord

Published on Jan 16, 2019

The Cord, January 16, 2019

Published on Jan 16, 2019

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